220-1102 CompTIA A+ Certification Core 2 Exam Questions and Answers

Windows is the operating system that typically requires the most computing resources from the host computer, compared to the other options. Computing resources include hardware components such as CPU, RAM, disk space, graphics card, and network adapter. The minimum system requirements for an operating system indicate the minimum amount of computing resources needed to install and run the operating system on a computer. The higher the minimum system requirements, the more computing resources the operating system consumes.

According to the web search results, the minimum system requirements for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are as follows12:

CPU: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores (Windows 10); 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor (Windows 11)

RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit (Windows 10); 4 GB (Windows 11)

Disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit or 32 GB for 64-bit (Windows 10); 64 GB (Windows 11)

Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver (Windows 10); DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver (Windows 11)

Network adapter: Ethernet or Wi-Fi (Windows 10); Ethernet or Wi-Fi that supports 5 GHz (Windows 11)

The minimum system requirements for macOS Ventura are as follows:

CPU: Intel Core i3 or higher, or Apple M1 chip

RAM: 4 GB

Disk space: 35.5 GB

Graphics card: Metal-capable

Network adapter: Ethernet or Wi-Fi

The minimum system requirements for Chrome OS are as follows:

CPU: Intel Celeron or higher

RAM: 2 GB

Disk space: 16 GB

Graphics card: Integrated

Network adapter: Ethernet or Wi-Fi

The minimum system requirements for Android are as follows:

CPU: 1 GHz or higher

RAM: 512 MB

Disk space: 8 GB

Graphics card: OpenGL ES 2.0

Network adapter: Ethernet or Wi-Fi

The minimum system requirements for Linux vary depending on the distribution, but a common example is Ubuntu, which has the following minimum system requirements:

CPU: 2 GHz dual core processor or better

RAM: 4 GB

Disk space: 25 GB

Graphics card: 1024 x 768 screen resolution

Network adapter: Ethernet or Wi-Fi

Based on the comparison of the minimum system requirements, Windows has the highest requirements for CPU, RAM, disk space, and graphics card, while Chrome OS and Android have the lowest requirements. macOS and Linux have moderate requirements, depending on the hardware and software configuration. Therefore, Windows is the operating system that typically requires the most computing resources from the host computer.

 Chain of custody and data integrity are two options that should most likely be considered when preserving data from a hard drive for forensic analysis. Chain of custody refers to the documentation and tracking of who has access to the data and how it is handled, stored, and transferred. Data integrity refers to the assurance that the data has not been altered, corrupted, or tampered with during the preservation process

The feature that BEST addresses the user’s concern is remote wipe. This is because remote wipe allows the user to erase all data on the mobile device if it is lost or stolen, which will prevent unauthorized access to the device1.

When dealing with a suspected virus infection on an air-gapped computer, after an initial scan with Windows Defender shows no infection, the next steps should include examining the event logs to look for suspicious activity and updating the virus definitions for a more thorough scan. Event logs can provide insights into system changes and potential malicious activities, while updated definitions ensure the antivirus software can detect the latest threats. Connecting to the network or enabling the firewall might not be appropriate due to the risk of spreading the infection, and re-imaging the computer or documenting the findings would be subsequent steps if the initial actions don't resolve the issue.References: Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Student Guide​​​​.

The protocol that most likely allowed the data theft to occur is SMB over TCP port 445. SMB is a network file sharing protocol that enables access to files, printers, and other resources on a network. Port 445 is used by SMB to communicate directly over TCP without the need for NetBIOS, which is an older and less secure protocol. The security log shows that the source IP address 192.168.1.1 sent a file named secrets.zip using SMB protocol to the destination IP address 192.168.1.50, which captured the file. The Windows firewall information shows that port 445 is enabled for inbound and outbound traffic, which means that it is not blocked by the firewall. Therefore, port 445 is the most likely port that was exploited by the attacker to steal the data from the corporate laptop.

A synthetic backup is a backup type that provides a backup for all data on the system while providing the lowest impact to the network. It combines a full backup with one or more incremental backups to create a single backup set, without requiring access to the original data source. Off-site is a backup location, not a backup type. Full and differential are backup types, but they have a higher impact on the network than synthetic. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-synthetic-backup https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

The error "This site cannot be reached" often indicates a problem with DNS (Domain Name System) resolution, where the browser is unable to translate a website's domain name into its corresponding IP address. Since the laptop was set to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) at home, it's possible that it's not receiving the correct DNS server information from the home network, or the DNS servers it was using at work are not accessible from the home network.

DNS: Checking and possibly correcting the DNS settings to ensure they are appropriate for the home network might resolve the browsing issue. The user can try using public DNS servers like those provided by Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) if the default DNS servers provided by the home ISP are not working properly.

HTTPS (A) is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network but is not something that needs to be configured on the user's end to solve this type of issue. VLAN (B) stands for Virtual Local Area Network and is more related to network segmentation and management within larger networks, not typically applicable to home internet issues. SMTP (D) stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, which is used for sending emails, not for general web browsing issues.

The "tracert" command is used to view the path that network traffic takes from a PC to a specified destination. It is helpful in identifying where along the path the traffic may be failing or experiencing delays. In the scenario where a customer service representative can't send jobs to a remote printer but can print locally, "tracert" can help diagnose if there's a network routing issue affecting the connection to the remote branch office.

The Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) is a list that indicates hardware components that are compatible with a specific software or operating system. If software installation fails due to incompliance with the HCL, it's most likely due to core hardware components like the Network Interface Card (NIC) or the Central Processing Unit (CPU) not being supported or not meeting the software's minimum hardware requirements. The PSU, KVM, RAM, and DVI are less likely to directly impact software compatibility as defined by the HCL.

Remotely wiping the device is the best option to prevent unauthorized access to the company data stored on the phone. A low-level format, degaussing, or providing the GPS location of the device are not feasible or effective actions to take in this scenario.

To accomplish this task, the technician should use a Full backup method1

A full backup only requires two sets of tapes to restore because it backs up all the data from the workstation. With a differential backup, the backups need to be taken multiple times over a period of time, so more tapes would be needed to restore the data1

The Connections tab in Internet Options allows the technician to configure the proxy server settings for the workstations. The technician can enter the proxy server address and port number, and specify which websites to bypass the proxy server for. The other tabs are not relevant for configuring the proxy server settings. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives, page 9, section 1.7; CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Certification Study Guide, page 140, section 1.7.

Least privilege is the principle that is used to ensure users have the appropriate level of access to perform their job functions. Least privilege means granting users only the minimum amount of access rights and permissions they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Least privilege reduces the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, malware infection, or accidental damage by limiting what users can do on the system or network. Access control list, multifactor authentication, and mobile device management are not principles, but rather mechanisms or methods that can implement least privilege. Access control list is a list that specifies the users or groups that are allowed or denied access to a resource, such as a file, folder, or printer. Multifactor authentication is a method that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity, such as a password, a token, or a biometric factor. Mobile device management is a tool that allows managing and securing mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, that are used by employees to access corporate data or applications. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 25

[CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Certification Study Guide], page 1003

The Network and Sharing Center is a Control Panel utility that allows users to view and modify network settings, such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers, and network profiles. To change the IP and gateway settings of a Windows workstation, the technician can follow these steps:

Open the Network and Sharing Center by clicking on the network icon in the system tray or by searching for it in the Start menu.

Click on Change adapter settings on the left sidebar.

Right-click on the network adapter that is connected to the network and select Properties.

Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) depending on the network protocol used.

Select Use the following IP address and enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for the workstation. Alternatively, select Obtain an IP address automatically if the network uses DHCP to assign IP addresses dynamically.

Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog boxes.

The new laptop was set up with the static IP it needs to connect to the software. The old desktop is still configured with that IP, hence the conflict.

BitLocker is a Windows security feature that provides encryption for entire volumes, addressing the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned devices1. BitLocker helps mitigate unauthorized data access by enhancing file and system protections, rendering data inaccessible when BitLocker-protected devices are decommissioned or recycled1. Network share, Group Policy, and Static IP are not features that can prevent unauthorized data access if a computer is lost or stolen.

 If a technician suspects high disk I/O, the technician should use the Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) to identify the process that is causing the high disk I/O1. Resource Monitor provides detailed information about the system’s resource usage, including disk I/O1. The technician can use this information to identify the process that is causing the high disk I/O and take appropriate action1.

DNS (Domain Name System) lookups are essential for translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. DNS typically uses port 53 for its communication.

In the provided firewall output, various ports are either allowed or blocked for outgoing traffic. For DNS recursion, which is the process of resolving domain names to IP addresses, port 53 must be open.

Port 53: This is the standard port used by DNS for queries and responses. The fact that it is currently blocked (as per the firewall output) is the reason why DNS lookups are failing. Opening port 53 will allow the DNS requests to pass through the firewall, enabling the resolution of domain names to IP addresses.

Other ports mentioned in the output are used for different services and protocols:

Port 1 is generally not used for standard services.

Port 445 is associated with SMB (Server Message Block) for file sharing in Windows environments.

Port 123 is used by NTP (Network Time Protocol) for time synchronization.

Port 80 is used for HTTP traffic, which is web traffic but not related to DNS lookups.

Remote wipe capabilities are used to erase all data on a mobile device remotely. This can be useful in situations where a device is lost or stolen, or when sensitive data needs to be removed from a device. Remote wipe capabilities are most likely to be used in the following scenarios:

E. A user cannot locate the phone after attending a play at a theater. F. A user forgot the phone in a taxi, and the driver called the company to return the device1

In scenario E, remote wipe capabilities would be used to prevent unauthorized access to the device and to protect sensitive data. In scenario F, remote wipe capabilities would be used to erase all data on the device before it is returned to the user.

The technician should check the Wi-Fi connection speed first to troubleshoot this issue. Slow web browsing speed on a mobile phone can be caused by a slow Wi-Fi connection. The technician should check the Wi-Fi connection speed to ensure that it is fast enough to support web browsing. If the Wi-Fi connection speed is slow, the technician should troubleshoot the Wi-Fi network to identify and resolve the issue.

The user should verify that NFC is enabled on their phone. NFC is a technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other when they are in close proximity2.

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology allows a phone to wirelessly communicate with a payment terminal or other compatible device. In order to use NFC to make a payment or transfer information, the feature must be enabled on the phone. Therefore, the user should verify that NFC is enabled on their phone before attempting to make a payment with it. The other options, such as turning off airplane mode, connecting to Wi-Fi, or enabling Bluetooth, do not pertain to the NFC feature and are unlikely to resolve the issue. This information is covered in the Comptia A+ Core2 documents/guide under the Mobile Devices section.

Copying the program file to a USB drive and installing it from there is the simplest and most reliable way to transfer the software from the network share to the Windows tablet. The other options are either unnecessary, risky, or impractical. Burning the program file to a CD requires a CD burner and a CD reader, which may not be available on the tablet. Formatting or replacing the HDD will erase all the data and settings on the tablet, which is not advisable unless there is a backup or a serious problem. Moreover, formatting or replacing the HDD will not solve the issue of copying the program file from the network share.

The most likely reason the computer is unable to boot into the imaging system via the network is that the PXE boot option has not been enabled. PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) is an environment that allows computers to boot up over the network, instead of from a local disk. In order for this to work, the PXE boot option must be enabled in the computer's BIOS settings. As stated in the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam objectives, technicians should know how to enable PXE in BIOS to enable network booting on a computer.

The Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel is the central place to manage network connections and settings in Windows. When facing issues with accessing a mapped drive, this utility allows users to review and adjust network settings, making it possible to resolve connectivity problems. It provides options to view network status, set up new connections, change adapter settings, and troubleshoot network problems, which can help in enabling connectivity to the mapped drive on the Windows XP machine.

application that will allow a macOS user to create another virtual desktop space is Mission Control Mission Control lets you create additional desktops, called spaces, to organize the windows of your apps. You can create a space by entering Mission Control and clicking the Add button in the Spaces bar1. You can also assign apps to specific spaces and move between them easily1.

