CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Practice Questions with Explanations
Free CompTIA A+ Core 2 practice questions for the 220-1202 exam. 50 of them, each with the correct answer, a full explanation, and the reason every other option is wrong. The second A+ exam. Core 2 is where candidates get caught out: the operating systems domain spans Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and Chrome OS, and the software troubleshooting domain is heavily scenario-based.
About the 220-1202 exam
- Operating systems: 28%
- Security: 27%
- Software troubleshooting: 26%
- Operational procedures: 19%
Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 700/900, US$253 per attempt.
Get the full 220-1202 question bank (396 questions) →
220-1202 practice questions
Question 1
Which of the following filesystem types does the Linux OS use?
- A. exFAT
- B. APFS
- C. ext4
- D. NTFS
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
ext4 (fourth extended filesystem) is the standard and most commonly used filesystem for Linux operating systems. It is the default filesystem for most modern Linux distributions and is designed specifically for Linux, offering reliability, performance, and scalability.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. exFAT is a filesystem primarily used for USB drives and memory cards, designed by Microsoft for cross-platform compatibility, not Linux.
- B. APFS (Apple File System) is the filesystem used by macOS and iOS, not Linux.
- D. NTFS (New Technology File System) is the filesystem used by Windows operating systems, not Linux.
Question 2
A network technician notices that most of the company's network switches are now end- of-life and need to be upgraded. Which of the following should the technician do first?
- A. Implement the change.
- B. Approve the change.
- C. Propose the change.
- D. Schedule the change.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Proposing the change is the first step in proper change management procedures. Before any approval, scheduling, or implementation can occur, the technician must formally propose the change to document the need, scope, and justification for upgrading the end- of-life switches. This establishes the change request that will then go through approval and scheduling workflows.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Implementation cannot occur first; changes must be proposed, approved, and scheduled before implementation.
- B. Approval comes after the change has been proposed and documented.
- D. Scheduling occurs after the change is proposed and approved, not before.
Question 3
A technician is troubleshooting an issue in which a service runs momentarily and stops at certain points in the process. The technician needs to determine the root cause of this issue. Which of the following tools should the technician use?
- A. Event Viewer
- B. Task Manager
- C. Internet Options
- D. Process Explorer
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Event Viewer is the primary Windows tool for diagnosing service failures and interruptions. It logs detailed information about services stopping unexpectedly, including error codes and timestamps that help identify the root cause of why a service stops at certain points in its execution.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Task Manager shows running processes and performance but doesn't provide the detailed diagnostic logs needed to understand why a service fails at specific points.
- C. Internet Options configures browser settings and has no relevance to troubleshooting service failures.
- D. Process Explorer shows process details and relationships but lacks the historical event logging necessary to determine why a service stops intermittently.
Question 4
Which of the following describes a vulnerability that has been exploited before a patch or remediation is available?
- A. Spoofing
- B. Brute-force
- C. DoS
- D. Zero-day
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
A zero-day vulnerability is, by definition, a vulnerability that has been discovered and exploited by attackers before the vendor is aware of it or has released a patch. The term 'zero-day' refers to the fact that vendors have had zero days to develop and release a fix.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Spoofing is an attack technique (impersonation), not a vulnerability classification.
- B. Brute-force is an attack method, not a type of vulnerability.
- C. DoS (Denial of Service) is an attack, not a vulnerability type or a descriptor of patch availability.
Question 5
A technician needs to map a shared drive from a command-line interface. Which of the following commands should the technician use?
- A. pathping
- B. nslookup
- C. net use
- D. tracert
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
The 'net use' command is the standard Windows command-line tool for mapping network drives and shared resources. It allows technicians to establish persistent or temporary connections to shared folders on remote servers from a command-line interface.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Pathping tests network connectivity and routing but does not map network drives.
- B. Nslookup performs DNS name resolution lookups and does not map network drives.
- D. Tracert traces the route packets take to a destination but does not map network drives.
Question 6
An end user's laptop is having network drive connectivity issues in the office. The end user submits a help desk ticket, and a support technician is able to establish a remote connection and fix the issue. The following day, however, the network drive is disconnected again. Which of the following should the technician do next?
- A. Connect remotely to the user's computer to see whether the network drive is still connected.
- B. Send documentation about how to fix the issue in case it reoccurs.
- C. Escalate the ticket to the next level.
- D. Keep the ticket open until next day, then close the ticket.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
When an issue recurs immediately after resolution, it indicates a persistent underlying problem that requires deeper investigation beyond the initial fix. Escalation to a higher support level ensures the root cause is identified rather than applying temporary solutions repeatedly.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Simply reconnecting remotely to verify current status does not address the recurring nature of the problem.
- B. Documentation for end-user self-service is inappropriate when a technical issue demonstrates a pattern requiring professional diagnosis.
- D. Keeping the ticket open without action and closing it arbitrarily does not resolve the recurring issue.
