CompTIA A+® Certification All-In-One For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

CompTIA A+® Certification All-In-One For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

by Glen E. Clarke
Released October 2009
Publisher(s): For Dummies
ISBN: 9780470487389

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Book description

Nine minibooks cover everything you need to earn the A+ certification

CompTIA's A+ certification is the industry-leading entry-level certification for IT professionals, and this guide is the quick, easy way to prepare for the test. 1,200 pages of up-to-date information correlates with both the hardware and operating system exams and serves as a reference after the test-taking is completed.

The minibooks cover each domain of the exam: A+ Groundwork, Inside the Box, Outside the Box, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Operating System Basics, Managing The Operating System, Recovering Systems, Networking, and Securing Systems. You'll find plenty of sample test questions to get you prepared, too.

  • CompTIA's A+ certification is vendor-neutral and validates the skills of entry-level computer technicians; it can be the ticket to a new or better job

  • Certification requires successful completion of two exams; this prep guide covers all the core competencies required

  • Nine minibooks cover A+ Groundwork, Inside the Box, Outside the Box, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Operating System Basics, Managing The Operating System, Recovering Systems, Networking, and Securing Systems

  • Covers installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance, and basic networking, with extra information about Vista and a heavier emphasis on hardware

  • Companion CD-ROM include the Dummies Test Engine, an exclusive, fully customizable test-prep software package that includes 400 exam review questions

CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the best study guide to have as you prepare for the A+ exams!

