SK0-005 CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Question and Answers

A database server is a server that hosts a database management system (DBMS) that stores, organizes, and manipulates data. A database server is suitable for housing customer sales records, as it can provide fast and secure access, query and analysis capabilities, backup and recovery options, and scalability and performance optimization. Some examples of database servers are Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Verified References: [What is a Database Server?]

1U stands for one unit and it is a standard unit of measurement for rack-mounted servers. It is equal to 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) in height. A 42U rack can accommodate 42 1U servers or a combination of servers with different unit sizes. Therefore, the unit size per server should be 1U if there are 19 1U servers in a 42U rack. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 1.2)

The net use command is a Windows command that can be used to create a batch script to map multiple shares. The net use command can connect or disconnect a computer from a shared resource, such as a network drive or a printer, or display information about computer connections. The syntax of the net use command is:

net use [devicename | *] [\\computername\sharename[\u0003volume] [password | *]] [/user:[domainname\]username] [/user:[dotted domain name\]username] [/user:[[username@dotted domain name] [/savecred] [/smartcard] [{/delete | /persistent:{yes | no}}]

where:

devicename = the drive letter or printer port to assign to the shared resource computername = the name of the computer that provides access to the shared resource sharename = the name of the shared resource password = the password needed to access the shared resource /user = specifies a different username to make the connection /savecred = stores the provided credentials for future use /smartcard = uses a smart card for authentication /delete = cancels a network connection and removes the connection from the list of persistent connections /persistent = controls whether the connection is restored at logon

To create a batch script to map multiple shares, you can use the net use command with different drive letters and share names, for example:

net use W: \\computer1\share1 net use X: \\computer2\share2 net use Y: \\computer3\share3

You can also add other options, such as passwords, usernames, or persistence, as needed. To save the batch script, you can use Notepad or any text editor and save the file with a .bat extension12.

References: 1 https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/net-use  2 https://www.watchingthenet.com/create-a-batch-file-to-map-drives-folders.html

This is the least destructive method of resetting the administrator password because it does not require modifying any files or reinstalling the OS. It only requires changing the boot parameters temporarily and running a command to change the password. References: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Reset_lost_root_password#Using_GRUB

The command that the administrator should issue to configure MySQL successfully is setenforce 0. This command sets the SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) mode to permissive, which means that SELinux will not enforce its security policies and will only log any violations. SELinux is a feature that provides mandatory access control (MAC) for Linux systems, which can enhance the security and prevent unauthorized access or modification of files and processes. However, SELinux can also interfere with some applications or services that require specific permissions or ports that are not allowed by SELinux by default. In this case, MySQL may not be able to run properly due to SELinux restrictions. To resolve this issue, the administrator can either disable SELinux temporarily by using setenforce 0, or permanently by editing the /etc/selinux/config file and setting SELINUX=disabled. Alternatively, the administrator can configure SELinux to allow MySQL to run by using commands such as semanage or setsebool.

The steps in the troubleshooting theory that should be performed after a solution has been implemented are document the findings and notify the users. The troubleshooting theory is a systematic process of identifying and resolving problems or issues with a system or device. The troubleshooting theory consists of several steps that can be summarized as follows:

• Identify the problem: Gather information, scope the issue, establish a theory of probable cause.
• Establish a plan of action: Test the theory, determine next steps, escalate if necessary.
• Implement the solution: Execute the plan, verify functionality, prevent recurrence.
• Document the findings: Record actions taken, outcomes achieved, lessons learned.
• Notify the users: Communicate resolution status, confirm satisfaction, provide follow-up.

Documenting the findings is an important step that helps create a record of what was done and why, what worked and what didn’t, and what can be improved or avoided in the future. Documenting the findings can also help with reporting, auditing, compliance, or training purposes. Notifying the users is another important step that helps inform the affected parties of what was done and how it was resolved, confirm that the problem is fixed and that they are satisfied with the outcome, and provide any follow-up instructions or recommendations.

The best course of action to preserve business continuity for a very old PC that is running a critical, proprietary application in MS-DOS is to purchase matching hardware and clone the disk. This way, the technician can create an exact copy of the PC’s configuration and data on another PC that has the same specifications and compatibility. This will ensure that the application can run smoothly on the new PC without any installation or configuration issues. Performing scheduled chkdsk tests would not help, as chkdsk is a tool that checks and repairs disk errors, but does not prevent hardware failures or software compatibility issues. Upgrading the hard disk to SSD would not help either, as SSDs may not be compatible with the old PC or the MS-DOS operating system. Performing quarterly backups would help with data protection, but not with hardware availability or software compatibility. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/199068/how-to-upgrade-your-existing-hard-drive-in-under-an-hour/ https://www.howtogeek.com/66776/how-to-repair-disk-errors-in-windows-7/

Retention policies are the guidelines that dictate when to delete data backups based on operational or compliance needs. They specify how long, how, where, and in what format the data backups are stored, and who has authority over them. The other options are not directly related to the deletion of data backups.

https://bac kup.ninja/news/Database-Backups-101-Backup-Retention-Policy-Considerations

CIFS (Common Internet File System) is a protocol that allows file sharing across different operating systems, such as Unix and Windows. It supports read and write access to files and folders on a network share. It is also known as SMB (Server Message Block). Verified References: [CIFS], [File sharing]

P2V (Physical to Virtual) is a method of converting a physical server into a virtual machine that can run on a hypervisor. This method can be used to replace 4U rack servers with VMs without losing any data, as it preserves the configuration and state of the original server. P2V can also reduce hardware costs, power consumption, and space requirements. Verified References: [What is P2V?]

The access control methodology that can be described best as allowing a user the least access based on the jobs the user needs to perform is role-based access control (RBAC). RBAC is an access control method that assigns permissions to users based on their roles or functions within an organization. RBAC provides fine-grained and manageable access control by defining what actions each role can perform and what resources each role can access. RBAC follows the principle of least privilege, which means that users are only granted the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. RBAC can reduce security risks, simplify administration, and enforce compliance policies.

The first thing the administrator should check is whether the server is in the collection that was scheduled to receive the update through SCCM. A collection is a group of resources, such as computers or users, that can be managed as a single entity by SCCM. If the server is not in the collection, it will not receive the update. The other options are less likely to be the cause of the problem, as they would affect other aspects of the server’s functionality besides receiving updates. References: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.0: Security, Objective 5.4: Given a scenario, apply patches/updates and validate their installation.

The technician should install the Type 1 hypervisor on a SAS drive. A Type 1 hypervisor is a layer of software that runs directly on top of the physical hardware and creates virtual machines that share the hardware resources. A Type 1 hypervisor requires fast and reliable storage for optimal performance and stability. A SAS drive is a type of hard disk drive that uses Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) as its interface protocol. SAS drives offer high speed, low latency, and high reliability compared to other types of drives, such as SD cards, NAS drives, or SATA drives. SD cards are flash memory cards that offer low cost and portability but have low speed, low capacity, and low durability. NAS drives are network-attached storage devices that offer high capacity and easy access but have high latency and low reliability due to network dependency. SATA drives are hard disk drives that use Serial ATA (SATA) as their interface protocol. SATA drives offer moderate speed, moderate cost, and moderate reliability but have lower performance and durability than SAS drives.

