The correct answer is A. Remove unnecessary software. Removing software that is not needed is a device-hardening step. Unnecessary applications can increase the attack surface of a laptop, so removing them helps reduce vulnerabilities. Installing drivers may be required for hardware functionality, but it is not the best security improvement. Configuring backups helps with recovery, but it does not directly harden the device. Benchmark testing measures performance, not security.

Exact Extract/Reference: The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains that device hardening makes a device harder to exploit and includes “removing or disabling unused software and services.” The guide’s Chapter 11 lab also lists the task “Remove unwanted, unnecessary, or malicious software.”

When the network is unavailable, portable storage like a flash drive (USB storage device) is suitable for transferring large files:

“Flash drives provide portable storage solutions capable of handling large data files.”

NAS (network-attached storage) requires a functioning network. RAM is volatile memory not used for file transfer, and cloud storage requires internet connectivity.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide defines:

“Devices that use radio frequency (RF) transmit a very limited range, typically only a few inches or so. This technology is fairly common in mobile payment applications. Because of the short distances involved, a related term you’ll see is near-field communication (NFC).”

NFC allows devices such as smartphones to securely transmit payment data over short distances—precisely the method used in vending machine purchases.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “Wireless Connections: NFC” (p. 99).

In terms of storage measurement hierarchy:

1TB = 1,000GB

1GB = 1,000MB

1MB = 1,000KB

Therefore:

20TB = 20,000GB

2,000GB = 2,000GB

200MB = 0.2GB

2,000KB = 0.002GB

Thus, 20TB is the largest. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide defines storage units in this way under data representation topics.

Installing software typically requires elevated permissions that standard user accounts do not have. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide explains:

“An administrator account provides full system access, including installing or removing software, changing system settings, and managing user accounts.”

The user account does not have these privileges by default.

Least privilege refers to granting only the minimum permissions necessary (which would not typically include software installation for regular users).

Single factor refers to authentication methods, not access levels.

Since the employee is denied installation due to insufficient privileges, administrator access is needed to complete the installation.

The correct answer is C. Company files saved on a hard disk. Data storage refers to keeping data so it can be used later. A hard disk drive provides long-term, nonvolatile storage and keeps files even when the computer is powered off. RAM is temporary volatile memory, Task Manager shows running processes and system information, and hardware IDs recorded on boards are not the best example of user data storage.

Exact Extract/Reference: The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains that storage devices provide “long-term, nonvolatile, or persistent storage options,” meaning they do not lose data when powered off. It also states that HDDs are used for “permanent storage and quick access” and hold user data and files the system needs.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) defines phishing as:

“Creating a site or sending an email that masquerades as a legitimate secure site but actually steals your information is called phishing.”

It further explains:

“When people talk about phishing, it’s generally in the context of suspicious email because that’s how the term originated. Hackers sent out messages hoping to get someone to take the bait.”

By deleting a suspicious email without opening or clicking links, the user is practicing anti-phishing awareness — a key cybersecurity best practice.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Recognizing Suspicious Sites, Links, and Ads” and “Phishing” (pp. 587–589).

According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025):

“A crimper is used to attach modular connectors, such as RJ45 or RJ11, to network or phone cables. The crimper pushes the metal contacts into the wires, securing them in place.”

Punchdown tools, by contrast, are used for patch panels or keystone jacks, not RJ45 ends.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “Networking Tools: Crimpers, Punchdown Tools, Cable Testers” (pp. 106–108).

The correct answer is C. 4.4 GHz. GHz means gigahertz, or billions of cycles per second, while MHz means megahertz, or millions of cycles per second. Therefore, any GHz value is much faster than a MHz value. Between 3.1 GHz and 4.4 GHz, 4.4 GHz is higher.

Exact Extract/Reference: The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide states that IBM’s first PC ran at 4.77 MHz, which is 4.77 million cycles per second, while modern processors operate at “billions of cycles per second, or gigahertz (GHz).” It also states that, generally speaking, faster processor speed is better.

The correct answer is B. Drivers. A printer driver is required so the operating system can communicate with the printer. If the printer is connected and appears to be set up but still does not work, an incorrect, missing, or outdated driver is the most likely cause. Services, permissions, and extensions can affect some systems, but the most direct and common issue after printer setup is driver installation.

Exact Extract/Reference: The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide states that, in addition to connecting the printer, “you need to install a special piece of software called a printer driver so the operating system knows how to talk to the printer.” The guide also explains that after hardware installation, the operating system either detects the device automatically or the user must install a driver manually.

Verified and corrected questions 172–178: