Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (220-1001/220-1002)

(pearson-220-1001-220-1002-schmidt-complete-2nd)/ISBN:978-1-64459-121-5

This course includes
Lessons
TestPrep
Hands-On Labs
AI Tutor (Add-on)

Lessons

21+ Lessons | 275+ Quizzes | 1512+ Flashcards | 1528+ Glossary of terms

TestPrep

182+ Pre Assessment Questions | 2+ Full Length Tests | 182+ Post Assessment Questions | 360+ Practice Test Questions

Hands-On Labs

135+ LiveLab | 128+ Video tutorials | 18:29+ Hours

Video Lessons

13+ Videos | 02:02+ Hours

Here's what you will learn

Download Course Outline

Lessons 1: Introduction

  • What's New in the Eighth 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
  • Multipurpose Ports
  • Audio Ports
  • eSATA Ports
  • Network Ports
  • Modem and Serial 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
  • Cache
  • Clocking
  • 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
  • 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

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 the BIOS/UEFI
  • Clearing CMOS
  • Other Configuration Parameters
  • Hardware Configuration Overview
  • Installing a USB Device
  • Installing an eSATA Card
  • Installing a Network Interface Card
  • Video Overview
  • Video Cards
  • Troubleshooting Configurations
  • Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Changing Only One Thing At A Time
  • 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
  • Adding More Cache/RAM
  • Windows Disk Caching
  • Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
  • Older Applications in Windows
  • Troubleshooting Memory Problems
  • Flash Memory
  • Soft Skills: Teamwork
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 8: Storage Devices

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

Lessons 9: Multimedia Devices

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

Lessons 10: Printers

  • Printers Overview
  • Printer Ports
  • Categories of Printers
  • Impact Printers
  • Inkjet Printers
  • Laser Printers
  • Thermal Printers
  • 3D 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
  • Printers in the macOS 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

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 Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
  • Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
  • Soft Skills: Dealing With Irate Customers
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 13: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Internet Connectivity Overview
  • Dial-up Overview
  • Serial Communication Overview
  • Configuring Traditional Serial Devices
  • 56 kbps Modems
  • Digital Modems and ISDN
  • VoIP
  • Cable Modems
  • xDSL Modems
  • Satellite Modems
  • Modem Preventive Maintenance
  • Mobile Connectivity Overview
  • Virtualization Basics
  • Cloud Computing
  • Web Browsers
  • Basic Web Browser Issues
  • Soft Skills: Mentoring
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 14: Networking

  • Networking Overview
  • Attaching to Different Types of Networks
  • Network Topologies
  • Network Media Overview
  • Copper Media
  • Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
  • Ethernet Concepts
  • Ethernet over Power
  • The OSI Model
  • The TCP/IP Model
  • Network Addressing
  • More IPv4 Addressing
  • Wireless Networks Overview
  • Wireless Network Standards
  • Bluetooth
  • Wireless Network Components
  • Wireless Network Design
  • Antenna Basics
  • End-User Device Configuration Overview
  • Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
  • Configuring an End-User Device: Addressing
  • Wireless NIC-Specific Settings
  • Advanced NIC Properties
  • NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
  • Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview
  • Wireless AP/Router Basic Configuration
  • WWAN Cellular Configuration
  • IoT and Smart Devices
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
  • 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 Section of the Control Panel
  • Introduction to Shared Folders
  • Network Connectivity
  • 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 7/8/8.1/10 Versions
  • Workstation Operating Systems
  • Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
  • End-of-Life Concerns
  • Update Concerns
  • Compatibility Concerns
  • Corporate Operating System Needs
  • Basic Windows Usage Overview
  • Shortcuts and Tiles
  • Windows 7 Desktop Components
  • Windows 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 Panel Utilities
  • Determining the Windows Version
  • Windows Registry
  • Editing the Windows Registry
  • Backing Up Data
  • Recovering the Windows OS
  • WinRE
  • 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
  • Environment Variables
  • Script Syntax
  • Introduction to Script Programming
  • Variables
  • Data Types
  • Examples of Using Variables
  • Comments
  • 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
  • Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
  • Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
  • Black Screen/Video Issues
  • Recovery Console
  • Advanced Boot Options/Startup Settings Menu
  • System Configuration Utility
  • Task Manager
  • Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
  • Slow Boot
  • Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
  • Windows Reboots
  • Shutdown Problems
  • Power Options
  • 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 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
  • End-User Education
  • Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
  • Permissions
  • Folder Options
  • Protecting the Operating System and Data
  • Internet Security
  • Parental Controls
  • NAT/PAT
  • VPN Configuration
  • Remote Access to Network Devices
  • Internet Appliances
  • Wireless Network Security Overview
  • Security Incident Reporting
  • A Final Word About Security
  • Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Lessons 20: Operational Procedures

