Free and Premium CompTIA 220-1102 Dumps Questions Answers

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.

AutoRun is a feature of Windows that automatically executes a program or file when a removable media such as a USB drive is inserted into the computer. Disabling AutoRun can prevent a USB drive containing malicious software from covertly installing malware on a workstation, as it would require the user to manually open the drive and run the file. Restricting user permissions can also prevent a USB drive containing malicious software from covertly installing malware on a workstation, as it would limit the user’s ability to execute or install unauthorized programs or files. Installing a host-based IDS, restricting log-in times, enabling a BIOS password, updating the password complexity, and updating the antivirus definitions are not actions that can directly prevent this incident from happening again.

The best operations to do to resolve the issue of a long boot time at a minimal expense are B. Removing the applications from startup and D. Running the Disk Cleanup utility. These are two simple and effective ways to speed up your PC’s boot time without spending any money on hardware upgrades.

Removing the applications from startup means preventing unnecessary programs from launching automatically when you turn on your computer. This can reduce the load on your system resources and make the boot process faster. You can do this in Windows 10 by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Esc to open the Task Manager, and going to the Startup tab. There, you can see a list of programs that start with your computer, and their impact on the startup performance. You can disable any program that you don’t need by right-clicking on it and choosing Disable12.

Running the Disk Cleanup utility means deleting temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data that may be taking up space and slowing down your computer. This can free up some disk space and improve the performance of your system. You can do this in Windows 10 by typing disk cleanup in the search box and selecting the Disk Cleanup app. There, you can choose which files you want to delete, such as Recycle Bin, Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, etc. You can also click on Clean up system files to delete more files, such as Windows Update Cleanup, Previous Windows installation(s), etc34.

Removing the user-installed antivirus software program is the best way to resolve the issue of extremely slow performance caused by installing additional real-time protection antivirus software on a PC. Having more than one antivirus software program running at the same time can cause conflicts, resource consumption and performance degradation. Uninstalling one antivirus software program and installing a different one, activating real-time protection on both antivirus software programs, enabling the quarantine feature on both antivirus software programs and launching Windows Update are not effective ways to resolve the issue. Verified References:

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 PIN code is a numeric password that protects a mobile device against unwanted access when it is left unattended. It requires the user to enter the correct code before unlocking the device. OS updates, antivirus software and BYOD policy are other security measures for mobile devices, but they do not prevent unauthorized access when the device is left unattended. Verified References:

The correct answer is A. Verify the DNS server settings. This is because the DNS server is responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses, which is necessary for accessing the internet or named network resources. If the DNS server settings are incorrect or the DNS server is down, the technician will not be able to access these resources even if they have a valid IP address and can ping the default gateway1.

1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 16, section 1.10.

A full backup does not depend on any previous backups, unlike differential or incremental backups, which only save the changes made since the last backup. A synthetic backup is a type of full backup that combines an existing full backup with incremental backups to create a new full backup, but it still requires multiple backup sets to recover data. Therefore, a full backup is the most suitable for the payroll workstation that needs to have its data readily available and recoverable. You can learn more about the differences between full, differential, incremental, and synthetic backups from this article.

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:

The best way to resolve the issue is to move factory applications to external memory. This will free up some space on the phone’s internal storage, which is required for updating the phone. To do this, you can follow these steps1:

Insert a microSD card into your phone if you don’t have one already.

Go to Settings > Apps and tap on the app you want to move.

Tap on Storage and then on Change.

Select the SD card option and tap on Move.

You may need to repeat this process for multiple apps until you have enough space to update your phone. Alternatively, you can also clear the cache and data of some apps, or uninstall the apps that you don’t use frequently. You can find more information on how to fix insufficient storage error on your phone in these articles234. I hope this helps.

 Task Manager is the best tool to use to disable applications on startup in Windows 10. Task Manager is a built-in utility that shows the current processes, performance, and users on a system. It also has a Startup tab that lists the applications that run on boot and their impact on the system. The technician can use Task Manager to disable or enable any application on startup by right-clicking on it and selecting the appropriate option. System Configuration, Performance Monitor, and Group Policy Editor are other tools that can be used to manage system settings, but they are not as simple or convenient as Task Manager for this task. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 13

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 103

The correct answer is C. Choose what closing the lid does. This option allows you to configure how the laptop behaves when you close the lid, such as whether it goes to sleep, hibernates, shuts down, or does nothing. To access this option, you can follow these steps :

Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep.

Click on Additional power settings on the right side.

Click on Choose what closing the lid does on the left side.

Under When I close the lid, select Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in.

Click on Save changes.

This will prevent the laptop from going to sleep when you close the lid while it is connected to the docking station and the external monitor.

Hibernate, sleep/suspend, and turn on fast startup are not the options that should be configured to fix the issue. Hibernate and sleep/suspend are both power-saving modes that allow you to resume your work without losing any data. However, they also turn off the display and other components of the laptop, which means you will not be able to use the external monitor when the laptop is closed. Turn on fast startup is a feature that reduces the boot time of Windows by saving some system information to a file when you shut down. It does not affect how the laptop behaves when you close the lid .

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.

An ESD strap, also known as an antistatic wrist strap, is a device that prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging sensitive electronic components such as RAM. ESD is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects with different electrical charges, which can cause permanent damage or malfunction to electronic devices. An ESD strap connects the technician’s wrist to a grounded surface, such as a metal case or a mat, and equalizes the electrical potential between the technician and the device. Battery backup, thermal paste, and consistent power are not devices that can protect against ESD.

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.

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.

Device compatibility is an advantage of using WPA2 instead of WPA3. WPA2 is the previous version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol, which provides security and encryption for wireless networks. WPA3 is the latest version, which offers improved security features, such as stronger encryption, enhanced protection against brute-force attacks, and easier configuration. However, WPA3 is not backward compatible with older devices that only support WPA2 or earlier protocols. Therefore, using WPA3 may limit the range of devices that can connect to the wireless network. Connection security, encryption key length, and offline decryption resistance are advantages of using WPA3 instead of WPA2. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 24

CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exams 220-1101 & …, page 1000

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:

ACL (access control list) is a security control that describes what permissions a user or group has on a shared network folder using NTFS (New Technology File System) security settings. It can be used to grant or deny read, write, modify, delete or execute access to files and folders. SMS (short message service), MFA (multifactor authentication), MDM (mobile device management) are not security controls that apply to shared network folders. Verified References:

The best way for a technician to return the device to service safely is to reinstall the operating system. This is because the device is infected by ransomware, which is a form of malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. Reinstalling the operating system will erase the ransomware and restore the device to its original state. However, this will also delete any data that was not backed up before the infection. Therefore, it is important to have regular backups of critical data and protect them from ransomware attacks1.

The other options are not effective or safe for ransomware recovery. Running an AV scan may not detect or remove the ransomware, especially if it is a new or unknown variant. Installing a software firewall may prevent future attacks, but it will not help with the current infection. Performing a system restore may not work if the ransomware has corrupted or deleted the restore points. Complying with the on-screen instructions is not advisable, as it will encourage the attackers and there is no guarantee that they will provide the decryption key after receiving the payment.

To prevent and recover from ransomware attacks, it is recommended to follow some best practices, such as234:

Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication for all accounts and devices.

Keep all software and firmware updated with the latest security patches.

Avoid opening suspicious or unsolicited emails and attachments.

Educate users and staff on how to recognize and report phishing and social engineering attempts.

Use antivirus software and enable real-time protection.

Enable network segmentation and firewall rules to limit the spread of ransomware.

Implement a Zero Trust security model to verify all requests and devices before granting access.

Create and test backups of critical data and store them offline or in a separate network.

Recover safely by isolating the infected devices, identifying the ransomware variant, and restoring data from backups.

Report any ransomware incidents to law enforcement agencies and seek help from experts.

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:

The correct answer is B. Printer Properties/Sharing tab. This is the location where the technician can enable printer sharing and assign a share name for the USB printer. This will allow other computers on the network to access the printer by using the share name or the IP address of the computer that has the printer attached1.

1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 Objectives, page 15, section 1.9.

APFS stands for Apple File System and it is the default filesystem type for macOS since High Sierra (10.13) version1. APFS is optimized for flash storage and supports features such as encryption, snapshots, cloning, and space sharing1.

LAN is the most likely option to be impacted in this situation. LAN stands for Local Area Network, and it is a network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a building or a campus. Installing high-definition IP videoconferencing equipment in all classrooms would require a high bandwidth and reliable LAN infrastructure to support the video and audio transmission. The LAN would also need to be configured with proper security, quality of service, and multicast protocols to ensure the optimal performance of the videoconferencing system. SAN, GPU, and PAN are not directly related to this scenario. SAN stands for Storage Area Network, and it is a network that provides access to consolidated storage devices. GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit, and it is a hardware component that handles graphics rendering and computation. PAN stands for Personal Area Network, and it is a network that connects devices within a short range, such as Bluetooth or infrared. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 20

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 104

Terminal is an application that allows access to the command line in macOS. The command line is an interface that allows users to interact with the operating system and perform various tasks by typing commands and arguments. Terminal can be used to launch programs, manage files and folders, configure settings, troubleshoot issues, and run scripts in macOS. PsExec, command.com, and CMD are not applications that allow access to the command line in macOS.

The correct answer is B. Power Options. The Power Options utility in the Control Panel allows you to configure various settings related to how your computer uses and saves power, such as the power plan, the sleep mode, the screen brightness, and the battery status. To access the Power Options utility, you can follow these steps:

Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

Click on Change plan settings for the power plan you are using.

Click on Change advanced power settings.

Expand the USB settings category and then the USB selective suspend setting subcategory.

Set the option to Disabled for both On battery and Plugged in.

Click on OK and then on Save changes.

This will prevent the operating system from suspending the USB devices to save power .

