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CST-160
Computer Systems Technology
Self-paced · 1 year access
82 Hands-On LiveLabs
Practice real IT tasks in guided environments.
- Real environments
- Auto-graded
- No installation
01 / Lessons & labs
See exactly what you will learn and practice
Lessons
16 Interactive Lessons · 299 topics01 Introduction 4 topics +
- What's New in the Eighth Edition?
- Organization of the Text
- Features of This Course
- CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives
02 Introduction to the World of IT 12 topics · 2 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
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
03 Connectivity 16 topics +
- Introduction to Connectivity
- External Connectivity
- Mouse and Keyboard Ports
- Video Ports
- Multipurpose Ports
- Audio Ports
- eSATA Ports
- Network Ports
- Modem and Serial Ports
- Network Cabling
- Integrated Motherboard Ports
- Getting to Know Ports
- Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
- Soft Skills: Using Appropriate Titles
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
04 On the Motherboard 30 topics · 14 LiveLab +
- Introduction to the Motherboard
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Cache
- Clocking
- 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
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Chipsets
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills: Active Listening
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
14 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
05 Introduction to Configuration 20 topics · 2 LiveLab +
- Configuration Overview
- BIOS Overview
- The Setup Program
- Flash BIOS
- BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
- CMOS Memory
- Motherboard Battery
- Firmware Updates: Flashing the BIOS/UEFI
- Clearing CMOS
- Other Configuration Parameters
- Hardware Configuration Overview
- Installing a USB Device
- Installing an eSATA Card
- Installing a Network Interface Card
- Video Overview
- Video Cards
- Troubleshooting Configurations
- Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Changing Only One Thing At A Time
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
06 Disassembly and Power 15 topics · 5 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
5 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
07 Memory 13 topics · 2 LiveLab +
- Memory Overview
- Memory Physical Packaging
- Planning a Memory Installation
- Installing Memory Overview
- Adding More Cache/RAM
- Windows Disk Caching
- Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
- Older Applications in Windows
- Troubleshooting Memory Problems
- Flash Memory
- Soft Skills: Teamwork
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
2 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
08 Storage Devices 22 topics · 6 LiveLab +
- Storage Devices Overview
- Hard Drive Overview
- Solid State Drive (SSD) Overview
- Hard Drive Interfaces Overview
- M.2 and NVMe
- PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity
- Storage Device Configuration Overview
- System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Hard Drives
- Hard Drive Preparation Overview
- Windows Disk Management
- Fault Tolerance
- Removable Drive Storage
- Windows Storage Spaces
- Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
- Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
- Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
- Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
- RAID Issues
- SSD Issues
- Soft Skills: Phone Skills
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
6 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
09 Multimedia Devices 17 topics · 3 LiveLab +
- Multimedia Devices Overview
- Optical Drive Overview
- Optical Drive Installation
- Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
- Introduction to Audio
- Installing Sound Cards
- Sound Cards Using Windows
- Speakers
- Troubleshooting Sound Problems
- Scanners
- KVMs
- Projectors
- Video Recording
- Installing and Configuring Other Peripheral Devices
- Soft Skills: Attitude
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
3 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
10 Mobile Devices 20 topics · 7 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
7 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
11 Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review 18 topics +
- 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 Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
- Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
- Soft Skills: Dealing With Irate Customers
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
12 Introduction to Operating Systems 30 topics · 21 LiveLab +
- Operating Systems Overview
- User Interaction with Operating Systems
- Overview of Popular Operating Systems
- 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems
- Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Versions
- Workstation Operating Systems
- Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
- End-of-Life Concerns
- Update Concerns
- Compatibility Concerns
- Corporate Operating System Needs
- Basic Windows Usage Overview
- Shortcuts and Tiles
- Windows 7 Desktop Components
