- (Topic 4)
A user with a custom hosts file is having difficulty connecting to a locally hosted site on a small office network. The technician cannot ping the server hostname from the user's computer. Which of the following should the technician ensure on the server?

1. A. The server is configured with a static IP address.
2. B. The server does not have an APIPA.
3. C. The appropriate services are enabled on the server.
4. D. The server's secondary NIC is functioning.

Correct Answer: A
A custom hosts file is a file that maps hostnames to IP addresses, allowing the user to access websites or servers by their names instead of their numerical addresses. For example, a user can add a line like 192.168.1.100 myserver.local to their hosts file and then access the server by typing myserver.local in their browser. However, this method only works if the IP address of the server does not change. If the server is configured with a dynamic IP address, which means it can be assigned a different IP address by the network router or DHCP server, then the hosts file entry will become invalid and the user will not be able to connect to the server by its hostname. Therefore, the technician should ensure that the server is configured with a static IP address, which means it has a fixed and permanent IP address that does not change. This way, the hosts file entry will always point to the correct IP address of the server and the user will be able to ping the server hostname from their computer.
References:
✑ How to Add a Local DNS Lookup to Hosts File - Help Desk Geek1
✑ Set Custom Domain Name for localhost Website in IIS - TutorialsTeacher.com2
✑ The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Student Guide (Exam 220-1101) eBook, page 4-9

- (Topic 4)
A laser printer, which is located in a large office, has a leaky toner cartridge. Some toner spilled into the printer when the cartridge was removed.
Which of the following is the best way to clean up the toner?

1. A. Magnetic duster
2. B. ESD-safe vacuum
3. C. Compressed air
4. D. Damp cloth

Correct Answer: B
The best way to clean up the toner that spilled into the printer is to use an ESD-safe vacuum. An ESD-safe vacuum is a special type of vacuum that has a filter that traps toner particles and prevents them from escaping into the air. An ESD-safe vacuum also has a grounding wire that prevents static electricity from building up and damaging the printer’s components. Toner is electrically conductive and can cause short circuits or sparks if it contacts sensitive parts of the printer. Therefore, using an ESD-safe vacuum is the safest and most effective method to remove the toner from the printer.
Other methods, such as a magnetic duster, compressed air, or a damp cloth, are not recommended for cleaning up toner spills. A magnetic duster is a device that uses a magnet to attract toner particles, but it can also damage the printer’s components that rely on magnetism, such as the drum or the fuser. Compressed air can blow the toner around and create a cloud of dust that can be harmful to breathe or contaminate other parts of the printer. A damp cloth can smear the toner and make it harder to remove, as well as cause corrosion or rust on the printer’s metal parts.
References:
✑ Cleaning up Toner Spills or Leaks Inside the Printer - Xerox Support1
✑ How to Clean Up Toner Spills - YouTube2
✑ How to Clean up a Laser Toner Spill - Cartouches Certifiées3

- (Topic 3)
A technician is configuring a desktop computer, and the hard drive must be encrypted. Which of the following will the technician need to verify is enabled to complete this configuration?

1. A. ATX
2. B. NIC
3. C. TPM
4. D. ARM

Correct Answer: C
TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, which is a hardware component that securely stores encryption keys and other sensitive data12. TPM can be used to enable hard drive encryption, which is a technology that encrypts the data stored on a hard drive using sophisticated mathematical functions34. Hard drive encryption protects the data from unauthorized access in case the hard drive is lost, stolen, or tampered with.

- (Topic 2)
Which of the following is the SAFEST way to replace RAM on a server that has a redundant power supply?

1. A. Unplug one power cable.
2. B. Verify the RAM temperature.
3. C. Utilize a grounding strap.
4. D. Replace the RAM while the server is running.

Correct Answer: C
Utilizing a grounding strap is the safest way to replace RAM on a server that has a redundant power supply. This is because the grounding strap prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) when handling the RAM, which can cause damage to the RAM and the server. Therefore, it is important to always use a grounding strap when handling RAM or other sensitive components.

- (Topic 3)
A new HD webcam's image only updates one or two times per second. The specifications indicate the webcam is capable of updating 30 frames per second. Which of the following is MOST
likely causing the issue?

1. A. The USB 2.0 port has insufficient bandwidth.
2. B. The Thunderbolt connector is not compatible.
3. C. The VGA cable does not support a digital signal.
4. D. The connection should — instead of STP.

Correct Answer: A
The USB 2.0 port has insufficient bandwidth to support a high-definition webcam that can update 30 frames per second. USB 2.0 has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 480 Mbps, which may not be enough for HD video streaming. The user should try using a USB 3.0 port or a Thunderbolt connector, which have higher bandwidths and can support HD webcams. The Thunderbolt connector is compatible with USB devices, so it is not the cause of the issue. The VGA cable and the STP cable are not related to the webcam, as they are used for video output and network connection respectively.