Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware & Software (1001/1002)

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21+ Interactive Lessons | 262+ Exercises

13+ Videos | 02:02+ Hours

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About This Course

Become a certified CompTIA A+ professional with the Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software course and lab. The lab provides a virtual environment for users to explore and learn. The CompTIA A+ training course and lab cover CompTIA A+ exam objectives and provide skills to work with mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and more.

Skills You’ll Get

CompTIA A+ exam is a globally accepted industry standard for establishing an IT career. CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams cover expanded content on growing IT support roles including expanded baseline security topics. The certification exam provides a different approach to define competency in operational procedures including basic disaster prevention, recovery, and scripting basics and a greater dependency on networking and device connectivity.

Interactive Lessons

21+ Interactive Lessons | 262+ Exercises | 275+ Quizzes | 1514+ Flashcards | 1528+ Glossary of terms

Gamified TestPrep

180+ Pre Assessment Questions | 2+ Full Length Tests | 180+ Post Assessment Questions | 360+ Practice Test Questions

Hands-On Labs

135+ LiveLab | 128+ Video tutorials | 18:29+ Hours

Video Lessons

13+ Videos | 02:02+ Hours

Download Course Outline

Introduction

What's New in the Eighth Edition?
Organization of the Text
Features of This Course
CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives

Introduction to the World of IT

Who Needs This Course?
Technician Qualities
Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
Basic Skills for This Course
Types of Computers
Basic Computer Hardware
Mice and Keyboards
Common Peripherals
1s and 0s
Safety Notes
Lesson Summary
Activities

Connectivity

Introduction to Connectivity
External Connectivity
Mouse and Keyboard Ports
Video Ports
Multipurpose Ports
Audio Ports
eSATA Ports
Network Ports
Modem and Serial Ports
Network Cabling
Integrated Motherboard Ports
Getting to Know Ports
Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
Soft Skills: Using Appropriate Titles
Lesson Summary
Activities

On the Motherboard

Introduction to the Motherboard
Processor Overview
Processor Basics
Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
Cache
Clocking
Threading Technology
Connecting to the Processor
Multicore Processors
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Introduction to Virtualization
Intel Processors
AMD Processors
CPU Sockets
Processor Cooling
Installing a Processor
Upgrading Processors
Overclocking Processors
Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
Expansion Slots
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
Chipsets
Types of Motherboards
Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
Motherboard Troubleshooting
Soft Skills: Active Listening
Lesson Summary
Activities

Introduction to Configuration

Configuration Overview
BIOS Overview
The Setup Program
Flash BIOS
BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
CMOS Memory
Motherboard Battery
Firmware Updates: Flashing the BIOS/UEFI
Clearing CMOS
Other Configuration Parameters
Hardware Configuration Overview
Installing a USB Device
Installing an eSATA Card
Installing a Network Interface Card
Video Overview
Video Cards
Troubleshooting Configurations
Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Changing Only One Thing At A Time
Lesson Summary
Activities

Disassembly and Power

Disassembly Overview
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Tools
Disassembly
Reassembly
Preventive Maintenance
Basic Electronics Overview
Power Supply Overview
Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
Power Protection
Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
Soft Skills: Written Communications Skills
Lesson Summary
Activities

Memory

Memory Overview
Memory Physical Packaging
Planning a Memory Installation
Installing Memory Overview
Adding More Cache/RAM
Windows Disk Caching
Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
Older Applications in Windows
Troubleshooting Memory Problems
Flash Memory
Soft Skills: Teamwork
Lesson Summary
Activities

Storage Devices

Storage Devices Overview
Hard Drive Overview
Solid State Drive (SSD) Overview
Hard Drive Interfaces Overview
M.2 and NVMe
PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity
Storage Device Configuration Overview
System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Hard Drives
Hard Drive Preparation Overview
Windows Disk Management
Fault Tolerance
Removable Drive Storage
Windows Storage Spaces
Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
RAID Issues
SSD Issues
Soft Skills: Phone Skills
Lesson Summary
Activities

Multimedia Devices

Multimedia Devices Overview
Optical Drive Overview
Optical Drive Installation
Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
Introduction to Audio
Installing Sound Cards
Sound Cards Using Windows
Speakers
Troubleshooting Sound Problems
Scanners
KVMs
Projectors
Video Recording
Installing and Configuring Other Peripheral Devices
Soft Skills: Attitude
Lesson Summary
Activities

Printers

Printers Overview
Printer Ports
Categories of Printers
Impact Printers
Inkjet Printers
Laser Printers
Thermal Printers
3D Printers
Paper
Virtual Printing
Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges
Upgrading Printers
Printer Maintenance
USB Printer Installation
Installing a Local Printer
Printers in the Windows Environment
Printers in the macOS Environment
Printing Device Sharing
Cloud Printing
General Printer Troubleshooting
USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting
Windows Printer Troubleshooting
Impact Printer Troubleshooting
Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting
Laser Printer Troubleshooting
Soft Skills: Work Ethics
Lesson Summary
Activities

