CompTIA

CompTIA A 220-901/220-902 Cert Guide

(pearson-220-901-220-902-cert) / ISBN : 978-1-61691-680-0
This course includes
Interactive Lessons
Gamified TestPrep
Lab
Video Lessons (Add-on)
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About This Course

Kick start your prep for CompTIA A+ certification exam with CompTIA A+ 220-901 exam & 220-902 exam combined guide with performance-based labs. Performance-based labs simulate real-world, hardware, software & command line interface environments and can be mapped to any text-book, course & training. The course and labs cover all the objectives of 220-901 exam & 220-902 exam and provide technical knowledge required to install, configure, and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users; proper and safe diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues; assemble components based on customer requirements; provide appropriate customer support; apply troubleshooting skills; and understand the basics of networking and security/forensics.

Skills You’ll Get

CompTIA A+ certification is globally recognized, vendor-neutral credential designed for IT professionals. The CompTIA A+ certification exam provides knowledge in the field of hardware, networking, security, troubleshooting RAM types and features, and many more. The exam covers the topics such as network connectivity, mobile device, hardware, networking, PC hardware and peripherals and provide hands-on experience of real-world scenarios.

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1

Introduction

  • Goals and Methods
  • What's New?
  • Who Should Read This Book?
  • Strategies for Exam Preparation
2

Technician Essentials and Computer/Device Anatomy

  • The Essential Parts of Any Computer or Mobile Device
  • Hardware, Software, and Firmware
  • The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Theory
  • Technician Tools and Equipment
  • Important Websites
  • Lesson Summary
3

Configure and Use BIOS/UEFI Tools

  • BIOS/UEFI Configuration
  • Flash Upgrade BIOS
  • Using BIOS/UEFI Diagnostics
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
4

Motherboard Components

  • ATX, ITX, and Smaller Sizes
  • Expansion Slot Types
  • RAM Sockets
  • CPU Sockets
  • Chipsets
  • CMOS Battery
  • Power Connectors
  • Fan Connectors
  • Front and Top Panel Connectors
  • Bus Speeds
  • Installing Motherboards
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
5

RAM Types and Features

  • Memory Upgrade Considerations
  • RAM Types
  • SO-DIMM vs DIMM
  • RAM Configurations
  • Single-Sided vs Double-Sided
  • RAM Compatibility
  • Installing Memory
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
6

PC Expansion Cards

  • Expansion Card and Slot Overview
  • Installing Sound Cards
  • Installing Video Cards
  • Installing Network Cards
  • Installing USB Cards
  • Installing FireWire Cards
  • Installing Thunderbolt Cards
  • Installing Storage Cards
  • Installing Modem Cards
  • Installing Wireless/Cellular Cards
  • Installing TV Tuner Cards
  • Installing Video Capture Cards
  • Installing Riser Cards
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
7

Storage Devices

  • Optical Drive Features and Capacities
  • Magnetic Hard Disk Drives
  • Flash Drives
  • Solid State Drives
  • Hot-Swappable Drives
  • RAID Types
  • Tape Drive
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
8

CPUs

  • Processor Characteristics
  • Socket Types
  • Cooling
  • CPU Installation
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs
9

Ports and Interfaces

  • Rear Panel Port Clusters
  • USB
  • FireWire (IEEE 1394)
  • SATA and eSATA
  • Thunderbolt
  • Video
  • Audio
  • PS/2
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs
10

Designing and Building Custom PC Configurations

  • Custom PC Configurations
  • Evaluating Onboard Components
  • Installing Power Supplies
  • Installing and Configuring Input, Output, and I/O Devices
  • Display Types
  • Video Display Settings and Features
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs
11

Using, Maintaining, and Installing Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Laser Printers
  • Inkjet Printers
  • Thermal Printers
  • Impact Printers
  • Virtual Printers
  • Installing Your Printer or Multifunction Device
  • Configuring Your Printer or Multifunction Device
  • Device Sharing Options
  • Wireless Device Sharing Options
  • Cloud and Remote Printing
  • Configuring Your Operating System to Share a Printer or Device
  • Maintaining Data Privacy
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs
12

Networking

  • Network Cable and Connector Types and Characteristics
  • TCP/IP
  • TCP and UDP Ports, Protocols, and Purposes
  • WiFi (Wi-Fi) Network and Encryption Standards
  • Configure SOHO Wired or Wireless Router
  • Internet Connection Types
  • Network Types
  • Network Architecture Devices
  • Using Networking Tools
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations for Hands-On Labs
13

