Chapter 14: Introduction to the A Certification Exams


Welcome to the very best available tool to help you prepare for and pass the current A+ Certification exams! In the next several pages you will learn the importance of A+ certification and how it can affect your career goals. You will learn why you should use this particular book to prepare for the current A+ exams and future certification exams. You will gain insight into the process of scheduling an exam and what to expect when you get to the test site.

If you are interested in gainful employment in the technology industry, you should be certified. The majority of businesses today require applicants to provide proof of certification. If you are applying for a position as a PC technician, network administrator, systems engineer, software engineer, developer or programmer, A+ certification is normally a minimum requirement. If you are already employed and wish to enhance your technical job opportunities, as well as your income, A+ certification is for you. Many businesses today require their entire IT staff to be A+ certified.

THE COMPTIA A+ CERTIFICATION 2003 EXAM OBJECTIVES

There are two tests you must pass to become A+ certified: the A+ Core Hardware Service Technician test (220-301) and the A+ Operating System Technologies test (220-302). Both A+ tests are currently in conventional format, which is addressed later in detail in this chapter. These new tests are offered in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, and German.

The A+ Core Hardware Service Technician test focuses on computer hardware, including motherboards, processors, peripherals, memory, cables and connectors, electronics, and basic networking. The A+ Operating System Technologies test focuses primarily on the most popular operating systems in use, including Windows 95 operating system, Windows 98 operating system, Windows NT operating system, Windows 2000 operating system, Windows Me operating system, and Windows XP operating system. It also includes test questions focusing on memory utilization, printing, hard drive partitioning, and basic networking. For those wondering about Linux, there are no Linux-based questions on this test. CompTIA has a separate certification called Linux+.

It is important to note that CompTIA recommends at least 500 hours of hands-on lab or field experience before taking these tests. The author of this book recommends an A+ based training class, six months of hands-on (real world) experience, and the mastering of all questions included in this book and its accompanying CD-ROM.

The CompTIA domains, concepts, and modules are public knowledge, and are provided in PDF (Portable Document Format) for download at the following CompTIA Web site: http://www.comptia.org/certification/A/upgrade.asp.

A Brief History and Exam Upgrade

In the fourth quarter of 2003, CompTIA changed both the A+ Hardware Core Service Technician test and the A+ Operating System Technologies test from adaptive-based testing to conventional-based testing. Although the current tests are both given in conventional format, it is important for your future certification goals that you also have a basic understanding of how adaptive testing works. Both of these testing formats will be described in detail shortly.

The current A+ tests contain questions that draw upon knowledge based on CompTIA’s 2003 domain objectives. In a nutshell, CompTIA has recently changed the format of their A+ exams from adaptive to conventional testing and created new test questions based on their 2003 A+ exam objectives.

CompTIA states the following information on their A+ Web site regarding the 2003 A+ tests; “Changes incorporated in the 2003 Upgrade are not major. The certification content continues to validate that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to competently install, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computer compatible hardware and PC operating systems, including troubleshooting basic network and Internet connectivity, dial-up, DSL, and cable. In addition, the 2003 Upgrade covers the latest memory, bus, peripherals, operating systems (Me and XP), and wireless.”

The A+ Core Hardware (2003) Examination Objectives

The specific questions on the A+ Core Hardware Service Technician exam will be drawn from subject matter related to the following six domains, concepts, and modules created and publicly posted by CompTIA. For your convenience and easy reference, a complete list of both (2003) examination objectives is provided in Table 14.1. You will find that all of the CompTIA domains are covered in detail in this book.

Table 14.1

Domain

Percent of Examination

1. Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading

35%

2. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

21%

3. PC Preventive Maintenance, Safety, and Environmental Issues

5%

4. Motherboards/Processors/Memory

11%

5. Printers

9%

6. Basic Networking

19%

Total 100%

Domain 1: Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading

1.1 Identify the names, purpose, and characteristics of system modules. Recognize these modules by sight or definition.

Examples of concepts and modules are:

  • Motherboard

  • Firmware

  • Power supply

  • Processor/CPU

  • Memory

  • Storage devices

  • Display devices

  • Adapter cards

  • Ports

  • Cases

  • Riser cards

1.2 Identify basic procedures for adding and removing field-replaceable modules for desktop systems. Given a replacement scenario, choose the appropriate sequence.