  • Operational Procedures Overview
  • Adverse Power Conditions
  • Surge Protectors
  • Line Conditioners
  • Battery Backup
  • IT Documentation
  • Change Management
  • Soft Skills: Communication Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics

  • Exercises

Hands-on LAB Activities

Introduction to the World of IT

  • Adding a Keyboard Layout
  • Configuring Mouse Settings

On the Motherboard

  • Installing Motherboard Components
  • Installing a PCI Sound Card
  • Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
  • Viewing the Processor Information
  • Enabling Hardware Virtualization
  • Identifying a CPU Socket
  • Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
  • Installing a processor
  • Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
  • Installing a NIC
  • Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
  • Installing Firewire Cards
  • Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
  • Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)

Introduction to Configuration

  • Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
  • Changing the Resolution Setting

Disassembly and Power

  • Assembling Computer Components
  • Replacing the Power Supply
  • Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
  • Replacing the Battery of a Smartphone and Inserting a Memory Card
  • Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity

Memory

  • Installing Memory Modules
  • Verifying RAM Usage

Storage Devices

  • Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
  • Accessing BIOS Setup in Windows 10
  • Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
  • Viewing the Status of a Disk
  • Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
  • Removing a Pen Drive from a Computer

Multimedia Devices

  • Inserting a CD on a Laptop
  • Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
  • Connecting Speakers to a Computer

Printers

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

Mobile Devices

  • Removing an Account in Android
  • Configuring an Email in Android
  • Viewing the iOS Version of an iPhone
  • Setting Up a VPN in Android
  • Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
  • Installing Laptop Components
  • Locking an iPhone with a Password

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Connecting the Cable Modem to Access Internet
  • Installing Ubuntu
  • Installing Windows 10
  • Using OneDrive
  • Configuring OneDrive

Networking

  • Configuring an IPv4 address
  • Configuring an IPv6 address
  • Installing a DHCP Server
  • Assigning Different Classes of IP Address
  • Scanning using Wireshark
  • Connecting a Workstation to the LAN and Configuring IPv4 Properties
  • Connecting Systems to the Internet Through a Firewall Router
  • Connecting a Router to the Laptop
  • Using the nbtstat command
  • Using the netstat Command
  • Using the nslookup Command
  • Using the ping Command
  • Tracing Route Using Tracert
  • Joining Workgroups or Domains
  • Changing Network Locations
  • Managing Offline Files
  • Sharing a Printer
  • Sharing Folders
  • Using the net Command
  • Creating a Dial-up Connection
  • Connecting to a Remote Computer using a Remote Desktop Connection
  • Creating a Remote Access VPN Connection
  • Configuring a Proxy Server

Introduction to Operating Systems

  • Executing the Basic Commands through a ps1 File
  • Creating Variables
  • Creating a Loop in PowerShell
  • Creating and Running a ps1 File
  • Enabling BranchCache
  • Implementing EFS File Sharing
  • Displaying Windows Versions
  • Adding an MMC snap-in
  • Displaying Windows PowerShell snap-ins
  • Creating a Restore Point
  • Using Cortana
  • Using Windows Event Viewer
  • Configuring Screensavers
  • Securing User Accounts
  • Creating a New User
  • Using BitLocker 
  • Disabling AutoPlay
  • Using a Symmetric Encryption Algorithm
  • Using an Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm
  • Observing the Control Panel options in different views
  • Uninstalling a Program

Advanced Windows

  • Enabling a Device Driver
  • Disabling a Device Driver
  • Setting Automatic Windows Update
  • Configuring Computer Management Services
  • Editing a Drive Letter
  • Mounting a Drive to a Folder
  • Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
  • Creating a Swap Partition
  • Disabling a Service
  • Setting Up a Boot Device Priority
  • Using MSConfig
  • Using Task Manager to Start an Application
  • Configuring a Power Plan
  • Configuring the Screen Resolution Setting

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

  • Listing Files in a Directory
  • Verifying the Working Directory
  • Working with Directories
  • Performing a Text Search
  • Using Basic Linux Commands
  • Entering Commands at the Command-line

Computer and Network Security

  • Using Windows Security
  • Reviewing the Top 10 OWASP Attacks
  • Conducting a DoS Attack using Smurf Attack
  • Performing a MITM Attack
  • Conducting IP Spoofing
  • Identifying Virus Threats
  • Configuring an Audit Group Policy
  • Configuring an Account Password Policy
  • Managing NTFS Permissions
  • Stopping Permissions Inheritance
  • Propagating Permissions
  • Removing a Credential
  • Backing up Files
  • Restoring Files
  • Configuring Windows Defender Firewall
  • Performing Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Configuring VLANs
  • Configuring a Router
  • Configuring Port Security on an Access Port
  • Examining an Intrusion Detection Policy
  • Configuring SSH in a Router

Operational Procedures

  • Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System