CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide E-Book

Troy McMillan

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 1047

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

A comprehensive step-by-step review for A+ certification, revised for the latest exams The CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide: Exam 220-1001 and Exam 220-1002, Fourth Edition is an ideal preparation tool to help you ace the exam and get certified. The must-have companion to the CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, this book provides a streamlined review of vital exam topics, helping you reinforce comprehension and strengthen retention. Now in its fourth edition, this review guide has been fully updated to focus on the latest best practices and new exam objectives. A clear and concise review structure helps you to focus on problem areas while logically organized topics allow for quick reference and flexible study. Covering both A+ exams, this book covers topics including PC hardware, networking, operating systems and procedures, security, troubleshooting, and more. Access to the Sybex online learning environment includes practice test questions, bonus exams, electronic flashcards, and a searchable glossary of key terms. Organize your exam prep to focus on challenging areas and reinforce your understanding of essential exam objectives. A+ certification is a vital step for careers in information technology, allowing current and prospective computer technicians to validate or recertify their skills. An essential component to any A+ exam strategy, this valuable review will help you: * Learn to install and configure modern hardware and peripherals such as network switches, firewalls, and Bluetooth modules * Keep updated on current software, including Windows, Linux, and mobile operating systems * Integrate exam reviews with other Sybex learning resources to provide a comprehensive study plan The CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide: Exam 220-1001 and Exam 220-1002, Fourth Edition is an integral part of your overall exam prep strategy, allowing you to focus your study on what matters most.

Leseprobe

CompTIA®

A+® Complete Review GuideExam 220-1001 and Exam 220-1002

Fourth Edition

Troy McMillan

Senior Acquisitions Editor: Kenyon Brown Development Editor: Jim Compton Technical Editor: Robin Abernathy Senior Production Editor: Christine O'Connor Copy Editor: Kim Wimpsett Content Enablement and Operations Manager: Pete Gaughan Production Manager: Kathleen Wisor Executive Editor: Jim Minatel Book Designers: Judy Fung and Bill Gibson Proofreader: Nancy Carrasco Indexer: Ted Laux Project Coordinator, Cover: Brent Savage Cover Designer: Wiley Cover Image: Getty Images Inc. / Jeremy Woodhouse

Copyright © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-1-119-51695-8 ISBN: 978-1-119-51686-6 (ebk.) ISBN: 978-1-119-51696-5 (ebk.)

Manufactured in the United States of America

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TRADEMARKS: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and the Sybex logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. CompTIA and A+ are registered trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

This book is dedicated to my sweet wife, Heike, who shepherded our family through the horrors of Hurricane Irma.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Jim Compton for helping to keep me on track, Ken Brown for continuing to publish my work, and Robin Abernathy for her work in making sure I’m technically correct.

About the Author

Troy McMillan writes practice tests, study guides, and online course materials for Kaplan IT Cert Prep, while also running his own consulting and training business. He holds more than 30 industry certifications and also appears in training videos for Oncourse Learning and Pearson Press. Troy can be reached at [email protected].

CONTENTS

Cover

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

What Is A + Certification?

Who Should Buy This Book?

How to Use This Book

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

Tips for Taking the A + Exams

CompTIA A + 1000 Series Exam Objectives

PART I CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam 220-1001

Chapter 1 Mobile Devices

1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.

1.2 Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.

1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

1.4 Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.

1.5 Given a scenario, connect, and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices.

1.6 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.

1.7 Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization.

Review Questions

Chapter 2 Networking

2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.

2.2 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.

2.3 Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network.

2.4 Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.

2.5 Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts.

2.6 Explain common network configuration concepts.

2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.

2.8 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

Review Questions

Chapter 3 Hardware

3.1 Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.

3.2 Identify common connector types.

3.3 Given a scenario, install RAM types.

3.4 Given a scenario, select, install, and configure storage devices.

3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.

3.6 Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.

3.7 Summarize power supply types and features.

3.8 Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.

3.9 Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.

3.10 Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings.

3.11 Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.

Review Questions

Chapter 4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

4.1 Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.

4.2 Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization.

Review Questions

Chapter 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

5.1 Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems.

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.

5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.

5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.

5.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems.

Review Questions

Part II CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam 220-1002

Chapter 6 Operating Systems

1.1 Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.

1.2 Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.

1.3 Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.

1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command-line tools.

1.5 Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.

1.6 Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.

1.7 Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.

1.8 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.

1.9 Given a scenario, use features and tools of the MacOS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.

Review Questions

Chapter 7 Security

2.1 Summarize the importance of physical security measures.

2.2 Explain logical security concepts.

2.3 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.

2.4 Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.

2.5 Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.

2.6 Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.

2.7 Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.

2.8 Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.

2.9 Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.

2.10 Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.

Review Questions

Chapter 8 Software Troubleshooting

3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.

3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.

3.3 Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.

3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.

3.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.

Review Questions

Chapter 9 Operational Procedures

4.1 Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.

4.2 Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.

4.3 Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.

4.4 Explain common safety procedures.

4.5 Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.

4.6 Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.

4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.

4.8 Identify the basics of scripting.

4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.