System, Devices and Printers, and Ease of Access are not the utilities that should be used to configure the setting. System is a utility that provides information about your computer’s hardware and software, such as the processor, memory, operating system, device manager, and system protection. Devices and Printers is a utility that allows you to view and manage the devices and printers connected to your computer, such as adding or removing devices, changing device settings, or troubleshooting problems. Ease of Access is a utility that allows you to customize your computer’s accessibility options, such as the narrator, magnifier, high contrast, keyboard, mouse, and speech recognition. None of these utilities have any option to configure the USB selective suspend setting.

A cryptominer is a malicious program that uses the CPU resources of a computer to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. This can cause the CPU to run at 100% utilization and slow down the system. Spyware, virus and keylogger are other types of malware, but they do not necessarily cause high CPU usage. Verified References:

Group Policy is a feature of Windows that allows administrators to centrally manage and apply policies and settings to computers and users on a domain3. Group Policy can be used to configure network drives, printers, security settings, desktop preferences, and other configurations for all users’ workstations3. Network and Sharing Center, net use, User Accounts, and regedit are not tools that can accomplish this task.

An IP address is a unique identifier that allows a device to communicate with other devices on a network. A network printer needs an IP address to be accessible by multiple users on the network. Requesting an unused IP address from the network administrator or using an IP address scanner is the step that should happen immediately before network use is authorized, as it ensures that there is no IP address conflict or duplication on the network. Documenting the date and time of the change, submitting a change request form, and determining the risk level of this change are steps that should happen before requesting an unused IP address.

Disk Management is a tool that allows users to create, format, delete, shrink, extend, and manage partitions on hard drives. If the external hard drive is not formatted or has an incompatible filesystem type, Disk Management can be used to format it with a supported filesystem type such as NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT. Device Manager, Disk Cleanup, and Disk Defragmenter are not tools that can format a hard drive.

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.

Incremental backups are backups that only include the changes made since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. Incremental backups minimize the capacity of storage used and are often used in conjunction with synthetic full backups, which are backups that combine a full backup and subsequent incremental backups into a single backup set.

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.

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:

Educating the end user is the best way to prevent future infections by viruses or other malware. The technician should teach the user how to avoid risky behaviors, such as opening suspicious attachments, clicking on unknown links, downloading untrusted software, etc. Disabling System Restore, installing the latest OS patches and performing a clean installation are possible ways to remove existing infections, but they do not prevent future ones. Verified References:

Verifying warranty status with the vendor is the most logical next step in the remediation process after determining that a motherboard has failed. A warranty is a guarantee from the vendor that covers the repair or replacement of defective or faulty products within a specified period of time. Verifying warranty status with the vendor can help the technician determine if the motherboard is eligible for warranty service and what steps to take to obtain it. Escalating the issue to Tier 2, replacing the motherboard, and purchasing another PC are not the most logical next steps in the remediation process.

The user can use the Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) to schedule the browser to automatically launch a traffic website at 4:45 p.m. The Task Scheduler is a tool in Windows that allows users to schedule tasks to run automatically at specified times or in response to certain events.

The risks in running this script are that the deployment script is performing unknown actions. Running the script blindly could cause unintended actions, such as deploying malware or deleting important files, which could negatively impact the organization’s network and data1.

The best answer to control security settings on an Android phone in a domain environment is to use “Mobile Device Management (MDM)”. MDM is a type of software that is used to manage and secure mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. MDM can be used to enforce security policies, configure settings, and remotely wipe data from devices. In a domain environment, MDM can be used to manage Android phones and enforce security policies such as password requirements, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities12

educating the user on the solution that was performed is a good next step after resolving an issue. This can help prevent similar issues from happening again and empower users to solve problems on their own.

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 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.

Reinstalling the browser would most likely solve the issue. This would remove any malicious software or add-ons that may be causing the issue and restore the browser to its default settings.

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.

The correct answers are E. Windows Defender and A. File Explorer. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that can detect and remove malicious software from a workstation. File Explorer can be used to locate and delete files associated with the malicious software1

To create a secondary login with different permissions in Windows 10, the user should utilize the Accounts setting. Here are the steps to create a new user account with different permissions:

Right-click the Windows Start menu button.

Select Control Panel.

Select User Accounts.

Select Manage another account.

Select Add a new user in PC settings.

Use the Accounts dialog box to configure a new account.1

A technician setting up a new laptop must ensure that users cannot install virtual machines as the company's security policy states  One way to prevent users from enabling virtual technology is by implementing Secure Boot. Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI firmware that ensures the system only boots using firmware that is trusted by the manufacturer. It verifies the signature of all bootloaders, operating systems, and drivers before running them, preventing any unauthorized modifications to the boot process. This will help prevent users from installing virtual machines on the laptop without authorization.

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.

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 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

 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.

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.

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.

To delete an empty directory, enter rd Directory or rmdir Directory . If the directory is not empty, you can remove files and subdirectories from it using the /s switch. You can also use the /q switch to suppress confirmation messages (quiet mode).

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 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that ALL companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

The BEST way to secure the workstation quickly when walking away is to use a key combination to lock the computer when leaving1

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 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.

Rebooting the system in safe mode will limit the number of programs and processes running, allowing the antivirus system to more effectively identify and remove the malware. Rescanning the system will allow the antivirus system to identify and remove the malware while preserving the user's files.

In Windows 10, there are privacy settings that control access to certain devices, such as microphones, cameras, and other input devices. If the microphone is not enabled under these privacy settings, the VoIP application may not have access to it, causing a lack of outgoing audio.

The technician can go to the Windows 10 Settings menu, select the Privacy submenu, and under App permissions, select Microphone. The technician should then turn on the toggle switch for the VoIP application to allow it to access the microphone.

Removing the microphone from the USB hub and plugging it directly into a USB port on the PC may or may not solve the issue, as the issue could be related to the privacy settings. Deleting the microphone from Device Manager and scanning for new hardware may also not solve the issue, as the issue could be related to the privacy settings. Replacing the USB microphone with one that uses a traditional 3.5mm plug is not recommended, as it would require purchasing a new microphone and may not solve the issue.

The technician opens the Apple icon menu, selects Force Quit, selects the frozen application in the list, and clicks Force Quit. This is the most common method of force quitting a program in macOS. This can be done by clicking on the Apple icon in the top left of the screen, selecting Force Quit, selecting the frozen application in the list, and then clicking Force Quit. This will force the application to quit and the spinning round cursor will disappear.

The workstations and the authentication server have a system clock difference. If a Group Policy setting is applied that forces the workstations to use a specific SNTP server, but the system clock on the workstations and the authentication server are out of sync, then this can cause authentication issues and users will be unable to log in. In this case, the most likely cause of the issue is a difference in system clocks and the technician should ensure that the clocks on the workstations and the authentication server are in sync.

A support portal is an online system that allows customers to access customer service tools, submit requests and view status updates, as well as access information such as how-to guides, FAQs, and other self-service resources. This would be the best solution for the service desk, as it would allow them to easily manage the volume of requests by allowing customers to submit their own requests and view the status of their requests. Additionally, the portal would provide customers with self-service resources that can help them resolve their own issues, reducing the amount of tickets that need to be handled by the service desk.

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. 

Apple Remote Desktop is a remote access solution that allows a user to access and control another macOS computer from their Windows workstation. It provides a graphical user interface so that the analyst can easily access the server software running on the macOS server. Apple Remote Desktop also supports file transfers, so the analyst can easily transfer files between the two computers. Additionally, Apple Remote Desktop supports encryption, so data is secure during transmission.

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 technician's action of setting the phone to silent while troubleshooting the customer's PC is an example of avoiding distractions. By setting the phone to silent, the technician is ensuring that they are able to focus on the task at hand without any distractions that could potentially disrupt their workflow. This is an important practice when handling customer's confidential material, as it ensures that the technician is able to focus on the task and not be distracted by any external sources. Furthermore, it also adheres to user privacy policies, as the technician is not exposing any confidential information to any external sources.

educating the user on common threats and how to avoid them (D) would be a good step before returning the laptop to the user. This can help prevent similar issues from happening again.

Vishing, also known as voice phishing, is a type of social engineering attack where the attacker tricks the victim into divulging sensitive information over the phone. In this case, the attacker tricked the user into providing login credentials for a website.

change management process can help ensure that owners are notified of changes being made and can monitor them for performance impact (A). This can help prevent unexpected issues from arising.

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

A knowledge base is a centralized repository of information that can be used by technicians to find solutions to common problems, best practices, troubleshooting guides, and other useful resources12. Updating the knowledge base with the details of the issue and the resolution can help other technicians who encounter similar issues in the future. It can also reduce the number of tickets and improve customer satisfaction3.

References1: The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Student Guide (Exam 220-1102), page 10-11 2: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives, page 13 3: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Certification Study Guide, page 10-12

 GPT is the correct answer for this question. GPT stands for GUID Partition Table, and it is a partition style that supports up to 128 primary partitions and up to 18 exabytes of disk size per partition. GPT also uses a unique identifier for each partition and provides better data protection and recovery. GPT is suitable for partitioning a hard disk that has five primary partitions with 4TB of free space each. EFS, MBR, and FAT32 are not correct answers for this question. EFS stands for Encrypting File System, and it is a feature that allows encrypting files and folders on NTFS volumes. EFS is not a partition style, but rather a file system attribute. MBR stands for Master Boot Record, and it is an older partition style that supports up to four primary partitions and up to 2TB of disk size per partition. MBR cannot handle five primary partitions with 4TB of free space each. FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table 32, and it is a file system that supports up to 32GB of disk size per partition and up to 4GB of file size. FAT32 is not a partition style, but rather a file system type. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 14

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 105

The best solution for a technician to implement is to disable the browser from sending notifications to the Action Center. This will prevent the random advertisement notifications from appearing in the Windows 10 Action Center, which can be annoying and distracting for the user. The technician can follow these steps to disable the browser notifications1:

Open the browser that is sending the notifications, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

Go to the browser settings or options menu, and look for the privacy and security section.

