The definitive Sybex guide to A+ certification, fully updated for the latest exams
The CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, Fourth Edition is your ultimate preparation guide for Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002. Covering 100 percent of the objectives for both exams, this book gets you up to speed on essential A+ knowledge and skills. Master the critical competencies associated with hardware and software, system maintenance, troubleshooting, connectivity, and more - with practical examples drawn from real-world experience, you’ll develop the skill set employers demand in today’s IT environment. End-of-chapter reviews help you gauge your progress and stay on track for success, while exam highlights give you a sneak preview of what to expect on the big day. You also get access to the Sybex online test bank, featuring electronic flashcards, a searchable glossary, and 4 practice exams to help you study from anywhere, any time - track your progress and test your understanding with interactive study tools.
CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-leading standard for IT professionals. Hundreds of companies require their computer technicians to hold this valuable credential. Now in its fourth edition, this revised and updated study guide includes expanded coverage of virtualization and cloud computing, mobile hardware installation, network security, and more, to reflect the latest changes in the A+ exam. Providing all the information you need to earn your A+ certification, this invaluable resource will help you:
- Master the basics of hardware, software, and peripherals
- Understand and troubleshoot network connectivity issues
- Install and configure Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OSX, and Linux operating systems
The CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, Fourth Edition arms you with the tools and knowledge necessary to take your skills to the next level. Whether a first-time candidate or IT professional in need of recertification, this essential study guide will help you prepare, practice, and pass with minimal burden and maximum results.
Table of Contents
Introduction xxxiii
Assessment Test for Exam 220-1001 lxxvi
Assessment Test for Exam 220-1002 lxxxvii
Part I 220-1001 1
Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3
Understanding Motherboards 5
Understanding Processors 38
Understanding Memory 44
Understanding Cooling Systems 59
Summary 68
Exam Essentials 68
Review Questions 70
Performance-Based Question 1 74
Performance-Based Question 2 74
Chapter 2 Internal Expansion, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 75
Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 77
Understanding Storage Devices 84
Understanding Power Supplies 113
Summary 124
Exam Essentials 124
Review Questions 126
Performance-Based Question 130
Chapter 3 Peripherals and Connectors 131
Understanding Cables and Connectors 133
Understanding Uses of Peripheral Devices 161
Summary 194
Exam Essentials 195
Review Questions 197
Performance-Based Question 201
Chapter 4 Custom PC Configurations 203
Exploring Custom Configurations 205
Thin Clients 221
Summary 228
Exam Essentials 229
Review Questions 230
Performance-Based Question 234
Chapter 5 Installing and Configuring Printers 235
Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 237
Installing and Maintaining Printers 267
Summary 303
Exam Essentials 303
Review Questions 305
Performance-Based Question 308
Chapter 6 Networking Fundamentals 309
Understanding Networking Principles 311
Identifying Common Network Hardware 333
Summary 357
Exam Essentials 357
Review Questions 359
Performance-Based Question 362
Chapter 7 Introduction to TCP/IP 363
Understanding TCP/IP 365
Summary 395
Exam Essentials 396
Review Questions 398
Performance-Based Question 402
Chapter 8 Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 403
Understanding Wireless Networking Technologies 406
Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks 426
Summary 478
Exam Essentials 478
Review Questions 480
Performance-Based Question 484
Chapter 9 Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 485
Understanding Network Services 487
Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing 511
Summary 533
Exam Essentials 534
Review Questions 536
Performance-Based Question 539
Chapter 10 Understanding Laptops 541
Working with Laptops 543
Input Devices 566
Internal Expansion 575
Laptop Displays 580
External Peripherals 591
Summary 595
Exam Essentials 595
Review Questions 597
Performance-Based Question 600
Chapter 11 Understanding Mobile Devices 601
Understanding Mobile Devices 603
Summary 635
Exam Essentials 635
Review Questions 637
Performance-Based Question 640
Chapter 12 Mobile Device Connectivity and Synchronization 641
Understanding Network Connectivity and Email 643
Configuring Mobile Device Synchronization 687
Summary 699
Exam Essentials 700
Review Questions 702
Performance-Based Question 706
Chapter 13 Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 707
Using the Troubleshooting Best Practice Methodology 710
Troubleshooting Core Hardware Issues 721
Summary 735
Exam Essentials 736
Review Questions 737
Performance-Based Question 741
Chapter 14 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 743
Troubleshooting Storage and Video Problems 748
Troubleshooting Common Mobile Device Issues 758
Troubleshooting Printer Problems 772
Troubleshooting Networking Problems 797
Summary 819
Exam Essentials 820
Review Questions 823
Performance-Based Question 826
Part II 220-1002 827
Chapter 15 Operating System Basics 829
Understanding Operating Systems 831
Preparing for the Exam 866
Summary 869
Exam Essentials 869
Review Questions 871
Performance-Based Question 874
Chapter 16 Operating System Administration 875
