CompTIA A+ 2006 Training

CompTIA A+ Training

"I was looking to become A+ Certified, I had failed twice and watched your video and went back and
got a very high score!"

- Brad Masopust, Train Signal Student

The Fastest, Easiest & Most Affordable Way To Prepare for Your CompTIA A+ Certification As You Learn Hands-On Computer Hardware, Software,
Basic Networking Skills & More!

By David Davis
CCIE #9369, CWNA, MCSE, CISSP, SCSA, Linux+, VCP

If you're just getting started in the IT industry, CompTIA A+ certification is the foundation for a successful career. And if you're serious about your career, your investment in Train Signal's CompTIA A+ course will reward you for many years to come!

Our CompTIA A+ training is a hands-on introductory course for computer hardware, software and basic networking. We also cover the required objectives for CompTIA A+ certification.

If you're an aspiring PC/Printer support technician, depot maintenance technician, remote support technician, or just a student studying PCs and technology... our CompTIA A+ training will give you the confidence to tackle real world computer challenges... and pass the CompTIA A+ exam with flying colors!

No Prior Computer Experience Necessary

Our CompTIA A+ course is designed for beginners, but basic computer skills are certainly helpful. The more experience you bring to the table, the faster you will complete this course and be on your way to your CompTIA A+ certification!

Additionally, if you're preparing for your Microsoft MCSA, you can take the A+ exam and apply it toward your MCSA.

CompTIA A+ Training Course Outline

Video 1

Intro to CompTIA A+

In this Video you will learn what it takes to become A+ certified and how you can benefit from A+ certification.

  • A+ Testing Process
  • Certification Overview: 2006 Version
  • Key Benefits for Becoming A+ Certified
Video 2

A+ Essentials - Personal Computers - Part 1

In this Video you will get an in-depth overview of PC hardware.

  • What is a PC? What Makes Up a PC?
  • Common PC Questions and Answers
  • Storage Devices
  • FDD & USB Flash
  • Hard Disk Drives
  • CDs & DVDs
  • Other Removable Media
  • System Boards
  • Form Factors of System Boards
  • Components of System Boards
  • System Board Diagram
  • Chipset Diagram
  • Slots on Your System Board
  • Memory on Your System Board
  • Disk Connectors on Your System Board
  • CPU Sockets on Your System Board
  • BIOS
  • CMOS
  • Connectors on Your System Board
  • Power Supply
  • Power Connectors
  • Motherboard Power Connectors
Video 3

A+ Essentials - Personal Computers - Part 2

In this Video you will get a detailed overview of input devices and the ports and cables that allow those input devices to be connected to your computer.

  • Processors/CPUs
  • CPU Technologies
  • Memory
  • Display Devices
  • Input Devices
  • Adaptor Cards
  • USB Ports and Cables
  • Other Types of Ports and Cables
  • Cooling Systems
  • Basics of Installing, Removing, and Configuring Display, Storage, and Simple Input Devices
Video 4

A+ Essentials - Introduction to PC Troubleshooting

In this Video you will learn the steps you will need to take to effectively diagnose and fix PC problems.

  • PC Troubleshooting Theory
  • PC Troubleshooting Tools
  • PC Troubleshooting Methodology
  • Basic Diagnostics
  • Isolating Hardware Issues
  • Applying Troubleshooting Techniques
  • Performing Preventative Maintenance
Video 5

A+ Essentials - Laptop Computers

In this Video you will take a detailed look at laptops and the components that make up laptops.

  • Introduction to Laptops
  • Laptop Architecture
  • Compare Laptops & Desktops
  • Laptop Form Factors
  • Laptop RAM
  • Laptop Peripherals
  • Laptop Expansion Slots
  • Laptop Power and Network Connectors
  • Laptop Power
  • Laptop LCD Displays
  • Laptop Input Devices
  • Configuring Power Management
  • Safe-Removal of External Devices
  • Troubleshooting Laptops
  • Preventative Maintenance of Laptops
Video 6

A+ Essentials - Introduction to Operating Systems

We've talked a lot about PC hardware so far, so in this Video you will take a look at the software that allows you to take advantage of the hardware, with an easy to use interface.

