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Book Description

31 Days Before Your CompTIAA+ Certification Exam

31 Days Before Your CompTIA A+ Certification Exam offers you a friendly, practical way to understand the A+ certification process, commit to taking the A+ 220-901 and 220-902 exams, and finish your preparation using a variety of Primary and Supplemental study resources.

The 900 series A+ exams test knowledge and skills needed to manage and troubleshoot desktop, laptop, and mobile hardware and networking technologies; install, use, and troubleshoot Windows, Linux, and OS X; utilize virtualization, strengthen security, and work effectively as an IT technician.

Sign up for the exam and use this book’s day-by-day guide and checklist to organize, prepare, and review. Each day in this guide breaks down an exam topic into a manageable bit of information to review using short summaries. Daily Study Resources sections provide quick references for locating more in-depth treatment within Primary and Supplemental resources.

This book’s features help you fit exam preparation into a busy schedule:

·         Visual tear-card calendar summarizing each day’s study topic

·         Checklist for tracking your progress in mastering exam objectives

·         Description of the organization and sign-up process for the A+ 220-901 and 220-902 exams

·         Strategies to prepare mentally, organizationally, and physically for exam day

·         Conversational tone to make study more enjoyable

Digital Study Guide

To enhance your preparation, upgrade to the Digital Study Guide, a media-rich web edition that includes mobile friendly ebook, interactive exercises, and Check Your Understanding questions. See offer inside. A sample is available to preview at www.pearsonitcertification.com/title/9780134540030.