End-of-life is the phase of lifecycle management that deals with a server that is no longer in operation. End-of-life means that the server has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer supported by the manufacturer or the service provider. End-of-life may also imply that the server is obsolete, incompatible, or inefficient for the current needs and standards1. End-of-life servers may be decommissioned, recycled, donated, or disposed of according to the organizational policies and environmental regulations

The most important piece of information needed by the legal department in the event that an employee does not return company-issued equipment is the asset tag. The asset tag is a unique identifier that is used to track assets throughout their lifecycle. It allows the company to keep precise records of the assets, monitor their location, and manage their overall inventory. In legal situations, the asset tag can be used to prove ownership and aid in the recovery process of the equipment. The serial number is also important, but it is the asset tag that ties the equipment directly to the company's asset management system and is therefore the most crucial for the legal department. Warranty and labeling information are less critical from a legal perspective when it comes to unreturned equipment.

Data at rest refers to data that is stored in a persistent state on any device or media, such as hard drives, tapes, or cloud storage. Data at rest does not move for long periods of time unless it is accessed or modified by authorized users or applications. A cold site (A) is a backup location that has minimal or no equipment and resources to resume business operations in case of a disaster. On-site retention © is a policy of keeping backup data on premises for a certain period of time before transferring it to an off-site location. Off-site storage (D) is a method of storing backup data in a remote location that is physically or logically separated from the primary site. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/encryption-atrest https://www.techopedia.com/definition/144/cold-site https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/backup/onsite-offsite-backup.html https://www.techopedia.com/definition/24195/offsite-storage

Option D is the best practice to set up Ann’s permissions correctly, exposing only the minimum rights required. Option D shows that the share permissions on the DATA folder grant Ann Change access, which allows her to read, write, and delete files in the shared folder. The file permissions grant Ann Modify access, which allows her to read, write, execute, and delete files in the folder. This combination of permissions gives Ann the ability to write anything to the DATA folder using the network, as well as to modify and delete existing files. This meets the requirement of giving Ann modify permissions to the shared folder.

RAID 5 is a RAID level that uses disk striping with parity. It requires a minimum of three disks and can handle one disk failure. RAID 5 distributes the parity information across all the disks in the array, which improves the read performance and reduces the write penalty. The capacity of a RAID 5 array is (N-1) times the size of the smallest disk, where N is the number of disks in the array. Therefore, for six 4TB disks, the capacity of a RAID 5 array would be (6-1) x 4TB = 20TB, which meets the minimum disk space requirement of 19TB. RAID 5 also has the least amount of disk space lost to RAID overhead among the options, as it only uses one disk’s worth of space for parity

A subnet mask is a number that distinguishes the network address and the host address within an IP address1. A subnet mask allows network traffic to understand IP addresses by splitting them into the network and host addresses. If the subnet mask is incorrect, the network traffic may not be able to determine the correct destination for the packets, and only reach some of the servers that have similar IP addresses. For example, if the new virtual server has an IP address of 192.168.1.100 and a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0, it can only communicate with servers that have IP addresses in the range of 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.2552. To fix this issue, the systems administrator needs to check and correct the subnet mask of the new virtual server according to the network configuration.

This is the most secure method to access servers located in remote branch offices because MFA stands for multi-factor authentication, which requires users to provide more than one piece of evidence to prove their identity. An out-of-band solution means that one of the factors is delivered through a separate channel, such as a phone call, a text message, or an email. This adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access even if a password is compromised. References: https://docs.microsoft.co m/en-us/azure/active-directory/authentication/concept-mfa-howitworks

The next thing that the technician should do, given the disk is hot swappable, is to replace the disk. A hot swappable disk is a disk that can be removed and replaced without shutting down the system or affecting its operation. A hot swappable disk is typically used in a storage array that has RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration that provides fault tolerance and redundancy. If a disk fails in a RAID array, it can be replaced by a new disk without interrupting the service or losing any data. The new disk will automatically rebuild itself using the data from the other disks in the array.

A mantrap is a security device that consists of a small space with two sets of interlocking doors, such that the first set of doors must close before the second one opens. A mantrap can be used to control access to a data center by verifying the identity and weight of the person entering. A bollard is a sturdy post that prevents vehicles from entering a restricted area. Geofencing is a technology that uses GPS or RFID to create a virtual boundary around a location and trigger an action when a device crosses it. RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects or people. References:

• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/16293/mantrap
• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1437/bollard
• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23961/geofencing
• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/506/radio-frequency-identification-rfid

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and it is a network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. DHCP can help simplify IP configuration without manually adding any IP addresses. DHCP works by using a DHCP server that maintains a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to devices that request them. The devices can renew or release their IP addresses as needed. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 2.1)

The backplane is a circuit board that connects multiple hard drives to a RAID controller and provides power and data transfer between them. If the backplane has failed, it may cause all the hard drives to be offline and prevent the server from booting into the OS. The fact that replacing one of the drives with a known-good drive did not work, and that taking a drive out of the server and placing it in a spare server made it functional, suggests that the problem is not with the drives themselves but with the backplane. A corrupt kernel (A) would not affect the status of the hard drives, as it is a software component of the OS. Resource misallocation (B) would not cause all the hard drives to be offline, as it is a configuration issue that affects how resources are assigned to processes or applications. Reseating the drives (D) would not help, as it would not fix a faulty backplane. References: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000130114/how-to-troubleshoot-a-faulty-backplane

A MD5 checksum is a value that is calculated from a file using a cryptographic hash function. A MD5 checksum is used to verify the integrity of a file by comparing it with the original value provided by the manufacturer or the source. If the MD5 checksums match, it means that the file is authentic and has not been corrupted or tampered with. If the MD5 checksums do not match, it means that the file is potentially corrupt or malicious and should not be installed12. A DLF configuration (A) is a setting that determines how a dynamic link library (DLL) is loaded into memory and executed by an application. A DLF configuration does not check the integrity of a file. A MBR failure (B) is a problem that occurs when the master boot record (MBR) of a disk is damaged or corrupted, preventing the system from booting. A MBR failure does not check the integrity of a file. ECC support © is a feature that enables error-correcting code (ECC) memory to detect and correct data errors in RAM. ECC support does not check the integrity of a file. References: 1 https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/file-integrity-monitoring-tools/  2 https://csrc.nist.gov/CSRC/media/Presentations/Firmware-Integrity-Verification-Monitoring-and-Re/images-media/day2_demonstration_330-420.pdf

Per concurrent user licensing is a model that allows a fixed number of users to access the software at any one point in time. This model is best for the company that wants to deploy software to all users, but very few of them will be using the software at any one point in time. This way, the company can save money by paying only for the number of simultaneous users, rather than for every user who has access to the software. Per site licensing is a model that allows unlimited users within a specific location to use the software. Per core licensing is a model that charges based on the number of processor cores on the server where the software is installed. Per instance licensing is a model that charges based on the number of copies of the software running on different servers or virtual machines. References: https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/concurrent-use-license https://www. techopedia.com/definition/1440/software-licensing

The most likely cause of this issue is that the UEFI boot was interrupted by a missing Linux boot file, such as grub.cfg or vmlinuz, which are essential for loading the Linux kernel and booting the system. The £s> prompt indicates that the system entered into UEFI Shell mode, which is a command-line interface for troubleshooting UEFI boot issues. The administrator can use UEFI Shell commands to locate and restore the missing boot file or change the boot order. Verified References: [UEFI Shell Guide]

The IP address configuration that the technician should assign to the new server so the members of the accounting group can access the server is 172.16.25.90/24 for the IP address and 172.16.25.254 for the default gateway. This configuration matches the VLAN identified in the image, which has a network address of 172.16.25.0/24 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The IP address of the server must be within the same network range as the VLAN, which is from 172.16.25.1 to 172.16.25.254, excluding the network and broadcast addresses (172.16.25.0 and 172.16.25.255). The default gateway of the server must be the same as the VLAN, which is 172.16.25.254, to allow communication with other networks or devices outside the VLAN. References: [CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives], Domain 4.0: Networking, Objective 4.1: Given a scenario, configure network settings for servers.