The technician should use the File Explorer application to assist the user with hiding the file 1. The user can right-click the file and select Properties. In the Properties dialog box, select the Hidden check box, and then click OK 1.

YUM stands for Yellowdog Updater Modified and it is a command-line tool that allows users to install, update, remove, and manage software packages in Linux. YUM can be used to add functionality to a Linux system by installing new software packages or updating existing ones. To change folder permissions, show documentation, or list file contents, other commands such as chmod, man, or ls can be used in Linux.

Use the application at home and contact the vendor regarding a corporate license. The user should use the application only on the home laptop because it contains the initial license. The user should contact the vendor regarding a corporate license if they want to use the application on multiple computers on the corporate network1

 The user can most likely make the change of extending the display to a second monitor in the System option in the Windows settings. The System option allows users to manage system settings and features, such as display, sound, notifications, power and storage. The user can extend the display to a second monitor by selecting Display from the System option and then choosing Extend these displays from the Multiple displays drop-down menu. This will allow the user to use both monitors as one large desktop area. Devices is an option in the Windows settings that allows users to add and manage devices connected to the computer, such as printers, scanners, mice and keyboards. Devices is not related to extending the display to a second monitor but to configuring device settings and preferences. Personalization is an option in the Windows settings that allows users to customize the appearance and behavior of their desktop, such as themes, colors, backgrounds, lock screen and screensaver. 

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1002 exam covers this topic in the following domains: 1.2 Given a scenario, use appropriate resources to support users and 1.3 Explain the importance of security awareness.

 The best way to address the security and privacy concerns caused by a malware infection on a smartphone is to uninstall all recently installed applications and schedule an antivirus scan. Uninstalling the applications that may have introduced the malware can help remove the source of infection and prevent further damage. Scheduling an antivirus scan can help detect and remove any remaining traces of malware and restore the device’s functionality.

The 32-bit operating system can only run 32-bit applications, so the technician should execute the 32-bit installer. The “x86” in the file name refers to the 32-bit architecture. 

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/32-bit-vs-64-bit-operating-systems/

https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-a-220-1102-exam-objectives-(3-0)

When a user reports that their workstation is behaving strangely after opening a suspicious email, the first step a technician should take is to run a virus scan on the computer. This is because opening a suspicious email is a common way for viruses and malware to infect a computer. Running a virus scan can help identify and remove any infections that may be causing the computer to behave strangely.

 The technician should run the System File Checker (SFC) first to correct file corruption errors on computers after a power outage. SFC is a command-line utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. It can be run from the command prompt or from the Windows Recovery Environment. Rebuilding the Windows profiles, restoring the computers from backup, and reimaging the computers are more drastic measures that should be taken only if SFC fails to correct the issue1

The technician should disable the user’s access to the device’s command shell. This will prevent the user from accessing sensitive data and will help to prevent further data leaks. The technician should then investigate the unapproved application to determine if it is the cause of the data leak. If the application is found to be the cause of the leak, the technician should uninstall the application and restore the device to factory settings. If the application is not the cause of the leak, the technician should investigate further to determine the cause of the leak. Disabling the ability to install applications from unknown sources can help to prevent future data leaks, but it is not the next step the technician should take in this scenario. Ensuring the device is connected to the corporate WiFi network is not relevant to this scenario1

This will ensure that the user is the only one who knows their password, and that the new password is secure. 

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1002 exam covers this topic in the domain 1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.

When disposing of non-compliant Ethernet cards, the most environmentally friendly option is to use a dumpster for recycling plastics. This method is the most effective way to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, and it also helps to reduce the amount of energy used in the production of new materials. Additionally, recycling plastics helps to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that can be released into the environment.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 2 documents, "The most environmentally friendly disposal method for non-compliant Ethernet cards is to use a dumpster for recycling plastics. This method is the most effective way to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, and it also helps to reduce the amount of energy used in the production of new materials."

https://sustainability.yale.edu/blog/how-sustainably-dispose-your-technological-waste

The error message is indicating that the script is not associated with any program on the computer that can open and run it. This means that the script requires a runtime environment, such as Python, to be installed in order for it to execute properly. Without the appropriate runtime environment, the script will not be able to run.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 2 objectives, a full backup stored off-site provides the greatest protection against data loss in the event of a ransomware attack or other data disaster. By storing the backup in a separate physical location, it is less likely to be affected by the same event that could cause data loss on the original system. Cold storage is a term used for data archiving, which typically refers to a long-term storage solution that is used for retaining data that is infrequently accessed, but still needs to be kept for regulatory or compliance reasons.

Saving software to an external hard drive and installing it on each individual PC is the most inefficient method for the small business owner. This method requires manual intervention on each PC, and there is a higher risk of error or inconsistencies between PCs. Additionally, if the software needs to be updated or reinstalled in the future, this process would need to be repeated on each PC.

BitLocker is a disk encryption tool that can be used to encrypt the hard drive of a Windows laptop. This will protect the data stored on the drive in the event that the laptop is lost or stolen, and will help to reduce the risk of data loss. Additionally, BitLocker can be configured to require a PIN or other authentication in order to unlock the drive, providing an additional layer of security.

Although updating the anti-malware software and running scans are important steps in removing malware, they may not be sufficient to permanently remove the malware if the user keeps engaging in behaviors that leave the system vulnerable, such as downloading unknown files or visiting malicious websites. Therefore, educating the user on safe computing practices is the best way to prevent future infections and permanently remove the malware.

Enabling System Restore, Booting into safe mode, and scheduling a scan are not the most efficient ways to permanently remove the malware. Enabling System Restore and Booting into safe mode may help in some cases, but they may not be sufficient to permanently remove the malware. Scheduling a scan is also important for detecting and removing malware, but it may not be sufficient to prevent future infections.

https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-a-220-1102-exam-objectives-(3-0)

The first step a technician should take when troubleshooting a computer with a suspected short in the power supply is B. Disconnect the power before servicing the PC. This is to prevent any electrical shock or damage to the components. A power supply can be dangerous even when unplugged, as capacitors can maintain a line voltage charge for a long time1. Therefore, it is important to disconnect the power cord and press the power button to discharge any residual power before opening the case2. The other steps are also important for safety and proper diagnosis, but they should be done after disconnecting the power.

The error message indicates that the security certificate presented by the website has either expired or is not yet valid. This can happen if the computer's clock has the wrong date or time, as SSL/TLS certificates have a specific validity period. If the clock is off by too much, it may cause the certificate to fail to validate. Therefore, the technician should check the computer's date and time and ensure that they are correct.

The most effective method for dealing with spam messages in a small business is to provide user training1. Users should be trained to recognize spam messages and avoid opening them1. They should also be trained to report spam messages to the IT department so that appropriate action can be taken1. In addition, users should be trained to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources1. By providing user training, the management team can reduce the risk of users opening spam messages and potentially infecting the network systems1.

The correct answer is B. Swapping the cables for the monitors. When the second monitor is connected with the HDMI port, it is necessary to swap the cables for the monitors so that the mouse can move from the original monitor to the new monitor. This is because the HDMI port is designed to only support one monitor, and the mouse will not be able to move from one to the other without the cables being swapped.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 2 documents, "When connecting multiple displays to a system, the cables used to connect the displays must be swapped between the displays. For example, if a monitor is connected to a system using a VGA cable, the VGA cable must be moved to the next display to allow the mouse to move between the two displays."

A battery backup, also known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), is a device that provides backup power during a power outage. When the power goes out, the battery backup provides a short amount of time (usually a few minutes up to an hour, depending on the capacity of the device) to save any work and safely shut down the equipment.

Erasing/wiping the hard drives is the best method to dispose of the drives containing PII

Changing the network channel is the best solution to minimize the issue of employees and patients not being the only people on the Wi-Fi network5

Cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection are common security vulnerabilities that can be mitigated by using input validation. Input validation is a technique that checks the user input for any malicious or unexpected characters or commands before processing it. XSS is an attack that injects malicious scripts into web pages to steal cookies, session tokens or other sensitive information from users or web servers. SQL injection is an attack that injects malicious SQL statements into web applications to manipulate databases, execute commands or access unauthorized data. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-input-validation https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

A name on a medical diagnosis (B) is most likely to be regulated. This is because it falls under the category of protected health information (PHI), which is subject to regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. These regulations aim to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information.

The correct answer is A. Amount of system RAM. A Type 2 hypervisor is a virtualization software that runs on top of a host operating system, which means it shares the system resources with the host OS and other applications. Therefore, increasing the amount of system RAM can improve the performance of the hypervisor and the virtual machines running on it. RAM is used to store data and instructions that are frequently accessed by the CPU, and having more RAM can reduce the need for swapping data to and from the storage device, which is slower than RAM.

NIC performance, storage IOPS, and dedicated GPU are not as relevant for improving the hypervisor’s performance in this scenario. NIC performance refers to the speed and quality of the network interface card, which is used to connect the computer to a network. Storage IOPS refers to the number of input/output operations per second that can be performed by the storage device, which is a measure of its speed and efficiency. Dedicated GPU refers to a separate graphics processing unit that can handle complex graphics tasks, such as gaming or video editing. These components may affect other aspects of the computer’s performance, but they are not directly related to the hypervisor’s ability to compile new source code.

Local Users and Groups is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that allows you to manage user accounts or groups on your computer1. If you cannot find it in the MMC console, you can add it manually by following these steps2:

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, or open the Command Prompt.

Type mmc and hit Enter. This will open a blank MMC console.

Click File and then Add/Remove Snap-in.

In the Add or Remove Snap-ins window, select Local Users and Groups from the Available snap-ins list, and click Add.

In the Select Computer window, choose Local computer or Another computer, depending on which computer you want to manage, and click Finish.

Click OK to close the Add or Remove Snap-ins window. You should now see Local Users and Groups in the MMC console.

EAP-TLS is a method of authentication that uses certificates to establish a secure tunnel between the client and the server3. The certificates have a validity period and must be renewed before they expire1. If the user has been on an extended leave and has not logged in to the computer in several months, it is possible that the certificate on the client or the server has expired and needs to be renewed2. The other options are not directly related to EAP-TLS authentication or 802.1X network access.

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, and it is a wireless technology that allows your phone to act as a contactless payment device, among other things2. Payment applications that allow payments to be made with a mobile device usually rely on NFC to communicate with the payment terminal1. Therefore, if NFC is disabled on the phone, the payment will not work. To enable NFC on an Android phone, you need to follow these steps3:

On your Android device, open the Settings app.

Select Connected devices.

Tap on Connection preferences.

You should see the NFC option. Toggle it on.

The other options are not directly related to using a payment application with a mobile device. Airplane mode is a setting that disables all wireless communication on the phone, including NFC4, but it also affects calls, texts, and internet access. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to connect your phone with other devices such as headphones or speakers, but it is not used for contactless payments. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows you to access the internet or a local network, but it is also not used for contactless payments. Location services are a feature that allows your phone to determine your geographic location using GPS or other methods, but they are not required for contactless payments.

Bollards are the best solution to enhance building security in order to prevent vehicles from driving into the building while also maintaining easy access for customers4

The correct answer is D. Force Quit. Force Quit is a macOS feature that allows users to close an application that has stopped responding. To use Force Quit, users can press and hold Option (or Alt), Command, and Esc (Escape) keys together, or choose Force Quit from the Apple menu in the corner of the screen. A Force Quit window will open, where users can select the application that they want to close and click Force Quit123.

References and Explanation:

The web search results provide information about how to force an app to quit on Mac using different methods, such as keyboard shortcuts, mouse clicks, or menu options. The results also explain what to do if the app cannot be forced to quit or if the Mac does not respond.