Desktop components:

  • Motherboard

  • Storage device

    • FDD

    • HDD

    • CD/CDRW

    • DVD/DVDRW

    • Tape drive

    • Removable storage

  • Power supply

    • AC adapter

    • AT/ATX

  • Cooling systems

    • Fans

    • Heat sinks

    • Liquid cooling

  • Processor/CPU

  • Memory

  • Display device

  • Input devices

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse/Pointer devices

    • Touch screen

  • Adapters

    • Network Interface Cards (NIC)

    • Sound card

    • Video card

    • Modem

    • SCSI

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • USB

    • Wireless

1.3 Identify basic procedures for adding and removing field-replaceable modules for portable systems. Given a replacement scenario, choose the appropriate sequences.

Portable components:

  • Storage devices

    • FDD

    • HDD

    • CD/CDRW

    • DVD/DVDRW

    • Removable storage

  • Power sources

    • AC adapter

    • DC adapter

    • Battery

    • Memory

    • Input devices

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse/Pointer devices

    • Touch screen

  • PCMCIA/Mini-PCI adapters

    • Network Interface Card (NIC)

    • Modem

    • SCSI

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • USB

    • Storage (memory and hard drive)

  • Docking station/Port replicators

  • LCD panel

  • Wireless

    • Adapter/Controller

    • Antenna

1.4 Identify typical IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses, and procedures for altering these settings when installing and configuring devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration steps in a given scenario.

Content may include the following:

  • Legacy devices (e.g., ISA sound card)

  • Specialized devices (e.g., CAD/CAM)

  • Internal modems

  • Floppy drive controllers

  • Hard drive controllers

  • Multimedia devices

  • NICs

  • I/O ports

    • Serial

    • Parallel

    • USB ports

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • Infrared

1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and performance characteristics of standardized/common peripheral ports, associated cabling, and their connectors. Recognize ports, cabling, and connectors by sight.

Content may include the following:

  • Port types

    • Serial

    • Parallel

    • USB ports

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • Infrared

  • Cable types

    • Serial (straight through versus null modem)

    • Parallel

    • USB

  • Connector types

    • Serial

      • DB-9

      • DB-25

      • RJ-11

      • RJ-45

    • Parallel

      • DB-25

  • Centronics (mini, 36)

    • PS2/MINI-DIN

    • USB

    • IEEE 1394

1.6 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common IDE devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios. Recognize the associated cables.

Content may include the following:

  1. IDE interface types

    • EIDE

    • ATA/ATAPI

    • Serial ATA

    • PIO

  2. RAID (0, 1, and 5)

  3. Master/Slave/Cable select

  4. Devices per channel

  5. Primary/Secondary

  6. Cable orientation/requirements

1.7 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common SCSI devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios. Recognize the associated cables.

Content may include the following:

  • SCSI interface types

    • Narrow

    • Fast

    • Wide

    • Ultra-wide

    • LVD

    • HVD

  • Internal versus external

  • SCSI IDs

    • Jumper block/DIP switch settings (binary equivalents)

    • Resolving ID conflicts

  • RAID (0, 1, and 5)

  • Cabling

    • Length

    • Type

    • Termination requirements (active, passive, auto)

1.8 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common peripheral devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios.

Content may include the following:

  • Modems and transceivers (dial-up, cable, DSL, ISDN)

  • External storage

  • Digital cameras

  • PDAs

  • Wireless access points

  • Infrared devices

  • Printers

  • UPSs and suppressors

  • Monitors

1.9 Identify procedures to optimize PC operations in specific situations. Predict the effects of specific procedures under given scenarios.

Topics may include:

  • Cooling systems

    • Liquid

    • Air

    • Heat sink

    • Thermal compound

  • Disk subsystem enhancements

    • Hard drives

    • Controller cards (e.g., RAID, ATA-100, etc.)

    • Cables

  • NICs

  • Specialized video cards

  • Memory

  • Additional processors

1.10 Determine the issues that must be considered when upgrading a PC. In a given scenario, determine when and how to upgrade system components.

Issues may include:

  • Drivers for legacy devices

  • Bus types and characteristics

  • Cache in relationship to motherboards

  • Memory capacity and characteristics

  • Processor speed and compatibility

  • Hard drive capacity and characteristics

  • System/Firmware limitations

  • Power supply output capacity

Components may include the following:

  • Motherboards

  • Memory

  • Hard drives

  • CPU

  • BIOS

  • Adapter cards

  • Laptop power sources

    • Lithium ion

    • NiMH

    • Fuel cell

    • PCMCIA Type I, II, III cards

Domain 2: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

2.1 Recognize common problems associated with each module and their symptoms, and identify steps to isolate and troubleshoot the problems. Given a problem situation, interpret the symptoms and infer the most likely cause.