The user has likely fallen victim to a phishing scam, which is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, by disguising as a legitimate entity. The link in the email that required the user to change the account password was probably a fake website that mimicked the company’s external database, and captured the user’s credentials when they entered them. This could compromise the security and integrity of the company’s data, as well as the user’s identity and privacy12.

The company should take immediate action to prevent further damage and investigate the incident. The first step is to disable the user’s account and inform the security team. Disabling the user’s account can prevent unauthorized access to the external database by the attackers, who may use the stolen credentials to log in and manipulate or steal data. Informing the security team can alert them of the breach and allow them to take appropriate measures, such as scanning for malware, changing passwords, notifying other users, and reporting the incident34.

The RAID level that should be implemented to maximize usable capacity without requiring redundancy is RAID 0. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple physical disks into a logical unit that provides improved performance, reliability, or both. RAID 0 is a RAID level that splits data evenly across two or more disks without parity or mirroring. RAID 0 does not provide any redundancy or fault tolerance, but it increases usable capacity and performance by allowing parallel read and write operations.

References: CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 1, Lesson 1.2, Objective 1.2

An emergency change request is a type of change management activity that is used to address urgent issues that pose a significant risk to the organization, such as a system breach. An emergency change request requires immediate action and approval, and it may bypass some of the normal change management procedures, such as testing, documentation, or stakeholder communication12.

References = 1: Change Management Plans: A Definitive Guide - Indeed(https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/change-management-activities) 2: The 10 Best Change Management Activities - Connecteam(https://connecteam.com/top-10-change-management-activities/)

A server baseline is a set of metrics that represents the normal performance and behavior of a server under a specific workload and configuration. A server baseline can help answer the server performance question by comparing the current performance with the previous performance before the upgrade. This can help identify any changes or issues that may have affected the server performance. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 4.2)

PowerShell is a scripting language and a command-line shell that uses commands that start with sec- to perform security-related tasks. For example, sec-edit is a command that edits security policies, sec-logon is a command that manages logon sessions, and sec-policy is a command that applies security templates. Verified References: [PowerShell security commands], [Security policy]

A differential backup is a type of backup that copies all the files that have changed since the last full backup. A differential backup requires more storage space than an incremental backup, which only copies the files that have changed since the last backup of any type, but it also requires less time to restore in case of data loss. By combining a full, weekly backup with daily differential backups, the administrator can ensure that only two backup sets are needed to restore a full backup as quickly as possible. Verified References: [Incremental vs Differential Backup]

Disabling unneeded physical ports would prevent unauthorized devices from being connected to the server, such as an outside USB drive. Setting a BIOS password would restrict access to the boot settings and prevent unauthorized changes to the boot order. The other options would not address the risk of booting from an outside USB drive

A RAID controller battery is used to protect the data in the cache memory of the controller in case of a power failure. The cache memory allows the controller to improve the write performance by buffering the data and writing it to the disk in an optimized way. However, if the battery fails, the controller will switch to write-through mode, which means it will write the data directly to the disk without caching. This will reduce the write performance and increase the latency of the system

NIC teaming is a feature that allows the use of multiple network interface cards (NICs) as a single logical interface with a single IP address. It can improve the network performance, bandwidth, and redundancy of a server. Verified References: [NIC teaming], [Network interface card]

If a server has two arrays on the failed server: a two-drive RAID 0 set for the OS, and an eight-drive RAID 10 set for data, then the most likely failure scenario that caused the server to crash and not boot is that a drive failed in the OS array. RAID 0 is a RAID configuration that stripes data across two or more drives without parity or redundancy. RAID 0 offers high performance but no fault tolerance. If one drive fails in RAID 0, all data is lost and the system cannot boot. RAID 10 is a RAID configuration that combines disk mirroring and disk striping with parity. RAID 10 offers high performance and fault tolerance. RAID 10 can tolerate up to one drive failure per mirrored pair without losing data or functionality. References: https://www.technewstoday.com/what-is-a-raid-0/ https://www.technewstoday.com/what-is-a-raid-10/

A hot site is a type of disaster recovery site that has all the equipment and data ready to resume operations as soon as possible after a disaster. A hot site is usually located in a different geographic area than the primary site and has redundant power, cooling, network, and security systems. A hot site is best for the company that wants to recover in the shortest possible time and does not want customer data to egress to non-company equipment. A warm site is a type of disaster recovery site that has some equipment and data ready, but requires some configuration and restoration before resuming operations. A cold site is a type of disaster recovery site that has only basic infrastructure and space available, but requires significant setup and installation before resuming operations. Cloud recovery is a type of disaster recovery service that uses cloud-based resources and platforms to store backups and restore data and applications after a disaster. References: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11172/hot-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11173/warm-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11174/cold-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/29836/cloud-recovery

The administrator should only allow secure traffic and DNS inquiries on the server, which means that only ports 22, 53, and 443 should be open. Port 22 is used for SSH (Secure Shell), which is a protocol that allows secure remote login and command execution over a network connection using a command-line interface (CLI). Port 53 is used for DNS (Domain Name System), which is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. Port 443 is used for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts the data exchanged between a web browser and a web server.

The next action that the administrator should take once the rebuild is finished is to swap the drive and initialize the disk. This is to replace the faulty disk that has a solid amber light, which indicates a predictive failure or a SMART error. Initializing the disk will prepare it for use by the RAID controller and add it to the array. The administrator should also monitor the array status and performance after swapping the drive. Reference: https://www.salvagedata.com/how-to-rebuild-a-failed-raid/

The administrator should identify the runaway process or processes that are causing high load average on the server. Load average is a metric that indicates how many processes are either running on or waiting for the CPU at any given time. A high load average means that there are more processes than available CPU cores, resulting in poor performance and slow response time. A runaway process is a process that consumes excessive CPU resources without terminating or releasing them. A runaway process can be caused by various factors, such as programming errors, infinite loops, memory leaks, etc. To identify a runaway process, the administrator can use tools such as top, ps, or htop to monitor CPU usage and process status. To stop a runaway process, the administrator can use commands such as kill, pkill, or killall to send signals to terminate it.

These are two methods that can prevent a user from installing an OS on a server if properly configured. A bootloader password is a password that protects the bootloader from unauthorized access or modification. The bootloader is a program that loads the operating system into memory when the system boots up. If a user does not know the bootloader password, they cannot change the boot order or boot from another device such as a CD-ROM or USB drive that contains an OS installation media. A BIOS/UEFI password is a password that protects the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) from unauthorized access or modification. The BIOS or UEFI is a firmware that initializes and configures the hardware components of the system before loading

Link aggregation is a technique that allows multiple network interfaces to act as one logical interface, increasing the bandwidth and redundancy of the connection. This can improve the load balancing of network traffic without requiring any new hardware or software. Round robin, most recently used, and heartbeat are not load balancing methods, but rather scheduling algorithms or monitoring techniques. References: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 2.0: Networking, Objective 2.3: Given a scenario, configure NIC teaming.

