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COMP TIA A+ COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE

Duration: 5 days

Chapter 1: Identifying Personal Computer Components.

I. Identifying Components of Motherboards X. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems
• Types of System Boards • Fans
• System Board From Factors • Memory Cooling
• System Board Components • Hard Drive Cooling
• Chipset Cooling
II. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors • CPU Cooling

III. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory Chapter 2: Effectively Working with Personal Computer
• DRAM Components.
• SRAM I. Installing, Configuring, and Optimizing PC Components
• ROM • Upgrading Storage Devices
• CMOS • Upgrading Display Devices
• Memory Packaging • Upgrading Input/Multimedia Devices

IV. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices II. Identifying Tools and Diagnostics for PC Components
• Hard Disk Drive Systems • Gathering Tools
• Floppy Drives • Basic Aspects of Troubleshooting
• CD-ROM Drives
• CD-R and CD-RW Drives • Basic Diagnostic Procedures
• DVD-ROM Drives • Recognizing and Isolating Issues
• DVD Burners • Applying Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
• Other Storage Media
III. Performing Preventative Maintenance on Personal Computers
• Advanced Digital Storage

V. Identifying Purposes and Characteristic of Power Supplies Chapter 3: Understanding Laptops and Portable
• Floppy Drive Power Connectors Devices.
• AT System Connectors I. Understanding Laptop Architecture
• Standard Peripheral Power Connector • Laptops vs. Desktops
• Modern Power Connectors • Laptop Case
• Motherboards and Processors
VI. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of • Memory
• Display Concepts • Storage
• Video Technologies • Displays
• Monitors • Input Devices
• Liquid Crystal Displays ( LCDs) • Expansion Bus and Ports
• Docking Stations
VII. Identifying Input Devices • Power Systems
• Mouse
• Keyboard II. Managing Power and Removing Devices
• Understanding Laptop Power Management
• Bar-code Reader
• Managing Power in Windows
• Multimedia Devices
• Removing Laptop-Specific Hardware
• Biometric Devices
• Touch Screens
III. Troubleshooting and Performing Preventative Maintenance on
VIII. Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Adapter Cards Laptops
• Video Card • Diagnosing Laptop Problems
• Network Interface Card (NIC) • Performing Preventative Maintenance
• Modem
• Sound Card Chapter 4: Understanding Operating Systems.
• I/O Card I. Understanding Operating Systems
• Operating System Terms and Concepts
IX. Identifying Characteristics of Ports and Cables • Microsoft Windows
• Peripheral Port Connector Types • Alternative Operating Systems
• D-subminiature Connectors
• Other Types of Ports II. Using Operating Systems
• Common Peripheral Interfaces and Cables • The Windows Interface
• What's in a Window?

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• Control Panel
• The Command Prompt
• The Registry
• Virtual Memory
• Windows System Files
• Disk Management
• File Management
Chapter 5: Understanding Basics of Installing,
Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating
Systems.
I. Installing Operating Systems
• Installation Prerequisites
• Preparing the Computer for Installation
• Windows XP Installation
• Post-Installation Routines
II. Upgrading the Operating System
• Upgrade Prerequisites
• Upgrading to Windows 2000
• Upgrading to Windows XP
• Finalizing Your Upgrade
III. Installing Device Drivers
• Rights and Security Issues
• Basic Procedure for Device Installation
• Windows Version-Specific Installation Items
IV. Optimizing Windows 2000 and Windows XP
• Managing Virtual Memory
• Defragmenting Disks
• Using Disk Caches
• Managing Temporary Files
Chapter 6: Identifying Operating System
Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Procedures.
I. Troubleshooting Steps
• Step 1: Talk to the Customer
• Step 2: Gather Information
• Step 3: Eliminate Possibilities
• Step 4: Evaluate Your Results
• Step .5: Document Your Work
II. Understanding Boot Sequences
• Listing the Important Flies
• Identifying Important Files in Windows 2000/XP
• Understanding the Windows 2000/XP Boot Process
• Advanced Startup Options
• Using the Recovery Console
• Creating Boot Disks or an Emergency Repair Disk
III. Identifying Windows
• Files Related Problems
• System Files Not Found
• Configuration File Issues
• Swap Files Issues
• Windows Boot Issues
• Troubleshooting Other Common Problems
• Understanding Windows Reporting
IV. Identifying Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities
• Disk Management Tools
• System Management Tools
• File Management Tools
V. Identifying Diagnostic Resources
• User/installation Manuals
• Internet/Web Resources
• Training Materials
VI. Performing Preventative Maintenance on Operating Systems
• Using Recommended Hardware
• Obtaining Current Drivers
• Installing Windows Properly
• Shutting Down Properly
• Updating Windows
• Scheduling Backups
• Creating Restore Points
• Guarding against Viruses
Chapter 7: Understanding the Basics of Printers and
Scanners.
I. Understanding Printers and Scanner Fundamentals
• Impact Printers
• Bubble-Jet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Printer Interfaces and Supplies
• Scanners and Their Components
II. Installing Configuring and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
• Printer and Scanner Installation Procedures
• Optimizing Printer and Scanner Performance
III. Troubleshooting Printer and Scanners
• Dot-Matrix Printer Problems
• Bubble-Jet Printer Problems
• Laser and Page Printer Problems
• Scanner Troubleshooting
Chapter 8: Networking Fundamentals.
I. Understanding Networking Principles
• Understanding Networking Fundamentals
• Identifying Common Network Media
• Understanding Networking Components
II. Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Networks
• Installing and Configuring Network Interface Cards
• Obtaining Wired and Wireless Internet Connections
• Troubleshooting Network Interface Cards
Chapter 9: Understanding Network Security
Fundamentals.
I. Understanding Security
• Authentication Technologies
• Working with Hardware and Software Security
• Understanding Wireless Security
• Understanding Data and Physical Security
II. Security Solutions
• BIOS Security
• Malicious Software Protection
• Data Access
• Backup Procedures
• Data Migration
• Data Remnant Removal
• Password Management
• Locking Workstations
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• Identifying Applications for Laptop-Specific

