View Full CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Dumps
Question 321.
Which connector provides power to a standard motherboard?
- 4-pin Molex
- SATA power
- 24-pin ATX
- 6-pin PCIe
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
The 24-pin ATX connector is the primary motherboard power connection used by modern desktop power supplies. It provides multiple voltage rails and control signals required by the motherboard. Molex connectors were commonly used for older peripherals, SATA power connectors primarily power SATA storage devices, and PCIe power connectors provide additional power to graphics cards and certain expansion devices. Technicians installing a power supply should ensure the motherboard’s main power connector is fully seated and correctly aligned. A loose or incorrectly connected motherboard power cable can prevent the system from starting or cause unstable operation.
Question 322.
Which connector commonly provides auxiliary CPU power?
- EPS12V
- SATA
- Berg
- USB
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
The EPS12V connector provides dedicated power to the processor through the motherboard’s CPU power circuitry. Common configurations include four-pin or eight-pin connectors, depending on the motherboard and processor requirements. SATA connectors provide power to storage devices, Berg connectors were associated with older floppy drives, and USB provides power and data connectivity for compatible peripherals. During system assembly, technicians should connect the appropriate CPU power connector in addition to the main motherboard power connection. Failure to connect CPU auxiliary power can result in a system that appears completely unresponsive.
Question 323.
Which storage technology has no mechanical moving parts?
- HDD
- Tape
- SSD
- Optical disc
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
A solid-state drive uses flash memory and contains no spinning platters or mechanical read/write heads. This allows SSDs to provide low access latency, reduced mechanical noise, and improved resistance to physical movement compared with traditional hard disk drives. HDDs use magnetic platters, tape uses magnetic media that moves through a drive mechanism, and optical discs rotate while being read or written by a laser. Technicians selecting storage should consider performance, capacity, endurance, interface, cost, and workload requirements rather than relying solely on the absence of moving parts.
Question 324.
Which network device regenerates a weakened signal?
- Router
- Repeater
- Firewall
- Switch
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
A repeater regenerates or retransmits a network signal to help extend the effective transmission distance. It is useful when a signal would otherwise become too weak over a longer physical path. A router forwards traffic between networks, a switch connects devices within a network, and a firewall applies traffic-control rules. Repeaters do not inherently provide the routing or security capabilities of those other devices. Technicians using repeaters should consider the supported signal type, transmission distance, placement, environmental interference, and bandwidth limitations when extending a network connection.
Question 325.
Which component detects movement and device orientation?
- Accelerometer
- Digitizer
- Webcam
- Touchpad
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
An accelerometer detects changes in motion and acceleration and can help determine device orientation. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable systems can use accelerometers for screen rotation, motion detection, gaming, and other functions. A digitizer detects touch input, a webcam captures images and video, and a touchpad provides pointer-control input. Technicians troubleshooting orientation or motion-related features should check sensor functionality, operating-system permissions, drivers, calibration, and application support. Physical damage can also affect sensor accuracy in portable devices.
Question 326.
Which cable uses light instead of electrical signals?
- Coaxial
- Twisted pair
- Fiber optic
- USB
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
Fiber-optic cable transmits information using pulses of light rather than electrical signals. This provides high bandwidth and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, making fiber useful for long-distance and high-speed network connections. Coaxial, twisted-pair, and conventional USB cabling transmit signals electrically. Fiber installations can use different fiber types and connector designs depending on the application. Technicians working with fiber should avoid excessive bending, inspect connectors carefully, and use appropriate cleaning and testing procedures. The correct transceiver and fiber type must also be matched to the network equipment.
Question 327.
Which protocol is commonly used for network file sharing in Windows environments?
- SMB
- NTP
- DNS
- SNMP
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
Server Message Block, or SMB, is commonly used for file and printer sharing in Windows-based network environments. It allows systems to access shared folders, files, printers, and related network resources. NTP synchronizes system clocks, DNS performs name resolution, and SNMP is used for network management and monitoring. SMB shares can be controlled through permissions and authentication mechanisms. Technicians troubleshooting access to a shared folder should verify network connectivity, server availability, share permissions, NTFS permissions where applicable, authentication, name resolution, and firewall configuration.
