220-1102 CompTIA A+ Certification Core 2 Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

This is the most effective way to selectively prevent programs from loading on a Windows 10 machine. The Startup tab can be accessed by opening Task Manager and then selecting the Startup tab. From there, the technician can methodically disable items that are currently listed as enabled, reboot the machine, and check for issue resolution at each startup. If the issue persists, the technician can then move on to disabling the next item on the list.

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

https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/how-to-get-rid-of-rootkit-windows-10.html

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.

A technician needs to reimage a desktop in an area without network access, which means that the technician cannot use network-based methods such as PXE or SMB to deploy the image. Therefore, the technician should use offline methods that involve removable media such as USB or optical media. USB and optical media are common ways to store and transfer system images, and they can be used to boot the desktop and initiate the reimaging process. The technician will need to create a bootable USB or optical media that contains the system image and the imaging software, and then insert it into the desktop and change the boot order in the BIOS or UEFI settings. The technician can then follow the instructions on the screen to reimage the desktop

A content filter is a device or software that blocks or allows access to web pages based on predefined criteria, such as keywords, categories, or ratings. A content filter can also create a log of the blocked or allowed web requests, which can help the management team monitor and audit the web usage of their employees. A content filter is different from the other options because:

A screened subnet is a network segment that is protected by two firewalls, one facing the internet and one facing the internal network. A screened subnet can isolate servers or hosts that need to be accessed from both sides, such as a web server or a bastion host. A screened subnet does not filter web content based on predefined criteria, but rather on network addresses, ports, and protocols.

Port forwarding is a technique that allows a router to forward packets from one port to another port, usually on a different device. Port forwarding can enable remote access to services or applications that are hosted on a private network, such as a web server or a game server. Port forwarding does not filter web content based on predefined criteria, but rather on destination ports and addresses.

An access control list (ACL) is a set of rules that defines which packets are allowed or denied on a network device, such as a router or a firewall. An ACL can filter packets based on source and destination addresses, ports, protocols, and other criteria. An ACL can also create a log of the matched or unmatched packets, which can help the management team troubleshoot and secure their network. An ACL does not filter web content based on predefined criteria, but rather on packet headers and fields.

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 .

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.

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.

The -a option is used to display hidden files and directories in a command-line interface. Hidden files and directories are those that start with a dot (.) and are normally not shown by default. The -a option stands for “all” and shows all files and directories, including the hidden ones. The -a option can be used with commands such as ls, dir, or find to list or search for hidden files and directories. The -s, -lh, and -t options are not used to display hidden files and directories. The -s option stands for “size” and shows the size of files or directories in bytes. The -lh option stands for “long human-readable” and shows the size of files or directories in a more readable format, such as KB, MB, or GB. The -t option stands for “time” and sorts the files or directories by modification time. References:

Official CompTIA learning resources CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2, page 17

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam …, page 107

RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol, which is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows a user to remotely access and control another computer over a network. RDP provides a secure session that encrypts the data between the client and the host, and allows the user to see and interact with the desktop and applications of the remote computer as if they were sitting in front of it. RDP also supports features such as audio, video, clipboard, printer, and file sharing, as well as multiple monitor support and session recording. To use RDP, the host computer must have Remote Desktop enabled and configured, and the client computer must have a Remote Desktop client software installed. The client can connect to the host by entering its IP address, hostname, or domain name, and providing the login credentials of a user account on the host. RDP is commonly used for remote administration, technical support, and remote work scenarios

The command md stands for make directory and is used to create a new directory or folder in the current location. In this case, the technician can use md minutes to create a folder named minutes in the C: drive. The other commands are not relevant for this task. c: \minutes is not a command but a path to a folder. dir is used to display a list of files and folders in the current directory. rmdir is used to remove or delete an existing directory or folder.

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 customer’s web browser is likely infected by a browser hijacker, which is a type of malware that changes the browser’s settings and redirects the user to malicious websites. A browser hijacker can also steal the user’s personal data, display unwanted ads, and install more malware on the device. To remove a browser hijacker, the user should first uninstall the browser from the Control Panel, then scan the device with an antivirus or anti-malware program, and finally install a trusted browser from a legitimate source. Deleting the browser cookies and history, resetting the browser settings, or changing the browser default search engine may not be enough to get rid of the browser hijacker, as it may have embedded itself into the system or other browser components. 

