CompTIA A+ Training

CompTIA A+ Training - Essentials

Lesson 1 - Getting Started with A+ Essentials Training

In this introductory lesson you will learn about what’s in the course, what specific topics we’ll be covering, how to best use this course to accomplish your certification goals and a little about your instructor.

• What Will We Be Doing?
• Who is Your Instructor?
• What Topics Are Covered?
• How to Use This Course

Lesson 2 - Computer System Overview

Explore basic computer system architecture. Common computer components are explained in detail to give you a solid foundation to use in future lessons.

• Input and Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Memory Components
• Motherboards
• Additional Components

Lesson 3 - Storage and Backup Devices

Learn the common uses, capacity, and interfaces for different storage devices. This will help you to best decide what storage options are right for your needs.

• Storage Capacity
• Floppy Disk Drives (FDD)
• Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
• Solid State Drives (SSD)
• Drive Interfaces
• Optical Drives
• Compact Disc (CD)
• Digital Video Disc (DVD)
• Blu-ray Disc (BD)
• Removable Storage

Lesson 4 - Motherboards

Find out about different types of motherboards. Also, learn the function and capabilities of each component on a motherboard. This foundation will get you started understanding how each part of the motherboard works and how they all interact.

• Motherboard Overview
• Form Factors
• Ports: PS/2, Parallel, Serial, VGA Video, USB, Firewire, Ethernet and Audio
• Bus Architecture
• Bus Slots
• Memory
• Processor Sockets
• Firmware

Lesson 5 - Central Processing Units

Get the most for your processor dollar with the information in this lesson. Learn about how CPUs work, and the differences between different processor styles and their attributes, and the technology that make some CPUs faster than others.

• How do CPUs Work?
• CPU Structure and Cache
• Processor Speed
• Threading
• Multiple Processors
• Multi-Core Processors
• 32bit vs. 64bit

Lesson 6 - Memory

Learn about past and present memory types and what makes them different. See the math behind how different memory type speeds are calculated so you can truthfully compare one memory option to another.

• Memory Overview
• Read Only Memory (ROM) vs. Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Ram Banks
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
• Static RAM (SRAM)
• Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)
• Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM
• DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM
• Error Detection and Correction
• Single vs. Double Sided Memory

Lesson 7 - Adapter Cards

Adapter cards are important to know about when upgrading or replacing computer components. Explore various adapter cards and how they each interface with computers.

• Video Cards
• Multimedia Adapter Cards
• Sound Cards
• TV Tuner Cards
• Serial and Parallel Cards
• USB and Firewire Cards
• Modems
• Network Interface Cards (NIC)
• SCSI Drive Interface Adapter Cards
• Redundant Array of Inexpensive Discs (RAID) Controller

Lesson 8 - Printers

Dive deep into the inner working of a variety of printer types along with important considerations like consumables and print speeds.

• Laser Printers
• Inkjet and Bubble Jet Printers
• Impact Printers
• Thermal Printers
• Local vs. network printers
• Consumables
• Printer Drivers

Lesson 9 - Display Devices (Monitors)

Learn about how different monitor types work. Take a look at configuration and safe monitor maintenance as well.

• Technical Features
• Cathode-Ray Tubes
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
• Projectors
• Monitor Connectors
• Multi-monitor

Lesson 10 - Input Devices

In this lesson you will learn about the different types of input devices that you may encounter as a PC technician. We’ll discuss standard installation methods for these devices and learn more about what each device is designed to do.

• Mouse
• Keyboards
• Barcode Reader
• Web Cams and Cameras
• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)
• Biometric
• Touch screen
• Keyboard Video Mouse Switch (KVM)

Lesson 11 - Power Supplies

Get an overview of some power terminology and then apply that information to power a computer. Also explore important details like different power connectors and power supply safety.

• Current, Volts, Resistance and Wattage
• Power Supply Rating, Capacity and Switches
• Connecting and Testing a Power Supply
• ATX Power Supplies
• Power Supply Safety

Lesson 12 - Cooling Methods

In order to keep your computers from overheating and running efficiently you must have proper cooling components in place. Learn all about the different cooling components inside a computer.

• Heat Sinks
• Thermal Compounds
• CPU Fans
• Liquid Cooling Systems
• Case Fans
• Power Supply Fan

Lesson 13 - Laptop Components

While laptops have many of the same components as other computers, there are some differences. Learn all about technologies usually found in laptops.

• PCMCIA and CardBus
• PCI Express Card
• Mini PCI and Mini PCIe
• Docking Stations and Port Replicators
• Infrared and Bluetooth
• Cellular Wide Area Network, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Ethernet
• Modems
• Touch Pads and Track Points
• Digitizing Tablets and Stylus
• Laptop Function Keys
• AC and DC Power Adapters
• Laptop Batteries

Lesson 14 - Troubleshooting Methodology

In this lesson you will learn a step by step plan to troubleshoot all computer issues including hardware and software and networking. If you follow this plan you can solve problems in a organized and scalable way.

• Troubleshooting Process
• Identify the Problem
• Establish a Theory of Probable Causes
• Test Your Theory
• Create a Plan to Resolve the Issue
• Apply the Fix and Verify the Results
• Document the Results
• Use Available Documentation and Resources

Lesson 15 - Common Computer Issues

A troubleshooting methodology is a very important when the computer problem is one that you may not have encountered in the past. However, there are many common symptoms that will become all too familiar to you the longer you work as a computer technician. In this lesson we will be discussing common issues with computer hardware, operating systems, laptops and printers. By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the process of identifying, and resolving many of these common issues.

• Hardware Symptoms: Heat, Noise, Odor, Visual Damage and Status Lights
• Laptop Symptoms: Power, Video, Peripherals and Wireless Cards
• Power On Self Test (POST)
• OS Symptoms: Blue Screen, System Lockup, I/O, Applications, Loading the OS, Printing
• Printer Symptoms: Print Jobs, Properties, Test Pages and Laser Printers

Lesson 16 - Preventative Maintenance

Like the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a preventative maintenance program is an essential part of managing computer technology. In this lesson we will review some industry standards and best practices that should be incorporated into a preventative maintenance program.

• Tools and Cleaning Materials
• Proper Operating Environment
• Computer Physical Inspection
• Mouse and Keyboard Physical Inspection
• Monitor and Printer Physical Inspection
• Power Devices
• Hard Disk Maintenance
• Defrag
• Check Disk and Scandisk
• Software Updates
• Security Software
• Startup Programs
• Backup Procedures

Lesson 17 - Windows Operating Systems

A qualified PC Technician is responsible for managing and maintaining different versions of common operating systems. In order to successfully manage these different systems, it's important to understand the similarities and the differences between each of these software versions. In this lesson we will compare and contrast three different Microsoft Windows operating systems (Windows 2000, XP and Vista).

• Command Line Interface (CLI) vs. Graphical User Interface(GUI)
• 32bit vs. 64bit
• Application Compatibility and Installed Program Locations
• Windows Operating System Versions
• Windows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP
• Windows 2000
• Windows Compatibility Mode
• Windows User Interface Overview: Start Bar, AERO, Flip, Flip3D and Sidebar

Lesson 18 - Windows Installation Concepts

Installing an Operating System is a fundamental skill that every PC Technician is required to possess. Knowing when and how to install an Operating System allows the Technician to Build a PC from scratch, upgrade a PC to a newer Operating System, or repair a computer that has a defective Operating System. In this lesson, you will learn about the concepts involved in the Operating System installation process, including which file system to use, determining hardware compatibility, and methods of system installation and recovery.