 Application consistent backup is a method of backing up data that ensures the integrity and consistency of the application state. It involves notifying the application to flush its data from memory to disk and quiescing any write operations before taking a snapshot of the data. If the databases were not backed up to be application consistent, they might contain incomplete or corrupted data that cannot be restored properly.

References:

CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives1, page 12

What is Application Consistent Backup and How to Achieve It2

Application-Consistent Backups3

Uplink redundancy is a method used to ensure that if one physical network interface card (NIC) fails, the network connectivity for the virtual machines (VMs) does not go down. This is typically achieved by configuring multiple NICs to connect to a single virtual switch (vSwitch) and setting up NIC teaming or bonding. The vSwitch manages the internal network traffic between the VMs and the outside network by using the physical NICs assigned to it. By configuring the vSwitch with multiple NICs, you can create redundancy, so if one NIC fails, the other NICs can take over the traffic, ensuring continuous network connectivity.

The best immediate actions to prevent unauthorized server access are to stop all unneeded services and block the ports on the firewall. Stopping unneeded services reduces the attack surface of the server by eliminating potential entry points for attackers. For example, if the server is not functioning as a web server, there is no need to run a web service on port 80. Blocking ports on the firewall prevents unauthorized network traffic from reaching the server. For example, if port 80 is not needed for any legitimate purpose, it can be blocked on the firewall to deny any connection attempts on that port.

A backdoor is a security risk that provides unauthorized access to an application. A backdoor is a hidden or undocumented way of bypassing the normal authentication or encryption mechanisms of an application, allowing an attacker to gain remote access, execute commands, or steal data. A backdoor can be created intentionally by the developer, maliciously by an attacker, or unintentionally by a programming error. References: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.0: Security, Objective 5.2: Given a scenario, apply logical access control methods.

Grandfather-father-son (GFS) is a common backup rotation scheme that uses daily, weekly, and monthly backup media in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The daily backups are rotated on a 3-months basis using a FIFO system as above. The weekly backups are similarly rotated on a bi-yearly basis, and the monthly backups are rotated on an annual basis. The oldest backup media in each cycle are overwritten by the newest ones. This scheme provides multiple versions of backup data at different intervals, allowing for flexible restoration options. Waterfall is another name for GFS. Synthetic full is a backup method that combines an initial full backup with subsequent incremental backups to create a new full backup without transferring all data again. Tower of Hanoi is another backup rotation scheme that uses an algorithm based on moving disks between three pegs. References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backup_rotation_scheme

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that controls the initialization and booting of a server. It also provides settings for the CPU, such as speed, voltage, and temperature. Updating the BIOS can improve the performance and compatibility of the CPU and other hardware components. Verified References: [BIOS], [CPU]

A warm site is a type of disaster recovery site that has some pre-installed hardware, software, and network connections, but not as much as a hot site. A warm site also has some backup data, but not as current as a hot site. A warm site requires some time and effort to become fully operational in the event of a disaster. A hot site is a disaster recovery site that has all infrastructure and live data, and can take over the primary site’s operations immediately. A cold site is a disaster recovery site that has no infrastructure or data, and requires significant time and resources to set up. References:

• https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/management/disaster-recovery-site/
• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3780/warm-site

Signal blocking is a technique that prevents or reduces the transmission of electromagnetic signals from a building to the outside. Signal blocking can be achieved by using materials that absorb, reflect, or scatter the signals, such as metal, concrete, or mesh. Signal blocking can protect the data center from eavesdropping, interference, or jamming by unauthorized parties1.

Camouflage is a technique that disguises or conceals the appearance of a building to make it less noticeable or identifiable from the outside. Camouflage can be achieved by using colors, patterns, shapes, or vegetation that blend in with the surrounding environment. Camouflage can protect the data center from detection, reconnaissance, or targeting by hostile parties

A rescan on the server’s RAID controller is a possible troubleshooting step to detect the existing RAID configurations on the connected storage arrays. A firmware upgrade may cause the RAID controller to lose the RAID metadata or settings, and a rescan may restore them. A rescan is preferable to restoring the default RAID configuration, as the latter may erase the existing data on the arrays. Power cycling the storage arrays or booting the OS into recovery mode may not help if the RAID controller does not recognize the RAID sets.

References: CompTIA Server+ Study Guide, Chapter 7: Storage, page 287.

Monitors Network Traffic

This is the command that would best resolve the error message “Bash ./startup.sh: Permission denied” when trying to execute a script on Linux. Chmod is a command that changes the permissions of files or directories on Linux. +x is an option that adds the execute permission to the file or directory for the owner, group, and others. startup.sh is the name of the script file that needs to be executed. By running chmod +x startup.sh, the technician grants execute permission to the script file and allows it to be run by any user. Chmod +w startup.sh would add write permission to the file, but not execute permission. Chmod 444 startup.sh would set read-only permission for all users, but not execute permission. Chmod 466 startup.sh would set read and write permission for the owner and write-only permission for group and others, but not execute permission. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/437958/how-to-use-the-chmod-command-on-linux

The best way to protect an organization against social engineering is to provide recurring training and support. Social engineering is a type of attack that exploits human psychology and behavior to manipulate people into divulging confidential information or performing malicious actions. Social engineering can take various forms, such as phishing emails, phone calls, impersonation, baiting, or quid pro quo. The best defense against social engineering is to educate and empower the employees to recognize and avoid common social engineering techniques and report any suspicious activities or incidents. Recurring training and support can help raise awareness and reinforce best practices among the employees.

Camouflage is an architectural reinforcement that is used to attempt to conceal the exterior of an organization. Camouflage is a technique of blending in with the surroundings or disguising the appearance of a building or facility to make it less noticeable or identifiable. Camouflage can reduce the visibility and attractiveness of a target for potential attackers or intruders. References: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.0: Security, Objective 5.1: Given a scenario, apply physical security methods to a server.

Port 443 is used for HTTPS, which is a secure version of HTTP that encrypts the data between the web server and the client. Port 3389 is used for RDP, which is a protocol that allows remote desktop connections to a server. These ports should be allowed for a secure web server that can be administered via RDP.

References:

• CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives1, page 15
• Common Ports Cheat Sheet: The Ultimate Ports & Protocols List2

A link aggregation group (LAG) is a technique that combines multiple physical network interfaces into a single logical interface. This allows for the distribution of traffic across all the interfaces in the group, increasing bandwidth and redundancy. A LAG can use different modes to balance the load, such as address hashing, dynamic, or most recently used algorithm.

References: CompTIA Server+ Study Guide, Chapter 6: Networking, page 239.

