CompTIA A+ Essentials (2009 Edition) ...

A+ Computer Maintenance & Repair
Levels: Grades 11-12
Units of Credit ` 1.0
CIP Code: 11.9920
Core Code: 35-01-00-00-040
Prerequisites:
Skill Tests:
A+ Computer Maintenance & Repair
Suggested Intro to IT
#884 A+ (Computer Maintenance & Repair)
CompTIA Strata IT Fundamentals (FC0-U41)
CompTIA A+ Hardware (220-801)
CompTIA A+ Operating System (220-802)
TestOut PC Pro
HP ATA – connected Devices (HP4-A01)
MTA Windows OS Fundamentals ()
MTA Networking Fundamentals (#98-366)
MTA Security Fundamentals (#98-367)
CORE DESCRIPTION
Students will learn necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional including installing, building,
upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing, and performing preventive
maintenance of basic personal computer hardware and operating systems.
CompTIA Certification
In order to receive CompTIA A+ certification a candidate must pass two exams. The first exam is the
CompTIA A+ 220-801 Certification Exam. The CompTIA A+ 220-802 Certification Exam is the second exam
required in order for CompTIA A+ certification candidates to complete their certification.
Domain A+ 220-801
Percentage of Examination
1.0 PC Hardware 40%
2.0 Networking 27%
3.0 Laptops 11%
4.0 Printers 11%
5.0 Operational Procedures 11%
Total 100
Domain A+ 220-802
Percentage of Examination
6.0 Operating Systems 33%
7.0 Security 22%
8.0 Mobile Devices 9%
9.0 Troubleshooting 36%
Total 100%
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A+ Computer Maintenance & Repair
CompTIA 801-201
Standard 1.0 PC Hardware
1.1 Configure and apply BIOS Settings.
Install firmware upgrades – flash BIOS
BIOS component information
o RAM
o Hard drive
o Optical drive
o CPU
BIOS configurations
o Boot sequence
o Enabling and disabling devices
o Date/time
o Clock speeds
o Virtualization support
BIOS security (passwords, drive encryption: TPM, lo-jack)
Use built-in diagnostics
Monitoring
o Temperature monitoring
o Fan speeds
o Intrusion detection/notification
o Voltage
o Clock
o Bus speed
1.2 Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties.
Sizes
o ATX
o Micro –ATX
o ITX
Expansion slots
o PCI
o PCI-X
o PCIe
o miniPCI
o CNR
o AGP2x, 4x, 8x
RAM slots
CPU sockets
Chipsets
o North Bridge
o South Bridge
o CMOS battery
Jumpers
Power connections and types
Fan connectors
Front panel connectors
o USB
o Audio
o Power button
o Power light
o Drive activity lights
o Reset button
Bus speeds
1.3 Compare and contrast RAM types and features.
Types
o DDR
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o DDR2
o SDRAM
o SODIMM
o DIMM
o RAM configurations (Single channel vs dual channel vs triple channel)
RAM compatibility and speed
1.4 Install and configure expansion cards.
Sound cards
Video cards
Network cards
Serial and parallel cards
USB cards
Firewire cards
Storage cards
Modem cards
Wireless/cellular cards
TV tuner cards
Video capture cards
Riser cards
1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.
Optical drives
o CD-ROM
o DVD-ROM
o Blu-Ray
Combo drives and burners
o CD-RW
o DVD-RW
o Dual Layer DVD-RW
o BD-R
o BD-RE
Connection types
o External (USB, Firewire, eSATA, Ethernet)
o Internal SATA, IDE and SCSI (IDE configuration and setup (Master, Slave, Cable
Select), SCSI IDs (0 – 15))
o Hot swappable drives
Hard drives
o Magnetic
o 5400 rpm
o 7200 rpm
o 10,000 rpm
o 15,000 rpm
Solid state/flash drives
o Compact flash
o SD
o Micro-SD
o Mini-SD
o xD
o SSD
RAID types (0, 1, 5, 10)
Media capacity
o CD
o CD-RW
o DVD-RW
o DVD
o Blu-Ray
o DL DVD
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1.6 Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling
method.
Socket types
o Intel: LGA, 775, 1155, 1156, 1366
o AMD: 940, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, F
Characteristics
o Speeds
o Cores
o Cache size/type
o Hyperthreading
o Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)
o Integrated GPU
Cooling
o Heat sink
o Fans
o Thermal paste
1.7 Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose.
Physical connections
o USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 characteristics (Connector types: A, B, mini, micro)
o Firewire characteristics
o SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA, IDE speeds
o Other connector types (Serial, Parallel, VGA, HDMI, DVI, Audio, RJ-45, RJ-11)
o Analog vs. digital transmission
VGA vs. HDMI
Speeds, distances and frequencies of wireless device connections
o Bluetooth
o RF (802.11 )
1.8 Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenario.
Connector types and their voltages
o SATA
o Molex
o 4/8-pin 12v
o PCIe 6/8-pin
o 20-pin
o 24-pin
o Floppy
Specifications
o Wattage
o Size
o Number of connectors
o ATX
o Micro-ATX
Dual voltage options
1.9 Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer
specifications or needs.
Graphic / CAD / CAM design workstation
Audio/Video editing workstation
Virtualization workstation
Gaming PC
Home Theater PC
Standard thick client
Thin client
Home Server PC
1.10 Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices.
Types
o CRT
o LCD
o LED
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o Projector
Resolution
Native resolution
Analog vs. digital
Privacy/antiglare filters
Multiple displays
1.11 Identify connector types and associated cables.
Display connector types
o DVI-D
o DVI-I
o DVI-A
o DisplayPort
o HD15 (i.e. DE15 or DB15)
o miniHDMI
o RJ-45
o miniDin-6
Display cable types
o HDMI
o DVI
o VGA
o Component
o Composite
o S-video
o Coaxial
o Ethernet
Device connectors and pin arrangements
o SATA
o eSATA
o PATA
o IDE
o EIDE
o USB
o IEEE1394
o SCSI
o PS/2
o Parallel
o Serial
o Audio
o RJ-45
Device cable types
o SATA
o eSATA
o IDE
o EIDE
o Floppy
o USB
o IEEE1394
o SCSI (68pin vs. 50pin vs. 25pin)
o Parallel
o Serial
o Ethernet
o Phone
1.12 Install and configure various peripheral devices.
Input devices
o Mouse
o Keyboard
o Microphone
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Output devices
o Printers
o Speakers
o Display devices
Standard 2.0 Networking
2.1 Identify types of network cables and connectors.
Twisted Pair
o Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45
o Wiring standards: T568A, T568B
2.2 Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling.
Twisted pair
o Types: STP, UTP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, plenum, PVC
o Speed and transmission limitations
2.3 Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
IP class
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
IPv4 vs. IPv6
Public vs. private vs. APIPA
Static vs. dynamic
Client-side DNS
DHCP
Subnet mask
Gateway
2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose.
Ports
o 21 – FTP
o 23 – TELNET
o 25 – SMTP
o 53 – DNS
o 80 – HTTP
o 110 – POP3
o 143 – IMAP
o 443 – HTTPS
o 3389 – RDP
Protocols
o DHCP
o DNS
o LDAP
o SNMP
o SMB
o SSH
o SFTP
TCP vs. UDP
2.5 Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types.
Standards
o 802.11 a/b/g/n
o Speeds, distances and frequencies
Encryption types
o WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
2.6 Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings.
MAC filtering
Channels (1 – 11)
Port forwarding, port triggering
SSID broadcast (on/off)
Wireless encryption
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Firewall
DHCP (on/off)
DMZ
NAT
2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features.
Cable
DSL
Dial-up
Fiber
Cellular (mobile hotspot)
2.8 Identify various types of networks.
LAN
WAN
PAN
MAN
Topologies
o Ring
o Bus
o Star
o Hybrid
2.9 Compare and contrast network devices their functions and features.
Hub
Switch
o PoE
Router
Access point
Bridge
Modem
NAS
Firewall
VoIP phones
Internet appliance
2.10 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
Crimper
Multimeter
Toner probe
Cable tester
Loopback plug
Punchdown tool
Standard 3.0 Laptops (Deleted)
Standard 4.0 Printers
4.1 Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated
imaging process.
Laser
o Imaging drum, fuser assembly, transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup rollers, separate
pads, duplexing assembly
o Imaging process: processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing
and cleaning
Inkjet
o Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, carriage and belt
o Calibration
Thermal
o Feed assembly, heating element
o Special thermal paper
4.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure printers.
Use appropriate printer drivers for a given operating system
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Print device sharing
o Wired (USB, Parallel, Ethernet)
o Wireless (802.11x)
o Printer hardware print server
Printer sharing
o Sharing local/networked printer via Operating System settings
4.3 Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance.