Review Questions

Appendix Answers to Review Questions

Chapter 1: Mobile Devices

Chapter 2: Networking

Chapter 3: Hardware

Chapter 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Chapter 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Chapter 6: Operating Systems

Chapter 7: Security

Chapter 8: Software Troubleshooting

Chapter 9: Operational Procedures

Index

Advert

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

Chapter 1

Table 1.1

Table 1.2

Table 1.3

Chapter 2

Table 2.1

Table 2.2

Table 2.3

Table 2.4

Table 2.5

Table 2.6

Table 2.7

Chapter 3

Table 3.1

Table 3.2

Table 3.3

Table 3.4

Table 3.5

Table 3.6

Table 3.7

Chapter 6

Table 6.1

Table 6.2

Table 6.3

Table 6.4

Table 6.5

Table 6.6

Table 6.7

Table 6.8

Table 6.9

Table 6.10

Table 6.11

Table 6.12

Table 6.13

Table 6.14

Table 6.15

Table 6.16

Table 6.17

Table 6.18

Table 6.19

Table 6.20

Table 6.21

Table 6.22

Table 6.23

Table 6.24

Table 6.25

Chapter 7

Table 7.1

Table 7.2

Table 7.3

Table 7.4

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1 Screen orientation

Figure 1.2 Media keys

Figure 1.3 Location tracking

Figure 1.4 Airplane mode

Figure 1.5 Lock slot

Figure 1.6 Connected lock

Figure 1.7 Fitness tracker

Figure 1.8 VR headset

Figure 1.9 Google Glass

Figure 1.10 Headset computer

Figure 1.11 USB form factors

Figure 1.12 Lightning connector and USB

Figure 1.13 Smartphone game controller

Figure 1.14 Battery pack

Figure 1.15 Square credit card reader

Chapter 2

Figure 2.1 Repeater

Figure 2.2 Patch panels

Figure 2.3 Power over Ethernet

Figure 2.4 Ethernet over Power

Figure 2.5 The Windows 10 dialog for configuring a NIC

Figure 2.6 TCP/IP Properties dialog box

Figure 2.7 Cable stripper

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 Pin assignments for T568A and T568B

Figure 3.2 Fiber-optic cable

Figure 3.3 Coaxial cable construction

Figure 3.4 VGA port

Figure 3.5 HDMI connectors

Figure 3.6 Mini and regular HDMI

Figure 3.7 DisplayPort

Figure 3.8 DVI connectors

Figure 3.9 Lightning connector and USB

Figure 3.10 Thunderbolt port

Figure 3.11 Thunderbolt cable

Figure 3.12 USB connectors

Figure 3.13 USB C and USB

Figure 3.14 Serial cable

Figure 3.15 Serial ATA data cable and connector

Figure 3.16 eSATA cable

Figure 3.17 IDE drive

Figure 3.18 Internal SCSI connector

Figure 3.19 HDMI to DVI

Figure 3.20 USB to Ethernet

Figure 3.21 DVI to VGA

Figure 3.22 RJ-11 and RJ-45

Figure 3.23 DB-25, DB-15, and DB-9 ports

Figure 3.24 BNC

Figure 3.25 Three-pin Molex

Figure 3.26 Four-pin Molex

Figure 3.27 Various memory module form factors

Figure 3.28 Dual-channel memory slots

Figure 3.29 SIMMs

Figure 3.30 DIMMs

Figure 3.31 Magnetic hard drive

Figure 3.32 Cylinders, heads, and sections

Figure 3.33 Hybrid drive approaches

Figure 3.34 USB flash

Figure 3.35 SD and Compact Flash

Figure 3.36 SD, micro, and mini SD

Figure 3.37 xD card

Figure 3.38 Master/slave jumpers

Figure 3.39 RAID 0

Figure 3.40 RAID 1

Figure 3.41 RAID 5

Figure 3.42 RAID 10

Figure 3.43 An ATX-style motherboard

Figure 3.44 Motherboard sizes

Figure 3.45 PCI bus connectors

Figure 3.46 PCI slots

Figure 3.47 miniPCI

Figure 3.48 Riser card

Figure 3.49 Front-panel power connectors

Figure 3.50 NVRAM

Figure 3.51 Voltage settings in the BIOS

Figure 3.52 Setting the CMOS clock in the BIOS

Figure 3.53 CMOS battery

Figure 3.54 A PGA CPU socket

Figure 3.55 SECC

Figure 3.56 AGP and PCI slots

Figure 3.57 Sound card connectors

Figure 3.58 eSATA card

Figure 3.59 VR headsets

Figure 3.60 Touchpads

Figure 3.61 DB-15 game port

Figure 3.62 Smart card reader

Figure 3.63 Power connectors on a motherboard

Figure 3.64 SATA power connector

Figure 3.65 Eight-pin and four-pin 12V

Figure 3.66 20-pin ATX

Figure 3.67 24-pin ATX

Figure 3.68 Water-cooling system

Figure 3.69 The Devices And Printers window in Windows 10

Figure 3.70 Adding a printer

Figure 3.71 An EP toner cartridge

Figure 3.72 The EP laser scanning assembly (side view and simplified top view)

