CompTIA® A+® Certification
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E-Learning A Comprehensive Approach for All 2009 Exam Objectives Comprehensive
Book Essentials (2009 Edition)
Book Practical Application (2009 Edition)
Certification
Exam codes:
220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials
220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application
***
CompTIA® A+® Certification
A Comprehensive Approach for All 2009 Exam Objectives (Comprehensive)
E-Learning Module
Estimated Time of Completion: 20 hours
Description:
If you are getting ready for a career as an entry-level information
technology (IT) professional or personal computer (PC) service
technician, the CompTIA A+ Certification course is the first step in
your preparation. Computers systems are everywhere today and technology
is becoming more and more advanced every year.
As an A+ technician, you will need to support and maintain many different systems and networks for various types of businesses. This course will build on your existing user-level knowledge and experience with personal computer software and hardware to present fundamental skills and concepts that you will use on the job.
The CompTIA® A+® Certification course provides the background knowledge and skills needed to pursue a job as an A+ technician. In this course, you will acquire the essential skills and information you will need to install, upgrade, repair, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize basic personal computer hardware and operating systems.
This course will also prepare you for the CompTIA® A+® Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA® A+® Practical Application (220-702) examinations.
The target student is anyone with basic computer user skills who is interested in obtaining a job as an IT professional or PC technician. In addition, this course will help prepare students to achieve a CompTIA A+ Certification.
Objectives:
In this course, you will install, upgrade, repair, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, and perform preventative maintenance on basic personal computer hardware and operating systems.
Objectives 1:
In this first course in the series, you will learn the basic hardware and software concepts and skills as well as the basic A+ technician professional practices that you will utilize in your day-to-day job tasks.
Objectives 2:
In this second course in the series, you will install and configure various peripheral and system components.
Objectives 3:
In this third course in the series, you will perform hardware maintenance, and you will diagnose and resolve problems with internal and external hardware components for personal computers.
Objectives 4:
In this fourth course in the series, you will learn how to install and configure operating systems, as well as how to troubleshoot and maintain operating systems.
Objectives 5:
In this fifth course in the series, you will learn basic networking concepts, as well as acquire the skills you will need to install, support, and manage network connections in a number of network environments.
Objectives 6:
In this sixth course in the series, you will support portable computing devices and printers.
Objectives 7:
In this last course in the series, you will learn basic computer security concepts, as well as acquire the skills you will need to install, support, and manage common personal computer security measures.
This is the Book based unit.
The following is the contents of the course as in the books.
CompTIA A+ Certification:
Essentials (2009 Edition) -
Book 1(Approximately 35 hours home-study)
Prerequisites: Students taking this course should have user–level skills and knowledge of personal computers. These skills and knowledge can be obtained by completing any one of the following courses: Windows Vista: Basic, Windows XP.
Topic–Level Outline
Unit 1: Troubleshooting Methodology
Topic A: Troubleshooting Models
A–1: Discussing troubleshooting methods
A–2: Developing a hypothesis about a problem’s cause
A–3: Identifying documentation and information resources
