220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

The correct answer is A. Serial.

A serial cable is a type of cable that can be used to connect a laptop to a network device via a serial port. A serial port is a physical interface that allows data transmission between devices using serial communication, which is a method of sending data one bit at a time over a single wire. Serial ports are often used for console access to network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, or servers, when other methods of connection, such as SSH (Secure Shell), are not available or not working.

SSH is a protocol that allows secure and encrypted remote login and command execution over a network. SSH uses public key cryptography to authenticate the client and the server, and to encrypt the data exchanged between them. SSH can be accessed through different ports, depending on the configuration of the server and the client. The default port for SSH is 22, but it can be changed to any other port for security reasons.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a type of cable that can be used to transmit audio and video signals between devices, such as laptops, monitors, TVs, or projectors. HDMI cables support high-definition video and audio formats, and can also carry Ethernet and power signals. HDMI cables are not suitable for connecting to network devices via SSH, as they are designed for multimedia purposes.

Parallel cables are a type of cable that can be used to connect devices that use parallel communication, which is a method of sending data multiple bits at a time over multiple wires. Parallel cables are often used for connecting printers or scanners to computers, but they are not commonly used for network devices or SSH connections.

Lightning cables are a type of cable that can be used to connect Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, or iPods, to computers or chargers. Lightning cables support data transfer and power delivery, and can also be used with adapters to connect to other types of ports, such as USB or HDMI. Lightning cables are not compatible with network devices or SSH connections, as they are specific to Apple products.

Therefore, the only cable that can be used as an alternative connection method with a laptop when SSH is not working is a serial cable. Serial cables can provide console access to network devices and allow configuration and troubleshooting commands to be executed. For more information about SSH and its alternatives, you can refer to the following web search results: Alternatives to SSH, How To Configure Custom Connection Options for your SSH Client, Understanding the SSH Encryption and Connection Process, How to Use Public Key Authentication with SSH.

The user's smartphone is losing its charge rapidly and feels thicker than it was when new. Both of these symptoms point towards a bad battery.

A bad battery loses its ability to hold a charge, leading to rapid draining. Additionally, a bad battery can physically swell, which explains why the phone feels thicker.

Malware infection, damaged charge port, and poor connectivity are unlikely causes for both the rapid draining and the increased thickness.

References

CompTIA A+ Certification Core 1 220-1101 Study Guide, Chapter 2: Mobile Devices, Section 2.2 Mobile Device Batteries

https://www.comptia.org/training/books/a-core-1-220-1101-study-guide

The issue described suggests that the home USB-C adapter may not be compatible with the laptop or may not meet the necessary power requirements to charge the device. Providing the user with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) power supply ensures compatibility and reliability, as OEM chargers are specifically designed to work with the laptop model in question. This solution ensures that the user can work efficiently both at home and in the office without facing charging issues, as OEM power supplies adhere to the specific voltage and amperage requirements of the device.

The most likely cause of the issue is a defective inverter. An inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) power from the laptop battery or adapter to the alternating current (AC) power that the LCD backlight bulb needs. The backlight bulb is a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the LCD screen and makes the image visible. If the inverter is defective, it may not provide enough power to the backlight bulb, or it may stop working intermittently. This can result in a dim, dark, or blank screen, even though the LCD panel is still functioning and displaying a faint image.

To troubleshoot a defective inverter, the technician can follow these steps:

Connect an external monitor to the laptop and check if the image is displayed normally. If the external monitor works fine, it means that the laptop video card and driver are not the cause of the issue.

Shine a flashlight into the LCD screen and look for a faint image. If the image is visible, it means that the LCD panel is not the cause of the issue.

Check the inverter cable and connector for any damage, loose connection, or corrosion. The inverter cable is a thin wire that runs from the laptop motherboard to the inverter board, which is usually located at the bottom of the LCD screen. The inverter connector is a small plug that connects the inverter cable to the inverter board. The technician can try to reseat the inverter cable and connector, or replace them if they are faulty.

