Pass the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Questions and answers with CertsForce

The next step that the technician should do to troubleshoot the issue is C. Swap the power supply if it is inoperable.

A power supply is a device that converts the alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct current (DC) that the computer components can use. A power supply is essential for the computer to boot and function properly. A faulty or inadequate power supply can cause various issues, such as no power, no display, random shutdowns, or beeping sounds.

In this scenario, the technician is trying to fix a computer that fails to boot even when all the RAM is removed. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it is a type of memory that stores data and instructions for the processor to access and process. RAM is also essential for the computer to boot and function properly. A faulty or incompatible RAM can cause various issues, such as no boot, no display, blue screen, or beeping sounds.

One of the basic troubleshooting techniques for a computer that fails to boot is to remove all the RAM modules and try to boot with one module at a time in different slots. This can help to identify if the problem is caused by a bad RAM module or a bad RAM slot. If the computer still fails to boot even when all the RAM is removed, it means that the problem is not related to the RAM, but to another component.

The next step that the technician should do is to swap the power supply if it is inoperable. This means that the technician should test the power supply with a multimeter or a power supply tester, and replace it with a known good one if it is faulty or insufficient. This can help to determine if the problem is caused by a bad power supply or a bad motherboard.

The other options are not the next steps that the technician should do, because they are less likely or less effective. Inspecting the motherboard for swollen capacitors (option A) may be helpful if the problem is caused by a damaged or defective motherboard, but it requires opening the computer case and visually examining the motherboard components. Replacing the CMOS battery (option B) may be necessary if the problem is caused by a low or dead CMOS battery, but it usually affects only the BIOS settings and not the boot process. Checking to see if the HDD power connectors are well seated (option D) may be useful if the problem is caused by a loose or faulty HDD connection, but it usually affects only the data access and not the boot process.

For more information about troubleshooting power supply and boot issues, you can refer to the following web search results: [How to Troubleshoot a Computer That Won’t Turn On], [How to Test a Power Supply Using a Multimeter], [How to Fix a Computer That Shows No Sign of Power], [How to Troubleshoot Beep Codes].

Memory modules are physical components that store data and instructions for the computer to access and process. Memory modules have different specifications and features, such as type, speed, capacity, voltage, and form factor. These specifications and features must be compatible with the motherboard and the processor of the computer, otherwise the memory modules may not work properly or cause errors.

In this scenario, the technician is working to replace a single DDR3 RAM module on a laptop that has two occupied slots. DDR3 stands for Double Data Rate 3, and it is a type of memory technology that offers faster performance and lower power consumption than its predecessors. DDR3 RAM modules have different variants, such as DDR3L, DDR3U, or DDR3R, which have different voltage requirements. For example, DDR3L operates at 1.35V, DDR3U operates at 1.25V, and DDR3R operates at 1.5V.

When the technician tries to turn on the laptop, the computer starts beeping and does not pass POST. POST stands for Power-On Self-Test, and it is a process that checks the hardware components and functionality of the computer before loading the operating system. If POST detects an error or a failure, it may produce a series of beeps or codes to indicate the problem. The number and pattern of beeps or codes may vary depending on the manufacturer or model of the computer.

The technician double-checks the newly installed RAM and notices a motherboard message indicating low voltage. This means that the motherboard is not receiving enough power from the memory module to operate normally. This could indicate that the memory module is not compatible with the motherboard or the processor, or that it is defective or damaged. The most likely cause of this issue is that the technician installed an unsupported memory module that has a lower voltage than what the motherboard or the processor requires.

To resolve this issue, the technician should remove the newly installed RAM module and replace it with a compatible one that has the same voltage as the existing ones. The technician should also check the specifications and features of the motherboard and the processor to ensure that they support the type, speed, capacity, and form factor of the memory modules. The technician should also follow proper safety precautions when handling memory modules, such as wearing an anti-static wrist strap, avoiding physical damage or static discharge, and aligning the notches correctly.