Question 7
Which of the following is the best way to distribute custom images to 800 devices that include four device vendor classes with two types of user groups?
- A. Use xcopy to clone the hard drives from one to another.
- B. Use robocopy to move the files to each device.
- C. Use a local image deployment tool for each device.
- D. Use a network-based remote installation tool.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
For distributing custom images to 800 devices across multiple vendor classes and user groups, a network-based remote installation tool (such as Windows Deployment Services, SCCM, or similar solutions) is the most efficient and scalable approach. It allows centralized management, supports multiple device types, and can be configured with different profiles for different user groups without manual intervention on each device.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. xcopy is a file-copying utility designed for small-scale transfers, not bulk OS image deployment to hundreds of devices.
- B. robocopy is a file synchronization tool, not an imaging solution, and would not efficiently deploy complete OS images across 800 devices.
- C. Using a local tool on each device would be extremely time-consuming and impractical for 800 devices and would lack centralized control.
Question 8
Technicians are failing to document user contact information, device asset tags, and a clear description of each issue in the ticketing system. Which of the following should a help desk management team implement for technicians to use on every call?
- A. Service-level agreements
- B. Call categories
- C. Standard operating procedures
- D. Knowledge base articles
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) establish consistent, documented guidelines and checklists that technicians must follow on every call. SOPs specifically address documentation requirements such as contact information, asset tags, and issue descriptions, ensuring consistency across all help desk interactions.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Service-level agreements define response and resolution time targets but do not establish documentation procedures or requirements.
- B. Call categories are classification systems for organizing ticket types but do not mandate specific documentation fields or processes.
- D. Knowledge base articles provide solutions and reference information but do not establish documentation standards or requirements for technicians.
Question 9
Which of the following is used to apply corporate restrictions on an Apple device?
- A. App Store
- B. VPN configuration
- C. Apple ID
- D. Management profile
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
A management profile (also called Mobile Device Management or MDM profile) is the mechanism for applying corporate restrictions and policies to Apple devices. It allows IT administrators to enforce security policies, configure settings, restrict app installations, and manage device compliance without requiring physical device access.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. App Store is for downloading applications, not enforcing corporate restrictions.
- B. VPN configuration is one specific network setting but doesn't provide comprehensive corporate restrictions.
- C. Apple ID is for personal account authentication and services, not corporate policy enforcement.
Question 10
A user is working from home and is unable to access work files on a company laptop. Which of the following should a technician configure to fix the network access issue?
- A. Wide-area network
- B. Wireless network
- C. Proxy network settings
- D. Virtual private network
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the standard solution for securely accessing company resources from a remote location like a home office. VPNs encrypt the connection and authenticate the user before granting access to internal company files and systems. This is the industry-standard approach for remote work security.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. A WAN connects multiple office locations together, not individual remote workers to company resources.
- B. A wireless network is a local connectivity method and doesn't address accessing company files securely from home.
- C. Proxy settings manage web traffic filtering but don't provide secure authenticated access to internal company file systems.
Question 11
After a recent mobile OS upgrade to a smartphone, a user attempts to access their corporate email, but the application does not open. A technician restarts the smartphone, but the issue persists. Which of the following is the most likely way to resolve the issue?
- A. Updating the failed software
- B. Registering the smartphone with an MDM solution
- C. Installing a third-party client
- D. Clearing the cache partition
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
After a mobile OS upgrade, the most likely issue is that the email application is incompatible with the new OS version or requires an update. Updating the failed software addresses version mismatches and compatibility issues that emerge after OS upgrades.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. MDM registration manages device policies and security but does not resolve application compatibility or functionality issues after an upgrade.
- C. Installing a third-party client is unnecessary when the original application may simply need updating to work with the new OS.
- D. Clearing the cache partition addresses storage and temporary data issues, not compatibility problems caused by OS upgrades.
Question 12
Which of the following is used to detect and record access to restricted areas?
- A. Bollards
- B. Video surveillance
- C. Badge readers
- D. Fence
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
Video surveillance is the primary technology used to detect and record access to restricted areas. Security cameras provide continuous monitoring and recording of who enters and exits restricted zones, creating an audit trail of access events. This technology serves both as a deterrent and as evidence in security incidents. While badge readers control access, they do not detect or record visual access. Bollards and fences are physical barriers that prevent access but do not provide detection or recording capabilities.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Bollards are physical barriers that prevent vehicle access but do not detect or record access attempts.
- C. Badge readers control access permissions but do not inherently detect or record visual access to areas.
- D. Fences are physical perimeter barriers that prevent access but do not detect or record unauthorized access attempts.
Question 13
A user reports some single sign-on errors to a help desk technician. Currently, the user is able to sign in to the company's application portal but cannot access a specific SaaS- based tool. Which of the following would the technician most likely suggest as a next step?
- A. Reenroll the user's mobile device to be used as an MFA token.
- B. Use a private browsing window to avoid local session conflicts.
- C. Bypass single sign-on by directly authenticating to the application.
