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220-1101-1102-SCH.AB2
Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (1101/1102)
Intermediate Self-paced · 1 year access
110 Hands-On LiveLabs
Practice real IT tasks in guided environments.
- Real environments
- Auto-graded
- No installation
01 / About
About This Course
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Key Competencies Covered
Computer Hardware
Operating Systems
File Management
Peripheral Devices
Printing Solutions
Mobile Technologies
Networking Essentials
Security Measures
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02 / Lessons & labs
See exactly what you will learn and practice
Lessons
21 Interactive Lessons · 404 topics01 Introduction 4 topics +
- What’s New in the Ninth Edition?
- Organization of the Text
- Features of This course
- CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives
02 Introduction to the World of IT 12 topics · 4 LiveLab +
- Who Needs This Course?
- Technician Qualities
- Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
- Basic Skills for This Course
- Types of Computers
- Basic Computer Hardware
- Mice and Keyboards
- Common Peripherals
- 1s and 0s
- Safety Notes
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
4 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
03 Connectivity 15 topics · 3 LiveLab +
- Introduction to Connectivity
- External Connectivity
- Mouse and Keyboard Ports
- Video Ports
- Audio Ports
- eSATA Ports
- Modem and Serial Ports
- Network Ports
- Network Cabling
- Integrated Motherboard Ports
- Getting to Know Ports
- Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
- Soft Skills: Using Appropriate Titles
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
3 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
04 On the Motherboard 31 topics · 10 LiveLab +
- Introduction to the Motherboard
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Clocking
- Cache
- Threading Technology
- Connecting to the Processor
- Multicore Processors
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Introduction to Virtualization
- Intel Processors
- AMD Processors
- CPU Sockets
- Processor Cooling
- Installing a Processor
- Upgrading Processors
- Overclocking Processors
- Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
- Troubleshooting Processor Issues
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Motherboard Security Options
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills: Active Listening
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
10 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
05 Introduction to Configuration 17 topics · 2 LiveLab +
- Configuration Overview
- BIOS Overview
- The Setup Program
- Flash BIOS
- BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
- CMOS Memory
- Motherboard Battery
- Firmware Updates: Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI
- Other Configuration Parameters
- Hardware Configuration Overview
- Installing a USB Device
- Installing an eSATA Card
- Installing a Network Interface Card
- Troubleshooting Configurations
- Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Change Only One Thing At A Time And Document
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
06 Disassembly and Power 15 topics · 2 LiveLab +
- Disassembly Overview
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
- Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
- Tools
- Disassembly
- Reassembly
- Preventive Maintenance
- Basic Electronics Overview
- Power Supply Overview
- Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
- Power Protection
- Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
- Soft Skills: Written Communications Skills
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
07 Memory 12 topics · 3 LiveLab +
- Memory Overview
- Memory Physical Packaging
- Planning a Memory Installation
- Installing Memory Overview
- Virtual RAM
- Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
- Older Applications in Windows
- Troubleshooting Memory Problems
- Removable Storage
- Soft Skills: Teamwork
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
3 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
08 Storage Devices 22 topics · 5 LiveLab +
- Storage Devices Overview
- Hard Drive Overview
- Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview
- Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview
- M.2 and NVMe
- PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity
- Storage Device Configuration Overview
- System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices
- Hard Drive Preparation Overview
- Windows Disk Management
- Fault Tolerance
- Windows Storage Spaces
- Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
- Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
- Data Loss and Corruption
- Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
- Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
- RAID Issues
- SSD Issues
- Soft Skills: Phone Skills
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
5 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
09 Video and Multimedia Devices 17 topics · 1 LiveLab +
- Multimedia Devices Overview
- Video Overview
- Video Cards
- Projectors
- Introduction to Audio
- Installing Sound Cards
- Sound Cards Using Windows
- Speakers
- Troubleshooting Sound Problems
- Optical Drive Overview
- Optical Drive Installation
- Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
- Scanners
- Other Multimedia Devices
- Soft Skills: Attitude
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
1 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
10 Printers and Multifunction Devices 27 topics · 4 LiveLab +
- Printer/Multifunction Device Overview
- Categories of Printers
- Impact Printers
- Inkjet Printers
- Laser Printers
- Thermal Printers
- 3-D Printers
- Paper
- Virtual Printing
- Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges
- Upgrading Printers
- Printer Maintenance
- Printer Installation Overview
- Installing Multifunction Devices
- USB Printer Installation
- Printers in the Windows Environment
- Printer Sharing
- Cloud Printing/Scanning
- General Printer Troubleshooting
- USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting
- Windows Printer Troubleshooting
- Impact Printer Troubleshooting
- Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting
- Laser Printer Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills: Work Ethics
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
4 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
11 Mobile Devices 20 topics · 9 LiveLab +
- Mobile Device Overview
- Using Mobile Devices
- Cell Phones
- Mobile Apps
- Mobile Device Wired Connectivity
- Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity
- Mobile Device Email Configuration
- Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup
- Other Mobile Software Tools
- Laptops Overview
- Laptop Hardware
- Laptop Power
- Laptop Repairs Overview
- Laptop Display
- Mobile Device Security
- Mobile Device Travel and Storage
- Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
- Soft Skills: A Word about Appearance
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
9 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
12 Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review 18 topics · 2 LiveLab +
- Design Overview
- Computer System Design
- Motherboard and Associated Component Design
- Power Supply and Case Design
- Storage Subsystem Design
- Audio Subsystem Design
- Display Subsystem Design
- Troubleshooting Overview
- Step 1. Identify the Problem
- Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
- Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
- Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
- Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
- Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
- Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
- Soft Skills: Dealing with Difficult Customers
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
13 Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies 16 topics · 1 LiveLab +
- Internet Connectivity Overview
- Dial-up Connectivity
- Cable Modems
- xDSL Modems
- VoIP
- Fiber Networks
- Satellite Modems
- Mobile Connectivity Overview
- Web Browsers
- Basic Web Browser Issues
- Introduction to Virtualization
- Desktop Virtualization Basics
- Cloud Computing
- Soft Skills: Mentoring
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
1 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
14 Networking 36 topics · 14 LiveLab +
- Networking Overview
- Network Media Overview
- Ethernet Over Power
- Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
- The OSI Model
- The TCP/IP Model
- Network Addressing
- More IPv4 Addressing
- Wireless Networks Overview
- Wireless Network Standards
- Wireless Network Components
- Wireless Network Design
- Antenna Basics
- Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview
- Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing
- Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
- Wireless NIC–Specific Settings
- Advanced NIC Properties
- NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
- Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview
- Wireless AP/Router Configuration
- WWAN Cellular Configuration
- IoT and Smart Devices
- Network Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems
- Networking Multifunction Devices
- Network Servers
- Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems
- Software-Defined Networking
- Network Terminology
- The TCP/IP Model in Action
- More Windows Network Settings
- Introduction to Shared Folders
- Soft Skills: Being Proactive
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
14 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
15 Introduction to Operating Systems 29 topics · 3 LiveLab +
- Operating Systems Overview
- User Interaction with Operating Systems
- Overview of Popular Operating Systems
- 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 Versions
- Workstation Operating Systems
- Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
- End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns
- Update Limitations
- Compatibility Concerns
- Corporate Operating System Needs
- Basic Windows Usage Overview
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 Desktop Components
- Shortcuts and Tiles
- Recycle Bin
- Interactions Within a Window
- Managing Windows Files and Folders
- Searches and Indexing
- Attributes, Compression, and Encryption
- Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities
- Determining the Windows Version
- Windows Registry
- Editing the Windows Registry
- Backing Up Data
- WinRE
- Recovering the Windows OS
- Soft Skills: Staying Current
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
3 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
16 Introduction to Scripting 31 topics · 5 LiveLab +
- Scripting Overview
- Command Prompt Overview
- Command Prompt Basics
- Moving Around from a Command Prompt
- The md and rd Commands
- Two Useful Commands: del and type
- Copying Files
- The attrib Command
- Why Learn Commands?
- PowerShell
- Other Commands You Should Look Over
- Command Format
- Introduction to Scripting
- Script File Types
- Use Cases for Scripting
- Mitigating Consequences of Scripting
- Environment Variables
- Script Syntax
- Introduction to Script Programming
- Variables
- Data Types
- Examples of Using Variables
- Comments Within Scripts
- Basic Script Constructs
- Decisions: The Selection Structure
- Compound Conditions and Logical Operators
- Loops: The Repetition Structure
- A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell
- Soft Skills: Changing Perspective When Troubleshooting
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
5 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
17 Advanced Windows 42 topics · 20 LiveLab +
- Advanced Windows Overview
- Preinstallation of Windows
- Installation/Upgrade of Windows
- Corporate Windows Deployment
- Verifying the Installation
- Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
- Reloading Windows
- Windows Updates
- Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
- Configuring Windows Overview
- Configuring Windows
- Adding Devices
- Installing/Removing Software
- Computer Management Console
- System Tools
- User Account Management
- Managing Storage
- Managing Services and Applications
- Data Sources (ODBC)
- Print Management Console
- Overview of the Windows Boot Process
- System Restore
- Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- Startup Settings Menu
- System Configuration Utility
- Task Manager
- Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
- Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
- Black Screen/Video Issues
- Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
- Slow Boot
- Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
- Windows Reboots/System Instability
- Shutdown Problems
- Summary of Troubleshooting Steps
- Power Options
- Monitoring System Performance
- Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
- Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
- Soft Skills: Avoiding Burnout
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
20 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
18 macOS and Linux Operating Systems 13 topics · 4 LiveLab +
- Introduction to macOS
- Navigating the User Interface
- Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
- Management and Troubleshooting Tools
- Utilities
- Introduction to Linux
- Navigating the GNOME User Interface
- Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
- Command-Line Interface
- macOS and Linux Best Practices
- Soft Skills: Be Humble
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
4 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
19 Computer and Network Security 20 topics · 18 LiveLab +
- Security Overview
- Security Policy
- Physical Security
- Logical Security
- Considering the End User
- Licensing
- Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
- Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
- Permissions
- Folder Options
- Protecting the Operating System and Data
- Internet Security
- Remote Access to Network Devices
- Internet Appliances
- Wireless Network Security Overview
- Security Incident Response
- A Final Word About Security
- Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
18 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
20 Operational Procedures 7 topics +
- Operational Procedures Overview
- Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions
- IT Documentation
- Change Management
- Soft Skills: Skills TO SUCCEED
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
21 Appendix A: Subnetting Basics +
Hands-On Labs Our edge
110 LiveLabs- Disabling a Device Driver
- Enabling a Device Driver
- Configuring the Mouse Settings
- Adding a Keyboard Layout
- Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
- Installing a PCI Sound Card
- Inserting a Pen Drive into the Laptop's USB Port
- Enabling Hardware Virtualization
- Identifying the CPU Socket (Slot)
- Installing a Processor
- Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
- Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
- Identifying a PCI Bus Slot 1
- Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
- Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
- Installing Motherboard Components
- Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
- Accessing the BIOS Setup in Windows 10
- Installing the NIC
- Assembling Computer Components
- Replacing the Power Supply
- Installing Memory Modules
- Verifying the RAM Usage
- Editing a Drive Letter
- Mounting a Drive to a Folder
- Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
- Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
- Creating a Storage Pool
- Running the Disk Cleanup
- Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
- Installing a Printer
- Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
- Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
- Sharing a Printer
- Locking an iPhone With a Password
- Removing an Account in Android
- Turning On the Airplane Mode of an iPhone
- Configuring Email in Android
- Viewing the iOS Version of an iPhone
- Inserting a CD in a Laptop
- Connecting a Router to a Laptop
- Installing Laptop Components
- Setting Up a VPN on Android
- Connecting a Workstation to the LAN and Configuring IPv4 Properties
- Identifying Clients and Servers
- Connecting the Cable Modem to Access the Internet
- Configuring a Class C IP Address
- Configuring a Class B IP Address
- Configuring a Class A IP Address
- Configuring an IPv6 Address
- Configuring an IPv4 Address and a DNS Server
- Creating a VLAN and Viewing its Assignment to Port Mapping
- Configuring a DHCP Server
- Adding a DNS Server
- Using the ping Command
- Using the nslookup Command
- Using the ipconfig Command
- Using the tracert and the pathping Command
- Using the net Command
- Using the Sharing Tab
- Implementing EFS File Sharing
- Backing Up the Windows Registry
- Backing Up Files
- Working with the Command Prompt
- Running Commands on PowerShell
- Creating a Loop in PowerShell
- Executing the Basic Commands Through a ps1 File
- Creating and Running a ps1 File
- Setting Automatic Windows Updates
- Creating a Swap Partition
- Creating a Restore Point
- Observing the Control Panel Options from Different Views
- Configuring the Screen Resolution Setting
- Uninstalling a Program
- Configuring Computer Management Services
- Displaying Windows PowerShell Snap-ins
- Adding an MMC Snap-in
- Using Windows Event Viewer
- Using the Task Scheduler
- Configuring UAC Settings
- Viewing the Status of a Disk
- Disabling a Service
- Setting Up a Boot Device Priority
- Monitoring the System's Performance Using Performance Monitor
- Working with the Task Manager
- Using the Task Manager to Start an Application
- Configuring a Power Plan
- Configuring Screen Savers
- Viewing Processes in Linux
- Obtaining Software Using the Command-Line Interface
- Using Basic Linux Commands
- Finding Files
- Conducting a DoS Attack Using Smurf Attack
- Performing Reconnaissance on a Network
- Performing an MITM Attack
- Using Rainbow Tables
- Conducting IP Spoofing
- Creating a New User
- Creating an Organizational Unit
- Propagating Permissions
- Stopping Permission Inheritance
- Managing NTFS Permissions
- Sharing a Folder
- Using BitLocker
- Disabling the AutoPlay Feature
- Installing the Proxy Server Feature
- Configuring Windows Defender Firewall
- Configuring Network Address Translation
- Setting up a Demilitarized Zone
- Configuring a VPN
Labs run in your browser — nothing to install.
03 / FAQs
Questions before you start
Prepare for Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (1101/1102)
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- 1 year of full access
- 110 LiveLab included
- Certificate of completion
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