The first result1 is from the official Apple Support website and provides detailed instructions and screenshots on how to force an app to quit on Mac using the keyboard shortcut or the Apple menu. It also explains how to force quit the Finder app and how to restart or turn off the Mac if needed.

The second result2 is from the same website but for a different region (UK). It has the same content as the first result but with some minor differences in spelling and wording.

The third result4 is from a website called Lifehacker that provides tips and tricks for various topics, including technology. It compares how to close a program that is not responding on different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. It briefly mentions how to force quit an app on Mac using the keyboard shortcut or the mouse click.

The fourth result3 is from a website called Parallels that provides software solutions for running Windows on Mac. It focuses on how to force quit an app on Mac using the keyboard shortcut and provides a video tutorial and a screenshot on how to do it. It also suggests some alternative ways to close an app that is not responding, such as using Activity Monitor or Terminal commands.

DNS (domain name system) is a protocol that translates domain names to IP addresses. If the computer has an incorrect DNS address assigned, it will not be able to resolve the domain names of web-based applications and access them. A firewall, a VLAN (virtual local area network) and a browser cache are not the most likely reasons for the issue, since the computer can ping known IP addresses on the internet and receive a response. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-dns https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Redeeming the included activation key card for a product key is the correct way to apply a Windows 10 Pro license to a computer that has Windows 10 Home installed. The activation key card is a physical or digital card that contains a 25-digit code that can be used to activate Windows 10 Pro online or by phone. Copying the windows.lie file, inserting a Windows USB hardware dongle and activating with the digital license are not valid methods of applying a Windows 10 Pro license. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-upgrade-windows-10-home-to-pro https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Booting into safe mode and performing a malware scan are the steps that a technician should perform when troubleshooting an issue with pop-up advertising messages on a PC. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that starts the PC with minimal drivers and services, which can prevent the pop-up malware from running. Malware scan is a tool that can detect and remove the pop-up malware, as well as prevent further infection or damage. Investigating how the malware was installed, reinstalling the browser and restarting the machine are possible steps that can be done after booting into safe mode and performing a malware scan, depending on the situation and the results of the scan. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-boot-into-safe-mode https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Disk Defragment is a tool that can be used to improve the performance of a hard disk drive (HDD). HDDs store data in sectors and clusters on spinning platters. Over time, as data is written, deleted, and moved, the data may become fragmented, meaning that it is spread across different locations on the disk. This causes the HDD to take longer to access and load data, resulting in slower performance. Disk Defragment consolidates the fragmented data and rearranges it in a contiguous manner, which reduces the seek time and increases the speed of the HDD. Disk Management, Disk Cleanup, and Device Manager are not tools that can alleviate the issue of slow HDD performance.

Chain of custody is a process that helps ensure that a piece of evidence extracted from a PC is admissible in a court of law. Chain of custody refers to the documentation and tracking of who handled, accessed, modified, or transferred the evidence, when, where, why, and how. Chain of custody can help establish the authenticity, integrity, and reliability of the evidence, as well as prevent tampering, alteration, or loss of the evidence. Data integrity form, valid operating system license, and documentation of an incident are not processes that can ensure that a piece of evidence extracted from a PC is admissible in a court of law.

Proper ventilation is a factor that can extend the life of a device by preventing overheating and thermal damage to the device’s components. Proper ventilation means ensuring that there is enough airflow around and inside the device to dissipate heat and maintain a suitable temperature for optimal performance. Proper ventilation can be achieved by using fans, heat sinks, vents, or liquid cooling systems, as well as avoiding placing the device near heat sources or in enclosed spaces. Battery backup, electrostatic discharge mat, and green disposal are not factors that can extend the life of a device.

Resource Monitor is a tool that shows the network activity of each process on a Windows machine, including the TCP connections and the sent and received bytes. Performance Monitor is a tool that shows the performance metrics of the system, such as CPU, memory, disk and network usage. Command Prompt is a tool that allows running commands and scripts on a Windows machine. System Information is a tool that shows the hardware and software configuration of a Windows machine. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-use-resource-monitor https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

yum (Yellowdog Updater Modified) is a package management utility for PCs that are running the Linux operating system. It can be used to install, update and remove software packages from repositories. chmod (change mode) is a command that changes the permissions of files and directories in Linux. man (manual) is a command that displays the documentation of other commands in Linux. grep (global regular expression print) is a command that searches for patterns in text files in Linux. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/linux-package-management https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

A VPN (virtual private network) is a protocol that creates a secure tunnel between two devices over the internet, hiding their IP addresses and encrypting their traffic. DNS (domain name system) is a protocol that translates domain names to IP addresses. IPS (intrusion prevention system) is a device that monitors and blocks malicious network traffic. SSH (secure shell) is a protocol that allows remote access and command execution on another device. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-a-vpn https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is a wireless security method that supports the majority of current Wi-Fi-capable devices without sacrificing security. It is backward compatible with WPA2 devices and offers enhanced encryption and authentication features. MAC filtering is another wireless security method, but it can be easily bypassed by spoofing MAC addresses. RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) are network authentication protocols, but they are not wireless security methods by themselves. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/wireless-security-standards https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Full disk encryption is a security mechanism that encrypts the entire data on a hard drive, making it unreadable without the correct decryption key or password. It can prevent the stored data from being recovered by unauthorized persons who steal or access the laptop. Biometrics, enforced strong system password and two-factor authentication are other security mechanisms, but they only protect the login access to the laptop, not the data on the hard drive. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-full-disk-encryption https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

MSRA (Microsoft Remote Assistance) is a remote access technology that allows a technician to establish a session with a user who has a Windows workstation. The session allows for simultaneous viewing of the workstation by both the user and technician, as well as remote control and file transfer capabilities. RDP (remote desktop protocol) is another remote access technology, but it does not allow simultaneous viewing by default. VPN (virtual private network) and SSH (secure shell) are protocols that create secure tunnels between two devices over the internet, but they do not allow remote access sessions. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-msra https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

The first step in troubleshooting a Bluetooth connection issue is to check that the accessory is ready to pair with the mobile device. Some accessories may have a button or a switch that needs to be pressed or turned on to initiate pairing mode. If the accessory is not ready to pair, the mobile device will not be able to detect it.

A workgroup network is a peer-to-peer network where each PC can share files and resources with other PCs without a central server. A public network is a network that is accessible to anyone on the internet. A wide area network is a network that spans a large geographic area, such as a country or a continent. A domain network is a network where a server controls the access and security of the PCs. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/network-types https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Calibrating the phone sensors is a step that can troubleshoot the issue of screen not autorotating on a mobile device. Screen autorotation is a feature that automatically adjusts the screen orientation based on the device’s position and movement. Screen autorotation relies on sensors such as accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the device’s tilt and rotation. Calibrating the phone sensors can help fix any errors or inaccuracies in the sensor readings that may prevent screen autorotation from working properly. Enabling the touch screen, reinstalling the operating system, and replacing the screen are not steps that should be done next to troubleshoot this issue.

When an email is encrypted and the recipient cannot open it, the issue typically revolves around the need for encryption keys. Encryption keys are used to encode and decode the email content, ensuring that only authorized recipients with the correct key can access the information. In this scenario, the user would need to receive the appropriate decryption key from the sender to unlock and read the encrypted email. This exchange ensures that sensitive information remains secure during transmission and is only accessible to intended recipients.

Activation Lock is a feature that prevents anyone from erasing or activating an iOS device without the owner’s Apple ID and password. If a corporate-owned iOS device is linked to an employee’s Apple ID, it will have an Activation Lock issue when the employee leaves the company or forgets their Apple ID credentials.

Personalization is a Windows 10 setting that allows a user to modify the desktop wallpaper, as well as other aspects of the appearance and behavior of the desktop, such as colors, themes, sounds, etc. Apps is a Windows 10 setting that allows a user to manage the installed applications and their features. Updates is a Windows 10 setting that allows a user to check for and install the latest updates for the OS and other components. Display is a Windows 10 setting that allows a user to adjust the screen resolution, brightness, orientation, etc. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/windows-10-settings https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

A user account that belongs to the local administrator’s group has the permission to install software on a Windows machine. If a user receives a UAC (user account control) prompt when trying to install software, it means the user does not have enough privileges and needs to enter an administrator’s password or switch to an administrator’s account. Adding the user account to the local administrator’s group can resolve this issue. Configuring Windows Defender Firewall, creating a Microsoft account and disabling the guest account are not related to this issue. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/user-account-control https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

The correct answer is A. Document the date and time of change. After implementing a change, the technician should document the date and time of change in the change log or record. This helps to track the change history, monitor the change performance, and identify any issues or incidents related to the change. Documenting the date and time of change is also a good practice for auditing and compliance purposes.

Documenting the purpose of the change (B) and the risk level © are steps that should be done before implementing the change, not after. These are important information that help to justify, prioritize, and plan the change. The purpose of the change should explain why the change is needed and what benefits it will bring to the organization. The risk level should assess the potential impact and probability of the change causing any problems or disruptions to the business.

Documenting the findings of the sandbox test (D) is also a step that should be done before implementing the change, not after. A sandbox test is a way of testing the change in an isolated environment that mimics the production environment. This helps to verify that the change works as expected and does not cause any errors or conflicts with other systems or processes. The findings of the sandbox test should be documented and reviewed by the change advisory board (CAB) before approving the change for implementation.

Anti-phishing training is a method of educating users on how to identify and avoid phishing attacks, which are attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing malicious actions by impersonating legitimate entities or persons. Whaling attacks are a specific type of phishing attack that target high-level executives or influential individuals within an organization. Anti-phishing training can help users recognize the signs of whaling attacks and prevent them from falling victim to them. Screened subnet, firewall, and antivirus are not items that can directly address the issue of whaling attacks.

EFS (Encrypting File System) is a feature that allows a user to encrypt a single folder or file on a Windows PC. It uses a public key encryption system to protect the data from unauthorized access. FAT32 and exFAT are file system formats that do not support encryption. BitLocker is a feature that encrypts the entire drive, not a single folder or file. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-efs https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

Screen timeout is the setting that determines how long the screen stays on after the user stops interacting with the phone. Screen brightness is the setting that determines how much light the screen emits. Both of these settings affect the battery life of the phone, as keeping the screen on longer and brighter consumes more power than turning it off sooner and dimmer. A technician should check these settings first to troubleshoot the issue of low battery life and adjust them accordingly. Screen resolution, screen zoom, screen damage, and screen motion smoothness are not settings that directly affect the battery life or the screen staying on for a long time.

Disk Cleanup is a tool that can free up some space on a system drive that is nearly full. It can delete temporary files, cached files, recycle bin files, old system files and other unnecessary data. Resource Monitor is a tool that shows the network activity of each process on a Windows machine. Disk Defragment is a tool that optimizes the performance of a hard drive by rearranging the data into contiguous blocks. Disk Management is a tool that allows creating, formatting, resizing and deleting partitions on a hard drive. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-use-disk-cleanup https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

The correct answers are D. Restricting log-in times and E. Enabling a screen lock. These are the security measures that can be used to prevent the computers from being accessed by unsupervised contractors in the building.

Restricting log-in times means setting a policy that allows users to log in only during certain hours, such as the regular working hours of the company. This will prevent unauthorized access by contractors who work at night1.

Enabling a screen lock means setting a policy that requires users to enter a password or a PIN to unlock their screens after a period of inactivity. This will prevent unauthorized access by contractors who might try to use the computers when the users are away2.

1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 19, section 2.3. 2: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 20, section 2.4.

Net use is a command-line tool that can be used to map a drive in Windows. Mapping a drive means assigning a drive letter to a network location or a local folder, which allows the user to access it more easily and quickly. Net use can also be used to disconnect a mapped drive, display information about mapped drives, or connect to shared resources on another computer. Gpupdate, hostname, and dir are not command-line tools that can be used to map a drive.

