CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set3 Q41-60

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Question 41:

A technician is building a workstation for 3D modeling and rendering. The workstation must handle large files and complex calculations efficiently. Which of the following hardware configurations BEST meets these requirements?

A) High-end CPU with multiple cores, large RAM, and dedicated GPU
B) Single-core CPU with a standard GPU and 8GB RAM
C) Standard CPU with integrated graphics and HDD storage
D) Laptop with mid-range CPU and SSD

Answer: A) High-end CPU with multiple cores, large RAM, and dedicated GPU

Explanation:

3D modeling and rendering tasks are highly resource-intensive, requiring a combination of processing power, memory, and graphics capability.

A) High-end CPU with multiple cores, large RAM, and dedicated GPU provides the computational capability to perform multi-threaded calculations required for rendering complex scenes. Multi-core CPUs distribute workloads efficiently across cores, reducing rendering times. Large RAM allows the system to store and manipulate large textures, models, and project files without excessive paging to disk, which is critical for maintaining smooth performance. A dedicated GPU accelerates graphics-intensive calculations, supporting real-time previews and GPU-accelerated rendering engines, making the workflow faster and more efficient.

B) Single-core CPU with a standard GPU and 8GB RAM is inadequate because single-core processors cannot efficiently handle multi-threaded rendering tasks. Eight gigabytes of RAM is insufficient for large 3D projects, and a standard GPU lacks the processing power for complex rendering. Using this configuration would result in long rendering times and frequent lag during modeling operations.

C) Standard CPU with integrated graphics and HDD storage would severely bottleneck performance. Integrated graphics do not provide the dedicated processing needed for real-time rendering, and HDD storage is significantly slower than SSDs or NVMe drives, causing delays when accessing large project files. This configuration would impede productivity and efficiency.

D) Laptop with mid-range CPU and SSD offers portability but cannot match the performance of a desktop workstation. Thermal and power limitations in laptops restrict CPU and GPU performance under sustained workloads. While SSD storage improves file access, it cannot compensate for insufficient processing power and graphics capability.

In conclusion, option A provides the optimal combination of CPU, RAM, and GPU for professional 3D rendering, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance. Other configurations fail to address the hardware demands of intensive modeling tasks.

Question 42:

A user reports that their laptop frequently shuts down during video streaming, but other applications run fine. The laptop is relatively new and has no reported software issues. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Overheating GPU
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted operating system
D) Faulty hard drive

Answer: A) Overheating GPU

Explanation:

Laptop shutdowns during video streaming, particularly when other applications function normally, usually point to thermal issues with the GPU or integrated graphics.

A) Overheating GPU is the most likely cause. Streaming high-definition or 4K video places significant load on the GPU. Inadequate cooling due to dust buildup, blocked vents, or failing fans can cause temperatures to exceed safe limits. Modern laptops automatically shut down to prevent permanent damage to the GPU or motherboard.

B) Malware infection can cause resource-heavy processes or background tasks that slow performance. However, malware would likely impact multiple types of operations, not just video streaming. The isolated nature of the shutdowns suggests a hardware issue rather than malicious software.

C) Corrupted operating system could produce random crashes, failed applications, or boot issues. Since the system works fine outside of video streaming, the OS is functioning properly. Reinstalling the OS is unlikely to resolve GPU-related thermal shutdowns.

D) Faulty hard drive typically results in slow file access, errors during boot, or data corruption. It does not selectively cause shutdowns during GPU-intensive tasks like video streaming.

Effective troubleshooting includes monitoring GPU temperatures with diagnostic software, cleaning the cooling system, ensuring unobstructed airflow, updating drivers, and verifying thermal paste application. These steps address thermal shutdown causes and prevent long-term damage.

In summary, overheating GPU is the most probable cause of shutdowns during streaming. Malware, OS corruption, and faulty storage are less likely given the specific scenario.

Question 43:

A workstation frequently experiences slow application performance, especially when multiple programs are open. Task Manager shows high memory usage. Which of the following is the BEST initial solution?

