Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (220-1201)

Introduction to the World of IT

• 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 

Connectivity

• 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

On the Motherboard

• Introduction to the Motherboard
• Processor Overview
• Processor Basics
• Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
• Cache
• 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)
• PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
• Motherboard Security Options
• Types of Motherboards
• Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
• Motherboard Troubleshooting
• Soft Skills: Active Listening
• Lesson Summary
• Activities

Introduction to Configuration

• Configuration Overview
• BIOS Overview
• UEFI
• BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
• CMOS Memory
• 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

Disassembly and Power

• 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 

Memory

• 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

Storage Devices

• Storage Devices Overview
• Hard Drive Overview
• Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview
• Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview
• 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

Video and Multimedia Devices

• Multimedia Devices Overview
• Video Overview
• Projectors
• Introduction to Audio
• 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

Printers and Multifunction Devices

• Printer/Multifunction Device Overview
• Categories of Printers
• Impact Printers
• Inkjet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Thermal 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
• Soft Skills: Work Ethics
• Lesson Summary
• Activities

Mobile Devices

• 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
• Mobile Device Security
• Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
• Soft Skills: A Word about Appearance
• Lesson Summary
• Activities

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

• 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

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

• Internet Connectivity Overview
• Dial-up Connectivity
• Cable Modems
• xDSL Modems
• VoIP
• Fiber Networks
• Satellite Modems
• Mobile Connectivity Overview
• Web Browsers
• Introduction to Virtualization
• Containers
• Cloud Computing
• Soft Skills: Mentoring
• Lesson Summary
• Activities

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics