CompTIA A+ / Network+ / Security+ CompTIA A+ Core 2: Operating Systems, Security & Operational Procedures (220-1102) Flashcards

24 sample cards from the CompTIA A+ Core 2: Operating Systems, Security & Operational Procedures (220-1102) deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is a knowledge base/articles document, and how does it support IT operations?

   A knowledge base is a searchable repository of articles, how-tos, and known-issue solutions. It speeds troubleshooting, standardizes fixes, and enables self-service and consistent support.

2. What is asset management, and what are key fields tracked in an asset database?

   Asset management tracks an organization's hardware/software inventory throughout its lifecycle. Key fields include asset tags/IDs, barcodes, procurement/warranty dates, assigned user, location, license entitlements, and end-of-life status.

3. What is the difference between an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and a network topology diagram?

   An AUP defines acceptable behavior and rules for using company systems and data. A network topology diagram visually maps devices, connections, and layout of the network for design and troubleshooting.

4. What is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and why document new-user setup checklists?

   An SOP is a documented step-by-step process ensuring tasks are done consistently. New-user setup checklists guarantee every account, access right, and device is provisioned uniformly and nothing is missed.

5. What is the purpose of a formal change-management process?

   To control modifications to systems so changes are documented, risk-assessed, approved, tested, and reversible — minimizing disruption and unauthorized changes.

6. What is a change request (RFC) and what core elements should it contain?

   A Request for Change documents a proposed change. Core elements: purpose/scope, risk analysis, risk level, plan for change, rollback (backout) plan, end-user acceptance, and approvals by the change board (CAB).

7. What is a rollback (backout) plan in change management?

   A predefined procedure to revert a system to its previous working state if a change fails or causes problems, minimizing downtime and impact.

8. What is the role of the Change Advisory Board (CAB)?

   The CAB reviews, assesses risk, and approves or rejects proposed changes, ensuring changes align with business needs and have adequate planning and rollback provisions.

9. Compare full, incremental, and differential backups.

   A full backup copies all selected data. An incremental backup copies only data changed since the last backup (any type) — fast backup, slower restore (needs the chain). A differential backup copies all data changed since the last FULL backup — larger each time, faster restore (full + one differential).

10. What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?

    Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored off-site.

11. Why must backups be tested, and what is the difference between on-site and off-site backup storage?

    Backups must be periodically test-restored to verify integrity and recoverability. On-site backups allow fast recovery but are vulnerable to local disasters; off-site backups protect against site-wide events like fire or theft.

12. What is the difference between RPO and RTO in backup/recovery planning?

    RPO (Recovery Point Objective) is the maximum acceptable amount of data loss measured in time (how often you must back up). RTO (Recovery Time Objective) is the maximum acceptable time to restore service after an outage.

13. What is an ESD strap, and what does a proper anti-static workstation include?

    An ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap grounds a technician to prevent static damage to components. A proper anti-static setup includes the wrist strap, an anti-static mat, anti-static bags for parts, and a grounded work area.

14. What is an MSDS/SDS, and when must one be consulted?

    A (Material) Safety Data Sheet describes a product's hazards, handling, storage, disposal, and first-aid/spill procedures. Consult it before handling, storing, or disposing of chemicals, batteries, toner, and other hazardous materials.

15. How should lithium-ion batteries, toner cartridges, and CRT monitors be disposed of?

    They are hazardous and must not go in regular trash — recycle batteries and toner through approved programs/manufacturers, and dispose of CRTs (which contain lead) via certified e-waste/hazmat recyclers per local regulations and the SDS.

16. What environmental controls protect IT equipment, and what is the ideal relative humidity range?

    Maintain proper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and dust control. Relative humidity should be roughly 40-60%: too low increases static (ESD) risk; too high increases condensation and corrosion risk.

17. What safety equipment and practices prevent personal injury when servicing equipment?

    Remove jewelry, disconnect power, use proper lifting technique (lift with legs, not back), wear safety goggles and air filter masks when needed, follow electrical safety, and never open power supplies or CRTs that hold lethal charge.

18. What are key elements of professional communication and customer service for a technician?

    Use clear language and avoid jargon, maintain a positive attitude, actively listen and don't interrupt, be culturally sensitive, be on time and set expectations, and follow up to confirm satisfaction.

19. How should a technician handle a difficult or angry customer professionally?

    Stay calm and avoid arguing or being defensive, listen and clarify rather than dismiss the issue, do not minimize their problems, avoid being judgmental, and find a solution while keeping them informed.

20. How should a technician handle confidential or private customer materials found during service?

    Maintain confidentiality — do not access, copy, share, or disclose private data, follow the organization's privacy and incident-handling policies, and adhere to applicable regulations governing customer information.

21. What is the difference between SSH, RDP, and a VPN for remote access?

    SSH provides encrypted command-line access (port 22). RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol, port 3389) provides a remote graphical desktop. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to a private network, securing all traffic over an untrusted link.

22. Compare a .bat, .ps1, .vbs, and .sh script file.

    .bat is a Windows batch file (cmd). .ps1 is a PowerShell script. .vbs is a VBScript file. .sh is a Unix/Linux shell script (Bash). Each is interpreted by its respective shell/engine.

23. What are common use cases (and risks) of scripting in IT administration?

    Uses: basic automation, restarting machines, remapping network drives, installing applications, automated backups, gathering information, and initiating updates. Risks: unintentionally changing system settings, browser/system crashes from mishandled resources, and introducing malware via untrusted scripts.

24. What is the difference between an environment variable and a comment in a script?

    An environment variable (e.g., %PATH% in batch, $PATH in Bash) stores reusable system/configuration values referenced by scripts. A comment (REM/:: in batch, # in PowerShell/Bash) is non-executed text used to document the script.

What this deck covers

CompTIA A+ Core 2: Operating Systems, Security & Operational Procedures (220-1102) flashcards FAQ