Dynamic disk is a technology that allows an administrator to build a software RAID on a Windows server. Dynamic disk is a type of disk management that supports creating volumes that span multiple disks, stripe data across disks, mirror data between disks, or use parity for fault tolerance. Dynamic disk can be used to create RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (striping with parity), or spanned volumes on Windows servers. Logical volume management is a technology that allows creating and resizing logical volumes on Linux servers. GPT (GUID Partition Table) is a standard for defining the partition structure on a disk. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a specification for the interface between the operating system and the firmware. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/school/using-windows-admin-tools-like-a-pro/lesson2/ https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/40702/how-to-manage-and-use-lvm-logical-volume-management-in-ubuntu/ https://www.howtogeek.com/193669/whats-the-difference-between-gpt-and-mbr-when-partitioning-a-drive/ https://www.howtogeek.com/56958/htg-explains-how-uefi-will-replace-the-bios/

The administrator should connect the server to a UPS to prevent this situation in the future. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a device that provides backup power to a server or other device in case of a power outage or surge. A UPS typically consists of one or more batteries and an inverter that converts the battery power into AC power that the server can use. A UPS can also protect the server from power fluctuations that can damage its components or cause data corruption. By connecting the server to a UPS, the administrator can ensure that the server will continue to run or shut down gracefully during a power failure.

The technician should use port 22 to configure a server that requires secure remote access. Port 22 is the default port for Secure Shell (SSH), which is a protocol that allows secure remote login and command execution over a network connection using a command-line interface (CLI). SSH encrypts both the authentication and data transmission between the client and the server, preventing eavesdropping, tampering, or spoofing. SSH can be used to perform various tasks on a server remotely, such as configuration, administration, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc.

Port 21 is used for FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is a protocol that transfers files between servers and clients in cleartext, meaning that anyone can intercept and read the data. To stop this communication, port 21 should be closed on the web server and replaced with a secure protocol, such as SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure), which use encryption to protect the data. Verified References: [FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS]

RTO stands for Recovery Time Objective and it is a metric that defines the maximum acceptable amount of time that a system or service can be unavailable after a disaster or disruption. RTO is part of the business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning processes. RTO ensures a guarantee of the amount of time it will take to restore a downed service by setting a target or goal for recovery. RTO can vary depending on the criticality and priority of the service. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 3.3)

Round robin is a load balancing technique that distributes requests among multiple web nodes in a circular order. It ensures that each web node receives an equal amount of requests and improves the availability and performance of the web application. Verified References: [Round robin], [Load balancing]

If users cannot access a new server by name, but the server does respond to a ping request using its IP address, it means that there is a problem with name resolution. The DNS (Domain Name System) is a service that maps hostnames to IP addresses and vice versa. Therefore, the best step to perform next is to examine the DNS to see if the new server record exists and matches its IP address. If not, the DNS record needs to be added or updated accordingly. Running the tracert command from a workstation would not help with name resolution, as it only shows the route taken by packets to reach a destination by IP address. Correcting the missing DHCP scope would not help either, as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) only assigns IP addresses and other network settings to clients, but does not resolve names. Updating the workstation hosts file would be a temporary workaround, but not a permanent solution, as it would require manually editing every workstation’s hosts file with the new server’s name and IP address. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/164981/how-to-use-nslookup-to-check-domain-name-information-in-microsoft-windows/ https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/27350/beginner-geek-how-to-edit-your-hosts-file/

A misconfigured hosts file can cause name resolution issues on a server. A hosts file is a text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses on a local system. It can be used to override DNS settings or provide custom name resolution for testing purposes. However, if the hosts file contains incorrect or outdated entries, it can prevent the system from resolving hostnames properly and cause connectivity problems. To fix this issue, the administrator should check and edit the hosts file accordingly.

chmod is a command-line tool that changes the permissions of files and directories in Linux and Unix systems. chmod go-rwx means to remove read, write, and execute permissions for group and other users from a file or directory. This can ensure only the root user can modify and execute the script, since root user has full access to all files and directories regardless of their permissions. References: https://linux.die.net/man/1/chmod

This is the best description of a hybrid cloud model because it combines both private and public cloud resources. A private cloud is a cloud environment that is owned and operated by a single organization and hosted in its own data center. A public cloud is a cloud environment that is owned and operated by a third-party provider and hosted in its data center. A hybrid cloud allows an organization to leverage both types of cloud resources depending on its needs and preferences. References: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/what-is-hybrid-cloud-computing/

The most likely cause of the issue is that the server has not been joined to the domain. A domain is a logical group of computers and devices that share a common directory service and security policy. A domain controller is a server that manages the domain and authenticates users and computers that want to access domain resources. To log on with domain credentials, a server must be joined to the domain and registered in the directory service. If a server has not been joined to the domain, it will not be recognized or authorized by the domain controller.

References: CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 4, Lesson 4.3, Objective 4.3

This is the best command to find out which commands can be used by a user with sudo privileges because it lists the allowed and forbidden commands for a given user or role. The -l option stands for list, and the -U option specifies the user name. The output of this command will show what commands can be executed with sudo by that user on that server. References: https://www.sudo.ws/man/1.8.13/sudo.man.html

The best backup methods to use to support the management’s priorities are differential and incremental. A backup is a process of copying data from a source to a destination for the purpose of restoring it in case of data loss or corruption. There are different types of backup methods that vary in terms of speed, efficiency, and storage requirements. Differential and incremental backups are two types of partial backups that only copy the data that has changed since the last full backup. A full backup is a type of backup that copies all the data from the source to the destination. A full backup provides the most complete and reliable restore option, but it also takes the longest time and requires the most storage space. A differential backup copies only the data that has changed since the last full backup. A differential backup provides a faster restore option than an incremental backup, but it also takes more time and requires more storage space than an incremental backup. An incremental backup copies only the data that has changed since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. An incremental backup provides the fastest and most efficient backup option, but it also requires multiple backups to restore the data completely.

Fault tolerance is the ability of a system to continue functioning in the event of a failure of one or more of its components. Fault tolerance can ensure a secondary network path is available if the primary connection fails. Fault tolerance can be achieved by using redundant components, such as network cards, cables, switches, routers, etc., that can take over the function of the failed component without interrupting the service. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 2.2)

Maintenance and support is a type of license that would most likely include vendor assistance. Maintenance and support is a contract that defines the level and scope of service and assistance that a vendor provides to a customer for using their software product. Maintenance and support may include technical support, bug fixes, patches, updates, upgrades, documentation, training, and other benefits. Maintenance and support licenses usually have an annual fee based on the number of users or devices covered by the contract. Open-source is a type of license that allows free access to the source code and modification and distribution of the software product, but does not guarantee vendor assistance. Version compatibility is not a type of license, but a feature that ensures software products can work with different versions of operating systems or other software products. Subscription is a type of license that allows access to software products for a limited period of time based on recurring payments, but does not necessarily include vendor assistance. References: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1440/software-licensing https://www.techopedia.com/definitio n/1032/business-impact-analysis-bia

A firewall is a network device or software that filters and controls the incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. A firewall can block or allow certain types of packets, ports, protocols, or IP addresses. The output of the ping command shows that the local host is unreachable, which means that there is no network connectivity between the source and the destination. This could be caused by a firewall that is blocking the ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) packets that ping uses to test the connectivity. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 2.2)

Port 443 is the default port for HTTPS, which is the protocol used for secure web communication. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt the data between the web server and the browser. Port 443 is commonly used for web servers that need to provide secure services, such as online banking, e-commerce, or email. By allowing port 443, the administrator can access the web server’s interface and manage its settings1.