Mobile Devices

  • Install and Configure Laptop Hardware and Components
  • Replace Laptop Components
  • Laptop Display Components
  • Using Laptop Features
  • Characteristics of Other Mobile Devices
  • Accessories and Ports Used by Other Mobile Devices
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
14

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

  • Troubleshooting Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues
  • Recommended Tools
  • Troubleshooting Hard Drives and RAID Arrays
  • Troubleshooting Video, Projector, and Display Issues
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Overview of Network Command-Line Tools
  • Mobile Device Troubleshooting
  • Mobile Device Disassembly Process
  • Printer Troubleshooting
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-on Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
15

Windows Operating Systems Features and Installation

  • Differences Between Windows Versions
  • Boot Methods
  • Installation Types
  • Partitioning Methods
  • Windows File Systems
  • REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
  • Configuring Windows During/After Installation
  • Using the Factory Recovery Partition
  • Refresh and Reset (Windows 8/8.1/10)
  • Characteristics of a Properly Formatted Boot Drive
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
16

Managing Microsoft Windows

  • Command-Line Tools
  • Microsoft Administrative Tools
  • Task Manager
  • MSCONFIG
  • Disk Management
  • Storage Spaces
  • Windows Upgrade Tools
  • System Utilities
  • Control Panel Utilities
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
17

Networking Microsoft Windows

  • Homegroup vs. Workgroup
  • Domain Setup
  • Network Shares
  • Administrative Shares
  • Printer Sharing versus Network Printer Mapping
  • Establish Networking Connections
  • Proxy Settings
  • Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Assistance
  • Home vs. Work vs. Public Network Settings
  • Firewall Settings
  • Configuring an Alternative IP Address in Windows
  • Network Card Properties
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
18

Operational Procedures

  • Using Appropriate Safety Procedures
  • Applying Environmental Controls
  • Addressing Prohibited Content or Activity
  • Licensing/DRM/EULA
  • Personally Identifiable Information
  • Following Corporate End-User Policies and Security Best Practices
  • Communication Methods and Professionalism
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
19

OS X and Linux

  • Best Practices
  • Tools
  • Features
  • Basic Linux Commands
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Lab
20

Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and Network Services

  • Client-Side Virtualization Overview
  • Identify Basic Cloud Concepts
  • Properties and Purposes of Network Services—Server Roles
  • Internet Appliances
  • Legacy and Embedded Systems
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
21

Mobile Operating Systems and Devices

  • Android vs iOS vs Windows Features
  • Mobile Device Connectivity
  • Email Configuration
  • PRI Updates/PRL Updates/Baseband Updates
  • Radio Firmware
  • IMEI vs IMSI
  • VPN
  • Data Synchronization
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
22

Security

  • Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Common Prevention Methods
  • Windows Basic Security Settings
  • Best Security Practices for Workstations
  • Securing Mobile Devices
  • Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
  • SOHO Network Security
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Labs
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Labs
23

Troubleshooting Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems

  • Troubleshooting Common Symptoms
  • Tools for Troubleshooting Software
  • Troubleshoot Mobile OS and Application Issues
  • Mobile Devices and Application Security Issues
  • Troubleshooting PC Security Issues
  • Lesson Summary
  • Review All the Key Topics
  • Complete Hands-On Lab
  • Answers and Explanations to Hands-On Lab
A

Appendix A: CompTIA A+ Objectives

  • 220-901 Domain 1.0 Hardware
  • 220-901 Domain 2.0 Networking
  • 220-901 Domain 3.0 Mobile Devices
  • 220-901 Domain 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
  • 220-902 Domain 1.0 Windows Operating Systems
  • 220-902 Domain 2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies
  • 220-902 Domain 3.0 Security
  • 220-902 Domain 4.0 Software Troubleshooting
  • 220-902 Domain 5.0 Operational Procedures

Technician Essentials and Computer/Device Anatomy

  • Identifying smartphone features
  • Identifying features of a laptop and tablet
  • Replacing the Battery of a Smartphone and Inserting a Memory Card
  • Identifying computer parts
  • Identifying categories of computer components
  • Identifying computer troubleshooting steps
  • Identifying network cabling tools

Configure and Use BIOS/UEFI Tools

  • Accessing the BIOS Setup Program
  • Enabling Hardware Virtualization
  • Understanding the BIOS security options
  • Setting up a boot device priority
  • Examining the hard drive

Motherboard Components

  • Identifying computer components
  • Installing Motherboard Components
  • Providing Cooling and Ventilation to a Motherboard
  • Identifying motherboard slots
  • Identifying a PCI-Bus Slot
  • Identifying a CPU Socket
  • Installing a PCI Sound Card
  • Removing a damaged network card
  • Identifying components of a motherboard chipset