Find the option to manage site permissions or notifications, and click on it.

You will see a list of sites that are allowed or blocked from sending notifications to the browser and the Action Center. You can either block all sites from sending notifications, or select specific sites that you want to block or allow.

Save the changes and close the browser settings.

This solution is better than the other options because:

Running a full antivirus scan on the computer (B) is not necessary, as the advertisement notifications are not malicious or harmful, and they are not caused by a virus or malware infection. Running a scan will not stop the notifications from appearing, and it will consume system resources and time.

Disabling all Action Center notifications © is not advisable, as the Action Center is a useful feature that shows notifications and alerts from various apps and system events, such as email, calendar, security, updates, etc. Disabling all notifications will make the user miss important information and reminders, and reduce the functionality of the Action Center.

Moving specific site notifications from Allowed to Block (D) is not the best solution, as it will only stop the notifications from some sites, but not from others. The user may still receive advertisement notifications from other sites that are not blocked, or from new sites that are added to the Allowed list. This solution will also require the user to manually manage the list of sites, which can be tedious and time-consuming.

A filtration system is critical for data centers because it can control the humidity and temperature levels in the environment. High humidity levels can cause condensation and corrosion on the metal components of the servers and other equipment, leading to malfunction and damage. A filtration system can also prevent dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the data center and clogging the machines or causing overheating.

Turning off the machine is the first and most urgent step to prevent further damage to the host and other systems. Ransomware can encrypt files, steal data, and spread to other devices on the network if the infected machine remains online. Turning off the machine will stop the ransomware process and isolate the machine from the network12. The other options are either ineffective or risky. Running a full antivirus scan may not detect or remove the ransomware, especially if it is a new or unknown variant. Removing the LAN card may disconnect the machine from the network, but it will not stop the ransomware from encrypting or deleting files on the local drive. Installing a different endpoint solution may not be possible or helpful if the ransomware has already compromised the system or blocked the installation.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that allows remote employees to access the company’s network resources securely over the internet as if they were on premises. A VPN encrypts the data traffic between the employee’s device and the VPN server, and assigns the employee a virtual IP address that belongs to the company’s network. This way, the employee can access the local servers, files, printers, and other resources without exposing them to the public internet. A VPN also protects the employee’s privacy and identity by masking their real IP address and location.

The symptoms that the user’s Windows computer is experiencing suggest that the new software program that the user installed from an external website may be malicious or incompatible with the system. The program may be consuming a lot of CPU resources, slowing down the performance of other programs and files. The program may also be altering the browser settings or the HOSTS file, causing the web redirection to an unauthorized site. The first step that the technician should do is to uninstall the new program from the Control Panel or the Settings app, and then restart the computer. This may resolve the issue and restore the normal functionality of the computer. If the problem persists, the technician may need to perform additional steps, such as scanning for malware, checking the HOSTS file, clearing the web browser cache, or restoring from a previous backup

System Restore is a feature that allows the user to revert the system to a previous state. However, this can also restore the malware that was removed by the technician. Disabling System Restore can prevent the operating system from automatically returning to an infected state. Enabling antivirus, educating the user, and enabling System Restore are good preventive measures, but they do not address the question. Disabling antivirus can make the system more vulnerable to malware attacks

Open-source software is software that has its source code available for anyone to inspect, modify, and distribute. Open-source software is usually free of charge and does not require a license to use. Some examples of open-source antivirus software are ClamAV, Comodo, and Immunet12. The other license types are either not free or not suitable for a SOHO PC. Corporate and enterprise licenses are designed for large-scale organizations and networks, and they usually require a subscription fee. Personal licenses are for individual users and may have limited features or support.

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​​​​.

A corporate EULA is a type of end-user license agreement that is designed for a large organization that needs to use proprietary software with vendor support for a multiuser environment. A corporate EULA typically grants the organization a volume license that allows it to install and use the software on multiple devices or servers, and to distribute the software to its employees or affiliates. A corporate EULA also usually provides the organization with technical support, maintenance, updates, and warranty from the software vendor, as well as some customization options and discounts. A corporate EULA may also include terms and conditions that specify the rights and obligations of both parties, such as confidentiality, liability, indemnification, termination, and dispute resolution12.

A corporate EULA is a better option than the other choices because:

A perpetual EULA (B) is a type of end-user license agreement that grants the user a permanent and irrevocable license to use the software, without any time limit or expiration date. However, a perpetual EULA does not necessarily include vendor support, updates, or warranty, and it may not allow the user to install the software on multiple devices or servers, or to distribute the software to other users. A perpetual EULA may also be more expensive than a corporate EULA, as it requires a one-time payment upfront, rather than a recurring subscription fee34.

An open-source EULA © is a type of end-user license agreement that grants the user a license to use, modify, and redistribute the software, which is publicly available and free of charge. However, an open-source EULA does not provide any vendor support, maintenance, updates, or warranty, and it may impose some restrictions or obligations on the user, such as disclosing the source code, attributing the original author, or using a compatible license for derivative works. An open-source EULA may not be suitable for a large organization that needs proprietary software with vendor support for a multiuser environment56.

A personal EULA (D) is a type of end-user license agreement that grants the user a license to use the software for personal, non-commercial purposes only. A personal EULA may limit the number of devices or servers that the user can install the software on, and prohibit the user from distributing, copying, or reselling the software to other users. A personal EULA may also provide limited or no vendor support, maintenance, updates, or warranty, and it may have a fixed or renewable term. A personal EULA may not meet the needs of a large organization that needs proprietary software with vendor support for a multiuser environment7 .

Rebooting the smartphone is the first and simplest step to resolve the issue of frequent crashes and unresponsiveness. Rebooting clears the memory, closes the background apps, and refreshes the system. It can also fix minor glitches and bugs that may cause the calendar app or the smartphone to malfunction12. The other options are either too drastic or unnecessary. Reinstalling the application may not solve the problem if the issue is with the smartphone itself. Updating the smartphone’s OS may not be possible or helpful if the device is unresponsive or incompatible. Resetting the smartphone to factory settings will erase all the data and settings on the device, which should be the last resort.

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

Pathping is the best command-line tool to provide the most detailed information for investigating the network performance issue further. Pathping is a utility that combines the functions of ping and tracert, which are two other command-line tools that test network connectivity and latency. Pathping sends packets to each router on the path to a destination and then computes results based on the packets returned from each hop. Pathping can show the route taken by the packets, the number of hops, the latency of each hop, and the packet loss percentage. This information can help the systems administrator identify where the network problem occurs and how severe it is. Ipconfig, arp, and nslookup are not as useful as pathping for this task. Ipconfig shows the configuration of the network interface card, such as IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Arp shows the mapping of IP addresses to MAC addresses in the local network. Nslookup queries DNS servers for domain name resolution. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 21

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Cert Guide, page 457

Removing the power cord is the first step to ensure the safety of the technician and the PC components. This will prevent any electrical shock or damage that may occur if the PC is still connected to a power source. The technician should also press the power button to drain any residual power from the capacitors.

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control various Windows, Linux, and macOS desktops on the company LAN using a graphical user interface. VNC does not require an external internet connection, as it works over a local network or a VPN. VNC uses a client-server model, where the server runs on the remote desktop and the client connects to it from another device. VNC can transmit the keyboard and mouse events from the client to the server, and the screen updates from the server to the client, enabling the technician to interact with the remote desktop as if it were local12.

VNC is a better option than the other choices because:

RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) (B) is not a single software solution, but a category of software solutions that enable IT professionals to remotely monitor, manage, and troubleshoot multiple devices and networks. RMM software may include remote access tools, but also other features such as patch management, backup and recovery, security, reporting, and automation. RMM software may require an external internet connection, as it often relies on cloud-based services or web-based consoles34.

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) © is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control Windows desktops on the company LAN using a graphical user interface. However, RDP is not compatible with Linux or macOS desktops, unless they have third-party software installed that can emulate or translate the RDP protocol. RDP also has some security and performance issues, such as encryption vulnerabilities, bandwidth consumption, and latency problems56.

SSH (Secure Shell) (D) is a remote access tool that allows the technician to access and control various Windows, Linux, and macOS desktops on the company LAN using a command-line interface. SSH does not require an external internet connection, as it works over a local network or a VPN. SSH uses encryption and authentication to secure the communication between the client and the server. However, SSH does not provide a graphical user interface, which may limit the functionality and usability of the remote desktop7 .

If a user’s iPhone is permanently locked after several failed log-in attempts, the user will need to use the recovery contact and recovery key to restore access, applications, and data to the device. The recovery contact is a trusted person who can receive a verification code from Apple and share it with the user. The recovery key is a 28-character code that the user created when setting up two-factor authentication for their Apple ID. The user will need to enter both the verification code and the recovery key on another device or computer to unlock their iPhone. This method will erase the iPhone and restore it from the iCloud backup

The Network & Internet settings in Windows 10 allow the user to input the SSID and password of a Wi-Fi network, as well as manage other network-related options, such as airplane mode, mobile hotspot, VPN, proxy, etc1. To access the Network & Internet settings, the user can select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet2. Alternatively, the user can right-click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and click "Open Network & Internet Settings"3.

The System settings in Windows 10 allow the user to configure the display, sound, notifications, power, storage, and other system-related options1. The Personalization settings in Windows 10 allow the user to customize the background, colors, lock screen, themes, fonts, and other appearance-related options1. The Accounts settings in Windows 10 allow the user to manage the user accounts, sign-in options, sync settings, and other account-related options1. None of these settings can be used to input the SSID and password of a Wi-Fi network.

