CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 Cert Guide

Introduction --
Technician Essentials And PC Anatomy: --
Essential parts of any computer --
Front and rear views of a desktop PC --
All around a notebook (laptop) computer --
Quick reference to PC components --
Hardware, software, and firmware --
Hardware --
Software --
Firmware --
Why hardware, software, and firmware are important to understand --
Points of failure --
Points of failure on a desktop computer --
Points of failure on a notebook computer --
CompTIA six-step troubleshooting process --
PC tools --
Basic tools for assembly/disassembly of computers --
ESD protection --
System and electrical testing tools --
Network installation and configuration tools --
Printer maintenance tools --
Important websites --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 1-1: Determine the external equipment available on a desktop or laptop computer --
Lab 1-2: Determine the tool(s) to use for performing specified service on a PC --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab1-1: Determine the external equipment available on a desktop or laptop computer --
Lab 1-2: Determine the tool(s) to use for performing specified service on a PC --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Motherboards And Processors: --
Motherboards and their components --
Form factors --
Integrated I/O ports --
Memory slots --
Expansion slots --
Chipset components --
Jumpers and jumper blocks --
Fan connectors --
Audio connectors --
Front-panel connectors --
Installing motherboards --
Step-by-step motherboard removal --
Preparing the motherboard for installation --
Step-by-step motherboard installation --
Troubleshooting motherboards --
Unexpected shutdowns --
Continuous reboots (power supply and BSOD problems) --
BIOS time and settings resets --
System lockups --
POST code beeps at startup --
Blank screen on bootup --
Smoke or burning smells --
System will not start --
Processors and CPUs --
Overview of processor differences --
Intel processors --
AMD processors --
CPU technologies --
Hyperthreading (HT technology) --
Multicore --
Cache --
Bus speeds --
Overclocking --
32-bit versus 64-bit architecture --
Virualization support --
Integrated GPU --
CPU cooling --
Passive and active heat sinks --
Liquid cooling systems --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 2-1: Determine available USB ports, locations, and types --
Lab 2-2: Determine smallest form factor suitable for a new PC --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 2-1: Determine available USB ports, locations, and types --
Lab 2-2: Determine smallest form factor suitable for a new PC --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
BIOS: --
Understanding BIOS, CMOS, and firmware --
Configuring the system BIOS --
Accessing the BIOS setup program --
UEFI and traditional BIOS --
BIOS settings overview --
Automatic configuration of BIOS/CMOS settings --
Main menu --
Standard features/setting --
System information --
Boot settings and boot sequence --
Integrated ports and peripherals --
Power management --
PnP/PCI configurations --
Hardware monitor --
Processor and memory configuration --
Virualization support --
Security features --
Exiting the BIOS and saving/discarding changes --
Power-on self test (POST) and error reporting --
Beep codes --
POST error messages --
POST hex codes --
BIOS updates --
Flash BIOS update --
BIOS chip replacement --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 3-1: Disable onboard audio --
Lab: 3-2: Check fan and voltage levels --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hand-on labs --
Lab 3-1: Disable onboard audio --
Lab 3-2: Check fan and voltage levels --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Power Supplies And System Cooling: --
Power supplies --
Power supply ratings --
Multivoltage power supplies --
Power supply form factors and connectors --
Removing and replacing the power supply --
Troubleshooting power supplies --
Overloaded power supplies-symptoms and solutions --
Loud noises from the power supply --
Finding solutions to a "dead" system --
Overheating --
Fans turn but system doesn't start --
Testing power supplies and other devices with a multimeter --
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 --
System cooling --
Northbridge and Southbridge chips and voltage regulators --
Video card cooling --
Case fans --
Thermal compound --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 4-1: Check power supply voltages --
Lab 4-2: Check for airflow problems inside the system --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 4-1: Check power supply voltages --
Lab 4-2: Check for airflow problems inside the system --
Answers and explanations to review questions. RAM: --
RAM basics --
Memory modules --
DRAM --
SRAM --
SDRAM --
DDR SDRAM --
DDR2 SDRAM --
DDR3 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 --
Troubleshooting memory --
Verifying RAM compatibility --
Overclocking can lead to system instability --
Use caution when mismatching RAM speeds --
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 --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 5-1: Select and install the correct RAM --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 5-1: Select and install the correct RAM --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
I/O And Input Ports And Devices: --
Introduction to I/O ports --
USB --
USB port types, speeds, and technical details --
Adding USB ports --
Troubleshooting USB ports and devices --
IEEE-1394 (firewire) --
IEE 1394 ports and cables --
IEEE 1394-compatible devices --
Installing and IEEE 1374 card --
Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 ports and devices --
SCSI --
Multiple device support with SCSI host adapters --
Jumper block and DIP switch settings for device IDs --
SCSI standards --
SCSI cables --
SCSI signaling types --
Daisy-chaining SCSI devices --
SCSI host adapter card installation --
SCSI daisy-chain maximum length --
SCSI termination methods --
COM (serial) --
Serial port pinouts --
Types of serial cables --
How to configure or disable serial ports --
Serial port software configuration --
Adding additional serial ports --
Troubleshooting serial ports and devices --
LPT (parallel) --
Parallel port configuration --
Types of parallel cables --
How to configure or disable parallel ports --
Adding parallel ports --
Troubleshooting parallel (LPT) ports, devices, and switchboxes --
Testing parallel and serial ports --
PS/2 mouse and keyboard --
Audio --
Analog audio mini-jacks --
SPDIF digital audio --
Mouse --
Mouse hardware resource use --
Troubleshooting mice and pointing devices --
Maintaining mice and pointing devices --
Keyboard --
Troubleshooting keyboards --
Maintaining keyboards --
Bar code reader --
Touch screen --
Touch screen interfacing to the computer --
Installing a touch screen --
Troubleshooting a touch screen --
KVM switch --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 6-1: Check USB device power usage --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 6-1: Check USB device power usage --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Video Displays And Video Cards: --
Video card types --
Video card cooling --
Display types --
CRT monitor --
LCD monitor --
LED monitor --
Plasma --
Data projector --
OLED --
Installing a video card --
BIOS configuration --
Video card physical and driver installation --
Video connector types --
VGA --
DVI --
HDMI --
DisplayPort --
Component/RGB --
S-video --
Composite --
Installing a monitor --
Video display settings --
Resolution --
Color quality (color depth) --
Refresh rates --
Troubleshooting displays and video cards --
Troubleshooting picture quality problems with OSD --
Using advanced display properties for troubleshooting --
Troubleshooting video hardware --
Preventative maintenance for displays --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 7-1: Select the appropriate video connectors --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 7-1: Select the appropriate video connectors --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Customized PCs And Multimedia Devices: --
Customized PC configurations --
Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation --
Audio/video editing workstation --
Virualization workstation --
Gaming PC --
Home theater PC --
Standard thick client --
Thin client --
Home server PC --
Evaluating onboard components --
General system information --
Processor information and hardware-assisted virtualization readiness --
Installing and configuring multimedia devices --
Webcams --
Digital cameras --
Sound cards --
Installing a MIDI enabled device --
Microphone --
Video capture and TV tuner cards --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists form memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 8-1: Evaluate a computer's suitability for various tasks --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 8-1: Evaluate a computer's suitability for various tasks --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Laptop And Notebook Computers: --
Laptop expansion options --
PCMCIA (PC card, cardbus) --
Express Card --
Memory --
Connecting USB drives to your laptop --
Flash memory cards --
Best practices for laptop disassembly --
