Explanation: The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and Core 2 Student Guide (Exams 220- 1001 and 220-1002) | 193 Protected content. If you encounter an error that indicates unauthorized content or an HDCP error: • DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt all provide support for the Digital Rights Management (DRM) mechanism High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). HDCP allows a content source (such as a Blu-ray disc) to disable itself if the display adapter and monitor and/or speaker system do not support HDCP and fail to authenticate themselves with the playback source. There have been various iterations of HDCP (at time of writing the current version is 2.2) and backwardcompatibility can be problematic as authentication may fail between devices that support different versions of the standard.

Explanation: Identifying changes made to the system is the next step to troubleshoot why an application no longer launches, as recent changes often cause such issues.
✑ Why Not A (Research the symptoms): Research is broader and should come after identifying changes.
✑ Why Not C (Determine which steps need to be performed): This comes after identifying the issue.
✑ Why Not D (Check the vendor's website): This is a later step if further guidance is needed.

Explanation: When a user connects a laptop to a projector and the image displayed is very fuzzy (blurred) but the brightness level is satisfactory, the first setting to adjust on the projector is the focus. The focus control adjusts the clarity and sharpness of the projected image. Incorrect focus settings can lead to a fuzzy or blurred image even when the brightness is adequate. Adjusting the focus should help in making the image clear and sharp.

Explanation: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure method for connecting a remote user's laptop to a corporate server. VPNs use encryption to protect data transmitted over the internet.

Explanation: Older motherboards use 20-pin connectors, while newer power supplies use 24-pin connectors. An adapter resolves the compatibility issue cost-effectively.
✑ Why Not A (Adjust the input voltage): Input voltage adjustment is unrelated to connector compatibility.
✑ Why Not B (Install a modular power supply): While modular supplies are versatile, this doesn’t address the connector issue directly.
✑ Why Not C (Rebuild the failed power supply): Rebuilding is costly and complex compared to using an adapter.

Explanation: If a user is unable to connect a laptop to a projector or videoconferencing system and sees the error message "No source found," the next step should be to check the display settings on the computer and set them to extend/duplicate. This will ensure that the laptop's display is being output to the external device. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, pg. 514

Explanation: Configuring scanning to a Secure Message Block (SMB) share specifically designated for executive access ensures that the scanned confidential documents are stored securely on a network drive with restricted access. SMB is a network file sharing protocol that allows applications on a computer to read and write to files and request services from server programs in a computer network. By setting up an SMB share with executive access, the data is centralized, making it easier to manage permissions and security settings. This method also utilizes the existing network infrastructure, allowing for scalability and integration with other security measures like encryption and authentication protocols.

Explanation: A 1000W 24-pin modular power supply provides enough power to support a dual graphics card configuration, which requires a significant amount of power. A modular power supply allows the technician to connect only the cables that are necessary for the current configuration, reducing cable clutter and improving airflow inside the case. This makes it easier to install and maintain the power supply.

Explanation: A loopback plug allows a technician to verify that the cable functions as expected by looping the signal back for testing. While a punchdown tool installs cables in a panel, it does not test functionality, and Wi-Fi analyzers and toner probes serve other network diagnostics. This is in line with CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives for validating cable installation and connectivity.

Explanation: If a smartphone repeatedly loses connection to a home Wi-Fi network and the common troubleshooting steps like restarting the device, rebooting the router, and resetting the Wi-Fi settings have not resolved the issue, updating the smartphone's operating system (OS) could be the next logical step. OS updates often include fixes for known bugs and improvements in connectivity and compatibility with network hardware, which could resolve persistent connection issues.

Explanation: The IT department should implement VDI. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows users to access a desktop operating system from a remote location. VDI provides complete control over users’ operating systems, which is important for safeguarding data. VDI also provides a secure way to access data from remote locations, which is important for compliance with government-enforced requirements1.