CompTIA 220-1201 Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

CompTIA 220-1201 Online Questions & Answers

• Question 161:

  A customer has bare-metal servers running Windows, Linux, and Unix. They want consolidation while maintaining isolation and compatibility.

  What should the technician recommend?

  A. IaaS
  B. Containers
  C. Type 2 hypervisor
  D. VDI
  A. IaaS

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  Explanation

  The customer wants to consolidate multiple physical servers running different operating systems , including Windows, Linux, and Unix , while maintaining strong isolation between systems. CompTIA A+ identifies Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) as the best model for hosting fully isolated virtual machines in a cloud environment, allowing each OS to run independently on its own virtual hardware.

  IaaS provides virtualized computing resources--CPU, RAM, networking, and storage--while allowing the customer full control over the OS and application layer. This means Windows, Linux, and Unix VMs can coexist without compatibility concerns because each VM runs its native OS without modification. Containers (B) are unsuitable because they share the host OS kernel , meaning they cannot run different OS families. A Type 2 hypervisor (C) is workstation-based and not designed for enterprise server consolidation. VDI (D) provides user desktops, not server workload consolidation.

  Thus, IaaS is the correct solution for compatibility, isolation, and consolidation across multiple OS types.

• Question 162:

  A technician adds the NTP service to a server and configures all network computers to that service.

  Which of the following is the technician most likely trying to achieve?

  A. Defined network transport protocols
  B. Enabled print services on the server
  C. Synchronized system clocks
  D. Defined server options in DHCP
  C. Synchronized system clocks

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  Explanation

  The correct answer is C. Synchronized system clocks. According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Networking and Server Services, NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchronize the clocks of computers across a network to a common time source. This is critical for: Ensuring accurate timestamps for logs and events.

  Coordinating scheduled tasks across multiple systems.

  Preventing authentication issues in environments that rely on time-based credentials (e.g., Kerberos).

  Why the other options are incorrect:

  A. Defined network transport protocols: NTP itself is a protocol that uses UDP, but its primary purpose is not defining transport protocols.

  B. Enabled print services on the server: NTP does not relate to printing.

  D. Defined server options in DHCP: NTP may be referenced by DHCP options, but the act of adding NTP to a server is focused on time synchronization, not DHCP configuration.

  References:

  CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives - Networking: "Given a scenario, configure services and settings on network devices including NTP for time synchronization." Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Certification Guide, 13th Edition, Chapter on Networking Services.

• Question 163:

  A technician is building a high-powered workstation.

  When the technician attempts to start the workstation, nothing happens. The technician verifies that all power connectors are fully seated.

  Which of the following is the most likely cause of the issue?

  A. The case header pins are not connected.
  B. The RAM is not fully seated.
  C. The power supply unit's wattage is too low.
  D. The CPU fan connector is faulty
  A. The case header pins are not connected.

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  Explanation

  When a newly built workstation shows no response at all-no fans spinning, no indicator LEDs, and no POST activity-this indicates that the system is not receiving the signal to power on. Since the technician has already verified that all primary power connectors are fully seated (including the 24-pin ATX motherboard connector and the 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power connector), the most likely cause is that the case header pins are not connected to the motherboard. According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) hardware installation and troubleshooting concepts, the power button on the computer case connects to the motherboard via the front-panel (system panel) header, specifically the PWR_SW pins. If this connector is missing, improperly placed, or connected to the wrong pins, pressing the power button will do nothing because the motherboard never receives the power-on signal.

  Incorrectly seated RAM typically allows the system to power on but prevents successful POST, often resulting in beep codes or error lights. An underpowered PSU usually causes instability, random shutdowns, or failure under load rather than complete inactivity. A faulty CPU fan connector generally triggers a BIOS warning or shutdown after power-on, not total failure to start.

  This scenario directly matches CompTIA's emphasis on checking front-panel connections as a primary step when a system does not power on at all.

  References:

  CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Official Study Guide - Hardware Installation, Motherboard Components, and Power Troubleshooting Sections

• Question 164:

  A technician needs to install a printer on the network.

  Which of the following must the technician configure? (Choose three.)

  A. PCL
  B. Dots per inch
  C. Gateway
  D. Subnet mask
  E. MAC address
  F. IMEI
  G. IP address
  H. Drivers
  C. Gateway
  D. Subnet mask
  G. IP address

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  Explanation

  When installing a printer on a network, the technician needs to configure the network settings, which include the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. These settings are used to ensure that the printer can communicate with other devices on the network. When installing a printer on a network, the technician must configure the network settings of the printer to ensure that it can communicate with other devices on the network. This includes configuring the gateway, subnet mask and IP address of the printer. The gateway is the device that connects the local network to other networks or the Internet. The subnet mask is used to determine which part of an IP address represents the network and which part represents individual hosts on that network. The IP address is a unique identifier for each device on a network.

• Question 165:

  Which of the following connectors is found on an optical networking cable?

  A. RJ45
  B. LC
  C. USB-C
  D. Lightning
  B. LC

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  Explanation

  LC (Lucent Connector) is a type of fiber optic connector commonly used in optical networking cables. It is small, compact, and widely used for high-speed data transfer over fiber optic networks. LC connectors are specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making them the correct answer.

  Incorrect Options:

  Option A: RJ45 connectors are used for Ethernet cables (twisted-pair copper cabling) and are not compatible with optical networking cables.

  Option C: USB-C is a connector type used for general-purpose data transfer, charging, and video output, not for optical networking.

  Option D: Lightning connectors are proprietary to Apple devices and are not used in optical networking.

  Key Takeaway:

  The LC connector is specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making it the correct answer for optical networking.

  References:

  CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives (220-1201), Domain 3.1 - Cable and connector types, including fiber optic cables.