RAM Types and Features

  • Identifying Types of RAM
  • Identifying RAM configuration
  • Installing Memory Modules

PC Expansion Cards

  • Installing Expansion Cards on a Motherboard
  • Installing a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (2.0 x4)
  • Installing Firewire Cards
  • Changing the CMOS battery
  • Clearing the CMOS settings
  • Installing an Optical Drive and a PCI Sound Card
  • Configuring sound card with Windows
  • Inserting components of a computer
  • Adding hardware to a Windows PC

Storage Devices

  • Identifying blu-ray types
  • Copying Files to a Disc Using File Explorer
  • Inserting a CD on a Laptop
  • Enabling external USB ports
  • Removing a Pen Drive from a Computer
  • Identifying RAID level characteristics
  • Identifying RAID BIOS configuration settings

CPUs

  • Identifying the CPU package types
  • Identifying processor socket
  • Identifying processor families
  • Identifying computer cooling systems
  • Installing a processor
  • Understanding CPU removal procedure

Ports and Interfaces

  • Identifying Video Ports and Connectors
  • Identifying additional ports and connectors
  • Identifying video card ports
  • Identifying desktop PC ports
  • Identifying I/O ports of a motherboard
  • Identifying input and output devices
  • Troubleshooting a USB printer
  • Connecting a USB Printer to a Computer
  • Understanding USB versions
  • Connecting a keyboard and mouse to a computer
  • Connecting the Motherboard to the Internal Hard Drive
  • Supplying Power to a SATA Drive
  • Comparing desktop and laptop components
  • Identifying printer connectors
  • Identifying adapters
  • Identifying DisplayPort versions
  • Modifying touchpad settings
  • Connecting a computer to monitor
  • Identifying sound card ports
  • Identifying PS/2 port
  • Identifying sound ports
  • Connecting a headset to a computer

Designing and Building Custom PC Configurations

  • Configuring Windows 7 for media streaming
  • Replacing the Power Supply
  • Installing SMPS and Connecting it to the Motherboard
  • Identifying computer power supply connectors
  • Assembling Computer Components
  • Connecting Speakers to a Computer
  • Connecting a digital camera to a computer
  • Adding hardware to a Windows PC
  • Preparing for a video conference on Skype
  • Disabling a touchpad
  • Identifying video features

Using, Maintaining, and Installing Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Understanding the electrophotographic print process
  • Inserting Ink Cartridges into a Printer
  • Identifying the steps for using an inkjet cleaning solution
  • Configuring printer memory
  • Calibrating the printing device
  • Installing a printer

Networking

  • Identifying network connectors
  • Identifying types of a cable
  • Identifying components of a coaxial cable
  • Connecting a workstation to the LAN and configuring IPv4 properties
  • Identifying IP address class values
  • Describing 802.11 networking standards
  • Describing 802.11 modulation techniques
  • Configuring Internet settings on a router
  • Understanding QoS levels
  • Configuring the TCP/IP values
  • Connecting to a wireless network
  • Connecting a router to the laptop
  • Connecting Systems to the Internet Through a Firewall Router
  • Connecting the Cable Modem to Access Internet
  • Identifying network types
  • Identifying key steps to plan a network
  • Connecting a new workstation to the Internet

Mobile Devices

  • Installing Laptop Components
  • Identifying a port
  • Identifying mobile power/sync cables

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

  • Identifying USB cables
  • Retrieving and emptying the recycle bin
  • Using the check disk utility
  • Running Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7
  • Troubleshooting the Wi-Fi connection issues
  • Installing a NIC
  • Troubleshooting limited network
  • Analyzing network paths with tracert
  • Analyzing domain names with nslookup
  • Renewing an IP address
  • Viewing information related to the network adapter
  • Analyzing the TCP/IP configuration with netstat
  • Running different parameters of the net share command
  • Adding and removing an IPv6 address
  • Identifying symptoms of problems with the mobile OS
  • Describing error codes

Windows Operating Systems Features and Installation

  • Exploring installed hardware
  • Viewing system properties
  • Labeling the Start menu of Windows 8
  • Pinning a program to the Taskbar
  • Running Windows Program Compatibility troubleshooter
  • Formatting a pen drive
  • Inserting a Pen Drive into the USB Port
  • Viewing free disk space and file system type
  • Downloading the Windows 7 service pack
  • Setting automatic Windows update

