CompTIA 220-1202 CompTIA A+ Core 2 2025 Exam Exam Practice Test

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Mobile Device Management (MDM) allows an organization to enforce security policies, such as denying network access to jailbroken/rooted devices.

From the All-in-One Exam Guide by Travis Everett and Andrew Hutz:

“MDM software allows administrators to monitor, manage, and secure mobile devices connected to enterprise networks. One key feature is the detection and denial of access for rooted or jailbroken devices”.

Quentin Docter also confirms:

“An MDM solution can check if a device has been rooted and prevent it from accessing the network, ensuring compliance with corporate security standards”.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Highmemory usage (97%)suggests the system is overloaded with active processes. The technician should close unneeded applications to free up RAM and improve performance.

FromMike Meyers' Lab Manual:

“When memory usage is near capacity, close all non-essential programs. This can dramatically improve response time without needing hardware upgrades.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In the context of artificial intelligence, "hallucinations" refer to instances where an AI system generates information that is plausible-sounding but factually incorrect or entirely fabricated. This is a known limitation of large language models, including generative AI tools.

A. Data privacy refers to the protection of personal or sensitive data, not content accuracy.

C. Appropriate use relates to ethical and policy-based concerns, not factual correctness.

D. Plagiarism involves presenting someone else's work as your own — this situation is about accuracy, not ownership.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In secure or isolated network segments, DHCP may be disabled to reduce the risk of unauthorized device connections or to maintain strict IP assignment control. In such cases, the help desk technician must manually configure IP settings (including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers). This ensures the workstation communicates properly within that segment.

A. DNS server restriction is unrelated to manual IP configuration.

B. Allow lists refer to traffic access, but manual IP assignment is due to lack of DHCP, not allow lists.

D. NAC servers control access but don't replace the need for IP addressing.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The first step in the IT change management process is to identify and propose the change. In this case, the technician notices a need (end-of-life network switches), so the appropriate action is to formally propose a change. This proposal would be documented and submitted for approval before any planning or implementation occurs.

According to the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 objectives under Operational Procedures (Domain 4.0), the change management process follows these typical steps:

Submit a change request (Propose the change)

Review and approval (Approve the change)

Planning and scheduling (Schedule the change)

Implementation

Documentation and review

Therefore, proposing the change is the correct first step in accordance with standard ITIL-based change management practices.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is software that a user may not have knowingly installed. It often gets bundled with legitimate software and installs without full disclosure. PUPs can affect performance, change system settings, or display unwanted ads but are not necessarily malicious like viruses or ransomware.

A. Viruses replicate and spread; they are generally more harmful and not "bundled" in the same way.

B. Ransomware encrypts files for payment and is deliberately malicious.

D. A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software to perform malicious actions but is not typically pre-bundled by legitimate publishers.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The correct answer isVNC (Virtual Network Computing). VNC is a graphical desktop-sharing system that uses the Remote Frame Buffer protocol (RFB) to remotely control another computer. It is platform-independent and widely supported on Linux, which makes it ideal for providinginteractive remote support for a Linux-based operating system. It allows the technician not only to view the remote desktop session but also tocontrol it, fulfilling the need to see and interact with the user’s session.

A. VPN(Virtual Private Network) creates a secure tunnel to a network but doesnot provide desktop sharing or session controlby itself.

C. SSH(Secure Shell) provides secure command-line access to Unix/Linux systems but does not offergraphical desktop interaction, which is a requirement in this case.

D. RDP(Remote Desktop Protocol) is primarily a Microsoft protocol, and although it can be made to work on Linux, it isnot natively supported on legacy Linux systems, and thusless suitablethan VNC in this scenario.

CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Core 2 Objective Reference:

Objective 1.8 – Given a scenario, use features and tools of the operating system.

Under this objective, candidates are expected to be familiar with remote access technologies, includingRDP, SSH, and VNC, and understand their appropriate uses and limitations on different platforms such as Windows and Linux.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

An incident report documents key details such as the cause of the outage, steps taken to resolve it, and measures to prevent recurrence. It is a post-mortem analysis often shared with stakeholders to improve future response.

According to the Quentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“An incident report provides a summary of an event that disrupted normal operations and includes a timeline of what occurred, how the issue was diagnosed and fixed, and who was involved in the resolution”.

