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Question 161

Which component is primarily responsible for performing mathematical and logical operations in a computer?

1. CPU
2. PSU
3. SSD
4. NIC

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

The central processing unit, or CPU, performs the instructions required by software and carries out mathematical, logical, control, and data-processing operations. It contains components such as the arithmetic logic unit and control circuitry that coordinate instruction execution. The PSU supplies electrical power, an SSD provides persistent storage, and a NIC provides network connectivity. CPU performance depends on factors such as architecture, clock speed, core count, cache, and workload. Therefore, the CPU is the primary component responsible for executing instructions and performing computational operations.

Question 162

Which motherboard component provides a physical location for installing a compatible processor?

1. DIMM slot
2. CPU socket
3. PCIe slot
4. M.2 connector

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

The CPU socket is the motherboard interface where a compatible processor is installed. The socket must match the processor’s physical and electrical requirements, and the motherboard chipset and firmware must also support the selected CPU. DIMM slots are designed for system memory, PCIe slots accommodate expansion cards, and M.2 connectors commonly support storage or other compatible modules. Installing a processor requires careful alignment and proper handling to avoid damaging delicate contacts or pins. Therefore, the CPU socket is the correct motherboard component.

Question 163

Which cable category is commonly used for Gigabit Ethernet connections over twisted-pair copper?

1. Cat 3
2. Cat 5e
3. RG-6
4. Fiber LC

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

Category 5e, commonly called Cat 5e, supports Gigabit Ethernet over suitable twisted-pair copper cabling for standard Ethernet distances. It is widely deployed in residential and business networks. Cat 3 is an older cable category associated with much slower networking technologies, while RG-6 is coaxial cable commonly used for broadband and television signals. Fiber LC refers to a fiber-optic connector rather than a copper twisted-pair category. Therefore, Cat 5e is an appropriate cable category for the described Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Question 164

Which device allows multiple computers to communicate with each other on the same local Ethernet network while forwarding traffic based on MAC addresses?

1. Modem
2. Router
3. Switch
4. Firewall appliance

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

An Ethernet switch connects devices on a local network and forwards Ethernet frames based primarily on destination MAC addresses. The switch learns which MAC addresses are associated with particular ports and can then send traffic only toward the appropriate port instead of broadcasting every frame to every connected device. A router connects different IP networks, while a modem provides a connection to a service provider’s network. A firewall appliance enforces security policies. Therefore, a switch is the device described in the scenario.

Question 165

Which type of connector is commonly used with fiber-optic Ethernet and uses a small push-pull design?

1. LC
2. RJ45
3. USB-A
4. HDMI

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

The LC connector is a compact fiber-optic connector commonly used in networking environments. It uses a small form factor and a push-pull locking mechanism, making it suitable for high-density fiber installations. RJ45 connectors are commonly used with twisted-pair Ethernet, USB-A is a general-purpose computer connector, and HDMI is used primarily for digital audio and video. Fiber-optic connections use light rather than electrical signals, providing advantages such as long-distance transmission and resistance to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, LC is the appropriate connector.

Question 166

A technician needs to protect a workstation from brief voltage spikes on an electrical circuit. Which device should be used?

1. UPS
2. Surge protector
3. Network switch
4. Inverter

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

A surge protector is designed to help protect connected electrical equipment from transient voltage spikes. It can divert or limit certain sudden increases in voltage, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive components. A UPS provides battery-backed power during outages and may also include surge protection, but a basic surge-protection requirement does not necessarily require battery backup. A network switch handles data communication, while an inverter performs electrical power conversion. Therefore, a surge protector is the most direct solution for protecting against brief voltage spikes.

Question 167

Which type of memory can detect and correct certain single-bit errors automatically?

1. ECC memory
2. VRAM
3. SRAM cache
4. Flash memory

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Error-Correcting Code, or ECC, memory includes additional information that allows supported systems to detect and correct certain memory errors. ECC is commonly used in servers and other systems where data integrity and reliability are particularly important. Not all consumer systems support ECC, so compatibility between the processor, motherboard, and memory must be verified. VRAM is graphics memory, SRAM cache provides very fast processor-accessible storage, and flash memory provides nonvolatile storage. Therefore, ECC memory is specifically designed to provide the described error-detection and correction capability.