• Network Installation
• Disk Imaging
• Recovery CD
• Hardware Compatibility
• Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
• Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP)
• FAT and NTFS File Systems

Lesson 19 - Windows Installation Walkthrough

In this lesson, we will be taking a look at the step-by-step procedure that is used to install the Windows Operating System. We will use this opportunity to compare and contrast the differences between two different sets of installation procedures. One set us used to install Windows 2000 and Windows XP and the other set is used for installing Windows Vista and Windows 7.

• Windows 7 Installation
• Comparing Windows Installations
• Windows XP Installation

Lesson 20 - Windows Configuration

Installing an Operating System is only half the battle. Configuring it to provide functionality for the end user is the other half. In this lesson, we will walk through several areas of the Operating System that require post installation configuration. Specifically, we will be taking a look at configuring Virtual Memory, Operating System Updates, Managing Files and Folders, User Migration Tools, Power Management and safely removing peripheral components.

• Virtual Memory Configuration
• Installation Verification - Device Manager
• Device Drivers
• Windows Updates
• Directory Structures
• Create New Directories and Files
• File Creation
• File Extensions
• File Attributes
• File Permissions
• Files and User Migration Demo
• Power Management
• Safely Removing Peripherals

Lesson 21 - Windows User Interface

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the primary interface used by both the end users as well as the PC Technician. In this lesson, we will examine several aspects of the Windows User Interface that provides the PC Technician with the tools needed to manage the Operating System. Specifically we will be taking a close look at Windows Explorer, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Task Manager and various essential command prompt utilities and run line tools that are used for troubleshooting and managing the Operating System.

• Start Menu
• Windows Explorer
• Control Panel
• Administrative Tools
• Systray
• Task Manager
• My Network Places and HomeGroup
• Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
• Command Prompt Utilities: IPconfig, Ping and Telnet
• Run Line Tools: cmd, msconfig, msinfo32, dxdiag and regedit
• User Account Control (UAC)

Lesson 22 - Windows Boot Sequence

Have you ever had an Operating System generate an error when it was booting up? These errors can be caused by many different factors including changes made to the hardware and software, corrupted files, viruses and other malware just to name a few. Understanding the steps that an Operating System follows to complete the boot up process will enable a PC Technician to better analyze and determine the causes of boot errors. This knowledge will also guide the PC Technician in developing the appropriate strategy to resolve these issues. In this lesson we will examine the boot sequence for several Microsoft Operating Systems. We will also review the advanced boot options that can be used to recover from boot errors.

• Disk Boot Order Demo
• Windows 2000 and XP Boot Sequence and Boot Files
• Windows Vista Boot Sequence and Boot Files
• Advanced Boot Options
• Windows Restore Points
• Automatic System Recovery (ASR)
• Emergency Repair Disc (ERD)
• Recovery Console

Lesson 23 - Networking Fundamentals

In today's world of computer technology, everything revolves around connecting computers together using various networking technologies. This lesson will discuss some of the fundamental technologies that are used to create different types of networks. We will also discuss some of the technologies that are used to connect computer systems together using these networks.

• Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)
• Hubs, Switches and Routers
• OSI 7 Layer Model
• Hubs, Switches and Routers Cont.
• Servers and Workstations
• NetBIOS
• Status Indicators
• Bandwidth and Latency
• Full Duplex and Half Duplex
• Wake on LAN (WoL)
• Workgroups and Domains
• TCP/IP
• IP Addressing and IP Properties
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• IP Classes and Ranges
• Domain Name Service (DNS)
• IP Version 4 vs. IP Version 6

Lesson 24 - Network Cables and Connectors

When it comes to computer networks, most connections start with some kind of physical cable. Using the appropriate cable and connector is essential to successfully establishing a network connection. Use the wrong type of cable and your customer will be the loneliest end user on the planet because they will not be able to connect to anyone on their local network or on the internet. In this lesson, we will examine the various types of cables used to connect devices to a network. We will also identify the specific connectors that are used with each type of cable.