- D. Reset the device being used to factory defaults.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
When a user can access the main portal via SSO but cannot access a specific SaaS application, the issue is often caused by local session state, cached cookies, or browser- specific conflicts. Using a private browsing window eliminates cached credentials and local session data, allowing the browser to create a clean SSO flow to the SaaS application without interference from previous sessions.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Reenrolling an MFA device would only be necessary if MFA itself was failing, not if SSO to one specific application is broken.
- C. Bypassing SSO entirely defeats the purpose of troubleshooting the SSO issue and is not a diagnostic step.
- D. Factory reset is an extreme measure inappropriate as a first troubleshooting step for an application-specific SSO problem.
Question 14
An application's performance is degrading over time. The application is slowing, but it never gives an error and does not crash. Which of the following tools should a technician use to start troubleshooting?
- A. Reliability history
- B. Computer management
- C. Resource monitor
- D. Disk defragment
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Resource Monitor provides real-time visibility into CPU, memory, disk, and network usage by individual processes and applications. When an application is slowing without errors or crashes, Resource Monitor is the best tool to identify which system resources are being consumed excessively, guiding further investigation.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Reliability history shows system crashes and warnings but not real-time resource consumption or gradual performance degradation without errors.
- B. Computer Management is a general administration tool useful for services and processes but does not provide detailed real-time resource monitoring.
- D. Disk defragmentation is a maintenance operation and not a diagnostic tool; it also assumes the issue is disk-related without investigation.
Question 15
A technician needs to install an operating system on a large number of workstations. Which of the following is the fastest method?
- A. Physical media
- B. Mountable ISO
- C. Manual installation
- D. Image deployment
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
Image deployment captures a pre-configured operating system and applications as a single image that can be rapidly deployed to multiple workstations simultaneously. This is significantly faster than installing the OS individually on each machine.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Physical media requires individual manual installation on each workstation, which is time-consuming.
- B. A mountable ISO still requires manual installation steps on each workstation rather than automated bulk deployment.
- C. Manual installation on each workstation is the slowest possible method for a large number of systems.
Question 16
A technician needs to configure laptops so that only administrators can enable virtualization technology if needed. Which of the following should the technician configure?
- A. BIOS password
- B. Guest account
- C. Screen lock
- D. AutoRun setting
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Virtualization technology is a BIOS/UEFI setting that controls CPU-level virtualization features. A BIOS password restricts access to BIOS settings, ensuring only administrators with the password can enable or disable virtualization. This provides hardware-level access control that prevents unauthorized users from modifying critical system features.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Guest accounts have minimal privileges but don't control BIOS settings access.
- C. Screen locks protect against physical access but don't restrict BIOS configuration.
- D. AutoRun settings control automatic execution of media, not virtualization technology.
Question 17
A technician is deploying mobile devices and needs to prevent access to sensitive data if the devices are lost. Which of the following is the best way to prevent unauthorized access if the user is unaware that the phone is lost?
- A. Encryption
- B. Remote wipe
- C. Geofencing
- D. Facial recognition
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
Remote wipe is the best proactive protection against unauthorized access to sensitive data when a device is lost and the user is unaware of the loss. It allows IT to remotely erase all data on the device before a threat actor can access it, ensuring data confidentiality even if the device cannot be physically recovered.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Encryption protects data at rest but does not prevent access if the device is already compromised or the password is weak; it also requires the user to be aware of loss.
- C. Geofencing alerts on location anomalies but does not prevent data access and requires the user to take action after being notified.
- D. Facial recognition only prevents unauthorized unlock attempts but does not prevent data access if biometric authentication is bypassed or spoofed.
Question 18
A user's new smartphone is not staying charged throughout the day. The smartphone charges fully every night. Which of the following should a technician review first to troubleshoot the issue?
- A. Storage usage
- B. End of software support
- C. Charger wattage
- D. Background applications
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
Background applications consume battery power and should be the first diagnostic step when a device charges fully but does not hold charge throughout the day. Since the device charges properly, the charger and power delivery are functioning correctly. Storage usage and software support status are less likely to cause rapid battery drain compared to runaway background processes.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Storage usage affects performance and available space but not battery drain rate.
- B. End of software support would be a longer-term concern, not an immediate battery drain issue.
- C. The device charges fully each night, indicating the charger wattage is adequate.
Question 19
A technician verifies that a malware incident occurred on some computers in a small office. Which of the following should the technician do next?
- A. Quarantine the infected systems.
- B. Educate the end users.
- C. Disable System Restore.
- D. Update the anti-malware and scan the computers.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
The immediate first step in malware incident response is to quarantine infected systems to prevent the malware from spreading to other computers on the network. This containment step must happen before any other remediation activities to limit the scope of the incident.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. User education is important for prevention but comes after containment, not as the next immediate step.
- C. Disabling System Restore is a remediation step done after quarantine, to prevent malware restoration from recovery points.
