CompTIA Tech+ Review Part 3

Which type of programming language is typically executed line by line and can be written in a text editor without the need for a separate compilation step before running?

• Interpreted programming language

• Query language

• Compiled programming language

• Assembly language

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Interpreted languages execute code line by line without needing to be compiled into machine code beforehand.

Real-World Example:
Languages like Python and JavaScript allow developers to run code instantly in a text editor or terminal.

Your company is growing and you expect the amount of data you store to triple within the next year. Which feature of a database system should be most important to accommodate this growth?

• Primary key

• Data persistence

• Scalability

Answer explanation

Explanation:
A scalable database can handle increasing amounts of data and users without performance issues.

Real-World Example:
Amazon’s database must be scalable to handle holiday shopping surges.

A technician is upgrading the storage system for a company’s database server that requires a minimum of 1200 gigabytes of space. The company decided to purchase a new hard drive. Which of the following should the technician recommend?

• 2 TB hard drive

• 200 GB hard drive

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Since 1TB = 1000GB, a 2TB drive (2000GB) provides ample space for growth.

Real-World Example:
Buying a larger suitcase than needed for travel allows extra packing space.

An employee at a tech start-up is tasked with selecting an operating system for a new digital thermostat they are developing. Which type of operating system should the employee recommend for use in the digital thermostat?

• Workstation OS

• Hypervisor (Type 1)

• Firmware

• Mobile device OS

• Embedded OS

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Embedded operating systems control specialized devices like thermostats, medical devices, and smart appliances.

Real-World Example:
The OS in a smart fridge helps control temperature and internet features.

A software development team is working on designing a new application that requires high performance and execution speed. Which feature of compiled programming languages would primarily benefit the application’s performance?

• Translation to an intermediate bytecode

• Compilation to machine code before execution

• Just-in-time compilation at runtime

• Execution of code within a virtual machine

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Compiled languages convert code into machine language, allowing programs to run faster and more efficiently.

Real-World Example:
Video games written in compiled languages like C++ run faster than interpreted languages.

In a company, an employee needs to store customer information efficiently. Which option best describes the characteristics of a database that would help with this task?

• It allows for structured organization of data and supports multiple users accessing it at once.

• It stores data in a way that restricts access by multiple users simultaneously.

• It has limited functionality for generating reports or querying data.

• It is a simple text file with limited data relationship capabilities.

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Databases enable efficient organization, retrieval, and multi-user access.

Real-World Example:
A hospital database allows doctors, nurses, and staff to access patient records securely.

What should you consider when sharing documents with colleagues using a file-sharing service?

• Use a service that encrypts files during transfer.

• Share files via an open public link.

• Upload files to a service that does not mention security features.

• Email the documents directly from your personal account.

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Encryption protects files from hackers intercepting sensitive data.

Real-World Example:
A secure messaging app like WhatsApp encrypts messages so only the sender and receiver can read them.

The result of processed data is typically stored permanently in the system’s main memory for future use.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Main memory (RAM) is temporary—data is permanently stored on a hard drive or SSD.

Real-World Example:
A notepad (RAM) holds notes temporarily, but a file cabinet (storage) keeps them long-term.

An IT technician is tasked with setting up a smart thermostat for a small business. The business owner wants to adjust the temperature remotely through their smartphone. Which technology will the thermostat primarily utilize to allow this remote interaction?

• IR (Infrared)

• Wi-Fi

• NFC

• Bluetooth

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Wi-Fi enables devices to connect to the internet for remote control.

Real-World Example:
A Ring doorbell allows users to monitor visitors from anywhere using Wi-Fi.

Which option BEST describes an application known to be categorized under single-platform software?

• Microsoft Office, which has versions for Windows and macOS

• iMovie, exclusive to macOS and iOS devices

• Google Chrome, a web browser available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

• VLC Player, which can be installed on multiple operating systems

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Single-platform software only works on specific operating systems.

Real-World Example:
GarageBand is only available on Apple devices and not on Windows or Linux.