Introduction

Features of this Book

Chapter 1: Introduction to the world of it

Who Needs This Book?
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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises

Chapter 2: 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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 3: On the motherboard

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 4: Introduction to configuration

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 5: 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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 6: 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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 7: Storage devices

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 8: Video and multimedia devices

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 9: Printers and multifunction devices

Printer/Multifunction Device Overview
Categories of Printer
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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 10: 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
Laptop Display
Mobile Device Security
Mobile Device Travel and Storage
Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 11: 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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 12: 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
Basic Web Browser Issues
Introduction to Virtualization
Desktop Virtualization Basics
Cloud Computing
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 13: Networking

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 14: Introduction to operating systems

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 15: Introduction to scripting

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 16: Advanced windows

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 17: Macos and Linux operating systems

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 18: Computer and network security

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
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Chapter 19: Operational procedures

Operational Procedures Overview
Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions
IT Documentation
Change Management
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Review Questions
Exercises
Activities

Appendix A: Subnetting basics

Appendix B: Certification exam objectives (online)

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Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: CompTIA A+ Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102, 9th edition

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