CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set6 Q101-120

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Question 101:

A user reports that their desktop PC frequently shuts down during heavy workloads. The system is otherwise stable at idle. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Overheating CPU
B) Faulty RAM
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted operating system

Answer: A) Overheating CPU

Explanation:

Frequent shutdowns during heavy workloads are typically caused by thermal issues, specifically an overheating CPU. 

A) Overheating CPU contains thermal protection mechanisms that automatically power down the system if temperatures exceed safe operating limits. High CPU usage during resource-intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, or rendering generates significant heat. Poor airflow, dust accumulation in heatsinks and fans, or degraded thermal paste can exacerbate overheating. Diagnosing the problem involves monitoring CPU temperatures using utilities like HWMonitor or Core Temp and physically inspecting the cooling system. Cleaning dust from fans, reapplying thermal paste, or upgrading the cooling solution often resolves the issue.

B) Faulty RAM can cause system instability, crashes, or blue screens, but it is less likely to cause shutdowns exclusively during high CPU workloads. RAM failures are generally workload-independent and can occur even under minimal use. Diagnostic tools such as MemTest86 can identify faulty modules.

C) Malware infection may increase CPU load and cause overheating indirectly, but malware alone cannot trigger thermal protection mechanisms unless combined with insufficient cooling. Malware is a secondary consideration in this scenario.

D) Corrupted operating system could lead to application crashes or boot issues but does not directly cause a CPU to overheat and force shutdown. OS corruption may exacerbate performance problems but is not the primary cause of heat-induced shutdowns.

In conclusion, a CPU overheating during heavy workloads is the most probable cause. RAM failures, malware, and OS issues are secondary factors that could affect stability but do not explain workload-dependent shutdown behavior. Addressing cooling, airflow, and thermal management resolves the problem.

Question 102:

A technician is troubleshooting a laptop with a battery that depletes rapidly, even when minimal applications are running. Which of the following is the BEST first step?

A) Disable unnecessary background applications
B) Replace the battery immediately
C) Perform a factory reset
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable unnecessary background applications

Explanation:

Rapid battery depletion is often caused by background processes consuming resources.

A) Disabling unnecessary background applications is the best first step because programs such as cloud sync services, messaging apps, and auto-updaters often run without user awareness, consuming CPU and network resources that drain battery life. Using Task Manager or battery usage statistics allows identification of high-resource applications. Disabling or scheduling them to run only when needed can significantly improve battery longevity.

B) Replacing the battery immediately addresses the symptom rather than the underlying cause. If background applications are draining power, replacing the battery may provide a short-term fix but will not prevent rapid depletion. Battery replacement should be considered only after verifying battery health and usage patterns.

C) Performing a factory reset is invasive and time-consuming. While it can remove unnecessary software, it is a last resort if other methods fail. Targeted disabling of background applications is more efficient and less disruptive.

D) Enabling battery saver mode is a temporary mitigation strategy. It reduces background activity and adjusts power profiles but does not directly identify the cause of excessive battery consumption. It is a useful secondary step but less precise than managing background applications.

In conclusion, addressing background applications is the most effective first step for rapid battery drain. Battery replacement, factory reset, and power-saving modes are secondary considerations to be applied as needed.

Question 103:

A user reports that large files on a network-attached storage (NAS) are extremely slow to open, while other devices experience normal performance. Which of the following is the BEST solution?

A) Connect NAS via Gigabit Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
B) Upgrade RAM
C) Upgrade 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 typically indicates a network bandwidth bottleneck.

A) Connecting via Gigabit Ethernet ensures stable, high-speed throughput compared to Wi-Fi, which is susceptible to interference, signal degradation, and bandwidth limitations. Wired connections reduce latency and improve file transfer rates, allowing the workstation to fully utilize the NAS’s capabilities. Monitoring transfer speeds and using Ethernet cabling compliant with the network standard confirms the improvement.