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

iOS and Android are the two most popular and widely used mobile operating systems for smartphones. They are both based on Unix-like kernels and provide a variety of features and applications for users and developers. iOS is developed by Apple and runs exclusively on Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads. Android is developed by Google and runs on a range of devices from different manufacturers, such as Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. The other options are not mobile operating systems for smartphones, but rather for other types of devices or platforms. macOS is a desktop operating system for Apple computers, such as MacBooks and iMacs. Windows is a desktop operating system for Microsoft computers, such as Surface and Dell. Chrome OS is a web-based operating system for Google devices, such as Chromebooks and Chromecast. Linux is a family of open-source operating systems for various devices and platforms, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Raspberry Pi.

The scope of the change is one of the elements that should be documented to ensure that the change management plan is followed. The scope of the change defines the boundaries and limitations of the change, such as what is included and excluded, what are the deliverables and outcomes, what are the assumptions and constraints, and what are the dependencies and risks. The scope of the change helps to clarify the expectations and objectives of the change, as well as to prevent scope creep or deviation from the original plan. The scope of the change also helps to measure the progress and success of the change, as well as to communicate the change to the stakeholders and the team

Chain of custody documentation is a record of the sequence of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of physical or electronic evidence. It is important to maintain a chain of custody to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the evidence, and to prevent tampering or contamination. If a laptop that was in the evidence room of a police station is missing, the best reason to refer to chain of custody documentation is to determine which party had the machine and when. This can help to identify the possible suspects, locate the missing laptop, and verify if the evidence on the laptop was compromised or not

Linux is the most commonly used operating system in embedded systems because it is open source, free, customizable, and supports a wide range of architectures and devices. Linux also offers many advantages for embedded development, such as real-time capabilities, modularity, security, scalability, and reliability. Linux can run on embedded systems with limited resources, such as memory, storage, or power, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the application. Linux also has a large and active community of developers and users who contribute to its improvement and innovation. Some examples of embedded systems that use Linux are smart TVs, routers, drones, robots, smart watches, and IoT devices

PowerShell is a scripting language that can interact with Active Directory and other Windows components. It has a built-in cmdlet called New-ADUser that can create user accounts in Active Directory. PowerShell can also use the Active Directory module to access other AD-related functions and attributes. Other languages, such as Bash, SQL, and PHP, are not designed for creating Active Directory accounts and would require additional tools or libraries to do so.

Group Policy is a feature of Windows that allows administrators to manage and configure settings for computers and users on a network12. One of the settings that can be controlled by Group Policy is the password policy, which defines the rules for creating and changing passwords, such as minimum length, complexity, expiration, and history34. By using Group Policy, the Chief Information Officer can enforce the new password length requirement for all users and computers in the company’s domain, without having to manually adjust each user account or device.

References1: The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Student Guide (Exam 220-1102), page 10-11 2: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives, page 13 3: The Official CompTIA A+ Core 2 Instructor Guide (Exam 220-1102), page 10-12 4: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Objectives

The sfc command is a tool for scanning and repairing system files that are corrupted or missing on Windows operating systems12. System files are essential files that are required for the proper functioning of the operating system, such as the GUI, drivers, services, and applications. If system files are damaged or deleted, the operating system may fail to start or run properly, causing errors, crashes, or blue screens.

The sfc command can be used to fix the issue of the PC that is unable to start the GUI, assuming that the problem is caused by corrupted or missing system files. The sfc command can be run from the command prompt, which can be accessed by booting the PC from the installation media, choosing the repair option, and selecting the command prompt option3. The sfc command can be used with different switches, such as /scannow, /verifyonly, /scanfile, or /offbootdir, depending on the situation and the desired action4. The most common switch is /scannow, which scans all the system files and repairs any problems that are found5. The syntax of the sfc command with the /scannow switch is:

sfc /scannow

The sfc command will then scan and repair the system files, and display the results on the screen. If the sfc command is able to fix the system files, the PC should be able to start the GUI normally after rebooting. If the sfc command is unable to fix the system files, the PC may need further troubleshooting or a clean installation of Windows.

References1: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 2 Objectives, page 10 2: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Complete Video Course, Lesson 26 Documentation 3: How to use SFC Scannow to repair Windows system files 4: SFC Command (System File Checker) 5: How to Repair Windows 10 using Command Prompt

The most likely causes of the user’s Windows computer performance degradation and freezing are insufficient RAM and excessive software running in the background. Therefore, the technician should do the following to resolve the issue:

Increase the RAM. RAM is the memory that the computer uses to store and run applications and processes. If the RAM is not enough to handle the workload, the computer will use the hard drive as a virtual memory, which is much slower and can cause performance issues. Increasing the RAM will allow the computer to run more applications and processes smoothly and avoid freezing. The technician should check the system requirements of the applications that the user needs to run, and install additional RAM modules that are compatible with the motherboard and the existing RAM. The technician should also make sure that the system is managing the page file size automatically, or adjust it manually to optimize the virtual memory usage12.

Uninstall unnecessary software. Software that the user does not need or use can take up valuable disk space and system resources, and can interfere with the performance of other applications. Some software may also run in the background or start automatically when the computer boots up, which can slow down the system and cause freezing. The technician should help the user to identify and uninstall unnecessary software from the control panel or the settings app, and disable unnecessary startup programs from the task manager or the system configuration tool. The technician should also check for and remove viruses and malware that may affect the system performance134.

The msconfig.exe tool, also known as the System Configuration utility, is a tool that allows users to modify various system settings, such as startup options, services, boot options, and more. One of the features of msconfig.exe is the ability to disable or enable device drivers that are loaded during the system startup. By using msconfig.exe, a technician can prevent a driver from being loaded and used by the system, which will allow them to uninstall it without any errors. To use msconfig.exe to disable a driver, the technician can follow these steps:

Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.

Type msconfig.exe and press Enter.

Click on the Boot tab and then click on Advanced options.

Check the box next to No GUI boot and click OK. This will prevent the graphical user interface from loading during the boot process, which will also prevent some drivers from loading.

Click on the Services tab and check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services. This will show only the third-party services and drivers that are running on the system.

Find the service or driver that corresponds to the device that the technician wants to uninstall and uncheck the box next to it. This will disable the service or driver from starting during the system startup.

Click Apply and OK and then restart the computer.

After the computer restarts, the technician can use the Device Manager or the Control Panel to uninstall the driver that was previously in use.

One of the common reasons for a slow smartphone performance is having too many apps installed and running in the background. These apps consume the device’s memory (RAM) and CPU resources, which can affect the speed and responsiveness of the phone. Rebooting the phone can temporarily clear the RAM and stop some background processes, but they may resume after a while. Connecting to a different network does not affect the performance of the phone, unless the network is congested or has a poor signal. The user can improve the phone’s performance by uninstalling unused apps, clearing app caches, and restricting background activities12. Malware can also slow down a phone, but it is not the most likely cause in this scenario, as the user does not report any other symptoms of infection, such as pop-ups, battery drain, or data usage spikes3. Jailbreaking a phone can also affect its performance, but it is not a cause, rather a consequence, of the user’s actions. Jailbreaking is the process of removing the manufacturer’s restrictions on a phone, which allows the user to install unauthorized apps, customize the system, and access root privileges4. However, jailbreaking also exposes the phone to security risks, voids the warranty, and may cause instability or compatibility issues5.

References1: Speed up a slow Android device - Android Help - Google Help2: Why your phone slows down over time and what you can do to stop it | TechRadar3: How to tell if your phone has a virus | Norton4: What is Jailbreaking? - Definition from Techopedia5: What is Jailbreaking an iPhone? – Lifewire

Isolating the machine from the network is a good practice when troubleshooting a PC that is suspected of being infected with malware. This can prevent the malware from spreading to other devices on the network or communicating with external servers that may control or exploit the malware. Isolating the machine can be done by disconnecting the network cable, disabling the wireless adapter, or blocking the network traffic with a firewall.

The most likely cause of the intermittent crashes is that the proprietary software is incompatible, outdated, or corrupted. Reinstalling and updating the software can fix these issues and ensure the software runs smoothly. Reimaging the computer or replacing the system RAM are too drastic and unnecessary steps. Decreasing the page file size can worsen the low memory problem and affect the performance of other applications.

The best way to deal with an angry customer who is yelling at a technician is to wait until the customer is done speaking and offer assistance. This shows respect, empathy, and professionalism, and allows the technician to understand the customer’s problem and find a solution. According to the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Certification Study Guide1, some of the steps to handle angry customers are:

Stay calm and do not take it personally.

Listen actively and acknowledge the customer’s feelings.

Apologize sincerely and offer to help.

Restate the customer’s issue and ask for clarification if needed.

Explain the possible causes and solutions for the problem.

Provide clear and realistic expectations for the resolution.

Follow up with the customer until the issue is resolved.

The other options are not appropriate ways to deal with angry customers, as they may worsen the situation or damage the customer relationship. Placing the customer on hold may make them feel ignored or dismissed. Disconnecting the call may make them feel disrespected or abandoned. Escalating the issue to a supervisor may make them feel frustrated or powerless, unless the technician cannot resolve the issue or the customer requests to speak to a supervisor.

 Group Policy is a feature of Windows that allows administrators to centrally manage and configure the settings of computers and users in a domain network. Group Policy can be used to modify the default home page of all the workstations in a company by creating and applying a policy that specifies the desired URL for the home page. This way, the change will be automatically applied to all the workstations that are joined to the domain and receive the policy.

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.

The ifconfig command is a tool for configuring network interfaces that any Linux system administrator should know. It is used to bring interfaces up or down, assign and remove addresses and routes, manage ARP cache, and much more1. One of the information that ifconfig can display is the MAC address of each network interface, which is a unique identifier of the physical layer of the network device. The MAC address is usually shown as a hexadecimal string separated by colons, such as 00:0c:29:3f:5c:1f. To get the MAC address of a Linux distribution, a technician can use the ifconfig command without any arguments, which will show the details of all the active network interfaces, or specify the name of a particular interface, such as eth0 or wlan0, to show only the details of that interface.