A) Upgrade RAM
B) Reinstall operating system
C) Replace CPU
D) Scan for malware

Answer: A) Upgrade RAM

Explanation:

High memory usage combined with slow application performance when multiple programs are running indicates that the system is RAM-constrained.

A) Upgrade RAM is the most direct solution. Adding physical memory reduces paging to disk, allows more applications to reside in memory simultaneously, and improves multitasking performance. Systems with insufficient RAM will often slow dramatically as the OS swaps data between RAM and storage, creating a bottleneck.

B) Reinstall operating system can help resolve performance issues caused by software clutter, corrupted system files, misconfigurations, or accumulated background processes. It essentially provides a clean slate, potentially improving boot times, reducing software conflicts, and removing malware or unnecessary applications that may be consuming system resources. However, OS reinstallation does not increase the computer’s physical memory (RAM) or processing power. If the system is experiencing high memory usage due to hardware limitations, reinstalling the OS will not address this fundamental bottleneck. Upgrading RAM or optimizing resource-intensive applications is far more effective for improving performance. Additionally, OS reinstallation is a time-consuming process requiring data backup, system setup, and driver reinstallation, which may not be practical compared to targeted hardware upgrades or software optimization. This makes it a less efficient solution for hardware-related performance issues.

C) Replace CPU can enhance performance for tasks that are heavily CPU-bound, such as complex calculations, video rendering, or scientific simulations. However, in this scenario, Task Manager reveals that the system’s primary bottleneck is memory usage rather than processor load. High memory consumption leads to frequent paging, slow application response, and overall system sluggishness, which cannot be resolved by a faster CPU. Upgrading RAM directly addresses the root cause of the slowdown, allowing more data to be stored in memory, reducing reliance on slower disk-based virtual memory. Investing in a CPU replacement in this context would be unnecessary and costly, as it does not alleviate memory pressure. Instead, focusing on adding or optimizing RAM provides a more efficient, cost-effective, and targeted solution to improve overall system performance and responsiveness.

D) Scan for malware is always a prudent precaution, as malicious software can consume significant system resources, interfere with normal processes, and degrade overall performance. Malware such as memory-resident trojans, spyware, or cryptominers can lead to unusually high memory usage and slow response times. However, in this scenario, the observed symptom—high memory usage during legitimate multitasking and normal application activity—strongly points to a hardware limitation, specifically insufficient RAM, rather than a malicious process. While running a malware scan can help ensure the system is clean and secure, it is secondary to addressing the root cause. Resolving the memory shortage through RAM upgrades or optimizing active processes will directly alleviate the performance bottleneck, whereas malware scanning alone would not improve system responsiveness or multitasking capability. Malware checks should complement, not replace, hardware upgrades when hardware constraints are the primary performance issue.

In conclusion, upgrading RAM is the optimal and most cost-effective solution. OS reinstallation, CPU replacement, and malware scanning may complement troubleshooting but do not address the root cause.

Question 44:

A technician is installing a networked printer, but print jobs are stuck in the queue while other network devices print without issue. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation
B) Network switch failure
C) Printer hardware failure
D) Faulty Ethernet cable

Answer: A) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation

Explanation:

If only a single workstation experiences print job issues, incorrect printer driver installation

A) Incorrect printer driver on the workstation is the most probable cause. Printer drivers translate OS print commands into a language the printer understands. Using the wrong driver may allow jobs to appear in the queue but prevent the printer from processing them correctly. Reinstalling the correct driver often resolves the problem.

B) Network switch failure generally disrupts connectivity for all devices connected to that switch, causing widespread network issues such as loss of internet access, inability to communicate with printers, or interrupted file sharing. In this case, because other networked workstations can print and access resources without problems, the switch is functioning correctly. This indicates that the issue is likely localized to the affected workstation or its configuration, rather than being caused by a hardware failure in the switch. Therefore, troubleshooting should focus on the workstation’s network settings, driver issues, or port connectivity rather than replacing the switch.