• Plenum and PVC
• Coaxial Cables
• Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Cables
• Fiber Optic Cables

Lesson 25 - Network Types

The internet is the network environment most often connected to by companies and individual users. There are several different technologies that can be used to connect a company or an individual to the internet. In this lesson we will be discussing several of these types of networks and the specific equipment that is needed to establish an internet connection. Specifically, we will be discussing technologies like Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable, Satellite, Fiber Optic Networks and Cellular Networks just to name a few.

• Broadband
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
• Cable
• Fiber Optic
• Satellite
• Cellular
• Wireless (Wi-Fi)
• 802.11x
• Service Set Identifier (SSID)
• Media Access Control (MAC) Filtering and DHCP
• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access(WPA)
• Dial-up
• Bluetooth
• Network Comparison

Lesson 26 - IT Security Principals

With computer system being so interconnected, the possibility for unwanted visitors (hackers) is an ever growing threat. Therefore, the need for proper IT Security measures has never been more important. In this lesson we will discuss several security concepts that a PC Technician needs to be familiar with. We will be taking a look at some of the technologies that are used to implement security measures, and we will also be looking at one very effective method used by hackers to gather sensitive information about you and your company.

• Social Engineering
• Authentication
• Data Security
• Encryption
• Software Firewalls

Lesson 27 - Security Features

How secure is secure enough? That is the million dollar question. When it comes to computer systems, security is usually implemented in layers, usually starting at the edge of the network where the WAN and the LAN connect, then moving to strategic locations in the internal network, and finally on the computing devices like switches, routers, servers and workstations. In this lesson, we will be looking at a few of the security features that can be implemented on workstations.

• BIOS Security
• Malicious Software Security
• Internet Browser Security
• Wireless Encryption Configuration

Lesson 28 - Safety and Environmental Procedures

Whether you're building, installing, configuring, repairing or maintaining a computer system, as an A+ Certified Professional, safety is always job #1. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you create a safe work environment and that you perform your work in a safe manner. In this lesson we will discuss various aspects of safety including electrical safety measures, physical safety, and environmental safety requirements.

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Power Supply and Inverter Safety
• Power Distribution
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (USP)
• Laser Printer Safety
• Physical Safety
• Environmental Safety

Lesson 29 - Communication and Professionalism

People do business with people they like and people they trust. As an A+ Certified Professional, a significant aspect of your job will be to develop strong relationships with your customers and to earn their trust. As part of a customer service organization, it's vital that you develop excellent communications skills and that you always conduct yourself in a professional manner. In this lesson we will be discussing what is expected from the Professional Technician. We will also be looking at communication techniques that can help you provide quality customer service. Finally, we will be looking at some suggestions on how to help a customer that is upset, and what you can do to manage these difficult situations.

• The Professional Technician
• Communications
• Managing Difficult Situations

Lesson 30 - Preparing for Your CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) Exam

If one of your objectives for taking this CompTIA A+ Training Course is to take the certification exam and obtain your A+ Certification, then this lesson is for you. In this lesson we will provide you with an overview of CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) Exam. We will also review the course objectives and map each objective to the various lessons that cover the required material. This lesson also contains recommendations on how to register, study and prepare to take this exam.

• Exam Overview
• Course Objectives
• Study Recommendations
• Exam Preparation

CompTIA A+ Training - Practical Application

Lesson 31 - Getting Started with A+ Practical Application Training

In an introduction lesson, we’ll discuss the topics to be covered in the Practical Application portion of this course. We’ll also review how to best use the course to prepare for your A+ Practical Application certification.

• What Will We Be Doing?
• What Topics Are Covered?
• How to Use This Course

Lesson 32 - Hardware Installation

In this lesson, we’ll dive into hardware installation by installing various PC components including: the processor, RAM, USB ports, heat sinks and more. We’ll also talk about connecting power supplies, data cables, cooling fans and more. These lessons will help you gain a better understanding of hardware installation best practices and techniques.