A–4: Using Microsoft Help and Support to research an error code
A–5: Tracking problems and resolutions
Topic B: Professionalism
B–1: Maintaining professionalism
B–2: Using effective verbal communication
B–3: Using nonverbal communication effectively
B–4: Ensuring customer satisfaction
Unit 2: Operating Systems
Topic A: Operating System Fundamentals
A–1: Selecting an appropriate Windows operating system
A–2: Locating Windows Vista interface components
A–3: Observing Windows Vista system tools
Course Outline
Topic B: Directory and File Management
B–1: Navigating a directory tree
B–2: Creating directories
B–3: Copying a directory
B–4: Removing a directory
B–5: Creating a batch file
B–6: Modifying file attributes
B–7: Modifying file attributes by using attrib.exe
Topic C: File and Folder Permissions
C–1: Sharing files in the Public folder with local users
C–2: Setting NTFS permissions
Unit 3: Electricity and Power Supplies
Topic A: Electrical Safety
A–1: Examining the characteristics of electricity
A–2: Considering electrical safety
A–3: Opening the computer case while following proper ESD precautions
Topic B: Power Supplies
B–1: Examining a power supply and connectors
Unit 4: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic A: Central Processing Units
A–1: Identifying CPUs
Topic B: Packaging, Slots, and Cooling Techniques
B–1: Identifying your CPU’s socket and package type
B–2: Examining the cooling systems in your PC
Topic C: Motherboards
C–1: Examining motherboard components and form factor
Unit 5: The Basic Input/Output System
Topic A: The BIOS and CMOS
A–1: Updating your PC’s BIOS settings
A–2: Researching BIOS updates for your PC
A–3: Replacing the CMOS battery
Topic B: The POST and Boot Processes
B–1: Observing the POST process
B–2: Checking the boot order
Unit 6: Memory Systems
Topic A: Memory
A–1: Identifying memory characteristics
Topic B: Memory Packaging
B–1: Comparing RAM packaging
Topic C: Memory Monitoring
C–1: Monitoring memory usage
C–2: Changing the size of the Windows page file
Unit 7: Bus Structures
Topic A: Buses
A–1: Examining buses
A–2: Examining IRQ assignments
A–3: Viewing your computer’s I/O address assignments
A–4: Viewing your computer’s DMA channel assignments
A–5: Viewing your computer’s base memory address assignments
Topic B: The PCI Bus
B–1: Identifying a PCI bus
Topic C: Video Buses
C–1: Identifying graphics connections
Unit 8: Expansion Cards
Topic A: Drive Adapters
A–1: Distinguishing among drive controllers
Topic B: Video Cards
B–1: Identifying video adapter types
Topic C: Sound Cards
C–1: Identifying the components of a sound card
Topic D: Internal Modems
D–1: Identifying your internal modem’s interface
D–2: Identifying modem connections
Unit 9: Peripheral Connection Types
Topic A: Serial and Parallel Connections
A–1: Attaching a serial device
A–2: Attaching a parallel device
Topic B: PS/2 Connections
B–1: Attaching a keyboard and mouse
B–2: Setting mouse properties
B–3: Setting keyboard properties
B–4: Using a KVM switch
Topic C: USB Connections
C–1: Installing a USB device
Topic D: FireWire Connections
D–1: Installing an IEEE 1394 device
Topic E: Multimedia Connections
E–1: Using a sound card
E–2: Connecting multimedia devices
Unit 10: Data Storage Devices
Topic A: Hard Drives
A–1: Partitioning and formatting a hard drive
A–2: Exploring fault tolerance
Topic B: Optical Drives
B–1: Using an optical drive
Topic C: Removable Storage Devices
C–1: Using a USB flash drive
C–2: Examining floppy disks
C–3: Formatting a floppy disk (optional)
C–4: Comparing types of tape drives
Topic D: Drive Maintenance
D–1: Using Disk Cleanup
D–2: Scanning a disk for errors
D–3: Running chkdsk.exe
D–4: Defragmenting a disk
Unit 11: Video Output and Image Input Devices
Topic A: Monitors
A–1: Choosing a CRT monitor
A–2: Using a CRT monitor
A–3: Choosing an LCD monitor
A–4: Using an LCD monitor
Topic B: Scanners and Cameras
B–1: Connecting a scanner
B–2: Connecting a digital camera
B–3: Making a video call with Skype
Unit 12: Printers
Topic A: Printing Technologies