C) Printer hardware failure typically impacts all users attempting to print, not just a single workstation. Physical problems, such as a jammed print head, low or empty toner, paper feed issues, or internal mechanical faults, prevent the printer from functioning correctly for everyone on the network. Since other workstations can print without issues, it is unlikely that the printer itself is faulty. This suggests that the problem is isolated to the affected workstation, such as driver corruption, misconfigured print settings, or connectivity issues, rather than a universal hardware failure of the printer.

D) Faulty Ethernet cable would completely disrupt network connectivity, preventing the workstation from communicating with any network resources, including printers. In such a case, the printer would not appear as available, and print jobs would fail to be sent. Since the workstation is able to queue jobs but they do not print, this indicates that the network connection is functioning and the issue likely lies elsewhere, such as printer configuration, driver issues, or software settings, rather than a physical cable failure. Therefore, replacing the Ethernet cable is unlikely to resolve this particular printing problem.

Proper troubleshooting includes verifying driver compatibility with the OS, updating or reinstalling the driver, and testing connectivity. This ensures that print jobs are correctly processed.

Question 45:

A user reports that their workstation is slow when accessing large files from a NAS. Which of the following is the MOST effective solution to improve performance?

A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
B) Upgrade workstation RAM
C) Replace CPU
D) Scan for malware

Answer: A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi

Explanation:

Accessing large files from a NAS over Wi-Fi is limited by wireless bandwidth and latency.

A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi dramatically increases throughput and reduces latency, providing more consistent high-speed access to files. Wired connections are stable and avoid Wi-Fi interference or signal degradation, which is essential for large file transfers.

B) Upgrade workstation RAM may improve local application performance but does not affect network transfer speeds from the NAS. Insufficient RAM is not the root cause of slow file access over the network.

C) Replace CPU would only benefit CPU-bound tasks. NAS file transfers are primarily network-bound, not CPU-bound, so replacing the CPU has minimal impact.

D) Scan for malware is always good practice, but unless malware is consuming network bandwidth, it will not significantly improve NAS transfer performance.

Correctly addressing network limitations via wired connections is the most effective way to improve access to large files.

Question 46:

A technician notices that a user’s workstation is unable to boot, and there is a beeping sound during POST. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty RAM
B) Corrupted OS
C) Failing hard drive
D) Malware infection

Answer: A) Faulty RAM

Explanation:

POST (Power-On Self-Test) beeps are diagnostic indicators used by the BIOS to report hardware failures before the OS loads. When a system emits repeated or patterned beeps during POST, it is usually related to a hardware problem.

A) Faulty RAM is the most common cause of POST beep codes. Memory issues prevent the system from completing the POST process, stopping the boot sequence. Faulty RAM modules may be improperly seated, physically damaged, or failing internally, leading to random errors or a complete inability to initialize the system. Re-seating RAM modules or replacing them often resolves the issue.

B) Corrupted OS does not affect POST. The operating system loads after the POST sequence successfully verifies hardware integrity. A corrupted OS may prevent booting after POST, but it does not cause BIOS beep codes. Therefore, this is unlikely in this scenario.

C) Failing hard drive can prevent the OS from loading, but the POST sequence itself will complete, typically producing a hard drive error or failure message. The system would still complete initial POST beeps unless the hard drive is integrated into the motherboard, which is uncommon.

D) Malware infection does not affect POST. Malware operates at the OS level, and since POST occurs before the OS loads, malware cannot interfere with initial hardware checks.

Troubleshooting steps include identifying the specific beep code pattern, referencing the motherboard documentation to interpret the code, reseating RAM modules, testing each RAM stick individually, and replacing defective modules. Correcting RAM issues ensures the system passes POST and boots successfully.

Question 47:

A user reports that their laptop battery drains quickly even when idle. Which of the following is the BEST initial troubleshooting step?

A) Disable background applications
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Factory reset the device
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable background applications

Explanation:

Rapid battery drain, especially when a laptop is idle, is often caused by applications or processes running in the background and consuming CPU, memory, or network resources.

A) Disabling background applications is the most practical first step to isolate the cause. Many apps continue to run even when not actively in use, performing updates, syncing data, or using location services, which increases power consumption. By disabling unnecessary background tasks, the laptop’s CPU and memory usage decrease, which directly reduces battery drain. Tools such as Task Manager or battery usage analytics can help identify the most power-hungry processes.

