Complete CompTIA A Guide to IT Hardware and Software
(pearson-220-901-220-902-schmidt)/ISBN:978-1-61691-667-1
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.
Here's what you will 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.
Lessons
20+ Lessons | 254+ Exercises | 398+ Quizzes | 1475+ Flashcards | 1475+ Glossary of terms
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
Need guidance and support? Click here to check our Instructor Led Course.
Here's what you will learn
Download Course OutlineLessons 1: 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
Lessons 2: 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
Lessons 3: 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
Lessons 4: 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
Lessons 5: 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
Lessons 6: 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
Lessons 7: 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
Lessons 8: 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
Lessons 9: 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
Lessons 10: 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
Lessons 11: 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
Lessons 12: 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
Lessons 13: 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
Lessons 14: 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
Lessons 15: 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
Lessons 16: 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
Lessons 17: 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
Lessons 18: 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
Lessons 19: Operational Procedures
- Operational Procedures Overview
- Communication Skills
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
Appendix A
- Subnetting Basics
- Lab
Hands-on LAB Activities (Performance Labs)
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
Exam FAQs
You 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.