Figure 3.73 Paper transport rollers

Figure 3.74 The transfer corona assembly

Figure 3.75 The fusing assembly

Figure 3.76 The charging or conditioning step of the EP process

Figure 3.77 The exposing step of the EP process

Figure 3.78 The developing step of the EP process

Figure 3.79 The transferring step of the EP process

Figure 3.80 The fusing step of the EP process

Figure 3.81 The cleaning step of the EP process

Figure 3.82 The EP print process

Figure 3.83 A typical ink cartridge

Figure 3.84 3D filament

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Cloud app delivery

Figure 4.2 Virtualization

Figure 4.3 Type I and Type II hypervisors

Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 The Apple PWOD

Figure 5.2 OS X Utilities

Figure 5.3 Failed capacitors

Figure 5.4 Geometric distortion

Figure 5.5 Correction buttons on a projector remote

Figure 5.6 Changing the size of all items

Figure 5.7 NIC settings

Figure 5.8 Samsung Device Diagnostics menu

Figure 5.9 Network And Sharing Center

Figure 5.10 Set Up A New Connection Or Network.

Figure 5.11 Manually Connect To A Wireless Network.

Chapter 6

Figure 6.1 Advanced Attributes dialog box

Figure 6.2 The Windows 8.1 Metro or Start screen

Figure 6.3 Enabling the multimonitor taskbar

Figure 6.4 The Windows 8 Charms bar

Figure 6.5 Using

ipconfig

Figure 6.6 Using

ifconfig

Figure 6.7 The

ping

command

Figure 6.8 Using

tracert

Figure 6.9 Using

netstat

Figure 6.10 Mapped network drives

Figure 6.11 Mapping a drive

Figure 6.12 The opening interface of Event Viewer

Figure 6.13 The Log Properties dialog box

Figure 6.14 The General tab

Figure 6.15 The Boot tab

Figure 6.16 The Services tab

Figure 6.17 The Startup tab in Windows 7

Figure 6.18 The Startup tab in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10

Figure 6.19 The Tools tab

Figure 6.20 The Applications tab

Figure 6.21 The App History tab

Figure 6.22 The Processes tab

Figure 6.23 The Services tab

Figure 6.24 The Performance tab

Figure 6.25 The Networking tab

Figure 6.26 The Users tab

Figure 6.27 The Details tab

Figure 6.28 Status in Disk Management

Figure 6.29 The Initialize Disk pop-up

Figure 6.30 The Initialize Disk option

Figure 6.31 The Shrink Volume option

Figure 6.32 Setting the volume size

Figure 6.33 Changing the drive letter

Figure 6.34 The Select Drives To Create A Storage Pool page

Figure 6.35 Creating a storage space

Figure 6.36 The Connections tab

Figure 6.37 The Security tab

Figure 6.38 The General tab

Figure 6.39 The Privacy tab

Figure 6.40 The Programs tab

Figure 6.41 The Advanced tab

Figure 6.42 Windows 7 color depth

Figure 6.43 Windows 8.1 color depth, refresh rate, and resolution

Figure 6.44 View tab

Figure 6.45 The General tab

Figure 6.46 Advanced tab

Figure 6.47 Remote tab

Figure 6.48 The System Protection tab

Figure 6.49 The Windows Firewall

Figure 6.50 Power Options

Figure 6.51 Credential Manager

Figure 6.52 Programs and features

Figure 6.53 HomeGroup

Figure 6.54 The Devices And Printers applet

Figure 6.55 Sound applet

Figure 6.56 The Troubleshooting applet

Figure 6.57 The Network And Sharing Center applet

Figure 6.58 Device Manager

Figure 6.59 BitLocker Drive Encryption

Figure 6.60 Sync Center

Figure 6.61 Joining the server to the domain

Figure 6.62 Adding a printer using a TCP/IP address

Figure 6.63 Adding the printer IP address

Figure 6.64 LAN settings

Figure 6.65 Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 7

Figure 6.66 Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 8 and later

Figure 6.67 Enabling Remote Assistance in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10

Figure 6.68 Public network

Figure 6.69 APIPA

Figure 6.70 Setting speed and duplex

Figure 6.71 Ubuntu Update Manager

Figure 6.72 Software Update preferences

Figure 6.73 Update Manager with PPA

Figure 6.74 Installing packages

Figure 6.75 Time Machine

Figure 6.76 The Mac terminal

Figure 6.77 Force Quit Applications window

Figure 6.78 Enabling workspaces

Figure 6.79 Finder

Figure 6.80 The Dock

Figure 6.81 Boot Camp

Chapter 7

Figure 7.1 Aerial view of a mantrap

Figure 7.2 A proxy firewall blocking network access from external networks

Figure 7.3 A dual-homed firewall segregating two networks from each other

Figure 7.4 An email virus spreading geometrically to other users

Figure 7.5 A multipartite virus commencing an attack on a system

Figure 7.6 The polymorphic virus changing its characteristics

Figure 7.7 A stealth virus hiding in a disk boot sector

Figure 7.8 Sharing a folder in Windows 7

Figure 7.9 Advanced sharing in Windows 7

Figure 7.10 Advanced attributes

Figure 7.11 Creating a new account in the New Object window

Figure 7.12 Allowing applications from unknown sources

Figure 7.13 A cable in the security slot keeps the laptop from being carried away easily.

Chapter 8

Figure 8.1 Service dependencies

Figure 8.2 The Drive Optimization tool

Figure 8.3 Recovery

Figure 8.4 MSCONFIG

Figure 8.5 The Pop-Up Blocker Settings dialog

Chapter 9

Figure 9.1 A physical diagram

Figure 9.2 A logical diagram

Figure 9.3 The reset button on the top of a surge-protector power strip

Figure 9.4 A simple surge protector

Figure 9.5 Proper ESD strap connection

Figure 9.6 Proper use of an ESD mat

Figure 9.7 A simple voltmeter

Figure 9.8 Dust builds up inside the system.

Figure 9.9 Dust collects in unused ports as well.

Figure 9.10 Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 7

Figure 9.11 Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 8

Figure 9.12 Programs And Features

Figure 9.13 Turning Windows features on or off

Guide

Cover

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Introduction

The A + certification program was developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to provide an industry-wide means of certifying the competency of computer service technicians. The A + certification is granted to those who have attained the level of knowledge and troubleshooting skills that are needed to provide capable support in the field of personal computers. CompTIA is a widely respected industry leader in this area.

CompTIA’s A + exam objectives are periodically updated to keep the certification applicable to the most recent hardware and software. This is necessary because a technician must be able to work on the latest equipment. The most recent revisions to the objectives—and to the whole program—were introduced in 2018 and are reflected in this book.

This book and the Sybex CompTIA A + Complete Study Guide (both the Standard and Deluxe Editions) are tools to help you prepare for this certification—and for the new areas of focus of a modern computer technician’s job.

What Is A + Certification?

The A + certification program was created to offer a wide-ranging certification, in the sense that it’s intended to certify competence with personal computers from many different makers/vendors. Everyone must take and pass two exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002.

You don’t have to take the 220-1001 exam and the 220-1002 exam at the same time. The A + certification isn’t awarded until you’ve passed both tests. For the latest pricing on the exams and updates to the registration procedures, call Pearson VUE at [phone]. You can also go to Pearson VUE for additional information or to register online at www.pearsonvue.com/comptia. If you have further questions about the scope of the exams or related CompTIA programs, refer to the CompTIA website at www.comptia.org.

Who Should Buy This Book?

If you want to acquire a solid foundation in personal-computer basics and your goal is to prepare for the exams by filling in any gaps in your knowledge, this book is for you. You’ll find clear explanations of the concepts you need to grasp and plenty of help to achieve the high level of professional competency you need to succeed in your chosen field.

If you want to become certified as an A + holder, this book is definitely what you need. However, if you just want to attempt to pass the exam without really understanding the basics of personal computers, this guide isn’t for you. It’s written for people who want to acquire skills and knowledge of personal-computer basics.

How to Use This Book

We’ve included several learning tools in the book. These tools will help you retain vital exam content as well as prepare to sit for the actual exams.

Exam Essentials

Each chapter includes a number of exam essentials. These are the key topics that you should take from the chapter in terms of areas on which you should focus when preparing for the exam.

Chapter Review Questions

To test your knowledge as you progress through the book, there are review questions at the end of each chapter. As you finish each chapter, answer the review questions and then check your answers—the correct answers are in the appendix. You can go back to reread the section that deals with each question you got wrong to ensure that you answer correctly the next time you’re tested on the material.

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

The interactive online learning environment that accompanies CompTIA A + Complete Review Guide: Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002, Fourth Edition, provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exam—and increase your chances of passing it the first time! The test bank includes the following:

Sample Tests

All the questions in this book are provided, including the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are four practice exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.

Flashcards

One set of questions is provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.

Other Study Tools

A glossary of key terms from this book and their definitions is available as a fully searchable PDF.

Tips for Taking the A + Exams

Here are some general tips for taking your exams successfully:

Bring two forms of ID with you. One must be a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The other can be a major credit card or a passport. Both forms must include a signature.

Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials, particularly tables and lists of exam-related information.

Read the questions carefully. Don’t be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking.

Don’t leave any unanswered questions. Unanswered questions are scored against you.

There will be questions with multiple correct responses. When there is more than one correct answer, a message at the bottom of the screen will prompt you to either “Choose two” or “Choose all that apply.” Be sure to read the messages displayed to know how many correct answers you must choose.

When answering multiple-choice questions you’re not sure about, use a process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. Doing so will improve your odds if you need to make an educated guess.

On form-based tests (nonadaptive), because the hard questions will eat up the most time, save them for last. You can move forward and backward through the exam.

For the latest pricing on the exams and updates to the registration procedures, visit CompTIA’s website at

www.comptia.org.

CompTIA A + 1000 Series Exam Objectives

CompTIA goes to great lengths to ensure that its certification programs accurately reflect the IT industry’s best practices. The company does this by establishing Cornerstone Committees for each of its exam programs. Each committee comprises a small group of IT professionals, training providers, and publishers that are responsible for establishing the exam’s baseline competency level and that determine the appropriate target audience level.

