Free CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Questions 2026 - Page 17

Explanation:

Plenum cabling is specifically designed and required by building codes for use in commercial spaces where cables run through air circulation areas, such as:

Suspended ceilings used as air return plenums
Raised floors used for HVAC airflow
Vertical shafts between floors

Plenum-rated cables have fire-retardant jacketing (typically FEP or low-smoke PVC) that produces less toxic smoke and limits flame spread, meeting commercial building safety requirements.

Why other options are incorrect:

A. USB 3.1 Gen 2:
USB is a universal interface standard for connecting peripherals, not specific to commercial spaces. It's used everywhere.

B. Straight tip fiber connector:
ST connectors are used for fiber optic connections in various environments, not specifically for commercial spaces.

D. Cat 8:
Category 8 Ethernet cable is designed for high-speed data centers and short-distance connections, but it does not inherently address commercial building fire code requirements like plenum rating does.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 3.1: "Given a scenario, connect and configure peripherals and ports... Cable types and properties including plenum-rated vs. non-plenum for commercial building fire safety compliance."

Explanation:

Each generation of DDR (Double Data Rate) memory is designed to improve upon the previous one by increasing the speed at which data is moved between the RAM and the CPU.

DDR3 typically tops out at around 2133 MT/s (MegaTransfers per second).
DDR4 starts at 2133 MT/s and scales up to 3200 MT/s or higher in standard configurations.

This increase in speed is achieved through higher clock frequencies and improved internal architecture, allowing modern systems to handle memory-intensive tasks like video editing and gaming more efficiently

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:


B. DDR3 is capable of achieving higher bandwidth than DDR4:
Bandwidth is a product of speed. Since DDR4 has higher transfer rates, it naturally provides significantly higher bandwidth (the total amount of data moved per second) than DDR3.

C. DDR4 operates at a higher voltage than DDR3:
This is factually incorrect. DDR4 is more power-efficient, operating at 1.2V, while standard DDR3 operates at 1.5V.

D. DDR3 is better suited for low-power environments than DDR4:
Because DDR4 operates at a lower voltage ($1.2V$ vs $1.5V$), it is actually better for low-power environments like laptops and mobile workstations, as it generates less heat and extends battery life.

References:

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1201): Objective 3.4 – "Explain the purposes and properties of motherboards." (Memory types).

Official CompTIA Training: Teaches that as DDR generations progress, the voltage decreases while the density (capacity) and speed increase.

Explanation:

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) allows organizations to host desktop environments on central servers and deliver them to users remotely. Users access their virtual desktops from any device (thin clients, laptops, tablets) without needing physical workstations. VDI provides:

Centralized management of desktop images and applications
Remote access from anywhere
Data security (data remains in data center)
Consistent user experience across devices

Why other options are incorrect:

A. RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management):
RMM tools are used by managed service providers to monitor and manage client devices remotely, not to deliver desktop resources.

B. SaaS (Software as a Service):
SaaS delivers specific applications over the internet, not full desktop environments.

D. Containers:
Containers virtualize at the application level, sharing the host OS kernel. They provide isolated application environments, not full desktop experiences.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 4.2: "Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts... Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) for remote desktop delivery without physical workstations."

Explanation:

When a network outage occurs, the router (which usually acts as the DHCP server) often reboots. When it comes back online, it may assign a new, different IP address to the printer if the printer is set to dynamic addressing.

If the user's computer is configured to print to $192.168.1.50$, but after the outage the printer is assigned $192.168.1.62$, the printer will appear "Offline" or "Unreachable." By implementing a Static IP, the technician manually assigns a permanent address to the printer that never changes, regardless of network reboots or outages.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

A. Gateway:
The Gateway (or Default Gateway) is the IP address of the router used to send data outside the local network. While a printer needs a gateway to access the internet, simply "implementing a gateway" doesn't prevent the printer's own IP from changing and becoming unreachable to local users.

C. APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing):
APIPA addresses (starting with $169.254.x.x$) are assigned when a device cannot find a DHCP server. This is a symptom of a problem, not a configuration setting you would implement to fix a problem. APIPA usually prevents internet access and cross-subnet communication.

D. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):
This is likely the setting that caused the issue. DHCP allows the router to dynamically assign addresses. If the printer is set to DHCP, its IP address is subject to change, leading to the "unreachable" status reported by the technician.

References:

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1201): Objective 3.8 – "Given a scenario, install and configure printers." (Sub-section: IP commands/settings).

Official CompTIA Training: Emphasizes that assigning static IPs to printers is a standard "hardening" and reliability step in any network installation.

Explanation:

POST code beeps are audible error codes generated during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process when the computer first starts. Specific beep patterns indicate specific hardware failures:

RAM-related beep codes: Most BIOS manufacturers use distinct beep patterns (e.g., continuous short beeps, specific long-short combinations) to indicate memory errors

If the system recovers after a BSOD and the issue is RAM-related, the next startup would likely produce RAM-specific POST beep codes

Why other options are incorrect:

A. Wrong BIOS configurations:
Incorrect BIOS settings can cause boot issues but do not specifically indicate RAM problems and would not produce beep codes.