Hardware device replacement --
Removing and replacing the battery --
Replacing a laptop keyboard or pointing device --
Replacing speakers --
Replacing a laptop hard drive --
Performing a memory upgrade --
Replacing an optical drive --
Removing a wireless card (mini-PCI or mini-PCIe) --
Replacing the screen --
Replacing the fan, heat sink, and CPU --
Laptop displays --
LCD displays --
LED displays --
OLED displays --
Plasma displays --
Display resolutions and viewing quality considerations --
Inverter and backlight components --
Wi-Fi antenna components --
Laptop features --
Special laptop function keys --
Working with dual displays --
Working with port replicators and docking stations --
Physically securing a laptop computer --
Troubleshooting laptop problems --
Troubleshooting display problems --
Power problems --
Keyboard problems --
Network problems --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 9-1: Locate laptop hard drive and memory --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 9-1: Locate laptop hard drive and memory --
Answers and explanations to review questions. Mobile Devices: --
Mobile device hardware --
Examples of mobile device hardware --
Differences between tablets and laptops --
Tablet and laptop similarities --
Upgrading and replacing the memory card and the battery in a smartphone --
Hardware wrap-up --
Mobile hardware wrap-up --
Mobile operating systems --
Android versus iOS --
Where and how to get applications --
Adjusting the display --
GPs and geotracking --
Mobile OS wrap-up --
Mobile network connectivity --
GSM cellular connectivity --
Wi-Fi network connectivity --
Wi-Fi troubleshooting --
Bluetooth configuration --
Email configurations --
Mobile network connectivity wrap-up --
Mobile synchronization --
Synchronizing and android device to a PC --
Synchronizing an iPad2 to a PC --
Synchronizing other devices --
Mobile sync wrap-up --
Mobile security --
Protecting against stolen or lost devices --
Protecting against compromised or damaged devices --
Turning off applications and resets --
Security wrap-up --
Review all the key topics --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 10-1: Troubleshoot a mobile Wi-Fi connection --
Lab 10-2: Secure a mobile device --
Answer to review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 10-1: Troubleshoot a mobile Wi-Fi connection --
Lab 10-2: Secure a mobile device --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Printers: --
Laser printers --
Toner cartridges --
Laser printing (EP) process --
Color laser printing differences --
Inkjet printers --
Ink cartridges --
Calibrating the printer --
Thermal printers --
Thermal print processes --
Thermal printer ribbons --
Thermal printer paper --
Impact printers --
Impact Dot Matrix print process --
Impact dot-Matrix printheads --
Impact printer ribbons --
Impact printer paper and media --
Printer installation and configuration --
Installing a printer --
Installing RAM --
Upgrading firmware --
Printer interface types --
Printer sharing in windows --
Configuring options and device settings --
Printing a test page --
Working with the print spooler --
Printer maintenance --
Laser printer maintenance --
Inkjet printer maintenance --
Thermal printer maintenance --
Impact printer maintenance --
Printer troubleshooting --
Streaks and smudges --
Faded prints --
Ghost images --
Toner not fused to paper --
Creased paper --
Paper not feeding --
Paper jam --
No connectivity --
Garbled characters on paper --
Vertical lines on a page --
Backed up print queue --
Low memory errors --
Access denied --
Printer won't print --
Color output in wrong print colors --
Unable to install printer --
Error codes --
Review all the key topics --
Define key terms --
Compete the hands-on lab --
Lab 11-1: Solve inkjet printing problems --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 11-1: Solve inkjet printing problems --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Storage Devices: --
Drive interface types --
External and internal drive interfaces --
PATA and SATA performance characteristics --
PATA cabling, configuration, and setup --
SATA configuration and cabling --
SCSI IDs --
Hot-swappable drive interfaces --
Hard disk drives --
Performance factors for SATA and PATA hard disks --
Internal hard disk drive installation --
eSATA drives --
SSD and flash drives --
Flash memory cards --
Flash card reader --
USB flash memory drives --
SSD --
RAID --
Creating and ATA or SATA RAID array --
Optical drives --
Comparing CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives and media --
DVD media types --
Blu-ray media types --
Drive speed ratings --
Recording files to optical discs --