Port 3389 is the default port for RDP, which is the protocol used for remote desktop connection. RDP allows a user to remotely access and control another computer over a network. Port 3389 is commonly used for remote administration, technical support, or remote work. By allowing port 3389, the administrator can connect to the web server’s desktop and perform tasks that require graphical user interface2.

Load balancing is a concept that distributes the workload across multiple servers or other resources to optimize performance, availability, and scalability. Load balancing can be implemented at different layers of the network, such as the application layer, the transport layer, or the network layer. Load balancing can use various algorithms or methods to determine how to distribute the traffic, such as round robin, least connections, or weighted distribution.

References: CompTIA Server+ Study Guide, Chapter 6: Networking, page 241.

The domain search variable is used to specify a list of domains that are appended to a hostname when resolving it. If the servername is not fully qualified, the resolver will try each domain in the list until it finds a match or fails. By configuring the domain search variable, the technician can avoid typing the full domain name every time they want to ping a server. Verified References: [How to configure DNS suffixes on Linux systems]

The cluster feature that will allow Ann to complete her task is failback. A cluster is a group of servers that work together to provide high availability, scalability, and load balancing for applications or services. A cluster can have different nodes or members that have different roles or states. An active node is a node that is currently running an application or service and serving requests from clients. A passive node is a node that is on standby and ready to take over if the active node fails. A failover is a process of switching from a failed or unavailable node to another node in a cluster. A failback is a process of switching back from a failover node to the original node after it becomes available again. Failback can be automatic or manual depending on the cluster configuration.

The organization should retrieve the tapes from the cold site and test them to ensure they are properly maintained and usable during a DR scenario. A cold site is a location that has space and power for backup equipment, but no actual equipment installed or configured. The organization stores backup tapes of its servers at cold sites as a precaution in case of a disaster that affects its primary site. However, backup tapes can degrade over time due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, or magnetic fields. Therefore, the organization should periodically retrieve the tapes from the cold site and test them on compatible equipment to verify their integrity and readability.

References: CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 6, Lesson 6.4, Objective 6.4

A checksum is a value that is calculated from a data set to verify its integrity and authenticity. A checksum can be used to compare a downloaded installation package with the original source to ensure that the package has not been corrupted or tampered with during the download or transmission process. If the checksums match, then the package is safe to install. If the checksums do not match, then the package may be infected with malware or contain errors that could cause installation problems. Therefore, validating the checksum for the downloaded installation package is a necessary step before launching the installation again12

1: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives 2: How to Verify File Integrity Using Checksums on Linux

An incremental backup is a backup method that only backs up the files that have changed since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. An incremental backup can save disk space and time, as it only copies the new or modified data. An incremental backup can also improve the RTO (Recovery Time Objective), which is the maximum acceptable time to restore data after a disaster. This is because an incremental backup can restore data faster than a full or a differential backup, as it only needs to apply the latest changes to the previous backup1.

A DR site is a backup site that can be used to restore business operations in case of a disaster that affects the primary site. A warm site is a DR site that has some equipment and data ready to be activated quickly, but not as fast as a hot site that has fully operational systems and data. A cold site is a DR site that has only basic infrastructure and no equipment or data. The location of a DR site is an important factor to consider when designing and implementing a DR plan. A DR site that is too close to the primary site may be affected by the same disaster, such as a power outage, a flood, or an earthquake. A DR site that is too far away from the primary site may incur higher costs and latency issues. Therefore, a good practice is to set up a DR site that is geographically located in another region that has different risk factors and environmental conditions than the primary site. This can help ensure that the DR site is available and accessible when needed. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 3.3)

The next thing that the technician should perform is to enable the port on the server. A port is a logical endpoint that identifies a specific service or application on a network device. A port can be enabled or disabled depending on whether the service or application is running or not. If a port is disabled on a server, it means that the server cannot send or receive any network traffic on that port, which can prevent communication with other devices or services that use that port. In this case, if port 389 is disabled on the server, it means that the server cannot use LDAP to access or modify directory services over a network. To resolve this issue, the technician should enable port 389 on the server using commands such as netsh or iptables.

This is the best solution to prevent unauthorized files from being copied to the server via FTP because anonymous access allows anyone to log in to the FTP server without providing a username or password. Disabling anonymous access will require users to authenticate with valid credentials before accessing the FTP server. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/iis/configuration/system.applicationhost/sites/site/ftpserver/security/authentication/anonymousauthentication

A print backup is a type of backup that can be used to mitigate the risk of being unable to access the daily vital records if there is an IT disaster that causes both servers and the network to be offline. A print backup is a backup that involves printing out the data on paper and storing it in a secure location. A print backup can provide offline access to the data without relying on any hardware or software components that may be affected by the disaster. However, a print backup has some drawbacks such as high cost, low efficiency, low security, and environmental impact. A tape backup is a type of backup that involves storing the data on magnetic tape cartridges that can be accessed using a tape drive or a tape library. A tape backup can provide offline access to the data with high capacity, low cost, and long durability, but it requires special equipment and software that may not be available during a disaster. A cloud backup is a type of backup that involves storing the data on remote servers or platforms that can be accessed over the internet using a web browser or an application. A cloud backup can provide online access to the data with high scalability, flexibility, and security, but it requires network connectivity and bandwidth that may not be available during a disaster. A disk backup is a type of backup that involves storing the data on hard disk drives or solid state drives that can be accessed using a computer or a device. A disk backup can provide online or offline access to the data with high performance, reliability, and portability, but it requires compatible hardware and software that may not be available during a disaster. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/428483/what-is-end-to-end-encryption-and-why-does-it-matter/ https://www.howtogeek.com/443611/how-to-encrypt-your-macs-system-drive-removable-devices-and-individual-files/ https://www.howtogeek.com/199068/how-to-upgrade-your-existing-hard-drive-in-under-an-hour/ https://www.howtogeek.com/202794/what-is-the-difference-betwee n-127

The administrator should use SCP to transfer log files from a Linux server to a Windows workstation. SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a protocol that allows secure file transfer between two devices using SSH (Secure Shell) encryption. SCP can transfer files between different operating systems, such as Linux and Windows, as long as both devices have an SSH client installed. SCP can also preserve file attributes, such as permissions and timestamps, during the transfer.

The concept of right to downgrade allows a previous version of an OS to be installed and covered by the same license as the newer version. For example, if a customer has a license for Windows 10 Pro, they can choose to install Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 7 Professional instead and still be compliant with the license terms. Downgrade rights are granted by Microsoft for certain products and programs, such as Windows and Windows Server software acquired through Commercial Licensing, OEM, or retail channels. Downgrade rights are intended to provide customers with flexibility and compatibility when using Microsoft software.

The company should also implement MFA on all the servers with encrypted data as a data loss prevention method. MFA stands for multi-factor authentication, which is a method of verifying a user’s identity by requiring two or more pieces of evidence, such as something they know (e.g., a password), something they have (e.g., a token), or something they are (e.g., a fingerprint). MFA adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, even if the user’s password is compromised or stolen. Encrypting the hard drives on the servers protects the data from being read or copied if the drives are physically removed or stolen, but it does not prevent unauthorized access to the data if the user’s credentials are valid.

