Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: A CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Textbook, 8th Edition

Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: A CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Textbook, 8th Edition

by Cheryl A. Schmidt
Released August 2019
Publisher(s): Pearson IT Certification
ISBN: 9780135291542

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Book description

Master IT hardware and software installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting and fully prepare for the CompTIA® A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exams.

This is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color guide to connecting, managing, and troubleshooting modern devices and systems in authentic IT scenarios. Its thorough instruction built on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exam objectives includes coverage of Windows 10, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, cloud-based software, mobile and IoT devices, security, Active Directory, scripting, and other modern techniques and best practices for IT management.

Award-winning instructor Cheryl Schmidt also addresses widely-used legacy technologiesmaking this the definitive resource for mastering the tools and technologies youll encounter in real IT and business environments. Schmidts emphasis on both technical and soft skills will help you rapidly become a well-qualified, professional, and customer-friendly technician.

LEARN MORE QUICKLY AND THOROUGHLY WITH THESE STUDY AND REVIEW TOOLS:

  • Learning Objectives and chapter opening lists of CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives make sure you know exactly what youll be learning, and you cover all you need to know

  • Hundreds of photos, figures, and tables present information in a visually compelling full-color design

  • Practical Tech Tips provide real-world IT tech support knowledge

  • Soft Skills best-practice advice and team-building activities in every chapter cover key tools and skills for becoming a professional, customer-friendly technician

  • Review Questionsincluding true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questionscarefully assess your knowledge of each learning objective

  • Thought-provoking activities help students apply and reinforce chapter content, and allow instructors to flip the classroom if they choose

  • Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic

  • Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term

  • Dozens of Critical Thinking Activities take you beyond the facts to deeper understanding

  • Chapter Summaries recap key concepts for more efficient studying

  • Certification Exam Tips provide insight into the certification exam and preparation process