Floppy drives --
Floppy drive capacities --
Floppy disk drive hardware configuration --
Maintaining floppy disks, data, and drives --
Tape drives --
Troubleshooting hard drives, SSDs, and RAID arrays --
Read/write failures --
Slow performance --
Noises coming from hard disk --
Boot failure --
Drive not recognized --
Operating system not found --
RAID not found --
RAID failure --
Disk surface and data recovery tools --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 12-1: Configure SATA ports --
Lab 12-2: Configure PATA jumper blocks --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hand-on lab --
Lab 12-1: Configure SATA ports --
Lab 12-2: Configure PATA jumper blocks --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Installing And Upgrading Windows: --
Installing Windows --
Minimum and recommended hardware requirements --
Boot methods --
Types of installation --
Time/date/language/region settings --
Partitioning --
File system types and formatting --
Loading alternative third-party disk drivers --
Workgroup versus domain setup --
Transferring user data --
Windows easy transfer --
User state migration tool --
Updating Windows --
Using Windows update and Microsoft update --
Installing service packs manually --
Setting up recovery partitions and discs --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 13-1: Selecting installation options for Windows7 --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 13-1: Selecting installation options for Windows7 --
Answers and explanations to review questions. Using And Managing Windows: --
Windows versions and editions --
Windows XP family --
Windows vista family --
Windows 7 family --
Windows features --
Windows desktop (aero, aero glass, sidebar, gadgets) --
Shadow copy --
ReadyBoost --
Compatibility mode --
Windows XP mode --
Administrative tools --
File structure and paths --
Command-line tools --
Starting a command-prompt session with CMD. EXE --
Internal commands overview --
Using wildcards to specify a range of files --
COPY --
XCOPY --
ROBOCOPY. EXE --
MKDIR, CHDIR, and RMDIR 9(MD, CD, and RAD) --
Format/format.exe --
Diskpart --
DEL --
Tasklist --
Taskkill --
Administrative features --
Computer management (MMC) --
Performance monitor/system monitor --
Services (services.msc) --
Task scheduler --
Print management --
Task manager --
Disk management --
Mount points and mounting a drive --
Windows file systems --
Run-line utilities --
Notepad --
Windows explorer --
MSInfo32 (system information) --
DXDiag (directX diagnostics) --
Control panel --
Starting control panel --
Category and icon views --
Shortcuts to control panel functions --
Display options --
Folder options --
System --
Power options --
Add/remove programs (Windows XP) --
Programs and features (Windows Vista/7) --
Automatic updates (Windows XP) --
Tablet PC settings (Windows Vista/7) --
Pen and input devices (Windows Vista) --
Problems reports and solutions (Windows Vista, and 7) --
Devices and printers --
HomeGroup (Windows 7) --
Action center (Windows 7) --
Client-side virtualization --
Host/guest virtualization --
Hypervisor --
Features and benefits of virtual machines --
Resource requirements --
Emulator requirements --
Security requirements --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and list from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on lab --
Lab 14-1: Open and use the command prompt --
Lab 14-2: Using Microsoft management console --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on lab --
Lab 14-1: Open and use the command prompt --Lab 14-2: Using Microsoft management console --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Troubleshooting And Maintaining Windows: --
STOP (blue screen of death) errors --
Causes of BSOD errors --
Researching causes and solutions --
BSOD and spontaneous shutdown and restart --
Boot failures --
Windows 7/Vista boot errors --
Windows XP boot errors --
Missing operating system error --
Missing graphical interface --
GUI fails to load --
Other Windows problems --
Improper shutdowns --
Device fails to start --
Missing DLL message --
Services fail to start --
Compatibility error --
Slow system performance --
Boots to safe mode --
File fails to open --
Windows diagnostic and repair tools --
Using system file checker (SFC) --
Using MSConfig --
Using REGSVR --
Using REGEDIT --
Using event viewer --
Using safe mode and other advanced boot options --
Using device manager --
Using Windows XP recovery console --
Using automated system recovery to restore a Windows XP installation --
Using Windows recovery environment --
Maintaining Windows --
Using Windows backup for XP --
