CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Seventh Edition (Exam 220-701 & 220-702), 7th Edition

Book description

The Best Fully Integrated Study System Available

EXAMS 220-701 & 220-702

With hundreds of practice questions and hands-on exercises, CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Seventh Edition covers what you need to know--and shows you how to prepare--for these challenging exams.

  • 100% complete coverage of all official objectives for CompTIA A+ Exams 220-701 & 220-702
  • Exam Readiness Checklist at the front of the book--you're ready for the exams when all objectives on the list are checked off
  • Exam Watch notes call attention to information about, and potential pitfalls in, the exams
  • Two-Minute Drills for quick review at the end of every chapter
  • Simulated exam questions match the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the real exams

Covers all the exam topics, including:

  • Motherboards and Processers
  • Memory, Storage, and Adapters
  • Power Supplies, Cooling Systems, Display Devices, Cables and Connectors, and Input/Output
  • Installing and Upgrading PC Components
  • Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance of PCs
  • Installing, Configuring, and Optimizing Laptops
  • Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Laptops;
  • Operating System Fundamentals
  • Installing, Configuring, and Upgrading Operating Systems
  • Disk and File Management
  • Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Windows
  • Using and Supporting Printers
  • Network Basics
  • Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network
  • Troubleshooting Networks
  • Computer Security Fundamentals
  • Implementing and Troubleshooting Security
  • Operational Procedure

CD-ROM includes:

  • Complete Master Exam practice testing engine, featuring: Two full practice exams; Detailed answers with explanations; and Score Report performance assessment tool
  • CertCam video training
  • Electronic book for studying on the go

With free online registration:

  • Two Bonus downloadable MasterExam practice tests

Jane Holcombe, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCSE, CompTIA CTT+, has been an independent trainer, consultant, and course content author since 1984.