• Computer Case External and Internal Layout
• Mounting the Motherboard
• Installing Processor into Socket
• Installing RAM
• Installing Front USB Ports
• Installing Drives into Drive Bays
• Installing Drives into Drive Cages
• Installing Heat Sink on CPU
• Installing Adapter Cards
• Mounting the Power Supply
• Connecting Power Cables - Motherboard
• Connecting Power Cables - Drives
• Connecting Data Cables
• Connect Cooling Fan
• Install Case Cover
• Connect External Components

Lesson 33 - Troubleshoot, Repair or Replace Components

In this lesson, you will see hands-on demonstration of how-to replace faulty components within your PC. We will talk about troubleshooting these components as well. We’ll also discuss some common issues you may encounter as a PC Technician.

• Troubleshooting and Repairing Storage Devices
• Replacing a Storage Device
• Troubleshooting Memory
• Replacing Memory
• Troubleshooting Adapter Cards
• Replacing Adapter Cards
• Troubleshooting Processors (CPU)
• Replacing a Processor
• Troubleshooting Cooling Systems
• Replacing a Fan Assembly
• Replacing a Heat Sink
• Troubleshooting Power Supplies
• Replacing a Power Supply
• Troubleshooting Motherboards
• Replacing a Motherboard

Lesson 34 - Install, Configure, Troubleshoot and Repair Laptop Components

In this lesson, we’ll talk about common troubleshooting issues with laptop components. Most of these are field replaceable and we’ll walk through the steps of removing the faulty component and replacing with properly functioning hardware. We will also discuss how-to handle non field replaceable issues.

• Disassemble Procedures for Proper Reassembly
• Upgrading a Video Card
• Replacing an LCD Screen
• Replacing Memory
• Replacing a Thermal Cooling Assembly
• Replacing a Processor
• Replacing a CMOS Battery
• Replacing a Hard Drive
• Replacing a Wireless Card
• Replacing a Keyboard

Lesson 35 - Troubleshooting and Repair Tools

In this lesson we will talk about the tools every PC Technician should have (and know how to use) in their toolkit.

• Multi-meter
• Power Supply Tester
• Cable Testers
• Loopback Plugs
• Anti-static Pad and Wrist Strap
• Specialty Hardware Tools
• PC Repair Tool Kits

Lesson 36 - Detect and Resolve Printer Issues

Printers are one of the most common devices you will need to troubleshoot and fix. In this lesson we will learn how to identify the issues and what steps you will need to take in order to fix them. Some of the issues we will cover include paper jams, lines and smearing, ghost images and error codes.

• Paper Jams
• Blank Paper
• Lines and Smearing
• Garbage Printout
• Ghost Image
• Error Codes and Status Lights
• Out of Memory Errors
• No Connectivity

Lesson 37 - Troubleshooting Commands

In this lesson we will use the command line interface to troubleshoot and address problems in a Windows environment. We’ll review the msconfig.exe GUI to address System Configuration and make sure you can address any computer start up issues.

• Directory Commands
• File Commands
• Network Commands
• Diagnostic and Repair Commands

Lesson 38 - Windows Operating System Directory Structure

Understanding the Windows Directory Structure will help you when you need to find key files quickly. We will master the directory structure and know exactly where to locate User Files, System Files, Program Files, Temp Files, Fonts and more.

• User File Location
• System File Location
• Font File Location
• Temporary File Location
• Program File Location
• Offline Files and Folders

Lesson 39 - System Utilities

System Utilities are some of the fundamental applications that help you manage and configure a Windows Operating System. With Administrative Tools, Device Manager, Task Manager, and System Restore you will be able to manage your hardware, active applications, backup and recovery and more. We’ll also cover remote management using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

• System Information
• Regional and Language Settings
• Administrative Tools
• Device Manager
• Task Manager
• System Restore
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Lesson 40 - Disk Utilities

In this lesson we will take a deeper look into the disk management and gain greater understanding to the types of drives and how to keep them functioning optimally. We’ll cover the tools you can use to identify partition, format and defragment your drives.