Check the inverter board for any damage, burn marks, or blown fuses. The inverter board is a small circuit board that contains the inverter and other components. The technician can try to test the inverter board with a multimeter, or replace it if it is defective.

A thermal receipt printer uses heat to print on thermal paper, which has a special coating that reacts to heat and produces black marks. If the paper roll is inserted in the wrong orientation, the printer will not be able to print anything on the paper. Therefore, the first thing the technician should do is to check if the paper roll is loaded correctly, with the paper feeding under, not over. This is a common and easy mistake to fix, and it does not require any software or hardware changes.

References

•Troubleshooting Your Thermal Printer Problems - Thermal POS Receipt Printer Tips & Tricks, paragraph 2

•POS Thermal Receipt Printer Troubleshoot - Not Printing Evenly, video at 0:15

•Receipt Printer Troubleshooting – Shopfront, bullet point 2

When troubleshooting a thermal receipt printer that fails to print, the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Guide advocates starting with the simplest, most common, and least invasive steps before escalating to more complex solutions. Thermal printers rely on heat-sensitive paper, and a frequent issue is incorrect paper orientation—thermal paper has a coated side that must face the printhead to produce an image. If the paper roll is installed upside down, the printer won’t print, as the heat from the thermal head won’t interact with the correct side of the paper. This is a quick fix that doesn’t require tools or software changes, aligning with CompTIA’s troubleshooting methodology (Objective 5.6: "Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues").

D. Flip the paper roll orientation: Checking and correcting the paper orientation is a basic, immediate step that addresses a common thermal printer issue. It’s non-disruptive and aligns with initial troubleshooting principles.

A. Update the printer driver: Driver issues could prevent printing, but this assumes a software problem without evidence and isn’t the first step when hardware basics haven’t been checked.

B. Replace the thermal printhead: A failed printhead could cause non-printing, but replacing hardware is a later step after ruling out simpler causes, as it’s costly and invasive.

C. Make sure the thermal head is heating up: Verifying the printhead’s functionality is a valid diagnostic step, but it requires tools (e.g., checking heat output) and assumes a hardware failure, making it less immediate than checking paper orientation.

The study guide emphasizes starting with physical checks—like paper installation—before moving to software or hardware diagnostics, making flipping the paper roll the most logical first action.

Exact Extracts from the Study Guide:

From The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Guide (220-1101):

Section 3.7, Printer Consumables:

"Thermal Printers: Thermal printers use heat to create an image on specially coated paper… The paper must be loaded correctly, with the coated side facing the thermal printhead, or no image will be produced. If the printer is not printing, check the paper orientation first."

Implication: Incorrect paper orientation is a primary cause of printing failure in thermal printers.

Section 5.6, Troubleshooting Printer Issues:

"Printer will not print—Verify that the printer is powered on and online… Check that the paper is loaded correctly (for thermal printers, ensure the coated side faces the printhead). Next, check for paper jams, then verify connectivity and driver settings."

"Troubleshooting methodology: Identify the problem… Test the simplest solutions first (e.g., paper loading, power, cables) before escalating to software or hardware replacement."

These excerpts confirm that checking paper orientation is the initial step for thermal printer issues, as it’s a frequent user error and easily corrected.

Additional Reasoning:

Thermal Printer Mechanics: Thermal receipt printers don’t use ink or toner; they heat the paper directly. If the non-coated side faces the printhead, no output occurs, making orientation a top troubleshooting priority.

Symptom Specificity: The printer “will not print” suggests no output at all, not faded or partial printing (which might point to a printhead or driver issue). Paper orientation fits this symptom perfectly.

CompTIA Approach: The methodology prioritizes quick, low-cost checks (paper, power, connections) over software updates or hardware swaps, especially in a SOHO or retail environment where receipt printers are common.

Other Options:

Driver Update (A): Relevant if the printer is online but not responding to print jobs, not the first step without connectivity clues.

Replace Printhead (B): Premature without testing the existing head’s functionality.