Question 168

Which Windows command can display the route packets take to a destination across IP networks?

1. ipconfig
2. netstat
3. tracert
4. hostname

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

The Windows tracert command displays the network hops between the local computer and a specified destination. It can help technicians identify where delays or connectivity problems may occur along a route. The command works by sending packets with progressively increasing time-to-live values and observing responses from intermediate routers. ipconfig displays local network configuration, netstat shows network connections and statistics, and hostname displays the local computer’s name. Therefore, tracert is the appropriate command for examining the path traffic follows across networks.

Question 169

Which service translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses?

1. DNS
2. DHCP
3. NTP
4. SNMP

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

The Domain Name System, or DNS, translates human-readable names such as website domains into IP addresses that network devices can use for communication. DNS can also provide other types of records, including mail-server and service-related information. DHCP automatically provides network configuration, NTP synchronizes system clocks, and SNMP is commonly used for monitoring and managing network devices. When users can access resources by IP address but not by name, DNS configuration or resolution is an important area to investigate. Therefore, DNS performs the described function.

Question 170

Which protocol is commonly used to synchronize the clocks of computers and network devices?

1. FTP
2. SMTP
3. NTP
4. IMAP

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

Network Time Protocol, or NTP, is used to synchronize system clocks across computers, servers, and network devices. Accurate time is important for authentication, security logs, scheduled tasks, certificates, databases, and troubleshooting because inconsistent timestamps can make events difficult to correlate. FTP is used for file transfer, SMTP handles outgoing email, and IMAP provides email retrieval and synchronization. Organizations may use internal or trusted external time sources to maintain consistent system time. Therefore, NTP is the protocol designed for network-based clock synchronization.

Question 171

Which type of storage is volatile and loses its contents when electrical power is removed?

1. SSD
2. RAM
3. HDD
4. Optical disc

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

RAM is volatile memory, meaning its stored contents normally disappear when the computer loses electrical power. It provides temporary working space for the operating system, applications, and data currently in use. SSDs and HDDs are persistent storage technologies that retain data without continuous power, while optical discs also provide nonvolatile storage. Because RAM is directly involved in active program execution, insufficient memory can cause increased reliance on slower storage and negatively affect multitasking performance. Therefore, RAM is the volatile storage type described.

Question 172

Which technology allows a laptop to connect to several external peripherals through a single connection?

1. Docking station
2. CMOS battery
3. KVM cable
4. Surge protector

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

A docking station allows a laptop to connect to multiple external devices through a single compatible connection. Depending on the model, a dock may provide additional USB ports, displays, Ethernet networking, audio connections, storage interfaces, and power delivery. This can make a laptop function more like a desktop workstation when used at a fixed location. A CMOS battery serves a motherboard-related function, a KVM cable is associated with keyboard-video-mouse switching, and a surge protector protects electrical equipment. Therefore, a docking station provides the described expansion capability.

Question 173

Which wireless technology is commonly used to connect a keyboard or mouse to a computer over a short distance?

1. GPS
2. NFC
3. Bluetooth
4. LTE

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation

Bluetooth is commonly used to connect wireless keyboards, mice, headsets, speakers, and other peripherals over short distances. It provides relatively low-power wireless communication and allows compatible devices to communicate without requiring a physical cable. GPS is primarily used for positioning, NFC is intended for very short-range communication such as contactless transactions, and LTE provides cellular network connectivity. Bluetooth devices generally need to be paired before normal communication begins. Therefore, Bluetooth is the technology most appropriate for connecting a wireless keyboard or mouse.

Question 174

Which security control helps prevent unauthorized access to a building by requiring a user to provide a physical or electronic credential?