B) Upgrading RAM enhances local caching and allows applications to store more data in memory. While it may improve responsiveness after files are loaded, it does not address the network transfer speed.

C) Upgrading the CPU improves local processing but does not impact network bandwidth. Large file transfer bottlenecks are I/O-bound rather than CPU-bound.

D) Scanning for malware may identify malicious processes using bandwidth, but if other devices on the network are unaffected, malware is unlikely the root cause. It may serve as a precautionary measure but is not the primary solution.

In conclusion, connecting the NAS via Gigabit Ethernet addresses the performance bottleneck directly. RAM, CPU, and malware scans are secondary measures and do not resolve the network-related cause of slow file access.

Question 104:

A workstation intermittently loses video signal on a connected monitor, while other monitors and cables work fine. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty video cable
B) Failing GPU
C) Loose PSU connection
D) Outdated operating system

Answer: B) Failing GPU

Explanation:

Intermittent loss of video signal, when other monitors and cables function correctly, indicates a hardware-specific GPU problem.

A) Faulty video cable is unlikely because other cables and monitors work. Cable failures typically result in consistent problems, not intermittent ones isolated to a single GPU.

B) Failing GPU is the primary suspect. Component degradation, overheating, or failing VRAM can cause unstable output. Testing the GPU in a different system or running stress tests can confirm the issue. Reseating or replacing the GPU typically resolves the problem.

C) Loose PSU connection may cause instability, but if other system components function normally, the GPU itself is the likely root cause.

D) Outdated operating system could cause driver incompatibility, but it does not produce hardware-specific, intermittent signal loss. Driver updates may help if the GPU is functional but will not fix failing hardware.

In summary, a failing GPU is the most probable cause of intermittent video loss, with PSU, OS, and cables as secondary considerations.

Question 105:

A technician is configuring a workstation for virtualization and wants to maximize performance. Which BIOS/UEFI setting is MOST critical to enable?

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

Answer: B) CPU virtualization extensions

Explanation:

Virtualization relies on hardware-assisted CPU features to efficiently run multiple operating systems.

A) TPM provides security features like encryption but does not affect virtualization performance.

B) CPU virtualization extensions, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V, allow hypervisors to manage VMs at the hardware level. Enabling these extensions reduces overhead, improves VM performance, and ensures stability. Without hardware virtualization, software emulation is slower and less efficient.

C) High-speed SSD support improves disk access times and caching but does not accelerate CPU-bound virtualization tasks.

D) Dedicated GPU acceleration aids graphics-intensive workloads in VMs but does not improve overall virtualization efficiency for non-graphical operations.

In conclusion, enabling CPU virtualization extensions is the most critical BIOS setting for high-performance virtualization. TPM, SSD, and GPU enhancements support secondary improvements but do not directly influence VM efficiency.

Question 106:

A desktop PC emits smoke and a burning smell immediately after powering on. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Overheating CPU
C) Malware infection
D) Outdated drivers

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

Smoke and burning odors indicate a serious hardware failure.

A) Faulty power supply is the most likely cause, as PSUs manage electrical distribution to all components. Short circuits, capacitor failures, or internal damage can produce smoke and burning smells. Immediate power disconnection is critical for safety. Diagnosis involves inspecting the PSU for visible damage, testing output voltages, and replacing it with a verified working unit.

B) Overheating CPU may cause thermal throttling or shutdowns, but CPUs rarely emit smoke immediately at power-on.

C) Malware infection affects software, not hardware, and cannot produce physical burning.

D) Outdated drivers may reduce stability but do not create physical hazards.

In summary, a faulty PSU is the primary cause of smoke and burning odors. CPU, malware, and driver issues are secondary and cannot create physical hazards.

Question 107:

A user reports that large applications take an unusually long time to open. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Replace HDD with SSD
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Replace HDD with SSD

Explanation:

Slow application launch times are typically due to storage speed limitations.