Laser
o Replacing toner, applying maintenance kit, calibration, cleaning
Standard 5.0 Operational Procedures
5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.
ESD straps
ESD mats
Self-grounding
Equipment grounding
Personal safety
o Disconnect power before repairing PC
o Remove jewelry
o Lifting techniques
o Weight limitations
o Electrical fire safety
o CRT safety – proper disposal
o Cable management
Compliance with local government regulations
5.2 Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls.
MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
Power surges, brownouts, blackouts
o Battery backup
o Surge suppressor
Dust and debris
o Compressed air
o Vacuums
Component handling and protection
o Antistatic bags
Compliance to local government regulations
5.3 Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism.
Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang when applicable
Maintain a positive attitude
Listen and do not interrupt the customer
Be culturally sensitive
Be on time (if late contact the customer)
Avoid distractions
o Personal calls
o Talking to co-workers while interacting with customers
o Personal interruptions
Dealing with difficult customer or situation
o Avoid arguing with customers and/or being defensive
o Do not minimize customer’s problems
o Avoid being judgmental
o Clarify customer statements (ask open ended questions to narrow the scope of the
problem, restate the issue or question to verify understanding)
Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
o Offer different repair/replacement options if applicable
o Provide proper documentation on the services provided
o Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction
Deal appropriately with customers confidential materials
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o Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc
5.4 Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity.
First response
o Identify
o Report through proper channels
o Data/device preservation
Use of documentation/documentation changes
Chain of custody
o Tracking of evidence/documenting process
CompTIA 801-202
Standard 6.0 Operating Systems
6.1 Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating
Systems.
Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP 64-bit
Professional
Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business,
Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7
Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise
Features:
o 32-bit vs. 64-bit
o Aero, gadgets, user account control, bit-locker, shadow copy, system restore, ready
boost, sidebar, compatibility mode, XP mode, easy transfer, administrative tools,
defender, Windows firewall, security center, event viewer, file structure and paths,
category view vs. classic view
Upgrade paths – differences between in place upgrades, compatibility tools, Windows upgrade
OS advisor
6.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate
method.
Boot methods
o USB
o CD-ROM
o DVD
o PXE
Type of installations
o Creating image
o Unattended installation
o Upgrade
o Clean install
o Repair installation
o Multiboot
o Remote network installation
o Image deployment
Partitioning
o Dynamic
o Basic
o Primary
o Extended
o Logical
File system types/formatting
o FAT32
o NTFS
o CDFS
o Quick format vs. full format
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Load alternate third party drivers when necessary
Workgroup vs. Domain setup
Driver installation, software and windows updates
Factory recovery partition
6.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.
Networking
o PING
o TRACERT
o IPCONFIG
o NSLOOKUP
OS
o MD
o RD
o CD
o DEL
o FDISK
o FORMAT
o COPY
o XCOPY
o CHKDSK
o [command name] /?
Recovery console
o Fixboot
o Fixmbr
6.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.
Administrative
o Computer management
o Device manager
o Users and groups
o Local security policy
o Performance monitor
o Services
o System configuration
o Component services
o Windows firewall
o Advanced security
MSCONFIG
o General
o Boot
o Service
o Startup
o Tools
Task Manager
o Applications
o Processes
o Performance
o Networking
o Users
Run line utilities
o MSCONFIG
o REGEDIT
o CMD
o SERVICES.MSC
o MMC
o MSTSC
o NOTEPAD
o EXPLORER
o MSINFO32
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6.5 Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities (the items are organized by “classic view/large
icons” in Windows).
Common to all Microsoft Operating Systems
o Internet options (Security, General, Privacy, Advanced)
o Display (Resolution)
o User accounts
o Folder options (Sharing, View hidden files, Hide extensions, Layout)
o System (Performance (virtual memory), Hardware profiles, Remote settings,
Windows firewall)
o Power options (Hibernate, Power plans, Sleep/suspend, Standby)
Unique to Windows XP
o Add/remove programs
o Network connections
o Printers and faxes
o Automatic updates
o Network setup wizard
Unique to Windows 7
o HomeGroup
o Action center
o Remote applications and desktop applications
o Troubleshooting
6.6 Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
HomeGroup, file/print sharing
WorkGroup
Network shares/mapping drives
Establish networking connections
o VPN
o Dialups
o Wireless
o Wired
o WWAN (Cellular)
Proxy settings
Remote desktop
Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
Firewall settings
o Exceptions
o Configuration
o Enabling/disabling Windows firewall
Network card properties
o Half duplex/full duplex/auto
o Speed
o Wake-on-LAN
6.7 Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools.