Mobile Devices

Mobile Device Overview
Using Mobile Devices
Cell Phones
Mobile Apps
Mobile Device Wired Connectivity
Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity
Mobile Device Email Configuration
Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup
Other Mobile Software Tools
Laptops Overview
Laptop Hardware
Laptop Power
Laptop Repairs Overview
Laptop Display
Mobile Device Security
Mobile Device Travel and Storage
Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
Soft Skills: A Word About Appearance
Lesson Summary
Activities

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

Design Overview
Computer System Design
Motherboard and Associated Component Design
Power Supply and Case Design
Storage Subsystem Design
Audio Subsystem Design
Display Subsystem Design
Troubleshooting Overview
Step 1. Identify the Problem
Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, if Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
Step 6. Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Soft Skills: Dealing With Irate Customers
Lesson Summary
Activities

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

Internet Connectivity Overview
Dial-up Overview
Serial Communication Overview
Configuring Traditional Serial Devices
56 kbps Modems
Digital Modems and ISDN
VoIP
Cable Modems
xDSL Modems
Satellite Modems
Modem Preventive Maintenance
Mobile Connectivity Overview
Virtualization Basics
Cloud Computing
Web Browsers
Basic Web Browser Issues
Soft Skills: Mentoring
Lesson Summary
Activities

Networking

Networking Overview
Attaching to Different Types of Networks
Network Topologies
Network Media Overview
Copper Media
Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
Ethernet Concepts
Ethernet over Power
The OSI Model
The TCP/IP Model
Network Addressing
More IPv4 Addressing
Wireless Networks Overview
Wireless Network Standards
Bluetooth
Wireless Network Components
Wireless Network Design
Antenna Basics
End-User Device Configuration Overview
Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
Configuring an End-User Device: Addressing
Wireless NIC-Specific Settings
Advanced NIC Properties
NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview
Wireless AP/Router Basic Configuration
WWAN Cellular Configuration
IoT and Smart Devices
Network Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
Network Printers
Network Printer Troubleshooting
Network Servers
Embedded and Legacy Systems
Network Terminology
The TCP/IP Model in Action
Using the Network and Sharing Center Section of the Control Panel
Introduction to Shared Folders
Network Connectivity
Soft Skills: Being Proactive
Lesson Summary
Activities

Introduction to Operating Systems

Operating Systems Overview
User Interaction with Operating Systems
Overview of Popular Operating Systems
32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Versions
Workstation Operating Systems
Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
End-of-Life Concerns
Update Concerns
Compatibility Concerns
Corporate Operating System Needs
Basic Windows Usage Overview
Shortcuts and Tiles
Windows 7 Desktop Components
Windows Desktop/Start Screen Components
Windows 10 Desktop Components
Interactions Within a Window
Managing Windows Files and Folders
Searches and Indexing
Attributes, Compression, and Encryption
Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities
Determining the Windows Version
Windows Registry
Editing the Windows Registry
Backing Up Data
Recovering the Windows OS
WinRE
Soft Skills: Staying Current
Lesson Summary
Activities

Introduction to Scripting

Scripting Overview
Command Prompt Overview
Command Prompt Basics
Moving Around from a Command Prompt
The md and rd Commands
Two Useful Commands: del and type
Copying Files
The attrib Command
Why Learn Commands?
PowerShell
Other Commands You Should Look Over
Command Format
Introduction to Scripting
Script File Types
Environment Variables
Script Syntax
Introduction to Script Programming
Variables
Data Types
Examples of Using Variables
Comments
Basic Script Constructs
Decisions: The Selection Structure
Compound Conditions and Logical Operators
Loops: The Repetition Structure
A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell
Soft Skills: Changing Perspective When Troubleshooting
Lesson Summary
Activities

Advanced Windows

Advanced Windows Overview
Preinstallation of Windows
Installation/Upgrade of Windows
Corporate Windows Deployment
Verifying the Installation
Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
Reloading Windows
Windows Updates
Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
Configuring Windows Overview
Configuring Windows
Adding Devices
Installing/Removing Software
Computer Management Console
System Tools
User Account Management
Managing Storage
Managing Services and Applications
Data Sources (ODBC)
Print Management Console
Overview of the Windows Boot Process
Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
Black Screen/Video Issues
Recovery Console
Advanced Boot Options/Startup Settings Menu
System Configuration Utility
Task Manager
Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
Slow Boot
Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
Windows Reboots
Shutdown Problems
Power Options
Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
Soft Skills: Avoiding Burnout
Lesson Summary
Activities