A restore point is a snapshot of the system settings and configuration at a specific point in time2. Creating a restore point before modifying the registry keys allows the technician to revert the system back to a previous state if something goes wrong or causes instability2. Updating the anti-malware software, running the PC in safe mode, and rolling back the system updates are not necessary steps before modifying the registry keys.

AutoPlay is a feature that automatically runs programs or files when a removable media device, such as a flash drive, is plugged in. This can be exploited by malware authors who place malicious files on flash drives that execute automatically when inserted into a computer. Turning off AutoPlay can prevent this type of incident by requiring the user to manually open or run files from removable media devices. Disabling UAC (user account control), restricting local administrators and enabling UPnP (universal plug and play) are not effective ways to prevent this type of incident. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/autoplay-security-risk https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection over the internet to a network, allowing a user to access shared files and corporate email as if they were directly connected to the network. This makes VPN the best tool for secure remote work access, compared to the other options which do not offer the same level of secure, remote network access.

In a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) setup, the technician is most likely to configure mapped drives on a new PC. Mapped drives allow for easy access to shared resources such as files and printers on the network. This setup facilitates file sharing and collaboration within a small network, making it an essential configuration for SOHO environments.

In the context of a forensic investigation, especially involving sensitive information, preserving the integrity and the chain of custody of the potential evidence is crucial. The step to "Recover and secure the workstation" involves physically securing the workstation to prevent any unauthorized access and logically securing the data by ensuring that no changes are made to the system or files. This step helps maintain the original state of the workstation, which is essential for a legitimate forensic analysis and ensuring that the evidence is admissible in legal proceedings.

A rollback plan describes the process of reverting a system to its previous state after a failed upgrade or change. This ensures system stability and functionality by restoring known good configurations and is a crucial part of change management to minimize disruptions in case of unsuccessful updates.

An image backup captures a complete snapshot of the entire system at a specific point in time, including the operating system, installed applications, user profiles, and system settings. This method is most suitable for backing up the components listed in the question because it ensures that every aspect of the workstation, from the core OS to individual user settings, is preserved and can be restored in its entirety. This is crucial for quickly recovering a system to a fully operational state after a failure or when migrating to new hardware. Other methods like differential, synthetic, and archive backups do not provide the comprehensive one-step restoration capability that an image backup offers for the complete system recovery.

For a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router setup where the goal is to only allow specific computers on the network, MAC filtering is the appropriate solution:

Configure MAC filtering: This security measure involves creating a list of allowed device MAC (Media Access Control) addresses in the router's settings. Only devices with MAC addresses on this list will be able to connect to the network, effectively restricting access to authorized computers only.

To enforce a security policy that prohibits USB drives on user workstations, the network administrator should run the gpupdate (C) command. This command forces a Group Policy update, which can include policies to disable USB drives. Group Policy is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows for centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and users' settings in an Active Directory environment​​.

When a WAP (Wireless Access Point) mesh network is experiencing a higher than anticipated amount of traffic, leading to degraded network service, upgrading the network to a more advanced wireless standard can help alleviate the problem. The 802.11n specification, also known as Wireless-N, offers significant improvements over earlier standards like 802.11b/g in terms of speed, range, and reliability. It allows for increased data throughput and better coverage, which can support a higher number of wireless users effectively.

Upgrading to 802.11n: This involves replacing existing WAPs with those that support the 802.11n standard or higher. The upgrade can result in improved network performance by accommodating more wireless connections with higher data rates, reducing congestion and improving overall network efficiency.

Replacing non-mobile users' laptops with wired desktop systems (A) could reduce wireless traffic but may not be feasible or desirable for all users. Increasing the wireless network adapter metric (B) would affect route priority but not overall network capacity. Adding wireless repeaters (C) can extend the range but might also introduce additional latency and does not necessarily increase the network's capacity to handle more users efficiently.

Shoulder surfing is a threat that involves someone looking over another person’s shoulder to observe their screen, keyboard, or other sensitive information. Shoulder surfing can be used to steal passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), credit card numbers, or other confidential data. The use of a privacy screen on a computer can help prevent shoulder surfing by limiting the viewing angle of the screen and making it harder for someone to see the screen from the side or behind. Impersonation, whaling, and tailgating are not threats that can be prevented by using a privacy screen on a computer.

The correct answer is D. Unattended installation. An unattended installation is a way of installing Windows 10 without requiring any user input or interaction. It uses a configuration file called answer file that contains the settings and preferences for the installation, such as the product key, language, partition, and network settings. An unattended installation can be performed by using a bootable USB flash drive or DVD that contains the Windows 10 installation files and the answer file1. This is the fastest way for the technician to install Windows 10 on a newly built computer, as it automates the whole process and saves time.

A factory reset is a way of restoring a computer to its original state by deleting all the data and applications and reinstalling the operating system. A factory reset can be performed by using the recovery partition or media that came with the computer, or by using the Reset this PC option in Windows 10 settings2. A factory reset is not a way of installing Windows 10 on a newly built computer, as it requires an existing operating system to be present.

A system restore is a way of undoing changes to a computer’s system files and settings by using a restore point that was created earlier. A system restore can be performed by using the System Restore option in Windows 10 settings or by using the Advanced Startup Options menu3. A system restore is not a way of installing Windows 10 on a newly built computer, as it requires an existing operating system and restore points to be present.

An in-place upgrade is a way of upgrading an existing operating system to a newer version without losing any data or applications. An in-place upgrade can be performed by using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or by running the Setup.exe file from the Windows 10 installation media. An in-place upgrade is not a way of installing Windows 10 on a newly built computer, as it requires an existing operating system to be present.

Restarting the smartphone can resolve a wide range of technical issues, including those related to Bluetooth connectivity. This simple step can refresh the system and eliminate temporary software glitches that might be interfering with Bluetooth functions like audio output and data synchronization.

Restart the smartphone: This action clears the system's RAM and can resolve conflicts between the Bluetooth service and other processes running on the smartphone, potentially fixing both the audio and synchronization issues.

Resetting network settings (B) could also potentially fix the issue but is a more drastic step that also clears Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations, which might not be necessary. Unpairing the Bluetooth speaker (C) could help if the issue is specific to the speaker, but since there are also synchronization issues with the smartwatch, the problem seems broader. Checking for system updates (D) is a good general maintenance step, but it's more likely to help with ongoing or known issues rather than immediate connectivity problems.

On macOS, uninstalling an application typically involves locating the app in Finder and dragging it to the Trash. This method is straightforward and commonly used for removing unwanted applications. The other options do not directly relate to the standard process of uninstalling applications on a Mac.

If a technician is unable to run an OS installation file and receives a message indicating no software is installed to handle the file, the next step is to mount the ISO file. Mounting the ISO will create a virtual drive from which the installation can be run, mimicking the behavior of a physical installation media.

After rebooting the phone, connecting to Wi-Fi, and disabling metered data, the next step the technician should take is to Clear the cache (D). Clearing the cache can resolve issues with the phone's performance and is often necessary before updating software to ensure that the updates can be downloaded and installed without issues. It removes temporary files that may be interfering with the update process​​.

Improving password security is crucial to protect user accounts from unauthorized access. Requiring passwords to include four character types—uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters—significantly enhances password complexity. This diversity in characters makes passwords much harder to guess or crack using common methods like brute force attacks, thereby improving overall security.

Requiring four character types: This approach forces users to create more complex and less predictable passwords, reducing the risk of simple passwords that are easy to exploit.

Decreasing the password expiration times (B) can encourage users to change their passwords more frequently but does not directly address the issue of password complexity. Enabling an automatic lock timer (C) can add a layer of security by locking accounts after a period of inactivity, but it does not improve the strength of the passwords themselves. Adding two characters to the minimum password length (D) can help to some extent by making passwords longer, but without requiring a mix of character types, passwords might still remain relatively easy to guess or crack.

When an Android device starts exhibiting issues like frequent crashes and rapid battery drain after downloading an application, the first step should be to address the immediate cause:

Uninstall the game application: Since the issues started after the game application was installed, removing it is a logical first step. Unwanted or malicious applications can cause such symptoms by running harmful processes in the background or exploiting system resources.

Install the latest security patches: Keeping the device updated with the latest security patches is crucial for protecting against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious software. Updating can resolve existing security flaws and improve device stability.

A boot sector virus infects the master boot record (MBR) of a hard drive, the sector that contains information required to start the operating system after the computer is turned on. This type of virus is particularly insidious because it loads into memory immediately upon booting and before most antivirus programs start. This makes it possible for the virus to evade detection and removal, and can easily reinfect a system even after the operating system is reinstalled if the boot sector is not cleaned.

Boot sector virus: Given that the malware infection returned after the OS reinstallation, it's likely that the virus was not removed from the boot sector during the reinstallation process. Reinstalling the OS without cleaning the boot sector won't remove the infection, allowing the virus to continue to affect the system.

Other options:

Trojan: A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software. While Trojans can be persistent, the reinstallation of the OS should remove any Trojans unless they are reintroduced after installation.

Spyware: Spyware is designed to gather information about a person or organization without their knowledge. Like Trojans, spyware should be removed with an OS reinstallation unless it is reintroduced in some way.

Rootkit: Rootkits are designed to enable continued privileged access to a computer while actively hiding their presence. While a rootkit could potentially survive an OS reinstall if it infects the firmware or certain areas outside the OS, the scenario described points more specifically to a boot sector virus, especially considering the immediate return of the infection after OS reinstallation.

When a user's cursor is moving on its own and unauthorized data transfer is occurring, the first step a technician should take is to Quarantine the workstation. This involves isolating the affected system from the network to prevent the spread of malware or unauthorized access to other parts of the network. Quarantining helps in containing the threat and provides a safe environment to investigate and remediate the issue without risking further contamination or data loss​​.

When encountering a warning about antivirus protection malfunctioning, the first step should be to isolate the computer from the network to prevent potential spread of malware. Updating the endpoint protection software is also crucial to ensure the latest virus definitions and security features are in place to effectively identify and remove the threat.

When an Android device experiences slow boot times and application crashes after installing apps from a third-party website, scanning the system for malware is a critical first step. Third-party sources can often host malicious software that can compromise device performance and security. A malware scan can identify and remove such threats, potentially resolving the performance issues and application instability. Clearing the web browser cache, enrolling the device in an MDM system, and confirming app compatibility are useful steps but do not address the immediate concern of potential malware introduced by third-party app installations.

Booting in safe mode is the initial step to diagnose a computer experiencing a blue screen of death (BSOD) following a failed Windows 10 update. Safe mode starts the computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, allowing troubleshooting and identification of the problematic software or driver causing the BSOD. This mode provides a safer environment to uninstall recent updates or drivers, perform system scans, and restore the system if necessary. Other options like System Restore wizard, last known-good configuration, and resetting BIOS settings may be subsequent steps but do not directly diagnose the issue as effectively as booting in safe mode.

The most important environmental control to maintain the safety of a data center is Temperature control (A). Proper temperature control is crucial to prevent overheating, which can lead to hardware failure, reduced performance, and shortened equipment lifespan. Data centers house high-density computing equipment that generates significant amounts of heat, making effective temperature management essential for maintaining operational stability and reliability​​.

The 'top' command in Linux is used to display the running processes along with information about system resources like CPU and memory usage. It provides a real-time view of the system's resource consumption, making it an essential tool for monitoring and managing system performance.

To resolve a BSOD issue on a Windows 10 PC after installing optional Windows updates, the best approach is to Roll back the device drivers (B). BSODs can often be caused by incompatible or faulty drivers introduced during an update. Rolling back the drivers to a previous version can restore system stability and resolve the BSOD issue​​.