Content may include the following:

  1. I/O ports and cables

    • Serial

    • Parallel

    • USB ports

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • Infrared

    • SCSI

  2. Motherboards

    • CMOS/ BIOS settings

    • POST audible/visual error codes

  3. Peripherals

  4. Computer case

    • Power supply

    • Slot covers

    • Front cover alignment

  5. Storage devices and cables

    • FDD

    • HDD

    • CD/CDRW

    • DVD/DVDRW

    • Tape drive

    • Removable storage

  6. Cooling systems

    • Fans

    • Heating sinks

    • Liquid cooling

    • Temperature sensors

  7. Processor/CPU

  8. Memory

  9. Display device

  10. Input devices

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse/Pointer devices

    • Touch screen

  11. Adapters

    • Network Interface Card (NIC)

    • Sound card

    • Video card

    • Modem

    • SCSI

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • USB

  12. Portable Systems

    • PCMCIA

    • Batteries

    • Docking stations/Port replicators

    • Portable unique storage

2.2 Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and tools, and how to elicit problem symptoms from customers. Justify asking particular questions in a given scenario.

Content may include the following:

  • Troubleshooting/Isolation/Problem determination procedures

  • Determining whether it is a hardware or software problem

  • Gathering information from the user

    • Customer environment

    • Symptoms/Error codes

    • Situation when the problem occurred

Domain 3: PC Preventive Maintenance, Safety, and Environmental Issues

3.1 Identify the various types of preventive maintenance measures, products, and procedures, and when/how to use them.

Content may include the following:

  • Liquid cleaning compounds

  • Types of materials to clean contacts and connections

  • Nonstatic vacuums (e.g., for chassis, power supplies, fans)

  • Cleaning monitors

  • Cleaning removable media devices

  • Ventilation, dust, and moisture control on the PC hardware interior

  • Hard disk maintenance (defragging, scan disk, CHKDSK)

  • Verifying UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and suppressors

3.2 Identify various safety measures and procedures, and when/how to use them.

Content may include the following:

  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions and procedures

    • What ESD can do, and how it might be apparent or hidden

    • Common ESD protection devices

    • Situations that could present a danger or hazard

  • Potential hazards and proper safety procedures relating to

    • High-voltage equipment

    • Power supply

    • CRTs

3.3 Identify environmental protection measures and procedures, and when/how to use them.

Content may include the following:

  • Special disposal procedures that comply with environmental guidelines

  • Batteries

  • CRTs

  • Chemical solvents and cans

  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Domain 4: Motherboard/Processors/Memory

4.1 Distinguish between the popular CPU chips in terms of their basic characteristics.

Content may include the following:

  • Popular CPU chips (Pentium-class compatible)

  • Voltage

  • Speeds (actual versus advertised)

  • Cache Levels 1, 2, 3

  • Socket/Slots

  • VRM(s)

4.2 Identify the types of RAM (Random Access Memory), form factors, and operational characteristics. Determine banking and speed requirements under given scenarios.

Content may include the following:

  • Types

    • EDO RAM (Extended Data Output RAM)

    • DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

    • SRAM (Static RAM)

    • VRAM (Video RAM)

    • SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)

    • DDR (Double Data Rate)

    • RAMBUS

  • Form factors (including pin count)

    • SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)

    • DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)

    • SoDIMM (Small outline DIMM)

    • MicroDIMM

    • RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module)

  • Operational characteristics

    • Memory chips (8 bit, 16 bit, and 32 bit)

    • Parity chips versus nonparity chips

    • ECC versus non-ECC

    • Single sided versus double sided

4.3 Identify the most popular types of motherboards, their components, and their architectures (bus structures).

Content may include the following:

  • Types of motherboards

    • AT

    • ATX

  • Components

    • Communication ports

    • Serial

    • USB

    • Parallel

    • IEEE 1394/FireWire

    • Infrared

  • Memory

    • SIMM

    • DIMM

    • RIMM

    • SoDIMM

    • MicroDIMM

  • Processor sockets

    • Slot 1

    • Slot 2

    • Slot A

    • Socket A

    • Socket 7

    • Socket 8

    • Socket 423

    • Socket 478

    • Socket 370

  • External cache memory (Level 2)