Interacting with Operating Systems 877
Administrative Tools 917
Disk Management 938
Summary 945
Exam Essentials 945
Review Questions 947
Performance-Based Question 950
Chapter 17 Working with Windows 10 951
Introduction to Windows 10 953
Installing Windows 10 968
Booting the Windows 10 Operating System 995
Windows Applications 999
Networking in Windows 10 1003
Summary 1011
Exam Essentials 1012
Review Questions 1013
Performance-Based Question 1016
Chapter 18 Working with Windows 8/8.1 1017
Windows Editions 1018
Installing Windows 8 1025
Windows 8 Boot Methods 1032
Summary 1035
Exam Essentials 1035
Review Questions 1036
Performance-Based Question 1040
Chapter 19 Working with Windows 7 1041
Windows 7 Editions 1043
Installing Windows 7 1050
Booting the Windows 7 Operating System 1056
Windows 7 Features 1059
Windows 7 Administrative Tools 1066
Windows 7 Control Panel Utilities 1073
Networking and Windows 7 1081
Summary 1090
Exam Essentials 1090
Review Questions 1091
Performance-Based Question 1094
Chapter 20 Working with macOS and Linux 1095
Best Practices 1096
Tools 1102
Features 1104
Basic Linux Commands 1109
Summary 1120
Exam Essentials 1121
Review Questions 1122
Performance-Based Question 1126
Chapter 21 Scripting and Remote Access 1127
Scripting 1128
Remote Access 1146
Summary 1151
Exam Essentials 1151
Review Questions 1152
Performance-Based Question 1155
Chapter 22 Security Concepts 1157
Physical Security Concepts 1161
Logical Security 1171
Network Policies 1185
Common Security Threats 1187
Common Software Threats 1196
Mitigating Software Threats 1203
Destruction and Disposal Methods 1212
Securing a SOHO Network (Wireless) 1216
Securing a SOHO Network (Wired) 1221
Summary 1225
Exam Essentials 1225
Review Questions 1227
Performance-Based Question 1230
Chapter 23 Securing Operating Systems 1231
Workstation Security Best Practices 1233
Working with Windows OS Security Settings 1247
Mobile Device Security 1265
Summary 1274
Exam Essentials 1275
Review Questions 1276
Performance-Based Question 1280
Chapter 24 Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1281
Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows OS Problems 1283
Troubleshooting Security Issues 1329
Best Practices for Malware Removal 1339
Troubleshooting Mobile Issues 1346
Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues 1355
Summary 1360
Exam Essentials 1360
Review Questions 1362
Performance-Based Question 1366
Chapter 25 Documentation and Professionalism 1367
Documentation and Change Management 1370
Disaster Prevention and Recovery 1384
Demonstrating Professionalism 1395
Summary 1408
Review Questions 1409
Performance-Based Question 1412
Chapter 26 Safety and Environmental Concerns 1413
Understanding Safety Procedures 1416
Understanding Environmental Controls 1437
Understanding Policies, Licensing, and Privacy 1453
Summary 1464
Exam Essentials 1464
Review Questions 1466
Performance-Based Question 1470
Appendix A Answers to Review Questions 1471
Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1472
Chapter 2: Internal Expansion, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1474
Chapter 3: Peripherals and Connectors 1476
Chapter 4: Custom PC Configurations 1478
Chapter 5: Installing and Configuring Printers 1480
Chapter 6: Networking Fundamentals 1481
Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1483
Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1484
Chapter 9: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1486
Chapter 10: Understanding Laptops 1488
Chapter 11: Understanding Mobile Devices 1490
Chapter 12: Mobile Device Connectivity and Synchronization 1492
Chapter 13: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1494
Chapter 14: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1496
Chapter 15: Operating System Basics 1498
Chapter 16: Operating System Administration 1499
Chapter 17: Working with Windows 10 1501
Chapter 18: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1503
Chapter 19: Working with Windows 7 1505
Chapter 20: Working with macOS and Linux 1507
Chapter 21: Scripting and Remote Access 1509
Chapter 22: Security Concepts 1511
Chapter 23: Securing Operating Systems 1514
Chapter 24: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1516
Chapter 25: Documentation and Professionalism 1518
Chapter 26: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1521
Appendix B Answers to Performance-Based Questions 1525
Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1526
Chapter 2: Internal Expansion, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1527
Chapter 3: Peripherals and Connectors 1527
Chapter 4: Custom PC Configurations 1528
Chapter 5: Installing and Configuring Printers 1529
Chapter 6: Networking Fundamentals 1529
Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1531
Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1532
Chapter 9: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1532
Chapter 10: Understanding Laptops 1533
Chapter 11: Understanding Mobile Devices 1533
Chapter 12: Mobile Device Connectivity and Synchronization 1534
Chapter 13: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1534
Chapter 14: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1535
Chapter 15: Operating System Basics 1535
Chapter 16: Operating System Administration 1537
Chapter 17: Working with Windows 10 1538
Chapter 18: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1541
Chapter 19: Working with Windows 7 1543
Chapter 20: Working with macOS and Linux 1546
Chapter 21: Scripting and Remote Access 1548
Chapter 22: Security Concepts 1548
Chapter 23: Securing Operating Systems 1549
Chapter 24: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1549
Chapter 25: Documentation and Professionalism 1550
Chapter 26: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1551
Index 1553