1. Access control system
2. File compression
3. Disk cleanup
4. Screen resolution

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

An access control system manages entry to secured physical locations by requiring authorized credentials. Examples include badge readers, smart cards, biometric readers, and electronic locks. Such systems help organizations restrict access to server rooms, offices, equipment areas, and other sensitive locations. File compression and disk cleanup are storage-related functions, while screen resolution affects display quality. Physical access controls are important because attackers who gain direct access to hardware may bypass some logical security protections. Therefore, an access control system provides the required physical security capability.

Question 175

Which malware type secretly monitors a user’s activities or collects information without appropriate authorization?

1. Ransomware
2. Spyware
3. Worm
4. Boot sector virus

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

Spyware is malicious software designed to monitor user activity, collect information, or track behavior without appropriate authorization. Depending on its design, spyware may capture browsing activity, credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data. Ransomware focuses on denying access to data or systems, often through encryption. A worm is designed to replicate and spread across systems, while a boot sector virus targets boot-related storage structures. Security software, software updates, cautious browsing, and appropriate access controls can help reduce the risk associated with spyware.

Question 176

Which type of malware can replicate itself across networks without requiring a user to manually copy the infected file?

1. Worm
2. Trojan
3. Spyware
4. Adware

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

A worm is malware capable of self-replication and can spread between systems through network vulnerabilities, weak credentials, removable media, or other propagation mechanisms. Unlike a traditional virus that may require a host file or user action to spread, worms are specifically known for their ability to replicate independently. A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software, spyware collects information, and adware primarily displays unwanted advertisements. Keeping systems patched, restricting unnecessary network access, and using security controls can help limit worm propagation.

Question 177

Which attack attempts to deceive a user into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted person or organization?

1. Phishing
2. Defragmentation
3. Spoofing-free routing
4. Data compression

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Phishing is a social-engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted organization, person, or service to manipulate a victim into revealing sensitive information or performing an unsafe action. Attackers may use email, text messages, websites, phone calls, or other communication channels. Common goals include stealing credentials, payment information, or authentication codes. Users should verify unexpected requests through trusted channels rather than relying on links or contact details supplied in suspicious messages. Therefore, phishing is the attack described.

Question 178

A technician suspects a computer’s system files are corrupted. Which Windows utility can scan protected files and attempt repairs?

1. chkdsk
2. sfc
3. format
4. diskpart

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

The System File Checker utility, accessed through the sfc command, scans protected Windows system files and attempts to replace corrupted versions with valid copies when possible. It is useful when Windows components have become damaged and may be contributing to errors or instability. Chkdsk focuses on file-system and disk-related problems, format prepares a volume for use, and diskpart provides advanced disk and partition management. Therefore, SFC is the appropriate utility when the technician specifically suspects corrupted protected Windows system files.

Question 179

Which Windows feature allows a user to automatically run a program or script at a specified time?

1. Task Scheduler
2. Device Manager
3. Event Viewer
4. Disk Management

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation

Task Scheduler allows Windows to execute programs, scripts, and other tasks automatically based on configured triggers. Tasks can be scheduled for specific times, system startup, user logon, or other events depending on the configuration. It is commonly used for maintenance routines, backups, software operations, and administrative scripts. Device Manager manages hardware devices and drivers, Event Viewer displays system and application logs, and Disk Management manages storage volumes. Therefore, Task Scheduler is the appropriate Windows feature for automated scheduled execution.

Question 180

A technician has identified the probable cause of a computer problem and is ready to make a change. What should the technician do before implementing the solution?

1. Randomly replace several components
2. Establish a plan and consider potential effects
3. Delete all system logs
4. Disable all security controls

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation

Before implementing a solution, the technician should establish a clear plan and consider the potential effects of the proposed change. This includes determining the required steps, identifying possible risks, considering backups or rollback procedures, and confirming that the change is appropriate for the identified cause. Randomly replacing components can introduce additional problems, while deleting logs removes useful troubleshooting evidence. Disabling security controls unnecessarily increases risk. A planned approach makes troubleshooting more controlled and reduces the chance of causing additional damage or downtime.