Charles Holcombe has been an independent trainer and consultant for 30 years and has developed and delivered many training courses. He is the coauthor, with Jane Holcombe, of Survey of Operating Systems, Second Edition and several other books.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. CompTIA A+® Certification Study Guide
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Preface
  7. Introduction
  8. 1 Personal Computer Components—Motherboards and Processors
    1. Motherboards
      1. Form Factors
      2. Motherboard Components
      3. Chipset
      4. Firmware
      5. Exercise 1-1: Viewing System Settings in CMOS
    2. Processor/CPU
      1. Purposes and Characteristics
      2. CPU Technologies
      3. Manufacturers and Models
      4. Exercise 1-2: Identifying Your Processor
    3. The PC Case
      1. Purpose and Features
      2. Case Form Factors
      3. Case Categories
      4. Case Sizes
      5. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  9. 2 Personal Computer Components—Memory, Storage, and Adapters
    1. Mass Storage Devices and Backup Media
      1. Magnetic Mass Storage
      2. Optical Disc Drives
      3. Solid-State Storage
      4. Exercise 2-1: Identify Your Storage Devices
      5. Hot-Swappable Drives
      6. RAID Arrays
      7. Removable Storage
      8. Backup Media
    2. Memory
      1. Functional Overview of RAM and ROM Usage
      2. RAM Technology
      3. Operational Characteristics
      4. Exercise 2-2: Calculating the Memory Bank Size
    3. Adapter Cards
      1. Video Adapter Cards
      2. Multimedia Adapter Cards
      3. I/O Adapter Cards
      4. Communication Adapters
      5. Riser Card/Daughter Board
      6. Exercise 2-3: Viewing Adapter Cards in Device Manager
      7. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  10. 3 Power Supplies, Cooling Systems, and Input/Output
    1. Power Supplies
      1. Electrical Terminology
      2. Voltage
      3. Wattage
      4. Exercise 3-1: Check Out the Wattage on PCs and Other Devices
      5. Fan
      6. AC Adapters
      7. Form Factors
    2. Cooling Systems
      1. CPU and Case Fans
      2. Heat Sinks
      3. Thermal Compounds
      4. Liquid Cooling Systems
      5. Case Design
      6. Exercise 3-2: Check Out Your Cooling System
    3. Video Adapters and Displays
      1. Video Adapters
      2. Displays
      3. Display Connectors
      4. Display Settings
      5. Exercise 3-3: Modifying Display Settings
    4. Input/Output
      1. Input Devices
      2. Multimedia
      3. Biometric Devices
      4. KVM Switches
      5. I/O Interfaces
      6. Classic Multimedia Connectors
      7. Classic Connectors
      8. Cables
      9. Two-Minute Drill
    5. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  11. 4 Installing and Upgrading PC Components
    1. Motherboards and Onboard Components
      1. Selecting a Motherboard, CPU, and Memory Combination
      2. Replacing a Motherboard
      3. Installing a Motherboard
      4. Exercise 4-1: Removing an Old Motherboard
      5. Exercise 4-2: Properly Handling and Installing a Motherboard
      6. Upgrading a CPU
      7. Exercise 4-3: Removing a PGA Processor from a ZIF Socket
      8. Optimizing a System with RAM
      9. Installing and Removing Memory
      10. Exercise 4-4: Installing and Removing a DIMM or RIMM Module
      11. Configuring and Optimizing a Motherboard
      12. Exercise 4-5: Backing Up the BIOS Settings
      13. Replacing or Upgrading BIOS
      14. Power Supplies
      15. Selecting a Power Supply
      16. Removing a Power Supply/Installing a Power Supply
      17. Exercise 4-6: Replacing a Power Supply
      18. Cooling Systems
      19. Common Sense First
      20. Selecting an Appropriate Cooling System
      21. Installing and Configuring a Cooling System
      22. Removing a Cooling System
    2. Adapter Cards
      1. Selecting an Appropriate Adapter Card
      2. Installing and Configuring an Adapter Card
      3. Exercise 4-7: Installing an Adapter Card
      4. Removing an Adapter Card
    3. Storage Devices
      1. Optimizing a PC with Storage Devices
      2. Selecting an Appropriate Internal Storage Device
      3. Installing Drives on PATA Channels
      4. Exercise 4-8: Choosing a Master
      5. Optical Drives
      6. Solid-State Storage
      7. Installing Drives on SATA Channels
      8. Exercise 4-9: Installing a SATA Drive
      9. RAID Arrays
      10. Internal Floppy Disk Drives
      11. Installing and Configuring SCSI Devices
      12. Removing an Internal Storage Device
      13. Exercise 4-10: Removing a Drive
      14. Installing and Removing an External Storage Device