- D. Updating anti-malware and scanning should occur after quarantine, not before, to prevent spread during the scan process.
Question 20
A user frequently misplaces their Windows laptop and is concerned about it being stolen. The user would like additional security controls on their laptop. Which of the following is a built-in technology that a technician can use to enable full drive encryption?
- A. Active Directory
- B. New Technology File System
- C. Encrypting File System
- D. BitLocker
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
BitLocker is Microsoft's built-in full disk encryption technology available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It encrypts entire drives to protect data if a device is lost or stolen, making it the standard solution for comprehensive drive encryption on Windows laptops.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Active Directory manages user authentication and group policies, not drive encryption.
- B. NTFS is a file system; while it supports encryption, it's not full disk encryption like BitLocker.
- C. Encrypting File System (EFS) provides file-level encryption, not full drive encryption.
Question 21
A user recently installed an application that accesses a database from a local server. When launching the application, it does not populate any information. Which of the following command-line tools is the best to troubleshoot the issue?
- A. ipconfig
- B. nslookup
- C. netstat
- D. curl
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
netstat is the best tool to troubleshoot database connectivity issues. It displays active network connections, listening ports, and connection states, allowing the technician to verify whether the application is successfully establishing a connection to the local database server on the expected port.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. ipconfig displays IP configuration but does not show active connections or whether the application can reach the database server.
- B. nslookup is for DNS resolution; it would not help if the database server is accessed by IP or if DNS is not the issue.
- D. curl is a data transfer tool primarily for HTTP/HTTPS requests; it would not diagnose database connection issues on local servers.
Question 22
A technician needs to provide remote support for a legacy Linux-based operating system from their Windows laptop. The solution needs to allow the technician to see what the user is doing and provide the ability to interact with the user's session. Which of the following remote access technologies would support the use case?
- A. VPN
- B. VNC
- C. SSH
- D. RDP
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is the correct choice because it provides remote desktop access with GUI interaction capabilities, allowing the technician to see the user's screen and control the session. VNC works cross-platform, making it ideal for connecting from Windows to Linux systems. While SSH provides secure remote access, it is command-line only and does not provide the visual interaction required. VPN only encrypts network traffic but does not provide remote desktop capabilities. RDP is Windows-specific and would not natively support legacy Linux systems.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. VPN only provides encrypted network connectivity, not remote desktop or session interaction.
- C. SSH provides command-line access only, not the GUI visual interaction and control needed.
- D. RDP is designed for Windows systems and does not natively support Linux operating systems.
Question 23
Which of the following is an example of an application publisher including undisclosed additional software in an installation package?
- A. Virus
- B. Ransomware
- C. Potentially unwanted program
- D. Trojan
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is software bundled into installation packages without clear disclosure or user consent. Publishers often include PUPs like toolbars, adware, or tracking software alongside legitimate applications, which is the definition of undisclosed additional software bundled in an installation package.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. A virus is malicious code that replicates and damages systems, not specifically software bundled within installation packages by publishers.
- B. Ransomware encrypts files for extortion; it's not characterized by being bundled as additional software in legitimate installation packages.
- D. A Trojan is malicious software disguised as legitimate, but the term doesn't specifically describe undisclosed bundled software in installation packages like PUPs do.
Question 24
Which of the following is the quickest way to move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing data?
- A. Using gpupdate
- B. Image deployment
- C. Clean install
- D. In-place upgrade
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
An in-place upgrade is the quickest method to move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while preserving user data, applications, and settings. It upgrades the operating system while maintaining the existing installation, whereas other methods would require more time or result in data loss.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. gpupdate is a Group Policy update command and is not a method for upgrading operating systems.
- B. Image deployment requires creating, managing, and deploying system images, which is more time-consuming than an in-place upgrade.
- C. A clean install erases all data and applications, requiring reinstallation of software and reconfiguration of settings, thus violating the requirement to not lose data.
Question 25
Which of the following types of social engineering attacks sends an unsolicited text message to a user's mobile device?
- A. Impersonation
- B. Vishing
- C. Spear phishing
- D. Smishing
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
Smishing is the specific term for SMS phishing-sending malicious or deceptive text messages to mobile devices to trick users into clicking links or providing information. It combines 'SMS' and 'phishing' and is the direct answer to unsolicited text message attacks.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Impersonation is a general social engineering technique but does not specifically describe text message attacks.
- B. Vishing is voice phishing conducted through phone calls, not text messages.
- C. Spear phishing typically refers to targeted email attacks, not SMS-based attacks.
Question 26
A security administrator teaches all of an organization's staff members to use BitLocker To Go. Which of the following best describes the reason for this training?