Once these factors are determined, CompTIA shares this information with a group of hand-selected subject-matter experts (SMEs). These folks are the true brainpower behind the certification program. They review the committee’s findings, refine them, and shape them into the objectives you see before you. CompTIA calls this process a job task analysis (JTA).

Finally, CompTIA conducts a survey to ensure that the objectives and weightings truly reflect the job requirements. Only then can the SMEs go to work writing the hundreds of questions needed for the exam. And, in many cases, they have to go back to the drawing board for further refinements before the exam is ready to go live in its final state. So, rest assured, the content you’re about to learn will serve you long after you take the exam.

Exam objectives are subject to change at any time without prior notice and at CompTIA’s sole discretion. Please visit the certification page of CompTIA’s website at www.comptia.org for the most current listing of exam objectives.

CompTIA also publishes relative weightings for each of the exam’s objectives. The following tables list the objective domains and the extent to which they’re represented on each exam:

220-1001 Exam Domains

Percent of Exam

1.0 Mobile Devices

14%

2.0 Networking

20%

3.0 Hardware

27%

4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

12%

5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

27%

Total

100%

220-1002 Exam Domains

Percent of Exam

1.0 Operating Systems

27%

2.0 Security

24%

3.0 Software Troubleshooting

26%

4.0 Operational Procedures

23%

Total

100%

PART ICompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam 220-1001

Chapter 1 Mobile Devices

Chapter 2 Networking

Chapter 3 Hardware

Chapter 4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Chapter 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Chapter 1Mobile Devices

COMPTIA A+ CERTIFICATION EXAM CORE 1 (220-1001) OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER:

✓ 1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.

Hardware/device replacement

Keyboard

Hard drive

SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk

1.8 in vs. 2.5 in

Memory

Smart card reader

Optical drive

Wireless card/Bluetooth module

Cellular card

Video card

Mini PCIe

Screen

DC jack

Battery

Touchpad

Plastics/frames

Speaker

System board

CPU

✓ 1.2 Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.

Types

LCD

OLED

WiFi antenna connector/placement

Webcam

Microphone

Inverter

Digitizer/touchscreen

✓ 1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

Special function keys

Dual displays

Wireless (on/off)

Cellular (on/off)

Volume settings

Screen brightness

Bluetooth (on/off)

Keyboard backlight

Touchpad (on/off)

Screen orientation

Media options (fast forward/rewind)

GPS (on/off)

Airplane mode

Docking station

Port replicator

Physical laptop lock and cable lock

Rotating/removable screens

✓ 1.4 Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.

Tablets

Smartphones

Wearable technology devices

Smart watches

Fitness monitors

VR/AR headsets

E-readers

GPS

✓ 1.5 Given a scenario, connect, and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices.

Connection types

Wired

Micro-USB/Mini-USB/USB-C

Lightning

Tethering

Proprietary vendor-specific ports (communication/power)

Wireless

NFC

Bluetooth

IR

Hotspot

Accessories

Headsets

Speakers

Game pads

Extra battery packs/battery chargers

Protective covers/waterproofing

Credit card readers

Memory/MicroSD

✓ 1.6 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.

Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)

Hotspot

Tethering

Airplane mode

Bluetooth

Enable Bluetooth

Enable pairing

Find a device for pairing

Enter the appropriate pin code

Test connectivity

Corporate and ISP email configuration

POP3

IMAP

Port and SSL settings

S/MIME

Integrated commercial provider email configuration

iCloud

Google/Inbox

Exchange Online

Yahoo

PRI updates/PRL updates/baseband updates

Radio firmware

IMEI vs. IMSI

VPN

✓ 1.7 Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization.

Synchronization methods

Synchronize to the cloud

Synchronize to the desktop

Synchronize to the automobile

Types of data to synchronize

Contacts

Applications

Email

Pictures

Music

Videos

Calendar

Bookmarks

Documents

Location data

Social media data

E-books

Passwords

Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO)

Software requirements to install the application on the PC

Connection types to enable synchronization

  This chapter will focus on the exam topics related to mobile devices. It will follow the structure of the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam blueprint, objective 1, and cover the seven subobjectives that you will need to master before taking the exam. The Mobile Devices domain represents 14 percent of the total exam.

1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.

Whether you choose to call them laptops, notebooks, tablets, or something different is mostly a matter of semantics. In this section, I’ll discuss some of the basic components of laptops and their installation (when possible and called for). In many cases, the components are the same as in a desktop computer.

The following topic is addressed in exam objective 1.1:

Hardware/device replacement

Hardware/device replacement

Replacing hardware and devices in a laptop can be a challenge because of the size limitations. The best way to determine the proper disassembly method is to consult the documentation from the manufacturer.

Some models of notebook PCs require a special T-8 Torx screwdriver. Most PC toolkits come with a T-8 bit for a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, but you may find that the T-8 screws are countersunk in deep holes so that you can’t fit the screwdriver into them. In such cases, you need to buy a separate T-8 screwdriver, available at most hardware stores or auto parts stores.

   Many laptop manufacturers will consider a warranty void if an unauthorized person opens a laptop case and attempts to repair it.

Prepare a clean, well-lit, flat work surface; assemble your tools and manuals; and ensure that you have the correct parts. Shut down the PC, unplug it, and detach any external devices such as an external keyboard, mouse, or monitor. In this section, with these general guidelines for opening the laptop in mind, you’ll look at replacing various components of a laptop. Always ensure that you have grounded yourself before working with computer components of any kind. Use an antistatic wristband and attach it to the case.

Keyboard

When replacing the keyboard, one of the main things you want to keep in mind is not to damage the data cable connector to the system board.

With the laptop fully powered off and unplugged from the wall, remove the battery. Examine the screws on the back of the laptop. Ideally, icons indicating which screws are attached to the keyboard will be available. If not, look up the model online and determine which of the screws are attached to the keyboard.

Remove the screws with a T-8 or Phillips-head screwdriver. With the laptop turned back over, open it. If the keyboard is tucked under any plastic pieces, determine whether those pieces need to have screws removed to get them out of the way; if so, remove the screws and the plastic pieces. In some cases, there may just be clamps that are easily removed.

With any plastic covers out of the way, remove any screws at the top and remove the keyboard itself from top to bottom. There should be a thin, but wide, data cable to the system board at the bottom. This is the piece to be careful with!

Take a pick and lift the plastic connectors that hold this data cable in place. Remove the data cable. Take the new keyboard and slip the data cable back in between the plastic connectors on the system board. Ensure it’s all the way in.

Put the plastic connector back into place and make sure it’s holding the data cable in. Position the keyboard into place and refasten the keyboard in place at the top, replacing any screws that were there before.

Replace any plastic pieces that were covering the keyboard, turn the laptop over, and replace all of the keyboard screws. When you replace the battery and turn it on, check the functionality. If the keyboard doesn’t work, the main component to check is the data connector.

Hard drive

Before changing a hard drive, you should back up the old hard drive if the data is needed. Then, to change the hard drive, follow these steps:

Turn the laptop upside down and look for a removable panel or a hard drive release mechanism. Laptop drives are usually accessible from the bottom or side of the chassis. Release the drive by flicking a lock/unlock button and/or removing a screw that holds the drive in place.

You may be required to remove the drive from a caddy or detach mounting rails from its sides. Attach the rails or caddy to the new drive using the same screws and washers. If required, remove the connector attached to the old drive’s signal pins and attach it to the new drive. Make sure it’s right side up and do not force it. Damaging the signal pins may render the drive useless.

Reverse your steps to place the drive (and caddy if present) into the case. Replace the screws and start the laptop. The system should recognize the drive. If you or the user created a bootable backup disc or a complete image disc (before the drive failed, by the way), place it in the optical drive and follow the instructions for restoring the data. You may have to update a driver or two, but you should otherwise be ready to go.

SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk

Although many devices still use a magnetic disk hard drive, most laptop vendors are moving to using either solid-state drives or hybrid drives, which are a combination of magnetic disk and solid-state technology.

The advantage of solid-state drives is that they are not as susceptible to damage if the device is dropped, and they are generally faster because no moving parts are involved. They are, however, more expensive, and when they fail, they don’t typically display any advanced warning symptoms like a magnetic drive will do.

Hybrid storage products have a magnetic disk and some solid-state memory. These drives monitor the data being read from the hard drive, and they cache the most frequently accessed bits to the high-speed flash memory. These drives tend to cost slightly more than traditional hard drives (but far less than solid-state drives), but the addition of the SSD memory for cached bits creates a surprising improvement in performance. This improvement will not appear initially because the drive must “learn” the most frequently accessed data on the drive.

1.8 in vs. 2.5 in

The 2.5-inch hard drives are small (which makes them attractive for a laptop, where space is at a minimum), but in comparison to 3.5-inch hard drives, they have less capacity and cache, and they operate at a lower speed.

Moreover, whereas 2.5-inch drives operate from 5,400 to 7,200 rpm, 3.5-inch drives can operate from 7,200 to 10,000 rpm. However, 2.5-inch drives use about half the power (again, good for a laptop) of a 3.5-inch drive (2.5 W rather than 5 W).

The 1.8-inch drive is the smallest of the three I’m discussing here. It was originally used in subnotebooks and audio players. It has the least capacity of the three, with the largest up to 320 GB. It has only two platters, each of which can hold 220 GB maximum.

Memory

There should be a panel used for access to the memory modules. If the panels are not marked (many are not), refer to your laptop instruction manuals to locate the panel on the bottom.

Remove any screws holding the panel in place, remove the panel from the laptop, and set it aside. If removing an existing memory module, remove it by undoing the module clamps, gently lifting the edge of the module to a 45-degree angle, and then pulling the module out of the slot.

Align the notch of the new module with that of the memory slot and gently insert the module into the slot at a 45-degree angle. With all pins in the slot, gently rotate the module down flat until the clamps lock the module into place.

Replace the memory access panel, replace any screws, and power up the system. When the computer is powered back up, it may be necessary to go into the computer BIOS to let the system properly detect the new RAM that has been installed in the computer. Please refer to the user manual for the computer system for any additional information.

Smart card reader

Smart card readers come in both internal and external versions. External versions will most likely plug into a USB port, and replacing them is easy; all you do is plug them in. It is possible that you may need to install a driver for the device; and if so, you should use the installation utility that came with the device if there is one. There are also external readers that use the ExpressCard slot.

Internal readers will reside in a drive bay as a hard drive or optical drive would. Take the following steps to replace one:

Remove the hard drive, optical drive, and keyboard screws first, and then remove the screws that hold the bottom case on the laptop. There will also be some screws marked P or P1 inside the case to remove.

Once they are removed, turn the laptop over and remove the keyboard screws, keyboard, and the palm rest cables. Don’t forget to unplug both the keyboard and the palm rest cables! Underneath you will now be able to access the smart card reader.

Unplug the reader, remove the screw holding it in, and remove it. Place the new reader in the same place and reverse these steps.

Optical drive

Replacing an optical drive is usually easier than replacing a hard drive or memory. Remove the screw that secures the optical drive to the bottom of the notebook. Grasp the edge of the optical drive bezel and slide the optical drive out of the base enclosure. Insert the new optical drive into the base enclosure until the connector is seated and replace the screw that secures the optical drive to the bottom of the notebook.

Wireless card/Bluetooth module

Both 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless cards that are built in can be replaced if they go bad. Sometimes they reside near the memory, so you would open the same panel that holds the memory. In other cases (such as a Dell Inspiron), you have to remove the memory, keyboard, optical drive, and hand rest to get to it. The Bluetooth card may be located in the same place, or it may be located at the edge of the laptop with its own small panel to remove. Consult your documentation.

Once you’ve found either type of wireless card, disconnect the two antenna contacts from the card. Do not pull by the wire; pull by the connector itself. Remove any screws from the wireless card and gently pull out the card from the slot. Insert the replacement card into the slot at a 45-degree angle, replace the screws, and reconnect the antenna to the adapter. Replace the parts you were required to remove to get to the card, reversing your steps carefully.

Cellular card

Changing an external mobile broadband card is as simple as pulling the old USB stick out and plugging in the new one. Because USB is plug and play, you shouldn’t have to do anything, but even in the case of an issue the manufacturer usually provides a CD with the drivers or you can obtain them from the vendor website.

Changing an internal card is much like the process of changing an internal 802.11 card; follow the instructions indicated in the previous section.

Video card

When changing a graphics card, you must ensure that the card is supported by the laptop and the operating system. This is the process:

Remove the hinges using manufacturer instructions.

Detach the keyboard and keep track of your screws and where they go!

Remove the display assembly, and unplug the video and Wi-Fi cables.

Remove the upper shell, and keep track of your screws.

Remove the old card, and install the new.

Reverse your steps to reassemble the laptop.

Mini PCIe

Since many of the wireless cards are mini-PCIe, replacing any other card in this format will follow the same procedure, with the exception of removing and reconnecting the antenna cables (present only on the wireless cards). You can find the location of the card in the documentation. Make sure that the new card is firmly inserted into the slot after removing the old card.

Screen

The screen is one of the more involved parts to replace, which is why many people throw a laptop away when the screen gets damaged. It’s possible to replace a damaged screen, but you have to remove a lot of parts to do so. Start by removing the battery and then hold the power on for 10 seconds to drain the power out of the capacitors.

Remove all the screws on the back of the unit and then turn the laptop over. Remove the speaker bezel and you will see six wires coming from the old screen to the laptop. Remove the keyboard (see the instructions in the section “Keyboard”). Under the keyboard, locate where these six wires connect, and disconnect them. Make note of what went where so you can replace them correctly when you reconnect the new screen.

Remove the screws that are holding the old screen to the hinges of the laptop. Position the new screen in place and screw it into the hinges. Reroute the six wires coming from the new screen through any holes or spaces that lead them to their connection points. These are usually for the video cable, mic jacks, and wireless antenna. Reconnect the keyboard and reinstall it. Replace all parts that were required to get at the keyboard and replace all screws on the back of the unit.

These are general guidelines for this replacement, and you should always check the documentation for any departures from this general approach.

DC jack

Replacing a bad DC jack usually requires soldering. If this is not a skill you possess, just replace the motherboard. If you want to attempt it, remove all the parts to get to the motherboard. In some cases, the old DC jack can still be used; it just needs to have the old solder removed and replaced. If that is not the case, remove the old DC jack by unsoldering it from the connector. Then put the new jack in place and solder it to the connectors. Replace all the parts and pieces you removed to get to the board. In general, a bad DC jack usually means a new board.

Battery

Replacing the battery in a laptop is simply a matter of removing the battery storage bay, removing the old battery from the bay, inserting the new battery into the bay, and replacing the bay. Determining the battery type for the replacement will probably take longer than the replacement procedure. In fact, many users carry extra batteries for situations where they know they will need to use the laptop for longer than the battery life (such as a long plane trip) and change the battery as needed.

