Pass 220-1201 Exam Guide

A smart card provides an additional factor of authentication by storing secure credentials, such as certificates, that cannot be guessed or replicated. It complements user accounts and is "something you have".

Why Not A (Fingerprint reader): This is "something you are", but the scenario specifically requires a physical token.

Why Not C (Secure token): Secure tokens are also valid but may not integrate as seamlessly into multi-factor authentication for physical and system access.

Why Not D (NFC scanner): An NFC scanner is a device and not a token itself; it reads cards or other credentials.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 2.5, access controls​.

Reasoning: A docking station is designed to provide a central connection point for multiple peripherals, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and network cables. It allows users to quickly connect or disconnect all devices by simply docking or undocking their laptop, improving mobility and reducing wear and tear on individual ports.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Serial interfaces:

Serial interfaces are outdated and rarely used in modern laptops or peripherals. They are not practical for facilitating the connection of multiple devices.

C. Network switch:

A network switch is used to connect multiple devices to a network, but it does not simplify the connection of peripherals to a laptop.

D. USB hub:

A USB hub can extend the number of available USB ports but lacks the full functionality of a docking station, such as video output or Ethernet connectivity.

Practical Example:

A user with a laptop, external monitors, keyboard, and mouse can use a docking station to connect all devices with a single action, instead of plugging in each device manually.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:

Objective 5.2: Explain device interfaces, connection types, and usage of docking stations.

If two devices have thesame static IP address, anIP conflictoccurs. This results in both devices being intermittently disconnected or unable to communicate on the network. It’s a common mistake when copying configurations manually.

Option B:DNS conflicts wouldn’t cause total disconnection and wouldn't occur just from copying IP settings.

Option C:A cable issue would only affect one workstation.

Option D:Switchport security issues wouldn't affect both machines simultaneously unless port security was configured very specifically.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Random BSODs (Blue Screen of Death), intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load are common symptoms of failing or faulty RAM (Random Access Memory). Here's the reasoning:

RAM Module (Correct Answer):

Faulty or failing RAM can cause random BSODs due to memory errors when the system attempts to read or write to corrupted memory locations.

Intermittent freezing, especially under performance-intensive operations, can occur because the CPU relies heavily on RAM for active processing tasks.

Over time, heat generated during usage can exacerbate RAM instability, leading to progressively worse performance throughout the day.

Solution: The technician should run a memory diagnostic tool, such as Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86, to confirm if the RAM is at fault.

Incorrect Options:

A. Video Card: A faulty video card can cause graphical glitches, screen artifacts, or crashes, but it is unlikely to cause system-wide performance degradation and random freezing under normal operations unless the issue is specific to GPU-intensive tasks (e.g., gaming or video rendering).

B. HDD: A failing hard drive can cause system slowdowns and freezing, but it typically produces other symptoms such as read/write errors, boot failures, or clicking sounds. HDD issues do not usually cause BSODs unless critical system files are corrupted.

D. TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A TPM is a hardware-based security module used for encryption and secure authentication. It does not affect performance or cause BSODs or freezing under normal operation.

Key Takeaway:

The symptoms described (random BSODs, intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load) are most likely caused by faulty or failing RAM. Memory diagnostic tools should be used to confirm the issue.