Preparing for the CompTIA A+^® Certification Exam: Hands-On

A+ Exam Overview and Strategies

• Purpose and benefits
• Basic exam structure

Identifying and Installing Personal Computer Components

Microprocessors

• Intel
• Pentium
• Core 2 Duo
• AMD
• Athlon
• Clock circuits
• Cache memory
• 32 bit vs. 64 bit

Identifying motherboard components

• CPU and Chipset
• CMOS RAM
• BIOS Flash EEPROM
• Memory slots: DIMM, RIMM
• Integrated I/O connectors

The power supply and display

• Testing power supplies
• Display types: CRT, LCD
• Display adapter cards: PCI, AGP, PCIe

Installing and expanding memory

• RAM device types: SDRAM, DDR/DDR2/DDR3, RAMBUS
• Packaging formats: DIMM, RIMM, SoDIMM, Micro-DIMM
• Error checking: parity, nonparity, ECC

PC communication devices

• Parallel: EPP, ECP
• Serial interfaces
• USB 2.0
• Network interface cards
• IEEE 1394/Firewire

Data storage systems

• Hard drive types: EIDE, PATA, SATA, eSATA, SCSI
• Partitioning and formatting hard discs
• Optical storage devices

Troubleshooting strategies for PCs

• Initial troubleshooting steps
• Diagnostic tools
• Power-On Self Test (POST)
• CMOS setup configuration

Maintaining Portable Computers

Identifying components

• RAM
• Hard drives
• Input devices
• NICs and Mini-PCI
• Batteries and power considerations

Troubleshooting portable PCs

• Cleaning
• Heat
• Protecting from physical damage
• Diagnosing common portable problems

Supporting Printers and Scanners

Installing and configuring printers and scanners

• Dot matrix
• Inkjet
• Laser
• Laser printer and scanner components

Troubleshooting printer and scanner problems

• Printer self test
• External cables
• Printer/scanner interface

Managing Windows Operating Systems

Windows architecture

• Main system files: BOOT.INI, NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM
• File systems: FAT, NTFS
• Windows registry

Installing and upgrading Windows

• Comparing Windows OS features: 2000, XP 32/64 bit, Vista 32/64 bit, Windows 7 32/64 bit
• Identifying valid upgrade paths
• Installing service packs and device drivers

Managing, optimising and troubleshooting

• Administering Windows with Event Viewer and Task Manager
• Optimising virtual memory and hard disc performance
• Troubleshooting Windows startup and hardware problems

Fundamentals of Networking

Network cabling and protocols

• UTP (CAT5, 5e, CAT6), STP, Fibre
• TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, NETBEUI/NETBIOS

Wireless networking

• IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n
• Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2

Internet connection technologies

• LAN/WAN, ISDN, DSL, Cable, Satellite
• IP addressing

Troubleshooting network and Internet problems

• TCP/IP settings: Gateway, subnet mask, DNS
• PING, TRACERT, NETSTAT, IPCONFIG

Computer Security Best Practices

Ensuring physical security

• Preventing unauthorised access
• Hardware authentication devices

Detecting and fighting malware

• Authentication technologies
• Firewalls
• Windows User Account Control (UAC)

Ensuring Safety in the Workplace

Safe operating environments

• Protecting against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• Environmental guidelines
• Hardware disposal procedures

Communication and Professionalism

• Speaking with clear and concise statements
• Employing active listening skills
• Applying effective customer service practices