  • Intro to Operating Systems
  • History of the Operating System
  • OS Today
  • Registry
  • Virtual Memory
  • File System
  • Windows Explorer
  • Icons
  • Help
  • Clicking
  • My Computer
  • Control Panel
  • Command Prompt
  • My Network Places
  • Task Bar and System Tray
  • Recycle Bin
  • User Profiles
  • Disks
  • File Systems
  • Directories
  • Basics of Files
  • Basics of Using Windows
  • Common OS Tasks
  • Important System Files
Video 7

A+ Essentials - Introduction to Installing and Configuring Operating Systems

In this Video you will learn how to install and configure operating systems, which are essential tasks for any PC technician.

  • Preparing for Installing an Operating System
  • Methods of Installing an Operating System
  • Installation Options
  • Device Drivers
  • Upgrade Considerations
  • Optimizing the OS
  • Performing an OS Installation
Video 8

A+ Essentials - Troubleshooting Operating Systems

As long as their have been operating systems, there have been problems with operating systems. This Video will show you the steps you will need to take to troubleshoot commoon operating system issues.

  • System Files
  • Event Viewer
  • Error Messages
  • Bluescreen
  • Error Reporting
  • Booting Sequence
  • Automated System Recovery (ASR) and ERD
  • WinPE and BartPE
  • Registry Issues
  • Recovery from Booting Errors
  • Booting Methods
  • Utilities
  • Preventative Maintenance of the OS
Video 9

A+ Essentials - Using Printers and Scanners

In this Video you will learn the ins and outs of printers and scanners.

  • Printer Types
  • Impact Printers
  • Bubble-Jet Printers (Ink Dispersion Printers)
  • Laser Printers Components
  • Laser Printers - Electro Photographic Print Process
  • Printer Consumables
  • Printer & Scanner Interfaces
  • Scanners
  • Printer Configuration
  • Printer Troubleshooting
Video 10

A+ Essentials - Troubleshooting Printers and Scanners

In this Video you will learn the steps you need to take to diagnose and fix common printer and scanner problems.

  • Gathering Information
  • Know Your Paper Path
  • Know Your Printer
  • Analyzing Information
  • Resolving Common Printer and Scanner Problems
  • Bubble Jet/Ink Jet Printer Issues
  • Laser Printer Issues
  • Scanner Issues
Video 11

A+ Essentials - Configuring Networking

In this Video you will learn what you need to know to pass the A+ exam and resolve your end users' network issues.

  • Origin of Networks
  • LAN (Local Area Network)
  • WAN (Wide Area Network)
  • Other Types of Networks
  • ISDN
  • Broadband (DSL, Cable, Satellite, etc)
  • Dial-up
  • Wireless
  • Infrared
  • Bluetooth
  • Cellular
  • VoIP
  • Core of Network Components
  • Good and Bad of Networks
  • Network Operating System (NOS)
  • Topologies vs. Physical Cabling
  • OSI Model
  • Peer to Peer vs. Client Server
  • Protocols
  • Addressing
  • Ethernet
  • Bandwidth
  • Cabling and Connectors
  • Configuration Tasks
  • CompTIA Network+ Cert
Video 12

A+ Essentials - Introduction to Computer and Network Security

In this Video you will learn how to protect your company's data and prevent disasters.

  • What is Security?
  • Physical Data Security
  • Security Wheel
  • Encryption
  • Backups
  • Protecting Data
  • Authentication
  • Malicious Software
  • Protection from Attacks
  • File System Security
  • Wireless Security
Video 13

A+ Essentials - Safety and Environmental Issues

In this Video you will learn the best ways to avoid accidents while working on PCs. Plus, discover the proper ways to dispose of computer parts, in order to protect the environment.

  • Basics of Computer Safety and Environmental Issues
  • Protecting the Environment
  • Cleaning Computers Safely
  • Safety Documentation
  • Repairing Computers Safely
  • Accidents
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
  • Safe Working Environment
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
Video 14

A+ Essentials - Communications and Professionalism

Learn how to communicate to end users effectively and professionally, both on the telephone and via email.

  • Overview of Communication and Professionalism
  • What Makes You a Good Communicator?
  • What Makes You Appear Professional? * Exceed Expectations
  • Telephone and E-mail Support
Video 15

A+ Technician - PC Component - Installation and Configuration

In this Video you will learn how to upgrade individual PC components.

