CompTIA A+ Certification (Distance Learning)

Are you looking to hold the industry standard for Computer Support Technicians? Are you looking for a completely comprehensive course from installation, maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting? Are you also looking to build your customer service and communication skills?

Then the CompTIA A + certification is right for you. More than 700,000 people have completed the CompTIA A+ since 1993, and it is key part of the certification tack for companies like Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell.

Course Contents

In order to receive CompTIA A+ certification a candidate must pass two exams. The first exam is CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam number 220-701 & the second exam is the CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam number 220-702

CompTIA A+ Essential (2009)

Section 1: Hardware

Unit 1 - Categorize storage devices and backup media: FDD - HDD - Solid state vs. magnetic - Optical drives - CD / DVD / RW / Blu-Ray - Removable storage - Tape drive - Solid state (e.g. thumb drive, flash, SD cards, USB) - External CD-RW and hard drive - Hot swappable devices and non-hot swappable devices

Unit 2 Explain motherboard components, types and features: Form Factor - ATX / BTX - micr ATX - NLX - I/ interfaces - Sound - Video - USB 1.1 and 2.0 - Serial - IEEE 1394 / Firewire - Parallel - NIC - Modem - PS/2 - Memory slots - RIMM - DIMM -SODIMM - SIMM - Processor sockets - Bus architecture - Bus slots - PCI - AGP - PCIe - CNR - PCMCIA - PATA - IDE - EIDE - SATA, eSATA - Contrast RAID (levels 0, 1, 5) - Chipsets - BIOS / CMOS / Firmware - POST

Unit 3 - Classify power supplies types and characteristics: AC adapter - ATX proprietary - Voltage, wattage and capacity - Voltage selector switch - Pins (20, 24)

Unit 4 - Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features:Identify CPU types - AMD - Intel - Hyper threading - Multi core - Dual core - Triple core - Quad core - Onchip cache - L1 - L2 - Speed (real vs. actual) - 32bit vs. 64 bit

Unit 5 - Explain cooling methods and devices: Heat sinks - CPU and case fans - Liquid cooling systems - Thermal compound

Unit 6 - Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics and their purpose:Types - DRAM - SRAM - SDRAM - DDR / DDR2 / DDR3 - RAMBUS - Parity vs. Non-parity - ECC vs. non-ECC - Single sided vs. double sided - Single channel vs. dual channel - Speed - PC100 - PC131 - PC2700 - PC3200 - DDR3-1600 - DDR2-667

Unit 7 - Distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics: Projectors, CRT and LCD - LCD technologies - Resolution (e.g. XGA, SXGA+, UXGA, WUXGA) - Contrast ratio - Native resolution - Connector types -VGA - HDMi - S-Video - Component / RGB - DVI pin compatibility - Settings - Refresh rate - Resolution - Multi-monitor - Degauss

Unit 8 - Install and configure peripherals and input devices: Mouse - Keyboard - Bar code reader - Multimedia (e.g. web and digital cameras, MIDI, microphones) - Biometric devices - Touch screen - KVM switch

Unit 9 - Summarize the function and types of adapter cards: Video - PCI - PCIe - AGP - Multimedia - Sound card - TV tuner cards - Capture cards - I/O - SCSI - Serial - USB - Parallel - Communications - NIC - Modem

Unit 10 - Install, configure and optimize laptop components and features: Expansion devices -PCMCIA cards - PCI Express cards - Docking station - Communication connections - Bluetooth - Infrared - Cellular WAN - Ethernet - Modem - Power and electrical input devices - Auto-switching - Fixed input power supplies - Batteries - Input devices - Stylus / digitizer - Function keys - Point devices (e.g. touch pad, point stick / track point)

Unit 11 - Install and configure printers: Differentiate between printer types - Laser - Inkjet - Thermal - Impact - Local vs. network printers - Printer drivers (compatibility) - Consumables

Section 2: Troubleshooting, Repair and Maintenance

Unit 1 - Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory: Identify the problem -Question the user and identify user changes to computer and perform backups before making changes - Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious) -Test the theory to determine cause - Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem - If theory is not confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate - Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution - Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures - Document findings, actions and outcomes

Unit 2 - Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes: OS related symptoms - Bluescreen - System lock-up - Input/output device - Application install - Start or load - Windows specific printing problems - Print spool stalled - Incorrect / incompatible driver - Hardware related symptoms - Excessive heat - Noise - Odors - Status light indicators - Alerts - Visible damage (e.g. cable, plastic) - Use documentation and resources - User / installation manuals - Internet / web based - Training materials

Unit 3 - Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers: Manage print jobs - Print spooler - Printer properties and settings - Print a test page

Unit 4 - Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the appropriate basic troubleshooting method: Issues - Power conditions - Video - Keyboard - Pointer - Stylus - Wireless card issues - Methods - Verify power (e.g LEDs, swap AC adapter) - Remove unneeded peripherals - Plug in external monitor - Toggle Fn keys or hardware switches - Check LCD cutoff switch - Verify backlight functionality and pixilation - Check switch for built-in WIFI antennas or external antennas

Unit 5 - Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques: Physical inspection - Updates - Driver - Firmware - OS - Security - Scheduling preventative maintenance - Defrag - Scandisk - Check disk - Startup programs - Use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials - Compressed air - Lint free cloth - Computer vacuum and compressors - Power devices - Appropriate source such as power strip, surge protector or UPS - Ensuring proper environment - Backup procedures

Section 3: Operating Systems and Software - Unless otherwise noted, operating systems referred to include Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, XP Home, XP, MediaCenter, Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

Unit 1 - Compare and contrast the different Windows Operating Systems and their features: Windows 2000, Windows XP 32bit vs. 64bit, Windows Vista 32 bit vs. 64bit - Side bar, Aero, UAC, minimum system requirements, system limits - Windows 2000 and newer – upgrade paths and requirements - Terminology (32bit vs. 64bit – x86 vs. x64) - Application compatibility, installed program locations (32bit vs. 64bit) - Windows compatibility mode - User interface, start bar layout

Unit 2 - Given a scenario, demonstrate proper use of user interfaces: Windows Explorer - My Computer - Control Panel - Command prompt utilities - telnet - ping - ipconfig - Run line utilities - msconfig - msinfo32 - Dxdiag - Cmd - REGEDIT - My Network Places - Task bar / systray - Administrative tools - Performance monitor, Event Viewer, Services, Computer Management - MMC - Task Manager - Start Menu

Unit 3 - Explain the process and steps t install and configure the Windows OS:File systems - FAT32 vs. NTFS - Directory structures - Create folders - Navigate directory structures - Files - Creation - Extensions - Attributes - Permissions - Verification of hardware compatibility and minimum requirements - Installation methods - Boot media such as CD, floppy or USB - Network installation - Install from image - Recover CD - Factory recovery partition - Operating system installation options - File system type - Network configuration -Repair install - Disk preparation order - Format drive - Partition -Start installation - Device Manager -Verify Install and update devices drivers Driver signing - User data migration – User State Migration Tool (USMT) - Virtual memory - Configure power management - Suspend - Wake on LAN - Sleep timers - Hibernate - Standby - Demonstrate safe removal of peripherals

Unit 4 - Explain the basics of boot sequences, methods and startup utilities: Disk boot order / device priority - Types of boot devices (disk, network, USB, other - Boot options - Safe mode - Boot to restore point - Recovery options - Automated System Recovery (ASR) - Emergency Repair Disk (ERD) - Recovery console

Section 4: Networking

Unit 1 - Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and protocols: Basics of configuring IP addressing and TCP/IP properties (DHCP, DNS) - Bandwidth and latency - Status indicators - Protocols (TCP/IP, NETBIOS) - Full-duplex, half-duplex - Basics of workgroups and domains - Common ports: HTTP, FTP, POP, SMTP, TELNET, HTTPS - LAN / WAN - Hub, switch and router - Identify Virtual Private Networks (VPN) - Basics class identification

Unit 2 - Categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations:Cables - Plenum / PVC - UTP (e.g. CAT3, CAT5 / 5e, CAT6) - STP - Fibre - Coaxial cable - Connectors - RJ45 - RJ11

Unit 3 - Compare and contrast the different network types: Broadband - DSL - Cable - Satellite - Fiber - Dial-up - Wireless - All 802.11 types - WEP - WPA - SSID - MAC filtering - DHCP settings - Bluetooth - Cellular

Section 5: Security

Unit 1 - Explain the basic principles of security concepts and technologies:Encryption technologies: Data wiping / hard drive destruction / hard drive recycling - Software firewall - Port security - Exceptions - Authentication technologies - User name - Password - Biometrics - Smart cards - Basics of data sensitivity and data security - Compliance - Classifications - Social engineering

Unit 2 - Summarize the following security features: Wireless encryption - WEPx and WPAx - Client configuration (SSID) - Malicious software protection - Viruses - Trojans - Worms - Spam - Spyware - Adware - Grayware - BIOS Security - Drive lock - Passwords - Intrusion detection - TPM - Password management / password complexity - Locking workstation - Hardware - Operating system - Biometrics - Fingerprint scanner

Section 6: Safety and Proffesioanlism

Unit 1 - Outline the purpose of appropriate safety and environmental procedures and given a scenario apply them: ESD - EMI - Network interference - Magnets - RFI - Cordless phone interference - Microwaves - Electrical safety - CRT - Power supply - Inverter - Laser printers - Matching power requirements of equipment with power distribution and UPSs - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - Cable management - Avoiding trip hazards - Physical safety - Heavy devices - Hot components - Environmental – consider proper disposal procedures

Unit 2 - Given a scenario, demonstrate the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace: Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang - Maintain a positive attitude - Listen and do not interrupt a customer - Be culturally sensitive - Be on time - If late contact the customer - Avoid distractions - Personal calls - Talking to co-workers while interacting with customers - Personal interruptions - Dealing with a difficult customer or situation - Avoid arguing with customers and/or being defensive - Do not minimize customers’ problems - Avoid being judgmental - Clarify customer statements - Ask open-ended questions to narrow the scope of the problem - Restate the issue or question t verify understanding - Set and meet expectations / timeline and communicate status with the customer - Offer different repair / replacement options if applicable - Provide proper documentation on the services provided - Follow up with customer / user at a later date to verify satisfaction - Deal appropriately with customers confidential materials located on computer, desktop, printer, etc.

The CompTIA A+ Practical Application (2009 Edition)

Section 1: Hardware

Unit 1 - Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain personal computer components: Storage devices - HDD - SATA - PATA - Solid state - FDD - Optical drives - CD / DVD / RW / Blu-Ray - Removable - External - Motherboards - Jumper settings - CMOS battery - Advanced BIOS settings - Bus speeds - Chipsets - Firmware updates - Socket types - Expansion slots - Memory slots - Front panel connectors - I/ ports - Sound, video, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, serial, IEEE 1394 / Firewire, parallel, NIC - modem, PS/2 - Power supplies - Wattages and capacity - Connector types and quantity - Output voltage - Processors - Socket types - Speed - Number of cores - Power consumption - Cache - Front side bus - 32bit vs. 64bit - Memory - Adapter cards - Graphics cards - Sound cards - Storage controllers - RAID cards (RAID array – levels 0,1,5 - eSATA cards - I/O cards - Firewire - USB - Parallel - Serial - Wired and wireless network cards - Capture cards (TV, video) - Media reader - Cooling systems - Heat sinks - Thermal compound - CPU fans - Case fans

Unit 2 - Given a scenario, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace personal computer components: Storage devices - HDD - SATA - PATA - Solid state - FDD - Optical drives - CD / DVD / RW / Blu-Ray - Removable - External - Motherboards - Jumper settings - CMOS battery - Advanced BIOS settings - Bus speeds - Chipsets - Firmware updates - Socket types - Expansion slots - Memory slots - Front panel connectors - I/ ports - Sound, video, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, serial, IEEE 1394 / Firewire, parallel, NIC - modem, PS/2 - Power supplies - Wattages and capacity - Connector types and quantity - Output voltage - Processors - Socket types - Speed - Number of cores - Power consumption - Cache - Front side bus - 32bit vs. 64bit - Memory - Adapter cards - Graphics cards - memory - Sound cards - Storage controllers - RAID cards - eSATA cards - I/O cards - Firewire - USB - Parallel - Serial - Wired and wireless network cards - Capture cards (TV, video) - Media reader - Cooling systems - Heat sinks - Thermal compound - CPU Fans - Case fans

