220-1201 Exam Dumps - CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam (2026)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. This includes virtual servers, storage, and networking. Deploying server machines falls under IaaS since the organization is responsible for managing the OS and applications on top of the infrastructure.

Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory is designed to detect and correct single-bit memory errors, increasing system reliability and data integrity. According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) hardware and memory objectives, ECC memory is most commonly used in servers and enterprise-grade systems where uptime and data accuracy are critical.

A file server is responsible for storing, managing, and serving data to many users simultaneously. Memory errors in such systems could lead to data corruption, crashes, or security issues. For this reason, servers frequently use ECC memory in combination with server-class CPUs and motherboards that support error correction.

High-end gaming consoles prioritize performance and cost efficiency rather than fault tolerance, and they do not use ECC memory. Smartphones rely on low-power mobile RAM without error correction, and laptops typically use non-ECC memory unless they are specialized workstation-class systems, which is not indicated in this question.

CompTIA emphasizes that ECC memory is associated with mission-critical environments, particularly servers and enterprise systems, making a file server the most appropriate answer.

Improper seating is the most common reason an SSD isn’t recognized. Ensuring it is correctly connected resolves the issue.

Why Not A (Faulty SSD): A faulty SSD is possible but less likely than an installation issue.

Why Not B (Not formatted): Formatting affects data usability, not drive detection.

Why Not C (Incompatibility): SSD compatibility issues are rare with modern hardware.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.3, storage troubleshooting​.

To change adomain passwordfrom a remote location, the system must communicate with thedomain controller. Since the user is working from home, they need toconnect to the corporate VPNto establish that secure connection. Without it, the password change cannot be authenticated.

Option A:Restarting will not resolve the lack of connection to the domain controller.

Option C:Resetting the password in AD could help, but doesn’t let the user reset it themselves.

Option D:The user may already be on Wi-Fi; the issue is with connecting to thecorporate network, not local.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 1.6: Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.

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A Layer 3 switch is the optimal solution when multiple VLANs must intercommunicate while maintaining high performance and minimal hardware complexity. CompTIA A+ explains that Layer 3 switches combine the capabilities of switching (Layer 2) and routing (Layer 3), allowing VLAN traffic to be routed internally at wire speed, without the latency typically associated with traditional routers.

Layer 3 switches use hardware-based routing, meaning they forward inter-VLAN traffic using ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). This allows them to achieve extremely fast throughput, ideal for environments like computer training institutes where multiple VLANs may be used for student labs, instructor networks, and administrative traffic.

A router (D) can route between VLANs but introduces more latency due to software-based routing and typically requires additional equipment. A Web application firewall (A) and DDoS appliance (B) are security devices unrelated to internal VLAN communication.

Because the institute requires minimal hardware and high-speed inter-VLAN communication, the Layer 3 switch is the only CompTIA-supported device that meets both requirements simultaneously.

To ensure employees only pick up their own printouts, the printer must use an authentication-based release method so jobs are not immediately printed into the output tray where anyone can take them. A User PIN enables secure or “held” printing: the job is sent to the printer but remains stored in the printer’s queue until the user walks up to the device and enters the correct PIN on the control panel. Only after successful PIN entry does the printer release and print that specific job, preventing accidental or unauthorized pickup of sensitive documents.

RFID supports badge-based authentication and is commonly used with secure print release systems in offices. Users tap an RFID badge at the printer to authenticate, and then the printer releases only the authenticated user’s queued print jobs. This is convenient and reduces the chance of users sharing PINs, while still enforcing that jobs are released only when the correct user is physically present.

PCL is a printer language, tray selection and duplex are print settings, and USB is a connection method—none of these enforce user-specific job release. Therefore, the correct answers are User PIN and RFID.

High resource usage along with frequentpop-upsare strong signs of amalware infection. The next logical step is toupdate anti-malware definitionsandrun a full scanto detect and remove threats.

Option A:Network performance is likely not the root cause local system behavior points to malware.

Option B:Drivers affect hardware functionality; they don’t resolve malware-related slowness.

Option D:DHCP issues usually cause IP conflicts or no network access, not CPU spikes or pop-ups.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) allows IT departments to enforce compliance controls, such as restricting the installation of unapproved software, on laptops and mobile devices.

Why Not A (EDR): Endpoint Detection and Response focuses on detecting and mitigating security threats, not compliance controls.

Why Not B (VPN): Virtual Private Networks provide secure connections but do not enforce software installation policies.

Why Not D (SaaS): Software as a Service refers to software delivery models and does not enforce compliance controls.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 2.7, device management and security​.