  • Upgrading Your PC
  • Upgrading Motherboards
  • Upgrading Memory
  • Upgrading Processors/CPUs
  • Upgrading Power Supplies
  • Upgrading Adapter Cards
  • Upgrading Display Devices
  • Upgrading Input Devices
  • Upgrading Cooling Systems
  • Upgrading Storage Devices
  • BIOS Considerations
  • Task: PC Building
  • Task: Installing Components
Video 16

A+ Technician - PC Component - Troubleshooting and Preventative Maintenance

You don't want to just solve problems, you want to be able to prevent them before they happen. In this Video, you learn how to use troubleshooting tools and PC diagnostics to prevent hardware trouble before it happens.

  • Using PC Tools, Diagnostics, and Troubleshooting Steps
  • Software Tools
  • Hardware Tools
  • Basic Diagnostics - 10 Steps
  • Common IRQs
  • I/O Addresses
  • Performing Preventative Maintenance
  • Task: Entering Safe Mode
Video 17

A+ Technician - Laptops and Portable Devices

In this Video you will take an in depth, technical look at how to troubleshoot problems specific to laptops.

  • What Makes Laptops Different?
  • Laptop Communication Devices
  • Laptop Displays
  • Laptop Power
  • Removing Laptop Peripherals
  • Laptop Video Sharing
  • Laptop Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Video 18

A+ Technician - Operating Systems

In this Video you will go way beyond operating system by using the command line and taking a look at several administrative tools.

  • OS Command Line Tools
  • OS Disk Structure
  • Windows OS Utilities
  • Optimizing Windows OS Performance
  • Booting Sequence
  • Boot Recovery
  • Error Messages
  • Bluescreen
  • WinPE & BartPE
  • Utilities
  • Preventative Maintenance
  • Task: Upgrade Windows 2000 Pro to Windows XP
  • Further Operating System Training
Video 19

A+ Technician - Using Printers & Scanners

Printer and Scanner support is a major part of the A+ exam and a major part of the daily life of an A+ technician. In this Video, you will learn how to configure and troubleshoot printers & scanners.

  • Printer Types
  • Bubble-Jet Printers
  • Laser Printer Components
  • Printer Consumables
  • Printer & Scanner Interfaces
  • Scanners
  • Common Printer Issues
  • Gathering Information
  • Know Your Paper Path
  • Analyzing Information
  • Resolving Commong Printer & Scanner Problems
  • Printer Languages
  • PCL - Printer Command Language
  • PS - PostScript
Video 20

A+ Technician - Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks

In this Video you will learn how to setup a network and what to do if things go wrong.

  • Network Types
  • ISDN
  • Broadband
  • Dial-Up
  • Wireless
  • Infrared
  • Bluetooth
  • Cellular
  • VoIP
  • Networking Terminology
  • Core Network Components
  • IP Addressing
  • DNS
  • Network Connectivity
  • Configuration Tasks
  • Sharing Network Resources
  • Troubleshooting Network Problems
  • Preventative Maintenance of Networks
Video 21

A+ Technician - Computer and Network Security

In this Video, you will learn, hands-on, how encryption works, how to backup your data, how to rid your computer of viruses & worms, how to configure a firewall, and how to secure a wireless network.

  • What is Security?
  • Physical & Data Security
  • Encryption
  • Backups
  • Protecting Data
  • Authentiaction
  • Malicious Software
  • Protection from Attacks
  • File System Security
  • Windows Audit Logging and Event Viewer
  • Configure Network Security
  • Tools for Troubleshooting Security
  • Preventative Maintenance for Security Systems
CompTIA A+ Training

"I purchased the CompTIA A+ course to supplement other study tools in an effort to gain my A+ Certification, but Train Signal quickly became my primary study tool..."

- Danielle Hunter, TrainSignal Student

Here's What You Get When You Order Today!