Configuring a static IP address for a network printer in a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environment ensures that the printer maintains the same IP address over time. This consistency is crucial for networked devices like printers, as computers and other devices rely on this specific address to connect to the printer. If the printer's IP address were to change (as it might with DHCP), devices would no longer be able to communicate with it without reconfiguration.

Static IP: Assigning a static IP address to the printer ensures it always uses the same IP, making it reliably accessible to all computers in the house regardless of network changes or router reboots.

DNS settings (A) are generally not necessary to configure directly on most network printers unless you're dealing with advanced network configurations or using the printer for scanning to email functions. WWAN (C) stands for Wireless Wide Area Network, which is not typically relevant for a standard network printer setup in a home or small office. Metered connection (D) is a Windows feature that helps reduce data usage on a connection, it's not relevant to configuring a printer's network settings.

BitLocker is a full-disk encryption feature included with Windows Vista and later. It is designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes. By encrypting the hard drive, BitLocker prevents unauthorized access to the data stored on the drive, securing it in case the laptop is lost or stolen. BitLocker is preferable over options like Windows Backup (which is for data recovery, not encryption), Shadow Copy (used for backup and does not encrypt data), and Trusted Platform Module (TPM, which is a hardware component used alongside BitLocker for securing encryption keys).

For a company with geographically dispersed staff and the need to keep devices updated, using cloud-based endpoint management software is the most efficient method. This type of software allows IT administrators to remotely manage and push updates to company devices, regardless of their location. It ensures that all devices remain up to date with the latest security patches and software updates without requiring physical access or user intervention. This approach is scalable, reduces the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities, and is convenient for both the IT department and the end-users.

When a smartphone is unable to download and install the latest OS update and is operating slower than expected, one of the first things to check is the available storage space. Operating system updates often require a significant amount of free space for downloading and installing, and insufficient space can prevent the update process from initiating or completing.

Available Storage Space: Smartphones use their internal storage to hold the OS, apps, user data, and temporary files needed for updates. If the storage is nearly full, the device can slow down due to the lack of space for writing temporary files and may not have enough space to download and install updates. Clearing up space can resolve these issues.

Checking application permissions (A) might be relevant for specific app-related issues but is less likely to affect OS updates. The battery charge level (C) can affect the initiation of an update, as some devices require a minimum charge level to start the update process, but it doesn't typically cause slow operation. While a stable Wi-Fi connection (D) is necessary for downloading updates, it's less likely to be the cause of slowed operation and update issues compared to insufficient storage space.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

If an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution detects unauthorized applications, it is likely that the user has rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS) the device to bypass security restrictions. Root access allows the user to install unauthorized applications that MDM policies would normally block.

B. Upgraded the OS – Incorrect. Upgrading the OS does not bypass security policies or allow unauthorized apps.

C. Installed a VPN – Incorrect. A VPN does not affect the MDM system or allow unauthorized apps.

D. Uninstalled the MDM software – Incorrect. If the MDM software was removed, the device would not still be reporting to the MDM server.

Random restarting of an Android phone and the presence of applications not from the standard marketplace strongly suggest the possibility of malware.

Option A: The OS update failedWhile an OS update failure can cause issues, it is less likely to result in random restarts compared to malware.

Option B: The user downloaded malwareMalware is a common cause of erratic behavior, including random restarts, especially when applications are installed from unofficial sources.

Option C: The device is in developer modeDeveloper mode alone does not typically cause random restarts. It may make the device more susceptible to issues if improper apps are installed.

Option D: The over-the-air carrier update failedSimilar to the OS update, this would more likely cause consistent issues rather than random restarts.

Badge readers are devices that scan employee or visitor credentials, logging entries and exits from restricted areas. Video surveillance (B) provides a visual record but does not directly control access. Bollards (A) and fences (D) provide physical security but cannot detect or record access events.

XFS is a high-performance filesystem created by Silicon Graphics in 1994 and is commonly used by Linux operating systems. It supports large files and directories and is known for its robustness and scalability. Other filesystems like NTFS (Windows), APFS (macOS), and HFS (macOS) are used on different platforms.

The Windows 10 desktop has Windows 10 Home installed, which does not support RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) as a host. Only Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions can act as RDP hosts and allow remote access to their desktops1. The Windows 10 desktop does not have DHCP configured, is connected via Wi-Fi, or is hibernating are not likely to prevent the RDP connection if the technician is able to ping the computer successfully.

In criminal proceedings, maintaining the integrity of evidence is crucial. The document that must be updated every time evidence is handled or transferred is:

Chain of custody: This document tracks the history of the evidence, detailing every person who has handled it and every transfer that has occurred. It ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with and maintains its validity in court.

Licensing agreement: Pertains to software usage rights and has no relation to evidence handling.

Regulatory compliance: Refers to adherence to laws and regulations, not evidence tracking.

Incident documentation: Details the incident but does not specifically track evidence handling.

The installation of home edition software on computers at a local office most likely violates the EULA. EULA stands for End User License Agreement and is a legal contract that specifies the terms and conditions for using a software product or service. EULA typically covers topics such as license scope, duration and limitations, rights and obligations of the parties, warranties and disclaimers, liability and indemnity clauses, and termination procedures. EULA may also restrict the use of home edition software to personal or non-commercial purposes only, and prohibit the use of home edition software in business or professional settings. Violating EULA may result in legal actions or penalties from the software vendor or developer. PII stands for Personally Identifiable Information and is any information that can be used to identify or locate an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, social security number or credit card number. PII is not related to software installation or licensing but to data protection and privacy. DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and is a technology that controls or restricts the access and use of digital content, such as music, movies, books or games. DRM is not related to software installation or licensing but to content distribution and piracy prevention. Open-source agreement is a type of license that allows users to access, modify and distribute the source code of a software product or service freely and openly. Open-source agreement does not restrict the use of software to home edition only but encourages collaboration and innovation among developers and users. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 5.1

Risk analysis is used to explain issues that may occur during a change implementation. Risk analysis is a process of identifying, assessing and prioritizing potential risks that may affect a project or an activity. Risk analysis can help determine the likelihood and impact of various issues that may arise during a change implementation, such as technical errors, compatibility problems, security breaches, performance degradation or user dissatisfaction. Risk analysis can also help plan and prepare for mitigating or avoiding these issues. Scope change is a modification of the original goals, requirements or deliverables of a project or an activity. Scope change is not used to explain issues that may occur during a change implementation but to reflect changes in expectations or needs of the stakeholders. End-user acceptance is a measure of how well the users are satisfied with and adopt a new system or service. End-user acceptance is not used to explain issues that may occur during a change implementation but to evaluate the success and effectiveness of the change. Rollback plan is a contingency plan that describes how to restore a system or service to its previous state in case of a failed or problematic change implementation. Rollback plan is not used to explain issues that may occur during a change implementation but to recover from them. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 5.2

 The user is experiencing a vishing attack. Vishing stands for voice phishing and is a type of social-engineering attack that uses phone calls or voice messages to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Vishing attackers often pretend to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies or service providers, and use various tactics, such as urgency, fear or reward, to persuade users to comply with their requests. Phishing is a type of social-engineering attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Phishing does not involve phone calls or voice messages. Smishing is a type of social-engineering attack that uses text messages or SMS to trick users into revealing personal or financial information. Smishing does not involve phone calls or voice messages. Whaling is a type of social-engineering attack that targets high-profile individuals, such as executives, celebrities or politicians, to trick them into revealing personal or financial information. Whaling does not necessarily involve phone calls or voice messages. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.1

A keylogger is a type of malware that records the keystrokes of a user and sends them to a remote attacker1. The attacker can use the captured information to steal passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data. A keylogger can be installed on a computer by attaching a small USB drive that contains a malicious executable file, such as grabber.exe2. The output.txt file may contain the recorded keystrokes. The user should remove the USB drive and scan the computer for malware.

Screen Sharing is the default system tool that can be used in macOS to allow the technician to view the screen simultaneously with the user. Screen Sharing is a built-in app that lets users share their Mac screen with another Mac on the network. The user can enable screen sharing in the System Preferences > Sharing pane, and then allow other users to request or enter a password to access their screen1. The technician can launch the Screen Sharing app from the Spotlight search or the Finder sidebar, and then enter the user’s name, address, or Apple ID to connect to their screen2. Remote Assistance is a Windows feature that allows users to invite someone to help them with a problem on their PC3. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol that allows users to connect to a remote computer over a network4. Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a technology that allows users to share their screen with other devices using a VNC viewer app1. These are not default system tools in macOS, although they can be used with third-party software or settings.

Flashing the BIOS, reformatting the drive, and then reinstalling the OS is the best method for returning a computer with a malware infection to service. Flashing the BIOS updates the firmware of the motherboard and can remove any malware that may have infected it. Reformatting the drive erases all data on it and can remove any malware that may have infected it. Reinstalling the OS restores the system files and settings to their original state and can remove any malware that may have modified them. Scanning the system with a Linux live disc may not detect or remove all malware infections. Degaussing the hard drive is an extreme method of destroying data that may damage the drive beyond repair. Reinstalling the OS before flashing the BIOS or scanning with antivirus may not remove malware infections that persist in the BIOS or other files.

A database system is a software application that allows storing, organizing, and managing data in a structured way. A database system can be used to register all employee badges and associated computer IDs by creating a table or a record for each employee that contains their badge number, computer ID, name, and other relevant information. A database system can also facilitate searching, updating, and deleting data as needed. Software management is a general term that refers to the process of planning, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software applications. It does not directly address the issue of registering employee badges and computer IDs. Active Directory description is a field in Active Directory that can be used to store additional information about an object, such as a user or a computer. It is not a software application that can be used to register employee badges and computer IDs by itself. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides servers, storage, networking, and software over the internet. It does not directly address the issue of registering employee badges and computer IDs either.

https://www.idcreator.com/

https://www.alphacard.com/photo-id-systems/card-type/employee-badges

Keychain is a feature of macOS that securely stores passwords, account numbers, and other confidential information for your Mac, apps, servers, and websites1. You can use the Keychain Access app on your Mac to view and manage your keychains and the items stored in them1. Keychain can also sync your passwords and other secure information across your devices using iCloud Keychain1. Keychain can be used as a password manager in macOS to help you keep track of and protect your passwords.

Open-ended questions are questions that require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the customer to provide more details and information. Using open-ended questions can help the support technician to understand the problem better, identify the root cause, and find a suitable solution. Some examples of open-ended questions are:

What exactly is not working on your machine?

When did you notice the problem?

How often does the problem occur?

What were you doing when the problem happened?

What have you tried to fix the problem?

Offering to wipe and reset the device for the customer is not a good option, as it may result in data loss and inconvenience for the customer. It should be used as a last resort only if other troubleshooting steps fail. Advising that the help desk will investigate and follow up at a later date is not a good option, as it may leave the customer unsatisfied and frustrated. It should be used only if the problem requires further research or escalation and cannot be resolved on the first call. Putting the customer on hold and escalating the call to a manager is not a good option, as it may waste time and resources. It should be used only if the problem is beyond the support technician’s scope or authority and requires managerial intervention.