This is reaffirmed in Travis Everett’s All-in-One Guide:

“Documentation after an incident helps technical teams and management review the situation and learn from it. This is formalized in an incident report”.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

exFATis the only listed file system that supports both read and write access across Windows, macOS, and Linux (with appropriate drivers). It’s optimized for flash storage and external drives.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“exFAT is a lightweight file system with cross-platform read/write support, ideal for use on removable drives when compatibility is essential.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

NET Framework versions are often required for applications to run. If an older app requires .NET Framework 3.5, it must be explicitly installed as it is not included by default in newer versions of Windows. The best method to do this safely is through the built-in "Turn Windows features on or off" utility, which downloads and installs it via official Microsoft services.

B. Using third-party repositories is unsafe and not recommended.

C. Installing .NET 4 does not include 3.5; versions are not fully backward compatible.

D. The issue is technical, not a security incident for the SOC team.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If a system becomes unresponsive while opening a specific spreadsheet, the issue is likely tied to the file’s size or the complexity of its content (e.g., embedded formulas, macros, or graphics). High memory utilization caused by the file can lead to temporary freezing or application "Not Responding" messages. Checking the spreadsheet's file size and monitoring system memory in Task Manager will help isolate performance bottlenecks.

A. Anti-malware logs are important for security troubleshooting but less likely relevant to spreadsheet-related performance issues.

B. Workstation repair is for system-wide problems and not necessary for a single-file issue.

C. Bandwidth relates to network usage and wouldn’t impact opening a local file.

When DHCP isn’t enabled, static IPs must be assigned manually, so the engineering team provides the IP details.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“If DHCP is unavailable, technicians need the static IP configuration to connect devices to the network.” .

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

ApplicationsandLibraryare core system directories in macOS. TheApplicationsfolder contains installed applications. TheLibraryfolder contains support files, preferences, and other system-related files.

From theQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“macOS organizes system and user files into several key folders. Among them, Applications and Library are standard system folders where apps and related files are stored.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

This is likely arogue antivirusor scareware tactic. The user shouldnot click "OK"and instead check Windows Security (or third-party antivirus) status and ensure real-time protection is enabled.

FromMark Soper – Mike Meyers' Lab Manual:

“Users should verify security center settings if receiving suspicious pop-ups. Clicking unknown software updates can install malware. It’s safer to validate protection through legitimate system tools.”

An MSDS providessafety and emergency procedures, such as what to do if a battery leaks or catches fire. It is not a technical or setup guide.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“An MSDS contains safety information, including handling, storage, and emergency procedures related to potentially hazardous components like UPS batteries.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

SSO issues are often related to cached session data, cookies, or browser artifacts. The fact that the user can access the company portal but not one specific SaaS tool suggests a session or token problem. Using a private/incognito browsing window allows a clean session to be initiated, which often resolves SSO conflicts.

A. Reenrolling MFA is not related unless access issues stem from failed multifactor authentication.

C. Bypassing SSO may not be possible depending on the SaaS tool and company policies.

D. Factory resetting a device is a last resort and unnecessary in this case.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Facial recognition is a biometric authentication method that ties access to a unique physical feature of the user. Unlike passcodes or pattern locks—which can be easily shared—facial recognition provides a more secure and non-transferable form of access. It also enhances user convenience and is widely supported by modern smartphones.

A. Pattern locks can still be shared and are less secure.

C. Device encryption protects data but does not prevent screen access if a passcode is shared.

D. Multifactor authentication typically applies to app or account access, not basic phone unlocking.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Smishing (SMS phishing) is a type of social engineering attack where attackers send fraudulent text messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. These messages often impersonate banks, delivery services, or official institutions to lure the victim into clicking malicious links.

A. Impersonation is an in-person or voice-based tactic.

B. Vishing refers to voice phishing over phone calls.

C. Spear phishing is a targeted email-based phishing method.

Host 2, Host 3, Host 4 , Host 5 ,Host 6, Host 7, Host 8 , Media Server - Stop All unwanted and malicious service (Persistance.j1zpxn Installer Service) from all the listed host and Media servers

Refer screenshot below on the required service started/stopped on host2, same service to be started and stopped across all host servers.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

AnNDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)is used to ensure confidentiality of sensitive company information, especially when interacting with external parties.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“An NDA ensures that confidential information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals, especially important in external communications.”