A–1: Examining the dot–matrix printing process
A–2: Examining how inkjet printers work
A–3: Examining how laser printers work
A–4: Identifying other printer technologies
Topic B: Printer Installation and Optimization
B–1: Examining the Windows printing process
B–2: Installing a local printer
B–3: Optimizing printing
B–4: Installing printer add–ons and upgrades
B–5: Performing printer maintenance tasks
Unit 13: Connecting Computers
Topic A: Networking Concepts
A–1: Describing networking models
A–2: Identifying the basic components of a network
A–3: Identifying cable types
A–4: Describing Ethernet standards
A–5: Describing wireless networking
A–6: Discussing WAN bandwidth technologies
Topic B: Wired Network Connections
B–1: Discussing fiber optic cables and connectors
B–2: Examining twisted–pair cables and connectors
B–3: Examining coaxial cables and connectors
B–4: Researching plenum wiring
B–5: Examining your NIC
B–6: Examining your modem
Topic C: Basic Internetworking Devices
C–1: Differentiating between basic internetworking devices
Unit 14: Networking Computers
Topic A: Addressing
A–1: Comparing network protocols used on Windows clients
A–2: Examining addresses
A–3: Using IPCONFIG to view IP configuration
A–4: Testing TCP/IP connectivity
A–5: Discussing the TCP/IP architecture
A–6: Using port numbers
Topic B: Client Configuration
B–1: Configuring TCP/IP parameters
B–2: Discussing the DHCP lease process
B–3: Configuring a wireless access point (E-Learning demo)
B–4: Configuring a wireless client (E-Learning demo)
B–5: Creating a dial–up connection (E-Learning demo)
B–6: Examining a dial–up connection object’s properties (E-Learning demo)
Unit 15: Portable Computers
Topic A: Notebook Computers
A–1: Identifying the components and integrated peripherals in a notebook
A–2: Comparing wireless networking standards
A–3: Using PC Cards
A–4: Docking and undocking a notebook
Topic B: Notebook Issues
B–1: Troubleshooting notebook problems
B–2: Identifying power problems
B–3: Maintaining a notebook
Unit 16: Monitoring and Management
Topic A: System Monitoring
A–1: Running Windows Diagnostics
A–2: Running msinfo32 from a command line
A–3: Running the DirectX Diagnostic tool
A–4: Monitoring applications
A–5: Ending a process
A–6: Monitoring services
A–7: Monitoring network utilization
A–8: Monitoring users
A–9: Viewing the event logs
Topic B: System Performance
B–1: Viewing real–time performance data in Resource Overview
B–2: Monitoring performance with Performance Monitor
B–3: Customizing Performance Monitor
Topic C: System Management
C–1: Viewing Registry information
C–2: Searching the Registry
C–3: Backing up Registry files
C–4: Managing services
C–5: Configuring Windows Vista services
C–6: Configuring power settings
C–7: Putting a computer into Hibernate and Sleep modes
C–8: Configuring Wake on LAN
Unit 17: Operating System Troubleshooting
Topic A: Windows Startup
A–1: Identifying phases in the startup process
Topic B: System Troubleshooting
B–1: Interpreting startup and operating system load messages
B–2: Booting the computer in various startup modes
B–3: Using the System Configuration utility
B–4: Explaining recovery option basics
B–5: Creating a system restore point
B–6: Using a system restore point
Unit 18: Security
Topic A: Operating System Security
A–1: Creating a basic authentication user account
A–2: Understanding authentication technologies
A–3: Using local security policies to set password restrictions
Topic B: Windows Encrypted File System
B–1: Encrypting a file
B–2: Testing encryption
B–3: Encrypting a folder
B–4: Enabling whole–disk encryption systems
Topic C: Security Hardware
C–1: Identifying biometric authentication systems
C–2: Examining BIOS security measures
Topic D: The Human Aspects of Security
D–1: Discussing physical access restrictions
D–2: Configuring Windows Firewall
D–3: Managing social engineering attacks
D–4: Examining data destruction techniques
D–5: Considering corporate security policies
Unit 19: Windows installation and Upgrades
Topic A: Windows Installation