B. Continuous reboots:
Continuous reboots can be caused by many issues (CPU overheating, power supply, motherboard failure), not exclusively RAM.

C. Distended capacitors:
Bulging or leaking capacitors are visible on the motherboard and indicate power regulation failure, not specifically RAM issues.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 3.2 and 5.3: Troubleshooting memory issues using POST beep codes and diagnostic indicators.

Explanation:

The technician has already performed the standard troubleshooting steps for a printing environment:

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

A. The manufacturer is curating content:
This is not a real-world technical function. Manufacturers do not intercept and "curate" print jobs to save ink; they provide low-ink warnings or draft modes.

C. PostScript vs. PCL:
While using the wrong Page Description Language (PDL) can cause garbled text or "mojibake" (symbols and nonsense characters), it rarely causes the Windows Print Spooler service to stop responding entirely. Furthermore, if it were a PDL issue, it would likely affect many documents, not just one specific report. [Image comparing a standard printed page vs a page with garbled PostScript code errors]

D. Personal preferences have changed:
This is a non-technical distractor. "Online-only" preferences would not cause a system service like the Print Spooler to crash or make a computer unresponsive.

References:

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1201): Objective 5.6 – "Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to printers."

Official CompTIA Training: Teaches that if hardware and drivers are verified, and the problem is limited to a single software source, the issue must be escalated to the software vendor.

Explanation:

A print server is the best option for installing a printer at a corporate office for all employees to use because it:

Centralizes management: Administrators can manage print queues, drivers, and permissions from one location
Provides shared access: All users can connect to the same printer through the network
Handles multiple simultaneous jobs: Queues and spools print jobs efficiently
Tracks usage: Can monitor and log printing activity
Works with domain authentication: Integrates with Active Directory for user-based access control

Why other options are incorrect:

B. Bluetooth printing:
Bluetooth has limited range (approx. 10 meters) and is unsuitable for enterprise-wide sharing.

C. Cloud printing:
Cloud printing (like Google Cloud Print, now deprecated) requires internet connectivity and may have latency or security concerns for internal corporate use.

D. Wi-Fi Direct:
Wi-Fi Direct allows direct device-to-printer connections without a network, but each user would need to connect individually, not practical for multiple employees.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 3.6: "Given a scenario, configure printers... Print server configuration for centralized printer management in enterprise environments."

Explanation:

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is the best choice to prevent data loss from unexpected shutdowns. A UPS provides:

Battery backup: Keeps the system running during power outages, giving the user time to save work and shut down properly
Power conditioning: Protects against surges, sags, and electrical noise
Automatic shutdown: Can safely shut down the system if the battery runs low
This directly addresses the customer's issue of data loss due to unexpected shutdowns.

Why other options are incorrect:

A. Redundant power supply:
Redundant PSUs provide failover if one PSU fails but do not protect against external power outages. The system would still shut down if building power is lost.

C. Modular power supply:
Modular PSUs allow detachable cables for better cable management. They offer no protection against power loss.

D. High-efficiency power supply:
High-efficiency (80 Plus rated) PSUs waste less energy as heat but do not provide backup power during outages.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 3.1 and 4.3: "Given a scenario, connect and configure peripherals and ports... Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for data protection during power events."

Explanation:

The issue is that columns are spilling onto the second side of the page when printing in duplex (double-sided) mode. This typically occurs because the spreadsheet is wider than the page width. Changing the page orientation from Portrait (taller than wide) to Landscape (wider than tall) provides more horizontal space across the page, allowing more columns to fit on each side without spilling over. This resolves the readability issue while still allowing duplex printing.

Why other options are incorrect:

A. Turn off duplex printing:
This would print on one side only, avoiding the spill-over issue but defeating the requirement to print on both sides.

B. Try a smaller font size:
While reducing font size could fit more content, it may make the spreadsheet harder to read and doesn't guarantee columns won't still spill across pages.

D. Use a different print driver:
The print driver is unlikely to affect column layout or page orientation settings. The issue is with page layout, not driver functionality.

Reference:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 3.6: "Given a scenario, configure printers... Print settings including duplex mode and orientation for optimal document layout."

Explanation:

Fiber-optic cabling uses pulses of light (photons) instead of electrical signals (electrons) to transmit data. This light travels through a core made of high-quality glass or plastic.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect:

A. Coaxial:
This cable uses a solid copper core to transmit data via electrical signals. It is heavily shielded but relies on electricity, not light.

B. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface):
This is a digital audio/video interface that uses multiple copper wires to transmit electrical signals between devices like a PC and a monitor.

C. Thunderbolt:
While some high-end Thunderbolt cables can be optical, the standard Thunderbolt specification primarily uses copper wiring to transmit both data (PCIe/DisplayPort) and power (up to 100W) to peripherals.

References:

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1201): Objective 2.1 – "Compare and contrast common network cables and connectors."

Official CompTIA Training: Identifies fiber-optic as the only medium in the curriculum that uses light for data transmission, noting its high bandwidth and security (harder to "tap" than copper).