Every time a user loads a specific spreadsheet, their computer is temporarily unresponsive. The user also notices that the title bar indicates the application is not responding. Which of the following would a technician most likely inspect?
Correct Answer:D
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. Reference:
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Objective 3.3: Troubleshoot common application issues.
Study Guide Section: Troubleshooting application slowness and performance using Task Manager and resource monitoring tools
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Which of the following prevents forced entry into a building?
Correct Answer:D
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
A bollard is a sturdy physical barrier—often a steel or concrete post—designed to prevent
vehicles or unauthorized individuals from ramming into or entering secure areas of a building. It provides physical security and is commonly used outside entrances to prevent forced entry.
* A. PIV (Personal Identity Verification) cards are used for identity access control, not physical blocking.
* B. Motion lighting may deter activity but doesn??t physically prevent entry.
* C. Surveillance records activity but cannot stop a forced entry. Reference:
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Objective 2.4: Compare and contrast physical security measures. Study Guide Section: Physical security devices — barriers, bollards, and deterrents
An application's performance is degrading over time. The application is slowing, but it never gives an error and does not crash. Which of the following tools should a technician use to start troubleshooting?
Correct Answer:C
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract: Resource Monitor provides real-time monitoring of system performance and resource usage, including CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. It helps technicians identify
performance bottlenecks (e.g., high memory or CPU usage) that can cause slowdowns in applications over time without producing crash errors.
* A. Reliability history logs application crashes or errors — not helpful if the app doesn??t crash.
* B. Computer Management is a broad utility with limited real-time monitoring capability.
* D. Disk is too vague — tools like CHKDSK can help with disk errors but not general performance degradation.
Reference:
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Objective 3.2: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer issues.
Study Guide Section: System performance tools — Resource Monitor, Task Manager
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A customer??s computer does not have an active connection to the network. A technician goes through a few troubleshooting steps but is unable to resolve the issue. The technician has exhausted their knowledge. The customer expresses frustration at the time taken to resolve this issue. Which of the following should the technician do?
Correct Answer:A
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
When a technician exhausts all troubleshooting steps within their knowledge and the issue remains unresolved, the best practice is to escalate the issue to a higher-level technician or team. Additionally, the technician should clearly communicate the next steps to the customer to maintain transparency and reduce frustration. This ensures continuity of support and upholds customer satisfaction.
* B. Dismissing the customer is unprofessional and violates proper customer service
protocols.
* C. Interrupting the customer and providing excuses escalates the tension and is inappropriate.
* D. Continuing to ask questions without new troubleshooting steps wastes time and increases frustration.
Reference:
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Objective 4.1: Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information.
Study Guide Section: Customer service best practices — escalation and communication
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An organization is experiencing an increased number of issues. A technician notices applications that are not installed by default. Users are reporting an increased number of system prompts for software licensing. Which of the following would the security team most likely do to remediate the root cause?
Correct Answer:B
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
If unauthorized or non-standard applications are appearing on systems and users are receiving licensing prompts, it??s likely users are installing software themselves. Removing users from the local administrators group will prevent them from installing software without approval and reduce the likelihood of introducing unapproved or malicious programs.
* A. Deploying a PKI helps with secure communications but doesn??t address user software installation rights.
* C. Blocking suspicious websites is helpful but doesn??t prevent local installations.
* D. Stricter UAC may add prompts but can still be bypassed by admin users. Reference:
CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Objective 2.2: Compare and contrast access control methods and user privilege settings.
Study Guide Section: Principle of least privilege and managing local admin rights
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