This book features chapter-ending exercises graded by course instructors. Answers are unavailable for independent study.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. About This E-Book
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright Page
  5. Contents at a Glance
  6. Contents
  7. About the Author
  8. Dedication
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. Credits
  11. We Want to Hear from You!
  12. Introduction
    1. What’s New in the Eighth Edition?
    2. Organization of the Text
    3. Features of This Book
    4. Companion Website
    5. CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives
  13. 1. Introduction to the World of IT
    1. Who Needs This Book?
    2. Technician Qualities
    3. Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
    4. Basic Skills for This Course
    5. Types of Computers
    6. Basic Computer Hardware
    7. Mice and Keyboards
    8. Common Peripherals
    9. 1s and 0s
    10. Safety Notes
    11. Chapter Summary
    12. Key Terms
    13. Review Questions
    14. Exercises
    15. Activities
  14. 2. Connectivity
    1. Introduction to Connectivity
    2. External Connectivity
    3. Mouse and Keyboard Ports
    4. Video Ports
    5. Audio Ports
    6. eSATA Ports
    7. Network Ports
    8. Modem and Serial Ports
    9. Network Cabling
    10. Integrated Motherboard Ports
    11. Getting to Know Ports
    12. Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
    13. Chapter Summary
    14. Key Terms
    15. Review Questions
    16. Exercises
    17. Activities
  15. 3. On the Motherboard
    1. Introduction to the Motherboard
    2. Processor Overview
    3. Processor Basics
    4. Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
    5. Cache
    6. Clocking
    7. Threading Technology
    8. Connecting to the Processor
    9. Multicore Processors
    10. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
    11. Introduction to Virtualization
    12. Intel Processors
    13. AMD Processors
    14. CPU Sockets
    15. Processor Cooling
    16. Installing a Processor
    17. Upgrading Processors
    18. Overclocking Processors
    19. Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
    20. Troubleshooting Processor Issues
    21. Expansion Slots
    22. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
    23. AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
    24. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
    25. Chipsets
    26. Types of Motherboards
    27. Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
    28. Motherboard Troubleshooting
    29. Chapter Summary
    30. Key Terms
    31. Review Questions
    32. Exercises
    33. Activities
  16. 4. Introduction to Configuration
    1. Configuration Overview
    2. BIOS Overview
    3. The Setup Program
    4. Flash BIOS
    5. BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
    6. CMOS Memory
    7. Motherboard Battery
    8. Firmware Updates: Flashing the BIOS/UEFI
    9. Clearing CMOS
    10. Other Configuration Parameters
    11. Hardware Configuration Overview
    12. Installing a USB Device
    13. Installing an eSATA Card
    14. Installing a Network Interface Card
    15. Video Overview
    16. Video Cards
    17. Troubleshooting Configurations
    18. Chapter Summary
    19. Key Terms
    20. Review Questions
    21. Exercises
    22. Activities
  17. 5. Disassembly and Power
    1. Disassembly Overview
    2. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
    3. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
    4. Tools
    5. Disassembly
    6. Reassembly
    7. Preventive Maintenance
    8. Basic Electronics Overview
    9. Power Supply Overview
    10. Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
    11. Power Protection
    12. Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
    13. Chapter Summary
    14. Key Terms
    15. Review Questions
    16. Exercises
    17. Activities
  18. 6. Memory
    1. Memory Overview
    2. Memory Physical Packaging
    3. Planning a Memory Installation
    4. Installing Memory Overview
    5. Adding More Cache/RAM
    6. Windows Disk Caching
    7. Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
    8. Older Applications in Windows
    9. Troubleshooting Memory Problems
    10. Flash Memory
    11. Chapter Summary
    12. Key Terms
    13. Review Questions
    14. Exercises
    15. Activities
  19. 7. Storage Devices
    1. Storage Devices Overview
    2. Hard Drive Overview
    3. Solid State Drive (SSD) Overview
    4. Hard Drive Interfaces Overview
    5. M.2 and NVMe
    6. PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity
    7. Storage Device Configuration Overview
    8. System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Hard Drives
    9. Hard Drive Preparation Overview
    10. Windows Disk Management
    11. Fault Tolerance
    12. Removable Drive Storage
    13. Windows Storage Spaces
    14. Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
    15. Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
    16. Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
    17. Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
    18. RAID Issues
    19. SSD Issues
    20. Chapter Summary
    21. Key Terms
    22. Review Questions
    23. Exercises
    24. Activities
  20. 8. Multimedia Devices
    1. Multimedia Devices Overview
    2. Optical Drive Overview
    3. Optical Drive Installation
