A bank of 205 exam style questions for CompTIA A+ certification candidates. Every answer comes with a four part rationale: why the correct answer is right, why the others are wrong, the principle behind it, and the takeaway to remember.
Sample question 1. HARDWARE: The component that performs the arithmetic and logic for nearly every instruction is the:
A. Power supply
B. Hard drive
C. CPU
D. RAM
Answer: C. Correct: The CPU (central processing unit) carries out the arithmetic, logic, and control instructions that drive every program, which is why it is called the brain of the computer. Why the other choices are wrong: RAM only holds data and instructions temporarily for the CPU to use, the power supply converts and delivers electricity, and the hard drive stores files long term but does no processing. Principle: match each part to its job, the CPU processes while memory and storage hold data. Takeaway: the CPU is the processor that executes instructions.
Sample question 2. HARDWARE: Fast, volatile memory the computer uses to hold programs and data while they run is:
A. The CPU cache only
B. The hard drive
C. RAM
D. ROM
Answer: C. Correct: RAM (random access memory) is fast, volatile working memory that holds the programs and data currently in use, losing its contents when power is removed. Why the other choices are wrong: the hard drive is slower long-term storage that keeps data without power, ROM holds permanent firmware, and CPU cache is a small high-speed buffer inside the processor, not the main working memory. Principle: RAM is the temporary workspace, storage is the permanent shelf. Takeaway: RAM is volatile working memory that empties when the power goes off.
Sample question 3. STORAGE: A storage device that uses flash memory with no moving parts and outperforms a spinning hard drive is an:
A. HDD
B. Floppy drive
C. Optical drive
D. SSD
Answer: D. Correct: An SSD (solid state drive) stores data in flash memory with no moving parts, giving faster access and better durability than a spinning drive. Why the other choices are wrong: an HDD uses spinning platters and a moving head, an optical drive reads discs with a laser, and a floppy drive is obsolete low-capacity magnetic media. Principle: removing mechanical parts removes seek delays, so flash storage is faster and more rugged. Takeaway: an SSD is flash storage with no moving parts, faster than an HDD.
What you get on iKuiz
205 questions for this exam, in Live Test, Study Mode, Flashcards, and MyTutor, a personal AI style tutor that teaches one concept at a time.
A readiness score that tells you honestly whether you are prepared, plus your weak areas by topic.
Every question read aloud if you want it, and a new free Question of the Day every day.
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