Unit 3 - Given a scenario, install, configure, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace laptop components: Components of the LCD including inverter, screen and vide card - Hard drive and memory - Disassemble processes for proper re-assembly - Document and label cable and screw locations - Organize parts - Refer to manufacturer documentation - Use appropriate hand tools - Recognize internal laptop expansion slot types - Upgrade wireless cards and vide card - Replace keyboard, processor, plastics, pointer devices, heat sinks, fans, system board, CMOS battery, speakers

Unit 4 - Given a scenario, select and use the following tools: Multimeter - Power supply tester - Specialty hardware / tools - Cable testers - Loop back plugs - Anti-static pad and wrist strap - Extension magnet

Unit 5 - Given a scenario, detect and resolve common printer issues: Symptoms - Paper jams - Blank paper - Error codes - Out of memory error - Lines and smearing - Garbage printout - Ghosted image - No connectivity - Issue resolution - Replace fuser - Replace drum - Clear paper jam - Power cycle - Install maintenance kit (reset page count) - Set IP on printer

Section 2: Operating Systems - unless otherwise noted, operating systems referred within include Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, XP Home, XP MediaCenter, Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

Unit 1 - Select the appropriate commands and options to troubleshoot and resolve problems: MSCONFIG - DIR - CHKDSK (/f /r) - EDIT - COPY (/a /v /y) - XCOPY - FORMAT - IPCONFIG (/all /release /renew) - PING (-t –l) - MD / CD / RD NET - TRACERT - NSLOOKUP - [command name] /? - SFC

Unit 2 - Differentiate between Windows Operating System directory structures (Windows 2000, XP and Vista): User file locations - System file locations - Fonts - Temporary files - Program files - Offline files and folders

Unit 3 - Given a scenario, select and use system utilities / tools and evaluate the results: Disk management tools - DEFRAG - NTBACKUP - Check Disk - Disk Manager - Active, primary, extended and logical partitions - Mount points - Mounting a drive - FAT32 and NTFS - Drive status - Foreign drive - Healthy - Formatting - Active unallocated - Failed - Dynamic - Offline - Online - System monitor - Administrative tools - Event Viewer - Computer Management - Services - Performance Monitor - Devices Manager - Enable - Disable - Warning - Indicators - Task Manager - Process list - Resource usage - Process priority - Termination - System Information - System restore - Remote Desktop Protocol (Remote Desktop / Remote Assistance) - Task Scheduler - Regional settings and language settings

Unit 4 - Evaluate and resolve common issues: Operational Problems - Windows specific printing problems - Print spool stalled - Incorrect / incompatible driver / form printing - Auto-restart errors - Bluescreen error - System lock-up - Devices drivers failure (input / output devices) - Application install, start or load failure - Service fails to start - Error Messages and Conditions - Boot - Invalid boot disk - Inaccessible boot drive - Missing NTLDR Startup - Device / service failed to start - Device / program in registry not found - Event viewer (errors in the event log) - System Performance and Optimization - Aer settings - Indexing settings - UAC - Side bar settings - Startup file maintenance - Background processes

Section 3: Networking

Unit 1 - Troubleshoot client-side connectivity issues using appropriate tools:TCP/IP settings - Gateway - Subnet mask - DNS - DHCP (dynamic vs.static) - NAT (private and public) - Characteristics of TCP/IP - Loopback addresses - Automatic IP addressing - Mail protocol settings - SMTP - IMAP - POP - FTP settings - Ports - IP addresses - Exceptions - Programs - Proxy settings - Ports - IP addresses - Exceptions - Programs - Tools (use and interpret results) - Ping - Tracert - Nslookup - Netstat - Net use - Net /? - Ipconfig - telnet - SSL - Secure connection protocols - SSH - HTTPS - Firewall settings - Open and closed ports - Program filters

Unit 2 - Install and configure a small office home office (SOHO) network:Connection types - Dial-up - Broadband - DSL - Cable - Satellite - ISDN - Wireless - All 802.11 - WEP - WPA - SSID - MAC filtering - DHCP settings - Routers / Access Points - Disable DHCP - Use static IP - Change SSID from default - Disable SSID broadcast - MAC filtering - Change default username and password - Update firmware - Firewall -LAN (10/100/1000BaseT, Speeds) - Bluetooth (1.0 vs. 2.0) - Cellular -Basic VoIP (consumer applications - Basics of hardware and software firewall configuration - Port assignment / setting up rules (exceptions) - Port forwarding / port triggering - Physical installation - Wireless router placement - Cable length