 A snapshot is a feature that can be used in hypervisors to restore to a previous version. A snapshot is a point-in-time copy of a virtual machine (VM) that captures the state and data of the VM at a specific moment. A snapshot can be created instantly and with minimal overhead, as it only stores the changes made to the VM after the snapshot was taken. A snapshot can be used to restore the VM to its previous state in case of data loss or corruption.

The chmod command is used to change the permissions of files and directories. The g+w option means to grant write permission to the group owner of the file. Since Joe is a member of the IT group, which is also the group owner of the file, this command will allow him to save changes to the file without affecting the permissions of other users. Verified References: [Linux chmod command]

The administrator should rebuild the volume to restore it after replacing the failed hard drive. A volume is a logical unit of storage that can span across multiple physical disks. A volume can be configured with different levels of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) to provide fault tolerance and performance enhancement. When a hard drive in a RAID volume fails, the data on that drive can be reconstructed from the remaining drives using parity or mirroring techniques. However, this process requires a new hard drive to replace the failed one and a rebuild operation to copy the data from the existing drives to the new one. Rebuilding a volume can take a long time depending on the size and speed of the drives and the RAID level.

• The ping command output shows that the NIC has an IP address of 192.168.1.100 and a default gateway of 192.168.1.1. However, when the technician tries to ping the default gateway, the reply comes from another IP address: 192.168.1.101. This means that there is another device on the network that has the same IP address as the default gateway, and it is responding to the ping request instead of the intended destination.
• A duplicate IP address can cause network connectivity problems, such as packet loss, routing errors, or unreachable hosts. To resolve this issue, the technician should either change the IP address of the default gateway or the device that is conflicting with it, or use DHCP to assign IP addresses automatically and avoid conflicts.
• The other options are not correct because they do not explain the ping output. An incorrect default gateway would cause no reply or a destination unreachable message, not a reply from a different IP address. A DHCP misconfiguration would cause an invalid or no IP address on the NIC, not a duplicate IP address on the network. An incorrect routing table would cause routing errors or unreachable destinations, not a reply from a different IP address.

References:

• https://askleo.com/what_is_ping_and_what_does_its_output_tell_me/
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/ping

The solution the administrator implemented extended runtime. Runtime is the amount of time that a UPS can provide backup power to a server in case of a power outage. By installing additional batteries in the UPS, the administrator increased the capacity and duration of the backup power, allowing the server more time to shut down properly.

References: CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 Certification Study Guide, Chapter 1, Lesson 1.4, Objective 1.4

A warm site is a type of disaster recovery site that has a target storage array that receives replication traffic and servers that are only powered on in the event of a disaster. A warm site is a compromise between a hot site and a cold site. A warm site has some equipment and data ready, but requires some configuration and restoration before resuming operations. A warm site is usually located in a different geographic area than the primary site and has redundant power, cooling, network, and security systems. A warm site is suitable for organizations that can tolerate some downtime and data loss in case of a disaster. A cloud site is a type of disaster recovery site that uses cloud-based resources and platforms to store backups and restore data and applications after a disaster. A cold site is a type of disaster recovery site that has only basic infrastructure and space available, but requires significant setup and installation before resuming operations. A hot site is a type of disaster recovery site that has all the equipment and data ready to resume operations as soon as possible after a disaster. References: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11172/hot-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11173/warm-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/11174/cold-site https://www.techopedia.com/definition/29836/cloud-recovery

If the server is not reachable by name but can be accessed by IP address, it means that there is a problem with name resolution. The hosts file and the DNS server are both responsible for mapping hostnames to IP addresses. Therefore, the server administrator should check these two files for any errors or inconsistencies that might prevent the server from being resolved by name. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/662249/how-to-edit-the-hosts-file-on-linux/ https://www.howtogeek.com/164981/how-to-use-nslookup-to-check-domain-name-information-in-microsoft-windows/

 The technician should configure RAID 6 for this drive array to meet the server specifications. RAID 6 is a type of RAID level that provides fault tolerance and performance enhancement by using striping and dual parity. Striping means dividing data into blocks and distributing them across multiple disks to increase speed and capacity. Parity means calculating and storing extra information that can be used to reconstruct data in case of disk failure. RAID 6 uses two sets of parity information for each stripe, which are stored on different disks. This way, RAID 6 can handle up to two disk failures without losing any data or functionality. RAID 6 also allows for the least amount of drive space lost to RAID overhead compared to other RAID levels that can handle two disk failures, such as RAID 1+0 or RAID 0+1.

Incremental backup is a type of backup that only backs up the files that have changed since the last backup, whether it was a full or an incremental backup. Incremental backup resets the archive bit each time it is run, which means it clears the flag that indicates whether or not the file has been backed up. Incremental backup can save time and space compared to full backup, but it requires more time and resources to restore data from multiple backups. References: https://www.comptia.org/training/resources/exam-objectives/comptia-server-sk0-005-exam-objectives (Objective 3.1)

Cable management is the process of organizing, securing, and labeling cables in a server rack or cabinet. Cable management can help improve airflow and cooling, reduce clutter and confusion, prevent damage and interference, and enhance safety and aesthetics123. Cable management can be achieved by using various tools and accessories, such as cable trays, ties, hooks, clips, labels, ducts, and organizers12.

RAID 6 is a type of RAID that uses block-level striping with two parity blocks distributed across all member disks. It allows for two disk failures within the RAID set before any data is lost1. A minimum of four disks is required to create RAID 61. To increase the size of an existing RAID 6 array, the administrator can replace the array drives one at a time with larger drives and then expand the array. This way, the data and parity are rebuilt on each new drive and the array remains operational during the process2.

The administrator should close ports 21 and 23 to secure the server properly. Port 21 is used for FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is an unsecure protocol that allows file transfer between a client and a server over a network connection. FTP does not encrypt the data or the credentials that are transmitted, making them vulnerable to interception or modification by attackers. Port 23 is used for Telnet, which is an unsecure protocol that allows remote login and command execution over a network connection using a CLI. Telnet does not encrypt the data or the credentials that are transmitted, making them vulnerable to interception or modification by attackers.

A core installation is a type of installation method that is best suited to meet the company policy that states no one is to log in directly to the server. A core installation is a minimal installation option that is available when deploying some editions of Windows Server. A core installation includes most but not all server roles and features, but does not include a graphical user interface (GUI). A core installation can only be managed remotely using command-line tools such as PowerShell or Windows Admin Center, or using graphical tools such as Server Manager or Remote Desktop from another computer. This reduces the attack surface, resource consumption, and maintenance requirements of the server. A GUI installation is a type of installation method that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) and allows local or remote management using graphical tools or command-line tools. A virtualized installation is a type of installation method that involves creating and running one or more virtual machines on a physical host using a hypervisor such as Hyper-V or VMware. A clone installation is a type of installation method that involves creating an exact copy of an existing server’s configuration and data on another server using tools such as Sysprep or Clonezilla. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/67469/the-beginners-guide-to-shell-scripting-the-basics/ https://www.howtogeek.com/443611/how-to-encrypt-your-macs-system-drive-removable-devices-and-individual-files/ https://www.howtogeek.com/199068/how-to-upgrade-your-existing-hard-drive-in-under-an-hour/

The best way to accomplish the department’s goals is to transfer the existing data to an external eSATA enclosure, which is a device that connects an external hard drive to a computer using an eSATA port. This will allow the accounting department to retain the current data for quick read-write access, as eSATA provides high-speed data transfer rates and supports hot-plugging. Unlike USB 3.0, eSATA does not share bandwidth with other devices, which can improve performance and reliability. Verified References: [eSATA vs USB 3.0]

Before donating the outdated server equipment to a local charity, the organization should review all company policies regarding data security, asset disposal, and social responsibility. This can help ensure that the donation complies with the legal and ethical standards of the organization and does not pose any risk to its reputation or operations. Verified References: [Data security], [Asset disposal], [Social responsibility]

Drives, fans, and power supplies are server components that can most commonly be replaced without downtime if they are hot-swappable. Hot-swappable components can be removed and inserted while the server is running, without affecting its operation or performance. Drives store data and applications, fans cool down the server components, and power supplies provide electricity to the server. Replacing these components can prevent data loss, overheating, or power failure. References: CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 2.0: Hardware, Objective 2.2: Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain server components.