References1: Linux Commands - CompTIA A+ 220-1102 - 1.11 - Professor Messer IT Certification Training Courses1

The software is most likely to install by default in the /Applications directory, which is the standard location for macOS applications. This directory can be accessed from the Finder sidebar or by choosing Go > Applications from the menu bar. The /Applications directory contains all the applications that are available to all users on the system1. Some applications might also offer the option to install in the ~/Applications directory, which is a personal applications folder for a single user2. The /etc/services directory is a system configuration file that maps service names to port numbers and protocols3. The /usr/bin directory is a system directory that contains executable binaries for various commands and utilities4. The C:\Program Files directory is a Windows directory that does not exist on macOS.

Recovery is a Windows 10 utility that can be used to address the concern of a failed update that prevents an application from launching. Recovery allows the user to reset the PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or use advanced startup options to troubleshoot and repair the system2. Device Manager, Administrator Tools, and Programs and Features are not Windows 10 utilities that can fix a failed update.

Content filtering is a process that manages or screens access to specific emails or webpages based on their content categories1. Content filtering can be used by organizations to control content access through their firewalls and enforce corporate policies around information system management2. A SOHO client may have content filtering enabled on their network and may need to adjust it to allow access to a corporate website that is blocked by default. The client can use a software program, a hardware device, or a subscription service to configure the content filtering settings and whitelist the desired website2.

Windows 10 Enterprise is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for large organizations that need advanced security and management features. Windows 10 Enterprise can be activated using different methods, such as Multiple Activation Key (MAK), Active Directory-based Activation (ADBA), or Key Management Service (KMS)1. KMS is a method of activation that uses a local server to activate multiple devices on a network. KMS activations are valid for 180 days and need to be renewed periodically by connecting to the KMS server2. If a device does not renew its activation within 180 days, it will enter a grace period of 30 days, after which it will display a warning message and lose some functionality until it is reactivated3. The other editions of Windows 10 do not require reactivation every 180 days. Windows 10 Pro for Workstation is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for high-performance devices that need advanced features such as ReFS file system, persistent memory, and faster file sharing. Windows 10 Pro for Workstation can be activated using a digital license or a product key. Windows 10 Home is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for personal or home use. Windows 10 Home can be activated using a digital license or a product key. Windows 10 Pro is an edition of Windows 10 that is designed for business or professional use. Windows 10 Pro can be activated using a digital license or a product key. None of these editions require reactivation every 180 days unless there are significant hardware changes or other issues that affect the activation status.

The next step that the technician should do before taking the computer off site for repair is to get authorization from the manager. Getting authorization from the manager is important because it ensures that the technician has permission and approval to remove the computer from the premises and perform the repair work off site. Getting authorization from the manager can also help document and communicate the reason and duration of the repair and avoid any misunderstanding or conflict with the user or the organization. Removing the HDD and then sending the computer for repair may not be feasible or necessary if the issue is not related to the HDD or if the HDD contains essential data or software for the repair. Checking corporate policies for guidance may be a good step but it does not replace getting authorization from the manager who is responsible for the computer and its data. Deleting the sensitive information before the computer leaves the building may not be possible or advisable if the issue prevents access to the data or if the data is needed for troubleshooting or recovery purposes. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 5.1

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.

B. Startup Folder1: The Startup folder is a special folder that contains shortcuts to programs or scripts that will run automatically when a user logs on. The technician can create a shortcut to the script and place it in the Startup folder for the conference room computer or for all users.

E. Task Scheduler23: The Task Scheduler is a tool that allows you to create tasks that run at specified times or events. The technician can create a task that runs the script at logon for the conference room computer or for all users.

The script type that is used with the Python language by default is .py. .py is a file extension that indicates a Python script file that contains Python code that can be executed by a Python interpreter or compiler. Python is a high-level, general-purpose and interpreted programming language that can be used for various applications, such as web development, data analysis, machine learning and automation. .ps1 is a file extension that indicates a PowerShell script file that contains PowerShell code that can be executed by a PowerShell interpreter or compiler. PowerShell is a task-based, command-line and scripting language that can be used for system administration and automation on Windows systems. .vbs is a file extension that indicates a VBScript file that contains VBScript code that can be executed by a VBScript interpreter or compiler. VBScript is an Active Scripting language that can be used for web development and automation on Windows systems. .bat is a file extension that indicates a batch file that contains a series of commands that can be executed by a command-line interpreter or shell on Windows systems. Batch files can be used for system administration and automation on Windows systems. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 4.3

The technician would most likely use Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users to add an individual as a local administrator on a Windows home PC. Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users allows users to add and manage other user accounts on their Windows PC. The technician can add an individual as a local administrator by selecting Add someone else to this PC under Other users and following the steps to create a new user account with administrator privileges. Settings > Personalization allows users to customize the appearance and behavior of their desktop, such as themes, colors, backgrounds, lock screen and screensaver. Settings > Personalization is not related to adding an individual as a local administrator on a Windows home PC but to configuring desktop settings and preferences. Control Panel > Credential Manager allows users to view and manage their web credentials and Windows credentials stored on their Windows PC. Control Panel > Credential Manager is not related to adding

Rolling back video card drivers is the best way to resolve the issue of large desktop icons on a user’s newly issued PC. This means restoring the previous version of the drivers that were working fine before the software patch was deployed. The software patch may have caused compatibility issues or corrupted the drivers, resulting in display problems

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.

The most likely cause of the user’s issue of applications opening without being launched and browser redirects when trying to go to certain websites is malware. Malware is a general term that refers to any software or code that is malicious or harmful to a computer or system. Malware can perform various unwanted or unauthorized actions on a computer or system, such as opening applications, redirecting browsers, displaying ads, stealing data, encrypting files or damaging hardware. Malware can infect a computer or system through various means, such as email attachments, web downloads, removable media or network connections. Keylogger is a type of malware that records and transmits the keystrokes made by a user on a keyboard. Keylogger can be used to steal personal or sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers or chat messages. Keylogger does not typically open applications or redirect browsers but only captures user inputs. Cryptominers are a type of malware that use the computing resources of a computer or system to mine cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Cryptominers can degrade the performance and increase the power consumption of a computer or system. Cryptominers do not typically open applications or redirect browsers but only consume CPU or GPU cycles. Virus is a type of malware that infects and replicates itself on other files or programs on a computer or system.

The technician should use devmgmt.msc tool to make adjustments for the touchpad issue after Windows installed updates on a laptop. Devmgmt.msc is a command that opens the Device Manager, which is a utility that allows users to view and manage the hardware devices and drivers installed on a computer. The technician can use the Device Manager to check the status, properties and compatibility of the touchpad device and its driver, and perform actions such as updating, uninstalling or reinstalling the driver, enabling or disabling the device, or scanning for hardware changes. Eventvwr.msc is a command that opens the Event Viewer, which is a utility that allows users to view and monitor the system logs and events. The Event Viewer may provide some information or clues about the touchpad issue, but it does not allow users to manage or troubleshoot the device or its driver directly. Perfmon.msc is a command that opens the Performance Monitor, which is a utility that allows users to measure and analyze the performance of the system

Resetting the network adapter is the best way to apply the changes made to the hosts file on a few PCs. The hosts file is a text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses and can be used to block certain domains by redirecting them to invalid or local addresses. Resetting the network adapter will clear the DNS cache and force the PC to use the new entries in the hosts file. 

Operating system updates are used to secure a device from known exploits. Operating system updates are patches or fixes that are released by the vendor to address security vulnerabilities, bugs, or performance issues. Operating system updates can also provide new features or enhancements to the device. It is important to keep the operating system updated to prevent attackers from exploiting known flaws or weaknesses.

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. 

The technician should adjust the firewall settings to resolve the issue of not being able to access an internal site at 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

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.

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 first thing that a support technician should check to resolve the issue of not being able to receive emails or browse the internet from a smartphone while traveling is the data plan coverage. The data plan coverage determines how much data and where the user can use on the smartphone’s cellular network. The data plan coverage may vary depending on the user’s location, carrier and subscription. The data plan coverage may not include or support certain areas or countries that the user is traveling to, or may charge extra fees or limit the speed or amount of data that the user can use. The data plan coverage does not affect text messages and phone calls, which use different network services and protocols. User account status is not likely to cause the issue of not being able to receive emails or browse the internet from a smartphone while traveling, unless the user account has been suspended or terminated by the carrier or the email provider. Mobile OS version is not likely to cause the issue of not being able to receive emails or browse the internet from a smartphone while traveling, unless the mobile OS has a major bug or compatibility problem with the network or the email app. Network traffic outages may cause the issue of not being able to receive emails or browse the internet from a smartphone while traveling, but they are less likely and less common than data plan coverage issues, and they should also affect text messages and phone calls. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.5

Operating system updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with some applications, such as Outlook, that may prevent them from opening or working properly. This can happen if the update changes some system files or settings that Outlook relies on, or if the update conflicts with some Outlook add-ins or extensions. To fix this, the technician can try some of these troubleshooting steps:

Start Outlook in safe mode and disable add-ins. Safe mode is a way of starting Outlook without any add-ins or extensions that may interfere with its functionality. To start Outlook in safe mode, press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking on the Outlook icon. You should see a message asking if you want to start Outlook in safe mode. Click Yes. If Outlook works fine in safe mode, it means one of the add-ins is causing the problem. To disable add-ins, go to File > Options > Add-ins. In the Manage drop-down list, select COM Add-ins and click Go. Uncheck any add-ins that you don’t need and click OK. Restart Outlook normally and check if the issue is resolved4.