Shelving category: Certification

Covers: CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902

www.pearsonlTcertification.com

Table of Contents

  1. About This E-Book
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. About the Authors
  5. About the Technical Reviewer
  6. Dedication
  7. Acknowledgments
  8. Contents at a Glance
  9. Contents
  10. We Want to Hear from You!
  11. Reader Services
  12. Introduction
    1. Study Resources
      1. Primary Resources
      2. Supplemental Resources
    2. Goals and Methods
    3. Who Should Read This Book?
    4. Getting to Know the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Exams
      1. What Topics Are Covered on the A+ Exams
      2. Registering for the A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Exams
    5. Digital Study Guide
  13. Day 31. BIOS/UEFI Settings
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Purpose of the BIOS
      1. Device Support
      2. BIOS Configuration Options
    4. Booting with BIOS
    5. Accessing the Physical BIOS
    6. The POST
      1. Beep Codes
      2. POST Cards
    7. Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor
      1. The CMOS Battery
      2. The Difference Between BIOS and CMOS
    8. UEFI
      1. Purpose of UEFI
      2. Accessing UEFI
      3. Advantages of UEFI over BIOS
    9. Booting with UEFI
    10. Firmware Upgrades
    11. Boot Security Measures
    12. Study Resources
  14. Day 30. Motherboard Components
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Motherboards
      1. Sizes/Form Factors
      2. Choosing the Correct Motherboard
      3. Documentation
      4. Identification of Components
    4. CPU Sockets
      1. Types
    5. Chipsets
      1. Types
    6. Clock Rates
      1. Bus Speeds
      2. CPU Speed
    7. RAM Slots
      1. Types
      2. RAM Characteristics
    8. Expansion Slots
      1. Types and Properties
    9. Power Connectors
      1. Component Power Connections
      2. Fan Connectors
      3. Front/Top Panel Connectors
    10. Study Resources
  15. Day 29. PC Component Installation, Part 1
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Motherboard Preparation and Installation
      1. CPU Characteristics
      2. CPU Cooling
      3. CPU Installation
      4. RAM Installation
      5. Motherboard Installation
    4. Install Expansion Cards
      1. Media Cards
      2. Communications Cards
      3. Cards That Add Ports
      4. Other Expansion Cards
    5. Install Storage Devices
      1. Magnetic Hard Disk Drives
      2. Solid State/Flash Drives
      3. Optical Drives
      4. Hotswappable Drives
      5. RAID Types
      6. Tape Drive
    6. Study Resources
  16. Day 28. PC Component Installation, Part 2
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. PC Connection Interfaces
      1. Physical Connections
      2. Wireless Connections
    4. Install Power Supply
      1. Connector Types and Their Voltages
      2. Specifications
    5. Custom PC Configurations
      1. Graphic/CAD/CAM Design Workstation
      2. Audio/Video Editing Workstation
      3. Virtualization Workstation
      4. Gaming PC
      5. Home Theater PC
      6. Home Server PC
      7. Network Client Computers
    6. Study Resources
  17. Day 27. Peripheral Devices and Connectors
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Types of Display Devices
      1. LCD Displays
      2. Plasma
      3. Projectors
      4. Organic Light-emitting Diode
    4. Video Settings
      1. Refresh/Frame Rates
      2. Resolution/Aspect Ratio
      3. Brightness/Lumens
    5. Analog Versus Digital Displays
    6. Privacy/Antiglare Filters
    7. Using Multiple Displays
    8. Display Connector Types
    9. Device Cables and Connectors
      1. SATA and eSATA
      2. Universal Serial Bus
      3. FireWire IEEE 1394
      4. PS/2
      5. Audio Ports
      6. Media Converters
    10. Installing and Configuring Common Peripheral Devices
    11. Study Resources
  18. Day 26. Printer Installation
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Selecting a Printer
    4. Installing Printers
    5. Installing Multifunction Printers for SOHO
      1. Faxing
      2. Copying
      3. Scanning
    6. Printer Drivers
    7. Configuring the Printer
      1. Configuration Settings
      2. Print Spooling
      3. Calibration
      4. Testing the Printer
    8. Local Connections
    9. Network Printer Installation
      1. Print Servers
      2. Configuring a Network Printer in Windows
      3. Authentication/Authorization
      4. Printer Pooling
      5. Network Connections
    10. Wireless Printing
    11. Cloud Printing/Remote Printing
    12. Apple Printing
    13. Secure Printing
    14. Study Resources
  19. Day 25. Printer Technologies and Maintenance
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Printer Types and Features
      1. Impact Printers
      2. Non-Impact Printers
    4. Printer Connections
    5. Printer Maintenance and Optimization
      1. Impact Printer Maintenance
      2. Laser Printer Maintenance
      3. Inkjet Printer Maintenance
      4. Thermal Printer Maintenance
      5. Optimization
    6. Study Resources
  20. Day 24. Network Cabling
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Fiber
      1. Single-mode Versus Multimode
      2. Fiber-optic Cable Connectors
    4. Twisted Pair
      1. Twisted-pair Cable Types
      2. Twisted-pair Cable Connectors
      3. Twisted-pair Wiring Standards
    5. Coaxial
      1. Coaxial Cable Types
