Course Overview
The CompTIA A+ certification is the starting point for a career in IT. The exam covers
maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems, printers, and more.
Course Introduction 5m
Course Introduction
Section 01 – Configuring BIOS 30m
Configuring BIOS
Firmware
Firmware Upgrades
The System BIOS
The POST
BIOS Configuration Options
BIOS Diagnostics
BIOS Monitoring Capabilities
BIOS Memory
BIOS Components
Monitoring Internal Components
Demo – HWMonitor
Monitoring Internal Components (cont.)
Demo – SpeedFan
Section 02 – Motherboards 36m
Motherboards
Motherboard Sizes/Form Factors
Power Supplies
Cooling Systems
Common Computer Components
The Motherboard
RAM Slots
Integrated I/O Port Types
Chipsets
CMOS Battery
Live Demo – Replacing CMOS Battery
CPU Sockets
Intel CPU Socket Types
AMD CPU Socket Types
Cache
CPU Operational Characteristics
CPU Selection Factors
Cooling System Types
Cooling System Selection Factors
Live Demo – Cooling Method
Section 03 – Expansion Slots 41m
Expansion Slots
Expansion Cards
Expansion Slots
Riser Cards
Live Demo – Riser Card
Fan Connectors
Live Demo – Cooling Fins and a Fan
Live Demo – Processor Fan
Bus Speeds
Motherboard Power Connectors
Live Demo – Motherboard Power Connectors
Motherboard Selection Tips
Motherboard Installation Considerations
Live Demo – Motherboard
The CPU
The System Bus
Live Demo – Inside of the Computer
Live Demo – Bus Slots
Live Demo – Outside of the Computer
Section 04 – RAM Types and Features 13m
RAM Types and Features
Memory
RAM Modules
Single-Sided and Double-Sided Memory
RAM Configurations
Types of RAM
ECC
Parity
RAM Characteristics
Section 05 – Install and Configure PC Expansion Cards 51m
Install and Configure PC Expansion Cards
Ports
Computer Connections
Serial Connections
Parallel Connections
USB Connections
IEEE 1394 and FireWire Connections
SCSI Connections
PATA Connections
SATA Connections
Display Cable and Connector Types
Audio/Video Connections
Comparing Analog and Digital Video
Wireless Device Connections
Front Panel Connectors
Live Demo – Serial Connectors
Live Demo – USB Connectors
Live Demo – FireWire Cable
Live Demo – SATA Cable
Live Demo – Identifying Video Adapter Types
Network | Firewire | Thunderbolt Cards – Installation
Modem Cards | Wireless Cards | TV Tuner Video Capture Cards
Section 06 – Install and Configure Storage Devices 56m
Install and Configure Storage Devices
Storage Devices
Optical Drives
Optical Disks
Live Demo – Optical Drive Connections
Hard Drives
Types of Hard Drives
Magnetic Hard Disk Drive Speeds
Live Demo – Drive Identification
Solid State Storage
Types of Solid State Storage
Solid State | Flash Drives
Media Capacity
RAID Standards
Common RAID Types
Internal Storage Device Considerations
External Storage Device Considerations
Demo – Installing an Internal Storage Device
Tape Drives
Section 07 – CPU’s and Cooling Methods 14m
CPU’s and Cooling Methods
CPU Types and Characteristics
CPU Characteristics: Cooling Techniques
Demo – CPU-Z
Demo – Windows Task Manager
Section 08 – PC Connection Interfaces 29m
PC Connection Interfaces
Physical Connections: USB
Physical Connections: Firewire
Physical Connections: SATA
SATA Cables and Ports
Physical Connections: VGA
Physical Connections: HDMI
Physical Connections: DVI
Physical Connections: Thunderbolt
Physical Connections: Characteristics
Wireless Connections: Bluetooth
Wireless Connections: IR
Wireless Connections: NFC
Section 09 – Power Supplies 16m
Power Supplies
Power Supply Specifications
Power Supply Connections
Live Demo – Peripheral Power Connector
Power Supply Safety Recommendations
Selecting the Right Power Supply
Live Demo – Modern Power Supply
Live Demo – Legacy Power Supply
Section 10 – Custom Computer Specifications 21m
Custom Computer Specifications
What is a Standard Client?