B) Replacing the battery immediately may be necessary if the battery has reached end-of-life or exhibits significant capacity loss. However, battery degradation is gradual, and initial troubleshooting should focus on software optimization before replacing hardware.

C) Factory reset the device erases all data and resets software configurations, potentially removing power-intensive processes. While this may solve software-related battery drain, it is invasive and not the first recommended step. Proper identification of resource-heavy apps is less disruptive and usually effective.

D) Enable battery saver mode reduces power consumption by limiting background activity, screen brightness, and other functions. While it can extend battery life temporarily, it does not address the underlying cause. Disabling or controlling background apps provides a more permanent solution.

In summary, controlling background processes is the most targeted, efficient, and non-invasive method to address idle battery drain. Battery replacement, factory reset, and enabling battery saver are secondary measures depending on results.

Question 48:

A workstation connected to a corporate network experiences intermittent connectivity issues, but all other devices on the same network are stable. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty NIC
B) Malware infection
C) Router malfunction
D) Outdated OS

Answer: A) Faulty NIC

Explanation:

When a single workstation experiences connectivity problems while others remain unaffected, the most probable cause is a hardware or interface issue with that device.

A) Faulty NIC (Network Interface Card) can cause intermittent network connectivity. Symptoms include dropped connections, inconsistent ping results, and difficulty maintaining network sessions. Faulty NICs may have loose solder joints, internal failures, or driver issues affecting packet transmission. Testing the NIC, updating drivers, or replacing the card can resolve the problem.

B) Malware infection could consume bandwidth or interfere with network connections, but it generally produces broader system symptoms, not connectivity issues isolated to a single NIC. Malware usually affects multiple processes and is less likely to selectively disrupt networking on one device.

C) Router malfunction typically impacts all devices connected to that network segment. If only one workstation is affected, the router is likely functioning correctly for other clients.

D) Outdated OS may cause some software-level network inefficiencies but rarely produces intermittent connectivity affecting only one workstation. OS updates may improve stability but do not correct physical NIC issues.

Troubleshooting includes testing the NIC with another device or network port, updating drivers, checking for loose connections, or replacing the NIC. Correct identification ensures targeted repair rather than unnecessary changes to the OS or network infrastructure.

Question 49:

A technician is setting up a workstation that requires virtualization to run multiple operating systems. Which of the following hardware features is MOST important to enable?

A) TPM
B) CPU virtualization extensions
C) High-speed SSD
D) Dedicated GPU

Answer: B) CPU virtualization extensions

Explanation:

Virtualization requires hardware support to run multiple operating systems efficiently.

A) TPM (Trusted Platform Module) provides hardware-based encryption key storage and security functions. While beneficial for security, TPM does not improve virtualization performance or enable the running of multiple OS instances.

B) CPU virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) are essential as they allow a CPU to manage multiple virtual machines directly, providing hardware-level support for virtualization. Enabling these extensions in BIOS/UEFI ensures hypervisors such as VMware, Hyper-V, or VirtualBox can operate efficiently without software-based emulation, significantly improving performance and stability.

C) High-speed SSD improves storage performance, reducing virtual machine load and boot times. Although important for overall efficiency, SSDs are not required to enable virtualization, making them less critical than CPU virtualization extensions.

D) Dedicated GPU enhances graphics-intensive tasks and supports GPU-accelerated virtualization, but basic virtualization does not require a GPU. While it improves performance for VMs with heavy graphics workloads, it is secondary to enabling CPU virtualization extensions.

In conclusion, CPU virtualization extensions are mandatory for efficient VM operation. TPM, SSDs, and GPUs are helpful enhancements but not critical for enabling virtualization itself.

Question 50:

A user reports that their network printer prints blank pages, but all other functions appear normal. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Wrong printer driver installed
B) Printer offline
C) Corrupted network cable
D) Faulty USB port

Answer: A) Wrong printer driver installed

Explanation:

Printing blank pages often indicates that the workstation is sending incorrect instructions to the printer.