  • Bus architecture

  • ISA

  • PCI

    • PCI 32 bit

    • PCI 64 bit

    • AGP

    • 2x

    • 4x

    • 8x (Pro)

  • USB

  • AMR (Audio Modem Riser) slots

  • CNR (Communication Network Riser) slots

  • Basic compatibility guidelines

  • IDE (ATA, ATAPI, ultra-DMA, EIDE)

  • SCSI (narrow, wide, fast, ultra, HVD, LVD [Low Voltage Differential])

  • Chipsets

4.4 Identify the purpose of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) memory, what it contains, and how and when to change its parameters. Given a scenario involving CMOS, choose the appropriate course of action.

CMOS settings:

  • Default settings

  • CPU settings

  • Printer parallel port—uni-/bi-directional, disable/enable, ECP, EPP

  • COM/serial port—memory address, interrupt request, disable

  • Floppy drive—enable/disable drive or boot, speed, density

  • Hard drive—size and drive type

  • Memory—speed, parity, nonparity

  • Boot sequence

  • Date/Time

  • Passwords

  • Plug-and-Play BIOS

  • Disabling onboard devices

  • Disabling virus protection

  • Power management

  • Infrared

Domain 5: Printers

5.1 Identify printer technologies, interfaces, and options/upgrades.

Technologies include:

  • Laser

  • Ink dispersion

  • Dot matrix

  • Solid ink

  • Thermal

  • Dye sublimation

Interfaces include:

  • Parallel

  • Network

  • SCSI

  • USB

  • Infrared

  • Serial

  • IEEE 1394/FireWire

  • Wireless

Options/Upgrades include:

  • Memory

  • Hard drives

  • NICs

  • Trays and feeders

  • Finishers (e.g., stapling, etc.)

  • Scanners/Fax/Copier

5.2 Recognize common printer problems and techniques used to resolve them.

Content may include the following:

  • Printer drivers

  • Firmware updates

  • Paper feed and output

  • Calibrations

  • Printing test pages

  • Errors (printed or displayed)

  • Memory

  • Configuration

  • Network connections

  • Connections

  • Paper jam

  • Print quality

  • Safety precautions

  • Preventive maintenance

  • Consumables

  • Environment

Domain 6: Basic Networking

6.1 Identify the common types of network cables, their characteristics, and connectors.

Cable types include:

  • Coaxial

    • RG6

    • RG8

    • RG58

    • RG59

  • Plenum/PVC

  • UTP

    • CAT3

    • CAT5/e

    • CAT6

  • STP

  • Fiber

    • Single mode

    • Multimode

Connector types include:

  • BNC

  • RJ-45

  • AUI

  • ST/SC

  • IDC/UDC

6.2 Identify basic networking concepts, including how a network works.

Concepts include:

  • Installing and configuring network cards

  • Addressing

  • Bandwidth

  • Status indicators

  • Protocols

    • TCP/IP

    • IPX/SPX (NWLINK)

    • AppleTalk

    • NetBEUI/NetBIOS

  • Full duplex, half duplex

  • Cabling—twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, RS-232

  • Networking models

    • Peer to peer

    • Client/Server

  • Infrared

  • Wireless

6.3 Identify common technologies available for establishing Internet connectivity and their characteristics.

Technologies include:

  • LAN

  • DSL

  • Cable

  • ISDN

  • Dial-up

  • Satellite

  • Wireless

Characteristics include:

  • Definition

  • Speed

  • Connections

The A+ Operating System Technologies (2003) Examination Objectives

The specific questions on the A+ Operating Systems Technologies exam will be drawn from subject matter related to the following four domains, concepts, and modules that are listed in Table 14.2.

Table 14.2

Domain

Percent of Examination

1. Operating System Fundamentals

28%

2. Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading

31%

3. Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

25%

4. Networks

16%

Total 100%

Domain 1: Operating System Fundamentals

1.1 Identify the major desktop components and interfaces, and their functions. Differentiate the characteristics of Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP.