A) Replacing an HDD with an SSD dramatically improves read/write speeds, reducing application load times. SSDs allow the OS and software to access files almost instantly, compared to slower mechanical drives. Performance improvements are immediately noticeable across OS boot times, application launches, and file transfers.

B) Upgrade GPU primarily improves performance for graphics-intensive workloads such as 3D rendering, video editing, gaming, or AI computations that leverage GPU acceleration. For general productivity tasks, application launch times, or multitasking, the GPU has minimal impact. Performance improvements in these scenarios are more effectively achieved by upgrading RAM, optimizing CPU usage, or improving storage speed. Investing in a GPU upgrade does not address slow response times or freezes during routine application use. Therefore, for general workstation performance improvements, a GPU upgrade is unnecessary and does not resolve bottlenecks caused by memory or CPU limitations.

C) Adding RAM increases the system’s capacity to handle multiple applications simultaneously by reducing reliance on slower disk-based virtual memory. This improves multitasking performance and overall responsiveness. However, unless the system is experiencing heavy paging due to insufficient memory, adding RAM has little effect on initial application or system load times, which are more influenced by storage speed, CPU performance, and software initialization processes. Thus, RAM upgrades primarily benefit active workload management rather than accelerating first-time application launches. Other upgrades, such as switching from an HDD to an SSD, may be more effective for improving startup and load performance.

D) Upgrading CPU increases processing power, allowing the system to handle more computations, complex calculations, and multi-threaded workloads more efficiently. However, it does not address bottlenecks caused by slow disk access, such as long file read/write times, delayed application launches, or slow boot performance. Storage speed, particularly the difference between HDDs and SSDs, remains a critical factor in overall system responsiveness. Without improving disk performance, even a faster CPU cannot fully eliminate delays associated with loading data from storage. Therefore, CPU upgrades and storage improvements should be considered together for balanced performance optimization.

In conclusion, replacing the HDD with an SSD delivers the most noticeable improvement for slow application launches. GPU, RAM, and CPU upgrades provide secondary benefits but do not directly address disk bottlenecks.

Question 108:

A workstation freezes when multiple large files are opened simultaneously. Which of the following is the MOST effective upgrade?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Increase monitor resolution

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Freezing during multiple large file openings is typically caused by insufficient memory.

A) Adding RAM increases the system’s capacity to hold active data, reducing reliance on slower paging to disk and improving multitasking stability. More RAM allows large applications to operate simultaneously without causing freezes.

B) Upgrading GPU enhances graphics rendering, accelerates 3D modeling, video editing, and other GPU-intensive tasks, and can improve visual performance for applications that leverage GPU acceleration. However, it does not address memory-bound performance issues, such as system freezes, slow multitasking, or excessive paging caused by insufficient RAM. Memory constraints remain a limiting factor for overall system responsiveness, regardless of GPU performance. To resolve memory-related bottlenecks, adding or optimizing RAM is necessary, as GPU improvements cannot compensate for inadequate memory resources in general computing or multitasking scenarios. GPU upgrades and RAM upgrades serve different performance needs and are complementary rather than interchangeable.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD) significantly improves data access speeds, reduces application and system load times, and enhances overall responsiveness due to faster read/write operations and lower latency. However, while SSDs accelerate storage-related tasks, they do not address performance issues caused by insufficient RAM. When a system runs out of available memory during multitasking or while handling memory-intensive applications, it relies on slower disk-based virtual memory. Even with an SSD, this paging can still cause freezes, stuttering, and slow application response. Therefore, while upgrading to an SSD improves storage performance and reduces load times, addressing memory exhaustion through RAM upgrades is essential to prevent system freezes and maintain smooth, consistent performance under heavy workloads. SSDs complement memory enhancements but cannot replace the need for adequate RAM capacity.

