CompTIA

Pearson: 2nd Copy - Complete CompTIA A Guide to IT Hardware and Software (220-901,220-902)

(pearson-220-901-220-902-schmidt-2nd) / ISBN : 978-1-61691-820-0
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The 220-901 and 220-902 exams are a part of CompTIA's A+ certification. The CompTIA A+ course can benefit you in two ways. Whether you work or plan to work in a mobile or corporate environment where you have a high level of face-to-face customer interaction, where client communication and client training are important, or in an environment with limited customer interaction and an emphasis on hardware activities.
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1

Intro to the World of IT

  • Who Needs This Book?
  • Technician Qualities
  • Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
  • Basic Skills for This Course
  • Types of Computers
  • Basic Computer Parts
  • Mice and Keyboards
  • 1s and 0s
  • Safety Notes
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
2

Connectivity

  • Introduction to Connectivity
  • External Connectivity
  • Mouse and Keyboard Ports
  • Video Ports
  • USB Ports
  • Installing Extra USB Ports
  • Audio Ports
  • IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Ports
  • eSATA Ports
  • Network Ports
  • Modem Ports
  • Integrated Motherboard Ports
  • Getting to Know Ports
  • Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
  • Soft Skills—Use Appropriate Titles
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
3

On the Motherboard

  • On the Motherboard Overview
  • Processor Overview
  • Processor Basics
  • Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
  • Cache
  • Clocking
  • Threading Technology
  • Connecting to the Processor
  • Multi-Core Processors
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  • Virtualization
  • Intel Processors
  • CPU Sockets
  • AMD Processors
  • Processor Cooling
  • Installing a Processor
  • Upgrading Processors
  • Overclocking Processors
  • Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
  • Troubleshooting Processor Issues
  • 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
  • Labs
4

Introduction to Configuration

  • Configuration Overview
  • BIOS Overview
  • The Setup Program
  • Flash BIOS
  • UEFI/BIOS Configuration Settings
  • CMOS Memory
  • Motherboard Battery
  • Flashing the BIOS
  • Clearing CMOS
  • Other Configuration Parameters
  • IRQ
  • PCI/PCIe Interrupts
  • I/O (Input/Output) Addresses
  • Memory Addresses
  • Hardware Configuration Overview
  • Installing a USB Device
  • Installing/Configuring FireWire Cards
  • Troubleshooting Configurations
  • Soft Skills—A Good Technician Quality: One Thing at a Time
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
5

Disassembly and Power

  • Disassembly Overview
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Tools
  • Disassembly
  • Reassembly
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Basic Electronics Overview
  • Electronics: Terminology
  • Power Supply Overview
  • Power Supply Form Factors
  • Purposes of a Power Supply
  • Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
  • Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
  • Choosing a Power Supply
  • Adverse Power Conditions
  • Adverse Power Protection
  • Surge Protectors
  • Line Conditioners
  • Battery Backup
  • Phone Line Isolator
  • Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
  • Power Supply Voltages
  • Solving Power Supply Problems
  • Soft Skills—Written Communications Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
6

Memory

  • Memory Overview
  • Memory Physical Packaging
  • Planning the Memory Installation
  • Installing Memory Overview
  • Removing/Installing Memory
  • Adding More Cache/RAM
  • Windows Disk Caching
  • Monitoring Memory Usage under Windows
  • Older Applications under Windows
  • Troubleshooting Memory Problems
  • Flash Memory
  • Soft Skills—Teamwork
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
7

Storage Devices

  • Storage Devices Overview
  • Hard Drive Overview
  • Magnetic Hard Drive Geometry
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) Overview
  • Hard Drive Interfaces Overview
  • Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
  • Storage Device Configuration Overview
  • PATA Physical Installation
  • SATA Physical Installation
  • SSD Physical Installation
  • System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Hard Drives
  • Hard Drive Preparation Overview
  • Partitioning
  • How Drive Letters Are Assigned
  • High-Level Formatting
  • Windows Disk Management
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Removable Drive Storage
  • Windows Storage Spaces
  • Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
  • Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
  • Slow Performance
  • Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
  • Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
  • RAID Issues
  • SSD Issues
  • Soft Skills—Phone Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
8

