Course Outline
A+ Certification course overview
This practical "hands-on" course is the essential foundation for newcomers to PC support. It provides students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills. The course has been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and
passing CompTIA's A+ Certification exams or other similar qualifications
Examination Information
This course will prepare delegates for the following exams:
- 220-801 CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials
- 220-802 CompTIA A+ Practical Application
Content is prepared for version 2.0 of the 2009 edition objectives (including Windows 7 content) and is approved under the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum program. A+ Certification is internationally endorsed and recognized as the only benchmark vendor-neutral qualification for PC support and troubleshooting. Indeed, A+ Certification is a prerequisite qualification for employment (and is endorsed) by many leading computer manufacturers and vendors on a global basis.
Who is A+ Certification training for?
CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
Prerequisites for A+ Certification course
- Use a keyboard and mouse.
- Recognize 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.
What will I get?
- 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, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, and Microsoft Windows 7.
- Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely.
- Communicate effectively with customers.
- Install and configure print devices.
- Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access.
- Manage and optimize Windows using command line tools, administrative consoles, and Remote Desktop.
- Manage and optimize disks and volumes using command line tools and administrative consoles.
- Diagnose and resolve Windows troubleshooting scenarios.
- Use anti-virus tools to prevent and recover from malware infections.
- Configure and troubleshoot local network and wireless connections and client applications.
- Configure and manage users, groups, and shared resources.
- Configure and troubleshoot access control measures, such as BIOS security, authentication, encryption, and firewalls.
- Perform preventive maintenance using approved tools and products.
A+ Certification Course Contents
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
Portable Computers
- Portable and Desktop Computers
- Notebooks
- Tablet PC
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
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
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
Printers and Scanners
- The Print Process
- Installing and Configuring a Printer
- Operating and Troubleshooting Printers
- Scanners
- Installing and Using a Scanner
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
PC Support Industry
- IT Technicians
- Remote Support
- Depot Technicians
- Problem Management
- Quality Assurance
Using the Command Prompt
- Command Prompt and Text Editors
- Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt
- File Management using a Command Prompt
System Management Tools
- Options for Deploying Windows
- Microsoft Management Console
- Windows Optimisation Tools
- Remote Utilities
- Windows Registry
System Recovery
- Windows Troubleshooting
- System Restore
- Emergency Repair
- Data Backup
Connectivity and Client Options
- TCP/IP
- Configuring Network Properties
- Configuring Wireless Connections
- Configuring Client Options
Sharing Resources
- Local and Domain User Accounts
- Creating User Accounts
- Planning and Implementing Groups
- Setting Share Permissions
- NTFS Folder and File Permissions
- Encrypting Files and Folders
- Auditing
Internet Standards and Applications
- Overview of the Internet
- Development of the Internet
- Internet Services
- The World Wide Web
- Electronic Mail (Email)
- Newsgroups (Usenet)
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- Telnet
- Instant Messaging
- Virtual Private Networks
- Domain Names
- Uniform Resource Indicator
- Internet Email Addresses
Configuring Internet Access
- Accessing the Internet
- Web Browser Security
Network Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Networks
- Testing TCP/IP
PC Maintenance
- Electrical Circuits
- Maintenance Toolkit
- Hazards
- Preventative Maintenance
- Maintaining Display Devices
- Maintaining Disk and Tape Drives
- Cleaning Inside the Case
- Power Problems
Installing and Removing Hardware
- Disassembling a PC
- Removing Peripheral Devices
- Removing Storage Devices
- Reassembling the PC
- Adding and Removing Notebook Devices
BIOS, CMOS, and System Resources
- BIOS and CMOS
- BIOS/CMOS Setup Programs
- System Resources
- Plug-and-Play
Troubleshooting and Optimisation
- Diagnostic Hardware and Software
- Troubleshooting, Upgrading, and Optimising Hardware
Maintaining Printers and Scanners
- Dot Matrix Printers
- Inkjet Printers
- Laser Printers
- Other Printer Types
- Scanners
- Installing, Maintaining, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
- Printer Troubleshooting
- Configuring and Troubleshooting Scanners
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