D) Increasing monitor resolution provides a larger and clearer workspace, allowing more content to be displayed on the screen and improving usability for tasks such as design, coding, or data analysis. However, it does not improve system performance, reduce application load times, or enhance multitasking capabilities. Higher resolution may slightly increase GPU workload, but for general productivity applications, the impact is negligible. Therefore, while adjusting resolution improves visual experience and screen real estate, it does not address performance bottlenecks caused by insufficient RAM, slow storage, or CPU limitations. Performance optimization requires hardware upgrades rather than display adjustments.

In summary, adding RAM directly resolves multitasking freezes, while GPU, storage, and display upgrades address secondary concerns.

Question 109:

A user reports that their workstation intermittently loses network connectivity, while other devices function normally. 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:

Intermittent connectivity affecting only one device indicates a hardware issue.

A) Faulty NIC is often the primary suspect when a workstation experiences sporadic network disconnections, intermittent connectivity, or failure to communicate with network resources while other devices on the same network remain unaffected. Physical damage to the NIC, manufacturing defects, or loose or corroded connections can impair data transmission, causing inconsistent network behavior. Testing the system with a known working NIC or replacing the NIC entirely can help isolate the issue and confirm whether the original hardware is at fault. Additionally, verifying that drivers are up to date and that there are no software conflicts is important. Identifying and replacing a faulty NIC restores reliable network connectivity, eliminates packet loss or intermittent disconnections, and ensures the workstation functions correctly within the network environment. This approach is often more effective than troubleshooting software or network infrastructure when symptoms are isolated to a single device.

B) Malware infection , such as worms, trojans, or spyware, can significantly impact network performance by consuming bandwidth, generating unnecessary network traffic, or interfering with legitimate communication protocols. These infections can slow down multiple devices, cause latency, and degrade overall network performance. However, it is rare for malware to isolate connectivity to a single workstation while leaving other devices on the same network fully operational. If only one workstation experiences network issues while others function normally, the root cause is more likely related to local factors such as misconfigured network settings, faulty NICs, driver problems, or firewall rules. While malware scanning is always advisable for security, resolving isolated connectivity issues requires investigating device-specific hardware or software configurations rather than attributing the problem solely to malicious activity. Targeted troubleshooting ensures faster, more precise resolution.

C) Router malfunction typically impacts the entire network, causing widespread connectivity issues such as loss of internet access, failure to communicate with local network resources, and disruption of services across all connected devices. Since the router serves as the central gateway for traffic between local devices and external networks, any hardware failure, firmware corruption, or configuration error generally affects every workstation, printer, and server that relies on it. If only a single workstation experiences problems while all other devices function normally, it is unlikely that the router is at fault. Instead, troubleshooting should focus on device-specific issues such as NIC failures, incorrect network settings, or software conflicts. Identifying the source of the problem at the individual device level allows for targeted and efficient resolution without unnecessary router replacement or network-wide interventions.

D) Outdated OS can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with newer hardware, including missing drivers, limited feature support, or reduced performance. This may result in occasional errors, degraded functionality, or software conflicts. However, hardware-specific intermittent disconnections, such as network dropouts, are typically caused by physical issues with components, damaged connections, or faulty drivers rather than the OS itself. While keeping the OS updated ensures compatibility and security, it cannot directly repair failing hardware or unstable physical connections. Proper diagnosis of intermittent disconnections should focus on checking the NIC, cables, switch ports, or firmware updates for the hardware, rather than assuming the problem stems solely from an outdated OS. OS updates complement but do not replace hardware troubleshooting in resolving device-specific connectivity issues.

In conclusion, a faulty NIC is the most probable cause, while malware, OS, or router issues are secondary considerations.

Question 110:

A user reports that their laptop battery drains very quickly. Task Manager shows high CPU usage from an unknown background process. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Malware infection
B) Insufficient RAM
C) Faulty battery
D) Outdated drivers

Answer: A) Malware infection

Explanation:

High CPU usage from unknown processes often indicates malware. 

A) Malware infection may run hidden tasks that consume CPU, causing excessive battery drain and system heat. Scanning with reputable anti-malware tools identifies and removes malicious software.