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. About the Authors
  3. Dedication
  4. Acknowledgments
  5. Publisher's Acknowledgments
  7. Introduction
  8. Setting the A+ Ground Work
    1. The 2009 A+ Exams
      1. CompTIA A+ Certification and Why You Need It
      2. Checking Out the Exams and Their Objectives
      3. Using This Book to Prepare for the Exams
      4. Making Arrangements to Take the Exams
      5. The Day the Earth Stood Still: Exam Day
    2. A+ Soft Skills
      1. Using Troubleshooting Procedures and Good Practices
      2. Professionalism and Communication
      3. Getting an A+
      4. Prep Test
      5. Answers
    3. Protecting Yourself and Your PC
      1. Gathering Tools of the Trade
      2. Avoiding the Dreaded ESD
      3. Watching Out for EMI
      4. Recognizing High-Voltage Equipment
      5. Disposing of Components
      6. Exploring Ergonomics
      7. Getting an A+
      8. Prep Test
      9. Answers
    4. An Overview of System Components
      1. What Is a Computer?
      2. Looking Inside the Box
      3. Checking Outside the Box
      4. Getting an A+
      5. Prep Test
      6. Answers
  9. Inside the Box
    1. Knowing Your Motherboard
      1. Finding Out What's on a Motherboard
      2. Identifying the Types of Motherboards
      3. Understanding Bus Architectures
      4. Performance Considerations
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
    2. Picking Your Processor
      1. Understanding Processor Terminology
      2. Identifying Socket Types
      3. Looking at Popular Intel Processors
      4. Don't Forget Non-Intel Chips
      5. Installing a Processor
      6. Keeping a Processor Cool
      7. Increasing Performance
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
    3. What to Remember about Memory
      1. Understanding the Types of Memory
      2. Identifying the Types of DRAM
      3. How Would You Like Your Chips Packaged?
      4. Understanding Error-Checking Memory
      5. Single Channel Versus Dual Channel
      6. Single Sided Versus Double Sided
      7. Working with Cache Memory
      8. Installing or Upgrading Memory
      9. Getting an A+
      10. Prep Test
      11. Answers
    4. Telling Your BIOS from Your CMOS
      1. The BIOS and Its Purpose
      2. Upgrading the System BIOS
      3. Understanding CMOS
      4. Viewing Basic CMOS Settings
      5. Viewing Advanced CMOS Settings
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    5. Working with Storage
      1. Understanding Hard Drive Terminology
      2. Discovering IDE Devices
      3. Learning How SCSI Works
      4. The Serial ATA Hype!
      5. Using Removable Storage
      6. Understanding File Systems
      7. Managing Partitions and Volumes
      8. Securing Data with RAID
      9. Understanding Management Tools
      10. Getting an A+
      11. Prep Test
      12. Answers
    6. Working with Power
      1. Knowing the Basics of Power Terminology
      2. Identifying the Purpose of Power Supply Units
      3. Identifying Power Supplies
      4. Power Connectors
      5. Power Supply Form Factors
      6. Using AC Adapters
      7. Working with UPS and Suppressors
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
  10. Outside the Box
    1. Describing Ports, Cables, and Connectors
      1. Identifying Common Computer Ports
      2. Comparing Cable Types
      3. Cable Orientation
      4. Connector Types
      5. Standard External Cables
      6. Viewing Cable Adapters
      7. Multimedia Connectors
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
    2. Installing and Configuring Input Devices
      1. Minding Your Keys and Qs
      2. Catching the Mouse
      3. Communicating with Modems and Network Adapters
      4. Other Input Devices
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
    3. Installing and Configuring Output Devices
      1. Understanding Video Adapters
      2. Using Your Monitor
      3. The Sound of Computers
      4. Other Output Devices
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
    4. Examining System Resources
      1. Understanding System Resources
      2. Working with System Resources
      3. Getting an A+
      4. Prep Test
      5. Answers
    5. Managing Printers
      1. Learning about Paper Feeder Mechanisms
      2. Understanding Types of Printers
      3. Viewing Types of Printer Connections and Configurations
      4. Upgrading Printer Hardware
      5. Installing a Printer in Windows
      6. Troubleshooting Printer Problems
      7. Understanding Safety and Preventative Maintenance
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
    6. Working with Multimedia Devices
      1. Understanding Scanners
      2. Using Digital and Web Cameras
      3. Looking at Other Multimedia Devices
      4. Getting an A+
      5. Prep Test
      6. Answers
    7. Dealing with Portable Computers
      1. Identifying Portable Computer Components
      2. Looking at Laptop Batteries
      3. Understanding AC Adapters
      4. Learning about LCD Panels
      5. Understanding Laptop Input Devices
      6. Laptop Communication Components
      7. Port Replicators and Docking Stations
      8. Expanding on a Laptop
      9. Upgrading Your Laptop
      10. Understanding Handheld Devices
      11. Troubleshooting Laptop Issues
      12. Getting an A+
      13. Prep Test
      14. Answers
  11. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
    1. Performing Preventive Maintenance
      1. Preventive Maintenance 101
      2. Using Preventive Maintenance Tools
      3. Maintaining Environmental Controls
      4. Completing Maintenance Tasks
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
    2. Troubleshooting Procedures and Guidelines
      1. Identifying Troubleshooting Tools
      2. The Art of Troubleshooting
      3. Getting an A+
      4. Prep Test
      5. Answers
  12. Operating System Basics
    1. Comparison of Major Operating Systems
      1. What Is an Operating System?
      2. 32-bit (x86) versus 64-bit (x64)
      3. Looking at the Windows OS
      4. Welcome to the Linux World
      5. Understanding the Macintosh OS
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    2. Operating System Functions
      1. Identifying Major Operating System Functions
      2. Understanding Major Operating System Components
      3. Navigating Your Computer
      4. Using Tools and Configuration Utilities
      5. Location of Major Files
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    3. Installing and Upgrading Windows
      1. Understanding Installation Methods
      2. Preparing for Installation
