CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide

Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 PC Technician Essentials
	PC Tools
	Preventing Electrostatic Discharge
	The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process
	Numbering Systems Used in Computers
		Decimal Numbering System
		Binary Numbering System
		Hexadecimal Numbering System
	Measuring Data Transfer and Frequency
		Bandwidth
		Hertz (Hz)
	Important Websites
Chapter 2 PC Anatomy 101
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	The Essential Parts of Any Computer
		Front and Rear Views of a Desktop PC
		All Around a Notebook (Laptop) Computer
		Quick Reference to PC Components
	Points of Failure
		Points of Failure on a Desktop Computer
		Points of Failure on a Notebook Computer
	Hardware, Software, and Firmware
		Hardware
		Software
		Firmware
		Why Hardware, Software, and Firmware Are Important to Understand
	Working Inside Your PC
		Opening the Case of a Desktop PC
		Taking ESD Precautions
		Connecting Internal and External Data Cables
		Installing a PCI Card
	Hardware Resources
		IRQs
		I/O Port Addresses
		DMA (Direct Memory Access) Channels
		Memory Addresses
		Viewing Hardware Resources in Use
Chapter 3 Motherboards, Processors, and Adapter Cards
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Motherboards and Their Components
		The System Bus and I/O Bus
		Form Factors
		Integrated I/O Ports
		Memory Slots
		Expansion Slots
		Mass Storage Interfaces
		Choosing the Best Motherboard for the Job
		Installing Motherboards
		Troubleshooting Motherboards
	Processors and CPUs
		Overview of Processor Differences
		Intel Processors
		AMD Processors
		Processor Sockets and Packaging
		CPU Technologies
		Choosing the Best Processor for the Job
		Installing Processors
		Troubleshooting Processors
	Installing Adapter Cards
		General Installation
		Display Adapters
		Sound Cards
		Video Capture Cards
		Troubleshooting Adapter Cards
Chapter 4 BIOS
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and Firmware
	Configuring the System BIOS
		Accessing the BIOS Setup Program
		BIOS Settings Overview
		Main Menu
		Standard Features/Settings
		Advanced BIOS Settings/Features
		Integrated Peripherals
		Power Management
		PnP/PCI Configurations
		Hardware Monitor
		Processor and Memory Configuration
		Security Features
		Exiting the BIOS and Saving/Discarding Changes
	Power-On Self-Test and Error Reporting
		Beep Codes
		POST Error Messages
		POST Hex Codes
	BIOS Updates
		Flash BIOS Update
		BIOS Chip Replacement
Chapter 5 Power Supplies and System Cooling
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Power Supplies
		Power Supply Ratings
		Multivoltage Power Supplies
		Causes and Cures of Power Supply Overheating
		Replacing Power Supply Form Factors and Connectors
		Removing and Replacing the Power Supply
		Testing Power Supplies with a Multimeter
		Determining Power Supply DC Voltage Levels
		Avoiding Power Supply Hazards
	Power Protection Types
		Surge Suppressors
		Battery Backup Units (UPS and SPS)
		Buying the Correct-Sized Battery Backup System
		Power Conditioning Devices
	Troubleshooting Power Problems
	System Cooling
		Passive and Active Heat Sinks
		North/Southbridge Cooling
Chapter 6 RAM
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	RAM Basics
	RAM Types
		DRAM
		SRAM
		SDRAM
		DDR SDRAM
		DDR2 SDRAM
		Rambus
	Operational Characteristics
		Comparison of Memory Modules
		Memory Module Width
		Parity and Non-Parity Memory
		ECC and Non-ECC Memory
		Registered and Unbuffered Memory
		Single-Sided and Double-Sided Memory
	Installing Memory Modules
		Installing DIMMs and Rambus RDRAM Modules
	Troubleshooting Memory
		Verifying RAM Compatibility
		Overclocking Can Lead to System Instability
		Avoid Mixing Metals in RAM and Sockets
		Use Caution When Mismatching RAM Speeds
		EDO Compatibility with Other RAM Types
		"Parity Error - System Halted" Message
		RAM-Sizing Errors at Bootup
		Determining Whether Cache RAM Is the Source of a Memory Problem
		Other Methods for RAM Testing
	Preventative Maintenance for Memory
Chapter 7 I/O and Multimedia Ports and Devices
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Understanding I/O Ports
		USB
		SCSI
		Serial (COM)
		Parallel (LPT)
		IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
		PS/2 (Mini-DIN)
		Centronics
		1/8-inch Audio Mini-Jack
		SPDIF Digital Audio
		MIDI Port
		RG-6 Coaxial