The first step in troubleshooting a hardware issue is to identify the hardware device that is causing the problem. Asking the user for the model number of the hardware can help the help desk technician to find the specifications, manuals, drivers, and other relevant information for the device. This can also help the technician to determine if the device is compatible with the user’s system, if it has any known issues or defects, and if it is covered by warranty or support contract. Asking the user for the model number of the hardware is a help desk best practice that can save time and effort in resolving the issue

An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a document that defines the rules and expectations for the users of a system, network, or service. It typically covers topics such as the purpose, scope, responsibilities, and restrictions of using the system, network, or service1. An AUP is a suitable place to publish the guidelines for the incorporation of generative AI solutions, as it can inform the users of the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of using such tools. It can also specify the conditions and limitations for using generative AI solutions, such as the types of data, content, and applications that are allowed or prohibited, the security and privacy requirements, the legal and regulatory compliance, and the accountability and reporting mechanisms23.

Malware is software that infects computer systems to damage, disable or exploit the computer or network for various malicious purposes5. Malware is typically distributed via email attachments, fake internet ads, infected applications or websites, and often relies on user interaction to execute6. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to prevent malware infections is to educate the end user about the common signs and sources of malware, and how to avoid them7. Configuring the firewall, restoring the system from backups, and updating the antivirus program are also important security measures, but they do not address the root cause of the user’s repeated infections, which is likely due to a lack of awareness or caution.

References5: Malware: what it is, how it works, and how to stop it - Norton6: How to Prevent Malware: 15 Best Practices for Malware Prevention7: 10 Security Tips for How to Prevent Malware Infections - Netwrix

devmgmt.msc is the MMC snap-in that opens the Device Manager, a tool that allows the technician to view and manage the hardware devices and their drivers on the computer1. If the applications are not updating properly, it could be due to outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers that prevent the hardware from functioning normally. The technician can use the Device Manager to update, uninstall, rollback, or disable the drivers, as well as scan for hardware changes, troubleshoot problems, and view device properties2.

gpedit.msc is the MMC snap-in that opens the Group Policy Editor, a tool that allows the technician to configure the local or domain group policy settings for the computer or a group of computers3. Group policy settings can affect the security, performance, and functionality of the system, but they are not directly related to the application updates or the hardware drivers.

perfmon.msc is the MMC snap-in that opens the Performance Monitor, a tool that allows the technician to monitor and analyze the performance of the system and its components, such as processor, memory, disk, network, etc4. Performance Monitor can display real-time data or collect log data for later analysis, as well as generate reports and alerts based on the performance counters5. Performance Monitor can help the technician identify and diagnose performance issues, but it does not provide a way to manage the hardware drivers.

The most likely cause of the user’s laptop issues is that it has been infected by some type of malware or ransomware. Malware and ransomware are malicious software that can harm, exploit, or disrupt devices or networks12. They can cause symptoms such as slow performance, browser redirects, pop-up windows, data encryption, or ransom demands12. Therefore, the first step a technician should take to resolve the issue is to scan the laptop for malware and ransomware using a reliable and updated anti-malware tool34. This can help identify and remove any malicious software that may be present on the laptop. Scanning for malware and ransomware is more effective and urgent than the other options because:

Performing a system restore may not remove the malware or ransomware, as some of them can persist or hide in the system files or backup copies34. Moreover, a system restore may result in data loss or corruption, as it restores the system to a previous state and deletes any changes made after that point5.

Checking the network utilization may not help diagnose or fix the problem, as the malware or ransomware may not be using the network at all, or may be using it in a stealthy or encrypted manner34. Furthermore, checking the network utilization does not address the root cause of the issue, which is the presence of malicious software on the laptop.

Updating the antivirus software may not be sufficient to detect or remove the malware or ransomware, as some of them may evade or disable the antivirus software, or may be too new or unknown for the antivirus software to recognize34. Additionally, updating the antivirus software does not guarantee that the laptop will be scanned for malware or ransomware, as the user may need to initiate or schedule the scan manually.

app files are application bundles that contain all the necessary files and resources for a Mac app. They can be easily deleted by dragging them to the Trash or using Launchpad12. Other file types, such as .exe, .dmg, .rpm, and .pkg, are either not compatible with macOS or require additional steps to uninstall34.

The most effective clarifying question for the help desk technician to ask the user in order to understand the issue is A. What is the error message? This question will help the technician to identify the possible cause and solution of the problem, as the error message will provide specific information about the nature and location of the error, such as the server name, the port number, the protocol, the authentication method, or the network status. The error message will also help the technician to troubleshoot the issue by following the suggested steps or searching for the error code online.