      2. Coaxial Cable Connectors
    6. Study Resources
  21. Day 23. IP Addressing
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. IP Version 4
      1. The Default Subnet Mask
      2. Special Addresses
      3. Private Addresses
      4. Addressing Guidelines
      5. The Gateway Address
    4. Client-side DHCP
    5. Client-side DNS
    6. Classless Inter-domain Routing
    7. IP Version 6
      1. Types of IPv6 Traffic
      2. Types of IPv6 Unicast Addresses
    8. Study Resources
  22. Day 22. Ports and Protocols
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Common Ports
      1. Ports 20/21—FTP
      2. Port 22—SSH
      3. Port 23—TELNET
      4. Port 25—SMTP
      5. Port 53—DNS
      6. Port 67/68—DHCP
      7. Port 80—HTTP
      8. Port 110—POP3
      9. Port 143—IMAP
      10. Port 443—HTTPS
      11. Port 3389—RDP
      12. Ports 137–139—NetBIOS/NetBT
      13. Port 445—SMB/CIFS
      14. Port 548—AFP
      15. Port 427—SLP
    4. Common Protocols
      1. DHCP
      2. DNS
      3. LDAP
      4. SNMP
      5. SMB
      6. CIFS
      7. SSH
      8. AFP
      9. TCP Versus UDP
    5. Study Resources
  23. Day 21. SOHO Router Installation
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Wireless Standards
    4. SOHO Router Configuration
      1. Channels
      2. NAT
      3. Port Forwarding and Port Triggering
      4. DMZ
      5. Basic QoS
      6. UPnP
    5. Study Resources
  24. Day 20. Network Devices and Internet Connections
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Connecting to an ISP
      1. Dial-up
      2. ISDN
      3. DSL
      4. Cable
      5. Fiber to the x
    4. Wireless Connections
      1. 802.11 Wi-Fi
      2. Cellular
      3. Line-of-Sight Wireless
      4. Internet over Satellite
    5. Network Types
      1. LANs
      2. WANs
      3. WLAN
      4. MAN
      5. PAN
    6. Networking Devices
      1. Hub
      2. Switch
      3. Router
      4. Wireless Access Point
      5. Bridge
      6. Modem
      7. Firewall
      8. Repeater/Extender
      9. Patch Panel
      10. Power over Ethernet
      11. Power over Ethernet Injector
      12. VoIP Phones
    7. Study Resources
  25. Day 19. Laptop Components and Features
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Laptop Expansion Options
    4. Laptop Hardware Replacement
    5. Laptop Displays
    6. Laptop Features
    7. Laptop Accessories
    8. Study Resources
  26. Day 18. Mobile Device Components and Features
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Tablets and Smartphones
    4. Specialty Mobile Devices
    5. Wearable Devices
    6. Mobile Device Connection Types
      1. Wired
      2. Wireless
    7. Mobile Device Accessories
    8. Study Resources
  27. Day 17. Hardware Troubleshooting, Part 1
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Troubleshooting Motherboards
    4. Troubleshooting RAM
    5. Troubleshooting CPUs
    6. Troubleshooting Power
    7. Troubleshooting Hard Drives
    8. Troubleshooting RAID Arrays
    9. Troubleshooting Video, Projector, and Display Issues
    10. Study Resources
  28. Day 16. Network Troubleshooting and Tools
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Common Network Symptoms
    4. Cabling Tools
    5. Command-line Tools
      1. Ping
      2. ipconfig
      3. ifconfig
      4. tracert/traceroute
      5. netstat
      6. Nbtstat
      7. NET
      8. Netdom
      9. nslookup
    6. Study Resources
  29. Day 15. Hardware Troubleshooting, Part 2
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Troubleshooting Mobile Devices and Laptops
      1. Troubleshooting Display Issues
      2. Network and Remote Connectivity Troubleshooting
      3. Hard Drive Failure
      4. Keyboard/Touchpad Problems
      5. Battery and Power Troubleshooting
      6. System Troubleshooting
      7. Application Troubleshooting
      8. Disassembling Process for Proper Reassembly
    4. Troubleshooting Printers
      1. Common Symptoms and Solutions
      2. Printer Tools
      3. Troubleshooting the Print Spooler
    5. Troubleshooting Printer Installation
    6. Maintaining Printers
      1. Common Maintenance Options
      2. Laser Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting
      3. Inkjet Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting
      4. Impact Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting
      5. Thermal Printer Maintenance and Troubleshooting
    7. Optimizing Printers
    8. Study Resources
  30. Day 14. Windows Installation
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Windows Features
      1. Windows Vista/Windows 7 Features
      2. Windows 8/8.1 Features
      3. 64-bit Versus 32-bit Operating Systems
      4. File Structure and Paths
    4. Installing Windows
      1. Configuration Settings
      2. Installation Options
      3. Hardware Requirements
      4. Upgrade Installations
      5. Windows Vista Installs
      6. Windows 7 Installs
      7. Windows 8 and 8.1 Installs
      8. Partitioning the Drive
      9. File System Types and Formatting
      10. Linux File Systems
      11. Mac OS X File Systems
      12. Other Installation Configuration Concerns
    5. Study Resources
  31. Day 13. Windows Tools
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Microsoft Command-line Tools
      1. Accessing the Command-line Utility
      2. Getting Command-line Help
      3. Command Privileges
    4. Administrative Tools
      1. Most Commonly Used Tools
      2. MSCONFIG