A) Wrong printer driver installed is the most probable cause. Printer drivers translate print commands from the OS to printer-specific language. If the driver does not match the printer model or is corrupted, the printer may receive commands it cannot process, resulting in blank pages. Reinstalling the correct driver usually resolves the issue.

B) Printer offline prevents printing altogether rather than producing blank pages. Jobs would remain queued without being processed, which is inconsistent with the symptom described.

C) Corrupted network cable could disrupt communication but typically prevents jobs from reaching the printer entirely. Since the printer prints (albeit blank pages), the network connection is functional.

D) Faulty USB port only affects directly connected printers. Network printers rely on network communication, so a defective USB port is irrelevant in this scenario.

Proper troubleshooting involves verifying driver installation, downloading the correct model driver from the manufacturer, and testing print output. Ensuring correct driver selection restores printing functionality.

Question 51:

A user reports that their laptop is frequently overheating and the fan runs constantly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Blocked air vents
B) Malware infection
C) Outdated BIOS
D) Failing hard drive

Answer: A) Blocked air vents

Explanation:

Laptop overheating and continuously running fans are commonly caused by blocked or obstructed air vents (A).

A) Blocked air vents Laptops rely on airflow to dissipate heat generated by the CPU, GPU, and other components. Dust, lint, or other debris can accumulate over time, restricting airflow and causing the system to overheat. Overheating triggers the fan to operate at maximum speed to try to maintain safe operating temperatures. Left unaddressed, prolonged overheating can damage internal components, reduce battery life, and cause performance throttling to prevent hardware failure. Cleaning vents with compressed air or opening the laptop to remove dust often resolves the issue.

B) Malware infection can cause high CPU or GPU usage, contributing to heat generation. However, malware typically causes erratic system performance, unusual processes, or network activity. While malware can exacerbate heating, it is unlikely to be the primary cause of constant fan operation if overheating occurs even with minimal software running.

C) Outdated BIOS may affect power management and fan control. Some BIOS updates improve thermal management, fan curves, or component monitoring. However, outdated BIOS alone rarely causes overheating unless paired with other hardware issues. Updating the BIOS can help optimize thermal response but is not the first step in addressing constant overheating.

D) Failing hard drive produces very little heat compared to CPUs and GPUs. While a failing drive can cause system errors or slowdowns, it is unlikely to be the source of overheating and continuous fan activity.

In conclusion, the most probable cause of frequent overheating and constant fan activity is blocked air vents, with malware and BIOS issues as secondary considerations. Cleaning the cooling system and verifying airflow is the most effective solution.

Question 52:

A technician needs to configure a workstation for high-speed storage access to large video files. Which of the following configurations BEST meets this requirement?

A) RAID 0 SSD
B) Single HDD
C) USB 2.0 external drive
D) NAS over Wi-Fi

Answer: A) RAID 0 SSD

Explanation:

High-speed access to large files requires storage with fast read/write performance.

A) RAID 0 SSD provides the best solution. RAID 0 strips data across multiple SSDs, allowing simultaneous reads and writes across drives. SSDs inherently offer faster access times than HDDs, making RAID 0 with SSDs ideal for workloads like video editing or large dataset processing. This setup maximizes throughput and minimizes latency when working with very large files.

B) Single HDD offers slower access times and lower throughput. While sufficient for standard storage, HDDs cannot keep up with high-demand applications, leading to delays and slower file transfers.

C) USB 2.0 external drive is limited by the interface speed (~480 Mbps). This is far slower than internal SSD or RAID configurations, causing noticeable lag when transferring or accessing large files. USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt could be better, but USB 2.0 is insufficient for high-speed requirements.

D) NAS over Wi-Fi depends on network bandwidth and wireless signal quality. Wi-Fi is prone to interference, latency, and bandwidth limitations, making it unsuitable for consistently fast access to large video files. Wired connections improve NAS performance, but local RAID 0 SSD storage still outperforms networked access.

In conclusion, a RAID 0 SSD configuration provides the highest performance for large file access due to fast read/write speeds, making it the optimal choice. Other options are either too slow or unreliable for intensive storage demands.

