Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (1101/1102)

(220-1101-1102-SCH.AB1)/ISBN:978-1-64459-384-4

This course includes
Lessons
TestPrep
Hand-on Lab
AI Tutor (Add-on)

uCertify’s CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) course and lab are designed to enhance the latest knowledge and skills of an IT professional. The course contains interactive tools like CompTIA A+ exam objective-based lessons, test preps, and live labs for a hands-on experience. It will be a great source to learn about Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting.

Here's what you will get

CompTIA is trusted by employers around the world to identify suitable IT professionals. The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). CompTIA A+ 220-1101 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. CompTIA A+ 220-1102 covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.

Lessons

21+ Lessons | 558+ Exercises | 282+ Quizzes | 1618+ Flashcards | 1618+ Glossary of terms

TestPrep

90+ Pre Assessment Questions | 2+ Full Length Tests | 90+ Post Assessment Questions | 180+ Practice Test Questions

Hand on lab

110+ LiveLab | 108+ Video tutorials | 02:05+ Hours

Here's what you will learn

Download Course Outline

Lessons 1: Introduction

  • What’s New in the Ninth Edition?
  • Organization of the Text
  • Features of This course
  • CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives

Lessons 2: Introduction to the World of IT

  • Who Needs This Course?
  • Technician Qualities
  • Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
  • Basic Skills for This Course
  • Types of Computers
  • Basic Computer Hardware
  • Mice and Keyboards
  • Common Peripherals
  • 1s and 0s
  • Safety Notes
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities 

Lessons 3: Connectivity

  • Introduction to Connectivity
  • External Connectivity
  • Mouse and Keyboard Ports
  • Video Ports
  • Audio Ports
  • eSATA Ports
  • Modem and Serial Ports
  • Network Ports
  • Network Cabling
  • Integrated Motherboard Ports
  • Getting to Know Ports
  • Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
  • Soft Skills: Using Appropriate Titles
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 4: On the Motherboard

  • Introduction to the Motherboard
  • Processor Overview
  • Processor Basics
  • Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
  • Clocking
  • Cache
  • Threading Technology
  • Connecting to the Processor
  • Multicore Processors
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  • Introduction to Virtualization
  • Intel Processors
  • AMD Processors
  • CPU Sockets
  • 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)
  • Motherboard Security Options
  • Types of Motherboards
  • Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
  • Motherboard Troubleshooting
  • Soft Skills: Active Listening
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 5: Introduction to Configuration

  • Configuration Overview
  • BIOS Overview
  • The Setup Program
  • Flash BIOS
  • BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
  • CMOS Memory
  • Motherboard Battery
  • Firmware Updates: Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI
  • Other Configuration Parameters
  • Hardware Configuration Overview
  • Installing a USB Device
  • Installing an eSATA Card
  • Installing a Network Interface Card
  • Troubleshooting Configurations
  • Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Change Only One Thing At A Time And Document
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 6: Disassembly and Power

  • Disassembly Overview
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Tools
  • Disassembly
  • Reassembly
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Basic Electronics Overview
  • Power Supply Overview
  • Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
  • Power Protection
  • Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
  • Soft Skills: Written Communications Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities 

Lessons 7: Memory

  • Memory Overview
  • Memory Physical Packaging
  • Planning a Memory Installation
  • Installing Memory Overview
  • Virtual RAM
  • Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
  • Older Applications in Windows
  • Troubleshooting Memory Problems
  • Removable Storage
  • Soft Skills: Teamwork
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 8: Storage Devices

  • Storage Devices Overview
  • Hard Drive Overview
  • Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview
  • Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview
  • M.2 and NVMe
  • PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity
  • Storage Device Configuration Overview
  • System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices
  • Hard Drive Preparation Overview
  • Windows Disk Management
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Windows Storage Spaces
  • Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
  • Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
  • Data Loss and Corruption
  • Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
  • Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
  • RAID Issues
  • SSD Issues
  • Soft Skills: Phone Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 9: Video and Multimedia Devices

  • Multimedia Devices Overview
  • Video Overview
  • Video Cards
  • Projectors
  • Introduction to Audio
  • Installing Sound Cards
  • Sound Cards Using Windows
  • Speakers
  • Troubleshooting Sound Problems
  • Optical Drive Overview
  • Optical Drive Installation
  • Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
  • Scanners
  • Other Multimedia Devices
  • Soft Skills: Attitude
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 10: Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Printer/Multifunction Device Overview
  • 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
  • Printer Installation Overview
  • Installing Multifunction Devices
  • USB Printer Installation
  • Printers in the Windows Environment
  • Printer Sharing
  • Cloud Printing/Scanning
  • 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

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 Display
  • Mobile Device Security
  • Mobile Device Travel and Storage
  • Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
  • Soft Skills: A Word about Appearance
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