	Understanding Input Devices
		Keyboard
		Mouse and Pointing Devices
		Bar Code Reader
		Biometric Devices
		Touch Screens
	Understanding Multimedia Devices
		Webcam
		Digital Camera
		MIDI Music and MIDI Ports
		Sound Card
		Microphone
		Video Capture Card
	Installing Input and Multimedia Devices
		Installing a Keyboard
		Installing a Mouse or Other Pointing Device
		Installing a Bar Code Reader
		Installing a Webcam
		Installing a Digital Camera
		Installing a MIDI Port
		Installing a Microphone
		Installing a Biometric Device
		Installing a Touch Screen
		Installing a Sound Card
		Installing a Video Capture Card
	Troubleshooting Input and Multimedia Devices
		Troubleshooting Keyboards
		Troubleshooting Mice and Pointing Devices
		Troubleshooting Touch Screen
		Troubleshooting Sound Card
		Troubleshooting SCSI Devices
	Troubleshooting I/O Ports
		Troubleshooting USB Ports and Devices
		Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 Ports and Devices
		Troubleshooting Parallel (LPT) Ports and Devices
		Troubleshooting Serial Ports and Devices
	Maintaining Input Devices
		Maintaining Mice and Pointing Devices
		Maintaining Keyboards
Chapter 8 Video Displays and Graphics Cards
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Video (Graphics) Card Types
		Video Card Cooling
	Installing a Video Card
		BIOS Configuration
		Video Card Physical and Driver Installation
	Display Types
		CRT Monitor
		LCD Monitor
		Data Projector
	Video Connector Types
		VGA
		DVI
		HDMI
		Component/RGB
		S-Video
		Composite
	Display Settings
		Resolution
		Color Quality (Color Depth)
		Refresh Rates
	Installing a Monitor
	Troubleshooting Displays and Video Cards
		Troubleshooting Picture Quality Problems with OSD
		Using Advanced Display Properties for Troubleshooting
		Troubleshooting Video Hardware
	Preventative Maintenance for Displays
Chapter 9 Laptops and Portable Devices
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Fundamental Features of Laptops and Portable Devices
		Memory
		Storage Devices
		Peripherals
		Expansion Slots
		Communications Connections
		LCD Screen Technologies
		Input Devices
		Power Management Issues
		Power Sources
	Configuring Power Management
		ACPI
		Suspend, Standby, and Hibernate Modes
	Applications for Portable and Laptop Hardware
		Using Communications Connections
		Working with Power Sources
		Working with Display Subsystem Components
		Safe Removal of PC Cards
		Safe Removal of ExpressCards
	Safe Removal of Laptop-Specific Hardware
		Safe Removal of Batteries
		Safe Removal and Installation of Mini-PCI Cards
		Safe Removal and Installation of Hard Disk Drives
		Safe Removal of Optical Drives
		Safe Removal and Installation of Memory
		Safe Removal of LCD Panels
		Safe Removal and Replacement of Pointing Devices
	Portable and Laptop Diagnostics
		Power Troubleshooting
		Display Troubleshooting
		Other Components
	Preventative Maintenance for Laptops and Portable Devices
		Cooling Devices
		Display Screens
		Suitable Operating Environments
		Storage Methods
		Transportation and Shipping
Chapter 10 Security
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Security Fundamentals
		Secure and Insecure File Systems
		Authentication Technologies
		Protection Against Viruses and Malware
		Software Firewalls
		Hardware Recycling and Deconstruction
	Securing Wireless Networks
		WEP and WPA Encryption
		Access Point Configuration for Maximum Security
	Data and Physical Security
		Data Access Local Security Policy
		Encryption Technologies
		Backups
		Data Migration
		Data and Data Remnant Removal
		Password Management
		Locking a Workstation
		Incident Reporting
		Social Engineering
	Access Control Purposes and Principles
		Operating System Access Control
		Components
		Restricted Spaces
		Auditing and Event Logging
	Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Security Features
		BIOS Security Features
		Software Firewalls
		Wireless Client Configuration
		Unused Wireless Connections
		File Systems (Converting From FAT32 To NTFS)
		Malicious Software Protection
Chapter 11 Printers
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Printing Fundamentals
		Laser and LED Printers
		Inkjet Printers
		Thermal Printers
		Impact Printers
	Printer and Scanner Control
		Drivers
		Firmware
	Print Processes
		Laser Print Process
		Inkjet Print Process
		Thermal Print Processes
		Impact Print Process
	Interface Types
		Adding Bluetooth Support
		Adding Ethernet Support
		Adding 802.11Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Support
		Adding Infrared Support
	Printer Installation
		Connecting the Device
		Verifying Device Compatibility with Operating System and Applications
		Installing Device Drivers
		Calibrating the Device
		Configuring Options and Device Settings
		Educating the User About Basic Functionality
	Optimizing Printer Performance
		Tray Switching
		Print Spooler Settings
		New XPS Feature in Windows Vista
		Device Calibration
		Media Types
		Paper Orientation
		Print Order
	Installing and Configuring Printer Upgrades
		Memory
		Firmware
	Printer Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques
		Identify the Problem
		Establishing a Theory of Probable Cause
		Testing the Theory to Determine Cause
		Establishing a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
		Verifying Full System Functionality and Implementing Preventative Measures (if Applicable)
		Documenting Findings, Actions, and Results
		Troubleshooting Print Failures
		Performing Preventative Maintenance
		Recommended Tools
Chapter 12 Storage Devices
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Floppy Disk Drives
		Floppy Disk Types
		Floppy Disk Drive Hardware Configuration
		Floppy Disk Drive Physical Installation and Removal
		Floppy Drive BIOS Configuration
		Maintaining Floppy Disks, Data, and Drives
	Hard Disk Drives
		PATA and SATA Data and Power Cables
		PATA Drive Jumpering and Cable Select
		ATA Specifications
		ATA/IDE Drive Physical Installation
		SATA Hard Drive Physical Installation
		PATA BIOS Configuration
		SATA BIOS Configuration
		Creating an ATA or SATA RAID Array
		ATA/IDE Performance Optimization
	CD and DVD Optical Drives
		CD and DVD Drive Interfaces
		Physical Installation of Optical Drives
		Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows XP
		Recording CDs and DVDs in Windows Vista
		IDE/ATAPI Optical Drive Installation Issues
	Removable Storage
	Tape Drives
	Flash Memory and Card Readers
		Flash Card Reader
		Installing and Using a Flash Card Reader
		Hot-Swapping Flash Memory Cards
	USB Flash Memory Drives
		Hot-Swapping USB Flash Memory Drives
	External Hard Disks
		Hot-Swapping USB or IEEE-1394–Based External Hard Disks
	Troubleshooting Storage
		Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives
		Troubleshooting PATA (ATA/IDE) Drives
		Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD Drives
		Troubleshooting Removable-Media, External, and Tape Drives
Chapter 13 Using and Managing Windows
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Differences in Windows Versions
		GUI
		System Requirements
		Application Compatibility
	Primary Windows Components
		Registry
	Windows Interfaces
		Windows Explorer
		My Computer
		Control Panel
		Command Prompt
		Network
		My Network Places
		TaskBar/Systray
		Start Menu
		Indexing
	Essential Operating System Files
		Windows Vista Boot Sequence
		Windows XP Boot Sequence
		Registry Data Files
		hiberfil.sys
	Disk Partition, File and Folder Management
		Disk Partitions
		Using Disk Management
		Mount Points and Mounting a Drive
		Windows File Systems
		Working with Folders/Directories
		File Management
		Setting and Displaying File and Folder Attributes in Windows Explorer
		DEFRAG
		NTBackup
		CHKDSK.EXE
		Format
		Windows Explorer Command-Line Options
	Command-Line Functions
		Starting a Command-Prompt Session with CMD.EXE
		Internal Commands Overview
		HELP
		DIR
		EDIT
		COPY
		XCOPY
		FORMAT.EXE
		IPCONFIG
		PING
		MD/CD/RD
	System Management Tools
		Device Manager
		Computer Management and the MMC
		Task Manager
		MSCONFIG.EXE
		REGEDIT.EXE
		Event Viewer
		System Restore
		Remote Desktop
	Optimizing Windows
		Virtual Memory, Performance Monitor, and System Monitor
		Hard Disk
		Temporary Files
		Services
		Startup
		Applications
Chapter 14 Installing and Upgrading Windows Operating Systems
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Installing Operating Systems
		Verifying Hardware Compatibility and Minimum Requirements
		Windows Vista Editions
		Installation Methods
		Installation Method Options
		Preparing the Hard Disk for Installation
		Providing Device Drivers During Installation
		Verifying Installation
	Upgrading Operating Systems
		Preparations to Make Before Upgrading to a Newer Version of Windows
		Upgrading to Windows Vista from XP or 2000
		Upgrading to Windows XP from 2000