Create a new Outlook profile. A profile is a set of settings and information that Outlook uses to manage your email accounts and data. Sometimes, a profile can get corrupted or damaged and cause Outlook to malfunction. To create a new profile, go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles. Click Add and follow the instructions to set up a new profile with your email account. Make sure to select the option to use the new profile as the default one. Restart Outlook and check if the issue is resolved5.

Repair your Outlook data files. Data files are files that store your email messages, contacts, calendar events, and other items on your computer. Sometimes, data files can get corrupted or damaged and cause Outlook to malfunction. To repair your data files, you can use a tool called scanpst.exe, which is located in the same folder where Outlook is installed (usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16). To use scanpst.exe, close Outlook and locate the tool in the folder. Double-click on it and browse to the location of your data file (usually C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook). Select the file and click Start to begin the scanning and repairing process. When it’s done, restart Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.

Run the /resetnavpane command. The navigation pane is the panel on the left side of Outlook that shows your folders and accounts. Sometimes, the navigation pane can get corrupted or damaged and cause Outlook to malfunction. To reset the navigation pane, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, or open the Command Prompt. Type outlook.exe /resetnavpane and hit Enter. This will clear and regenerate the navigation pane settings for Outlook. Restart Outlook and check if the issue is resolved.

 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.

 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

The technician should perform a rollback of the Windows update that caused the issue with the locally attached devices. A rollback is a process of uninstalling an update and restoring the previous version of the system. This can help to fix any compatibility or performance issues caused by the update1. To rollback an update, the technician can use the Settings app, the Control Panel, or the System Restore feature. The technician should also check for any device driver updates that might be needed after rolling back the update. Disabling the Windows Update service is not a good practice, as it can prevent the system from receiving important security and feature updates. Checking for updates might not fix the issue, as the update that caused the issue might still be installed. Restoring hidden updates is not relevant, as it only applies to updates that have been hidden by the user to prevent them from being installed2.

When a user rotates a cell phone horizontally to read emails and the display remains vertical, even though the settings indicate autorotate is on, this is typically due to a problem with the phone's accelerometer. The accelerometer is the sensor that detects changes in the phone's orientation and adjusts the display accordingly. If the accelerometer is not calibrated correctly, the display may not rotate as expected.

Recalibrating the accelerometer is the most likely solution to this issue. The process for recalibrating the accelerometer can vary depending on the specific device and operating system, but it typically involves going to the device's settings and finding the option to calibrate or reset the sensor. Users may need to search their device's documentation or online resources to find specific instructions for their device.

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.

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. 

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the files on the victim’s computer and demands a ransom for their decryption. Ransomware can cause high disk throughput by encrypting large amounts of data in a short time.

Finder is the default GUI and file manager in macOS. Finder is an application that allows users to access and manage files and folders on their Mac computers. Finder also provides features such as Quick Look, Spotlight, AirDrop and iCloud Drive. Finder uses a graphical user interface that consists of icons, menus, toolbars and windows to display and interact with files and folders. Disk Utility is a utility that allows users to view and manage disk drives and partitions on their Mac computers. Disk Utility is not a GUI or a file manager but a disk management tool. Dock is a feature that allows users to access and launch applications on their Mac computers. Dock is not a GUI or a file manager but an application launcher. FileVault is a feature that allows users to encrypt and protect their data on their Mac computers. FileVault is not a GUI or a file manager but an encryption tool. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.1

 Mission Control is the macOS feature that provides the user with a high-level view of all open windows. Mission Control allows the user to see and switch between multiple desktops, full-screen apps, and windows in a single screen. Mission Control can be accessed by swiping up with three or four fingers on the trackpad, pressing F3 on the keyboard, or moving the cursor to a hot corner

The user is experiencing a system error that prevents them from using the Testing program. The error message indicates that the file MSVCP100.dll is missing from the computer. This file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, which is required by some applications to run properly. The error may have occurred due to a corrupted or incomplete software deployment.

To resolve this issue, the user needs to restore the missing file and register it in the system. One possible way to do this is to copy the file from another computer that has the Testing program installed and working, and then use the regsvr32 command to register it. The steps are as follows:

On another computer (User-PC02) that has the Testing program installed and working, locate the file MSVCP100.dll in the folder C:\Program Files\Testing.

Share the folder C:\Windows\System32 on User-PC02 by right-clicking on it, selecting Properties, then Sharing, then Advanced Sharing, then checking Share this folder, then clicking OK.

On the user’s computer (User-PC01), open a command prompt as an administrator by clicking Start, typing cmd, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.

In the command prompt, type the following command to copy the file MSVCP100.dll from User-PC02 to User-PC01: copy "C:\Program Files\Testing\msvcp100.dll" "\\User-PC02\C$\Windows\System32"

After the file is copied, type the following command to register it in the system: regsvr32 msvcp100.dll

Restart the user’s computer and try to run the Testing program again.

Therefore, based on the instructions given by the user, the correct answers are:

Select Event Viewer Issue: 2187

Select First Command: copy "C:\Program Files\Testing\msvcp100.dll" "\\User-PC02\C$\Windows\System32"

Select Second Command: regsvr32 msvcp100.dll

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.

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.

The next troubleshooting step that the technician should perform to resolve the issue of pages flashing on the screen before staying open when accessing banking web pages is to verify the address bar URL. The address bar URL is the web address that appears in the browser’s address bar and indicates the location of the web page being accessed. Verifying the address bar URL can help determine if the user is accessing a legitimate or malicious website, as some phishing websites may try to impersonate banking websites by using similar-looking URLs or domains.

 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

The tool that the technician should use to resolve the connection issues with the third-party USB adapter is devmgmt.msc. Devmgmt.msc is a command that opens the Device Manager, which is a utility that allows users to view and manage the hardware devices and drivers installed on a computer. The technician can use the Device Manager to check the status, properties and compatibility of the USB adapter and its driver, and perform actions such as updating, uninstalling or reinstalling the driver, enabling or disabling the device, or scanning for hardware changes. Taskschd.msc is a command that opens the Task Scheduler, which is a utility that allows users to create and manage tasks that run automatically at specified times or events. The Task Scheduler is not relevant or useful for resolving connection issues with the USB adapter. Eventvwr.msc is a command that opens the Event Viewer, which is a utility that allows users to view and monitor the system logs and events. The Event Viewer may provide some information or clues about the connection issues with the USB adapter, but it does not allow users to manage or troubleshoot the device or its driver directly. Diskmgmt.msc is a command that opens the Disk Management, which is a utility that allows users to view and manage the disk drives and partitions on a computer. The Disk Management is not relevant or useful for resolving connection issues with the USB adapter. References: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0, Domain 1.6

Refreshing local Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) settings and deleting the Windows Update cache are effective steps in resolving issues with Windows 10 not installing updates. These actions help in rectifying any corrupt update files and ensuring that the workstation is properly communicating with the update servers, which can resolve errors during manual and automatic update installations.

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​.

If time is of the essence and the workstation is mission-critical (e.g., the only access point to a corporate database), the quickest and most reliable recovery method is to restore from the last backup. This will return the system to a known working state with minimal downtime.

Option B (Reinstall the OS): Time-consuming and not ideal if a backup is available.

Option C (System File Checker): Can help if the problem is limited to corrupted system files, but doesn’t guarantee complete recovery of user data or configurations.

Option D (Hardware Diagnostics): Not relevant unless there's a known or suspected hardware failure.

? Reference:

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Objective 2.5 – "Given a scenario, use best practices associated with types of backups."

Microsoft Docs: Restore from a system image backup

A rollback plan is essential for a change to be approved by a change management review board. It outlines the steps to reverse a change in case something goes wrong, minimizing downtime and mitigating risk. Other items like end-user acceptance and cost analysis are important but not typically the deciding factor for approval.

When dealing with sensitive information, it's crucial to adhere to company policies and procedures. These policies will outline the proper protocols for handling and transporting devices containing sensitive data.

Here's why the other options might not be the best course of action:

A. Remove the HDD and then send the computer for repair: While this might seem like a good way to protect the data, it might not be compliant with company policy. Some policies might require the entire device to be sent for security reasons or to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

C. Delete the sensitive information before the computer leaves the building: Deleting the data might not be sufficient, as it could potentially be recovered. Also, it might violate data retention policies or hinder the repair process.

D. Get authorization from the manager: While getting manager approval is important, it's essential to first consult the company policies to understand the required procedures.

Recommended Steps:

Check corporate policies: Review the company's policies on data security, device handling, and off-site repairs.

Consult with IT security or management: If the policies are unclear or if you have any questions, seek guidance from the appropriate personnel.

Follow the prescribed procedures: This might involve data encryption, secure data wiping, obtaining necessary approvals, and using approved vendors for off-site repairs.

A passphrase is the most secure method among the options listed for preventing unauthorized access to a cell phone. Unlike a simple PIN or pattern, a passphrase is typically longer and can include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, making it harder to guess or brute force. Swipe and pattern locks are generally easier to bypass or observe due to smudge traces or pattern predictability. CompTIA A+ Core 2 security domain stresses using strong authentication methods to protect mobile devices, and passphrases are recommended for their complexity and strength. This aligns with mobile device security best practices covered in the official study guide, emphasizing strong, complex authentication mechanisms to secure sensitive data on mobile devices.

When a user reports that a new, personally owned tablet will not connect to the corporate Wi-Fi network, but other devices can connect, and the tablet is running the latest software, the most likely cause of the issue is a blocked MAC address. Here’s why:

MAC Filtering: Many corporate networks implement MAC address filtering as a security measure. This involves only allowing devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to the network. If the MAC address of the new tablet is not on the allowed list, it will be blocked from connecting.

Check Network Settings: To troubleshoot this, the network administrator can check the network's MAC filtering settings to see if the tablet's MAC address is blocked.

Add MAC Address: If the MAC address is blocked, adding the tablet's MAC address to the allowed list will resolve the issue.