To pair a Bluetooth speaker with a smart device, the user needs to enter the PIN code that is provided by the speaker manufacturer or displayed on the speaker itself. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized pairing and access. Enabling and configuring MFA, synchronizing data to the cloud, or enabling location services are not required for Bluetooth pairing.

The technician is unable to access the company portal website, but other websites work fine. This suggests an issue with resolving the specific URL of the company portal, which is a function of DNS.

Here's why other options are not the most likely cause:

DHCP reservations: This is not relevant as the issue persists even when the technician tries a different workstation, indicating a problem beyond individual device configuration.

Static IP addresses: Similar to DHCP reservations, static IPs are not likely the cause as both affected workstations are experiencing the issue.

Default gateway: While the default gateway is necessary for internet access, other websites are working, making it less likely to be the root cause.

The administrator should use RAID 0 for a video-rendering workstation at minimal cost. RAID 0, also known as striping, is a RAID configuration that splits data evenly across two or more disks, without parity information, redundancy, or fault tolerance. RAID 0 has the following advantages and disadvantages:

High read/write performance: RAID 0 can increase the data transfer rate by using multiple disks in parallel. This can improve the speed and efficiency of video rendering, which involves processing large amounts of data. RAID 0 can also reduce the latency and seek time of the disks, as the data is distributed across multiple spindles.

Maximum drive storage utilization: RAID 0 can use the full capacity of the disks, without wasting any space for parity or mirroring. This can lower the cost and increase the storage space for the workstation. For example, if two 500 GB disks are used in RAID 0, the total capacity of the array will be 1000 GB.

No redundancy or fault tolerance: RAID 0 does not provide any protection against data loss or disk failure. If one disk fails, the entire array will fail and the data will be unrecoverable. Therefore, RAID 0 should only be used for non-critical data that is backed up elsewhere, or for temporary files that can be recreated.

A virtual sandbox is an isolated environment that mimics the characteristics of a real system, but does not affect or interact with it1. A virtual sandbox can be used to run potentially unsafe or malicious code and observe its behavior without risking harm to the host machine or network2. This is useful for cybersecurity researchers who want to test and analyze malware samples, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, etc., and understand how they work and how to prevent or mitigate them3.

A PSU (power supply unit) is a component that converts the AC power from the wall outlet into DC power that the PC components can use. A faulty or failing PSU can cause random system crashes, as well as other problems such as noise, overheating, or no power at all. A PSU can fail due to various reasons, such as age, dust, power surges, or poor quality.

To troubleshoot a PSU, the technician can use a multimeter to measure the voltage output of the PSU connectors. The voltage should be within the acceptable range of the specifications. For example, the 12V rail should be between 11.4V and 12.6V. If the voltage is too low or too high, the PSU is likely defective and needs to be replaced.

Alternatively, the technician can try swapping the PSU with a known good one and see if the system crashes persist. If the system works fine with a different PSU, then the original PSU is the problem and should be replaced.

The other options are not likely to fix the random system crashes. Testing the fan speed may help to diagnose overheating issues, but it is not related to the PSU. Disabling the USB ports may help to eliminate potential conflicts with USB devices, but it is not related to the PSU. Decreasing the RAM timings may help to improve performance and stability, but it is not related to the PSU.

Ac stands for 802.11ac, which is a wireless networking standard that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and offers a maximum data rate of 1.3 Gbps. 802.11ac is also backward compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n standards. If a technician wants to install a WAP (wireless access point) in the company break room that has a rating of higher than 50 Mbps and minimal range to avoid interference with other access points, they should select the 802.11ac standard.

A DNS record is a data entry in a DNS server that maps a domain name to a specific value, such as an IP address, a mail server, a name server, or a text string. There are different types of DNS records for different purposes, and each type has a specific format and syntax12.

