CompTIA

CompTIA A 220-901/220-902 Cert Guide

(pearson-220-901-220-902-cert) / ISBN : 978-1-61691-680-0

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CompTIA A+ certification is globally recognized, vendor-neutral credential designed for IT professionals. The CompTIA A+ certification exam provides knowledge in the field of hardware, networking, security, troubleshooting RAM types and features, and many more. The exam covers the topics such as network connectivity, mobile device, hardware, networking, PC hardware and peripherals and provide hands-on experience of real-world scenarios.

Interactive Lessons

24+ Interactive Lessons | 335+ Quizzes | 1195+ Flashcards | 1195+ Glossary of terms

Gamified TestPrep

185+ Pre Assessment Questions | 2+ Full Length Tests | 181+ Post Assessment Questions | 361+ Practice Test Questions

Hands-On Labs

252+ LiveLab | 170+ Video tutorials | 02:36+ Hours

Video Lessons

383+ Videos | 09:27+ Hours

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Introduction

Goals and Methods
What's New?
Who Should Read This Book?
Strategies for Exam Preparation

Technician Essentials and Computer/Device Anatomy

The Essential Parts of Any Computer or Mobile Device
Hardware, Software, and Firmware
The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Theory
Technician Tools and Equipment
Important Websites
Lesson Summary

Configure and Use BIOS/UEFI Tools

BIOS/UEFI Configuration
Flash Upgrade BIOS
Using BIOS/UEFI Diagnostics
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Motherboard Components

ATX, ITX, and Smaller Sizes
Expansion Slot Types
RAM Sockets
CPU Sockets
Chipsets
CMOS Battery
Power Connectors
Fan Connectors
Front and Top Panel Connectors
Bus Speeds
Installing Motherboards
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

RAM Types and Features

Memory Upgrade Considerations
RAM Types
SO-DIMM vs DIMM
RAM Configurations
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided
RAM Compatibility
Installing Memory
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Lab
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

PC Expansion Cards

Expansion Card and Slot Overview
Installing Sound Cards
Installing Video Cards
Installing Network Cards
Installing USB Cards
Installing FireWire Cards
Installing Thunderbolt Cards
Installing Storage Cards
Installing Modem Cards
Installing Wireless/Cellular Cards
Installing TV Tuner Cards
Installing Video Capture Cards
Installing Riser Cards
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Storage Devices

Optical Drive Features and Capacities
Magnetic Hard Disk Drives
Flash Drives
Solid State Drives
Hot-Swappable Drives
RAID Types
Tape Drive
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

CPUs

Processor Characteristics
Socket Types
Cooling
CPU Installation
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs

Ports and Interfaces

Rear Panel Port Clusters
USB
FireWire (IEEE 1394)
SATA and eSATA
Thunderbolt
Video
Audio
PS/2
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs

Designing and Building Custom PC Configurations

Custom PC Configurations
Evaluating Onboard Components
Installing Power Supplies
Installing and Configuring Input, Output, and I/O Devices
Display Types
Video Display Settings and Features
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs

Using, Maintaining, and Installing Printers and Multifunction Devices

Laser Printers
Inkjet Printers
Thermal Printers
Impact Printers
Virtual Printers
Installing Your Printer or Multifunction Device
Configuring Your Printer or Multifunction Device
Device Sharing Options
Wireless Device Sharing Options
Cloud and Remote Printing
Configuring Your Operating System to Share a Printer or Device
Maintaining Data Privacy
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs

Networking

Network Cable and Connector Types and Characteristics
TCP/IP
TCP and UDP Ports, Protocols, and Purposes
WiFi (Wi-Fi) Network and Encryption Standards
Configure SOHO Wired or Wireless Router
Internet Connection Types
Network Types
Network Architecture Devices
Using Networking Tools
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs

Mobile Devices

Install and Configure Laptop Hardware and Components
Replace Laptop Components
Laptop Display Components
Using Laptop Features
Characteristics of Other Mobile Devices
Accessories and Ports Used by Other Mobile Devices
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Windows Operating Systems Features and Installation

Differences Between Windows Versions
Boot Methods
Installation Types
Partitioning Methods
Windows File Systems
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
Configuring Windows During/After Installation
Using the Factory Recovery Partition
Refresh and Reset (Windows 8/8.1/10)
Characteristics of a Properly Formatted Boot Drive
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Lab
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Managing Microsoft Windows

Command-Line Tools
Microsoft Administrative Tools
Task Manager
MSCONFIG
Disk Management
Storage Spaces
Windows Upgrade Tools
System Utilities
Control Panel Utilities
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Networking Microsoft Windows