Using Windows Vista's backup and restore center --
Using Windows 7's backup and restore --
CHKDSK. EXE --
Defrag --
System restore and restore points --
Firmware updates --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hand-on lab --
Lab 15-1: Check system protection settings --
Lab 15-2: Using event viewer --
Lab 15-3: Using device manager --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hand-on lab --
Lab 15-1: Check system protection settings --
Lab 15-2: Using event viewer --
Lab 15-3: Using device manager --
Answers to review questions --
Networking: --
Network models --
Client/server versus peer-to-peer --
LANs and WANs --
Network topologies --
Network devices --
Internet connectivity technologies --
Modems and dial-up internet connectivity --
ISDN internet connectivity --
Broadband internet services (DSL, cable, satellite) --
Fiber-optic --
Cellular --
WiMAX --
LANs and internet connectivity --
TCP/IP --
HTTP/HTTPS --
SSL --
TLS --
HTML --
FTP --
Telnet --
SSH --
DNS --
DHCP --
Email --
Remote desktop --
SNMP --
SMB --
LDAP --
TCP and UDP ports --
Cable and connector types --
UTP and STP cabling --
Fiber-optic cabling --
Coaxial cabling --
Plenum and PVC --
Connector types --
Networking tools --
Network types --
Wireless network standards --
Wireless Ethernet --
Bluetooth --
Infrared --
Cellular --
VoIP --
Switches and hubs --
Building a small office/home office network --
Installing network interface cards --
Configuring network interface cards --
TCP/IPv4 configuration --
IPv6 addressing --
Setting up shared resources --
Administrative shares --
Setting up the network client --
Using shared resources --
Browser installation and configuration --
Multifunction network device configurations --
Using network command-line tools --
Using the net command --
Using ping --
Using Tracert --
Using NSLookup --
Using Ipconfig --
Using Netstat --
Using NBTSTAT --
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 --
Overview of creating small office/home office network --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 16-1: Select the appropriate type of cable --
Lab 16-2: Select the appropriate IP networks --
Lab 16-3: Select the network option and appropriate ports --
Lab 16-4: Install an appropriate wireless network --
Answer review questions --
Answer to hands-on labs --
Lab 16-1: Select the appropriate type of cable --
Lab 16-2: Select the appropriate IP networks --
Lab 16-3: Select the network option and appropriate ports --
Lab 16-4: Install an appropriate wireless network --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Security: --
Security fundamentals --
Secure and insecure file systems --
Authentication technologies --
Protection against viruses and malware --
Software firewalls --
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 --
Physical security --
Securing wireless networks --
WEP and WPA encryption --
Access point configuration for maximum security --
Securing wired networks --
Access control purposes and principles --
Operating system access control --
Data destruction/disposal techniques --
Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting security features --
BIOS security features --
Software firewalls --
Configuring exceptions --
Wireless network configuration --
Unused wireless connections --
File systems (converting from FAT32 to NTFS) --
Malicious software protection --
Review all the key topics --
Define key terms --
Compete hands-on labs --
Lab 17-1: Hard drive security and disposal --
Lab 17-2: Secure a customer's wireless network --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 17-1: Hard drive security and disposal --
Lab 17-2: Secure a customer's wireless network --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Operational Procedures And Communications Methods: --
Computer safety --
ESD --
Electrical safety --
Physical safety --
Environmental controls --
Temperature, humidity, and air --
Material safety data sheet (MSDS) --
Incident response and documentation --
First response --
Documentation --
Chain of custody --
Communication methods and professionalism --
How to interact with to customers --
How to treat customer's property --
Review all the key topics --
Complete the tables and lists from memory --
Define key terms --
Complete hands-on labs --
Lab 18-1: Select the appropriate power protection equipment --
Answer review questions --
Answers to hands-on labs --
Lab 18-1: Select the appropriate power protection equipment --
Answers and explanations to review questions --
Glossary --
Index of exam objectives --
Master list of key topics --
Index --
DVD only: --
Appendix A: Memory tables --
Appendix B: Memory tables answer key.