B) Insufficient RAM forces the system to rely on disk-based virtual memory, increasing disk activity and potentially slowing overall performance during multitasking. However, high CPU usage from unknown or unexpected processes is not caused by low memory. Such CPU spikes typically indicate software issues, background applications, or malware consuming processing resources independently of RAM availability. Therefore, while adding memory can improve multitasking and reduce paging, it does not resolve excessive CPU utilization. Addressing high CPU usage requires identifying and managing the processes responsible, optimizing software, or removing malicious programs, rather than simply increasing RAM.

C) Faulty battery primarily affects the device’s ability to retain charge, reduces overall battery life, and can cause unexpected shutdowns if the power supply is insufficient. However, it does not directly cause high CPU usage or performance degradation under normal operation. High CPU utilization is generally the result of resource-intensive processes, software inefficiencies, or malware. Therefore, while replacing a faulty battery may restore power reliability, it will not resolve issues related to excessive processor load, which require software or process-level troubleshooting.

D) Outdated drivers can lead to hardware compatibility problems, reduced performance, system crashes, or malfunctioning devices. They may also cause occasional spikes in resource usage if a device is not interacting properly with the OS. However, persistent, hidden CPU-intensive processes are typically caused by background applications, malware, or misconfigured software rather than outdated drivers. Updating drivers can improve hardware stability but will not eliminate continuous high CPU usage originating from rogue or resource-heavy processes running in the system. Addressing hidden CPU bottlenecks requires process monitoring, malware scanning, and software optimization.

In conclusion, malware infection is the primary cause of rapid battery drain accompanied by high CPU usage, while RAM, battery health, and drivers are secondary factors.

Question 111:

A workstation frequently experiences system slowdowns, and the user reports that applications take a long time to respond. Task Manager shows minimal CPU usage, but disk activity is constantly high. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Failing hard drive
B) Insufficient RAM
C) Malware infection
D) Outdated GPU drivers

Answer: A) Failing hard drive

Explanation:

A) Failing hard drive high disk activity accompanied by slow application response often points to storage-related issues, particularly a failing hard drive. A mechanical HDD has moving components, including spinning platters and read/write heads. Over time, these components can wear out, causing read/write delays, bad sectors, and excessive retries when accessing files. The constant disk activity seen in Task Manager indicates that the system struggles to retrieve or write data efficiently, which slows down application launches and file operations. Diagnostic utilities such as SMART monitoring tools or disk benchmarking software can identify potential failure signs, including reallocated sectors, seek errors, or degraded performance. Replacing the failing HDD with a new HDD or SSD restores normal system responsiveness and prevents potential data loss.

B) Insufficient RAM could cause paging to disk, which also increases disk activity. However, in this scenario, RAM would typically trigger high memory usage in Task Manager or frequent page file access messages. Minimal CPU usage combined with constant disk activity strongly suggests hardware-level disk problems rather than memory exhaustion. Adding RAM might help in situations with excessive multitasking but does not directly resolve the underlying mechanical failure of a hard drive.

C) Malware infection can increase disk activity if malicious software performs background operations like file scanning or data exfiltration. However, malware rarely causes persistent, mechanical disk strain in the pattern described. Furthermore, malware would often affect CPU usage as well, which is not evident here. While scanning for malware is a good preventive step, it does not directly address hardware degradation.

D) Outdated GPU drivers may cause graphical anomalies, rendering issues, or slow video performance, but they do not impact disk activity. A slow GPU cannot cause sustained high disk usage or slow application response unrelated to graphics processing.

In conclusion, a failing hard drive is the most probable cause of the workstation’s slowdowns and high disk activity. RAM shortages, malware, and GPU drivers are secondary considerations, but none directly explain the observed symptoms. Early detection and replacement of the HDD ensure system stability, improved performance, and prevent potential data loss.