Question 53:

A user reports that their smartphone frequently loses cellular signal, but Wi-Fi works without issue. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty SIM card
B) Malware infection
C) Wi-Fi interference
D) Outdated OS

Answer: A) Faulty SIM card

Explanation:

A smartphone losing cellular signal while maintaining Wi-Fi connectivity typically indicates a hardware or service issue with the cellular connection.

A) Faulty SIM card is the most likely cause. SIM cards provide authentication and service access to cellular networks. A damaged, improperly seated, or malfunctioning SIM can prevent the device from maintaining a stable connection, causing signal drops. Replacing or reseating the SIM often resolves the problem.

B) Malware infection may disrupt apps or background services but rarely affects cellular connectivity exclusively. Malware is unlikely to selectively disable signal while leaving Wi-Fi fully operational.

C) Wi-Fi interference affects wireless connectivity, not cellular signal. Since Wi-Fi works normally, interference is not a contributing factor to the problem.

D) Outdated OS can occasionally cause compatibility or network stack issues, potentially affecting cellular performance. However, most modern smartphones are backward-compatible with network protocols. OS updates can help, but hardware issues like a faulty SIM are more common in isolated signal loss scenarios.

Troubleshooting includes testing the SIM in another phone, verifying network settings, and updating the device OS. Addressing the SIM issue directly is the fastest solution.

Question 54:

A user reports that their desktop PC intermittently loses power, but the system powers on immediately afterward. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted operating system
D) Loose monitor cable

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

Intermittent power loss is usually caused by hardware issues related to electrical delivery.

A) Faulty power supply (PSU) is the most likely cause. A failing PSU may provide unstable voltage or be unable to handle power spikes, causing the system to shut down and restart unexpectedly. Symptoms include sudden shutdowns, system instability, or failure to power on if under load. Testing with a known-good PSU or using a power supply tester can confirm the diagnosis.

B) Malware infection can cause system slowdowns, data corruption, or CPU utilization spikes but rarely causes abrupt power loss. Malware operates at the software level and cannot directly interrupt electrical power delivery.

C) Corrupted operating system may cause system freezes, crashes, or application failures, but it does not cut off hardware power. OS issues manifest after the system completes POST and begins loading.

D) Loose monitor cable affects display output, not power delivery. The PC would continue operating internally even if the monitor is disconnected or the cable is loose.

The technician should inspect the PSU, test voltages, and replace the unit if necessary. Correcting the PSU issue ensures stable operation and prevents potential damage to internal components.

Question 55:

A technician is troubleshooting a user workstation that displays distorted graphics and random artifacts on the screen. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty GPU
B) Corrupted operating system
C) Malware infection
D) Loose monitor cable

Answer: A) Faulty GPU

Explanation:

Distorted graphics and artifacts are classic symptoms of GPU hardware failure.

A) Faulty GPU is the primary suspect. A GPU may fail due to overheating, manufacturing defects, or prolonged use under heavy load. When a GPU fails, it cannot render graphics correctly, producing visual distortions, artifacting, and potential system crashes. Testing with a known-good GPU or running stress tests can confirm the issue.

B) Corrupted operating system may cause graphical errors in specific applications but rarely produces consistent artifacting across all screens. OS corruption typically manifests as system instability or application crashes, not hardware-specific graphics distortion.

C) Malware infection could affect system performance or graphical applications, but it does not directly cause hardware-level rendering errors like artifacts. Malware symptoms are usually broader and software-specific.

D) Loose monitor cable can cause flickering or intermittent display issues but does not produce systematic graphical distortions or artifacts. The display may go blank or flicker, but GPU-generated visual errors are independent of cable connections.

The technician should first test the GPU, ensure drivers are up-to-date, verify proper cooling, and replace the GPU if necessary. Correctly identifying GPU failure prevents misdiagnosis and ensures reliable display performance.

Question 56:

A user reports that their workstation cannot connect to the corporate Wi-Fi network, but other devices connect without issue. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) MAC address filtering
B) Incorrect Wi-Fi password
C) Faulty NIC
D) Malware infection

Answer: A) MAC address filtering

Explanation:

When a workstation cannot connect to a specific Wi-Fi network while other devices function normally, the issue is often related to network access restrictions.

A) MAC address filtering is the most likely cause in this scenario. Many corporate networks implement MAC address filtering as a security measure, allowing only authorized devices to connect. Each network interface card (NIC) has a unique MAC address, and if the user’s workstation is not listed on the network’s whitelist, connection attempts will fail despite entering the correct password. Troubleshooting includes verifying the network’s MAC filtering policy, registering the workstation’s MAC address with the network administrator, or temporarily disabling MAC filtering for testing purposes.

B) Incorrect Wi-Fi password is a common cause of connection failures, but if other devices connect successfully using the same credentials, the password itself is unlikely to be the issue. Incorrect passwords typically prevent all devices from connecting, not just a single workstation.

C) Faulty NIC could prevent network connectivity entirely. However, if the NIC were defective, the workstation would fail to detect or connect to any network, not just the corporate Wi-Fi. Running diagnostics on the NIC, such as checking driver functionality or testing with a known-good network, helps confirm whether the hardware is functioning properly.

D) Malware infection can interfere with network connectivity by blocking traffic or modifying settings. While malware is a potential contributor to network issues, it usually causes broader problems, affecting multiple connections or system performance, rather than selectively blocking a single network. A malware scan may be warranted as a secondary step but is unlikely to be the primary cause.

In conclusion, MAC address filtering is the most probable explanation for a single workstation failing to connect while other devices function correctly. Verifying and updating authorized MAC addresses is the targeted solution, whereas password errors, NIC failure, and malware are less likely based on the described scenario.

Question 57:

A technician is tasked with improving the performance of a workstation used for video editing. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Installing a high-speed SSD
B) Upgrading the CPU to a multi-core processor
C) Increasing the RAM
D) Reinstalling the operating system

Answer: B) Upgrading the CPU to a multi-core processor

Explanation:

Video editing is a CPU-intensive task, especially when rendering or encoding high-resolution footage.

A) Installing a high-speed SSD improves storage performance, which affects file load times, caching, and software launch speeds. While beneficial, it does not accelerate the CPU-intensive rendering processes as effectively as a multi-core processor. SSDs complement CPU performance but do not replace it as the primary bottleneck.

B) Upgrading the CPU to a multi-core processor provides the most noticeable performance improvement because modern video editing software takes advantage of multiple cores for parallel processing. A multi-core CPU can handle multiple threads simultaneously, significantly reducing rendering times, improving playback smoothness, and increasing overall responsiveness. This is particularly impactful in workflows involving 4K or 8K footage, effects processing, and multi-track editing.

C) Increasing the RAM helps when working with large projects, allowing more assets to reside in memory and reducing paging to disk. Insufficient RAM can cause slowdowns, but once adequate memory is installed, additional RAM provides diminishing returns. CPU performance remains the dominant factor in processing-intensive video editing tasks.

D) Reinstalling the operating system can improve system responsiveness if the OS is cluttered or corrupted. However, for a workstation already functioning normally, OS reinstallation has minimal impact on rendering and editing performance. It does not enhance CPU speed or multi-threaded capabilities, which are critical for video editing.

In conclusion, upgrading to a multi-core CPU directly addresses the primary bottleneck in video editing workflows. SSDs, RAM, and OS reinstallation provide secondary improvements but do not produce the same dramatic effect on rendering and processing performance.

Question 58:

A workstation intermittently displays blue screens with memory-related errors. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty RAM
B) Corrupted OS
C) Malware infection
D) Outdated BIOS

Answer: A) Faulty RAM

Explanation:

Blue screens of death (BSOD) with memory-related error codes almost always point to hardware memory issues.

A) Faulty RAM is the most probable cause. Memory errors occur when the system reads or writes data incorrectly, which can lead to system instability, application crashes, or BSODs. Common symptoms include intermittent blue screens, random reboots, and errors during memory-intensive tasks. Diagnosing faulty RAM involves running memory diagnostic tools such as Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86, reseating modules, or testing individual sticks to isolate the faulty component. Replacing defective RAM resolves instability and restores system reliability.