Question 328.
Which device provides wired network connectivity to a computer?
- Sound card
- Wireless adapter
- Ethernet NIC
- Capture card
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
An Ethernet network interface card, or NIC, provides wired network connectivity through an Ethernet port. It allows a computer to communicate with switches, routers, and other network devices using compatible twisted-pair cabling. A wireless adapter provides Wi-Fi connectivity, a sound card handles audio functions, and a capture card receives media signals for recording or processing. When troubleshooting a wired connection, technicians should check link indicators, cable condition, adapter drivers, IP configuration, switch-port status, and network authentication. A disabled or incorrectly configured NIC can prevent network communication even when the cable is functional.
Question 329.
Which technology enables a device to communicate over cellular networks?
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- WWAN
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
A Wireless Wide Area Network, or WWAN, provides connectivity through cellular networks operated by mobile service providers. Laptops and other mobile devices can use WWAN hardware with an appropriate SIM or eSIM and carrier service. Wi-Fi provides local wireless networking, Bluetooth connects nearby peripherals, and NFC supports extremely short-range communication. Technicians configuring WWAN should verify carrier compatibility, supported cellular bands, account activation, SIM or eSIM configuration, signal strength, and operating-system drivers. WWAN is especially useful when mobile Internet access is required outside traditional Wi-Fi coverage.
Question 330.
Which interface commonly connects an internal optical drive?
- SATA
- HDMI
- RJ45
- DisplayPort
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
SATA is commonly used to connect internal optical drives to desktop computer motherboards. SATA provides a dedicated data connection, while a separate SATA power connector supplies electrical power to the drive. HDMI and DisplayPort are primarily used for digital display connections, and RJ45 connectors are commonly associated with Ethernet networking. Technicians installing an internal optical drive should connect both the appropriate data and power cables and verify that the operating system recognizes the device. BIOS or UEFI settings may also be useful when diagnosing detection problems.
Question 331.
Which technology allows a CPU to execute multiple threads concurrently?
- RAID
- Hyper-Threading
- DHCP
- NAT
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
Intel Hyper-Threading technology allows a compatible physical CPU core to present multiple logical processors to the operating system, enabling it to handle multiple threads more efficiently. This can improve performance for workloads that can take advantage of simultaneous multithreading, although the improvement varies by application. RAID manages storage configurations, DHCP supplies network settings, and NAT translates network addresses. Technicians should check processor specifications and firmware settings when determining whether Hyper-Threading or a related simultaneous-multithreading feature is available and enabled.
Question 332.
Which component converts digital video into a display signal?
- PSU
- NIC
- GPU
- TPM
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
A graphics processing unit, or GPU, processes graphics workloads and generates display output for compatible monitors. It can be integrated into a processor or motherboard platform or installed as a discrete expansion card. A PSU supplies electrical power, a NIC provides network connectivity, and a TPM provides hardware-based security functions. Modern GPUs can support multiple displays, high resolutions, accelerated graphics, and specialized compute workloads. Technicians troubleshooting display problems should check GPU seating, power connections, drivers, display cables, monitor inputs, and whether the system is using the intended graphics adapter.
Question 333.
Which protocol is commonly used to receive email from a server?
- POP3
- SMB
- SSH
- SNMP
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
POP3, or Post Office Protocol version 3, is commonly used to retrieve email messages from a mail server. Traditional POP3 configurations generally download messages to a client, although specific software can provide additional server-side options. SMB is used for file and printer sharing, SSH provides secure remote access, and SNMP supports network management. Technicians configuring email clients should verify the correct incoming-mail server, port, encryption method, authentication credentials, and account settings. Modern email services may also support other protocols, such as IMAP, depending on their architecture.
Question 334.
Which connector is commonly used for analog video on older PCs?