Client Requirements
Virtualization Workstation
Virtualization Workstation Requirements
Media Design Workstations
Media Design Workstation Requirements
Audio/Video Editing Workstations
Audio/Video Editing Hardware Requirements
Gaming PCs
Gaming PC Requirements
Home Theater PC
Home Theater PC Requirements
Home Server PC
Home Server Requirements
Section 11 – Installing Displays 32m
Installing Displays
Display Device Types
Display Device Settings and Features
Device Drivers
Display Device Selection Tips
Display Device Installation Considerations
Demo – Configuring Display Devices
Backlighting
Monitor Panel Types
Plasma Display
OLED (Organic Light-emitting Diode)
Multiple Displays
Display Terminology
Section 12 – PC Connectors 13m
PC Connectors
DVI to HDMI
USB Ports
USB Ports | Power
USB Cables
USB to Ethernet
Section 13 – Installing Peripheral 40m
Installing Peripheral
Standard Input Device Types
Biometric Input Device Types
Specialized Input Device Types
KVM Switches
Input Device Selection Tips
Input Device Installation Considerations
Demo – Configuring Input Devices
Expansion Card Types
Card Selection Tips
Card Installation Considerations
Expansion Card Configuration
Multimedia Devices
Common Multimedia Devices
Multimedia Device Selection Tips
Multimedia Device Installation Considerations
Multimedia Device Configuration
Section 14 – Installing Multifunction Devices and SOHO Networks 47m
Installing Multifunction Devices and SOHO Networks
SOHO Networks
Firewalls and SOHO Networks
DMZs
NAT Implementations
WPS
Basic QoS
802.11 Wireless Standards
WAPs
SSID
Encryption
Wireless Encryption Types
Router Settings and Configurations
Live Demo – Configure Router
Common SOHO Security Methods
Wireless Security
SOHO Wireless Security Methods
Wireless Client Configuration Options
Section 15 – Printer Technologies 23m
Printer Technologies
Printers
An MFD
Laser Printers
The Laser Print Process
Inkjet Printers
The Inkjet Print Process
Duplexing
Thermal Printers
Thermal Print Processes
Impact Printers
The Impact Print Process
Section 16 – Printer Maintenance 31m
Printer Maintenance
Technical Printer Components
Printer Supplies and Media
Printer Driver Types
Printer Driver Compatibility
Local and Network-Based Printers
Print Device Sharing
Printer Configuration Options
Printer Maintenance
Live Demo – Printers
Demo – Installing a Local Printer
Demo – Virtual Printing
Section 17 – Networking 34m
Networking
Network Interface Card Characteristics
Twisted Pair Cables
Types of Twisted Pair Cable
PVC Cable and Plenum Cabling
Twisted Pair Connectors
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial Cable and Connector Types
Live Demo – Coax and Coax Networks
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber Optic Cable Types
Fiber Optic Connector Types
Cable Types | Definitions
Types of COAX Cables
Section 18 – Properties and Characteristics of TCP/IP 46m
Properties and Characteristics of TCP/IP
TCP/IP
IPv4 Addresses
Subnet Masks
Gateways
IP Address Classes
IPv6 Addresses
The IPv6 Address Format
IPv4 vs. IPv6
Addressing Schemes
Static vs. Dynamic Addressing
DHCP
DNS
Client-Side DNS
Demo – Identifying Your Computer’s TCP/IP Information
Section 19 – TCP vs. UDP 13m
TCP vs. UDP
Ports
TCP vs. UDP
Port Ranges
Common Ports
LDAP
SNMP
SSH
SFTP
SMB
Section 20 – Wi-Fi Networking Standards and Encryption Types 4m
Wi-Fi Networking Standards and Encryption Types
Standards
Section 21 – Install and Configure SOHO Wireless/Wired Router 26m
Install and Configure SOHO Wireless/Wired Router