- A. To ensure that all removable media is password protected in case of loss or theft
- B. To enable Secure Boot and a BIOS-level password to prevent configuration changes
- C. To enforce VPN connectivity to be encrypted by hardware modules
- D. To configure all laptops to use the TPM as an encryption factor for hard drives
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
BitLocker To Go is specifically designed to encrypt removable media such as USB drives and external hard drives. Training staff on this tool ensures that if removable media is lost or stolen, the data remains protected through encryption. This addresses the critical security need of protecting sensitive data that leaves the organization. BitLocker To Go creates password-protected encrypted volumes on portable devices to prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Secure Boot and BIOS-level passwords are system-level security features, not the purpose of BitLocker To Go training.
- C. BitLocker To Go does not enforce VPN connectivity or involve hardware encryption modules for VPN.
- D. BitLocker To Go can work with TPM but is not specifically designed to configure laptop hard drives; it is primarily for removable media.
Question 27
MFA for a custom web application on a user's smartphone is no longer working. The last time the user remembered it working was before taking a vacation to another country. Which of the following should the technician do first?
- A. Verify the date and time settings.
- B. Apply mobile OS patches.
- C. Uninstall and reinstall the application.
- D. Escalate to the website developer.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Verifying the date and time settings is the correct first step because MFA systems, particularly time-based authentication methods like TOTP, are highly sensitive to device time synchronization. When the user traveled to another country, their device may have retained the original timezone or incorrect time, causing MFA tokens to become invalid. This is a simple check that often resolves authentication issues before attempting more complex troubleshooting steps.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Mobile OS patches may help but are not the first troubleshooting step for a time- sensitive MFA issue.
- C. Reinstalling the application is premature without checking basic time synchronization first.
- D. Escalation to the developer should occur only after basic troubleshooting steps have been exhausted.
Question 28
Which of the following methods would make data unrecoverable but allow the drive to be repurposed?
- A. Deleting the partitions
- B. Implementing EFS
- C. Performing a low-level format
- D. Degaussing the device
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
A low-level format writes over all sectors of the drive at the hardware level, making data unrecoverable while preserving the drive's functionality for repurposing. This method overwrites the entire disk surface, eliminating all data recovery possibilities while keeping the drive usable.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Deleting partitions only removes the partition table and logical structures; data remains physically on the drive and can be recovered with forensic tools.
- B. EFS (Encrypting File System) encrypts data but does not make it unrecoverable-the drive cannot be easily repurposed without decryption keys.
- D. Degaussing uses a magnetic field to erase data but typically destroys the drive's functionality, making it unsuitable for repurposing.
Question 29
A customer is unable to open some files on their system. Each time the customer attempts to open a file, the customer receives a message that the file is encrypted. Which of the following best describes this issue?
- A. Keylogger
- B. Ransomware
- C. Phishing
- D. Cryptominer
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
Ransomware specifically encrypts user files and displays messages demanding payment or action to decrypt them. This is the defining characteristic of ransomware attacks. The scenario directly describes encrypted files with system messages, which is the hallmark ransomware behavior.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Keyloggers record keystroke input; they do not encrypt files or display messages about encryption.
- C. Phishing is a social engineering attack via email or messages; it does not encrypt files on the system.
- D. Cryptominers use system resources to mine cryptocurrency but do not encrypt user files or generate encryption-related messages.
Question 30
Every time a user loads a specific spreadsheet, their computer is temporarily unresponsive. The user also notices that the title bar indicates the applications are not responding. Which of the following would a technician most likely inspect?
- A. Anti-malware logs
- B. Workstation repair options
- C. Bandwidth status as reported in the Task Manager
- D. File size and related memory utilization
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
When a specific spreadsheet causes temporary unresponsiveness and the title bar shows 'not responding,' it indicates the application is consuming excessive system resources. File size and memory utilization inspection through Task Manager reveals whether the spreadsheet is consuming excessive RAM or causing memory-related performance issues. This diagnostic approach identifies resource-based performance problems.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Anti-malware logs check for malicious activity, not resource consumption issues.
- B. Workstation repair options are too generic and don't address specific spreadsheet performance.
- C. Bandwidth status in Task Manager monitors network usage, not the local memory/file size causing unresponsiveness.
Question 31
A help desk technician is setting up speech recognition on a Windows system. Which of the following settings should the technician use?
- A. Time and Language
- B. Personalization
- C. System
- D. Ease of Access
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
Speech recognition is an accessibility feature in Windows and is configured through the Ease of Access settings. This is where users can enable and configure speech recognition, voice commands, and other accessibility options designed to assist users with disabilities or accessibility needs.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Time and Language settings control regional preferences, language packs, and input methods, not speech recognition.
- B. Personalization settings manage themes, colors, lock screen, and start menu appearance, not accessibility features.
- C. System settings cover general device information, storage, and power options, not speech recognition configuration.
Question 32
Users are reporting that an unsecured network is broadcasting with the same name as the normal wireless network. They are able to access the internet but cannot connect to the file share servers. Which of the following best describes this issue?