Something you have is one of the types of authentication methods that relies on a physical object or device that the user possesses to verify their identity. A token is an example of something you have, as it is a small device that generates a one-time password or code that the user enters during login. A token can be a hardware device, such as a key fob or a smart card, or a software application, such as an app on a smartphone or a browser extension. A token provides an additional layer of security to the authentication process, as it prevents unauthorized access even if the user’s username and password are compromised1.

The most appropriate native protocol to use for connecting a Linux server to a share on a NAS is NFS. NFS (Network File System) is a protocol that allows file sharing and remote access over a network. NFS is designed for Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux, and supports features such as symbolic links, hard links, file locking, and file permissions. NFS uses mount points to attach remote file systems to local file systems, making them appear as if they are part of the local file system. NFS can provide fast and reliable access to files stored on a NAS (Network Attached Storage), which is a device that provides centralized storage for network devices.

This is the most likely misconfigured setting because DNS is the service that resolves hostnames to IP addresses and vice versa. If the DNS server is incorrect or unreachable, the administrator will not be able to log on to the server with a domain account because the server will not be able to authenticate with the domain controller. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/dns-troubleshooting

The Recovery Point Objective (RPO) refers to the maximum tolerable period in which data might be lost from an IT service due to a major incident. The policy mentioned in the question highlights that data loss exceeding one hour is unacceptable, directly relating to the RPO concept. RPO is critical in disaster recovery and business continuity planning, indicating the age of the files that must be recovered from backup storage for normal operations to resume without significant losses. MTTR (Mean Time To Repair), RTO (Recovery Time Objective), and MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) are related concepts but do not specifically address the amount of data loss that can be tolerated.

Port 22 is used for SSH (Secure Shell), which is a secure and encrypted protocol for remote access to a server. Port 23 is used for Telnet, which is an insecure and unencrypted protocol for remote access. Port 990 is used for FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure), which is a secure and encrypted protocol for file transfer. The administrator should open port 22 and close port 23 to enable SSH and disable Telnet, as SSH is more secure and reliable than Telnet. The administrator does not need to open port 990, as FTPS is not required for making configuration changes123.

References = 1: Remote Desktop - Allow access to your PC from outside your network(https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/remote-desktop-allow-outside-access) 2: Test remote network port connection in Windows 10 - Winaero(https://winaero.com/test-remote-network-port-connection-in-windows-10/) 3: Windows Command to check if a remote server port is opened?(https://superuser.com/questions/1035018/windows-command-to-check-if-a-remote-server-port-is-opened)

The concept of authentication is rooted in the principle of verifying identity, which is commonly broken down into three categories: "something you know" (like a password or PIN), "something you have" (such as a smart card or a security token), and "something you are" (biometric data, for example, fingerprints). The question asks for the authentication type defined by "something you have."

A DNS entry is a record that maps a domain name to an IP address. If the DNS entry for the new application is incorrect, users will not be able to resolve the domain name to the correct IP address and port number. This will prevent them from accessing the application, even if the firewall rules allow port 8443. To fix this issue, the server administrator should verify and update the DNS entry for the new application.

References: CompTIA Server+ Study Guide, Chapter 6: Networking, page 230.

This is the most likely misconfigured setting because the default gateway is the router that connects the local network to other networks. If the default gateway is incorrect, the server will not be able to communicate with remote users or devices outside its own subnet. References: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/ipconfig

The top portion of the dialog box lists the users and/or groups that have access to the file or folder.

The best solution to investigate the failure of a server in a remote datacenter is out-of-band management. Out-of-band management is a method of accessing and controlling a server or a device using a dedicated channel that is separate from its normal network connection. Out-of-band management can use various technologies, such as serial ports, modems, KVM switches, or dedicated management cards or interfaces. Out-of-band management can provide remote access to servers or devices even when they are powered off, unresponsive, or disconnected from the network. Out-of-band management can enable troubleshooting, configuration, maintenance, or recovery tasks without requiring physical presence at the server location.

Overprovisioning is a situation where the allocated resources for a virtual machine exceed the available resources of the physical host. In this case, the storage allocated for Server 1 and Server 2 on VM01 is 8TB and 10TB respectively, which adds up to 18TB. However, the storage available on the VM01 host is only 16TB, which means there is a 2TB deficit. This can cause performance issues and errors for the virtual machines.

References:

CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives1, page 8

Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management, Module 2, Lesson 5

LVM (Logical Volume Manager) is a tool that allows the technician to increase a partition’s size in the future without reformatting it on a Linux server. LVM creates logical volumes that can span across multiple physical disks or partitions and can be resized dynamically without losing data. LVM also provides other features such as snapshots, encryption, and RAID. DiskPart, fdisk, and Format are tools that can be used to partition and format disks, but they do not allow increasing a partition’s size without reformatting it. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/40702/how-to-manage-and-use-lvm-logical-volume-management-in-ubuntu/ https://www.howtogeek.com/school/using-windows-admin-tools-like-a-pro/lesson2/ https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/17001/how-to-format-a-usb-drive-in-ubuntu-using-gparted/

GPT (GUID Partition Table) is a partitioning scheme that allows creating partitions on large hard drives (more than 2 TB). It supports up to 128 partitions per drive and uses 64-bit addresses to locate them. MBR (Master Boot Record) is an older partitioning scheme that has limitations on the size and number of partitions (up to 4 primary partitions or 3 primary and 1 extended partition per drive). To provision a new 4 TB drive, the technician should partition it using GPT. Verified References: [GPT], [MBR]

Archive is a method of storing historical data that is not frequently accessed or modified. Archive can reduce the amount of data that needs to be backed up and save bandwidth and storage space. Differential is a method of backing up only the data that has changed since the last full backup. Differential can also save bandwidth and storage space, as well as speed up the backup process.

References:

CompTIA Server+ Certification Exam Objectives1, page 12

Server Management: Server Hardware Installation and Management2, Module 2, Lesson 5

The server is not joined to the domain is causing the issue. A domain is a logical grouping of computers that share a common directory database and security policy on a network. Active Directory is a Microsoft technology that provides domain services for Windows-based computers. To use Active Directory credentials to log on to a server, the server must be joined to the domain that hosts Active Directory. If the server is not joined to the domain, it will not be able to authenticate with Active Directory and will only accept local accounts for logon. To join a server to a domain, the administrator must have a valid domain account with sufficient privileges and must know the name of the domain controller that hosts Active Directory.