• Disk Management
• Drive Types
• Partition Types
• File Systems and Formatting
• Disk Partition
• Drive Status
• Mount Points and Drive Mounting
• Mount Point
• Defrag Disk Management Tool

Lesson 41 - Resolving Common Issues

Fear the scary Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) no more. We’ll walk through some of the most common system and application error and address how to avoid or fix each of them. System Lockup, Blue Screen Errors, Device Driver Failures, and Printing Problems are just a few we’ll cover.

• Auto Restart Errors
• System Lockup
• Device Driver Failure
• Blue Screen Errors
• Service Start Up Issues
• Application Install, Start of Load Failure
• Windows Printing Problems
• Boot Errors
• Start Up Errors
• System Performance and Optimization

Lesson 42 - Troubleshooting Client-side Connectivity

In this lesson we take a look at various technologies which effect whether a client can connect to resources on a network. We will talk about how to troubleshoot different connectivity issues. Some of the more specific areas of technology we will cover include TCP/IP, Email Protocols, FTP Settings, Proxy Settings, Secure Connection Protocols, and Firewall Settings. We will also review some of the network diagnostic tools we have learned about earlier in this course.

• TCP/IP Protocol
• Mail Protocol
• FTP Settings
• Proxy Settings
• Secure Connections Protocols
• Firewall Settings
• Network Diagnostic Tools

Lesson 43 - Install and Configure a Small Office Home Office Network

In this lesson we take a look at some of the different networking technologies which are used to connect a small or home office network out to the Internet. Earlier in this course we learned the technical aspects of various networking technologies. Here we will take that knowledge and put it into context when using them in a Small Office Home Office (SOHO) network. These technologies include Dialup, ISDN, DSL, Cable, Satellite, Fiber, Cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. We will also take a look at the physical installation of a SOHO network and how to configure Broadband Routers, Firewalls, and Wireless Access Points.

• Network Connections
• LAN Speeds
• DSL Physical Installation
• Cable Physical Installation
• Satellite Physical Installation
• Wi-Fi Physical Installation
• Configuring Broadband Routers
• Configure Firewall Settings
• Configuring Wireless Access Points
• Basic VoIP

Lesson 44 - Viruses and Malware Management

In this lesson we are going to introduce you to different types of Malware and the symptoms you might encounter when computer systems are infected. We’re also going to take a look at mitigating strategies such as using Antivirus Software. And what happens if a computer does in fact get infected? What are some of the steps you can take to remediate or clean up that virus? Then we will talk about a very important, but often ignored component of risk mitigation strategy, end user education.

• Researching Malware
• Malware Mitigation Strategies
• Antivirus Software
• Virus Remediation
• Educate End Users

Lesson 45 - Implementing Security

In this lesson we will talk about some of the different ways to implement security on an end user workstation. The Windows operating system offers different tools and features to assist with security. We will cover Local Users and Groups, User Account Control (UAC), NTFS Permissions, Shared Files and Folders, System Files and Folders, Encryption, User Authentication, and BIOS Security.

• Local Users and Groups
• User Account Control (UAC)
• NTFS Permissions
• System Files and Folders
• Shared Files and Folders
• Combining NTFS and Shared Folder Permissions
• Encryption (BitLocker, EFS)
• User Authentication
• Bios Security

Lesson 46 - Preparing for Your CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702) Exam

In this lesson you will learn Paul’s inside tips and pointers on the certification process and other things you should consider before taking the exam.

• Exam Overview
• Course Objectives
• Study Recommendations
• Exam Preparation

Lesson 47 - Next Steps

After a quick review, this final lesson provides you with resources and actions to take once you have watched all previous lessons in the A+ Training course.

• What We Covered
• Follow-up
• We Value Your Opinion