Communication Connections
• Identifying Laptop-Specific Power Requirements
• Understanding LCD Technology

III. Identifying Security Problems Areas

Chapter 10: Identifying Safety and Environmental

Issues.
I. Understanding Safety and Environmental Issues
• Identifying Potential Safety Hazards
• Identifying Environmental Concerns
• Using Safety Documentation
• Using Appropriate Repair Tools
• Handling Accidents
II. Removing Devices and Video Sharing
• Removing Laptop-Specific Hardware
• Understanding Video Memory Sharing
III. Troubleshooting Laptops
• Identifying Specific Safety Issues
• Diagnosing Laptop Problems

II. Applying Proper Safety and Disposal Procedures

Chapter 14: Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and
• Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Upgrading Operating Systems.
• Working in a Safe Environment
I. Using Operating Systems
• Handling Equipment
• Using the Command Prompt
• Following Disposal Procedures
• Managing Disks Directories and Files
Chapter 11: Understanding Professionalism and • Using Windows Utilities
Communication.
I. Using Good Communication Skills II. Optimizing Operating Systems
• Elicit Problem Symptoms from Customers • Managing Virtual Memory
• Defragmenting Disks
• Have the Customers Reproduce the Error • Managing Temporary Files
• Identify Recent Changes • Managing Services, Startup, and Applications
• Use the Collected Information
III. Troubleshooting Windows
II. Using Appropriate Behavior • Recovering Windows
• Punctuality • Recognizing and Resolving Common Operational
• Accountability Problems and Error Messages
• Flexibility • Using Windows Diagnostic Utilities
• Confidentiality
• Respect IV. Performing Preventative Maintenance
• Privacy • Updating Windows
• Scheduling Backups
III. Putting It All in Perspective • Creating Restore Points

Chapter 12: Working with Personal Computer Chapter 15: Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and
Components. Upgrading Printers and Scanners.
I. Removing, Installing, and Configuring Components I. Understanding Printer and Scanner Processes
• Selecting Components • Impact Printers
• Motherboards, CPUs, Memory, and Adapter Cards • Ink-Dispersion Printers
• Storage Devices • Laser Printers
• Power Supplies • Other Printers
• Display Devices • Scanner Processes
• Input Devices
• Cooling Systems II. Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading
Printers and Scanners
II. Using Tools and Diagnostic Procedures for Personal • Printer and Scanner Installation Procedure
Computer Components • Installing Printer Upgrades
• Understanding Computer Resources • Optimizing Scanner Performance
• Determining Available Resources
III. Using Printer and Scanner Troubleshooting Tools and
• Manually Specifying Resource Assignment
Techniques
• Diagnostic Resources
• Multi-meter
• Screwdrivers
III. Performing Preventative Maintenance for Personal Computer • Cleaning Solutions
Components • Extension Magnets
• Test Patterns
Chapter 13: Working with Laptops and Portable
Devices. IV. Performing Preventative Maintenance
I. Using Laptops and Portable Devices • Performing Scheduled Maintenance
• Ensuring a Suitable Environment

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• Using Recommended Supplies

Chapter 16: Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and

Upgrading Network Systems.
I. Understanding Networking
• Identifying Network Protocols and Technologies
• Identifying Network Connectivity Technologies

II. Working with Additional Network Components

• Working with Browsers
• Establishing Network Connectivity
• Sharing Network Resources

III. Using Network Tools and Diagnostics

• Network Tools to Use
• Troubleshooting Network Issues

IV. Performing Preventative Network Maintenance

Chapter 17: Installing, Configuring, Upgrading, and

Optimizing Security Systems.
I. Understanding Security Baselines

II. Hardening a System

• Hardening the OS and NOS
• Hardening File Systems
• Working with Access Control Lists
• Working with Group Policies

III. Auditing and Logging

IV. Updating Your Operating System

• Hot fixes
• Service Packs
• Patches

V. Revisiting Social Engineering

VI. Recognizing Common Attack

• Back Door Attacks
• Spoofing Attacks
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
• Replay Attacks
• Password-Guessing Attacks
• Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS)
Attacks
• TCP Attacks

VII. General Rules for the Exam

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