Inbox mail 1 -Account Locked- Phishing - Report email to Information Security

Inbox mail 2 -Share your feedback - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

Inbox mail 3 –Employee orientation - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

Inbox mail 4 –Security Update – Spam - Report email to Information Security

Inbox mail 5 –Interview - Legitimate - Perform no additional actions

—

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When an OS reaches its end of life (EOL), it no longer receives updates or support, including critical security patches.

From the Quentin Docter Study Guide:

“End-of-life means the manufacturer no longer supports the OS with updates or security patches, which exposes systems to vulnerabilities unless upgraded”.

All-in-One Exam Guide adds:

“End-of-life notifications serve as a final warning that continued use of the OS will be insecure and unsupported. It’s crucial for administrators to plan migration”.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

High battery drain is often due to apps running in the background or using GPS during travel. Thefirst stepshould always be tocheck battery usage statisticsto see if an application is misbehaving.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Travel conditions can increase app activity, especially navigation or social media. Check app battery usage before assuming hardware faults.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When a spreadsheet becomes very large, opening and processing it requires more memory (RAM). If the system doesn't have sufficient memory, it may fail to load the file properly. Upgrading or increasing the available RAM can resolve performance and loading issues with very large files.

A. Restore points roll back system settings, not individual file content.

C. Defragmentation optimizes disk performance but won’t help with memory issues.

D. Network speed has no effect if the file is stored and opened locally.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The recurring print issue suggests theprint spooler service is not set to start automatically, causing it to stop between sessions. Ensuring it is set tostart automaticallyand manuallystarting the servicewill resolve the issue.

FromMark Soper – Mike Meyers' Lab Manual:

“The print spooler is essential for print services. If it isn’t configured to start automatically, users may experience recurring failures.”

“Manually starting the service or setting it to 'Automatic' in the Services panel resolves persistent print availability problems.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Windows 11 features a“Do Not Disturb”mode under Notification settings, which is designed to suppress interruptions during tasks like videoconferencing.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Windows 11 introduces Do Not Disturb and Focus Assist under notification settings, enabling users to mute alerts during presentations or calls.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

BSOD after driver installation suggests a compatibility issue.Safe Mode allows rollback of driversthat may be causing the crash.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“If a BSOD occurs after a driver update, boot into Safe Mode and roll back to the previous driver version to restore system stability.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

BitLocker is Microsoft’s full disk encryption technology built into Windows Pro and Enterprise editions. It encrypts the entire drive, protecting data if the device is lost or stolen. BitLocker can use TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and can be configured with PINs or USB keys for added security.

A. Active Directory is for centralized user and policy management in domains.

B. NTFS is the file system format and doesn't provide encryption by itself.

C. EFS (Encrypting File System) encrypts individual files or folders, not the entire drive.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Remote wipeis a mobile device management (MDM) feature that allows administrators to erase data remotely if a device is lost or stolen, preventing unauthorized access to corporate or personal information.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Remote wipe features enable a device to be cleared of all sensitive data if it is lost or stolen. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to corporate resources.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Thepowercfg commandis a built-in utility for controlling power settings including hibernation. It can be used in scripts and does not require domain access.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“The powercfg command provides granular control of power settings, useful for scripting and configuring systems without Group Policy access.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Carbon fiber filamentcan producefine particles or fumesduring printing, which may be harmful when inhaled. Wearing anair filter maskis essential to protect the respiratory system.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“When working with advanced materials like carbon fiber, always use appropriate personal protective equipment such as air filter masks to prevent inhalation of dangerous particles.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If internal resources (such as intranet or internal apps) can't be accessed but external sites work, this often points to aDNS issue, where the system isn't resolving internal domain names correctly.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“When internet access is functional but internal sites fail to load, the issue usually lies with DNS resolution. Internal resources often require internal DNS servers, which may not be configured correctly.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Once the system is cleaned, the next priority is toeducate the useron safe practices to prevent recurrence.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Post-malware remediation should include user education to prevent reinfection and identify how the malware was introduced.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In emotionally sensitive situations, it is critical that the technicianprojects confidenceand maintains a calm, positive demeanor to reassure the customer.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Confidence and empathy are key when working with distressed users. Demonstrating competence can help ease the customer's anxiety.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To prevent external access, the technician should avoid exposing the surveillance system’s port to the public internet. Port mapping (also known as port forwarding) is the method used to control which internal devices and ports are accessible from the outside. By not configuring port forwarding for the device, external login attempts are effectively blocked.