The A record, also known as the address record, is the most common type of DNS record, and it is used to look up the IP address assigned to a domain name. The A record maps a domain name to an IPv4 address, which is a 32-bit numerical value that identifies a device on the internet. For example, the A record for www.google.com is 172.217.14.20612.

The other options are not correct because they are not used to look up the IP address assigned to a domain name. The MX record, also known as the mail exchange record, is used to specify the mail servers that handle the email for a domain name. The MX record maps a domain name to a priority value and a host name of a mail server. For example, the MX record for gmail.com is 10 alt1.gmail-smtp-in.l.google.com12.

The NS record, also known as the name server record, is used to delegate a domain name to a set of authoritative name servers. The NS record maps a domain name to a host name of a name server that can provide authoritative answers for the domain name and its subdomains. For example, the NS record for example.com is ns1.example.com12.

The SPF record, also known as the sender policy framework record, is used to prevent email spoofing and spamming by validating the sender’s identity. The SPF record maps a domain name to a text string that specifies the authorized mail servers and IP addresses that can send email on behalf of the domain name. For example, the SPF record for microsoft.com is v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com -all12.

Using a mobile hotspot can quickly establish an internet connection for the remote user. A mobile hotspot uses cellular data to create a Wi-Fi network that the user can connect to, bypassing the need for a physical connection to the ISP. This solution is practical and efficient, especially in situations where the primary internet connection is down, and immediate connectivity is required. Mobile hotspots are widely used for their convenience and the ability to provide internet access almost anywhere cellular service is available, as highlighted in the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives in sections related to networking and mobile devices .

A swollen battery is the most likely cause of the issue that the customer is reporting. A swollen battery is a battery that has expanded in size due to a chemical reaction, gas buildup, or overheating. A swollen battery can cause pressure on the laptop’s chassis, keyboard, track pad, and other components, making them hard to press or click. A swollen battery can also pose a fire hazard and damage the laptop’s performance and lifespan.

The other options are not as likely or relevant to the issue. Dropping the laptop may cause cracks or other visible damage to the chassis or screen, but the technician did not notice any. The digitizer is the part of the laptop that converts touch input into digital signals, and it has nothing to do with the keyboard or the track pad buttons. An open bottle of rubbing alcohol falling onto the keyboard may cause liquid damage, corrosion, or short circuits, but it would not affect the track pad buttons or the bottom edge of the keyboard.

To troubleshoot and resolve the issue, the technician should remove the battery from the laptop and inspect it for signs of swelling, such as bulging, deformation, or leakage. The technician should also check the laptop’s chassis, keyboard, and track pad for any signs of damage or warping caused by the battery. The technician should then replace the swollen battery with a new one that is compatible with the laptop’s model and specifications. The technician should also dispose of the swollen battery properly and safely, following the local regulations and guidelines.

A sandbox is a virtual environment that isolates the engineer’s research activities from the rest of the system. This allows the engineer to test, experiment, and modify the system without affecting the real data, applications, or settings. A sandbox is the best environment for research purposes because it provides a safe and controlled way to explore new ideas, simulate scenarios, and troubleshoot problems. A sandbox can also be easily reset or deleted after the research is done.

References

What is a Sandbox Environment?

Chapter 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays have lower power consumption than LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) displays because they do not require a backlight to produce light. Each pixel in an OLED display can emit its own light, which also allows for higher contrast and finer grayscale levels. However, OLED displays are more prone to color degradation over time than LCD displays, which use filters to create colors. Verified References: OLED vs LCD: How to choose the right display for your phone.

The best practice methodology for troubleshooting is to follow these steps:

Identify the problem.

Establish a theory of probable cause.

Test the theory to determine cause.

Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.

Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures.

Document the findings, actions, and outcomes. Since the technician has already verified full system functionality and implemented preventive measures, the next step is to document the findings, actions, and outcomes. Verified References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 8.

