Application virtualization is a technique that allows an application to run on a computer without being installed or affecting other applications on the system. Application virtualization creates a virtual environment for the application that isolates it from the underlying operating system and hardware. This way, the technician can verify the application deployment will not affect other legacy applications on the end users’ computers.

A swollen battery can prevent a laptop from powering on as it disrupts connectivity or damages internal components. Identifying physical signs such as swelling or bulging is key, which aligns with the CompTIA A+ Core 1 objective on mobile device troubleshooting, specifically battery issues​.

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

Display burn-in occurs when a static image is left on a screen for a long time, causing the pixels to wear out unevenly and retain a ghost image even when new content is displayed. This issue can result in double images, where the "burned-in" stationary image persists alongside new, live content. This problem is more common in older displays or those used for static signage. Replacing the display cable or adjusting color settings would not address the underlying cause of uneven pixel wear, and burned-out bulbs would likely result in a loss of image clarity or brightness, not double images.

A firewall implements ACLs (Access Control Lists) to filter traffic and enforce policies based on rules such as IP address, port, or protocol.

Why Not A (Managed switch): A managed switch supports VLANs and QoS but does not enforce ACLs at the network perimeter.

Why Not B (Gateway): Gateways connect networks and translate protocols but don’t typically implement ACLs.

Why Not C (Repeater): Repeaters extend signal range but don’t enforce policies.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1101), Section 2.2, firewall concepts​.

ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory is a type of memory that can detect and correct errors that may occur during data transmission or storage. ECC memory is essential for high-availability computing, as it prevents data corruption and system crashes2. References: ECC Memory

The correct answer is C. DSL.

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, which is a technology that delivers internet over a copper medium, such as a telephone line. DSL uses different frequencies than voice calls, so it can provide both internet and phone service simultaneously. DSL can offer faster speeds than dial-up, but it depends on the distance from the service provider and the quality of the copper line .

The other options are not technologies that deliver internet over a copper medium. ONT stands for Optical Network Terminal, which is a device that converts optical signals from a fiber optic cable to electrical signals for a copper cable or a wireless router. ONT is used for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet service, which delivers internet over a fiber optic medium. SDN stands for Software Defined Networking, which is a technology that allows network administrators to manage and control network resources and traffic using software applications. SDN is not related to the physical medium of internet delivery, but rather to the logical layer of network configuration and optimization. WISP stands for Wireless Internet Service Provider, which is a company that delivers internet over a wireless medium, such as radio waves or microwaves. WISP can provide internet access to rural or remote areas where wired connections are not available or feasible.

To prevent unauthorized access to printed sensitive data on a shared printer in a high-traffic area, the best solution is to require user authentication via a PIN. This ensures that print jobs are only released when the authorized user is present at the printer, protecting sensitive information from being exposed.

A. Set up a PIN for user authentication at the printer: This allows users to securely release their print jobs only when they are physically at the printer, preventing unauthorized access.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. Relocate the printer to an unused office space: While this may reduce traffic, it doesn't ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access.

C. Configure printing of sensitive data through a specific tray: This wouldn’t solve the issue of unauthorized users accessing sensitive prints.

D. Schedule print jobs to be released at certain times: This doesn't address the security concern of preventing unauthorized access to sensitive documents.

This falls under the Hardware and Security domain of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam​.

 The message “The amount of system memory has changed” indicates that there is a problem with the random access memory (RAM) modules in the computer. The RAM may be loose, faulty, or incompatible with the motherboard or other components. The GPU, HDD, and CPU are not directly related to system memory and would not cause this message to appear.

A smart card provides an additional factor of authentication by storing secure credentials, such as certificates, that cannot be guessed or replicated. It complements user accounts and is "something you have".

Why Not A (Fingerprint reader): This is "something you are", but the scenario specifically requires a physical token.

Why Not C (Secure token): Secure tokens are also valid but may not integrate as seamlessly into multi-factor authentication for physical and system access.