Best practices
o Windows updates
o Antivirus updates
Tools
o Check disk
o Defrag
6.8 Explain the differences among basic OS security settings.
User and groups
o Administrator
o Power user
o Guest
o Standard user
NTFS vs. Share permissions
o Allow vs. deny
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o Moving vs. copying folders and files
o File attributes
System files and folders
Standard 7.0 Security
7.1 Apply and use common prevention methods.
Physical security
o Lock doors
o Tailgating
o Securing physical documents/paswords/shredding
o Badges
o Windows
Digital security
o Antivirus
o Firewalls
o Antispyware
o User authentication/strong passwords
o Directory permissions
User education
Principle of least privilege
7.2 Compare and contrast common security threats.
Social engineering
Malware
Rootkits
Phishing
Shoulder surfing
Spyware
Viruses
o Worms
o Trojans
7.3 Implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
Setting strong passwords
Requiring passwords
7.4 Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method.
Low level format vs. standard format
Hard drive sanitation and sanitation methods
o Overwrite
o Drive wipe
Physical destruction
o Shredder
o Drill
o Electromagnetic
o Degaussing tool
7.5 Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network.
Change default user-names and passwords
Changing SSID
Setting encryption
Disabling SSID broadcast
Enable MAC filtering
7.6 Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network.
Change default usernames and passwords
Enable MAC filtering
Assign static IP addresses
Disabling ports
Physical security
Standard 8.0 Mobile Devices (Deleted)
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Standard 9.0 Troubleshooting
9.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.
Identify the problem
o Question the user and identify user changes to the computer and perform backups
before making changes
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
Test the theory to determine cause
o Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem
o 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 preventive measures
Document findings, actions and outcomes
9.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and
power with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o Unexpected shutdown
o POST code beeps
o Blank screen on bootup
o BIOS time and settings resets
o Attempts to boot to incorrect device
o No power
o Loud noice
o Fans spin – no power to other devices
o Indicator lights
o BSOD
Tools
o Multimeter
o Power supply tester
9.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o Loud clicking noise
o Failure to boot
o Drive not recognized
Tools
o Screwdriver
o External enclosures
o CHKDSK
o FORMAT
o FDISK
o File recovery software
9.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues.
Common symptoms
o VGA mode
o No image on screen
o Overheat shutdown
o Dead pixels
o Artifacts
o Color patterns incorrect
o Dim image
o Flickering image
o Distorted image
o Discoloration (degaussing)
o BSOD
9.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o No connectivity
o APIPA address
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A+ Computer Maintenance & Repair
o
o
o
o
Tools
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Limited connectivity
Local connectivity
Intermittent connectivity
IP conflict
Cable tester
Loopback plug
Punch down tools
Toner probes
Wire strippers
Crimpers
PING
IPCONFIG
9.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools.
Common symptoms
o BSOD
o Failure to boot
o Improper shutdown
o Spontaneous shutdown/restart
o Device fails to start
o Missing dll message
o Service fails to start
o Compatibility error
o Slow system performance
o Boots in safe mode
o Fails fails to open
o Missing NTLDR
o Missing Boot.ini
o Missing operating system
o Invalid boot disk
Tools
o Fixboot
o Recovery console
o Fixmbr
o MSCONFIG
o DEFRAG
o Event viewer
o Safe mode
o Command prompt
9.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best
practices.
Common symptoms
o Pop-ups
o Browser redirection
o Security alerts
o Slow performance
o Internet connectivity issues
o PC Locks up
o Windows updates failures
o Rouge antivirus
o Spam
o Renamed system files
o Files disappearing
o File permission changes
o Hijacked email
o Access denied
Tools
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o Anti-virus software
o Anti-malware software
o Anti-spyware software
o Event viewer
o
o
Best practices for malware removal
o Identify malware symptoms
o Quarantine infected system
o Disable system restore
o Remediate infected systems (Update anti-virus software, Scan and removal
techniques (safe mode, pre-installation environment)
o Schedule scans and updates
o Enable system restore and create restore point
o Educate end user
9.8 Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the
appropriate procedures. (Deleted)
9.9 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools
Common symptoms
o Streaks
o Faded prints
o Ghost images
o Paper jam
o No connectivity
o Garbled characters on paper
o Printer will not print
Based on CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 Objectives Page 15
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