Setting up your Router
SOHO Wireless Router Features
Port Descriptions
Creating Address Objects
Define Appropriate NAT Policies
Opening Ports to allow Service behind Firewall
Creating Firewall Access Rules
Other Router Options
Demo – Setting up SonicWALL SOHO Router
Section 22 – Architecture and Internet Connection Types 25m
Architecture and Internet Connection Types
LANs
WANs
PANs
MANs
VPNs
Ethernet
Network Topologies
Network Device Types and Features
ISPs
Broadband Communications
Internet Connection Types and Features
Section 23 – Networking Tools 14m
Networking Tools
Cable Testers
Crimpers
Multimeter
Toner Probe
Loopback Plug
Punch Down Tool
Networking Utilities
Demo – Identifying Networking Tools
Section 24 – Laptop Hardware Components 28m
Laptop Hardware Components
Laptops
Laptop Hardware Components
Types of Laptop Displays
Laptop Display Components
Internal Laptop Components
Laptop Expansion Options
Special Function Keys
Laptop Docking Solutions
Laptop Locks
Laptop Power Supplies and Batteries
Demo – Power Options
Auto-Switching and Fixed Input Power Supplies
Laptop Cooling Considerations
General Laptop Support Guidelines
Live Demo – Inside of Laptop
Section 25 – Mobile Devices 26m
Mobile Devices
What is Mobile Technology?
Mobile Operating Systems
Smartphones
Tablet PCs
Tablets vs. Laptops
Mobile Device Features
Mobile Security
Mobile Device Security Techniques
Network Configuration Settings
Bluetooth Configuration Methods
The Bluetooth Pairing Process
Data Synchronization
Synchronization Requirements
Email Configuration Methods
Email Server and Configuration Settings
Section 26 – Mobile Device Ports and Accessories 21m
Mobile Device Ports and Accessories
Mobile Device Connection Types
Mobile Device Hotspots / Tethering
Mobile Device Accessories
Mobile Device Credit Card Readers
Troubleshooting Mobile Devices | No Display
Troubleshooting Mobile Devices | Keypad Symptoms
Troubleshooting Mobile Devices | Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Mobile Devices | Improper Charging
Troubleshooting Mobile Devices: All
Section 27 – Troubleshooting Theory 53m
Troubleshooting Theory
Troubleshooting Models
Troubleshooting Template Forms
Unexpected Shutdowns
System Lockups
POST Beep Codes
Why did my time reset?
Boot to Incorrect Device
Continuous Reboots
Common Symptoms
PC Indicator Lights
Common System Troubleshooting Tools
Common CPU Issues
Common Cooling System Issues
Common Motherboard Issues
Repair vs. Replace
Common RAM Issues
Common External Power Source Problems
Common Power Supply Problems
Power Supply Troubleshooting Considerations
Section 28 – Troubleshooting RAID Arrays and Hard Drives 23m
Troubleshooting RAID Arrays and Hard Drives
Drive and Array Troubleshooting Tools
Common Hard Drive Symptoms
Common RAID Array Issues
SATA Troubleshooting Tips
PATA Troubleshooting Tips
SCSI Troubleshooting Tips
Toolkits
Demo – CHKDSK | FORMAT
Demo – Diskpart
Demo – Defrag Tools
Section 29 – Troubleshooting Video 1m
Troubleshooting Video
Common Video and Display Issues
Section 30 – Troubleshooting Network Issues 12m
Troubleshooting Network Issues
Common Network Issues
Network Troubleshooting Utilities
Network Troubleshooting Tools
Demo – Troubleshooting Network Issues
Section 31 – Troubleshooting Printers 14m
Troubleshooting Printers
Common Printer Troubleshooting Tools
Printer Software Tools
Common Printer Symptoms
Printer Troubleshooting Tools
Printer Tools: Toner Vacuum
Section 32 – Windows Operating Systems 1h 17m
Windows Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Features