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
  • Troubleshooting Overview
  • Step 1. Identify the Problem
  • Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
  • Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
  • Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
  • Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
  • Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
  • Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
  • Soft Skills: Dealing with Difficult Customers
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 13: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Internet Connectivity Overview
  • Dial-up Connectivity
  • Cable Modems
  • xDSL Modems
  • VoIP
  • Fiber Networks
  • Satellite Modems
  • Mobile Connectivity Overview
  • Web Browsers
  • Basic Web Browser Issues
  • Introduction to Virtualization
  • Desktop Virtualization Basics
  • Cloud Computing
  • Soft Skills: Mentoring
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 14: Networking

  • Networking Overview
  • Network Media Overview
  • Ethernet Over Power
  • Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
  • The OSI Model
  • The TCP/IP Model
  • Network Addressing
  • More IPv4 Addressing
  • Wireless Networks Overview
  • Wireless Network Standards
  • Wireless Network Components
  • Wireless Network Design
  • Antenna Basics
  • Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview
  • Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing
  • Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
  • Wireless NIC–Specific Settings
  • Advanced NIC Properties
  • NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
  • Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview
  • Wireless AP/Router Configuration
  • WWAN Cellular Configuration
  • IoT and Smart Devices
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
  • Networking Multifunction Devices
  • Network Servers
  • Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems
  • Software-Defined Networking
  • Network Terminology
  • The TCP/IP Model in Action
  • More Windows Network Settings
  • Introduction to Shared Folders
  • Soft Skills: Being Proactive
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 15: Introduction to Operating Systems

  • Operating Systems Overview
  • User Interaction with Operating Systems
  • Overview of Popular Operating Systems
  • 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 Versions
  • Workstation Operating Systems
  • Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
  • End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns
  • Update Limitations
  • Compatibility Concerns
  • Corporate Operating System Needs
  • Basic Windows Usage Overview
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 Desktop Components
  • Shortcuts and Tiles
  • Recycle Bin
  • Interactions Within a Window
  • Managing Windows Files and Folders
  • Searches and Indexing
  • Attributes, Compression, and Encryption
  • Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities
  • Determining the Windows Version
  • Windows Registry
  • Editing the Windows Registry
  • Backing Up Data
  • WinRE
  • Recovering the Windows OS
  • Soft Skills: Staying Current
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 16: Introduction to Scripting

  • Scripting Overview
  • Command Prompt Overview
  • Command Prompt Basics
  • Moving Around from a Command Prompt
  • The md and rd Commands
  • Two Useful Commands: del and type
  • Copying Files
  • The attrib Command
  • Why Learn Commands?
  • PowerShell
  • Other Commands You Should Look Over
  • Command Format
  • Introduction to Scripting
  • Script File Types
  • Use Cases for Scripting
  • Mitigating Consequences of Scripting
  • Environment Variables
  • Script Syntax
  • Introduction to Script Programming
  • Variables
  • Data Types
  • Examples of Using Variables
  • Comments Within Scripts
  • Basic Script Constructs
  • Decisions: The Selection Structure
  • Compound Conditions and Logical Operators
  • Loops: The Repetition Structure
  • A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell
  • Soft Skills: Changing Perspective When Troubleshooting
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 17: Advanced Windows

  • Advanced Windows Overview
  • Preinstallation of Windows
  • Installation/Upgrade of Windows
  • Corporate Windows Deployment
  • Verifying the Installation
  • Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
  • Reloading Windows
  • Windows Updates
  • Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
  • Configuring Windows Overview
  • Configuring Windows
  • Adding Devices
  • Installing/Removing Software
  • Computer Management Console
  • System Tools
  • User Account Management
  • Managing Storage
  • Managing Services and Applications
  • Data Sources (ODBC)
  • Print Management Console
  • Overview of the Windows Boot Process
  • System Restore
  • Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
  • Startup Settings Menu
  • System Configuration Utility
  • Task Manager
  • Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
  • Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
  • Black Screen/Video Issues
  • Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
  • Slow Boot
  • Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
  • Windows Reboots/System Instability
  • Shutdown Problems
  • Summary of Troubleshooting Steps
  • Power Options
  • Monitoring System Performance
  • Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
  • Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
  • Soft Skills: Avoiding Burnout
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 18: macOS and Linux Operating Systems

  • Introduction to macOS
  • Navigating the User Interface
  • Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
  • Management and Troubleshooting Tools
  • Utilities
  • Introduction to Linux
  • Navigating the GNOME User Interface
  • Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
  • Command-Line Interface
  • macOS and Linux Best Practices
  • Soft Skills: Be Humble
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 19: Computer and Network Security

  • Security Overview
  • Security Policy
  • Physical Security
  • Logical Security
  • Considering the End User
  • Licensing
  • Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
  • Permissions
  • Folder Options
  • Protecting the Operating System and Data
  • Internet Security
  • Remote Access to Network Devices
  • Internet Appliances
  • Wireless Network Security Overview
  • Security Incident Response
  • A Final Word About Security
  • Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 20: Operational Procedures

