220-1201 CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam (2026) Free Practice Exam Questions (2026 Updated)

Software as a Service (SaaS) provides users access to fully managed applications hosted in the cloud. CompTIA A+ explains that SaaS is subscription-based and typically billed monthly or annually, which aligns perfectly with the phrase “recurring fee.” Business productivity applications—such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and Salesforce—are classic examples of SaaS offerings.

SaaS applications run entirely in the provider’s cloud environment, eliminating the need for installation, maintenance, or management by the customer. This makes SaaS ideal for businesses that need reliable, scalable tools without maintaining their own infrastructure.

DaaS (Desktop as a Service) provides virtual desktops.

PaaS (Platform as a Service) offers a development framework for building applications.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) provides virtual servers, storage, and networking—not end-user productivity apps.

Thus, SaaS is the correct and only model that matches the description of subscription-based access to productivity applications.

The correct answer is B. Reconnect the wireless antennas.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Hardware and Laptop Maintenance:

Many laptop wireless antennas are routed through the display assembly to provide optimal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal strength.

When replacing a laptop display, it is essential to disconnect and then reconnect the wireless antennas to ensure proper connectivity.

Failing to reconnect these antennas can result in weak or no wireless signal.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Reattach the heat sinks: Heat sinks are part of the CPU/GPU cooling assembly and are unrelated to replacing the display.

C. Install a new CPU fan: CPU fans are part of the cooling system, not the display assembly.

D. Reset the BIOS to default settings: Not required for physically replacing the display; the BIOS retains settings independently of display hardware.

For the highest possible stability, the best power-supply choice is a redundant power supply. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) hardware concepts, redundant PSUs are used in systems where uptime and reliability are critical. A redundant PSU configuration typically includes two power supply units operating together (often in a hot-swappable bay). If one PSU fails, the other continues supplying power, allowing the workstation to remain operational and preventing unexpected shutdowns that could interrupt CAD work or corrupt data. This directly matches the requirement for maximum stability.

A UPS improves resilience to power loss and brownouts by providing battery backup and line conditioning, but it is not a power supply type and doesn’t protect against the PSU itself failing. A surge protector helps guard against voltage spikes, but it also does not ensure system operation if the PSU fails. A modular PSU mainly improves cable management and airflow by allowing detachable cables; it can be convenient and neat, but it does not inherently increase stability compared with redundancy. Therefore, the most stability-focused PSU option is Redundant.

The correct answer is B. Secure Boot.

According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Security:

Secure Boot is a UEFI firmware feature that ensures a computer boots only with software that is trusted and digitally signed by the manufacturer.

This prevents malicious or unauthorized bootloaders and operating systems from loading, protecting the system from rootkits and other boot-time attacks.

Secure Boot does not require disabling USB devices; it simply checks that any bootable device contains a signed operating system.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. BIOS password: Protects access to BIOS/UEFI settings but does not verify trusted software during boot.

C. USB settings: Can control USB access but cannot enforce boot validation for signed OS or prevent unauthorized boot devices.

D. Single sign-on: Provides authentication convenience for users, unrelated to boot security.

In CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) networking and troubleshooting, a common cause of “can’t reach internal resources” while docked is that the laptop is still using the wireless interface (or has a higher interface priority for Wi-Fi) instead of the docking station’s wired Ethernet connection. If the Wi-Fi network is a guest/isolated VLAN, uses different routing, or has stricter access controls, the user may be blocked from reaching department file servers even though an Ethernet cable is physically connected to the dock. Disabling Wi-Fi is a fast, low-risk step that forces the system to use the wired NIC path through the docking station, which typically provides the correct corporate network access, DHCP scope, and routing to internal servers.

Restarting the computer might help in some cases, but it’s less targeted and not the “best next step” when the likely issue is interface selection. Replacing the Ethernet cable is appropriate if link lights are off or the wired connection is clearly down, but the scenario highlights that the dock has a hardwired connection—suggesting the physical layer may be fine. Dock firmware updates are not a first-line fix for basic connectivity/access symptoms.