Windows 10 New Features
Windows 10 Upgrades
Microsoft Windows 7 Versions
Microsoft Windows Vista Versions
Microsoft Windows XP Versions
Other Operating Systems
Windows System Requirements
Hardware Compatibility
Boot Methods
Imaging
Installation Types
Third Party Drivers
Partitioning
Partitioning Types
Volumes
Partitioning and File System Types
Customizing System Options
Updates
Factory Recovery Partition
Microsoft Product Activation
Demo – Installing Microsoft Windows
In-Place Upgrades
Supported Upgrade Paths
Compatibility Tools
Section 33 – Command Line Tools 12m
Command Line Tools
The Command Prompt
Operating System Command Line Tools
Networking Command Line Tools
The Recovery Console
WinRE
Section 34 – Microsoft Operating System Features and Tools 1h 55m
Microsoft Operating System Features and Tools
Administrative Tools
Demo – Computer Management
Device Manager
Local Users and Groups
Demo – Performance Monitor
Demo – Services
Task Manager
Disk Management
Migration Tools
Demo – System Configuration
Demo – Task Scheduler
Component Services
Data Sources
Demo – Print Management
Memory Diagnostic Tool
The Registry
Registry Subtrees
Run Line Utilities
Demo – Exploring Administrative Tools
Demo – Using Computer Management and Device Manager
Demo – Using Task Manager
Demo – Exploring System Configuration Settings and Information
MSConfig
Demo – System Restore
Demo – Windows Update
Section 35 – Control Panel Utilities 1h 28m
Control Panel Utilities
The Control Panel
Windows XP Control Panel Utilities
Windows Vista Control Panel Utilities
Windows 7 Control Panel Utilities
Demo – Exploring the Windows 7 Control Panel
Internet Options
Display
User Accounts
Folder Options
Types of User Accounts
User Account Control
Group Accounts
System Files and Folders
Windows Explorer
Computer/My Computer
File Extensions
File Attributes
Windows File System Types
Permissions
NTFS File Permissions
NTFS Folder Permissions
Shared Files and Folders
Share Permissions
NTFS vs. Share Permissions
Permissions Considerations
User Authentication
Demo – Viewing File Extensions
Demo – Exploring NTFS Permissions
System
Windows Firewall
Power Options
Action Center
Section 36 – Windows Networking on Client Desktops 38m
Windows Networking on Client Desktops
Workgroups
Homegroups
Domains
Directory Services
Windows Networking Options
Demo – Joining a Computer to a Domain
Network Shares
Demo – Creating a Network Share
Network Connection Types
Proxy Settings
Remote Desktop
Network Location Settings
Firewall Settings
Alternative IP Address Configuration Methods
Network Card Properties
Live Demo – Network Cards and Cables
Section 37 – Preventative Maintenance 37m
Preventative Maintenance
Data Backup and Restoration
Maintenance Tools
Scheduling Tasks
Patch Management
Managing Updates
Demo – Performing Preventive Maintenance
Demo – Microsoft Windows Defender
Demo – Backup and Restore
Section 38 – Features and Functionality of the Mac OS and Linux Operating Systems 25m
Features and Functionality of the Mac OS and Linux Operating Systems
Patch Management in Mac OS X and Linux
Disk Maintenance: Mac OS X
Disk Maintenance: Linux
Mac OS X and Linux launchd and cron
Mac OS X Backups
Linux Backups
Mac OS X Antivirus
Screen Sharing
Force Quit Mac OS X
Key Chain
Spotlight
iCloud
Mac OS Multitouch Gestures – Touchscreen
Mac OS X Finder
Mac OS X Dock
Mac OS X Boot Camp
Basic Linux Commands
Basic Linux Commands (Continued)
Section 39 – Client Side Virtualization 20m
Client Side Virtualization
What is Virtualization?