		Troubleshooting the Windows Vista or Windows XP Upgrade
Chapter 15 Troubleshooting and Maintaining Windows
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Troubleshooting Windows
		Recovering an Operating System
		Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Other Problems
		Common Problems
		Common Error Messages and Codes
		Solving Disk Problems
		Using Diagnostic Utilities and Tools
	Maintaining Windows
		Installing Service Packs and Hotfixes
		Using Windows Update and Microsoft Update
		Performing Scheduled Backup and Restore
		Image Backups
Chapter 16 Networking
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Network Models
		Client/Server
		Peer-to-Peer
	Internet Connectivity Technologies
		Modems and Dial-Up Internet Connectivity
		ISDN Internet Connectivity
		Broadband Internet Services (DSL, Cable, Satellite)
		LANs and Internet Connectivity
	Network Protocols
		TCP/IP
	NetBEUI/NetBIOS
	TCP/IP Applications and Technologies
		ISP
		HTTP/HTTPS
		SSL
		TLS
		HTML
		FTP
		Telnet
		SSH
		DNS
		Email
		Ports
	Network Topologies
	Network Types
		Wired Ethernet Types
		Wireless Ethernet
		Bluetooth
		Infrared
		Cellular
		VoIP
	Cable and Connector Types
		UTP and STP Cabling
		FiberOptic
		Coaxial
		Plenum and PVC
		Connector Types
	Installing Network Interface Cards
		PCI and PCI Express
		USB
		PC Card/CardBus
	Configuring Network Interface Cards
		Hardware Resources
		Media Type
		Full/Half-Duplex
		Wireless Ethernet (WLAN) Configuration
	Switches and Hubs
	Beyond LANs—Repeaters, Bridges, and Routers
	Networking Configuration
		Installing Network Protocols in Windows
		TCP/IPv4 Configuration
		NetBEUI Configuration
	Setting Up Shared Resources
		Installing File and Printer Sharing
		Shared Folders and Drives
		Shared Printers
	Administrative Shares
	Setting Up the Network Client
		Installing Network Client Software
		Installing a Network Printer
	Using Shared Resources
		The Universal Naming Convention (UNC)
		Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs)
		Mapped Drives
	Browser Installation and Configuration
		Setting Up Your Browser to Use Your Internet Connection
		Enabling/Disabling Script Settings
		Configuring Browser Security Settings
	Using Network Command-Line Tools
		Using the Net Command
		Using Ping
		Using Tracert
		Using NSLookup
		Using Ipconfig
	Network and Internet Troubleshooting
		Can't Access Network Resources
		Significant Drops in Network Performance
		Unattended PC Drops Its Network Connection
		All Users Lose Network Connection
		Users Can Access Some Shared Resources But Not Others
		Can't Print to a Network Printer
		Ping and Tracert Work, But User Can't Display Web Pages with Browser
Chapter 17 Safety and Environmental Issues
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Recycling and Disposal Issues
		Disposing of Batteries
		Recycling Toner and Printer Cartridges
		Disposing of Chemical Solvents and Cans
		Disposing of Obsolete Monitors and Computer Hardware
	Using an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
	Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
		Preventing ESD
		Power Diagnostics, ESD and Safety
		Correct Storage for Equipment
		Additional ESD Precautions
	Hazards
		High Voltage Hazards
		Mechanical Hazards
		Tripping Hazards
		Liquid Hazards
		Situational Hazards
		Atmospheric Hazards
		Heavy Equipment Hazards
	Environmental and Accident Incident Handling
Chapter 18 Troubleshooting and Communications Methods and Professional Behavior
	"Do I Know This Already?" Quiz
	Troubleshooting Methods Overview
		The Client Interview
		Tips for Conducting the Client Interview
		How to Evaluate the Client's Environment
	Determining Whether a Problem Is Caused by Hardware or Software
		What Components to Check First
		Points of Failure on the Outside of the Computer
		"Known-Working" Doesn't Mean "New"—Best Sources for Replacement Parts
		Keeping Track of Your Solutions
	Where to Go for More Information
	Useful Hardware and Software Tools
		Hardware Diagnostics
		Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
	Professional Behavior
		How to Talk to Customers
		How to Treat Customers' Property
Appendix A: Answers to the "Do I Know This Already?" Quizzes and Troubleshooting Scenarios
Index
	A
	B
	C
	D
	E
	F
	G
	H
	I
	J-K
	L
	M
	N
	O
	P
	Q-R
	S
	T
	U
	V
	W
	X-Y-Z
APPENDIX B: Memory Tables
APPENDIX C: Memory Tables Answer Key
Glossary
	A
	B
	C
	D
	E
	F
	H
	I
	L
	M
	N
	P
	R
	S
	T
	U
	V
	W
	Z