The technician should use net use command-line tool to remove and reconnect mapped drives. Net use is a command that allows users to manage network connections and resources, such as shared folders or printers. Net use can be used to map or unmap network drives by specifying their drive letters and network paths. For example, net use Z: \server\share maps drive Z: to \server\share folder, and net use Z: /delete unmaps drive Z:. Set is a command that displays or modifies environment variables for the current user or process. Set is not related to managing mapped drives. Mkdir is a command that creates a new directory or folder in the current or specified location. Mkdir is not related to managing mapped drives. Rename is a command that renames a file or folder in the current or specified location. Rename is not related to managing mapped drives. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.6

The first thing that the specialist should do to protect the company’s data on an insecure network with open authentication is to connect to the vendor’s network using a VPN. A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public or untrusted network. A VPN can protect the company’s data by preventing eavesdropping, interception or modification of the network traffic by unauthorized parties. A VPN can also provide access to the company’s internal network and resources remotely. Manually configuring an IP address, a subnet mask and a default gateway may not be necessary or possible if the vendor’s network uses DHCP to assign network configuration parameters automatically. Manually configuring an IP address, a subnet mask and a default gateway does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. Changing the network location to private may not be advisable or effective if the vendor’s network is a public or untrusted network. Changing the network location to private does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. Configuring MFA on the network may not be feasible or sufficient if the vendor’s network has open authentication and does not support or require MFA. Configuring MFA on the network does not protect the company’s data from network attacks or threats. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.3

Shredding is the best method to use for the physical destruction of SSDs because it reduces them to small pieces that cannot be recovered or accessed. Wiping, low-level formatting, and erasing are not effective methods for destroying SSDs because they do not physically damage the flash memory chips that store data1.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the internet. A VPN allows remote employees to access the corporate intranet as if they were physically connected to the local network3. Password-protected Wi-Fi is a security measure for wireless networks that does not provide access to the corporate intranet. Port forwarding is a technique that allows external devices to access services on a private network through a router, but does not provide access to the corporate intranet. A perimeter network is a network segment that lies between an internal network and an external network, such as the internet, and provides an additional layer of security, but does not provide access to the corporate intranet.

Robocopy is a command-line utility that can be used to mirror the source data for the backup. It can copy files and folders with various options, such as copying only changed files, preserving attributes and permissions, and retrying failed copies. Robocopy is more powerful and flexible than copy or xcopy, which are simpler commands that can only copy files and folders without mirroring or other advanced features. Copy-Item is a PowerShell cmdlet that can also copy files and folders, but it is not a native Windows utility and it requires PowerShell to run1.

The best sign-on option that would allow any employee the ability to unlock the kiosk that relies exclusively on a numeric keypad is to use a PIN and provide it to employees. A PIN is a Personal Identification Number that is a numeric code that can be used as part of authentication or access control. A PIN can be entered using only a numeric keypad and can be easily shared with employees who need to unlock the kiosk. Requiring employees to enter their usernames and passwords may not be feasible or convenient if the kiosk only has a numeric keypad and no other input devices. Setting up facial recognition for each employee may not be possible or secure if the kiosk does not have a camera or biometric sensor. Requiring employees to use their fingerprints may not be possible or secure if the kiosk does not have a fingerprint scanner or biometric sensor. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 3.3

The piece of hardware that the technician should replace to resolve the issue of the screen failing to rotate on a mobile device that was dropped is the accelerometer. The accelerometer is a sensor that detects the orientation and movement of the mobile device by measuring the acceleration forces acting on it. The accelerometer allows the screen to rotate automatically according to the position and angle of the device. If the accelerometer is damaged or malfunctioning, the screen may not rotate properly or at all, even if the settings are correctly applied. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display and is a type of display that uses liquid crystals and backlight to produce images on the screen. LCD is not related to the screen rotation feature but to the quality and brightness of the display. Battery is a component that provides power to the mobile device by storing and releasing electrical energy. Battery is not related to the screen rotation feature but to the battery life and performance of the device. Digitizer is a component that converts touch inputs into digital signals that can be processed by the mobile device. Digitizer is not related to the screen rotation feature but to the touch sensitivity and accuracy of the display. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.5

 Windows Home is the most likely edition of Windows installed on the machines that do not have the domain join option. Windows Home is a consumer-oriented edition that does not support joining a domain or using Group Policy. Only Windows Professional, Education, and Enterprise editions can join a domain

When a homeowner moves and sets up a new router for the new ISP it is important to take appropriate security measures to protect their network from potential security threats. The FIRST step that the homeowner should take after installation of all relevant cabling and hardware is to change the default passwords on new network devices.

Most modern routers come with default usernames and passwords that are widely known to potential attackers. If these defaults are not changed, it could make it easier for external attackers to gain unauthorized access to the network. Changing the passwords on new network devices is a simple but effective way to improve the security posture of the network.

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and it is used to assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network automatically. This is useful for devices that do not require the same private address each time they connect to the internet. 

The tool that the technician will most likely use to remotely connect to a Linux desktop is VNC. VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing and is a protocol that allows remote access and control of a graphical desktop environment over a network. VNC is natively designed for Linux and can also support other operating systems, such as Windows and Mac OS. VNC can be used to assist users with troubleshooting by viewing and interacting with their desktops remotely. MFA stands for Multi-Factor Authentication and is a method of verifying identity using two or more factors, such as something you know, something you have or something you are. MFA is not a tool that can be used to remotely connect to a Linux desktop but a technique that can be used to enhance security for systems or services. MSRA stands for Microsoft Remote Assistance and is a feature that allows remote access and control of a Windows desktop environment over a network. MSRA is not natively designed for Linux and may not be compatible or supported by Linux systems. RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol and is a protocol that allows remote access and control of a Windows desktop environment over a network. RDP is not natively designed for Linux and may not be compatible or supported by Linux systems. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.6

When a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appears on a Windows workstation, it indicates that there is a serious problem with the operating system. The stop code displayed on the BSOD can provide valuable information to help determine the cause of the issue. The stop code is a specific error code that is associated with the BSOD, and it can help identify the root cause of the problem.

In this scenario, the user has encountered a BSOD and has restarted the PC, only to see the BSOD reappear. This suggests that the problem is persistent and requires further investigation. By analyzing the stop code displayed on the BSOD, a technician can begin to identify the underlying issue and take appropriate actions to resolve it.

After implementing a change authorized by the change advisory board (CAB), the technician should document the date and time of change as part of the post-implementation review. This helps to track the change history, verify the success of the change, and identify any issues or incidents caused by the change1. Documenting the purpose of the change, the risk level, and the findings of the sandbox test are all part of the pre-implementation activities that should be done before submitting the change request to the CAB2.

MDM stands for mobile device management, which is a type of software solution that allows remote management and security of mobile devices. MDM can help a company reduce data disclosure caused by malware that may infect these devices by enforcing security policies, such as encryption, password protection, antivirus software, and remote wipe. MDM can also monitor and control the access of personal devices to corporate data and networks. UAC stands for user account control, which is a feature of Windows that prompts users for permission or an administrator password before making changes that affect the system. UAC may not be effective in preventing malware infection or data disclosure on personal devices. LDAP stands for lightweight directory access protocol, which is a protocol for accessing and managing information stored in a directory service, such as user names and passwords. LDAP does not directly address the issue of malware infection or data disclosure on personal devices. SSO stands for single sign-on, which is a feature that allows users to access multiple applications or services with one set of credentials. SSO may not prevent malware infection or data disclosure on personal devices, and may even increase the risk if the credentials are compromised. 

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/03/mobile-device-security-bring-your-own-device-byod-draft-sp-1800-22

A. Device drivers23: Device drivers are software components that enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Different devices may require different drivers, so the desktop engineer should include the appropriate drivers in the master image or configure the deployment process to install them automatically.

C. Installed application license keys2: Installed application license keys are codes that activate or authenticate software applications. Some applications may require license keys to be entered during installation or after deployment. The desktop engineer should include the license keys in the master image or configure the deployment process to apply them automatically.

The systems administrator should clear the application cache12

If clearing the application cache does not work, the systems administrator should uninstall and reinstall the application12

Resetting the phone to factory settings is not necessary at this point12

Installing an alternative application with similar functionality is not necessary at this point12

Installing applications directly from a vendor's website can be risky, as the application may be malicious or fraudulent. Uninstalling the application can help mitigate the issue by removing the source of the problem.

VNC will allow a technician to see the issue along with the user when an organization is centralizing support functions and requires the ability to support a remote user’s desktop1

The technician should adjust the firewall settings to resolve the issue of not being able to access an internal site at https://companyintranet.com:8888. The firewall settings control how the firewall filters and allows network traffic based on rules and policies. The firewall settings may be blocking or preventing the access to the internal site by mistake or by default, especially if the site uses a non-standard port number such as 8888. The technician should check and modify the firewall settings to allow the access to the internal site or its port number. Default gateway settings determine how a computer connects to other networks or the internet. Default gateway settings are not likely to cause the issue of not being able to access an internal site if the user can access the public internet. DHCP settings determine how a computer obtains its IP address and other network configuration parameters automatically from a DHCP server. DHCP settings are not likely to cause the issue of not being able to access an internal site if the user can access other network resources. IP address settings determine how a computer identifies itself and communicates with other devices on a network. IP address settings are not likely to cause the issue of not being able to access an internal site if the user can access other network resources. Antivirus settings control how the antivirus software scans and protects the computer from malware and threats. Antivirus settings are less likely to cause the issue of not being able to access an internal site than firewall settings, unless the antivirus software has its own firewall feature that may interfere with the network traffic. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.6

The most likely reason that the system is not utilizing all the available RAM is that it is running a 32-bit OS. A 32-bit OS can only address up to 4GB of RAM, and some of that is reserved for hardware and system use1. Therefore, even if the technician installed 8GB of RAM, the system can only use around 3.5GB of usable RAM. To use the full 8GB of RAM, the technician would need to install a 64-bit OS, which can address much more memory2. The system missing updates, the system’s memory failing, or the system requiring BIOS updates are not likely to cause this issue.

The error “BOOTMGR is missing” indicates that the boot sector is damaged or missing1. The boot sector is a part of the hard disk that contains the code and information needed to start Windows1. To fix this error, one of the possible methods is to run Startup Repair from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)1. Startup Repair is a tool that can automatically diagnose and repair problems with the boot process2.

Default Apps should be used to ensure all PDF files open in Adobe Reader1

The file type that the technician will MOST likely use when installing new software on a macOS computer is .app. This is because .app is the file extension for applications on macOS1.

The technician should configure the network as private to allow the user to access files on a drive shared from another desktop on the network1

Resource Monitor is a Windows utility that can be used to monitor and analyze the system resources and processes running on a computer. It can be used to identify and troubleshoot any issues that might be causing the computer to run slowly, such as CPU usage, memory usage, disk I/O, and network usage.

The command cac cor.ptia. txt was issued on a Linux terminal. This command would display the contents of the text comptia.txt.

The differential backup method would best address these concerns. Differential backups only back up files that have changed since the last full backup, which means that only a few files would be backed up each time. This would help to mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, as only a few files would be affected if an attack occurred. Additionally, differential backups require less storage space than full backups.

Hash verification is a process that verifies the integrity of a file by comparing the hash value of the downloaded file to the hash value provided by the source1

The smartphone’s line was not provisioned with a data plan. The user is unable to use any internet-related functions on the smartphone when it is not connected to Wi-Fi because the smartphone’s line was not provisioned with a data plan. The user can send and receive text messages and phone calls when the smartphone is not connected to Wi-Fi because these functions do not require an internet connection1

Encrypting the hard drive would most likely resolve the issue1

Since there are no error messages on the device, the technician should check if the battery is sufficiently charged1

If the battery is low, the device may not have enough power to complete the update2

In this scenario, the technician has already determined that there are no error messages on the device. The next best step would be to check if the battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery is low, it could be preventing the device from completing the update process.

Verifying that third-party applications are disabled, determining if the device has adequate storage available, and confirming a strong internet connection are all important steps in troubleshooting issues with mobile devices. However, since the problem in this scenario is related to a failed OS update, it is important to first check the battery level before proceeding with further troubleshooting steps.

The technician should guide the user to update Windows through the built-in "Check for Updates" feature. This can be done by having the user click in the Search field, type "Check for Updates", and then press the Enter key. This will bring up the Windows Update function, which will search for any available updates and give the user the option to install them.