      15. Preparing a Hard Disk for Use
    4. I/O Devices
      1. Selecting an I/O Device
      2. Installing and Removing an I/O Device
      3. Displays
      4. Two-Minute Drill
    5. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  12. 5 Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance of PCs
    1. Troubleshooting Theory and Techniques
      1. Preparation
      2. Troubleshooting Theory
      3. Exercise 5-1: Troubleshooting with Device Manager
      4. Training
    2. Troubleshooting Software Problems
      1. The Quick Fixes: Rebooting, Uninstalling, and Reinstalling
      2. Pinpointing the Problem Application
      3. Minimum Requirements
      4. Updates
    3. Troubleshooting PC Component Problems
      1. Procedures
      2. Physical Symptoms
      3. POST Audio and Visual Errors
      4. Motherboards
      5. Exercise 5-2: Replacing the CMOS Battery
      6. CPUs
      7. System Resources
      8. I/O Ports and Cards
      9. Storage Devices
      10. Exercise 5-3: Troubleshooting a Drive Failure
      11. Video
      12. Power Supplies
      13. Cooling Systems
      14. Memory
      15. Input Devices
      16. Adapter Cards
    4. Troubleshooting Tools
      1. Software Tools
      2. Exercise 5-4: Installing an Inventory Tool
      3. The Hardware Toolkit
    5. Preventive Maintenance Techniques
      1. Visual and Audio Inspection
      2. Driver and Firmware Updates
      3. Ensuring a Proper Environment
      4. Providing Good Power
      5. Maintenance and Cleaning of Computer Components
      6. Exercise 5-5: Cleaning a Mouse
      7. Thermally Sensitive Devices
      8. Two-Minute Drill
    6. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  13. 6 Installing, Configuring, and Optimizing Laptops
    1. Introduction to Laptops
      1. Laptops, Notebooks, and Netbooks
      2. Handhelds
    2. Installing and Upgrading Laptops
      1. Opening Up a Laptop
      2. Disassembly and Reassembly Processes
      3. Refer to Manufacturer’s Documentation
      4. Laptop Replacement Parts
      5. Plastics
      6. Motherboard
      7. CPU
      8. Memory
      9. Exercise 6-1: Installing SODIMM Memory
      10. Fans
      11. Installing Storage Devices
      12. Peripherals
      13. External Expansion Slots
      14. Internal Expansion Slots
      15. Communication Connections
      16. Power and Electrical Input Devices
      17. I/O Devices
    3. Power Management
      1. System Management Mode
      2. Configuring Power Management in Windows
      3. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
    5. Self Test Answers
  14. 7 Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Laptops
    1. Troubleshooting Laptops
      1. Power Problems
      2. Exercise 7-1: Using a Multimeter to Test an AC Adapter
      3. Other Startup Problems
      4. Video Problems
      5. Input Devices
      6. Wireless Problems
    2. Preventive Maintenance for Laptops
      1. Transporting and Shipping a Laptop
      2. Cooling Issues
      3. Hardware and Video Cleaning Materials
      4. Two-Minute Drill
    3. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  15. 8 Operating System Fundamentals
    1. Introduction to Windows Operating Systems
      1. The Purpose of Operating Systems
      2. Windows Versions, Editions, and Updates
      3. Exercise 8-1: Viewing the Windows Information
      4. 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Windows Operating Systems
      5. Minimum System Requirements
      6. System Limits
      7. Application and Hardware Compatibility
      8. Exercise 8-2: Running Upgrade Advisor
      9. Running Older Applications
      10. Upgrade Paths
    2. The Windows User Interface
      1. The Windows Desktop
      2. The Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
      3. Task Manager
      4. Exercise 8-3: Viewing Running Programs in Task Manager
      5. The Registry
      6. Two-Minute Drill
    3. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  16. 9 Installing, Configuring, and Upgrading Operating Systems
    1. Installing Windows
      1. Prepare to Install Windows
      2. Installation Startup and Source Locations
      3. Attended Windows Installation
      4. Unattended Installation
      5. Upgrading Windows
      6. Running an Upgrade
    2. Configuring Windows
      1. Network Configuration
      2. Registration and Activation
      3. Updating Windows
      4. Install Additional Applications and Windows Components
      5. Installing New Devices
      6. Virtual Memory
      7. Exercise 9-1: Viewing the Virtual Memory Settings
      8. Power Management
      9. Two-Minute Drill
    3. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  17. 10 Disk and File Management