Multimedia Devices

  • Multimedia Overview
  • Optical Disk Drive Overview
  • Optical Drive Features
  • Optical Drive Interfaces and Connections
  • Optical Drive Installation
  • Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
  • Preventive Maintenance for ODDs and Discs
  • Introduction to Audio
  • Theory of Sound Card Operation
  • Installing Sound Cards
  • Sound Cards Using Windows
  • Speakers
  • Troubleshooting Sound Problems
  • Scanners
  • Video Recording
  • Installing and Configuring Other Peripheral Devices
  • Soft Skills—Attitude
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
9

Video Technologies

  • Video Overview
  • Types of Video Output Devices
  • Video Terminology and Theory
  • LCD
  • Video Ports and Cables
  • Smart TV and Set Top Box Configuration
  • Multiple Displays
  • KVMs
  • Projectors
  • Display Preventive Maintenance
  • Monitor Energy Efficiency
  • Privacy
  • Video Adapters
  • Specialized Video Cards
  • Video Memory
  • Installing a Video Adapter
  • Troubleshooting Video
  • Soft Skills—Change Perspective When Troubleshooting
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
10

Printers

  • Printers Overview
  • Printer Ports
  • Categories of Printers
  • Impact Printers
  • Inkjet Printers
  • Laser Printers
  • Thermal Printers
  • 3-D 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
  • 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
  • Labs
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 System Board/Processor Replacement
  • Laptop Keyboards/Touchpad
  • Laptop Memory
  • Laptop Storage
  • Laptop Wireless Card Replacement
  • Laptop DC Jack Replacement
  • Mobile Device Sound
  • Laptop Display
  • Mobile Device Security
  • Mobile Device Travel and Storage
  • Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
  • Mobile Device App Concerns
  • Mobile Device Keyboard/Trackpad Issues
  • Mobile Device Display Issues
  • Mobile Device Power Issues
  • Mobile Device Sound Issues
  • Soft Skills—A Word about Appearance
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
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
  • Mobility Design
  • Troubleshooting Overview
  • Identify the Problem
  • Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
  • Test the Theory to Determine Cause
  • Establish a Plan of Action and Implement the Solution
  • Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventive Measures
  • Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes and Provide Feedback
  • Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
  • Soft Skills—Dealing with Irate Customers
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
13

Internet Connectivity

  • Internet Connectivity Overview
  • Modems Overview
  • Serial Communication Overview
  • How to Configure Traditional Serial Devices
  • 56Kb/s Modems
  • Fax Modems
  • Digital Modems and ISDN
  • VoIP
  • Cable Modems
  • xDSL Modems
  • Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
  • Satellite Modems
  • Modem Preventive Maintenance
  • Mobile Connectivity
  • Web Browsers
  • Basic Web Browser Issues
  • Soft Skills—Mentoring
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
14

Introduction to Networking

  • Networking Overview
  • Attaching to Different Types of Networks
  • Network Topologies
  • Network Media Overview
  • Copper Media
  • Fiber Media
  • Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
  • Ethernet Concepts
  • Ethernet over Power
  • The OSI Model
  • The TCP/IP Model
  • Network Addressing
  • IP Addressing
  • Wireless Networks Overview
  • Bluetooth
  • Wireless Network Components
  • Wireless Network Design
  • Antenna Basics
  • Wireless Network Standards
  • Wired or Wireless NIC Installation
  • NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
  • Wireless AP/Router Basic Configuration
  • WWAN Cellular Configuration
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • 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 Control Panel
  • Introduction to Shared Folders
  • Network Connectivity
  • Cloud Technologies
  • Soft Skills—Being Proactive
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
15

Basic Windows

  • Basic Operating Systems Overview
  • Basic Windows Usage Overview
  • Shortcuts and Tiles
  • Recycle Bin
  • Windows Vista/7 Desktop Components
  • Windows 8 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 Panels
  • Determining the Windows Version
  • Windows Registry
  • Editing the Windows Registry
  • Backing Up Data
  • Recovering the Windows OS
  • WinRE
  • Virtualization Basics
  • Command Prompt Overview
  • Command Prompt Basics
  • Moving Around from a Command Prompt
  • The DIR Command
  • The MD and RD Commands
  • The DEL Command
  • The TYPE Command
  • Copying Files
  • The ATTRIB Command
  • Why Learn Commands?
  • Command Format
  • Soft Skills—Staying Current
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
16

Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10

  • Windows Vista/7/8/10 Overview
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10 Versions
  • Preinstallation of Windows
  • Installation/Upgrade of Windows
  • Corporate Windows Deployment
  • Verifying the Installation
  • Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
  • Dual-Booting Windows
  • Virtualization
  • Reloading Windows
  • Windows Updates
  • Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
  • Configuring Windows Overview
  • Configuring Windows
  • Adding Devices
  • Installing/Removing Software
  • Microsoft Management Console
  • System Tools
  • 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
  • WinRE
  • Advanced Boot Options/Startup Settings Menu
  • System Configuration Utility
  • Task Manager
  • Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
  • Windows Reboots
  • Shutdown Problems
  • Monitoring System Performance
  • Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
  • Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
  • Soft Skills—Avoiding Burnout
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
17

OS X and Linux Operating Systems

  • Introduction to OS X
  • 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
  • OS X and Linux Best Practices
  • Soft Skills—Be Humble
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
18

Computer and Network Security

  • Security Overview
  • Security Policy
  • Physical Security
  • Digital Security
  • User Education
  • Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Workgroups and Domains
  • Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
  • Permissions
  • Folder Options
  • Protecting the Operating System and Data
  • Internet Security
  • Wireless Network Security Overview
  • Wireless Authentication and Encryption
  • Default Settings
  • Wireless AP Installation Checklist
  • Wireless Security Conclusion
  • Wireless Network Troubleshooting
  • Security Incident Reporting
  • A Final Word About Security
  • Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
  • Labs
19

Operational Procedures

  • Operational Procedures Overview
  • Communication Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
A

Appendix A

  • Subnetting Basics
  • Lab

1

Intro to the World of IT

  • Identifying computer components
  • Identifying computer activities
  • Identifying input and output devices
2

Connectivity

  • Identifying I/O ports of a motherboard
  • Identifying mouse and keyboard connectivity ports
  • Identifying Video Ports and Connectors
  • Identifying HDMI connector type
  • Understanding USB versions
  • Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
  • Formatting a pen drive
  • Removing a pen drive from a computer
  • Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
  • Identifying audio ports
  • Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
  • Identifying desktop PC ports
3

On the Motherboard

  • Identifying the CPU package types
  • Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
  • Identifying motherboard slots
  • Installing a processor
  • Identifying a CPU Socket
  • Installing Firewire Cards
  • Installing a PCI Sound Card
  • Identifying cache memory type
  • Identifying the motherboard form factors
4

Introduction to Configuration

  • Accessing BIOS Setup in Windows 10
  • Changing the CMOS battery
  • Disabling the COM and parallel ports
  • Clearing the CMOS settings
  • Viewing IRQs in Device Manager
  • Examining the power used by a USB device
5

Disassembly and Power

  • Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System
  • Configuring the UPS
  • Assembling Computer Components
  • Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity
  • Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
  • Identifying computer power supply connectors
  • Identifying functions of a power supply
  • Changing the system's screen saver
  • Replacing the Power Supply
6

Memory

  • Identifying Types of RAM
  • Installing Memory Modules
  • Exploring installed hardware
  • Configuring the virtual memory size
  • Viewing system properties
7

Storage Devices

  • Identifying steps for installing a storage device
  • Identifying PATA cable connectors
  • Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
  • Changing a basic disk into a dynamic disk
  • Identifying RAID level characteristics
  • Running different parameters of the chkdsk command
  • Running Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7
  • Cleaning up the hard disk drive
8

Multimedia Devices

  • Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
  • Identifying sound card ports
  • Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
  • Connecting Speakers to a Computer
  • Identifying features of scanner file formats
  • Connecting a digital camera to a computer
  • Identifying peripheral devices
9

Video Technologies

  • Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
  • Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
  • Changing the refresh rate in Windows 7
  • Changing the display settings of a laptop
  • Extending monitor displays
  • Identifying video features
  • Changing the Resolution Setting
  • Changing the color of the desktop
  • Identifying video card ports
  • Configuring system in the event of a BSOD
  • Verifying properties of keyboards, disk drives, and network adapters
10

