CompTIA

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

(pearson-220-1001-220-1002-schmidt-complete) / ISBN : 978-1-64459-082-9
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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.

Download Course Outline

1

Introduction

  • What's New in the Eighth Edition?
  • Organization of the Text
  • Features of This Course
  • CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives
2

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
3

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
4

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
5

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
6

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
7

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
8

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
9

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
10

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
11

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
12

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
13

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
14

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
15

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
16

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
17

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
18

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
19

Computer and Network Security

  • Security Overview
  • Security Policy
  • Physical Security
  • Logical Security
  • End-User Education
  • Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
  • Permissions
  • Folder Options
  • Protecting the Operating System and Data
  • Internet Security
  • Parental Controls
  • NAT/PAT
  • VPN Configuration
  • Remote Access to Network Devices
  • Internet Appliances
  • Wireless Network Security Overview
  • Security Incident Reporting
  • A Final Word About Security
  • Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
20

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
A

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics

  • Exercises

1

Introduction to the World of IT

  • Adding a Keyboard Layout
  • Configuring Mouse Settings
2

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)
3

Introduction to Configuration

  • Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
  • Changing the Resolution Setting
4

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
5

Memory

  • Installing Memory Modules
  • Verifying RAM Usage
6

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
7

Multimedia Devices

  • Inserting a CD on a Laptop
  • Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
  • Connecting Speakers to a Computer
8

Printers

  • Installing a Printer
  • Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
  • Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
9

Mobile Devices

  • Removing an Account in 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
10

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Connecting the Cable Modem to Access Internet
  • Installing Ubuntu
  • Installing Windows 10
  • Using OneDrive
  • Configuring OneDrive
11

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
12

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 Cortana
  • 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
13

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
14

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
15

Computer and Network Security

  • Using Windows Security
  • Reviewing the Top 10 OWASP Attacks
  • Conducting a DoS Attack using Smurf Attack
  • Performing a MITM Attack
  • Conducting IP Spoofing
  • Identifying Virus Threats
  • Configuring an Audit Group Policy
  • Configuring an Account Password Policy
  • Managing NTFS Permissions
  • Stopping Permissions Inheritance
  • Propagating Permissions
  • Removing a Credential
  • Backing up Files
  • Restoring Files
  • Configuring Windows Defender Firewall
  • Performing Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Configuring VLANs
  • Configuring a Router
  • Configuring Port Security on an Access Port
  • Examining an Intrusion Detection Policy
  • Configuring SSH in a Router
16

Operational Procedures

  • Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System

Why Do Learners Love This Course?

This course includes a variety of learning materials including a pre-assessment exam, chapter lessons, performance-based activities, several large-bank practice tests, chapter glossaries, and a post-assessment exam. Uniquely, the course is capped off with an innovative 3D avatar \"game\" experience where learners assume the role of a technician\/avatar in order to move about a virtual reality space to perform various technical tasks. This is a clever way to simulate the real-world to say the least.

Nicholas Lane
Nicholas Lane
Cybersecurity Author

I went through the uCertify CompTIA A+ 220-1001-220-1002 course for a few days and I loved it. It is such an excellent course! The course explains the core concepts in A+ and makes it easier to understand with the supplied interactive quiz sessions. It also has test preparations that are designed to help master the course as well as prepare you appropriately for the exams.

Kabo JiggaJozi Kgomo
Kabo JiggaJozi Kgomo
IT Support Technician

uCertify CompTIA A+ course is a solid course in both content and features of the learning management system. As to the content, it covers all the A+ exam objectives and is well written and approachable. I must say I’m fully impressed with how the uCertify course and platform has been designed to fully met the student’s expectation. I attempted all the question and received an uCertify certificate.

Vullnet Idrizi
Vullnet Idrizi
Student

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. If a candidate has passed an exam, he/she cannot take it again without prior consent from CompTIA.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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

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