Question 112:

A user reports that their workstation randomly reboots without warning. The system is used for general office work and runs multiple background applications. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Malware infection
C) Overheating CPU
D) Corrupted operating system

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

A) Faulty power supply random system reboots during typical office usage often indicate hardware-related power instability, with a faulty power supply unit (PSU) being the most probable culprit. The PSU regulates voltage to all components, and if it delivers unstable or insufficient power, the system may reboot unpredictably to prevent damage. Symptoms can be intermittent and unrelated to workload, making diagnosis challenging. Testing the PSU with a dedicated tester or replacing it with a known working unit can confirm the issue. A failing PSU may also show other signs such as unusual noises, burnt smells, or failure to power on, but even without these signs, intermittent instability can occur.

B) Malware infection could cause system instability or slowdowns, but it rarely triggers random reboots across multiple background processes without affecting other aspects of system performance. Malware-induced crashes typically result in application errors or freezes rather than hardware-level resets.

C) Overheating CPU can cause shutdowns to protect the processor, but this usually occurs under heavy workloads, not during general office tasks. Since the user is performing typical low-intensity tasks, thermal issues are less likely unless the cooling system is severely compromised or clogged with dust.

D) Corrupted operating system can lead to crashes or blue screens, but sudden, unexplained reboots are more indicative of hardware-level power instability. While OS corruption may exacerbate system issues, it does not usually cause consistent, random power loss.

In summary, a faulty PSU is the primary cause of unexpected reboots in a workstation performing light tasks. Malware, CPU overheating, and OS corruption are secondary possibilities but do not fully explain the observed behavior. Proper PSU testing and replacement are crucial to restore stability and prevent damage to other components.

Question 113:

A technician is building a workstation for a user who performs video editing and 3D rendering. Which of the following hardware upgrades would provide the MOST significant performance improvement?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

A) Upgrade GPU the most impactful improvement. Modern video editing software and 3D rendering applications offload rendering, effects processing, and real-time previews to the GPU. A high-performance GPU with sufficient VRAM enables smoother playback, faster rendering, and improved efficiency when manipulating large textures or complex models. VRAM plays a critical role in handling high-resolution assets in real time, preventing stutters or delays in editing workflows.

B) Upgrading the CPU improves encoding, physics calculations, and multitasking performance, but GPU acceleration dominates rendering tasks in most modern software. CPU improvements may offer some incremental benefit but rarely deliver the same noticeable improvement as a powerful GPU.

C) Adding additional RAM allows more project data and applications to reside in memory, reducing disk paging and improving multitasking stability. While helpful, it does not directly accelerate GPU-bound rendering operations.

D) Replacing an HDD with an SSD improves application load times, file access, and caching, but does not improve real-time rendering performance. SSDs are a secondary enhancement for workflow efficiency but cannot substitute for GPU power in graphics-intensive applications.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU provides the most dramatic performance improvement for video editing and 3D rendering. CPU, RAM, and SSD upgrades support workflow efficiency but do not directly address the primary bottleneck in graphics-heavy tasks. Properly matching GPU capabilities to software requirements ensures optimal workstation performance.

Question 114:

A laptop user reports that the keyboard and trackpad intermittently stop responding, but an external USB keyboard functions correctly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty internal keyboard
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted drivers
D) Operating system issue

Answer: A) Faulty internal keyboard

Explanation:

A) Faulty internal keyboard , When a laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad intermittently fail while an external keyboard functions correctly, the problem is typically hardware-related, making a faulty internal keyboard the most likely cause. Common issues include damaged ribbon cables, liquid spills, worn components, or general hardware failure. Testing the keyboard in BIOS can help confirm the problem, and reseating or replacing the internal keyboard often resolves it.

B) Malware infection can affect system performance but rarely disables only the internal keyboard and trackpad while leaving external devices functional. Malware typically impacts multiple system functions, not specific hardware.

C) Corrupted drivers may cause intermittent input issues, but driver problems usually affect both internal and external devices if the underlying input system is affected. Reinstalling or updating drivers may temporarily help, but if the problem persists despite driver updates, hardware failure is the more likely cause.