  • Operational Procedures Overview
  • Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions
  • IT Documentation
  • Change Management
  • Soft Skills: Skills TO SUCCEED
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics

Hands-on LAB Activities

Introduction to the World of IT

  • Disabling a Device Driver
  • Enabling a Device Driver
  • Configuring the Mouse Settings
  • Adding a Keyboard Layout

Connectivity

  • Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
  • Installing a PCI Sound Card
  • Inserting a Pen Drive into the Laptop's USB Port

On the Motherboard

  • Enabling Hardware Virtualization
  • Identifying the CPU Socket (Slot)
  • Installing a Processor
  • Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
  • Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
  • Identifying a PCI Bus Slot
  • Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
  • Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
  • Installing Motherboard Components
  • Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive

Introduction to Configuration

  • Accessing the BIOS Setup in Windows 10
  • Installing the NIC

Disassembly and Power

  • Assembling Computer Components
  • Replacing the Power Supply

Memory

  • Installing Memory Modules
  • Verifying the RAM Usage
  • Editing a Drive Letter

Storage Devices

  • Mounting a Drive to a Folder
  • Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
  • Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
  • Creating a Storage Pool
  • Running the Disk Cleanup

Video and Multimedia Devices

  • Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card

Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Installing a Printer
  • Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
  • Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
  • Sharing a Printer

Mobile Devices

  • Locking an iPhone With a Password
  • Removing an Account in Android
  • Turning On the Airplane Mode of an iPhone
  • Configuring Email in Android
  • Viewing the iOS Version of an iPhone
  • Inserting a CD in a Laptop
  • Connecting a Router to a Laptop
  • Installing Laptop Components
  • Setting Up a VPN on Android

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

  • Connecting a Workstation to the LAN and Configuring IPv4 Properties
  • Identifying Clients and Servers

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Connecting the Cable Modem to Access the Internet

Networking

  • Configuring a Class C IP Address
  • Configuring a Class B IP Address
  • Configuring a Class A IP Address
  • Configuring an IPv6 Address
  • Configuring an IPv4 Address and a DNS Server
  • Creating a VLAN and Viewing its Assignment to Port Mapping
  • Configuring a DHCP Server
  • Adding a DNS Server
  • Using the ping Command
  • Using the nslookup Command
  • Using the ipconfig Command
  • Using the tracert and the pathping Command
  • Using the net Command
  • Using the Sharing Tab

Introduction to Operating Systems

  • Implementing EFS File Sharing
  • Backing Up the Windows Registry
  • Backing Up Files

Introduction to Scripting

  • Working with the Command Prompt
  • Running Commands on PowerShell
  • Creating a Loop in PowerShell
  • Executing the Basic Commands Through a ps1 File
  • Creating and Running a ps1 File

Advanced Windows

  • Setting Automatic Windows Updates
  • Creating a Swap Partition
  • Creating a Restore Point
  • Observing the Control Panel Options from Different Views
  • Configuring the Screen Resolution Setting
  • Uninstalling a Program
  • Configuring Computer Management Services
  • Displaying Windows PowerShell Snap-ins
  • Adding an MMC Snap-in
  • Using Windows Event Viewer
  • Using the Task Scheduler
  • Configuring UAC Settings
  • Viewing the Status of a Disk
  • Disabling a Service
  • Setting Up a Boot Device Priority
  • Monitoring the System's Performance Using Performance Monitor
  • Working with the Task Manager
  • Using the Task Manager to Start an Application
  • Configuring a Power Plan
  • Configuring Screen Savers

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

  • Viewing Processes in Linux
  • Obtaining Software Using the Command-Line Interface
  • Using Basic Linux Commands
  • Finding Files

Computer and Network Security

  • Conducting a DoS Attack Using Smurf Attack
  • Performing Reconnaissance on a Network
  • Performing a MITM Attack
  • Using Rainbow Tables
  • Conducting IP Spoofing
  • Creating a New User
  • Creating an Organizational Unit
  • Propagating Permissions
  • Stopping Permission Inheritance
  • Managing NTFS Permissions
  • Sharing a Folder
  • Using BitLocker
  • Disabling the AutoPlay Feature
  • Installing the Proxy Server Feature
  • Configuring Windows Defender Firewall
  • Configuring Network Address Translation
  • Setting up a Demilitarized Zone
  • Configuring a VPN

Exam FAQs

CompTIA A+ Certification and at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience

$239 USD

Pearson VUE

Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performance-based

The exam contains 90 questions.

90 minutes

220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900) 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)

  • If a candidate has passed an exam (or multiple exams) and achieved certification, they cannot retake the exam, using the same exam code, without prior consent from CompTIA.
  • CompTIA beta examinations may only be taken one (1) time by each candidate.
  • A test found to be in violation of the retake policy will be invalidated and the candidate may be subject to a suspension period. Repeat violators will be permanently banned from participation in the CompTIA Certification Program.
  • Candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam. CompTIA does not offer any free re-tests or discounts on retakes.

Generally after 3 years of launch