- USB-B
- DE-15
- RJ45
- SATA
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
The DE-15 connector, commonly associated with VGA, was widely used for analog video output on older personal computers. It carries analog video signals and can connect computers to compatible monitors and projectors. USB-B is commonly found on peripherals such as printers, RJ45 is commonly used for Ethernet, and SATA connects internal storage devices. VGA connections can experience image-quality limitations compared with modern digital interfaces. Technicians troubleshooting legacy display equipment should check cable quality, connector pins, resolution settings, refresh rate, and whether the monitor supports the selected signal.
Question 335.
Which technology stores data using magnetic tape cartridges?
- SSD
- Tape backup
- NVMe
- Flash memory
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
Tape backup systems store data on magnetic tape cartridges and are commonly used for large-scale backup and archival purposes. Tape can provide substantial storage capacity and relatively low cost per stored unit of data, making it useful for long-term retention. SSDs, NVMe drives, and flash memory use semiconductor-based storage instead of magnetic tape. Tape access is sequential, so restoring a particular item can take longer than accessing data from random-access storage. Technicians managing tape backups should maintain proper labeling, retention schedules, environmental storage conditions, and verification procedures.
Question 336.
Which protocol securely accesses a remote command shell?
- SSH
- FTP
- Telnet
- HTTP
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
SSH provides encrypted remote command-line access to compatible systems. It protects authentication credentials and session data while allowing administrators to manage servers, network devices, and other systems remotely. FTP is primarily a file-transfer protocol, Telnet provides remote terminal access without modern encryption by default, and HTTP is designed primarily for web communication. Technicians should use strong authentication and restrict remote administrative access appropriately. When troubleshooting SSH connections, check the service status, network reachability, firewall rules, credentials, host configuration, and the configured listening port.
Question 337.
Which device converts electrical Ethernet signals to optical signals?
- Router
- Switch
- Media converter
- Wireless controller
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation:
A media converter translates network signaling between different physical media, such as copper Ethernet and fiber optic. This allows devices using different transmission media to communicate without replacing the entire network infrastructure. A router forwards traffic between networks, a switch provides local network connectivity, and a wireless controller manages wireless infrastructure. Technicians selecting a media converter should verify supported Ethernet speeds, fiber type, connector style, transmission distance, and duplex requirements. Correct matching of optical modules and cabling is important for establishing a reliable physical link.
Question 338.
Which feature reduces laptop power consumption during inactivity?
- Sleep mode
- RAID
- Safe Mode
- PXE
Correct Answer: 4
Explanation:
Sleep mode reduces power consumption by placing the computer into a low-power state while preserving the current session in memory. The system can usually resume quickly when the user returns. RAID provides storage configurations, Safe Mode starts an operating system with a limited set of drivers and services for troubleshooting, and PXE allows network-based booting. Technicians configuring sleep behavior should consider power settings, connected peripherals, firmware compatibility, and operating-system policies. Problems with sleep or wake behavior may require driver, firmware, or power-management troubleshooting.
Question 339.
Which technology provides automatic device discovery on a local network?
- UPnP
- RAID
- POST
- ECC
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
Universal Plug and Play, or UPnP, allows compatible devices and applications to discover and communicate with one another on supported local networks with minimal manual configuration. It can be used by various consumer and network devices to advertise available services. RAID manages storage, POST performs hardware checks during startup, and ECC provides memory error detection and correction. Technicians should understand that automatic discovery can simplify device configuration but may also introduce security considerations depending on the network environment. UPnP behavior should therefore be managed according to organizational security requirements.
Question 340.
Which interface is commonly used for high-speed external storage?
- VGA
- Thunderbolt
- PS/2
- RJ11
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:
Thunderbolt is commonly used for high-speed external storage devices because it provides substantial data-transfer bandwidth and can support compatible storage enclosures, docking stations, and other peripherals. VGA is designed for analog video, PS/2 is a legacy keyboard and mouse interface, and RJ11 is commonly associated with telephone connections. External Thunderbolt storage can provide performance approaching internal high-speed storage when the enclosure, drive, host port, and cable support the required capabilities. Technicians should verify interface versions, cable specifications, operating-system support, and device compatibility when configuring external storage.