  • 21 Videos (20 hrs: 30mins: 45secs) will be provided in High-Quality AVI and WMV format. In other words, you get perfect quality and replication of your instructors' screens. An easy-to-use table of contents allows you to navigate to key areas you wish to focus on.
  • 21 iPod video files to watch Train Signal on the go! A popular request amongst our students who wish to study while they commute (i.e. train, plane, bus). These 320x240 M4V files are compressed versions of the original course, and play on any iPod that supports video. Also great for reviewing and refreshing your mind "on the job."
  • 21 MP3 audio files to listen to Train Signal anytime, anywhere. Some of our students have requested this option. Now, you can listen in the car or while working out. Our MP3 files can be burnt to a CD or copied to a portable device.
  • Instructor Notes - These PDF documents, which can be printed out, contain the slides used by the instructors throughout the videos. These documents allow the user a quick easy reference to the instructors' notes on the slides, and provides a place to make additional notes.

FREE FULL VERSION of Transcender's Award-Winning "CompTIA A+" Practice Exam! (SAVE $159!)

We've partnered with Transcender®, the world's leading exam simulation provider! Their award-winning simulations look and feel so much like the actual exam, you'll feel confident on exam day!

Transcender

These Practice Questions are the Perfect Training Companion to Our CompTIA A+ Course! Best of All, They're FREE!

  • Save time by focusing your studying efforts on topics that will actually be on the exam!
  • Comprehensive references explain the reasoning behind the correct answers!
  • Detailed reports and custom exam features help identify and strengthen your weak areas!
  • Transcender Live Update ensures your study materials are always up-to-date!
Even if you're not studying for an exam, this comprehensive exam simulator is a great tool for testing and reinforcing your CompTIA A+ skills & knowledge!

A Tremendous Value for Your Modest Investment... Fully Backed by Our 90-Day "Total Experience" Guarantee!

90-Day Total Experience Guarantee!

To get this level of training from any other CBT, online class, instructor-led class, workshop, bootcamp, or book, you would pay well over $795.00!

You can receive the same high-level professional training via Train Signal for $599!
Limited-Time Offer Only $297!

PLUS! Because we are so confident in our training and reputation, we guarantee your complete satisfaction for 90 Days! No one else in the industry offers such a powerful guarantee! (If they offer one at all!)


(Risk-Free 90-Day Total Experience™ Guarantee!)

When You Order Our Best-Selling CompTIA A+ 2006 Training Course, You'll Receive:

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

  • Over 20 Hours of CompTIA A+ 2006 Training Videos on 3 Jam Packed DVDs!
  • Multiple File Formats Make It Convenient for You To Learn Anywhere You Go! iPod Video, Mp3 Audio, .WMV & high quality .AVI video

CompTIA A+ EXAM PREPARATION

  • Complete Exam Coverage for "CompTIA A+". This course covers all of the bases required for you to pass the 220-601, 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604 exams!
  • FREE FULL VERSION of Transcender's CompTIA A+ Practice Exam! We've partnered with Transcender®, the leading exam simulation provider in the world! Purchased separately, you would pay $159. But you get it FREE as the perfect training companion to our CompTIA A+ course!

Total Package Value $599!

Limited-Time Offer Only $297

(Risk-Free 90-Day Total Experience™ Guarantee!)

watch demo
CompTIA A+ Training
Training Demo

Meet Your Certified Instructor, David Davis

(vExpert, CCIE #9369, CWNA, MCSE, CISSP, Linux+, VCP)

David Davis David Davis has been in the IT industry for 20+ years. In that time, he has served as a system/network admin and IT datacenter manager.

He is one of only 300 vExperts worldwide, and has authored hundreds of articles, co–authored one book, and six video training courses covering topics like VMware, Windows, Cisco, Linux, and Security.

He has served as a judge at the Best of VMworld competition and has spoken at numerous conferences about Virtualization in the USA and Canada. David's "real-world" experience combined with his diversity of skills gives you a powerful learning resource that can’t be matched..

Similar Products

"I purchased the CompTIA A+ course to supplement other study tools in an effort to gain my A+ Certification, but Train Signal quickly became my primary study tool soon after I received the videos in the mail."
All Train Signal courses, not just the CompTIA A+ course (I purchased all of the Windows Server videos) are comprehensive, relevant and easy to use.

They are broken down into manageable sized topics that you can take with you and listen to in whatever chunk of time you can devote to it at the moment.