A–1: Identifying hardware requirements
A–2: Running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
A–3: Discussing installation partition and file system requirements
A–4: Installing Windows Vista Business
A–5: Installing device drivers and Windows updates
A–6: Configuring driver signing
Topic B: Upgrades
B–1: Identifying upgrade paths
B–2: Upgrading to Vista Ultimate
B–3: Using the Windows Vista Program Compatibility Wizard
Unit 20: Safety and Maintenance
Topic A: Safety and Hazards
A–1: Identifying typical office and computer–related hazards
A–2: Finding sources of static electricity and interference
Topic B: Computer Maintenance
B–1: Discussing preventive maintenance
B–2: Discussing power conditioning equipment
B–3: Cleaning computer equipment
B–4: Reading a material safety data sheet
Topic C: Safe Work Practices
C–1: Avoiding injury and strain when working with PCs
Topic D: Disposing of Computer Equipment
D–1: Selecting the proper methods for computer equipment disposal
Unit 21: Troubleshooting Hardware
Topic A: Backups
A–1: Scheduling a backup with Windows Vista Backup
A–2: Restoring files with Windows Vista Backup
Topic B: Hardware Problems
B–1: Interpreting hardware symptoms and their causes
Appendix A: System Cases
Topic A: System cases
A–1: Examining system cases
Appendix B: CompTIA A+ Acronyms
Topic A: List of abbreviations
Appendix C: Certification Exam Objectives Map
Topic A: Comprehensive exam objectives
CompTIA A+ Certification:
Practical Application (2009 Edition) -
Book 2(Approximately 35 hours home-study)
Prerequisites: CompTIA® A+® Certification: Essentials
Topic-Level Outline
Unit 1: Power Systems
Topic A: Power Supplies
A–1: Examining the characteristics of electricity
A–2: Identifying your computer’s power supply
A–3: Installing a new power supply
A–4: Discussing power conditioning equipment
Topic B: Power Supply Troubleshooting
B–1: Measuring electrical values
B–2: Troubleshooting power supply problems
Unit 2: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic A: CPU and Motherboard Installation
A–1: Changing your computer’s BIOS settings
A–2: Identifying the socket and package type of your CPU
A–3: Replacing a system fan
A–4: Replacing a CPU (optional)
A–5: Replacing a motherboard (optional)
Topic B: Motherboard Troubleshooting
B–1: Replacing the CMOS battery
B–2: Troubleshooting BIOS and POST problems
B–3: Troubleshooting motherboard and CPU problems
Unit 3: Memory Systems
Topic A: RAM Installation
A–1: Adding memory to a desktop computer
A–2: Adding memory to a notebook computer
A–3: Adding memory to a handheld computer
A–4: Monitoring memory usage
A–5: Changing the size of the Windows page file
Topic B: Memory Troubleshooting
B–1: Troubleshooting memory
Unit 4: Expansion Cards
Topic A: Host System Interaction
A–1: Examining running processes
A–2: Examining system resources
A–3: Identifying the typical usage of system resources
A–4: Identifying the system resources in use with Device Manager
Topic B: Expansion Card Installation
B–1: Installing a video adapter card
B–2: Installing a sound card
B–3: Installing an expansion card
Topic C: Expansion Card Troubleshooting
C–1: Searching for and installing updated drivers
C–2: Troubleshooting expansion card problems
Topic D: Port, Cable, and Connector Troubleshooting
D–1: Troubleshooting port, cable, and connector problems
Unit 5: Data Storage Devices
Topic A: Hard Drives
A–1: Physically installing a hard drive
A–2: Partitioning and formatting a hard drive
A–3: Exploring RAID
Topic B: Optical Drives
B–1: Installing an optical drive
Topic C: Removable Storage Devices
C–1: Using a USB flash drive
C–2: Installing a floppy drive
Topic D: Storage Device Troubleshooting
D–1: Running defrag.exe
D–2: Running chkdsk.exe
D–3: Using Disk Cleanup
D–4: Troubleshooting data storage devices
Unit 6: Printers and Scanners
Topic A: Maintenance
A–1: Performing inkjet and laser printer maintenance tasks
A–2: Performing scanner maintenance tasks
Topic B: Troubleshooting
B–1: Troubleshooting printer problems
B–2: Troubleshooting scanner and multifunction device problems