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

Introduction to macOS
Navigating the User Interface
Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
Management and Troubleshooting Tools
Utilities
Introduction to Linux
Navigating the User Interface
Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
Command-Line Interface
macOS and Linux Best Practices
Soft Skills: Be Humble
Lesson Summary
Activities

Operational Procedures

Operational Procedures Overview
Adverse Power Conditions
Surge Protectors
Line Conditioners
Battery Backup
IT Documentation
Change Management
Soft Skills: Communication Skills
Lesson Summary
Activities

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics

Exercises

Introduction to the World of IT

Adding a Keyboard Layout
Configuring Mouse Settings

On the Motherboard

Installing Motherboard Components
Installing a PCI Sound Card
Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
Viewing the Processor Information
Enabling Hardware Virtualization
Identifying a CPU Socket
Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
Installing a processor
Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
Installing a NIC
Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
Installing Firewire Cards
Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)

Introduction to Configuration

Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
Changing the Resolution Setting

Disassembly and Power

Assembling Computer Components
Replacing the Power Supply
Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
Replacing the Battery of a Smartphone and Inserting a Memory Card
Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity

Memory

Installing Memory Modules
Verifying RAM Usage

Storage Devices

Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
Accessing BIOS Setup in Windows 10
Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
Viewing the Status of a Disk
Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
Removing a Pen Drive from a Computer

Multimedia Devices

Inserting a CD on a Laptop
Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
Connecting Speakers to a Computer

Printers

Installing a Printer
Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer

Mobile Devices

Removing an Account from Android
Configuring an Email in Android
Viewing the iOS Version of an iPhone
Setting Up a VPN in Android
Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
Installing Laptop Components
Locking an iPhone with a Password

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

Connecting the Cable Modem to Access Internet
Installing Ubuntu
Installing Windows 10
Using OneDrive
Configuring OneDrive

Networking

Configuring an IPv4 address
Configuring an IPv6 address
Installing a DHCP Server
Assigning Different Classes of IP Address
Scanning using Wireshark
Connecting a Workstation to the LAN and Configuring IPv4 Properties
Connecting Systems to the Internet Through a Firewall Router
Connecting a Router to the Laptop
Using the nbtstat command
Using the netstat Command
Using the nslookup Command
Using the ping Command
Tracing Route Using Tracert
Joining Workgroups or Domains
Changing Network Locations
Managing Offline Files
Sharing a Printer
Sharing Folders
Using the net Command
Creating a Dial-up Connection
Connecting to a Remote Computer using a Remote Desktop Connection
Creating a Remote Access VPN Connection
Configuring a Proxy Server

Introduction to Operating Systems

Executing the Basic Commands through a ps1 File
Creating Variables
Creating a Loop in PowerShell
Creating and Running a ps1 File
Enabling BranchCache
Implementing EFS File Sharing
Displaying Windows Versions
Adding an MMC snap-in
Displaying Windows PowerShell snap-ins
Creating a Restore Point
Using Task View
Using Windows Event Viewer
Configuring Screensavers
Securing User Accounts
Creating a New User
Using BitLocker
Disabling AutoPlay
Using a Symmetric Encryption Algorithm
Using an Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm
Observing the Control Panel options in different views
Uninstalling a Program

Advanced Windows

Enabling a Device Driver
Disabling a Device Driver
Setting Automatic Windows Update
Configuring Computer Management Services
Editing a Drive Letter
Mounting a Drive to a Folder
Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
Creating a Swap Partition
Disabling a Service
Setting Up a Boot Device Priority
Using MSConfig
Using Task Manager to Start an Application
Configuring a Power Plan
Configuring the Screen Resolution Setting

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

Listing Files in a Directory
Verifying the Working Directory
Working with Directories
Performing a Text Search
Using Basic Linux Commands
Entering Commands at the Command-line

Operational Procedures

Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System

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There are no pre requisite CompTIA A+ certification. However, CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field.

USD 232 per exam

Pearson VUE

Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based questions

The exam contains 90 questions.

90 minutes

220-1001: 675
220-1002: 700

(on a scale of 100-900)

In the event that you fail your first attempt at passing the A+ examination, CompTIA's retake policies are:

CompTIA does not require a waiting period between the first and second attempt to pass such examination. However, if you need a third or subsequent attempt to pass the examination, you shall be required to wait for a period of at least 14 calendar days from the date of your last attempt before you can retake the exam.
If a candidate has passed an exam, he/she cannot take it again without prior consent from CompTIA.
A test result found to be in violation of the retake policy will not be processed, which will result in no credit awarded for the test taken. Repeat violators will be banned from participation in the CompTIA Certification Program.
Candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam. CompTIA does not offer free re-tests or discounts on retakes.

CompTIA A+ certification expires after three years from the date of issue, after which the certification holder will need to renew their certification via CompTIA's Continuing Education Program.

Know more about the 220-1001, 220-1002