You can also revisit areas that need more work as much as necessary. These videos and were integral to my passing my Essentials and IT Technician tests on the first try. Now I am on to Network + and Security +

Sincerely,

Danielle Hunter
"I bought the Comp TIA A+ course to improve hands on skills for a current job..."
The video gave me a better understanding of PC Troubleshooting. We have several laptops and I learned Laptop Power Management and troubleshooting laptop techniques. Lab 17 – Operating Systems taught me some command line tools I didn’t know and Lab 19 – Configuring Networks helped me understand IP addressing.

Richard Rosenzweig
"I was out of the industry for a while so I did not work on a PC in years. This helped renew my skill set so I could work on a PC with confidence..."
This course helped me catch up on newer technology. Plus since I have not worked on a PC as far as taking it apart in a few years, it provided valuable information. It helped me get aquainted with new technology and brought back some stuff I forgot. I was out of the industry for a while so I did not work on a PC in years. This helped renew my skill set so I could work on a PC with confidence.

Pete Ramsey
Network Analyst
University of Cincinnati
Network Operations Center
www.uc.edu

"I find your hands on approach helps me retain the information in the course..."
I took the CompTIA A+ because I find the way you deliver your courses very hands on and informative, not sure about the certification part right now, more interested in learning.

I have tried several ways to increase my knowledge in this area, online course, books etc., but find Train Signal more suited for me. I find your hands on approach helps me retain the information in the course. I personally find I learn by doing at a much faster speed than reading from a book.

Robert Minnett
"I would rate your course a 10, assuming that a 5 is the highest possible score. Your products beat my expectations everytime... I've been doing this stuff since 1979, and its the best..."
I had an employee that needed to update his skills. I have personally had great success with your products and knew that this motivated person would use the opportunity to learn from the program.

This program helped me and this individual achieve our goals. My goals were achieved because I gained a knowledgeable staff member that could handle a higher level of support calls.

The employee's goals were achieved because he increased his comfort level with the principals taught in the courseware. Because of my success and the success of my staff, we have gone on to purchase other titles as the need to develop that skill set in an individual has been identified.

I would rate your course a 10, assuming that a 5 is the highest possible score. Your products beat my expectations everytime. My staff loves them and thinks they are more effective than a traditional classroom setting simply because they have the ability to stop and rewind the courses at anytime. That's something you can't do in real life. The quality of your instructors and the format of your videos make learning easy. I just wish you would begin courses for the programmers that work for me!

If you have any questions, please contact me. I want to help.

Regards,
Matthew Clark
I.T. Manager
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
www.goodyear.com
"I used the Comp TIA A+ course to help my student be better prepared for next falls classes in a Tech school. Worked great!..."
I am the Tech Coordinator/Network Administrator etc. ... at a school district in central South Dakota.

I purchased the Comp TIA A+ course for a student that helped me 1 period of the school day. I thought he needed a more structured approach to learning basics then what I was giving him.

I have purchased quite a bit of your software. All of it was to supplement other learning. I like Train Signal as it doesn't necessarily teach to the test.

I am past the "needing certifications" stage, but need material to review and to learn new skills. When you live in central South Dakota you are a long way from classes that run one night per week, etc. So the CBT works great and the nice part of it is you can easily go back and go through the material again.

I used the CompTIA A+ course to help my student be better prepared for next fall's classes in a Tech school. Worked great!

The CompTIA A+ gave me a structured approach to his learning. I could assign various sessions for him to go through and then discuss the material after he finished. I think the course gave him a great head start on other students who will be in his class next fall at his Vo-Tech school.

David Sivertsen
Tech Coord.
Miller Area School District
Miller, SD 57362
www.k12.sd.us

"Is there anything that David Davis doesn't know?"
I bought the CompTIA A+ course from Train Signal for several reasons. CompTIA had updated the syllabus, so I wanted some learning materials that were up-to-date. The cost of the Train Signal CBT is both superior in delivery and cost to other market competitors.

I have yet to take my CompTIA A+ but it has been excellent in updating my understanding. I am already CompTIA A+ certified. Even so, David Davis, was still able to give me a better understanding of computermaintenance, that other courses do not cover.

He expertly explains exactly what CompTIA expects of it's students but he also gives you invaluable hints, tips and real world scenarios. His approach to teaching is brilliant. It is never boring and is always very informative. You will never understand anything if the teaching is poor.

David Davis gives you confidence and this helps your understanding too. You believe you are capable of passing the exam.

Train Signal has been invaluable to my career. It has kept me in a job.