   If BitLocker encryption is enabled, the laptop will not boot after a battery replacement unless the BitLocker encryption key is provided.

Touchpad

This is another repair where many parts must be removed just to get to the piece to be replaced.

Remove all the covers from the back of the system first. This may include those for the hard drive, RAM, and wireless card compartments. Remove the RAM, hard drive, and wireless card. Take the screw holding the CD-ROM in place and remove it as well.

Turn the laptop back over, open the lid, and remove any plastic pieces in the way of the keyboard. Remove the keyboard (see the section “Keyboard”). Disconnect the video and antenna cables from the motherboard (see the section “Screen”). Remove the Phillips-head screws from the LCD hinges and then remove the LCD.

Disconnect the touchpad cable from the motherboard. Separate the upper casing assembly from the bottom casing and set it aside. Remove the touchpad from the upper casing assembly. Install the new touchpad by reversing the previous steps.

Plastics/frames

Several of the replacement procedures in this section have involved plastic pieces that either hold something in place or cover something. These pieces—which are important enough to be noted specifically as a component of this exam—may be held in place by screws, or they may use snaps. In either case, it is easy to damage these parts (especially the snaps) in the disassembly or assembly process. If this occurs, consult the documentation for the laptop. Even these pieces will have part numbers and can be ordered. It’s easier to just take great care not to damage them in the first place. The best way to prevent damage to these pieces is to never force a piece in place. If you meet resistance, back out and try to determine what the obstruction is. Restoring the full case is also important. Leaving open spaces can tamper with the air circulation as it was originally designed, resulting in overheating. A mobile device, particularly a laptop, will quickly overheat if the case is compromised in any way.

Speaker

To replace speakers, first follow the earlier instructions to remove the hard drive, the battery pack, and all the screws holding the body together.

Lift the screen up and separate it from the body (see the section “Screen”). Do

not

remove the wires connecting the screen to the motherboard.

Separate the two pieces of plastic body frame to view the inside of the laptop. Locate the speakers, using the documentation if necessary.

Unscrew the speakers, and note where they connect to the motherboard. Disconnect the old speakers, and connect the new ones to the same location as where the old speakers were removed.

Replace all the parts in the reverse order you removed them.

System board

Replacing the system board requires removing all parts discussed up to this point since they all are either in the way of or connected to the motherboard. Once that is done, take the following steps:

Open the processor access door if there is one on the machine. If the processor is removable and one did not come with the new motherboard, remove it, and set it aside in a safe place.

Disconnect any remaining wires that are connected to the motherboard.

Unplug any cards, such as the video card, that are not built directly into the motherboard.

Locate the mounting screws for the motherboard, and unscrew them. Remove the old motherboard, mount the new unit, and reassemble the parts in reverse order.

CPU

If the CPU is not built into the motherboard, it can be replaced. If it is built in, then you will be replacing the motherboard as well. If you are upgrading the processor and not simply replacing it, make sure your BIOS will support the new processor. It may be that you need to flash the BIOS to support the new CPU. You can determine this at the website of either the CPU maker or the laptop. This is important!

Follow the earlier instructions to remove the case, keyboard, and display. This will allow you to separate the two parts of the case.

Remove the graphic card and note where it plugs back in.

Remove the heat sink from the top of the CPU by removing the screws holding it in place.

Remove the single screw holding the CPU in place and pull it out. Insert the new CPU in place, and replace the screw. (In some cases, it is not a screw but a locking bar.)

Place some thermal grease between the CPU and the heat sink. Replace the heat sink and its screws.

Reverse your steps to reattach all the other parts and pieces.

In some cases, you may encounter a laptop that allows you to get at this from the bottom without removing the keyboard and display. This is why it is best to follow the specific directions in the documentation to save unnecessary component removal.

Exam essential

List the steps to install or replace laptop components. This includes but is not limited to keyboards, hard drives, memory, optical drives, wireless cards, mini-PCIe cards, screens, DC jacks, batteries, touchpads, speakers, system boards, and CPUs.

1.2 Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.

The display of a laptop contains more components than you may expect. In this section, I’ll discuss these components and, in some cases, cover competing technologies. The following topics are addressed in exam objective 1.2:

Types

Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement

Webcam

Microphone

Inverter

Digitizer/touchscreen

Types

Laptop displays can use any of several technologies: LCD, LED, or OLED. This section provides a quick survey of these display types and their characteristics as they apply to laptops. For more information on all three display types, see objective 3.6 in Chapter 3, “Hardware.”

LCD

LCDs have completely replaced CRTs as the default display type for both laptops and desktops. Two major types of LCDs are used today: active matrix screens and passive matrix screens. Their main differences lie in the quality of the image. Both types use some kind of lighting behind the LCD panel to make the screen easier to view. One or more small fluorescent tubes are used to backlight the screen.

Passive Matrix A passive matrix screen uses a row of transistors across the top of the screen and a column of them down the side. It sends pulses to each pixel at the intersection of each row and column combination, telling it what to display. Passive matrix displays are becoming obsolete because they’re less bright and have poorer refresh rates and image quality than active matrix displays. However, they use less power than active matrix displays do.

Active Matrix