Check Heating (C): Useful but requires diagnostic effort (e.g., test page or thermal test), making it a follow-up step.

The maximum distance that Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a cables can be ran is 100 meters or 328 feet, according to the TIA/EIA standards. This is the maximum length for a cable segment, which is the distance between two devices, such as a switch and a computer, or a router and a printer. If the cable segment exceeds this length, the signal quality may degrade and cause errors or loss of data. Therefore, it is important to measure the cable length before installation and use repeaters or extenders if necessary.

References

1 Cable Distance | Comms InfoZone

2 Discussing Cat5 and Cat6 Max Length Limits - ShowMeCables

3 Cat5e vs Cat6 - Difference and Comparison | Diffen

Metered utilization of cloud resources refers to payments made only for resources that are used. Cloud providers offer a pay-as-you-go model where customers are charged based on their usage of resources. Customers can easily scale up or down their usage of resources as per their needs and only pay for what they use. References: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition by Mike Meyers (Page 642)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a software solution that allows companies to manage and secure mobile devices used in the corporate environment. MDM provides features such as remote data wipe, application management, and device security policies to ensure data protection and compliance with company policies. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 220-1001 - Mobile device hardware and operating systems - 2.8

Cat 5 cable is limited to a maximum data transfer rate of 100Mbps, while Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a cables support Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps) and higher speeds. Even though the LAN card is capable of Gigabit speeds, it cannot achieve that speed when using a Cat 5 cable. Upgrading to a Cat 5e or higher cable would allow the computer to achieve Gigabit speeds. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Page 196

The issue described in the question is most likely due to an incorrect configuration of the printer's duplex settings. To enable automatic duplex printing, the technician needs to read the printer's installation manual to understand how to configure the printer's duplex settings correctly. Once the settings are configured, the printer should be able to print on both sides of the paper automatically.

To fix the issue of a newly installed printer capable of automatically printing on both sides of the paper but only printing on both sides manually, the technician should read the installation manual and configure duplex settings. Duplex printing settings can be configured in the printer driver software, which can be accessed through the printer settings in the Control Panel. Installing the most recent firmware upgrade available for the printer, contacting the vendor for a hardware replacement, or reinstalling the printer software and drivers and restarting the printer will not resolve the issue.

eSATA is the best choice for adding external storage as it offers a fast transfer rate and is specifically designed for external storage devices. SCSI is an older interface that is rarely used today, PCIe is typically used to add expansion cards to a computer, and NVMe is a newer interface for high-speed solid-state storage, but it is typically used for internal storage devices.

Changing the connector setting on the monitor is a possible solution for a PC and its monitor that display the error message "No input signal detected". This error can be caused by an incorrect input selected on the monitor, so changing the connector setting to the correct input should resolve the issue. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 1001, 1.10

Top of Form

Regenerate response

Bottom of Form

If you want to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine using Hyper-V, you will have to use a “Generation 2” VM and enable the “trusted platform module” (TPM) and Secure Boot options. Otherwise, the OS won’t install.

Starting with Windows 11, Microsoft is changing the system requirement and making TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot a prerequisite to perform an in-place upgrade or clean install the new version on any device. This is in addition to the new 4GB of RAM and at least 64GB of storage.

quoted from here:

https://pureinfotech.com/enable-tpm-secure-boot-hyperv-install-windows-11/

Furthermore, Multithreading is not a requirement for hyper-v hosting.

To create virtual machines on a workstation, the technician needs to enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in the system BIOS. TPM is a hardware-based security feature that helps protect the system from unauthorized access and tampering. It is required for many virtualization technologies, including Hyper-V, VirtualBox, and VMware. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives - 220-1002: 2.7 Explain the basics of virtualization.

Using a USB 3.1 flash drive with BitLocker to Go installed is the best option for complying with corporate policy for data protection when copying files to portable media. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, Ninth Edition, Chapter 12

Device interference is the most likely cause of the wireless connection dropping or becoming slow. Interference can come from other wireless devices, microwave ovens, or physical barriers like walls and metal objects. Hidden SSID, Ethernet port flapping, and high ISP latency are not likely to cause this issue.

Wireless interference from other devices can cause a drop in wireless connection speed and stability. In a small office environment, there may be several wireless devices competing for the same bandwidth, causing the issues described. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 1 Exam Objectives - 3.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools

The component that should be upgraded first is the RAM. When multiple applications are being utilized, the system’s response time slows down drastically. This is because the computer is running out of memory. Upgrading the RAM will allow the computer to store more data in memory, which will improve performance when multiple applications are being used123.

Based on the information provided in the question, the MOST likely component that needs to be replaced is A. power adapter. If a laptop has been working as expected for several years but suddenly stops working when it is plugged into a wall outlet, it is possible that the power adapter has failed and is no longer able to provide power to the laptop. In this case, replacing the power adapter would likely resolve the issue.

The other components listed in the options (battery, system fan, and hard drive) could also potentially fail and cause issues with a laptop’s performance. However, based on the specific scenario described in the question (the laptop suddenly stops working when plugged into a wall outlet), it seems most likely that the issue is related to the power adapter.

If the laptop has been working as expected for several years and suddenly stops working, the power adapter is the most likely component that needs to be replaced. Over time, the power adapter can become worn or damaged, resulting in a loss of power to the laptop. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, Ninth Edition, Chapter 3

The MOST efficient next step the technician should complete is to check the printer paper path to locate any obstructions1. The error message “Paper Jam, Jam in fuser” indicates that there is a paper jam in the fuser2. The fuser is one of the parts of a laser printer most likely to fail without giving any explicit message2. 

The printer LCD screen indicates a paper jam in the fuser. The most efficient next step the technician should complete is to check the printer paper path to locate any obstructions. Applying a maintenance kit or replacing the fuser may not be necessary if the issue is caused by a paper jam.

https://techlibrary.hpe.com/docs/iss/proliant-gen10-uefi/s_enabling_VT-d.html

Enabling VT-d (Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O) in the server's BIOS settings is required for the hypervisor to run properly. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, Ninth Edition, Chapter 11

https://www.lifewire.com/fix-it-when-webcam-is-not-working-4588517

If a laptop's external webcam software is running, but it shows no image or video, the first step the technician should perform is to reseat the webcam. Reseating the webcam involves disconnecting it from the motherboard and then reconnecting it. If this doesn't work, the technician should then check the webcam drivers or software. References: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition by Mike Meyers (Page 502)

The technician should restart the modem and run an online internet connection and speed diagnostic tool1. High latency is a common issue with satellite internet connections, and it can cause slow internet speeds2. Restarting the modem can help to resolve the issue1. The technician should also run an online internet connection and speed diagnostic tool to check the connection and speed1. Guiding the customer on how to upgrade the internet plan with the provider in order to improve latency is not likely to be the correct option2.

High latency while pinging can indicate a problem with the modem or the connection between the modem and the satellite. Restarting the modem can often resolve connectivity issues. Running an online internet connection and speed diagnostic tool can help identify any other issues with the connection. Upgrading the internet plan may not resolve latency issues and may not be necessary if the download test is performing perfectly with very good download speeds. High latency is not normal for satellite internet connections, so replacing the modem based on this one test result is premature. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Page 102

The phone's GPS may fail due to a loss of service from the carrier, which provides the phone with GPS location data. The fact that the in-car GPS continued to function suggests that the issue was related to the phone, not the GPS satellites. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Tenth Edition, pg. 372

One possible solution to address the issue of a webcam not working with a videoconferencing program is to close other video software and retry (option A). It’s possible that another video software program is currently using the webcam and preventing the videoconferencing program from accessing it. By closing any other video software that may be running on the computer, the user can ensure that the webcam is available for use by the videoconferencing program.