Other options like incorrect encryption settings or outdated drivers are less likely because the user can connect with other devices and the tablet is running the latest software. Disabled location services do not affect Wi-Fi connectivity.

To manually add a workstation to a domain, the technician needs to access the System Properties menu where domain settings are configured.

User Accounts: Manages user accounts but does not handle domain membership.

System Properties: The correct place to add or change domain membership settings.

Windows Firewall: Manages firewall settings but not domain membership.

Network and Sharing: Manages network connections and sharing but not domain settings.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

The sudo (SuperUser DO) command is used in Linux-based systems to execute administrative tasks, such as changing permissions or accessing root-level files and directories. When a technician needs to change file or user permissions, they often use chmod or chown with sudo to gain the required privileges.

Option B (chxod): This is a typo. The correct command is chmod, used to change file permissions.

Option C (xv): Not a valid command in Linux related to permissions.

Option D (pwd): Stands for “print working directory,” used to display the current directory, not manage permissions.

? Reference:

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Objective 1.4 – "Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems."

Linux Command Reference: sudo, chmod, chown

Detailed Explanation with Core 2 References:Configuring a proxy server in Windows 10 can be done through the Internet Options under LAN settings, where the user can enable and enter a proxy server's address. This aligns with Core 2’s objectives of configuring network settings in a Windows environment (Core 2 Objective 1.4)​.

SSH (Secure Shell) is the secure protocol used for remotely accessing and managing network devices. It encrypts communication, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. Telnet provides remote access but is not secure because it transmits data, including passwords, in plaintext. TKIP is an encryption protocol for Wi-Fi security, not a remote access method. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) provides graphical remote desktop access mainly for Windows systems, not typically used for network device management. CompTIA A+ Core 2 clearly indicates SSH as the secure remote access protocol for network device administration.

Detailed Explanation with Core 2 References:Rack-mounted UPS units are often heavy, so technicians should seek assistance to lift them to avoid injury, following safety procedures. Core 2 includes handling hardware safely as part of best practices (Core 2 Objective 4.4)​.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

The best method is to create an ISO file from the DVD and store it on a file server, allowing remote installations across multiple devices.

B. Use an external USB DVD-ROM – Not practical for remote installations.

C. Copy ISO to a USB flash drive – Requires physically transferring the USB to each laptop.

D. Download an ISO from an unrelated website – Unsafe and violates security best practices.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

The Programs and Features utility allows users to view, modify, or uninstall applications that may be consuming excessive disk space. This is the best option when addressing low disk space issues.

A. Internet Options – Incorrect. This controls browser settings and has no impact on disk space.

B. System – Incorrect. System settings provide general system information but do not manage disk space.

D. Device Manager – Incorrect. Device Manager is used for managing hardware devices, not disk space.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps:

Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files.

Check the Downloads folder and delete unused files.

Move data to external or cloud storage.

The ipconfig /all output shows the following:

IPv4 Address............ 192.168.0.74Subnet Mask............. 255.255.255.255Default Gateway......... 192.168.0.1

The issue with the subnet mask being set to 255.255.255.255 is that it specifies a single host subnet, meaning the device cannot communicate with other devices on the network or access the internet. The correct subnet mask for a typical home network should be:

Subnet mask of 255.255.255.0: This allows for communication within the same local network (192.168.0.0/24).

Default gateway 192.168.0.1: Correct, this is the typical address for the router.

IPv4 Address 192.168.0.74: Correct, within the correct subnet range.

Changing the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 will resolve the connectivity issue.

Disk encryption is the best method for securing a workstation used in financial transactions, such as point-of-sale systems. It ensures that if the workstation is stolen, all data on the disk is encrypted and cannot be accessed without proper credentials. File encryption (B) only encrypts individual files, and USB drive encryption (C) only applies to removable storage. Data-in-transit encryption (A) is not relevant for physical security.

The camera and microphone on an iPhone activating without user input, especially after allowing applications to be installed outside the normal App Store, is a classic sign of the device being jailbroken. Jailbreaking an iPhone removes many of the built-in security features and restrictions, allowing the installation of apps from third-party sources. These third-party apps can be malicious and can gain unauthorized access to system resources like the camera and microphone.

A. The user connected a counterfeit Lightning cable to the iPhone. While counterfeit cables can be harmful, they typically cause charging or connectivity issues rather than security vulnerabilities that would enable camera and microphone activation without user input.

B. The device is unenrolled from Mobile Device Management. Unenrolling from MDM removes organizational controls but does not directly cause unauthorized camera and microphone activation.

D. The iPhone has an out-of-date operating system. An outdated OS can have vulnerabilities, but the scenario specifically mentions modifications to allow third-party app installations, pointing to jailbreaking as the primary cause.

Restarting a smartphone is a basic troubleshooting step that often resolves temporary software glitches or minor errors that might be preventing the screen rotation from working correctly. It's a quick and easy step to try before moving on to more complex solutions.

Here's why the other options are not the best first step:

A. Remove the screen protector: While a thick or improperly installed screen protector could potentially interfere with the sensors responsible for screen rotation, it's less likely to be the cause.

B. Update the smartphone’s software: While software updates can fix bugs and improve functionality, they are not always necessary for resolving a screen rotation issue.

D. Replace the smartphone: Replacing the smartphone is a drastic measure and should only be considered if other troubleshooting steps fail.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Restart the smartphone: This often clears temporary software issues.

Check for software updates: If a restart doesn't work, updating the operating system or any relevant apps might resolve the issue.

Calibrate the accelerometer: Some smartphones have a calibration tool for the accelerometer, the sensor that detects orientation. Check the device settings for this option.

Check for hardware issues: If the problem persists, there might be a hardware issue with the accelerometer or other components. In this case, contacting the manufacturer or a repair center might be necessary.

Since both developer mode and the ability to install apps from unknown sources are enabled, the technician should check for Malicious applications (Option B). Unknown sources can allow unverified apps that may include malware or apps that use excessive background data without the user's knowledge. Checking for malicious apps is essential in this scenario.

Storage cache (Option A) would not typically cause high data usage.

Privacy settings (Option C) control data sharing and permissions but don't directly impact data usage.

Permissions (Option D) might help identify apps using data, but the focus should be on apps that could be malicious.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

2.7 - Explain common methods for securing mobile devices, including detecting and preventing malware​.

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.

Detailed Explanation with Core 2 References:Incremental backups only save changes made since the last backup, significantly reducing storage space requirements compared to full backups. This approach is consistent with the Core 2 objective of understanding various backup methods and their space requirements (Core 2 Objective 4.3)​.

The best method to perform maintenance on a network switch is using Secure Shell (SSH). SSH provides secure, encrypted command-line access to network devices remotely, enabling configuration changes and diagnostics without exposing credentials or data to interception. Videoconferencing and phone calls are communication tools, not management methods. A VPN creates a secure tunnel but does not directly manage devices. Core 2 networking and security domains highlight SSH as the preferred secure protocol for remote switch administration, supporting operational security best practices.

PowerShell (Option C) is a powerful scripting language used in Windows environments for automating tasks, including the configuration of services across multiple systems. It is widely used by system administrators for scripting and automating administrative tasks.

SQL (Option A) is used for managing databases, not for scripting system configurations.

HTML (Option B) is a markup language for web development, not for automating services.

C# (Option D) is a general-purpose programming language but is not primarily used for administrative automation tasks.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 References:

4.8 - Basics of scripting, including PowerShell for automation

When troubleshooting a printer that was previously working but is no longer recognized by a workstation, Event Viewer is the most appropriate tool to check for historical logs and events related to the printer and the system.

Option A: Performance MonitorPerformance Monitor is used for monitoring system performance and resources in real-time and does not provide specific historical event logs related to device failures.

Option B: Devices and PrintersDevices and Printers show the status and properties of connected devices but do not provide a historical log of events or errors.

Option C: Task SchedulerTask Scheduler manages and monitors scheduled tasks but does not log hardware events or errors.

Option D: Event ViewerEvent Viewer logs system events, including errors, warnings, and information related to hardware and software. It is ideal for checking what happened prior to the printer failure.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Checking the hash value (such as MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256) is the best way to verify file integrity after downloading. A hash function generates a unique string for a file. If even a single bit in the file is changed, the hash value will be different. Many software vendors provide hash values (checksums) on their websites to help users confirm that the files were downloaded without corruption or tampering.

A. Clear browsing data – Incorrect. Clearing browsing data does not affect downloaded files or their integrity.

B. Install SSL certificates – Incorrect. SSL certificates encrypt data transmission but do not verify the integrity of downloaded files.

D. Use trusted sources – While downloading files from trusted sources reduces the risk of corruption, it does not verify file integrity.

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.

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.

To reduce the risk of brute force attacks, implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective controls. MFA requires additional verification beyond a password, drastically lowering the chance of unauthorized access. Additionally, enforcing account lockouts after a set number of failed login attempts (e.g., five) limits brute force attempts by temporarily disabling accounts when suspicious activity occurs. While limiting access to internal destinations and blocking foreign login attempts can help, they are less reliable and can impact legitimate access. Replacing the remote tool or purchasing a password manager does not directly address brute force risks. These mitigation techniques are fundamental security practices emphasized in CompTIA A+ Core 2 Security domain.

Before starting a bare-metal installation of Windows 10, ensuring that there is sufficient storage space on the system's hard drive or SSD is crucial. This is because the installation files need enough room to be copied and for the operating system to be installed and function properly. Without adequate storage, the installation process can fail or the operating system might not perform optimally. Other prerequisites like internet connection, product key, and specific firmware types might be necessary at different stages of installation or activation, but the fundamental requirement is enough storage space to accommodate the new OS.

To mitigate brute-force attacks, implementing a failed log-in lockout feature is effective. This security measure temporarily disables user accounts after a specified number of unsuccessful login attempts, preventing attackers from continuously trying different password combinations to gain unauthorized access.