Unit 7: Mobile Computing
Topic A: Configuration
A–1: Using the Windows Mobility Center
A–2: Configuring power settings
A–3: Putting a notebook into hibernate and sleep modes
Topic B: Component Replacement and Troubleshooting
B–1: Adding and removing hot–swappable components
B–2: Replacing an internal component in a notebook
B–3: Adding peripherals
B–4: Troubleshooting portable–computer problems
B–5: Identifying power problems
Unit 8: Windows Management
Topic A: Directory and File Management
A–1: Using the command prompt
A–2: Navigating a directory tree
A–3: Creating directories
A–4: Copying a directory and its contents
A–5: Removing directories
A–6: Creating a text file
A–7: Editing a text file
A–8: Mounting a volume
Topic B: Resource Management
B–1: Configuring Windows services
B–2: Using the net command
B–3: Observing the Startup program group
B–4: Exploring regional and language settings
B–5: Modifying indexing settings
B–6: Personalizing the appearance of Windows
B–7: Troubleshooting Windows Aero settings
B–8: Configuring the Windows Sidebar
Topic C: Remote Management
C–1: Requesting Remote Assistance
C–2: Participating in a Remote Assistance session
C–3: Enabling Remote Desktop
C–4: Making a Remote Desktop connection
Unit 9: Windows Maintenance
Topic A: Monitoring
A–1: Viewing real–time performance data in Resource Overview
A–2: Monitoring performance
A–3: Configuring Performance Monitor
A–4: Determining a system’s Stability Index
A–5: Monitoring applications
A–6: Ending a process
A–7: Monitoring network utilization and users
A–8: Viewing the event logs
A–9: Controlling the display of an event log
Topic B: Maintenance
B–1: Scheduling a backup
B–2: Restoring files from backup
B–3: Creating a restore point
B–4: Restoring a computer to a previous state
Topic C: Task Scheduler
C–1: Creating a basic task
C–2: Creating a task manually
Topic D: Troubleshooting
D–1: Troubleshooting Windows startup errors
D–2: Booting the computer using advanced startup options
D–3: Using the System Configuration utility
D–4: Running Windows Diagnostics
D–5: Using System File Checker
Unit 10: SOHO Networking
Topic A: Networking Basics
A–1: Selecting a connection technology
A–2: Describing Ethernet standards
A–3: Examining wireless devices
A–4: Comparing network protocols
A–5: Identifying the technology used to implement WLANs
Topic B: Installing a Wireless Network
B–1: Configuring a wireless access point (E-Learning demo)
B–2: Configuring a wireless client (E-Learning demo)
Unit 11: Network Troubleshooting
Topic A: Troubleshooting Basics
A–1: Identifying common toolkit components
Topic B: Troubleshooting the Network
B–1: Testing the physical network
B–2: Troubleshooting wireless networking
B–3: Identifying TCP/IP utilities used for troubleshooting
B–4: Using IPCONFIG to display TCP/IP settings
B–5: Testing TCP/IP connectivity
B–6: Using NSLookup and Tracert
B–7: Using port numbers
B–8: Troubleshooting client–side connectivity issues
B–9: Troubleshooting with Windows Network Diagnostics
Unit 12: Security
Topic A: Common Security Threats
A–1: Identifying common security threats
A–2: Discussing social engineering
A–3: Installing antivirus software
A–4: Scanning your system for spyware
A–5: Disabling a program
A–6: Determining whether you need to update your computer’s BIOS
Topic B: Implementing and Troubleshooting Security
B–1: Creating local user accounts
B–2: Creating a password
B–3: Requiring a new password
B–4: Disabling local user accounts
B–5: Configuring UAC
B–6: Determining effective permissions
B–7: Displaying the status of Windows Firewall
B–8: Creating firewall exceptions
B–9: Encrypting a folder
Appendix A: Binary, Octal, and Hexadecimal Numbering
Topic A: Count like a computer
A–1: Exploring the binary numbering system
A–2: Exploring the octal numbering system
A–3: Exploring the hexadecimal numbering system
Appendix B: CompTIA A+ Acronyms
Topic A: Acronym list
Appendix C: Certification Exam Objectives Map
Topic A: Comprehensive exam objectives
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