• Question 166:

  A user tripped on an Ethernet cable and disconnected it from the wall jack. A technician visually inspects the cable and notices that the plastic prong on the connector of the cable is completely missing.

  Which of the following tools should the technician use to resolve this issue? (Select two).

  A. Cable stripper
  B. Network crimper
  C. Toner probe
  D. Punchdown tool
  E. Multimeter
  F. Loopback plug
  A. Cable stripper
  B. Network crimper

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  Explanation

  According to the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Certification Study Guide1, a network crimper and a cable stripper are the tools that a technician should use to resolve this issue. A network crimper is used to attach a new RJ-45 connector to the end of the cable, and a cable stripper is used to remove the outer insulation of the cable and expose the twisted pairs of wires. A toner probe, a punchdown tool, a multimeter, and a loopback plug are not needed for this task.

  Here are some web resources that explain how to repair an Ethernet cable: Ethernet Cable Repair - iFixit: This guide provides step-by-step instructions and pictures on how to fix a broken Ethernet cable. How to Repair a Cut Cat5e Ethernet Cable - wikiHow: This article shows how to solder the wires of a cut Ethernet cable and use shrink tube to cover the joints.

  Amazon.com:

  Ethernet Cable Repair Kit: This page lists some products that can be used to repair an Ethernet cable, such as crimping tools, connectors, testers, and strippers.

• Question 167:

  Which of the following allows an internal application to be hosted without managing the underlying OS?

  A. SaaS
  B. IaaS
  C. UCaaS
  D. PaaS
  D. PaaS

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  Explanation

  Platform as a Service (PaaS) is designed to host and run applications while the cloud provider manages the underlying infrastructure and operating system. With PaaS, an organization deploys its internal application code (and often configures runtime settings), but does not handle OS installation, patching, hardening, or most server maintenance tasks. This aligns with CompTIA A+ Core 1 cloud concepts that compare service models by responsibility: as you move from IaaS to PaaS to SaaS, the provider manages more of the stack. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provides virtualized compute, storage, and networking, but the customer still manages the OS, updates, drivers, and the application stack-so it does not meet the "without managing the underlying OS" requirement. SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers a complete finished application to users (like email or CRM), which typically doesn't fit hosting a custom internal application you develop. UCaaS focuses on communication services (voice, video, messaging) rather than general application hosting. Therefore, PaaS is the best option for hosting an internal application without managing the underlying OS.

• Question 168:

  Which of the following statements best summarize managed vs unmanaged switches? (Select two).

  A. Unmanaged switches are generally more expensive
  B. Unmanaged switches have more security capabilities
  C. Unmanaged switches start working as soon as they are plugged in to the network
  D. Managed switches have more features
  E. Managed switches require no configuration
  F. Managed switches consume less power
  C. Unmanaged switches start working as soon as they are plugged in to the network
  D. Managed switches have more features

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  Explanation

  Unmanaged switches require no configuration they simply need to be plugged in and start working immediately, making them ideal for simple network setups.

  Managed switches provide advanced features such as VLANs, SNMP monitoring, port security, and traffic management, but require configuration.

  From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 -Compare and contrast common networking hardware:

  "Unmanaged switches operate out of the box with no configuration and are designed for simple connectivity. Managed switches allow for configuration, monitoring, and management of network traffic and security."

  Verified Source:

  CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Networking Hardware CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

• Question 169:

  A technician builds a workstation.

  When the technician starts up the workstation, the technician notices a burning smell. During POST, the workstation shuts down.

  Which of the following is most likely the cause of these issues?

  A. The technician did not properly ground the workstation.
  B. The technician chose the wrong type of RAM.
  C. The technician did not connect power to the exhaust fan.
  D. The technician did not apply thermal paste.
  D. The technician did not apply thermal paste.

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  Explanation

  A shutdown during POST combined with a burning smell strongly indicates an overheating condition occurring almost immediately after power-on. In a newly built workstation, the most common cause of rapid CPU overheating is improper heatsink installation, especially failing to apply thermal paste (thermal compound) between the CPU and the heatsink. Thermal paste fills microscopic imperfections between the two metal surfaces so heat can transfer efficiently into the heatsink. Without it, the CPU can spike to unsafe temperatures within seconds. Modern systems detect this and trigger protective thermal shutdown during POST to prevent permanent CPU or motherboard damage. The burning smell can occur when components near the CPU socket heat excessively or when protective coatings/dust residues warm quickly due to poor heat dissipation.

  The wrong type of RAM (B) would more likely cause no-boot/beep codes rather than a burning smell. Not properly grounding (A) relates to ESD damage risk, but that typically causes intermittent or dead hardware symptoms, not immediate thermal shutdown. A disconnected case exhaust fan (C) can contribute to higher case temperatures, but it's less likely to cause an immediate POST shutdown compared to missing thermal paste on the CPU cooler.

• Question 170:

  Which of the following is most likely used to control door access?

  A. DMCA
  B. DRM
  C. RFID
  D. VPN
  C. RFID

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  Explanation

  RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and it is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects that have RFID tags attached to them. RFID tags are small devices that store information and can be read by RFID readers. RFID is most likely used to control door access because it allows for contactless and convenient authentication of authorized personnel. For example, an employee can use an RFID card or key fob to unlock a door by holding it near an RFID reader installed on the door. The reader will scan the tag and verify its ID number with the access control system, which will grant or deny access based on the predefined rules and permissions. RFID is a common and widely used type of door access control system, as it offers security, efficiency, and flexibility.

  References:

  Some additional references for the answer are:

  IP Door Access Control - Kintronics

  Door Access Control: A Complete Guide | Swiftlane

  Best Door Access Control System: How It Works & Features - ButterflyMX