Is there anything that David Davis doesn't know?
Jon Power
"I was looking to become A+ Certified, I had failed twice and watched your video and went back and got a very high score!"
I failed the CompTIA A+ exams twice and after watching the training videos with David Davis, I passed the very next time I took them!

The videos explained the topics i was having trouble with thoroughly, they even expounded on the specific topics known to be covered on the exam.

The Instructor, David Davis, was obviously very knowledgeable and even more importantly a great teacher! I didn't think I would ever pass but your videos helped me understand the topics I had previously struggled with.

Brad Masopust
"I have yet to take the exam but feel confident that the knowledge I possess coupled with the video’s will prevail in a successful exam..."
I have been preparing for the A+ certification exam to not only certify my knowledge but also prepare myself to be an IBM/Lenovo Service Technician.

I have reviewed the training videos and have picked up on some new information & knowledge. I have yet to take the exam but feel confident that the knowledge I possess coupled with the video’s will prevail in a successful exam. (if only you had a time management course that I could use now. :)

I cannot attest to the exam itself, but if the exam is anything like the thoroughness of the videos, I will surely pass.

Dennis Woodward
www.montverde.org
"We have most of the Train Signal CBT’s and use them for refresher courses as well..."
The CompTIA A+ course was purchased for an employee to help get certified. It helped me because as owner of the company I have certified people on my staff. Certification is extremely important. We have most of the TrainSignal CBT’s and use them for refresher courses as well.

Daniel Flores (employee): "This course was extremely easy to understand. It was straight to the point and extremely informational. I feel without this material I would have not passed the course. If I had to do this test again, I have no doubt in my mind that I would use this Certification preparation tool again."

Rick Risner
President & CEO
Elite Systems Integrators, Inc.
www.esi-ca.com
"Train Signal’s format makes it easy to understand difficult concepts for me. I have been able to apply the concepts in real world experiences after watching the videos with much success..."
I purchased the course to give to someone that was just getting into IT and wanted to pursue acquiring the A+ Cert. In addition, I wanted to have the course to refresh myself when needed.

I have already attained my A+ some years ago however if I wanted to upgrade my Certification to the current A+ I know that I will be well prepared to achieve it. The course had really expounded on concepts that I had not known prior to getting the course.

The main thing that I really like about this course as well the other courses that I purchased through Train Signal is that you can see it being done from installations to configurations.

I am a person that can learn by reading books which at times can be quite challenging. However when you can see it being done it helps me retain the information quicker while reading reinforces what you have seen.

Train Signal’s format makes it easy to understand difficult concepts for me. I have been able to apply the concepts in real world experiences after watching the videos with much success.

Chauncey Badgett
"They don't teach you this in classroom training where you pay over a thousand and not really learn anything..."
The CompTIA A+ is a fantastic course as David Davis, the author, teaches everything from the hardware and all the components right up to the Operating system levels and much more. This is all useful material for working in the real world.

There is alot of theory which you can't take in all at once. Still going through this bit by bit.

It will help me to achieve my goals one way or the other with a thorough understanding of how the PC works and how to troubleshoot it.

I highly recommend this course because of the screenshots and examples of PC hardware components, Motherboard, RAM slots, CPU, etc., and the theory.

The Training courses overall are affordable and not only that, it's configured on an actual live network, so if there were any problems that were come across you could see that first hand on an actual live network.

They don't teach you this in classroom training where you pay over a thousand and not really learn anything, only theory and probably practice a few scenarios on a PC which you share with another member on the course.

The other problem with those courses, you don't have time to take in something you are unsure about, because the courses range from 3 - 5 days and you quickly have to move on to the next subject. If someone can tell me they can master a system, whatever course you took in 5 days, then I would like to meet that person.

Kind Regards,
Lawrence
PS. I have a few other titles from the same author, Wireless, Linux and Virtualization all from Train Signal.
"The Knowledge learned from the A+ course allowed me to sucessfully pass and update to the new A+ 2006..."
Yes, I have worked in the IT field for over 5 years and this training video was a refresher from the older A+ Cert. I always keep my certifications and training as current as possible. I believe this always gives you a competitive edge in the workplace. My A+ along with several other certifications and a BS Degree always seem to help when it's counts.
Thanks,

Toby Leigh