- A. Unreachable DNS server
- B. Virtual local area network misconfiguration
- C. Incorrect IP address
- D. Rogue wireless access point
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
A rogue wireless access point broadcasting the same SSID as the legitimate network can intercept connections while appearing legitimate. Users can access the internet through it but cannot reach internal file servers, which indicates an unauthorized access point that lacks proper network configuration or intentionally restricts access to internal resources.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. An unreachable DNS server would prevent internet access entirely, not selective access where internet works but file shares don't.
- B. VLAN misconfiguration would not cause an entirely separate unsecured network to broadcast with the same name.
- C. Incorrect IP addresses would not result in internet connectivity while blocking file server access in this manner.
Question 33
A technician is preparing to replace the batteries in rack-mounted UPS system. After ensuring the power is turned off and the batteries are fully discharged, the technician needs to remove the battery modules from the bottom of the rack. Which of the following steps should the technician take?
- A. Ensure the fire suppression system is ready to be activated.
- B. Use appropriate lifting techniques and guidelines.
- C. Place the removed batteries in an antistatic bag.
- D. Wear a face mask to filter out any harmful fumes.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
When replacing heavy batteries from a rack-mounted UPS system, the technician must prioritize safety by using appropriate lifting techniques and guidelines to prevent back injury or dropping batteries. This is a critical safety requirement when handling heavy components at the bottom of a rack.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Fire suppression systems are not relevant to battery replacement procedures when power is off and batteries are discharged.
- C. While antistatic bags protect electronics from static discharge, batteries are not sensitive to static electricity and this is not the priority safety concern.
- D. A face mask is not necessary when batteries are fully discharged; harmful fumes are not a concern in this scenario.
Question 34
A technician uses AI to draft a proposal about the benefits of new software. When reading the draft, the technician notices that the draft contains factually incorrect information. Which of the following best describes this scenario?
- A. Data privacy
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Appropriate use
- D. Plagiarism
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
Hallucinations occur when AI systems generate plausible-sounding but factually incorrect information. This is a well-documented limitation of large language models where the AI confidently produces false data that appears coherent. The scenario describes exactly this phenomenon-factually incorrect information in an otherwise credible-sounding draft.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Data privacy concerns protecting personal information, not factual inaccuracy in generated content.
- C. Appropriate use refers to ethical guidelines for using AI, not inherent technical limitations.
- D. Plagiarism involves copying existing work; hallucinated content is original but false.
Question 35
Which of the following provides information to employees, such as permitted activities when using the organization's resources?
- A. AUP
- B. MNDA
- C. DRM
- D. EULA
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) defines permitted and prohibited activities when using organizational resources. It communicates expectations to employees regarding appropriate use of company equipment and systems.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. MNDA (Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement) governs confidentiality between parties, not permitted activities for resource usage.
- C. DRM (Digital Rights Management) controls access to copyrighted content, not organizational resource usage policies.
- D. EULA (End User License Agreement) governs software licensing terms, not organizational resource usage policies.
Question 36
An administrator received an email stating that the OS they are currently supporting will no longer be issued security updates and patches. Which of the following is most likely the reason the administrator received this message?
- A. Support from the computer's manufacturer is expiring.
- B. The OS will be considered end of life.
- C. The built-in security software is being removed from the next OS version.
- D. A new version of the OS will be released soon.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
When an operating system no longer receives security updates and patches, it has reached end of life status. End of life means the manufacturer is ceasing support and no longer issuing updates, security patches, or technical support for that OS version. This is an official lifecycle stage that indicates the OS version is aging out of support. While support expiration is related, the specific message about no longer issuing security updates directly indicates the OS has transitioned to end of life status.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. While related, 'support expiring' is less precise than 'end of life' which specifically refers to cessation of all updates and patches.
- C. Removal of built-in security software is a feature change, not the reason for ceasing security updates to the entire OS.
- D. A new OS version release is independent of the current OS reaching end of life, though they may occur around the same time.
Question 37
A computer technician is implementing a solution to support a new internet browsing policy for a customer's business. The policy prohibits users from accessing unauthorized websites based on categorization. Which of the following should the technician configure on the SOHO router?
- A. Secure management access
- B. Group Policy Editor
- C. Content filtering
- D. Firewall
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Content filtering on a SOHO router allows administrators to block access to websites based on categorical rules. This directly implements the policy requirement to prohibit users from accessing unauthorized websites by categorization.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Secure management access protects the router's administrative interface but does not control user internet access.
- B. Group Policy Editor is a Windows domain tool for managing networked computers, not for configuring router-level web restrictions.
- D. A firewall controls network traffic and ports but is not the primary tool for blocking websites by category or content type.
Question 38
A user is experiencing issues with outdated images while browsing websites. Which of the following settings should a technician use to correct this issue?
- A. Administrative Tools
- B. Windows Defender Firewall
- C. Internet Options
- D. Ease of Access
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Internet Options is the Windows control panel for managing browser settings, including cache and temporary files. When users see outdated images on websites, it's typically because cached versions are not being refreshed. Clearing the browser cache through Internet Options resolves this issue by forcing fresh downloads of current images.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Administrative Tools manage system services and performance, not browser cache.