Homegroup vs. Workgroup
Domain Setup
Network Shares
Administrative Shares
Printer Sharing versus Network Printer Mapping
Establish Networking Connections
Proxy Settings
Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Assistance
Home vs. Work vs. Public Network Settings
Firewall Settings
Configuring an Alternative IP Address in Windows
Network Card Properties
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Lab
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Operational Procedures

Using Appropriate Safety Procedures
Applying Environmental Controls
Addressing Prohibited Content or Activity
Licensing/DRM/EULA
Personally Identifiable Information
Following Corporate End-User Policies and Security Best Practices
Communication Methods and Professionalism
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

OS X and Linux

Best Practices
Tools
Features
Basic Linux Commands
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Lab
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Lab

Mobile Operating Systems and Devices

Android vs iOS vs Windows Features
Mobile Device Connectivity
Email Configuration
PRI Updates/PRL Updates/Baseband Updates
Radio Firmware
IMEI vs IMSI
VPN
Data Synchronization
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Security

Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
Common Prevention Methods
Windows Basic Security Settings
Best Security Practices for Workstations
Securing Mobile Devices
Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
SOHO Network Security
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Labs
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs

Troubleshooting Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems

Troubleshooting Common Symptoms
Tools for Troubleshooting Software
Troubleshoot Mobile OS and Application Issues
Mobile Devices and Application Security Issues
Troubleshooting PC Security Issues
Lesson Summary
Review All the Key Topics
Complete Hands-On Lab
Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Lab

Appendix A: CompTIA A+ Objectives

220-901 Domain 1.0 Hardware
220-901 Domain 2.0 Networking
220-901 Domain 3.0 Mobile Devices
220-901 Domain 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
220-902 Domain 1.0 Windows Operating Systems
220-902 Domain 2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies
220-902 Domain 3.0 Security
220-902 Domain 4.0 Software Troubleshooting
220-902 Domain 5.0 Operational Procedures

Technician Essentials and Computer/Device Anatomy

Identifying smartphone features
Identifying features of a laptop and tablet
Replacing the Battery of a Smartphone and Inserting a Memory Card
Identifying computer parts
Identifying categories of computer components
Identifying computer troubleshooting steps
Identifying network cabling tools

Configure and Use BIOS/UEFI Tools

Accessing the BIOS Setup Program
Enabling Hardware Virtualization
Understanding the BIOS security options
Setting up a boot device priority
Examining the hard drive

Motherboard Components

Identifying computer components
Installing Motherboard Components
Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
Identifying motherboard slots
Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
Identifying a CPU Socket
Installing a PCI Sound Card
Removing a damaged network card
Identifying components of a motherboard chipset

RAM Types and Features

Identifying Types of RAM
Identifying RAM configuration
Installing Memory Modules

PC Expansion Cards

Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
Installing Firewire Cards
Changing the CMOS battery
Clearing the CMOS settings
Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
Configuring sound card with Windows
Inserting components of a computer
Adding hardware to a Windows PC

Storage Devices

Identifying blu-ray types
Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
Inserting a CD on a Laptop
Enabling external USB ports
Removing a Pen Drive from a Computer
Identifying RAID level characteristics
Identifying RAID BIOS configuration settings

CPUs

Identifying the CPU package types
Identifying processor socket
Identifying processor families
Identifying computer cooling systems
Installing a processor
Understanding CPU removal procedure

Ports and Interfaces

Identifying Video Ports and Connectors
Identifying additional ports and connectors
Identifying video card ports
Identifying desktop PC ports
Identifying I/O ports of a motherboard
Identifying input and output devices
Troubleshooting a USB printer
Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
Understanding USB versions
Connecting a keyboard and mouse to a computer
Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
Comparing desktop and laptop components
Identifying printer connectors
Identifying adapters
Identifying DisplayPort versions
Modifying touchpad settings
Connecting a computer to monitor
Identifying sound card ports
Identifying PS/2 port
Identifying sound ports
Connecting a headset to a computer

Designing and Building Custom PC Configurations

Configuring Windows 7 for media streaming
Replacing the Power Supply
Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
Identifying computer power supply connectors
Assembling Computer Components
Connecting Speakers to a Computer
Connecting a digital camera to a computer
Adding hardware to a Windows PC
Preparing for a video conference on Skype
Disabling a touchpad
Identifying video features

Using, Maintaining, and Installing Printers and Multifunction Devices

Understanding the electrophotographic print process
Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
Identifying the steps for using an inkjet cleaning solution
Configuring printer memory
Calibrating the printing device
Installing a printer