      3. Performing Attended Installations of Windows
      4. Performing Unattended Installations of Windows
      5. Verifying and Troubleshooting the Installation
      6. Upgrading Windows
      7. Installing or Removing Additional Windows Components
      8. Understanding How to Dual-Boot Windows
      9. Updating Installation Files
      10. Restoring User Data Files
      11. Getting an A+
      12. Prep Test
      13. Answers
    4. Managing Files and Directories
      1. Identifying File-Naming Conventions
      2. Understanding File Attributes
      3. Getting an A+
      4. Prep Test
      5. Answers
    5. Command Prompt Procedures
      1. Using command.com and cmd.exe
      2. Managing Directories
      3. Copying and Moving Files
      4. Making Comparisons
      5. Performing Diagnostics and Tuning Performance
      6. Working with Other Useful Commands
      7. Working with the edit Command
      8. Batch File Basics
      9. Getting an A+
      10. Prep Test
      11. Answers
    6. Working with System Files and the Boot Process
      1. Power-on Self-Test (POST) process
      2. Standard Boot Process for Windows 2000 and XP
      3. Standard Boot Process for Windows Vista
      4. Examining Other Boot Process Files
      5. Managing Memory and Virtual Memory
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
  13. Managing the Operating System
    1. Loading and Configuring Device Drivers
      1. Loading Device Drivers
      2. Changing Device Settings
      3. Updating Drivers
      4. Removing Device Drivers
      5. Signed and Unsigned Drivers
      6. Working with Plug and Play
      7. Permissions to Install Drivers
      8. Verifying Driver Installation
      9. Device Driver Failure
      10. Getting an A+
      11. Prep Test
      12. Answers
    2. Working with Applications
      1. Installing and Removing Applications
      2. Getting the Most out of Multitasking
      3. Running 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows Applications
      4. Running 16-Bit Windows Applications
      5. Running MS-DOS–Based Applications
      6. Windows Compatibility Modes
      7. Application Install, Start, and Load Errors
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
    3. Optimizing the Windows Environment
      1. Identifying Areas of System Bottlenecks
      2. Using Monitoring Tools
      3. Optimization Best Practices
      4. Getting an A+
      5. Prep Test
      6. Answers
    4. Using Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities
      1. Understanding Operating System Utilities for Disk Maintenance
      2. Configuration Utilities
      3. Getting a Handle on Diagnostic Utilities
      4. Miscellaneous Utilities
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
  14. Recovering Systems
    1. Managing Error Codes and Startup Messages
      1. Windows Boot Files and Boot Errors
      2. Device-Related Errors
      3. Other Errors
      4. Error Diagnostic Tools
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
    2. Managing Common Problems
      1. Solving Windows-Specific Printing Problems
      2. Solving Boot Errors and Errors Requiring Restarting
      3. Resolving Device Driver Errors
      4. Application Install, Start, and Load Failures
      5. Solving Other Problems
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    3. Preparing for Disasters with Disaster Recovery
      1. Working with Boot Disks
      2. Using F8 Options During Boot-up
      3. Emergency Repair
      4. Understanding Backup and Restore
      5. Recovery and Rescue Methods
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
  15. Networking
    1. Down to the Networking Basics
      1. Identifying the Types of Networks
      2. Understanding Network Topologies
      3. Connecting with Network Cabling
      4. Troubleshooting Networking Cables
      5. Examining Network Access Methods
      6. Piecing Together the Network Architectures
      7. Understanding Network Protocols
      8. Working with Network Devices
      9. Understanding Communication Methods
      10. Ways to Network a Computer
      11. Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network
      12. Getting an A+
      13. Prep Test
      14. Answers
    2. Understanding Common Wireless Communications
      1. Understanding Infrared Devices
      2. Working with Wireless Networks
      3. Other Wireless
      4. Increasing Wireless Network Performance
      5. Troubleshooting Issues
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    3. Networking the Operating System
      1. Understanding Networking Components
      2. The TCP/IP Protocol
      3. Understanding Name Resolution
      4. Troubleshooting with TCP/IP Utilities
      5. Sharing File System Resources
      6. Sharing Printer Resources
      7. Understanding Windows Services
      8. Getting an A+
      9. Prep Test
      10. Answers
    4. Configuring Internet Access
      1. Understanding the Internet
      2. Using an ISP
      3. Working with an ASP
      4. Understanding Internet Protocols
      5. Installing and Configuring Browsers
      6. Using the Internet
      7. Ways to Access the Internet
      8. Firewalls and Home Routers
      9. Getting an A+
      10. Prep Test
      11. Answers
  16. Securing Systems
    1. Fundamentals of Security
      1. Identifying Types of Attacks
      2. Understanding Physical Security
      3. Understanding Authentication and Authorization
      4. Methods of Securing Transmissions
      5. Do Not Forget about Data Protection
      6. Getting an A+
      7. Prep Test
      8. Answers
    2. Implementing Security
      1. Securing Systems through BIOS
      2. Implementing Users and Groups
      3. Implementing Permissions and Rights
      4. Implementing Auditing
      5. Implementing Firewalls
      6. Implementing Security Best Practices
      7. Getting an A+
      8. Prep Test
      9. Answers
    3. Viruses and Malicious Software
      1. My Computer Has a Virus!
      2. Understanding Malicious Software
      3. Identifying Hoaxes
      4. Preventing Problems by Staying Up to Date
      5. Getting an A+
      6. Prep Test
      7. Answers
  17. About the CD
    1. System Requirements
    2. Using the CD
    3. What You Will Find on the CD
    4. Troubleshooting
  18. CompTIA A+ Exam Reference Matrix
    1. 2009 Examination Objectives
  19. Index

Product information

  • Title: CompTIA A+® Certification All-In-One For Dummies®, 2nd Edition
  • Author(s): Glen E. Clarke
  • Release date: October 2009
  • Publisher(s): For Dummies
  • ISBN: 9780470487389