- B. Windows Defender Firewall controls network traffic, not cached browser images.
- D. Ease of Access provides accessibility features, not browser cache management.
Question 39
A user receives a new personal computer but is unable to run an application. An error displays saying that .NET Framework 3.5 is required and not found. Which of the following actions is the best way to resolve this issue?
- A. Resolve the dependency through the "Turn Windows features on or off" menu.
- B. Download the dependency via a third-party repository.
- C. Ignore the dependency and install the latest version 4 instead.
- D. Forward the trouble ticket to the SOC team because the issue poses a great security risk.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
The Windows Features dialog (accessible through 'Turn Windows features on or off') allows users to install optional Windows components, including .NET Framework 3.5. This is the proper, supported method for resolving .NET Framework dependencies on Windows systems.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Third-party repositories are unreliable sources for critical system dependencies and bypass proper Windows package management.
- C. Ignoring a specific version requirement and installing a newer version may cause compatibility issues if the application requires .NET 3.5 specifically.
- D. A missing .NET Framework is not a security risk and does not require escalation to a Security Operations Center team.
Question 40
A small office reported a phishing attack that resulted in a malware infection. A technician is investigating the incident and has verified the following: All endpoints are updated and have the newest EDR signatures. Logs confirm that the malware was quarantined by EDR on one system. The potentially infected machine was reimaged. Which of the following actions should the technician take next?
- A. Install network security tools to prevent downloading infected files from the internet.
- B. Discuss the cause of the issue and educate the end user about security hygiene.
- C. Flash the firmware of the router to ensure the integrity of network traffic.
- D. Suggest alternate preventative controls that would include more advanced security software.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
After verifying that the technical controls (EDR, patching) are working properly and the infected machine has been remediated, the next critical step is to educate the user about the root cause (phishing in this case) and proper security hygiene. This addresses the human vulnerability that allowed the attack to succeed in the first place and prevents recurrence.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Network security tools are not the next step when EDR already caught the malware; the issue was user susceptibility to phishing, not file download capability.
- C. Firmware flashing is unnecessary and does not address the phishing vulnerability that caused the incident.
- D. More advanced security software is not needed when current controls (EDR with latest signatures) already successfully quarantined the threat.
Question 41
Which of the following file types would a desktop support technician most likely use to automate tasks for a Windows user log-in?
- A. .bat
- B. .sh
- C. .py
- D. .js
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Batch files (.bat) are the standard Windows native scripting format for automating tasks during user logon. They execute in the Windows command prompt and are commonly used in logon scripts, startup sequences, and scheduled tasks. While other languages can automate Windows tasks, .bat is the most direct and commonly deployed solution for Windows logon automation.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. .sh files are shell scripts for Unix/Linux systems, not Windows.
- C. .py files require Python interpreter installation and are not Windows-native.
- D. .js files are JavaScript, typically for web browsers or Node.js, not standard Windows logon automation.
Question 42
Which of the following is a Linux command that is used for administrative purposes?
- A. runas
- B. cmcl
- C. net user
- D. su
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
The 'su' command (substitute user) is the standard Linux administrative command used to switch to another user account, most commonly to root/superuser, enabling administrative tasks. It is the Linux equivalent of elevation of privilege.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. runas is a Windows command, not Linux.
- B. cmcl is not a recognized standard Linux administrative command.
- C. net user is a Windows command for user account management, not a Linux command.
Question 43
Which of the following describes an attack in which an attacker sets up a rogue AP that tricks users into connecting to the rogue AP instead of the legitimate network?
- A. Stalkerware
- B. Evil twin
- C. Tailgating
- D. Shoulder surfing
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
An evil twin is a rogue access point that mimics a legitimate wireless network's SSID and characteristics to trick users into connecting. Attackers use this technique to intercept traffic or perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The name 'evil twin' directly describes this impersonation attack method.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Stalkerware is surveillance software installed on a device, not a network attack.
- C. Tailgating involves physical access exploitation, not wireless network impersonation.
- D. Shoulder surfing is observing someone's screen or keyboard, not a wireless attack.
Question 44
The screen of a previously working computer repeatedly displays an OS Not Found error message when the computer is started. Only a USB drive, a keyboard, and a mouse are plugged into the computer. Which of the following should a technician do first?
- A. Run data recovery tools on the disk.
- B. Partition the disk using the GPT format.
- C. Check boot options.
- D. Switch from UEFI to BIOS.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: C
Checking boot options is the first step when encountering an 'OS Not Found' error. The computer may be configured to boot from the wrong device or in the wrong order. With only a USB drive, keyboard, and mouse connected, the system might be attempting to boot from a device that no longer contains a valid OS. Checking and correcting the boot order in BIOS/UEFI is the quickest troubleshooting step before attempting data recovery, disk partitioning, or firmware changes.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Data recovery tools are a last resort and should not be attempted first when basic boot configuration may be the issue.