This question is more effective than the other choices because:

B. Does the program work on another computer? is not a very helpful question, as it will not reveal the source of the error or how to fix it. The program may work on another computer for various reasons, such as different network settings, firewall rules, permissions, or software versions. However, this question will not tell the technician what is wrong with the user’s computer or the remote server, or what needs to be changed or updated to make the program work.

C. Did the program ever work? is not a very relevant question, as it will not address the current issue or how to resolve it. The program may have worked in the past, but it may have stopped working due to changes in the network configuration, the server status, the software updates, or the user credentials. However, this question will not tell the technician what has changed or how to restore the program functionality.

D. Is anyone else having this issue? is not a very useful question, as it will not explain the reason or the solution for the error. The issue may affect only the user, or multiple users, depending on the scope and the impact of the error. However, this question will not tell the technician what is causing the error or how to fix it for the user or the others.

The hostname command-line tool is used to display the name of the local machine. This information can be crucial for identifying the device within a network, especially when setting up remote access or sharing resources like folders and printers. Unlike other command-line tools that provide more detailed network diagnostics or configuration details, hostname straightforwardly offers the device's network identification, making it suitable for the scenario described.References: Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Student Guide​​.

A technician should handle personal communication while on site in a professional and respectful manner. According to the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam objectives, one of the best practices for communication skills is to “avoid distractions and interruptions” when working with customers1. This means that the technician should not respond to calls and text messages that are not related to the work or the customer, unless there is an emergency situation that requires a response. Responding to personal communication while on site can be seen as rude, unprofessional, and disrespectful to the customer and their time. It can also affect the quality and efficiency of the technician’s work and cause errors or delays. Therefore, the technician should only respond to calls and text messages when an emergency situation requires a response, and inform the customer about the situation and apologize for the interruption.

The other options are not appropriate for handling personal communication while on site. Responding to calls and text messages while on site but not when working directly with personnel (A) is still distracting and unprofessional, as it can interfere with the technician’s focus and productivity. Responding to calls and text messages only from family (B) is not a valid criterion, as the technician may receive calls and text messages from other sources that are not related to the work or the customer. Responding to calls and text messages discreetly while on site (D) is not a good practice, as it can still be noticed by the customer or other personnel and create a negative impression.

A sandbox is an isolated environment that allows for the testing of critical systems without the risk of them being negatively impacted by changes. A sandbox can be used to simulate real-world scenarios, experiment with new features, debug errors, or evaluate the performance and security of a system. A sandbox can be created using virtualization, emulation, or containerization technologies. A sandbox prevents any changes made in the testing environment from affecting the production environment, which is the actual system that is used by the end users.

https://www.comptia.org/training/books/a-core-2-220-1102-study-guide

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

A software firewall is a program that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on a computer or a server. A software firewall can help prevent unauthorized LAN devices from accessing stored files on a company file server by applying rules and policies that filter the network packets based on their source, destination, protocol, port, or content. A software firewall can also block or allow specific applications or services from communicating with the network, and alert the administrator of any suspicious or malicious activity12.

A software firewall is a better option than the other choices because:

Password complexity (B) is a good practice to protect the file server from unauthorized access, but it is not sufficient by itself. Password complexity refers to the use of strong passwords that are hard to guess or crack by attackers, and that are changed frequently and securely. Password complexity can prevent brute force attacks or credential theft, but it cannot stop network attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in the file server software or hardware, or that bypass the authentication process34.

Antivirus application © and anti-malware scans (D) are important tools to protect the file server from viruses and malware that can infect, damage, or encrypt the stored files. However, they are not effective in preventing unauthorized LAN devices from accessing the files in the first place. Antivirus and anti-malware tools can only detect and remove known threats, and they may not be able to stop zero-day attacks or advanced persistent threats that can evade or disable them. Moreover, antivirus and anti-malware tools cannot control the network traffic or the file server permissions, and they may not be compatible with all file server platforms or configurations56.

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.

Scripting languages are used to write small to medium-sized programs that perform specific tasks. Some common uses of scripting languages are: automating repetitive processes, web development, system administration, data processing, multimedia and games, report generation, document and text processing, writing plugins and extensions for existing programs and applications1.

Jailbreaking a device exposes it to various security risks, such as malware, data theft, network attacks, and service disruption1234. Running an antivirus and enabling encryption may not be enough to remove the threats and restore the device’s functionality. Undoing the jailbreak may not be possible or effective, depending on the method used. Backing up the files and doing a system restore may preserve the jailbreak and the associated problems. The best option is to erase the device and reinstall the original operating system that is compatible with the corporate policies and standards. This will ensure that the device is clean, secure, and compliant25.

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