Printers

  • Configuring two new computers: Home Entertainment and SOHO
  • Identifying the stages of the laser printing process
  • Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
  • Replacing the toner cartridge on a laser printer
  • Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
  • Installing a printer
  • Stopping and restarting the print spooler service
  • Calibrating the printing device
  • Sharing a network printer
  • Running power troubleshooter
  • Configuring printer memory
11

Mobile Devices

  • Viewing the version of an Android smartphone
  • Viewing the iOS version
  • Downloading Instagram from the App Store.
  • Downloading Instagram from the Google Play Store
  • Identifying mobile connectors
  • Understanding email protocols
  • Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
  • Establishing a Bluetooth connection
  • Turning on the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone
  • Identifying a port
  • Installing Laptop Components
  • Identifying function keys of a keyboard
  • Locking an iPhone with a Password
12

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

  • Identifying computer parts
  • Comparing desktop and laptop
  • Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
  • Troubleshooting theory
13

Internet Connectivity

  • Configuring Windows 7 to use a proxy server
  • Deleting browser history in IE
14

Introduction to Networking

  • Identifying network categories
  • Identifying network types
  • Identifying OSI layers
  • Connecting a star topology
  • Identifying network topologies
  • Identifying a network topology
  • Identifying components of a coaxial cable
  • Identifying network connectors
  • Identifying the purpose of OSI layers
  • Identifying OSI layer functions
  • Identifying TCP/IP model layers
  • Identifying TCP/IP layers
  • Adding and removing an IPv6 address
  • Describing 802.11 networking standards
  • Installing a NIC
  • Understanding network card properties
  • Configuring the TCP/IP values
  • Analyzing network paths with tracert
  • Analyzing domain names with nslookup
  • Renewing an IP address
  • Understanding the ipconfig command
15

Basic Windows

  • Encrypting a folder
  • Viewing the status of a disk
  • Auto-hiding the taskbar
  • Labeling the Start menu of Windows 8
  • Showing hidden and system-protected files
  • Identifying file extension purposes
  • Observing the Control Panel options in different views
  • Installing Windows 8
  • Enabling Hardware Virtualization
  • Working with Directories
16

Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10

  • Creating a virtual PC machine
  • Creating a backup of a local disk
  • Installing Windows 7 using VMware
  • Creating backup and restoring registry
  • Exploring installed applications
  • Creating a bootable VHD using Disk Management
  • Changing the time zone
  • Customizing user account notification settings
  • Modifying touchpad settings
  • Creating a user account and a user group
  • Setting the account with a password
  • Investigating startup processes
  • Rolling back a device driver
  • Disabling certain applications and services at startup
  • Viewing processes details in the task manager
  • Configuring Performance Monitor
  • Connecting a remote desktop
  • Connecting to a remote desktop
17

OS X and Linux Operating Systems

  • Creating and listing directories
  • Understanding Linux commands
  • Modifying the ownership of a file
  • Performing a Text Search
  • Listing Files in a Directory
  • Verifying the working directory
18

Computer and Network Security

  • Understanding the BIOS security options
  • Creating a homegroup
  • Disabling the guest account
  • Configuring password policy
  • Running different parameters of the net share command
  • Examining file permissions
  • Sharing a folder with another user
  • Configuring BitLocker for an identification field
  • Encrypting flash drive with BitLocker
  • Creating a restore point
  • Configuring Windows 7 for media streaming
  • Turning on Windows 7 firewall logs
  • Rolling back to a restore point
  • Running Microsoft Security Essentials and removing infected files
  • Turning on Windows Firewall
  • Configuring Windows Firewall with advanced security
  • Turning on system protection
  • Connecting to a wireless network
19

Operational Procedures

  • Identifying computer troubleshooting steps
  • Identifying guidelines for effective communication

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The exam contains 90 questions.

90  minutes

To pass CompTIA A+ 220-901 exam, you have to score at least 675 out of 900; and for CompTIA A+ 220-902 you require a passing score of 700 out of 900.

Pearson: 2nd Copy - Complete CompTIA A Guide to IT Hardware and Software (220-901,220-902)

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