- B. Repartitioning the disk would be destructive and should only be considered after confirming boot configuration issues.
- D. Switching UEFI to BIOS is not a first troubleshooting step and may not be necessary if boot options are correctly configured.
Question 45
Which of the following is used in addition to a password to implement MFA?
- A. Sending a code to the user's phone
- B. Verifying the user's date of birth
- C. Prompting the user to solve a simple math problem
- D. Requiring the user to enter a PIN
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Multi-Factor Authentication requires two or more distinct verification methods. Sending a code to the user's phone (such as via SMS or authenticator app) is a common second factor used in addition to a password, providing authentication based on something the user has (their phone).
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Verifying date of birth is static information that users have and is not truly a separate authentication factor from a password.
- C. Solving a math problem is still something the user knows and doesn't constitute a separate factor from a password.
- D. A PIN is also something the user knows, which is the same category as a password and doesn't add a separate authentication factor.
Question 46
Recently, the number of users sharing smartphone passcodes has increased. The management team wants a technician to deploy a more secure screen lock method. Which of the following technologies should the technician use?
- A. Pattern lock
- B. Facial recognition
- C. Device encryption
- D. Multifactor authentication
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
Facial recognition provides biometric authentication that cannot be shared between users, directly addressing the problem of users sharing passcodes. It is inherent to the individual and cannot be easily compromised through code sharing.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Pattern lock can still be shared visually or through observation, similar to passcodes.
- C. Device encryption protects data but does not address the screen lock sharing issue.
- D. Multifactor authentication adds security layers but does not prevent passcode sharing; additional factors could still be compromised.
Question 47
A help desk team was alerted that a company-owned cell phone has an unrecognized password-cracking application. Which of the following should the help desk team do to prevent further unauthorized installations from occurring?
- A. Configure Group Policy.
- B. Implement PAM.
- C. Install anti-malware software.
- D. Deploy MDM.
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: D
Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are specifically designed to manage, monitor, and secure company-owned mobile devices. MDM enforces security policies, restricts unauthorized app installations, manages permissions, and can remotely wipe devices-making it the appropriate solution to prevent future unauthorized installations on company cell phones.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Group Policy is a Windows domain management tool and cannot manage iOS or Android mobile devices effectively.
- B. PAM (Privileged Access Management) controls administrative access to systems, not app installations on mobile devices.
- C. While anti-malware software helps detect threats, MDM is the comprehensive solution that prevents unauthorized installations through policy enforcement.
Question 48
An employee is using a photo editing program. Certain features are disabled and require a log-in, which the employee does not have. Which of the following is a way to resolve this issue?
- A. License assignment
- B. VPN connection
- C. Application repair
- D. Program reinstallation
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
License assignment through proper account credentials or administrative assignment enables access to features that are locked behind licensing requirements. When an application requires a login to unlock certain features, this typically indicates license- dependent functionality that can be resolved by assigning the appropriate license to the user's account.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. A VPN connection is for network access and would not unlock application features that require licensing or authentication.
- C. Application repair addresses corrupted files or installation issues, not license-gated features.
- D. Program reinstallation alone will not resolve licensing issues without proper license assignment or credentials.
Question 49
A technician is setting up a surveillance system for a customer. The customer wants access to the system's web interface on the LAN via the system's IP address. Which of the following should the technician use to prevent external log-in attempts from the internet?
- A. Port mapping
- B. Subnetting
- C. Static IP
- D. Content filtering
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: A
Port mapping (or port forwarding) controls which ports are accessible from external networks. By not mapping the surveillance system's web interface port to the internet- facing router, external login attempts are prevented while the system remains accessible locally on the LAN via the internal IP address.
Why the other options are wrong:
- B. Subnetting divides networks into segments but doesn't inherently prevent external access unless combined with firewall rules; it doesn't block internet login attempts.
- C. A static IP ensures consistent addressing but doesn't prevent external login attempts or restrict access from the internet.
- D. Content filtering controls the type of traffic allowed but is not the primary mechanism for preventing external access to a specific internal service.
Question 50
Which of the following is found in an MSDS sheet for a battery backup?
- A. Installation instructions
- B. Emergency procedures
- C. Configuration steps
- D. Voltage specifications
Show answer and explanation ▾
Correct answer: B
An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) sheet contains emergency procedures, which is critical information for hazardous materials like batteries. MSDS sheets are designed to provide safety information including hazard identification, first-aid measures, and emergency procedures. This is essential for battery backups due to their potentially hazardous chemical contents. Installation instructions, configuration steps, and voltage specifications are technical product information typically found in user manuals or technical documentation, not MSDS sheets.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A. Installation instructions are found in user manuals or product documentation, not MSDS sheets.
- C. Configuration steps are technical specifications found in product guides, not MSDS sheets.
- D. Voltage specifications are electrical specifications found in technical datasheets, not MSDS sheets.
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