D) Operating system issues can affect device recognition or responsiveness, but the functioning of an external keyboard suggests the OS is working correctly. System-wide OS problems would likely impact multiple input devices and applications.

In summary, a faulty internal keyboard is the primary suspect in intermittent input failures. Driver or OS troubleshooting may provide secondary insight, but replacing or repairing the internal keyboard is usually the definitive solution.

Question 115:

A workstation running multiple virtual machines is experiencing slow performance and frequent paging to disk. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST immediate performance improvement?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Increase monitor resolution

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Virtualization is memory-intensive, as each virtual machine consumes a portion of system RAM.

A) Add additional RAM is the most effective solution for slow performance and frequent paging. When RAM is insufficient, the system relies on page files stored on slower storage, resulting in lag and reduced VM responsiveness. Increasing RAM allows each virtual machine to operate in memory directly, improving speed, reducing latency, and preventing crashes due to memory exhaustion. Proper memory allocation ensures stable virtualization performance and smoother multitasking.

B) Upgrading the GPU can significantly improve performance for GPU-accelerated workloads in virtual machines, including 3D rendering, simulations, machine learning, or video processing tasks that leverage parallel computation. However, for general virtualization performance—such as running multiple VMs, application servers, or multitasking within virtual environments—the primary limiting factors are CPU processing power and available RAM. Without sufficient CPU cores and memory allocation, adding a more powerful GPU will have minimal impact on overall VM responsiveness or workload efficiency. Proper resource balancing across CPU, RAM, and GPU is essential for optimized virtualization performance.

C) Replacing an HDD with an SSD dramatically improves storage performance, providing faster boot times, quicker application launches, and reduced delays when accessing files. It also minimizes the latency experienced during paging when the system runs low on RAM. However, while SSDs reduce the impact of memory swapping, they do not increase the physical memory available for active workloads. Adequate RAM is still required to maintain smooth multitasking, prevent freezes, and ensure optimal system responsiveness under heavy workloads. SSDs and RAM upgrades work together to enhance overall system performance, but one cannot substitute for the other in addressing memory limitations.

D) Increasing monitor resolution enhances the visual experience by providing a larger workspace, sharper images, and the ability to view more content simultaneously, which is particularly useful for design, data analysis, and multitasking. However, this change does not increase system memory capacity or improve virtualization performance. Memory-intensive workloads, such as running multiple virtual machines, large datasets, or complex simulations, rely primarily on sufficient RAM and CPU resources. Higher resolution may slightly increase GPU usage due to the need to render more pixels, but if the primary performance bottleneck is memory, this additional GPU load has minimal impact. Therefore, while adjusting resolution improves usability and visual clarity, it does not address underlying performance constraints. Optimizing virtualization or multitasking performance requires focusing on memory upgrades, CPU capacity, and storage speed rather than display settings. Proper resource allocation across hardware components is essential for achieving both visual and computational efficiency.

In conclusion, adding RAM provides the most immediate improvement for virtualization workloads. Storage, GPU, and display changes are secondary enhancements but do not directly resolve memory-related slowdowns.

Question 116:

A user reports that their laptop battery lasts only 30 minutes under normal use, while manufacturer specifications claim 6 hours. Which of the following is the BEST first troubleshooting step?

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

Answer: A) Disable background applications

Explanation:

Rapid battery depletion is frequently caused by background processes consuming resources.

A) Disabling unnecessary applications ensures that hidden processes, such as cloud syncing, automatic updates, and analytics tools, do not consume CPU and network resources, which directly impacts battery life. Task Manager or battery usage reports can identify high-resource processes. Targeted management of these applications often restores normal battery longevity without hardware replacement.

B) Replacing the battery immediately addresses the symptom rather than the cause. If background applications are draining power, a new battery will also discharge quickly. Battery replacement should only be considered after assessing software-related power consumption.