Networking

Identifying network connectors
Identifying types of a cable
Identifying components of a coaxial cable
Connecting a workstation to the LAN and configuring IPv4 properties
Identifying IP address class values
Describing 802.11 networking standards
Describing 802.11 modulation techniques
Configuring Internet settings on a router
Understanding QoS levels
Configuring the TCP/IP values
Connecting to a wireless network
Connecting a router to the laptop
Connecting Systems to the Internet Through a Firewall Router
Connecting the Cable Modem to Access Internet
Identifying network types
Identifying key steps to plan a network
Connecting a new workstation to the Internet

Mobile Devices

Installing Laptop Components
Identifying a port
Identifying mobile power/sync cables

Windows Operating Systems Features and Installation

Exploring installed hardware
Viewing system properties
Labeling the Start menu of Windows 8
Pinning a program to the Taskbar
Running Windows Program Compatibility troubleshooter
Formatting a pen drive
Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
Viewing free disk space and file system type
Downloading the Windows 7 service pack
Setting automatic Windows update

Managing Microsoft Windows

Running different parameters of the chkdsk command
Listing files and folders
Viewing the status of a disk
Creating and listing directories
Viewing the Generic USB Hub properties
Verifying properties of keyboards, disk drives, and network adapters
Investigating startup processes
Changing the startup type of a service utility to automatic
Viewing processes details in the task manager
Configuring Performance Monitor
Disabling certain applications and services at startup
Rolling back a device driver
Creating a bootable VHD using Disk Management
Starting the print spooler service
Identifying device manager error codes
Ending the functioning of a non-responsive application
Disabling applications and services at startup
Creating a new volume
Mounting a drive to a folder
Changing a basic disk into a dynamic disk
Identifying sound card driver version
Connecting a remote desktop
Changing the visibility of a folder
Rolling back to a restore point
Viewing sound card driver version
Creating a restore point
Turning on system protection
Hiding a folder
Creating, renaming, and deleting a file
Listing the computer's drive letters
Understanding elements of a notepad window
Configuring the virtual memory size
Changing the system's screen saver
Changing the refresh rate in Windows 7
Observing the Control Panel options in different views
Viewing the paging file information
Auto-hiding the taskbar
Showing hidden and system-protected files
Recording the system failure event
Using Windows troubleshooter tools
Viewing security center service properties
Configuring settings to allow pop-ups
Configuring notification settings
Customizing notification area icons
Running power troubleshooter
Customizing user account notification settings
Exploring installed applications
Changing the time zone
Changing the color of the desktop

Networking Microsoft Windows

Creating a homegroup
Sharing a folder with another user
Joining a homegroup
Creating a remote access VPN connection
Configuring Windows 7 to use a proxy server
Changing the network settings
Turning on Windows Firewall
Configuring Windows Firewall with advanced security
Identifying types of firewall
Configuring an alternative IP address
Understanding QoS
Understanding network card properties

Operational Procedures

Identifying grounded equipment parts
Preparing a system for upgrade
Understanding personal safety while moving equipment
Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System
Configuring the UPS
Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity
Identifying guidelines for effective communication

OS X and Linux

Identifying tools used in Mac OS and Linux
Understanding Linux commands
Verifying the working directory
Working with Directories
Performing a Text Search
Obtaining file listings
Changing the file access and modification time
Switching to another user
Modifying the ownership of a file
Listing Files in a Directory
Working with local Ethernet connection

Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and Network Services

Creating a virtual PC machine
Installing Windows 7 using VMware
Installing Windows 8
Identifying cloud type
Using Google's cloud services
Understanding email protocols

Mobile Operating Systems and Devices

Downloading Instagram from the Google Play Store
Activating Google Now
Viewing the version of an Android smartphone
Viewing the iOS version
Downloading Instagram from the App Store.
Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
Turning on the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone
Setting Up a VPN in Android
Configuring an Email in Android

Security

Identifying security threat
Describing types of viruses
Running Microsoft Security Essentials and removing infected files
Examining file permissions
Encrypting a folder
Configuring BitLocker for an identification field
Disabling the guest account
Encrypting flash drive with BitLocker
Setting the account with a password
Creating a user account and a user group
Configuring password policies
Enabling auditing of files, folders, and printers
Configuring success and failure audit events
Securing a system from an unauthorized login
Locking an iPhone with a Password

Troubleshooting Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems

Extending monitor displays
Performing disk cleanup
Cleaning up the hard disk drive
Changing the display settings of a laptop
Configuring system in the event of a BSOD
Identifying file extension purposes
Describing boot files
Creating backup and restoring registry
Creating a backup of a local disk
Connecting an iPhone to the Wi-Fi network
Disabling cellular data on an iPhone
Establishing a Bluetooth connection

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CompTIA recommends the following:

9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field

USD 211 per exam.

The exam fees are subject to change.

Pearson VUE

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

The exam contains 90 questions.

90 minutes

220-901: 675
220-902: 700

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 220-901,220-902