B) Corrupted OS can cause blue screens, but memory-specific error codes usually indicate hardware issues rather than software corruption. While a corrupted OS may trigger BSODs due to driver conflicts or file corruption, the consistent memory error pattern points toward RAM failure.

C) Malware infection can impact system stability, potentially causing crashes or performance issues. However, malware rarely triggers hardware-specific memory errors. Malware symptoms are usually broader, affecting multiple areas of the OS, network activity, or application behavior.

D) Outdated BIOS can result in hardware compatibility problems, including instability with newer RAM modules. While updating BIOS can sometimes resolve compatibility issues, it does not address defective memory modules. BIOS updates are recommended as part of preventative maintenance, but the primary cause of memory errors remains physical RAM failure.

In summary, faulty RAM is the leading cause of memory-related blue screens. While OS corruption, malware, and BIOS updates may affect overall stability, replacing defective memory is the definitive solution to restore reliable operation.

Question 59:

A technician is configuring a workstation that will be used for virtualization and running multiple virtual machines. Which of the following is MOST important to enable in BIOS/UEFI?

A) TPM
B) CPU virtualization extensions
C) High-speed SSD
D) Dedicated GPU

Answer: B) CPU virtualization extensions

Explanation:

Running multiple virtual machines requires hardware-level support for virtualization.

A) TPM (Trusted Platform Module) provides hardware-based encryption and security but is unrelated to virtualization performance. While TPM may support features like secure boot or virtual TPMs for security, it does not impact the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously.

B) CPU virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) are essential because they allow a hypervisor to directly manage multiple operating systems with minimal overhead. Enabling these extensions in BIOS/UEFI ensures that the virtual machines can execute instructions efficiently, significantly improving performance and stability. Without CPU virtualization support, software-based emulation is used, which is slower and less efficient.

C) High-speed SSD improves storage access times for virtual machines, reducing load and boot times. While beneficial for overall performance, SSDs do not enable virtualization itself. They are a performance enhancement rather than a required feature.

D) Dedicated GPU can accelerate graphics-intensive workloads within virtual machines but is not required to run multiple VMs. GPU acceleration is useful for CAD, 3D rendering, or gaming workloads, but for general virtualization, CPU support is the priority.

In conclusion, enabling CPU virtualization extensions is mandatory for efficient multi-VM operation. TPM, SSDs, and GPUs are supplementary improvements but do not provide the core functionality necessary for virtualization. Proper BIOS configuration ensures optimal performance and stability for virtual environments.

Question 60:

A user reports that their workstation is running very slowly when accessing large files stored on a network-attached storage (NAS). Which of the following is the BEST solution to improve performance?

A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
B) Upgrade workstation RAM
C) Replace CPU
D) Scan for malware

Answer: A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi

Explanation:

Slow access to large files on a NAS is typically caused by network bandwidth limitations.

A) Connecting the NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi is the most effective solution. Wired connections provide consistent high-speed performance with minimal interference and latency. Wi-Fi is prone to interference, signal degradation, and lower throughput, which is particularly problematic when transferring large files. A Gigabit Ethernet connection ensures stable, fast access and reduces bottlenecks associated with wireless networking.

B) Upgrade workstation RAM may improve local application performance and caching but does not affect network transfer speed. Insufficient RAM may cause system slowdowns when handling large files locally, but network speed is the primary limiting factor in this scenario.

C) Replace CPU would improve processing performance, but accessing files over the network is largely I/O-bound, not CPU-bound. Replacing the CPU has minimal impact on NAS access speeds.

D) Scan for malware is a good preventative measure. Malware could potentially consume network bandwidth, but unless malware is actively throttling traffic, it is unlikely to be the root cause of consistently slow NAS access.

In conclusion, connecting the NAS over Gigabit Ethernet provides the most direct and reliable performance improvement. RAM, CPU upgrades, and malware scans may help indirectly but do not address the fundamental network bottleneck.