B. Subnetting organizes IP addresses but doesn't directly restrict access.

C. A static IP ensures consistent addressing but does not secure access.

D. Content filtering is used to restrict web content, not to block access to a web interface.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

End-user education is crucial after malware removal to prevent recurrence. Teaching safe browsing habits and security awareness completes the remediation cycle.

Mark Soper – Mike Meyers' Lab Manualstates:

“Educating the user after malware remediation is part of the CompTIA malware response methodology. This includes training on phishing and safe practices.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In Windows, accessibility tools such as speech recognition are found under the Ease of Access settings. This section includes options for users who require assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnifiers, and voice control interfaces like speech recognition. Setting up speech recognition allows users to control the system and input text using voice commands.

A. Time and Language is for setting regional preferences and language packs.

B. Personalization adjusts themes, backgrounds, and colors.

C. System includes display, storage, notifications, and power settings, but not accessibility tools.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The symptoms suggest abrowser hijacker. Thefirst stepsshould be toremove any malicious extensionsandreset the startup pageto restore normal behavior.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“Browser hijackers often install as extensions and change homepage settings. Removing these extensions and resetting the startup configuration typically resolves the issue.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Spear phishingtargets a specific individual using personalized tactics, as seen in emails impersonating a CEO to deceive a secretary.

FromQUENTIN DOCTER - COMPTIA A+ COMPLETE study GUIDE:

“Spear phishing targets specific individuals or roles within an organization using tailored messages to increase success rates.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Background applications can significantly drain a smartphone’s battery, even when the device is idle. A technician should first review which apps are running in the background and consuming power through the battery usage section of the OS. Disabling or restricting power-hungry apps often resolves poor battery life.

A. Storage usage doesn’t significantly affect battery life.

B. End of software support is unrelated to battery performance unless it's causing inefficient processes, which would still be secondary.

C. Charger wattage affects charging speed, not battery life after charging.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

FAT32cannot support files larger than 4GB.NTFSsupports large file sizes and is compatible across Windows systems, making it the correct choice for transferring a 4.57GB file.

FromAll-in-One Exam Guide:

“NTFS is the preferred file system for large file transfers within Windows. FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit, which makes it unsuitable for modern use cases involving large files.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

One of the most common causes for performance degradation on smartphones isstorage or memory overloaddue to excessive apps.Uninstalling unused appsis a basic but effective first diagnostic step.

FromTravis Everett – All-in-One Exam Guide:

“Start troubleshooting sluggish smartphones by clearing unused apps and files before performing advanced diagnostics or resets.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A management profile is used to enforce corporate policies on Apple devices. These profiles are installed via an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution and control access, restrictions, Wi-Fi settings, app installations, and more. They’re critical for managing devices in a business environment.

A. The App Store allows software downloads but doesn’t control policies.

B. VPN configuration is used for secure remote connections, not enforcement of restrictions.

C. Apple ID is for personal account access to Apple services, not corporate device management.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A Zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw in software or hardware that is unknown to the vendor or has not yet been patched. If this vulnerability is exploited before the vendor has issued a fix or patch, it becomes a Zero-day exploit. These attacks are highly dangerous because they take advantage of the absence of defenses due to the lack of awareness or mitigation options.

A. Spoofing is a form of impersonation, not necessarily tied to unpatched vulnerabilities.

B. Brute-force attacks rely on repeatedly guessing credentials and are not related to software flaws.

C. DoS (Denial of Service) attacks are meant to overwhelm systems and don't necessarily exploit unknown vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

For persistent printing issues due to spooler service, ensure theprint spooler is started and set to Automatic. This maintains print capability across reboots.

FromMike Meyers' Lab Manual:

“If users lose printing capabilities on reboot, the print spooler service must be configured to start automatically and be confirmed as running.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Single sign-on (SSO)allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple systems without re-entering credentials, which significantly enhances user convenience while maintaining security.

FromQuentin Docter – CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide:

“Single sign-on streamlines authentication by allowing users to log in once and access all authorized resources, reducing credential fatigue and improving security.”

The correct syntax for mapping a network drive in Windows is:

net use Z: \\WinNAS\shared

This command connects the specified network share and maps it as drive Z:.

FromTravis Everett – CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide:

“Use net use followed by the desired drive letter and the UNC path to map network shares.”