Badge readers are used to implement secure physical access to a data center. They are used to read the identification information on an employee’s badge and grant access to the data center if the employee is authorized2.

 This system requires individuals to have an access badge that contains their identification information or a unique code that can be scanned by a reader. After the badge is scanned, the system compares the information on the badge with the authorized personnel database to authenticate if the individual has the required clearance to enter that area. The other options listed, such as a geofence, alarm system, or motion sensor are security measures that may be used in conjunction with badge readers, but do not provide identification and authentication features.

The incident handler should clone any impacted hard drives to preserve evidence for possible litigation1

A. Disable the SSID broadcast1: The SSID broadcast is a feature that allows a Wi-Fi network to be visible to nearby devices. Disabling the SSID broadcast can make the network harder to find by unauthorized users, but it does not prevent them from accessing it if they know the network name and password.

 If this file is missing or corrupted, it can cause application crashes or errors when trying to open websites in a browser. To fix this, the technician can perform a system file check, which is a utility that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files1. To perform a system file check, the technician can follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type cmd in the search box on the taskbar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. This will start the scanning and repairing process, which may take some time.

Wait for the process to complete. If any problems are found and fixed, you will see a message saying Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. If no problems are found, you will see a message saying Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

SMB stands for Server Message Block, which is a network file sharing protocol that allows applications on a computer to read and write to files and to request services from server programs in a computer network. SMB is a built-in protocol in Windows operating systems and can be used to transfer files between computers over a network. The technician can use SMB to access a file share on the user’s workstation and copy the file to or from it. VPN stands for virtual private network, which is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network. VPN is not a built-in protocol in Windows operating systems and does not directly transfer files between computers. RMM stands for remote monitoring and management, which is a type of software solution that allows remote management and monitoring of devices and networks. RMM is not a built-in protocol in Windows operating systems and does not directly transfer files between computers. MSRA stands for Microsoft Remote Assistance, which is a feature that allows a user to invite another user to view or control their computer remotely. MSRA is not a protocol, but an application that uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to establish a connection. MSRA does not directly transfer files between computers.

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-desktop-workstations

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is a security measure that often uses an SMS or third-party application as a secondary method to access a system. MFA requires the user to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity, such as something they know (e.g., password), something they have (e.g., phone), or something they are (e.g., fingerprint)2. WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a security protocol for wireless networks that does not use SMS or third-party applications. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that does not use SMS or third-party applications. RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a network protocol that provides centralized authentication and authorization for remote access clients, but does not use SMS or third-party applications.

Restricting user permissions is a method of creating a more secure environment for the finance department in a non-domain environment. This means that users will only have access to the files and resources that they need to perform their tasks and will not be able to modify or delete other files or settings that could compromise security or functionality. 

First thing you want to do is quarantine/disconnect the affected system from the network so whatever malicious software doesn't spread.

 This is because a PIN is a fast and secure method of logging in to laptops, and it is more secure than a password because it is not susceptible to keyloggers.

The technician should quarantine the system first1

This is the most effective way to selectively prevent programs from loading on a Windows 10 machine. The Startup tab can be accessed by opening Task Manager and then selecting the Startup tab. From there, the technician can methodically disable items that are currently listed as enabled, reboot the machine, and check for issue resolution at each startup. If the issue persists, the technician can then move on to disabling the next item on the list.

The laptop has an additional option under power and sleep settings that desktops do not have. Switching to do nothing prevents the screen from turning off when closed.

Shredding is the most effective method to securely dispose of data stored on optical discs12

To best resolve this issue, the executive should set AirDrop so that transfers are only accepted from known contacts (option A). AirDrop is a feature on iOS devices that allows users to share files, photos, and other data between Apple devices. By setting AirDrop so that it only accepts transfers from known contacts, the executive can ensure that unwanted files and photos are not sent to their device. Additionally, the executive should ensure that the AirDrop setting is only enabled when it is necessary, as this will protect their device from any unwanted files and photos.

The desktop specialist should use a clean install to refresh the laptop. A clean install will remove all data and applications from the laptop and install a fresh copy of Windows 10, ensuring that the laptop is ready for the newly hired employee.

A technician needs to interconnect two offices to the main branch while complying with good practices and security standards. The technician should implement VPN

Time Machine is a backup feature available in macOS that automatically makes hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months to an external drive or NAS. It allows users to recover the entire system or specific files from any point in time, ensuring access to multiple versions of files. This feature is particularly useful for reverting to earlier versions of a document or recovering a file that has been accidentally deleted or altered. The other options, such as Multiple Desktops, Remote Disc, and FileVault, do not provide versioning capabilities for file access.

SQL injection is a type of attack that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in a web application's database query software, allowing an attacker to send malicious SQL commands through the application to the database. These commands can manipulate the database and can lead to unauthorized data access or manipulation.

SQL injection: In the scenario described, the malicious user was able to export an entire website's user database by entering specific commands into a field on the company's website, which is a classic example of an SQL injection attack. This type of attack exploits vulnerabilities in the database layer of an application to execute unauthorized SQL commands.

Cross-site scripting (A) involves injecting malicious scripts into content from otherwise trusted websites. A brute-force attack (C) is an attempt to gain access to a system by systematically checking all possible keys or passwords until the correct one is found. A DDoS attack (D) is an attempt to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic.

To implement a system that handles both authentication and authorization, TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) is the best option. TACACS+ is a security protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) services for networked access control, meeting the requirement for both authentication and authorization management.

The correct answer is C. Full Backup.

A Full Backup creates a complete copy of all selected data every time it runs. This method ensures the fastest possible recovery time because all the necessary data is contained in a single backup file.

Since storage space is not a concern, full backups are ideal because they avoid the need to restore multiple incremental or differential backups.

Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is minimized, making full backups the best choice for quick restoration.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Differential Backup – Backs up only the data that has changed since the last full backup. While faster to restore than an incremental backup, it still requires both the last full backup and the most recent differential backup for restoration.

B. Synthetic Backup – A synthetic full backup is created by combining previous full and incremental backups without needing to back up data again from the source. While efficient in terms of backup creation, restoration can be slower compared to a traditional full backup.

D. Incremental Backup – Backs up only data that has changed since the last backup (whether full or incremental). While efficient in storage, restoring from incremental backups can be slow because multiple backups must be restored in sequence.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Reference:

Objective 4.3 – Given a scenario, apply best practices to secure a workstation.

Objective 4.4 – Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.

Creating a domain and joining the workstations to it provides centralized management and control over the computers, making the environment much more manageable.

Here's why a domain is beneficial:

Centralized administration: Manage user accounts, security policies, software installations, and updates from a single location (the domain controller).

Group Policy: Implement and enforce security policies, configure system settings, and control user access to resources.

Simplified updates: Deploy software updates and patches to multiple computers simultaneously.

Improved security: Enforce stronger password policies, control access to sensitive data, and enhance overall network security.

Here's why the other options are less suitable:

A. Downgrade all workstations from the Pro version to the Home version of the OS: The Home version has fewer features and management capabilities than the Pro version, making it less suitable for a business environment.

B. Upgrade all workstations from the Pro version to Pro for Workstations: While Pro for Workstations has advanced features, it's designed for high-performance tasks and might not be necessary for all users.

D. Make sure all workstations are operating under the same workgroup name: While being in the same workgroup allows for basic network sharing, it doesn't provide the centralized management capabilities of a domain.

When a legacy application is not fully functional after upgrading the Windows operating system, the first step to troubleshoot the issue is to:

Run the application as Administrator: Legacy applications often require administrative privileges to run correctly. Running the application with these privileges can resolve issues related to permissions and access to certain system resources.

Raise the User Account Control level: This increases security prompts but does not resolve compatibility issues.

Turn off Windows Defender Firewall: This can expose the system to security risks and is unlikely to resolve application functionality issues.

Disable compatibility mode for the application: Compatibility mode should generally be enabled for legacy applications to ensure they run properly on newer OS versions.

Restarting services can resolve issues with web applications without requiring a full server reboot, which aligns with the company policy.

Restart services: Likely to resolve issues with the web application by refreshing the necessary services.

Roll back Windows updates: Unnecessary if the issue is with the application services.

Perform a Windows repair: More disruptive and not typically needed for application service issues.

Add RAM to the server: Would require a reboot and is not immediately necessary for troubleshooting application issues.

Disabling guest accounts on domain-joined machines is done through Group Policy. Group Policy allows centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and users' settings in an Active Directory environment. By using the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), administrators can enforce policies such as disabling the guest account across all machines within the domain. The other options (Firewall, Microsoft Management Console, MSConfig) do not provide functionality specific to managing user accounts in this context.

The .dmg file type in macOS requires mounting before installation. .dmg files are disk image files used to distribute software on macOS. When opened, they mount a virtual disk on the desktop, from which the application can be installed. Other file types like .pkg, .zip, and .app have different processes for installation and do not require mounting in the same way.

A jailbroken iPhone (Option D) allows users to bypass Apple's restrictions to install unauthorized apps and modify system settings. This situation suggests the phone may have been compromised or tampered with, potentially voiding warranties and exposing the device to security vulnerabilities.

APK Source (Option A) refers to Android packages, not applicable to iPhones.

Connectivity issues (Option B) doesn't explain the comparison to an identical phone.

Developer Mode (Option C) is typically used for app development, not indicative of the situation.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

2.7 - Explain mobile device security, including risks of jailbreaking

When a user experiences slow web page loading on their phone while in the office, the most likely cause is:

High network traffic: In an office environment, many devices are often connected to the network simultaneously, which can lead to congestion and slow internet speeds. High network traffic means more devices are competing for the same bandwidth, causing delays.

Exceeded the data usage limit: This typically applies to cellular data plans, not Wi-Fi in an office setting.

Sluggish response time: This is a symptom rather than a cause and can result from high network traffic.

Degraded network service: While this could be a factor, it is broader and less specific than high network traffic, which is more directly related to the user's experience.

When a user is unable to access shared drives from a company-issued laptop while working from home, the likely requirement is:

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN allows secure access to the company’s network from a remote location. Without a VPN connection, the user cannot access network resources such as shared drives.

IPv6: Involves IP addressing and is not directly related to accessing shared drives.

IPS (Intrusion Prevention System): Provides network security but does not facilitate access to shared drives.

DNS: Manages domain name resolution and is not typically the issue when specific shared drives are inaccessible.

Phishing attacks are typically delivered via email, so the most effective immediate measure is to filter out these malicious emails.

Enabling Windows Firewall: Helps protect against network threats but does not specifically address phishing emails.

Activating the email spam filter: Directly targets phishing attempts by filtering and blocking suspicious emails before they reach the user.

Using a secure VPN connection: Enhances secure communications but does not prevent phishing attacks.

Running vulnerability scans on a schedule: Identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities but does not address phishing emails directly.

To free up space for the upgrade, the technician should delete unnecessary files and uninstall unused desktop applications. These actions will clear storage, making room for the update. Additional memory would not solve a storage issue, and driver updates are not relevant to the storage space problem.

In the Windows OS, to grant a user permissions equivalent to root-level permissions (which means full control over the system), the user needs to be given:

Administrator: The Administrator role provides full control over the system, including the ability to install and uninstall software, change system settings, and access all files and directories.

Power: The Power User role provides some administrative capabilities but not full control. It is a legacy role with fewer permissions than Administrator.

Default: This refers to a standard user account with limited permissions.

Superuser: This term is more commonly associated with Unix/Linux systems and is not a specific role in Windows.

Detailed Explanation with Core 2 References:Using a private browsing window can help resolve session conflicts by not relying on cached credentials, which might interfere with single sign-on processes. Core 2 objectives include troubleshooting authentication issues and resolving potential conflicts with single sign-on systems (Core 2 Objective 4.7)​.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

In Windows, when a user changes the network type from private to public, network discovery and file sharing are disabled for security reasons. Public networks are treated as untrusted, and devices on the network are hidden from the user.