C) Factory reset removes software-related causes but is time-consuming and disruptive. Disabling background applications is more precise and less invasive.

D) Enabling battery saver mode mitigates power usage but does not identify the root cause. It is a temporary solution that reduces CPU and network activity but may not fully restore expected battery life.

In conclusion, managing background applications is the most effective first step. Battery replacement, factory reset, and power-saving modes are secondary measures to consider after software optimization.

Question 117:

A workstation used for 3D modeling and rendering is experiencing stuttering and slow viewport performance. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

3D modeling and rendering workloads are heavily GPU-dependent. 

A) Upgrading the GPU improves real-time viewport performance, rendering speed, and the ability to handle high-resolution textures or complex models. A powerful GPU with sufficient VRAM allows the software to process large datasets efficiently and display smoother previews.

B) Upgrading CPU aids in computations and simulations but has a smaller impact on viewport performance if the GPU is underpowered.

C) Adding RAM allows larger scenes to be loaded and reduces paging but does not directly improve rendering speed or real-time visualization.

D) Replacing an HDD with an SSD improves load times and caching but does not impact real-time rendering or viewport responsiveness.

In conclusion, GPU upgrades offer the most significant and noticeable performance improvement for 3D modeling and rendering tasks. CPU, RAM, and SSD upgrades provide complementary benefits but do not directly enhance rendering or viewport speed.

Question 118:

A user reports that their workstation freezes when opening multiple large spreadsheets simultaneously. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Increase monitor resolution

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Freezing during simultaneous opening of large spreadsheets is primarily caused by insufficient RAM.

A) Add additional RAM increases the system’s ability to store active spreadsheet data in memory, reducing reliance on page files and preventing freezes. This is critical when multiple large files are open at once, as each application requires significant memory allocation.

B) Upgrading GPU provides minimal benefit, as spreadsheet software is not GPU-intensive.

C) Replacing an HDD with an SSD may improve load times but does not address memory-related freezes.

D) Increasing monitor resolution affects usability but does not impact system memory or performance.

In summary, adding RAM directly resolves freezes caused by memory exhaustion. GPU, storage, and display upgrades are secondary and do not address the primary bottleneck.

Question 119:

A user reports that their workstation frequently loses network connectivity, while 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 operating system

Answer: A) Faulty NIC

Explanation:

When network connectivity issues affect only one workstation while other devices function normally, a hardware issue with the NIC is the most likely cause.

A) Faulty NICs may experience intermittent connection drops due to physical damage, wear, or driver conflicts. Testing with a known working NIC or reseating the existing NIC can confirm the diagnosis.

B) Malware infection could cause bandwidth issues but would typically affect multiple network functions and not isolate connectivity loss to a single device.

C) Router malfunction would impact all connected devices, making this unlikely.

D) Outdated operating system may affect network driver compatibility but is less likely to cause intermittent failures in an otherwise functioning system.

In conclusion, a faulty NIC is the primary suspect, while malware, router, or OS issues are secondary considerations.

Question 120:

A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that takes several minutes to boot. Task Manager shows high disk usage during startup. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Replace HDD with SSD
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Replace HDD with SSD

Explanation:

Slow boot times accompanied by high disk usage are typically caused by slow storage access.

A) Replacing an HDD with an SSD significantly reduces read/write latency, improving boot times, application load speeds, and system responsiveness. SSDs store the operating system and critical files in fast-access memory, allowing rapid retrieval compared to mechanical drives.

B) Upgrading GPU benefits graphical performance but does not impact boot times.

C) Adding RAM may improve multitasking and caching but does not accelerate the OS load process unless memory shortages force heavy paging.

D) Upgrading CPU enhances processing speed but does not compensate for slow disk read/write performance during boot.

In conclusion, replacing the HDD with an SSD delivers the most immediate and noticeable improvement for slow boot times. CPU, RAM, and GPU upgrades are secondary and support overall system performance but do not directly resolve storage bottlenecks.