Managing Microsoft Windows

  • Running different parameters of the chkdsk command
  • Listing files and folders
  • Viewing the status of a disk
  • Creating and listing directories
  • Viewing the Generic USB Hub properties
  • Verifying properties of keyboards, disk drives, and network adapters
  • Investigating startup processes
  • Changing the startup type of a service utility to automatic
  • Viewing processes details in the task manager
  • Configuring Performance Monitor
  • Disabling certain applications and services at startup
  • Rolling back a device driver
  • Creating a bootable VHD using Disk Management
  • Starting the print spooler service
  • Identifying device manager error codes
  • Ending the functioning of a non-responsive application
  • Disabling applications and services at startup
  • Creating a new volume
  • Mounting a drive to a folder
  • Changing a basic disk into a dynamic disk
  • Identifying sound card driver version
  • Connecting a remote desktop
  • Changing the visibility of a folder
  • Rolling back to a restore point
  • Viewing sound card driver version
  • Creating a restore point
  • Turning on system protection
  • Hiding a folder
  • Creating, renaming, and deleting a file
  • Listing the computer's drive letters
  • Understanding elements of a notepad window
  • Configuring the virtual memory size
  • Changing the system's screen saver
  • Changing the refresh rate in Windows 7
  • Observing the Control Panel options in different views
  • Viewing the paging file information
  • Auto-hiding the taskbar
  • Showing hidden and system-protected files
  • Recording the system failure event
  • Using Windows troubleshooter tools
  • Viewing security center service properties
  • Configuring settings to allow pop-ups
  • Configuring notification settings
  • Customizing notification area icons
  • Running power troubleshooter
  • Customizing user account notification settings
  • Exploring installed applications
  • Changing the time zone
  • Changing the color of the desktop

Networking Microsoft Windows

  • Creating a homegroup
  • Sharing a folder with another user
  • Joining a homegroup
  • Creating a remote access VPN connection
  • Configuring Windows 7 to use a proxy server
  • Changing the network settings
  • Turning on Windows Firewall
  • Configuring Windows Firewall with advanced security
  • Identifying types of firewall
  • Configuring an alternative IP address
  • Understanding QoS
  • Understanding network card properties

Operational Procedures

  • Identifying grounded equipment parts
  • Preparing a system for upgrade
  • Understanding personal safety while moving equipment
  • Setting Up a Surge Protected Computer System
  • Configuring the UPS
  • Using a UPS to Power the Computer Components and Ensure the Network Connectivity
  • Identifying guidelines for effective communication

OS X and Linux

  • Identifying tools used in Mac OS and Linux
  • Understanding Linux commands
  • Verifying the working directory
  • Working with Directories
  • Performing a Text Search
  • Obtaining file listings
  • Changing the file access and modification time
  • Switching to another user
  • Modifying the ownership of a file
  • Listing Files in a Directory
  • Working with local Ethernet connection

Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and Network Services

  • Creating a virtual PC machine
  • Installing Windows 7 using VMware
  • Installing Windows 8
  • Identifying cloud type
  • Using Google's cloud services
  • Understanding email protocols

Mobile Operating Systems and Devices

  • Downloading Instagram from the Google Play Store
  • Activating Google Now
  • Viewing the version of an Android smartphone
  • Viewing the iOS version
  • Downloading Instagram from the App Store.
  • Turning on Airplane Mode of an iPhone
  • Turning on the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone
  • Setting Up a VPN in Android
  • Configuring an Email in Android

Security

  • Identifying security threat
  • Describing types of viruses
  • Running Microsoft Security Essentials and removing infected files
  • Examining file permissions
  • Encrypting a folder
  • Configuring BitLocker for an identification field
  • Disabling the guest account
  • Encrypting flash drive with BitLocker
  • Setting the account with a password
  • Creating a user account and a user group
  • Configuring password policies
  • Enabling auditing of files, folders, and printers
  • Configuring success and failure audit events
  • Securing a system from an unauthorized login
  • Locking an iPhone with a Password

Troubleshooting Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems

  • Extending monitor displays
  • Performing disk cleanup
  • Cleaning up the hard disk drive
  • Changing the display settings of a laptop
  • Configuring system in the event of a BSOD
  • Identifying file extension purposes
  • Describing boot files
  • Creating backup and restoring registry
  • Creating a backup of a local disk
  • Connecting an iPhone to the Wi-Fi network
  • Disabling cellular data on an iPhone
  • Establishing a Bluetooth connection

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CompTIA recommends the following:

  • 9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field

USD 211 per exam.

The exam fees are subject to change.

Pearson VUE

Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based questions.

The exam contains 90 questions.

90  minutes

  • 220-901: 675
  • 220-902: 700

CompTIA A+ certification expires after three years from the date of issue, after which the certification holder will need to renew their certification via CompTIA's Continuing Education Program.

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