220-1101 Exam Dumps - CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1

Firmware is a type of software that controls the hardware components of a device, such as the motherboard, hard drive, or keyboard. Firmware updates can improve the performance, stability, and compatibility of the device, as well as fix bugs and security issues. Running a firmware update can help to resolve the issue of a slow laptop, especially if the firmware is outdated or corrupted.

Systems can be provisioned according to demand. This is the essence of rapid elasticity, which is one of the essential characteristics of cloud computing. Rapid elasticity means that cloud services can be scaled up or down quickly and automatically, depending on the changing needs of the customers. This provides flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for both the customers and the providers. According to the CompTIA Core1 objectives, one of the benefits of cloud computing is rapid elasticity. A research paper on cloud elasticity also defines it as the ability to dynamically adjust the amount of resources allocated to a service in response to its workload variation.

A serial interface is a common way to connect to the console port of a switch using a rollover cable and a terminal emulator program. This allows the network technician to configure and troubleshoot the switch. Bluetooth, near-field communication, and port replicator are not used for console connections.

The most likely cause of the issue is a defective inverter. An inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) power from the laptop battery or adapter to the alternating current (AC) power that the LCD backlight bulb needs. The backlight bulb is a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the LCD screen and makes the image visible. If the inverter is defective, it may not provide enough power to the backlight bulb, or it may stop working intermittently. This can result in a dim, dark, or blank screen, even though the LCD panel is still functioning and displaying a faint image.

To troubleshoot a defective inverter, the technician can follow these steps:

Connect an external monitor to the laptop and check if the image is displayed normally. If the external monitor works fine, it means that the laptop video card and driver are not the cause of the issue.

Shine a flashlight into the LCD screen and look for a faint image. If the image is visible, it means that the LCD panel is not the cause of the issue.

Check the inverter cable and connector for any damage, loose connection, or corrosion. The inverter cable is a thin wire that runs from the laptop motherboard to the inverter board, which is usually located at the bottom of the LCD screen. The inverter connector is a small plug that connects the inverter cable to the inverter board. The technician can try to reseat the inverter cable and connector, or replace them if they are faulty.

Check the inverter board for any damage, burn marks, or blown fuses. The inverter board is a small circuit board that contains the inverter and other components. The technician can try to test the inverter board with a multimeter, or replace it if it is defective.

References:

How to fix laptop screen flickering problem - Windows 101

How to Fix a Laptop Screen That’s Flickering, Black, or Has Lines2

How to Fix a Dim Laptop Screen | Techwalla3

How to Test a Laptop Inverter | It Still Works4

How to Replace a Laptop Inverter Board | Chron.com5

Using a mobile hotspot can quickly establish an internet connection for the remote user. A mobile hotspot uses cellular data to create a Wi-Fi network that the user can connect to, bypassing the need for a physical connection to the ISP. This solution is practical and efficient, especially in situations where the primary internet connection is down, and immediate connectivity is required. Mobile hotspots are widely used for their convenience and the ability to provide internet access almost anywhere cellular service is available, as highlighted in the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives in sections related to networking and mobile devices .

A limited wireless range after replacing the wireless card could indicate that the antenna is not properly connected to the card, or that the antenna is damaged or obstructed. According to the web search results, some possible steps to troubleshoot and verify the antenna’s connection are:

Open the laptop case and locate the wireless card and the antenna wires. Make sure that the wires are securely attached to the card’s connectors, and that they are not loose or broken12.

Check the position and orientation of the antenna. Make sure that it is not blocked by any metal objects, walls, or other sources of interference. Adjust the angle or location of the antenna if possible to improve the signal strength3.

Replace the antenna with a new one or a compatible one from another device. Test the wireless range and performance with the new antenna2.

The correct answer is B. Install a powered hub as close as possible to the halfway point in the Cat 5 UTP cable run.

The problem is most likely caused by the excessive length of the Cat 5 UTP cable, which exceeds the maximum limit of 100 meters (328 feet) for Ethernet over twisted pair12. This can result in signal degradation, interference, and packet loss, which can affect the network performance and connectivity. The flashing green LED indicates that the NIC is receiving data, while the flashing orange LED indicates that the NIC is sending data3. However, these LEDs do not indicate the quality or speed of the data transmission, which may be poor due to the long cable run.

The best solution is to install a powered hub as close as possible to the halfway point in the Cat 5 UTP cable run. A powered hub is a device that can amplify and regenerate the signal, as well as provide additional ports for connecting more devices. A powered hub can extend the effective range of the cable and improve the network performance and connectivity1.

The other options are not the best solutions for this problem. Checking for loose connections, pinched bends, and physical damage is a good troubleshooting step, but it is unlikely to solve the problem if the cable is too long. Replacing the entire run of Cat 5 UTP cable with Cat 5 STP cable may reduce some interference, but it will not solve the problem of signal degradation due to the length. Upgrading the entire cable run to multimode fiber may provide better performance and range, but it will also require replacing the NICs and switches, which will be costly and time-consuming.

The most important step the technician should take before proceeding is A. Verify the device is fully charged and connected to a power supply.

Firmware is a type of software that controls the basic functions and operations of a device, such as a router, printer, or scanner. Firmware can be updated to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features to the device. However, updating firmware can also be risky, as it may cause the device to malfunction or become unusable if the update process is interrupted or corrupted.

One of the main causes of firmware update failure is power loss, which can occur if the device runs out of battery or is disconnected from the power source during the update. Power loss can damage the firmware and prevent the device from booting up or functioning properly. Therefore, it is essential to verify that the device is fully charged and connected to a power supply before updating the firmware. This can ensure that the device has enough power to complete the update process and avoid any interruptions or errors.

The other options are not as important as verifying the power status of the device. Ensuring the device has adequate storage space for the update is a good practice, but it is not likely to cause a major problem if the device does not have enough space. The update process will either fail to start or prompt the user to free up some space before proceeding. Verifying administrative access on the device is also a good practice, but it is not necessary for updating firmware. Administrative access is required for installing or uninstalling software applications, but not for updating firmware. Firmware updates are usually provided by the device manufacturer or vendor and do not require user authentication. Exporting the user settings so they can be imported after the upgrade is a precautionary measure, but it is not mandatory for updating firmware. Firmware updates do not usually affect the user settings or data on the device, unless they are incompatible or corrupted. Exporting the user settings can help restore them in case of any problems, but it does not prevent them from occurring.