Speed is the most important consideration. Striping without parity, also known as RAID 0, is a RAID configuration that splits data across multiple disks without any redundancy. This improves the performance of read and write operations, as multiple disks can work in parallel. However, this also increases the risk of data loss, as any disk failure will result in losing all data on the array. Therefore, striping without parity is suitable for situations where speed is prioritized over reliability. According to the CompTIA Core1 objectives, one of the advantages of RAID 0 is increased speed. A research paper on RAID performance also confirms that RAID 0 has the highest throughput among all RAID levels.

When a laptop screen fails to mirror to a television despite being correctly connected via an HDMI cable, a common issue is that the television is set to the wrong input source. Modern televisions have multiple input options (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, AV, etc.), and selecting the correct input that corresponds to the port the HDMI cable is connected to is essential for displaying the laptop's screen. The blinking logo on the TV screen typically indicates that the TV is functioning but not receiving a signal from the selected input source. Changing the TV's input to the correct HDMI port should resolve the issue and allow the laptop screen to mirror onto the TV.

SAS stands for Serial Attached SCSI, which is a type of interface that connects storage devices to servers or workstations. SAS supports both mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs), but not other types of storage devices, such as NVMe M.2, mSATA, or optical drives12.

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, which is a method of combining multiple storage devices into a logical unit that provides improved performance, reliability, or both. RAID 10 is a combination of RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 0 (striping), which means that data is written across two or more striped sets of mirrored drives34.

Therefore, the only type of storage device that the technician can install in a server that only has SAS connectors and wants to use RAID 10 is mechanical HDDs. Mechanical HDDs use spinning platters and moving heads to store and access data, and they are usually cheaper and have larger capacities than SSDs, but they are also slower and more prone to failure .

An overheating processor is the most likely cause of a computer that has a loud system fan and randomly freezes and reboots. A processor generates heat when it performs calculations, and if the heat is not dissipated properly, it can damage the processor or cause it to malfunction. A loud system fan indicates that the fan is working harder to cool down the processor, but it may not be enough to prevent overheating. A computer that freezes and reboots randomly is a common symptom of an overheating processor, as the system tries to protect itself from further damage by shutting down or restarting.

The other options are not as likely to cause these issues. A failing hard drive may cause data loss, corruption, or slow performance, but it does not affect the system fan or the processor temperature. A defective power supply may cause the computer to shut down unexpectedly, but it does not cause the system fan to be loud or the processor to overheat. Incompatible hardware may cause the computer to fail to boot, display errors, or crash, but it does not cause the system fan to be loud or the processor to overheat.

To troubleshoot and resolve an overheating processor issue, the technician should check and clean the air vents, provide proper ventilation, apply thermal paste, replace the fan or the heat sink, or upgrade the processor if necessary. The technician should also update the BIOS and the device drivers, adjust the power settings, and monitor the system temperature using diagnostic tools.

Satellite internet is the most widely available internet connection type, as it does not depend on cables or wires. It can reach remote areas that lack infrastructure for other types of internet connections1. References: Satellite Internet

The best solution for the developer is D. Sandbox environment.

Client-side virtualization is a technology that allows users to run multiple operating systems and applications on the same device, without affecting the host system or the network1. A sandbox environment is a type of client-side virtualization that creates a secure and isolated space for testing, debugging, or experimenting with code, without risking any damage or interference to the rest of the system2.

A sandbox environment can provide several benefits for the developer, such as23:

•It can simulate different scenarios and conditions for the code, such as different operating systems, browsers, devices, network settings, etc.

•It can protect the code from external threats, such as malware, hackers, or unauthorized access.

•It can prevent the code from affecting other applications or processes on the device or the network, such as consuming resources, causing errors, or leaking data.

•It can allow the developer to easily revert any changes or restore the original state of the system, if something goes wrong.

Therefore, a sandbox environment can provide the best solution for the developer who wants to write code in a setting isolated from other infrastructure to avoid negative impacts of experimental code.