Why Not D (NFC scanner): An NFC scanner is a device and not a token itself; it reads cards or other credentials.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 2.5, access controls​.

If two devices have the same static IP address, an IP conflict occurs. This results in both devices being intermittently disconnected or unable to communicate on the network. It’s a common mistake when copying configurations manually.

Option B: DNS conflicts wouldn’t cause total disconnection — and wouldn't occur just from copying IP settings.

Option C: A cable issue would only affect one workstation.

Option D: Switchport security issues wouldn't affect both machines simultaneously unless port security was configured very specifically.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

An inverter failure commonly causes dim screens as it fails to power the backlight, which is crucial for visibility. The LCD glass, IPS panel, and digitizer relate to touch and image display, not brightness. According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives, understanding mobile device display issues, including inverter-related problems, is essential for effective troubleshooting.

Inkjet printers are the best choice for a small company seeking full-color printing with a minimal initial cost. While they have higher operating costs (due to ink), they are affordable and capable of high-quality color output.

Why Not A (Thermal printer): Thermal printers are not designed for color printing and are typically used for labels or receipts.

Why Not C (Dot matrix printer): Dot matrix printers are outdated, noisy, and do not support full-color printing.

Why Not D (Laser printer): Laser printers have lower running costs but a higher initial purchase price, especially for color models.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 4.6, printer types​.

A punchdown tool is essential for connecting telephone wires to patch panels, keystone modules, and punchdown blocks, making it a critical tool for installing plain old telephone service (POTS) lines. A toner probe, on the other hand, is used for tracing and identifying specific wires within a bundle, facilitating the correct attachment of telephone lines to their respective terminals. These tools are fundamental for ensuring proper and efficient installation of POTS lines in a client's environment.

According to the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, the next step after establishing a theory of probable cause is to test the theory to determine the cause. However, before testing the theory, the technician may need to conduct some research based on the symptoms and the possible cause. This may involve consulting online resources, manuals, documentation, or colleagues to find out more information about the power supply and how to test it. Research can help the technician confirm or eliminate the theory and avoid unnecessary actions or damage.

Answer A is incorrect because inquiring about environmental or infrastructure changes is part of identifying the problem, which is the first step of the troubleshooting methodology. The technician should have already done this before establishing a theory of probable cause.

Answer C is incorrect because establishing a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution is the fourth step of the troubleshooting methodology. The technician should not jump to this step without testing the theory and verifying the cause.

Answer D is incorrect because documenting the findings, actions, and outcomes is the last step of the troubleshooting methodology. The technician should not do this until the problem is resolved and verified.

The next thing that the technician should investigate is D. Radio frequency.

Radio frequency is the range of electromagnetic waves that are used to transmit wireless signals. Different devices and networks use different radio frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, to communicate with each other. If there are multiple devices or networks using the same or overlapping radio frequencies, they can interfere with each other and cause Wi-Fi connection issues, such as intermittent disconnections, slow speeds, or poor quality .

To fix this issue, the technician can try changing the radio frequency or channel of the router or the laptop, to avoid interference from other sources. The technician can also use a tool such as Wi-Fi Analyzer to scan the nearby wireless networks and find the best frequency or channel to use. Alternatively, the technician can move the router or the laptop to a different location, away from potential sources of interference, such as cordless phones, microwaves, Bluetooth devices, or other routers .

The other options are less likely to be the reason for the issue. Firewall settings are software configurations that control the network traffic and security of a device. They may block some websites or applications from accessing the internet, but they should not affect the Wi-Fi connection itself. MAC address filter is a feature that allows the router to restrict access to specific devices based on their MAC addresses, which are unique identifiers for network interfaces. If the MAC address filter is enabled and the laptop’s MAC address is not on the allowed list, it will not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network at all, not intermittently. Number of connected devices is the amount of devices that are using the same Wi-Fi network at the same time. This may affect the network performance or bandwidth, but it should not cause intermittent disconnections, unless the network is overloaded or unstable.