    1. Disk Management
      1. Disk Storage Types
      2. Exercise 10-1: Viewing the Disk Storage Type
      3. Partitioning Basic Disks
    2. Understanding Windows Startup
      1. Windows Startup Phases
      2. The BOOT.INI File and System Startup Settings
      3. Exercise 10-2: Viewing the Contents of BCD in Windows Vista or Windows 7
    3. File Management
      1. File Systems
      2. Files
      3. Text File Editors
      4. Organizing Files Using Folders
      5. Exercise 10-3: Managing Files and Folders
      6. Exercise 10-4: Managing Directories and Files at the Command Prompt
      7. Windows Utilities
      8. Command-Line Utilities
      9. Exercise 10-5: Using the DEFRAG command
      10. Backing Up Data
      11. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  18. 11 Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Windows
    1. Diagnosing and Repairing Operating System Failures
      1. Using the Advanced Options Menu
      2. Exercise 11-1: Working in Safe Mode
      3. System Restore
      4. Recovery Options
    2. Operational Problems and Symptoms
      1. OS Instability Problems
      2. Troubleshooting Applications
      3. Common Error Messages
    3. Using Diagnostic Utilities and Tools
      1. Documentation Resources
      2. System Information (MSINFO32.EXE)
      3. Device Manager
      4. Exercise 11-2: Getting to Know Device Manager
      5. Task Manager
      6. Task Scheduler
      7. System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)
      8. Monitoring Performance
      9. System File Checker (SFC)
      10. Remote Desktop
      11. Remote Assistance
      12. DirectX Diagnostic Tool
    4. Performing Preventive Maintenance and Optimization
      1. Defragment Hard Drive Volumes
      2. Tweak Preferences and Display Settings
      3. Modify Indexing Settings
      4. Modify User Account Control
      5. Turn on Automatic Updates
      6. Software Updates
      7. Scheduled Backups
      8. Test Restore
      9. Configure System Restore
      10. Two-Minute Drill
    5. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  19. 12 Using and Supporting Printers
    1. Printer Basics
      1. Printer Types and Technologies
      2. Paper-Feeding Technologies
      3. Printer Components
      4. Printer Interfaces
    2. Installing and Configuring Printers
      1. Installing a Printer
      2. Exercise 12-1: Installing a Non–Plug and Play Printer
      3. Installing IP Printing Support
      4. Testing a Printer for Compatibility
      5. Installing an All-in-One
      6. Configuring a Printer
      7. Upgrades
      8. Optimizing Printer Performance
      9. Deleting a Printer
    3. Troubleshooting Printer Problems
      1. Paper Feed Problems
      2. Print Quality
      3. Printer Error Messages
      4. Exercise 12-2: Adding Paper to an Upright Friction-Feed Tray
      5. Windows Print Spooler Problems
      6. Exercise 12-3: Restarting the Print Spooler Service
      7. Preventive Maintenance for Printers
      8. Maintenance Kits and Page Counts
      9. Cleaning a Printer
      10. Ensuring a Suitable Environment
      11. Use Recommended Consumables
      12. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  20. 13 Network Basics
    1. Network Performance and Classifications
      1. Geographic Network Classifications and Technologies
      2. Exercise 13-1: Testing Broadband Speeds
      3. Bandwidth and Latency
    2. Network Software
      1. Network Roles
      2. Network Operating System (NOS)
      3. Network Client
      4. TCP/IP
      5. Network Addressing
      6. Exercise 13-2: Viewing the Physical and IP Addresses of a NIC
      7. Common Ports
    3. Network Hardware
      1. Network Adapters
      2. Transmission Medium
      3. Connecting LANs
      4. Exercise 13-3: Identifying Network Hardware
    4. Internet Concepts
      1. Internet Service Providers
      2. Internet Services and Protocols
      3. Two-Minute Drill
    5. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  21. 14 Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network
    1. Installing and Configuring Networks
      1. Installing a NIC
      2. Connecting a Wired NIC to a Network
      3. Exercise 14-1: Connecting an Ethernet Cable
      4. Creating a Wi-Fi Network
      5. Exercise 14-2: Configuring a WAP
      6. IP Configuration
      7. Exercise 14-3: Manually Configuring IP Settings in Windows XP
      8. Exercise 14-4: Manually Configuring IP Settings in Windows Vista
      9. Configuring a WAN Connection
      10. Configuring Bluetooth
      11. Installing Basic VoIP
    2. Installing and Configuring Web Browsers
