A+ 2006 Certification: A+ Essentials

Course Overview

This course will prepare students for the 220-601 A+ Certification Essentials exam for the objectives released in September 2006 and is pending approval under the CompTIA Authorised Quality Curriculum program.

The course consists of two volumes, with a study volume, containing indexed notes and review questions, and a companion volume, containing exam objectives mapping, exam information, practical labs, answers to review questions, and a comprehensive glossary.

This course is intended for students wishing to qualify with CompTIA A+ Certification for PC Support professionals. It is also suitable for students wanting to improve their skills in PC support and administration.

Skills Gained

• Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices
• Install and configure peripheral devices
• Identify types and characteristics of portable computers
• Install and configure Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP
• Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting
• Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely
• Communicate effectively with customers
• Install and configure print and imaging devices
• Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access

Prerequisites

Students should have successfully completed PC Fundamentals or have basic experience of using a PC, Windows and browsing the Web. The following key skills are recommended:

• Use a keyboard and mouse
• Recognise the main components of a PC (such as case, monitor, mouse, and keyboard) and different data media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs
• Start the computer and navigate the Desktop
• Use Windows Explorer to create directories and subdirectories; and move, copy, or rename files and directories
• Use Internet Explorer to view websites

Course Outline

Module 1: PC Components

• The Visible PC Introduction to the PC
• Key Functions of a PC
• The System Case
• I/O Ports and Cables
• PS2 Ports
• Parallel Ports
• Serial Ports
• USB Ports
• SCSI
• IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
• Modem and Network Ports
• Audio Ports
• Joystick/MIDI Ports
• Adding and Removing Peripherals
• Motherboards Motherboard Layout
• System Clock
• Bus Architecture
• Motherboard Components
• Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards
• Motherboard Form Factors
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Processors Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Processor Terminology
• Multitasking, Multiprocessing, and Multithreading
• Intel Processors
• AMD Processors
• Processor Sockets and Chipsets
• Memory Memory Types
• Memory Packaging
• Memory Characteristics
• Storage Devices Storage Devices
• Hard Drives
• Installing a Storage Device
• Preparing a Hard Disk
• Floppy Drives
• Optical Disk Storage
• Flash Memory
• Tape Drives
• Peripheral Devices PC Display Screens
• Graphics Adapter
• Installing a Graphics Adapter and Display
• TV Tuners
• Sound Cards
• I/O and Communications Adapters

Module 2: Portable Computers

• Portable Computers Portable and Desktop Computers
• Notebooks
• Tablet PC
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Module 3: Operating Systems

• Features of Operating Systems Microsoft Operating Systems
• Overview of Windows 2000
• Overview of Windows XP
• Workgroups and Domains
• UNIX and Linux
• Apple Mac OS X
• Novell NetWare
• Installing and Upgrading Windows Overview of OS Installations
• Preparing the Hard Disk
• Domain or Workgroup Selection
• Installation Methods
• Setup Failure and Recovery
• Upgrading the OS
• Options for Deploying Windows
• The Windows Boot Process Windows Boot Files
• Initial Startup Process
• The BOOT.INI File
• Managing Windows Features of the Desktop
• Windows Administrative Tools
• Changing System Settings
• Configuring Hardware
• Optimising Windows Performance Options
• Screen Savers and Power Management
• Managing Software
• Managing Services
• Windows Storage Management Disk Management
• Navigating Windows
• Working with Folders
• Working with Files
• Searching For Files
• The Recycle Bin
• My Network Places

Module 4: PC Support

• Hardware Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Techniques
• Troubleshooting Power Problems
• Troubleshooting POST
• Troubleshooting Internal Devices
• Troubleshooting Peripherals
• Notebook Troubleshooting
• Preventative Maintenance
• Troubleshooting the Operating System Error Categories
• Advanced Startup Options
• Diagnosing Problems
• Troubleshooting Applications
• Remote Features
• Security Security Fundamentals
• Windows Security Overview
• Internet Security
• Malware
• Data Security
• Safety and Environmental Issues Health and Safety
• Static Electricity and ESD
• Materials Handling
• Storage of Components for Future Use
• Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment
• Professionalism and Communication Customer Service Skills
• Basic Troubleshooting Approach
• Giving Feedback
• Communication with a Customer
• Professionalism
• Handling Customer Complaints

Module 5: Printers and Scanners

• Printers and Scanners The Print Process
• Installing and Configuring a Printer
• Operating and Troubleshooting Printers
• Scanners
• Installing and Using a Scanner

Module 6: Networking

• Network Concepts What is a Network?
• Network Components
• Network Topologies
• The OSI Model
• IEEE 802 Standards
• Network Devices
• Network Transport Protocols
• Implementing a LAN Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks
• Network Components
• Implementing a LAN
• Network Troubleshooting Basics
• WAN and Internet Connectivity Wide Area Networks and the Internet
• Accessing the Internet
• Cellular Devices
• Voice-over-IP