Types of Virtualization
Components of a Virtual Environment
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Virtualization Requirements
Windows Client Virtualization Solutions
Demo – Creating a VM on Windows 7
Section 40 – Cloud-based Concepts 10m
Cloud-based Concepts
SaaS (Software as Service)
IaaS (Infrastructure as Service)
PaaS (Platform As Service)
Public vs Private Clouds
Resource Pooling
Measured Service
Section 41 – Network Host Properties 13m
Network Host Properties
Server Roles
Internet Appliances
Section 42 – Mobile Operating Systems 3m
Mobile Operating Systems
Open Source Software
Closed Source Software
Screen Orientation (Accelerometer | Gyroscope)
Mobile Operating System Features
Section 43 – Mobile Device Network and E-mail 10m
Mobile Device Network and E-mail
Mobile Device Hotspot
Mobile Device Tethering
Mobile Device Airplane Mode
Mobile Device Email Setup
IMEI vs IMSI
Mobile Data Synchronization
Section 44 – Security 21m
Security
Malware
Types of Malware
Social Engineering
Physical Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
Common Wireless Security Threats
Section 45 – Prevention Methods 54m
Prevention Methods
Physical Security
Physical Security Measures
Digital Security
Antivirus Software
Anti-Spyware Software
Firewalls
Social Engineering Prevention Techniques
Hard Drive Sanitation
Formatting Hard Drives for Disposal
Physical Destruction Methods for Computer Media
Corporate Security Policies
Security Incident Reports
The Principle of Least Privilege
Strong Passwords
User Education
Common User Security Practices
Authentication Methods
Windows Security Policies
Windows Firewall
Software Firewall Configuration Settings
Workstation Security Best Practices
Demo – Securing a Workstation
Section 46 – Windows Security Settings 11m
Windows Security Settings
Users and Groups
Windows Security
Section 47 – Security Best Practices 5m
Security Best Practices
Password Best Practices
Account Management
Section 48 – Securing Mobile Devices 7m
Securing Mobile Devices
Locks
Remote Security
Physical Destruction
Section 49 – Troubleshooting Common PC Tools 48m
Troubleshooting Common PC Tools
Operating System Troubleshooting Tools
BSOD
System Lockup Errors
Input/Output Device Issues
Application Errors
Boot Issues
Common Operating System Symptoms
Error and Warning Messages in Event Viewer
Registry Error Messages
Demo – Troubleshooting a Remote Computer with Remote Desktop
Common Network Issues
Network Troubleshooting Utilities
Network Troubleshooting Tools
Demo – Troubleshooting Network Issues
Common Security Issues
Malware Removal Process
Malware Removal Best Practices
Security Troubleshooting Tools
Section 50 – Common PC Security Issues 6m
Common PC Security Issues
Browser Issues
Operating System Issues
Section 51 – Common Mobile Operating Systems Troubleshooting 16m
Common Mobile Operating Systems Troubleshooting
Dim Display
Intermittent Wireless
Monitor Issues
Applications Not Loading
Extremely Short Battery Life
Overheating
Frozen System
No Sound from Speakers
Tools
Common Symptoms
Unauthorized Access
Tools (Continued)
Backup / Restore
Section 52 – Common Safety Practices 53m
Common Safety Practices
Static Electricity
ESD
ESD Prevention Techniques
Live Demo – ESD
EMI
EMI Prevention Techniques
An ESD Toolkit
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Safety Precautions
Environmental Considerations and Controls
Workplace Safety Issues
Environmental Safety Best Practices
General Power Issues
Power Protection Systems
Liquid Hazards
Chemical Hazards
MSDS Documents
Incident Reports
Hazardous Material Disposal Procedures
Communication Skills
AUP
Professional Conduct
Prohibited Content
Best Practices Related to Prohibited Content or Activity
Computer Forensics
Section 53 – Maintenance Tools and Techniques 27m
Maintenance Tools and Techniques
Types of Hardware Toolkits
Live Demo – Identifying Common Toolkit Components
Software Diagnostic Tools
Hard Drive Self-Tests
Software Diagnostic Tests
Computer Component Maintenance Techniques
Cleaning Compounds and Materials
Live Demo – Maintenance
Documentation and Resources
Compliance and Government Regulations
Section 54 – Privacy and Licensing Concepts 23m
Privacy and Licensing Concepts
Incident Response
Data / Device Preservation
Licensing (DRM | EULA)
Proper Communication and Professionalism
Avoid Distractions
Dealing with Difficult Situations and Customers
Set Expectations
Deal Appropriately with Confidential Materials
Consider Corporate Policies before Implementing Changes
Course Closure
Total Duration: 25h 56m