      1. Browser Add-ons
      2. Internet Explorer
      3. Firefox
      4. Configure Proxy Settings
      5. Two-Minute Drill
    3. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  22. 15 Troubleshooting Networks
    1. Tools for Network Troubleshooting
      1. Status Indicators
      2. Command Prompt Utilities for Network Troubleshooting
      3. Cable Testers
    2. Troubleshooting Common Network Problems
      1. Resolving Insufficient Bandwidth
      2. Troubleshooting Modem Problems
      3. Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems
      4. Exercise 15-1: Using TRACERT
      5. Exercise 15-2: Using NSLOOKUP to Troubleshoot DNS
    3. Preventive Maintenance for Networks
      1. Maintaining Equipment
      2. Securing and Protecting Network Cabling
      3. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  23. 16 Computer Security Fundamentals
    1. Security Threats
      1. Computer Hardware Theft
      2. Identity Theft
      3. Fraud
      4. Disasters, Big and Small
      5. Malicious Software Attacks
      6. Grayware
      7. Methods for Gaining Access and Obtaining Information
      8. Exposure to Inappropriate or Distasteful Content
      9. Invasion of Privacy
      10. Cookies—the Good and the Bad
      11. Social Engineering
      12. Exercise 16-1: What Is Your Phishing IQ?
    2. Defense Against Threats
      1. Security Policies
      2. Controlling Access to Computers and Networks
      3. Protecting Data
      4. Exercise 16-2: Viewing Folder Permissions in Windows
      5. Firewalls
      6. Equipment Disposal
      7. Recovery
      8. Two-Minute Drill
    3. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  24. 17 Implementing and Troubleshooting Security
    1. Implementing Authentication and Data Security
      1. Implementing Authentication Security
      2. Implementing Data Security
      3. Exercise 17-1: Creating a Share and Modifying Share Permissions in Windows Vista/7
    2. Implementing a Defense Against Malicious Software
      1. Self Education
      2. Protecting Windows Files and Programs
      3. User Account Control
      4. Software Firewalls
      5. Exercise 17-2: Configuring the Windows Firewall in Windows Vista
      6. Antivirus
      7. Phishing Filter
      8. Antispyware/Anti-Adware/Pop-Up Blocker
      9. Implementing Security Programs
      10. Identifying Malware Symptoms
      11. Removing Malware
      12. Preventive Maintenance for Security
    3. Securing a Wireless Network
      1. Wireless Access Point/Wireless Router Configuration
      2. Wireless Client Configuration
    4. Troubleshooting Security
      1. BIOS Password Problems
      2. Biometrics
      3. Forgotten Windows Password
      4. No Permissions on FAT32
      5. Encryption Issues
      6. Software Firewall Issues
      7. Wireless Access Point Problems
      8. Two-Minute Drill
    5. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  25. 18 Operational Procedures
    1. Workplace Safety and Safe Equipment Handling
      1. Cable Management
      2. Using Appropriate Repair Tools
      3. Moving Equipment
      4. Hot Components
      5. Electrical Safety
      6. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
      7. Exercise 18-1: ESD-Proofing Your Workspace
      8. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
      9. Power Supplies
      10. Inverters
      11. Display Devices
      12. Printers
      13. Compressed Air
    2. Disposing of Computing Waste
      1. Manufacturers’ Recycling Programs
      2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
      3. Batteries
      4. Toner Cartridges
      5. Display Devices
      6. Chemical Solvents and Cans
      7. Exercise 18-2: Researching Recycling Centers
    3. Communicating with Customers and Colleagues
      1. Human Interaction Basics
      2. Communication Goals
      3. Keys to Effective Communications
      4. Active Communication
      5. Professionalism
      6. Two-Minute Drill
    4. Q&A Self Test
      1. Self Test Answers
  26. A About the CD
    1. System Requirements
    2. LearnKey Online Training
    3. Installing and Running MasterExam and MasterSim
    4. MasterExam
    5. MasterSim
    6. Electronic Book
    7. CertCam Video Training
    8. Help
    9. Removing Installation(s)
    10. Technical Support
    11. LearnKey Technical Support
  27. Glossary
  28. Index

Product information

  • Title: CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Seventh Edition (Exam 220-701 & 220-702), 7th Edition
  • Author(s): Jane Holcombe, Charles Holcombe
  • Release date: May 2010
  • Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
  • ISBN: 9780071701464