      3. Task Manager
      4. Disk Management
    5. System Utilities
    6. Windows Control Panel Utilities
      1. Internet Options
      2. Display/Display Settings
      3. User Accounts
      4. Folder Options
      5. System
      6. Windows Firewall
      7. Power Options
      8. Programs and Features
      9. Action Center
      10. HomeGroup
      11. Devices and Printers
      12. Sound
      13. Troubleshooting
      14. Network and Sharing Center
    7. Study Resources
  32. Day 12. Windows Networking and Maintenance
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Domains Versus Homegroups Versus Workgroups
      1. HomeGroup Setup
      2. Workgroup Setup
      3. Domain Setup
      4. Setting Up Network Shares
    4. Establishing Network Connections
      1. TCP/IP Settings
      2. Remote Assistance
      3. Proxy Settings
      4. Home/Work/Public Settings
      5. Firewall Settings
      6. Network Card Settings
    5. Preventive Maintenance Procedures
      1. Best Practices
      2. Backup and Restoration Tools
    6. Study Resources
  33. Day 11. Mac and Linux Operating Systems
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Features of Mac and Linux
    4. Mac and Linux Tools
    5. The Terminal
    6. Mac and Linux Best Practices
    7. Study Resources
  34. Day 10. Client-side Virtualization and Cloud Concepts
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Virtual Machines and Their Requirements
      1. Hardware Requirements
      2. Security Requirements
    4. Cloud Concepts and Services
    5. Study Resources
  35. Day 9. Network Services
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Server Roles
    4. Internet Appliances
    5. Study Resources
  36. Day 8. Mobile Operating Systems Management
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Mobile Operating Systems Features
      1. Android Versus iOS Versus Windows
      2. App Development and Sources
      3. Screen Orientation and Calibration
      4. Location Services
      5. Wi-Fi Calling
      6. Mobile Device GUIs
      7. Virtual Assistants
      8. Emergency Notification and Mobile Payments
    4. Mobile Device Connectivity and Email
      1. Hotspots and Tethering
      2. Airplane Mode
      3. VPN
      4. Bluetooth Pairing
      5. Email
    5. Firmware, Updates, and Identification
    6. Mobile Device Data Synchronization
    7. Study Resources
  37. Day 7. Security Threat Prevention
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
    4. Common Prevention Methods
      1. Securing Physical Assets
      2. Digital Security
    5. Study Resources
  38. Day 6. User Access, Device Security, and Data Disposal
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Windows OS Security Settings
    4. Security Best Practices to Secure a Workstation
    5. Securing Mobile Devices
    6. Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
    7. Study Resources
  39. Day 5. SOHO Security Implementation
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Wireless Security
      1. Other Security Options
      2. Wireless Firewall Settings
      3. Setting Wireless Encryption
      4. Wireless Network Settings
      5. Wireless Physical Security
    4. Study Resources
  40. Day 4. PC Operating System and Security Troubleshooting
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Troubleshooting Operating Systems
      1. Troubleshooting Specific OS Errors
      2. Troubleshooting Specific Booting Errors
      3. Troubleshooting Hardware Issues
      4. Troubleshooting Specific Issues with the File System
      5. Bootup Troubleshooting Tools
      6. Linux and OS X Bootup Troubleshooting Tools
      7. Command-Line Repair Tools
    4. Common PC Security Issues
      1. Tools Used to Combat Malware
      2. Best Practice Procedures for Malware Removal
    5. Study Resources
  41. Day 3. Mobile OS and Security Troubleshooting
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Troubleshooting Mobile OS and Application Issues
    4. OS and Application Tools
    5. Troubleshooting Mobile OS and Application Security Issues
    6. Mobile OS and Application Security Tools
    7. Study Resources
  42. Day 2. Safety and Environmental Procedures
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Safety Procedures
      1. Working with Electricity
      2. Personal Safety
    4. Proper Component Handling and Storage
      1. Material Safety Data Sheets
      2. Environmental Impacts
    5. Incident Response and Licensing
    6. Study Resources
  43. Day 1. Professionalism and Troubleshooting Methodology
    1. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Exam Topics
    2. Key Topics
    3. Proper Communication Techniques
      1. Good Communication Skills
      2. Listening Skills
    4. Applying the Troubleshooting Theory
      1. Step 1—Identify the Problem
      2. Step 2—Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
      3. Step 3—Test the Theory to Determine Cause
      4. Step 4—Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
      5. Step 5—Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventive Measures
      6. Step 6—Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
    5. Study Resources
  44. Exam Day
    1. What You Need for the Exam
    2. What You Should Receive After Completion
    3. Summary
  45. Post-Exam Information
    1. Receiving Your Certificate
    2. Examining Certification Options
    3. If You Failed the Exam
    4. Summary
  46. Index
  47. Code Snippets
18.119.139.59