- Windows Desktop/Start Screen Components
- Windows 10 Desktop Components
- 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
- Recovering the Windows OS
- WinRE
- Soft Skills: Staying Current
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
21 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
13 Introduction to Scripting 29 topics +
- 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
- Environment Variables
- Script Syntax
- Introduction to Script Programming
- Variables
- Data Types
- Examples of Using Variables
- Comments
- 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
14 Advanced Windows 39 topics · 14 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
- Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
- Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
- Black Screen/Video Issues
- Recovery Console
- Advanced Boot Options/Startup Settings Menu
- System Configuration Utility
- Task Manager
- Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
- Slow Boot
- Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
- Windows Reboots
- Shutdown Problems
- Power Options
- Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
- Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
- Soft Skills: Avoiding Burnout
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
14 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
15 macOS and Linux Operating Systems 13 topics · 6 LiveLab +
- Introduction to macOS
- Navigating the User Interface
- Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
- Management and Troubleshooting Tools
- Utilities
- Introduction to Linux
- Navigating the User Interface
- Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
- Command-Line Interface
- macOS and Linux Best Practices
- Soft Skills: Be Humble
- Lesson Summary
- Activities
6 LiveLab in this lesson — see the labs panel →
16 Appendix A: Subnetting Basics 1 topics +
- Exercises
Hands-On Labs Our edge
82 LiveLabs- Adding a Keyboard Layout
- Configuring Mouse Settings
- Installing Motherboard Components
- Installing a PCI Sound Card
- Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
- Viewing the Processor Information
- Enabling Hardware Virtualization
- Identifying a CPU Socket
- Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
- Installing a processor
- Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
- Installing a NIC
- Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
- Installing Firewire Cards
- Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
- Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
- Connecting the Hub with Different Devices Using USB Cables
- Changing the Resolution Setting
- Assembling Computer Components
- Replacing the Power Supply
- Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
- Replacing the Battery of a Smartphone and Inserting a Memory Card
- Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity
- Installing Memory Modules
- Verifying RAM Usage
- Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
- Accessing BIOS Setup in Windows 10
- Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
- Viewing the Status of a Disk
- Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
- Removing a Pen Drive from a Computer
- Inserting a CD on a Laptop
- Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
- Connecting Speakers to a Computer
- Removing an Account from Android
- Configuring an Email in Android
- Viewing the iOS Version of an iPhone
- Setting Up a VPN in Android
- Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
- Installing Laptop Components
- Locking an iPhone with a Password
- Executing the Basic Commands through a ps1 File
- Creating Variables
- Creating a Loop in PowerShell
- Creating and Running a ps1 File
- Enabling BranchCache
- Implementing EFS File Sharing
- Displaying Windows Versions
- Adding an MMC snap-in
- Displaying Windows PowerShell snap-ins
- Creating a Restore Point
- Using Task View
- Using Windows Event Viewer
- Configuring Screensavers
- Securing User Accounts
- Creating a New User
- Using BitLocker
- Disabling AutoPlay
- Using a Symmetric Encryption Algorithm
- Using an Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm
- Observing the Control Panel options in different views
- Uninstalling a Program
- Enabling a Device Driver
- Disabling a Device Driver
- Setting Automatic Windows Update
- Configuring Computer Management Services
- Editing a Drive Letter
- Mounting a Drive to a Folder
- Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
- Creating a Swap Partition
- Disabling a Service
- Setting Up a Boot Device Priority
- Using MSConfig
- Using Task Manager to Start an Application
- Configuring a Power Plan
- Configuring the Screen Resolution Setting
- Listing Files in a Directory
- Verifying the Working Directory
- Working with Directories
- Performing a Text Search
- Using Basic Linux Commands
- Entering Commands at the Command-line
Labs run in your browser — nothing to install.
02 / FAQs
Questions before you start
Prepare for Computer Systems Technology
One-time payment. Full access for 1 year. Start with a free trial if you want to look around first.
- 1 year of full access
- 82 LiveLab included
- Certificate of completion
No credit card required