To prevent security issues related to an employee using the same password for multiple applications and websites, implementing expiration policies (B) is best. Password expiration policies require users to change their passwords at regular intervals, which helps to mitigate the risks associated with password reuse. Regularly changing passwords reduces the chances of unauthorized access from compromised credentials​​.

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​​.

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 troubleshooting a Windows system that is experiencing issues during the OS loading phase at startup, enabling boot logging is a practical step. Boot logging creates a record of all drivers and services that are loaded (or attempted to be loaded) during the startup process. This record, typically named ntbtlog.txt, can be reviewed to identify any drivers or services that failed to load, which could be contributing to the startup issues. This diagnostic step helps pinpoint the problematic component(s) and facilitates targeted troubleshooting to resolve the OS loading issues.

To resolve an issue of low storage space on a Windows computer, the best approach is to Run Disk Cleanup (B). Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility that helps users free up space on their hard drives by deleting temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary files that are no longer needed, thereby resolving low storage space issues

The app file type is designed to run under macOS as an application file bundle. macOS uses application bundles to store executable files and related resources, such as libraries, image files, and localized content, in a single directory hierarchy. This approach simplifies application management and execution within the macOS environment​​.

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.

After successfully mitigating a malicious event caused by an infected email, the final step before considering the event closed is to complete an incident report. This document should detail the nature of the incident, the steps taken to resolve it, and any lessons learned to improve future responses to similar threats.

For securely disposing of SSDs, physical destruction methods like shredding are considered most effective:

Shredding: This method involves physically breaking the SSD into small pieces, making data recovery practically impossible. It's a recommended practice for ensuring that sensitive data on SSDs is irretrievably destroyed.

The most likely reason for an error message stating "Not compatible with OS" during a software installation is that the installation requires administrative rights. Many software installations, especially those that affect system files or install drivers, require administrative privileges to execute correctly. Without these rights, the installer cannot make the necessary changes to the system, leading to such error messages​​.

For updating software on several hundred Mac laptops, the best method is Mobile Device Management (MDM). MDM solutions allow administrators to remotely manage and update software across multiple devices efficiently, making it an ideal choice for handling software updates on a large scale.

Using a password manager is the best way to mitigate the issue of users recording their login information in accessible areas. Password managers securely store and encrypt passwords and login details, reducing the need for users to write down or remember multiple complex passwords. This approach enhances security by encouraging the use of strong, unique passwords for different accounts without the risk of forgetting them or the unsafe practice of writing them down. Trusted sources, valid certificates, and user training are important security measures but do not directly address the problem of managing multiple secure passwords as effectively as a password manager does.

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​​.

Turning off inheritance on the specific folder requested by the manager and setting the requested permissions, followed by turning on inheritance under the child folders, ensures that only the immediate team has access to the confidential material while maintaining the broader permissions structure for other folders and files. This action isolates the folder's permissions from the top-level inheritance, providing a focused security measure for sensitive content.

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.

Group Policy is a feature in Windows that allows network administrators to manage and configure operating system, application settings, and user settings in an Active Directory environment. It can enforce password policies across the network, including password length requirements, making it the best tool for ensuring compliance with security policies.

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​​.

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.

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.

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.

The presence of pop-up windows advertising free software and the error message about memory are indicative of spyware infection. Installing and running antispyware software is a practical first step to remove the unwanted software and resolve the issue without resorting to more drastic measures like re-imaging the system.

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.

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.

Multifactor authentication (MFA) significantly enhances security by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access to an account or system. This method is highly effective against brute-force attacks, where attackers attempt to guess a user's password through repeated trials. By implementing MFA, even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented without the additional authentication factor(s), such as a code from a smartphone app, a fingerprint, or a physical security token.

Multifactor authentication: Provides an additional layer of security beyond just the password, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access through brute-force methods, as they would need to compromise more than one authentication factor.

Encryption (B) is crucial for protecting data at rest and in transit, but it does not directly prevent brute-force login attempts. Increased password complexity (C) can deter brute-force attacks by making passwords harder to guess, but it is not as effective as MFA in preventing access when passwords are compromised. A secure password vault (D) helps users manage and store their passwords securely, which can indirectly contribute to security by allowing users to keep more complex passwords, but it does not directly prevent brute-force attacks on accounts.

The scenario described is characteristic of a malware tactic known as scareware, where users are tricked into installing malware through false alerts claiming that their system is infected. The anti-malware software installed in response to a pop-up is likely malicious, causing the system to run slowly and display frequent pop-ups.

To safely upgrade the Microsoft Windows 10 OS, it is essential to backup critical data (C) and ensure that you have the necessary device drivers (D). Backing up critical data protects against potential data loss during the upgrade process. Having the correct device drivers ensures that the hardware components function properly with the new OS version, preventing issues like loss of functionality or compatibility problems​​.

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.

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.

Over time, especially with frequent opening, modification, and saving of large files, a hard disk drive (HDD) can become fragmented. Fragmentation occurs when pieces of individual files are scattered across the disk, leading to longer read and write times, which can significantly slow down the computer. Disk defragmentation reorganizes these fragmented files, placing the pieces closer together on the drive, which improves access time and overall system performance.

Disk Defragment: Using the Disk Defragment tool on a Windows 10 system with an HDD will help in reorganizing the data more efficiently, thus potentially remedying the slow performance issue.

The Registry Editor (B) is a tool that allows for the viewing and editing of the Windows registry and is generally not used for performance improvement but rather for system settings and configuration adjustments. System Information (C) provides a detailed look at the computer's hardware and system details but does not offer tools for performance improvement. Disk Cleanup (D) can help free up space on the hard drive by removing temporary files and system files that are no longer needed, which can indirectly improve performance but is not the primary tool for addressing fragmentation.

The IT manager's caution regarding the new applications not having a detrimental effect on company finances points directly to concerns about the business impact. This encompasses potential costs associated with upgrading legacy systems, compatibility issues that might arise from running new applications on old infrastructure, and the risks of system downtime or reduced performance affecting business operations. The focus here is on ensuring that the integration of new applications into the legacy system does not incur unexpected expenses or disrupt critical business processes.

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​​.

For scripting the creation of Active Directory accounts, PowerShell (D) is used. PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and the associated scripting language. It is built on the .NET framework and is particularly suited for automating and managing Windows-based systems, including Active Directory tasks​​.

When a computer is running slower than usual and experiences long startup times, the first tool to use is:

Task Manager: This utility provides real-time data on the processes and applications consuming system resources like CPU, memory, and disk usage. By identifying resource-heavy processes, a technician can take steps to optimize performance or identify malicious software.

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.

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

Multifactor authentication will be forced for Wi-Fi after deploying a client certificate to be used for Wi-Fi access for all devices in an organization3

AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) should be updated to reflect this new requirement. The AUP is a document that outlines the acceptable use of technology within an organization. It is a set of rules that employees must follow when using company resources. The AUP should be updated to include a policy on cryptocurrency mining on work desktops

TACACS+ is a proprietary Cisco AAA protocol

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

Click on 802.11 and Select ac

Click on SSID and select CORP

Click on Frequency and select 5GHz

At Wireless Security Mode, Click on Security Mode

Select the WPA2

Ann needs to connect to the BYOD SSID, using 2.4GHZ. The selected security method chose should be WPA PSK, and the password should be set to TotallySecret.

The technician should quarantine the system first1

The technician should escalate the ticket to ensure that the CEO’s device is returned as soon as possible1

The technician should update the browser’s CRLs first. The error message indicates that the certificate revocation list (CRL) is not up to date. Updating the CRLs will ensure that the browser can verify the authenticity of the bank’s website.

4. Chrome OS. Retrieved from 5. What is Chrome OS? Retrieved from

A netbook with a web-based, proprietary operating system is most likely running Chrome OS. Chrome OS is a web-based operating system developed by Google that is designed to work with web applications and cloud storage. It is optimized for netbooks and other low-power devices and is designed to be fast, secure, and easy to use.

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.

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

Open Settings, select System, select Display, and change the Scale and layout setting to a higher percentage123

Account lockout would best mitigate the threat of a dictionary attack1

Changing channels can best resolve interference from other nearby SSIDs. Wireless networks operate on different channels, and changing the channel can help to avoid interference from other nearby networks.

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.

The best ways to limit the bank’s risk are to enable multifactor authentication for each support account and enforce account lockouts after five bad password attempts. Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the login process, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems. Account lockouts after five bad password attempts can help to prevent brute force attacks by locking out accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts.

The process of documenting who had possession of evidence at every step of the process is called chain of custody

Navigate to the Windows 10 Settings menu, select the Accounts submenu, select Sign in options, select Windows Hello Fingerprint, and have the user place a fingerprint on the fingerprint reader repeatedly until Windows indicates setup is complete. Windows Hello Fingerprint can be set up by navigating to the Windows 10 Settings menu, selecting the Accounts submenu, selecting Sign in options, and then selecting Windows Hello Fingerprint. The user will then be asked to place a fingerprint on the fingerprint reader repeatedly until Windows indicates that setup is complete. Windows Hello Fingerprint allows the user to log into the laptop using just their fingerprint, providing an additional layer of security.

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.

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

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.

The account access level the user will need to access advanced features and configuration settings for several applications while adhering to corporate policy requiring a least privilege environment is a standard account. This is because a standard account allows the user to access advanced features and configuration settings for several applications while adhering to corporate policy requiring a least privilege environment1.

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

Utilizing an ESD strap

Placing the PSU in an antistatic bag

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.

Chrome OS provides a lightweight option for workstations that need an easy-to-use browser-based interface1

The most effective way to check other machines on the network for this unknown threat is to manually check each machine. This can help to identify any other machines that may be infected with the unknown virus and allow them to be cleaned.

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.

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.