A defective battery is the most likely cause of a mobile phone that gets really hot to the touch, does not retain a charge, and is slow while charging. A defective battery can cause the phone to overheat and may also cause performance issues. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 1001, 2.14

Thin, vertical lines on every printed page are usually caused by a dirty drum or toner cartridge. Performing the drum-cleaning procedure will likely resolve the issue. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, Ninth Edition, Chapter 18

Three beeps indicate a "base memory read/write test error". Check out "beep codes" for more information.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test#POST_beep_codes_on_CompTIA_A.2B_certification_exam

Reseating the RAM is the best course of action to remediate the issue of three consecutive beeps during boot, as it may indicate a RAM failure or loose connection. By reseating the RAM, the technician can ensure that the connection is secure and the computer should boot normally. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 1001, 1.9

Dropping a smartphone can damage the digitizer, which is the component responsible for sensing touch input. This can cause issues with tapping and swiping on the screen, as well as other touchscreen-related issues. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Core 1 Exam Objectives - 3.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile device issues

The most likely reason that the technician is unable to select the channel with almost no RF pollution is that it is reserved for licensed band use. Some channels are reserved for specific purposes and require a license to use. These licensed bands are typically used for critical infrastructure, public safety, or military operations, and unlicensed devices are not allowed to use them. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives - 220-1001: 3.3 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.

An administrator would use Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to migrate virtual machines from on-premises to the cloud. IaaS is a cloud computing service that provides virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, that can be used to deploy and run applications in the cloud. By using IaaS, an administrator can create a virtual machine in the cloud and migrate the existing virtual machine from on-premises to the cloud. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Objective 3.3

When a user hears one beep on rebooting a machine, and then an error message is displayed, it could indicate that there is a problem with the RAM module or the boot order. The beep sound indicates that the POST process was successful, and the error message indicates that the boot process was unsuccessful. The boot order determines the sequence in which the computer looks for bootable devices. References: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition by Mike Meyers (Page 693)

In this situation, the best course of action for the technician to take NEXT would be C. Verify the socket type and manufacturer. If the pins on the CPU do not line up with the socket on the motherboard, it is likely that there is a compatibility issue between the two components. The technician should verify that the socket type and manufacturer of the motherboard match those of the CPU to ensure that they are compatible.

Client-side virtualization guest machines require isolation from other guest machines to maintain their security. Isolation ensures that each virtual machine is separated from others and runs its own operating system and applications, making it less vulnerable to attacks from other guest machines. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 220-1002 - Virtualization and cloud computing - 4.1

The digitizer is the component that enables input on a mobile device's touch screen. It is a transparent layer that sits over the screen and detects the location of touch inputs. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is a type of display technology. Inverter is a component used in older LCD displays to provide power to the backlight. CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor is a type of image sensor used in digital cameras and smartphones to capture images. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Page 177

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help ensure maximum uptime for customers' virtual machines by providing a backup power source in case of a power outage or other power-related issues. A line conditioner and AC voltage regulator are designed to stabilize the power supply, but do not provide backup power. Cloud storage backup is a way to backup data, but does not directly impact uptime. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 - Page 159

Based on the information provided in the scenario, the most likely cause of the issue is that the user’s internet connection is down (option A). This would explain why the user is unable to access any of the organization’s servers or network items and why web pages are not functioning. However, since the user can still access local file folders and other local machines, it suggests that their local network is still functioning.

The user can access local file folders and other local machines but none of the organization's servers or network items, indicating that the issue is with the user's internet connection, not with the user's domain account, switch, or IP address.

When a user receives a notification indicating that there is limited or no connectivity, it means that their device is unable to establish a connection to the network. In this scenario, the user can access local file folders and other local machines but is unable to access any of the organization’s servers or network items and web pages are not functioning. This suggests that the issue is with the user’s internet connection.

An internet connection allows a device to communicate with other devices and servers outside of its local network. If the internet connection is down or not functioning properly, the device will be unable to access any resources outside of its local network. This would explain why the user in this scenario can still access local resources but is unable to access any of the organization’s servers or network items.