B. The Windows Firewall from on to off – Incorrect. Disabling the firewall does not block network visibility.

C. The UAC level to its highest level – Incorrect. User Account Control (UAC) settings control administrative privileges, not network visibility.

D. The file-sharing permissions – Incorrect. File-sharing permissions only affect access to shared folders, not network visibility.

The correct answer is C. Full Backup.

A Full Backup creates a complete copy of all selected data every time it runs. This method ensures the fastest possible recovery time because all the necessary data is contained in a single backup file.

Since storage space is not a concern, full backups are ideal because they avoid the need to restore multiple incremental or differential backups.

Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is minimized, making full backups the best choice for quick restoration.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Differential Backup – Backs up only the data that has changed since the last full backup. While faster to restore than an incremental backup, it still requires both the last full backup and the most recent differential backup for restoration.

B. Synthetic Backup – A synthetic full backup is created by combining previous full and incremental backups without needing to back up data again from the source. While efficient in terms of backup creation, restoration can be slower compared to a traditional full backup.

D. Incremental Backup – Backs up only data that has changed since the last backup (whether full or incremental). While efficient in storage, restoring from incremental backups can be slow because multiple backups must be restored in sequence.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Reference:

Objective 4.3 – Given a scenario, apply best practices to secure a workstation.

Objective 4.4 – Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.

To verify network traffic flow and identify where packets are being delayed or lost, the traceroute (tracert in Windows) command is the best tool. It maps out the path a packet takes to reach a destination, showing each hop along the way.

Option A (Incorrect): net use is used for managing shared network resources, such as mapping network drives, and is not related to network traffic flow.

Option B (Incorrect): nslookup is used to query DNS servers and resolve domain names to IP addresses but does not trace network traffic.

Option C (Correct): traceroute (tracert in Windows) is the best tool to track the path of network packets and determine where delays or failures occur.

Option D (Incorrect): netstat displays active network connections and listening ports but does not trace packet routes.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 Reference:

220-1102 Exam Objective 2.5 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot common network connectivity issues using appropriate tools and best practices.

When dealing with an angry customer, active listening and empathy are crucial. Even if the technician believes the issue has been resolved, the customer’s concerns must be acknowledged professionally.

Option A (Incorrect): Insisting that the customer is correct and simply documenting the concern does not resolve the issue. The technician should aim to engage with the customer constructively.

Option B (Incorrect): While listening is important, completely staying silent without engaging in a discussion does not help in resolving the issue.

Option C (Incorrect): Escalating the issue immediately without attempting to resolve it first is not the best approach unless all other options fail.

Option D (Correct): Apologizing and asking what would help resolve the issue demonstrates empathy and professionalism. It helps defuse the situation and allows for an opportunity to find a mutually acceptable solution.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 Reference:

220-1102 Exam Objective 4.3 – Explain the importance of professionalism, including empathy, active listening, and proper documentation.

When a technician is unable to connect to a laptop over a VPN, one of the most common reasons is that the firewall settings on either the laptop or the network are blocking the connection.

Wireless protocol: Unrelated, as the technician is already connected to the VPN.

DHCP pool: Unlikely to be the issue, as it deals with IP address assignment.

Content filtering: Typically involves filtering web content, not affecting direct connections.

Firewall: The correct setting to review, as it may block the necessary ports or services required for remote access.

Configuring the Account Lockout Policy in Windows 10 is the appropriate action to limit password attempts. This security setting determines the number of failed login attempts that will trigger a lockout, preventing unauthorized access due to repeated password guessing. It is an effective measure to enhance security by deterring brute-force attacks.

To ensure that Windows 10 laptops can automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks when employees take them home, the appropriate configuration is:

Network and Internet settings: These settings allow users to manage Wi-Fi connections, configure automatic connections to known networks, and manage network profiles.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.

Ensure the option to connect automatically to the home Wi-Fi network is enabled.

Windows Firewall settings: These are used to manage firewall rules and do not control Wi-Fi connectivity.

Devices and Printers: Used for managing connected devices and printers, not for network connections.

Personalization settings: These settings are for customizing the appearance of the Windows interface and do not affect network connections.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) (Option D) is protected by government regulations. PII includes sensitive data such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and other information that can identify individuals. Various laws, such as GDPR and HIPAA, mandate the protection of PII.

DRM (Option A) refers to digital rights management, which controls access to digital media.

EULA (Option B) refers to software licensing agreements.

PCI (Option C) relates to payment card industry standards for handling cardholder information but is more specific to payment data than general PII.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

4.6 - Explain prohibited content and privacy concepts, including the protection of PII​.

When a user needs to install optional features for a program that is already installed, the technician should:

Go to Programs and Features: Access this via the Control Panel.

Select the program: Find the installed program in the list.

Click on Change: The "Change" option allows modifications to the installed program, such as adding or removing features, without completely uninstalling and reinstalling the program.

This method is the most efficient and avoids unnecessary reinstallation of the software, which could lead to data loss or require reconfiguration.

In change management, the scope of a project lists all the changes that are taking place. The scope ensures that all team members understand the boundaries and extent of the project, helping to prevent unexpected changes. Here’s a

Scope: Defines the project's boundaries and deliverables, including all the planned changes. It ensures that everyone involved understands what is included and excluded in the project, minimizing unexpected changes.

Risk analysis: Identifies potential risks and their impact but does not list the changes.

Rollback plan: Provides a strategy for reverting changes if something goes wrong but does not list changes.

Review: Involves evaluating changes but does not compile the list of changes.

The issue could have been avoided if the developer had used Sandbox testing (Option D), which allows new software to be tested in a controlled environment before implementation. This process ensures that the software does not negatively impact system functionality, like stopping access to critical resources such as file servers.

End-user acceptance (Option A) ensures that users approve the software, but it wouldn't prevent the issue.

Staff delegation (Option B) relates to who is responsible but doesn't address testing.

Appropriate scoping (Option C) helps in defining the extent of changes but does not replace testing.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

4.2 - Explain basic change management best practices, including testing in a sandbox environment​.

The technician should configure "Group Policy" (Option B) to enforce password complexity across the enterprise. Group Policy in a Windows environment allows administrators to manage various settings, including password policies, at a domain level. This can include enforcing complexity requirements (such as minimum length, use of uppercase, lowercase, and special characters), expiration times, and other security measures.

Account lockout policy (Option A) controls how many failed login attempts trigger a lockout but does not handle password complexity.

Two-factor authentication (Option C) is an additional security measure requiring a second form of authentication, but it does not enforce password policies.

Access control lists (Option D) define which users or systems have access to resources, not how passwords are managed.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

2.6 - Configure workstation security best practices, including password complexity and group policies​.

The .bat file type would be used in the Windows Startup folder to automate copying a personal storage table (.pst) file to a network drive at log-in. A .bat file is a batch file that contains a series of commands that can be executed by the command interpreter. A .bat file can be used to perform various tasks, such as copying, moving, deleting, or renaming files or directories. A .bat file can be placed in the Windows Startup folder to run automatically when a user logs in to the system. A .bat file can use the copy command to copy a .pst file from a local drive to a network drive. A .pst file is a personal storage table file that contains email messages, contacts, calendars, and other data from Microsoft Outlook. A .pst file can be backed up to a network drive for security or recovery purposes. The .dll, .ps1, and .txt file types are not used in the Windows Startup folder to automate copying a .pst file to a network drive at log-in. A .dll file is a dynamic link library file that contains code or data that can be shared by multiple programs. A .dll file cannot be executed directly by the user or the system. A .ps1 file is a PowerShell script file that contains commands or expressions that can be executed by the PowerShell interpreter. A .ps1 file can also perform various tasks, such as copying files or directories, but it requires PowerShell to be installed and configured on the system. A .txt file is a plain text file that contains unformatted text that can be read by any text editor or word processor. A .txt file cannot contain commands or expressions that can be executed by the system. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 18

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Cert Guide, page 459

The first step in troubleshooting is to check for any installed patches and roll them back one at a time until the issue is resolved. This can help to identify any patches that may be causing the issue and allow them to be removed.

The user can enable speech recognition on a PC in the Ease of Access settings tool. To set up Speech Recognition on a Windows PC, the user should open Control Panel, click on Ease of Access, click on Speech Recognition, and click the Start Speech Recognition link. Language settings can be used to change the language of the speech recognition feature, but they will not enable the feature. System settings can be used to configure the hardware and software of the PC, but they will not enable the speech recognition feature. Personalization settings can be used to customize the appearance and behavior of the PC, but they will not enable the speech recognition feature1

Open up ease of access, click on speech, then there is an on and off button for speech recognition.

The two safety procedures that would best protect the components in the PC are:

Utilizing an ESD strap

Placing the PSU in an antistatic bag

https://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-902/computer-safety-procedures-2/

https://www.skillsoft.com/course/comptia-a-core-2-safety-procedures-environmental-impacts-cbdf0f2c-61c0-4f4a-a659-dc98f1f00158

The type of malware that is most likely to blame for a PC running more slowly than usual and having an extremely high GPU temperature is a “cryptominer”. Cryptominers are a type of malware that use the resources of a computer to mine cryptocurrency. This can cause the computer to run more slowly than usual and can cause the GPU temperature to rise. Spyware is a type of malware that is used to spy on a user’s activities, but it does not typically cause high GPU temperatures. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands payment to unlock them, but it does not typically cause high GPU temperatures. Boot sector viruses are a type of malware that infects the boot sector of a hard drive, but they do not typically cause high GPU temperatures12

The technician should verify bad sectors on the user’s computer by running chkdsk on the drive as the administrator. Chkdsk (check disk) is a command-line utility that detects and repairs disk errors, including bad sectors. It runs a scan of the disk and displays any errors that are found

The technician should use Disk Utility to resize a partition on the internal storage drive of a computer running macOS. Disk Utility is a built-in utility that allows users to manage disks, partitions, and volumes on a Mac. It can be used to resize, create, and delete partitions, as well as to format disks and volumes.

The systems administrator should use Settings to access Screensaver settings to configure each user’s Windows device to require a password when resuming from a period of sleep or inactivity1

If a rootkit has caused a deep infection, then the only way to remove the rootkit is to reinstall the operating system. This is because rootkits are designed to be difficult to detect and remove, and they can hide in the operating system’s kernel, making it difficult to remove them without reinstalling the operating system

https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-get-rid-of-rootkit-windows-10.html

 Processes tab in Task Manager would contain the information a technician would use to identify the cause of this issue. The Processes tab in Task Manager displays all the processes running on the computer, including the CPU and memory usage of each process. The technician can use this tab to identify the process that is causing the hard drive activity light to remain lit and the performance degradation1

Remote network installation is the best option for configuring a new server that requires a bare-metal installation without installation media on site. A remote network installation is a method of installing an operating system or an application over a network connection, such as LAN, WAN, or Internet. A remote network installation can use various protocols, such as PXE, HTTP, FTP, or SMB, to access the installation files from a server or a cloud service. A remote network installation can also use various tools, such as Windows Deployment Services, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, or Red Hat Kickstart, to automate and customize the installation process. A remote network installation can save time and resources by eliminating the need for physical media and allowing centralized management of multiple installations. Image deployment, recovery partition installation, and repair installation are not correct answers for this question. Image deployment is a method of installing an operating system or an application by copying a preconfigured image file to a target device. Image deployment requires an existing image file and a compatible device. Recovery partition installation is a method of restoring an operating system or an application from a hidden partition on the hard disk that contains the original factory settings. Recovery partition installation requires an existing recovery partition and a functional hard disk. Repair installation is a method of fixing an operating system or an application that is corrupted or damaged by replacing or repairing the system files without affecting the user data or settings. Repair installation requires an existing operating system or application and a working device. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 16

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 106