CompTIA A+ — Free Study Materials
Free CompTIA A+ 1102 practice questions, study guides, and flashcards covering operating systems, security, networking, and troubleshooting.
Practice makes permanent. Select the best answer for each question. No account needed — completely free.
A user reports their computer will not boot. You hear 3 beeps during POST. According to POST codes, what is most likely the issue?
A technician needs to upgrade a PC’s RAM from 8GB to 16GB. The system has 2 slots. Currently one 8GB module is installed. What should be done?
A user cannot access the network but can access the internet through their phone hotspot. What is the most likely cause?
A client’s SSD is failing and you need to clone it before it dies completely. Which tool should you use?
Which Windows tool would you use to resolve a corrupted system file that causes blue screen errors?
A user reports their printer is printing blank pages. Ink levels appear fine. What is the most likely cause?
What does enabling BitLocker on a Windows system require to function?
A user receives an email that appears to be from their CEO asking for an urgent wire transfer. What type of attack is this?
You need to remotely access a Linux server to troubleshoot a service. Which command initiates an encrypted remote session?
A printer on the network is not responding to print jobs. The technician pings the printer IP and gets no response. Next step?
Which Windows permission model uses inheritance to propagate permissions through folders?
A technician needs to secure a SOHO network. Which action provides the MOST security for the least effort?
Quick Summary
CompTIA A+ 1102 covers Operating Systems (30%), Security (25%), Troubleshooting (20%), and Software/Cloud (15%). Know the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology: 1. Identify, 2. Question, 3. Plan, 4. Fix, 5. Document.
The 220-1102 exam focuses on operational procedures, operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting. It builds on the hardware knowledge from 1101. The exam is 90 minutes, 90 questions (multiple choice + PBQs), scaled score 675/900.
Core Domains
**Operating Systems (30%)**: Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux. Know GUI vs. CLI tools, startup recovery, disk management, user management, file permissions (NTFS vs. share).
**Security (25%)**: Physical security, logical security (encryption, authentication), threats and social engineering, malware removal. Understand AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting).
**Software/Cloud (15%)**: Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, public/private/hybrid), virtualization basics, remote access tools, basic scripting.
**Troubleshooting (20%)**: The five-step methodology drives every scenario question. Know this cold: Identify → Question → Plan → Fix → Document.
Windows Tools and Commands
- **sfc /scannow**: Repair corrupted system files
- **DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth**: Fix Windows image before sfc
- **chkdsk /f /r**: Fix disk errors and bad sectors (runs on reboot)
- **ipconfig /all**: Full IP configuration including MAC address, DHCP info
- **nslookup**: Query DNS records
- **netstat -an**: Show active connections and listening ports
- **tracert**: Trace route to a destination
- **gpresult /r**: Check applied group policies
- **Device Manager**: Enable/disable hardware, update drivers, view resource conflicts
Security Models
- **Zero Trust**: Never trust, always verify. Every access request is authenticated and authorized.
- **Least Privilege**: Users get only the permissions needed for their job.
- **MFA factors**: Something you know (password), something you have (token/phone), something you are (biometrics).
Network Troubleshooting Order
1. Verify physical connection (cables, power, link lights)
2. Ping localhost (127.0.0.1) — verify TCP/IP stack works
3. Ping default gateway — verify local network connectivity
4. Ping remote host (8.8.8.8) — verify internet connectivity
5. Check DNS (nslookup) — verify name resolution works
6. Check firewall rules — verify ports are open
Printer Troubleshooting
1. Check power and physical connection
2. Check if printer appears in Devices and Printers
3. Try printing a test page (Windows: printer right-click → Properties → Print Test Page)
4. Check print queue — clear stalled jobs (spooler restart: services.msc → Print Spooler)
5. Check ink/toner levels and paper
6. Update/reinstall driver
7. For network printers: verify IP address and connectivity
Exam Tips
Read every answer completely — "best" choice changes with context. For "most likely cause," eliminate obviously wrong options first. For troubleshooting, think about what information you need before taking action.
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