CompTIA A+ Certification is a crucial stepping stone for IT professionals aiming to establish a thriving career in IT support and troubleshooting. This practice test is designed to help you assess your knowledge and readiness for the CompTIA A+ exams (220-1001 and 220-1002). Each question comes with an answer and a brief explanation to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
1. What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?
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Explanation:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that temporarily stores data for quick read and write access by the CPU.
2. Which of the following is a primary function of the BIOS?
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The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for loading the operating system by providing a firmware interface between the computer’s hardware and the OS.
3. What type of RAM is commonly used as the main memory in a PC?
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DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is commonly used as the main memory in a PC because of its relative low cost and small size.
4. Which of the following storage types is considered volatile?
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RAM is considered volatile storage because it loses the stored information when the power is turned off.
5. What is the primary purpose of an operating system?
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The primary purpose of an operating system is to manage hardware resources and provide services for computer programs.
6. Which networking device operates at the Data Link layer of the OSI model?
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A switch operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is used to connect devices within the same local network.
7. What type of printer uses heat to produce an image on paper?
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Thermal printers use heat to produce images or text on thermally sensitive paper.
8. Which of the following is a characteristic of a Full Duplex communication?
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Full Duplex communication allows for simultaneous data transmission in both directions, enabling devices to send and receive data at the same time.
9. Which of the following cable types is commonly used for Ethernet networks?
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Twisted pair cables, specifically Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, are commonly used for Ethernet networks due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness.
10. What is the primary function of a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
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The primary function of a VPN is to secure data transmission over the internet by encrypting the data and providing a secure tunnel between the client and server.
11. What type of attack involves intercepting and altering communication between two parties?
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In a Man-in-the-middle attack, a malicious actor intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties without their knowledge.
12. Which of the following components is responsible for executing instructions stored in RAM?
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The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for executing instructions stored in RAM as it is the primary processing unit of a computer.
13. Which file system supports file-level security?
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NTFS (New Technology File System) supports file-level security, including permissions and encryption.
14. What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?
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The primary purpose of a firewall is to block unauthorized access to or from a private network, thereby providing a line of defense against malicious internet traffic.
15. Which of the following utilities is used for troubleshooting DNS issues?
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The nslookup utility is used for querying the Domain Name System (DNS) to obtain domain name or IP address mapping.
16. In which of the following form factors is RAM typically installed in a laptop?
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SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) is a smaller form factor of RAM, typically used in laptops due to space constraints.
17. What is the purpose of a CMOS battery on a motherboard?
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The CMOS battery maintains the storage of BIOS settings, such as system time, while the computer is powered off.
18. What does the acronym POST stand for in terms of computing?
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POST stands for Power-On Self-Test, a diagnostic process that occurs when a computer is powered on to ensure all hardware components are functioning correctly.
19. Which of the following is a function of the operating system's kernel?
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The kernel is the core component of an operating system, responsible for managing system memory, processing tasks, and interacting with hardware.
20. What type of malware disguises itself as legitimate software to deceive users?
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A Trojan Horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as something legitimate or desirable, but actually delivers a malicious payload once installed.
21. Which of the following protocols operates at the Transport layer of the OSI model?
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TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) operates at the Transport layer (Layer 4) of the OSI model, providing reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.
22. Which of the following is a common symptom of a failing power supply?
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A failing power supply can cause random system reboots, crashes, and other unpredictable behavior as it struggles to provide consistent power to the computer components.
23. What is the purpose of a DMZ in network architecture?
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A DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is used in network architecture to isolate the internal network from external threats by providing a subnetwork exposed to the public internet, thereby adding an additional layer of security.
24. Which of the following is a valid IPv4 address?
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A valid IPv4 address consists of four numbers separated by dots, each ranging from 0 to 255.
25. Which connector type is used by fiber-optic cables?
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SC (Standard Connector) is a common connector type used for fiber-optic cables.
26. What type of printer uses toner to print documents?
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Laser printers use toner (powdered ink) and a laser to produce high-quality text and graphics on paper.