Complete CompTIA A Guide to IT Hardware and Software
(pearson-220-901-220-902-schmidt) / ISBN : 978-1-61691-667-1
About This Course
Gain hands-on expertise in CompTIA A+ certification exam by Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software course and performance-based labs. Performance-based labs simulate real-world, hardware, software & command line interface environments and can be mapped to any text-book, course & training. The course and lab cover all the objectives of 220-901 exam & 220-902 exam and provide the expertise and technical knowledge required to install, configure, and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users; proper and safe diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues; assemble components based on customer requirements; provide appropriate customer support; apply troubleshooting skills; and understand the basics of networking and security/forensics.
Skills You’ll Get
CompTIA A+ exam is globally recognized, vendor-neutral exam designed for IT professionals. The 220-901 and 220-902 exam 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.
Get the support you need. Enroll in our Instructor-Led Course.
Interactive Lessons
20+ Interactive Lessons | 254+ Exercises | 398+ Quizzes | 1475+ Flashcards | 1475+ Glossary of terms
Gamified TestPrep
100+ Pre Assessment Questions | 2+ Full Length Tests | 92+ Post Assessment Questions | 183+ Practice Test Questions
Hands-On Labs
175+ LiveLab | 115+ Video tutorials | 01:55+ Hours
Video Lessons
334+ Videos | 26+ Minutes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Operational Procedures
- Operational Procedures Overview
- Communication Skills
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
Appendix A
- Subnetting Basics
- Lab
Intro to the World of IT
- Identifying computer components
- Identifying computer activities
- Identifying input and output devices
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
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
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
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
Memory
- Identifying Types of RAM
- Installing Memory Modules
- Exploring installed hardware
- Configuring the virtual memory size
- Viewing system properties
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
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
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
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
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
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
Internet Connectivity
- Configuring Windows 7 to use a proxy server
- Deleting browser history in IE
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
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
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
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
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
Operational Procedures
- Identifying computer troubleshooting steps
- Identifying guidelines for effective communication
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Contact Us NowYou should have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field.
USD 219 per exam.
The exam fees are subject to change.
The exam contains 90 questions.
90 minutes
- For CompTIA A+ 220-901: 675
- For CompTIA A+ 220-902: 700
(on a scale of 100-900)
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date of exam.