    4. Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
    5. Introduction to Audio
    6. Installing Sound Cards
    7. Sound Cards Using Windows
    8. Speakers
    9. Troubleshooting Sound Problems
    10. Scanners
    11. KVMs
    12. Projectors
    13. Video Recording
    14. Installing and Configuring Other Peripheral Devices
    15. Chapter Summary
    16. Key Terms
    17. Review Questions
    18. Exercises
    19. Activities
  21. 9. Printers
    1. Printers Overview
    2. Printer Ports
    3. Categories of Printers
    4. Impact Printers
    5. Inkjet Printers
    6. Laser Printers
    7. Thermal Printers
    8. 3D Printers
    9. Paper
    10. Virtual Printing
    11. Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges
    12. Upgrading Printers
    13. Printer Maintenance
    14. USB Printer Installation
    15. Installing a Local Printer
    16. Printers in the Windows Environment
    17. Printers in the macOS Environment
    18. Printing Device Sharing
    19. Cloud Printing
    20. General Printer Troubleshooting
    21. USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting
    22. Windows Printer Troubleshooting
    23. Impact Printer Troubleshooting
    24. Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting
    25. Laser Printer Troubleshooting
    26. Chapter Summary
    27. Key Terms
    28. Review Questions
    29. Exercises
    30. Activities
  22. 10. Mobile Devices
    1. Mobile Device Overview
    2. Using Mobile Devices
    3. Cell Phones
    4. Mobile Apps
    5. Mobile Device Wired Connectivity
    6. Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity
    7. Mobile Device Email Configuration
    8. Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup
    9. Other Mobile Software Tools
    10. Laptops Overview
    11. Laptop Hardware
    12. Laptop Power
    13. Laptop Repairs Overview
    14. Laptop Display
    15. Mobile Device Security
    16. Mobile Device Travel and Storage
    17. Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
    18. Chapter Summary
    19. Key Terms
    20. Review Questions
    21. Exercises
    22. Activities
  23. 11. Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review
    1. Design Overview
    2. Computer System Design
    3. Motherboard and Associated Component Design
    4. Power Supply and Case Design
    5. Storage Subsystem Design
    6. Audio Subsystem Design
    7. Display Subsystem Design
    8. Troubleshooting Overview
    9. Step 1. Identify the Problem
    10. Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
    11. Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
    12. Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
    13. Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, if Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
    14. Step 6. Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
    15. Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
    16. Chapter Summary
    17. Key Terms
    18. Review Questions
    19. Exercises
    20. Activities
  24. 12. Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies
    1. Internet Connectivity Overview
    2. Dial-up Overview
    3. Serial Communication Overview
    4. Configuring Traditional Serial Devices
    5. 56 kbps Modems
    6. Digital Modems and ISDN
    7. VoIP
    8. Cable Modems
    9. xDSL Modems
    10. Satellite Modems
    11. Modem Preventive Maintenance
    12. Mobile Connectivity Overview
    13. Virtualization Basics
    14. Cloud Computing
    15. Web Browsers
    16. Basic Web Browser Issues
    17. Chapter Summary
    18. Key Terms
    19. Review Questions
    20. Exercises
    21. Activities
  25. 13. Networking
    1. Networking Overview
    2. Attaching to Different Types of Networks
    3. Network Topologies
    4. Network Media Overview
    5. Copper Media
    6. Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
    7. Ethernet Concepts
    8. Ethernet over Power
    9. The OSI Model
    10. The TCP/IP Model
    11. Network Addressing
    12. More IPv4 Addressing
    13. Wireless Networks Overview
    14. Wireless Network Standards
    15. Bluetooth
    16. Wireless Network Components
    17. Wireless Network Design
    18. Antenna Basics
    19. End-User Device Configuration Overview
    20. Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
    21. Configuring an End-User Device: Addressing
    22. Wireless NIC–Specific Settings
    23. Advanced NIC Properties
    24. NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
    25. Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview
    26. Wireless AP/Router Basic Configuration
    27. WWAN Cellular Configuration
    28. IoT and Smart Devices
    29. Network Troubleshooting
    30. Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
    31. Network Printers
    32. Network Printer Troubleshooting
    33. Network Servers
    34. Embedded and Legacy Systems
    35. Network Terminology
    36. The TCP/IP Model in Action
    37. Using the Network and Sharing Center Section of the Control Panel
    38. Introduction to Shared Folders
    39. Network Connectivity
    40. Chapter Summary
    41. Key Terms
    42. Review Questions
    43. Exercises
    44. Activities
  26. 14. Introduction to Operating Systems
    1. Operating Systems Overview
    2. User Interaction with Operating Systems
    3. Overview of Popular Operating Systems
    4. 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems
    5. Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Versions
    6. Workstation Operating Systems
    7. Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
    8. End-of-Life Concerns
    9. Update Concerns
    10. Compatibility Concerns
    11. Corporate Operating System Needs
    12. Basic Windows Usage Overview
    13. Shortcuts and Tiles
    14. Windows 7 Desktop Components
    15. Windows Desktop/Start Screen Components
    16. Windows 10 Desktop Components
    17. Interactions Within a Window
    18. Managing Windows Files and Folders
    19. Searches and Indexing
    20. Attributes, Compression, and Encryption
    21. Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities
    22. Determining the Windows Version
    23. Windows Registry
    24. Editing the Windows Registry
    25. Backing Up Data
    26. Recovering the Windows OS
    27. WinRE
    28. Chapter Summary
    29. Key Terms
    30. Review Questions
    31. Exercises
    32. Activities
  27. 15. Introduction to Scripting
    1. Scripting Overview
    2. Command Prompt Overview
    3. Command Prompt Basics
    4. Moving Around from a Command Prompt
    5. The md and rd Commands
    6. Two Useful Commands: del and type
    7. Copying Files
    8. The attrib Command
    9. Why Learn Commands?
    10. PowerShell
    11. Other Commands You Should Look Over
    12. Command Format
    13. Introduction to Scripting
    14. Script File Types
    15. Environment Variables
    16. Script Syntax
    17. Introduction to Script Programming
    18. Variables
    19. Data Types
    20. Examples of Using Variables
    21. Comments
    22. Basic Script Constructs
    23. Decisions: The Selection Structure
    24. Compound Conditions and Logical Operators
    25. Loops: The Repetition Structure
    26. A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell
    27. Chapter Summary
    28. Key Terms
    29. Review Questions
    30. Exercises
    31. Activities
  28. 16. Advanced Windows
    1. Advanced Windows Overview
    2. Preinstallation of Windows
    3. Installation/Upgrade of Windows
    4. Corporate Windows Deployment
    5. Verifying the Installation
    6. Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
    7. Reloading Windows
    8. Windows Updates
    9. Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
    10. Configuring Windows Overview
    11. Configuring Windows
    12. Adding Devices
    13. Installing/Removing Software
    14. Computer Management Console
    15. System Tools
    16. User Account Management
    17. Managing Storage
    18. Managing Services and Applications
    19. Data Sources (ODBC)
    20. Print Management Console
    21. Overview of the Windows Boot Process
    22. Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
    23. Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
    24. Black Screen/Video Issues
    25. Recovery Console
    26. Advanced Boot Options/Startup Settings Menu
    27. System Configuration Utility
    28. Task Manager
    29. Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
    30. Slow Boot
    31. Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
    32. Windows Reboots
    33. Shutdown Problems
    34. Power Options
    35. Monitoring System Performance
    36. Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
    37. Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
    38. Chapter Summary
    39. Key Terms
    40. Review Questions
    41. Exercises
    42. Activities
  29. 17. macOS and Linux Operating Systems
    1. Introduction to macOS
    2. Navigating the User Interface
    3. Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
    4. Management and Troubleshooting Tools
    5. Utilities
    6. Introduction to Linux
    7. Navigating the User Interface
    8. Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
    9. Command-Line Interface
    10. macOS and Linux Best Practices
    11. Chapter Summary
    12. Key Terms
    13. Review Questions
    14. Exercises
    15. Activities
  30. 18. Computer and Network Security
    1. Security Overview
    2. Security Policy
    3. Physical Security
    4. Logical Security
    5. End-User Education
    6. Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
    7. Permissions
    8. Folder Options
    9. Protecting the Operating System and Data
    10. Internet Security
    11. Parental Controls
    12. NAT/PAT
    13. VPN Configuration
    14. Remote Access to Network Devices
    15. Internet Appliances
    16. Wireless Network Security Overview
    17. Security Incident Reporting
    18. A Final Word About Security
    19. Chapter Summary
    20. Key Terms
    21. Review Questions
    22. Exercises
    23. Activities
  31. 19. Operational Procedures
    1. Operational Procedures Overview
    2. Adverse Power Conditions
    3. Surge Protectors
    4. Line Conditioners
    5. Battery Backup
    6. IT Documentation
    7. Change Management
    8. Chapter Summary
    9. Key Terms
    10. Review Questions
    11. Exercises
    12. Activities
  32. A. Subnetting Basics
    1. Exercises
  33. B. Certification Exam Objectives (Online)
  34. Glossary
  35. Index
  36. Code Snippets

Product information

  • Title: Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: A CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Textbook, 8th Edition
  • Author(s): Cheryl A. Schmidt
  • Release date: August 2019
  • Publisher(s): Pearson IT Certification
  • ISBN: 9780135291542