Content may include the following:

  • Contrasts between Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP

  • Major operating system components

    • Registry

    • Virtual memory

    • File system

  • Major operating system interfaces

    • Windows Explorer

    • My Computer

    • Control Panel

    • Computer management console

    • Accessories/System tools

    • Command line

    • Network Neighborhood/My Network Places

    • Task bar/Systray

    • Start Menu

    • Device Manager

1.2 Identify the names, locations, purposes, and contents of major system files.

Content may include the following:

  • Windows 9x specific files

    • IO.SYS

    • MSDOS.SYS

    • AUTOEXEC.BAT

    • COMMAND.COM

    • CONFIG.SYS

    • HIMEM.SYS

    • EMM386.exe

    • WIN.COM

    • SYSTEM.INI

  • Registry data files

  • SYSTEM.DAT

  • USER.DAT

  • Windows NT-based specific files

    • BOOT.INI

    • NTLDR

    • NTDETECT.COM

    • NTBOOTDD.SYS

    • NTUSER.DAT

    • Registry data files

1.3 Demonstrates the ability to use command-line functions and utilities to manage the operating system, including the proper syntax and switches.

Command-line functions and utilities include:

  • Command/CMD

  • DIR

  • ATTRIB

  • VER

  • MEM

  • SCANDISK

  • DEFRAG

  • EDIT

  • XCOPY

  • COPY

  • FORMAT

  • FDISK

  • SETVER

  • SCANREG

  • MD/CD/RD

  • Delete/Rename

  • DELTREE

  • TYPE

  • ECHO

  • SET

  • PING

1.4 Identify basic concepts and procedures for creating, viewing, and managing disks, directories, and files. This includes procedures for changing file attributes and the ramifications of those changes (e.g., security issues).

Content may include the following:

  • Disks

    • Partitions

      • Active partition

      • Primary partition

      • Extended partition

      • Logical partition

    • Files systems

      • FAT16

      • FAT32

      • NTFS4

      • NTFS5.x

  • Directory structures (root directory, subdirectories, etc.)

    • Create folders

    • Navigate the directory structure

    • Maximum depth

  • Files

    • Creating files

    • File naming conventions (most common extensions, 8.3, maximum length)

    • File attributes—read only, hidden, system, and archive attributes

    • File compression

    • File encryption

    • File permissions

    • File types (text versus binary file)

1.5 Identify the major operating system utilities, their purposes, location, and available switches.

  • Disk management tools

    • DEFRAG.EXE

    • FDISK.EXE

    • Backup/Restore utility (MS Backup, NT Backup, etc.)

    • ScanDisk

    • CHKDSK

    • Disk cleanup

    • Format

  • System management tools

    • Device manager

    • System manager

    • Computer manager

    • MSCONFIG.EXE

    • REGEDIT.EXE (view information/backup registry)

    • REGEDT32.EXE

    • SYSEDIT.EXE

    • SCANREG

    • COMMAND/CMD

    • Event viewer

    • Task manager

  • File management tools

    • ATTRIB.EXE

    • EXTRACT.EXE

    • Edit.com

    • Windows Explorer

Domain 2: Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading

2.1 Identify the procedures for installing Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP, and bringing the operating system to a basic operational level.

Content may include the following:

  • Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements.

  • Determine OS installation options.

    • Installation type (typical, custom, other)

    • Network configuration

    • File system type

    • Dual boot support

  • Disk preparation order (conceptual disk preparation)

    • Start the installation

    • Partition

    • Format drive

  • Run appropriate set-up utility

    • Setup

    • Winnt

  • Installation methods

    • Bootable CD-ROM

    • Boot floppy

    • Network installation

    • Drive imaging

  • Device driver configuration

    • Load default drivers

    • Find updated drivers

    • Restore user data files (if applicable)

    • Identify common symptoms and problems

2.2 Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade from Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows XP. Given an upgrade scenario, choose the appropriate next steps.

Content may include the following:

  • Upgrade paths available

  • Determine correct upgrade start-up utility (e.g., WINNT32 versus WINNT)

  • Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements

  • Verify application compatibility

  • Apply OS service packs, patches, and updates

  • Install additional Windows components

2.3 Identify the basic system boot sequences and boot methods, including the steps to create an emergency boot disk with utilities installed for Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, or Windows XP.

Content may include the following:

  • Boot sequence

    • Files required to boot

    • Boot steps (Windows 9x/NT based)

  • Alternative boot methods

    • Using a start-up disk

    • Safe/VGA-only mode

    • Last known good configuration

    • Command prompt mode

    • Booting to a system-restore point

    • Recovery console

    • Boot.ini switches

    • Dual boot

  • Creating emergency disks with OS utilities

  • Creating an Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)

2.4 Identify procedures for installing/adding a device, including loading, adding, and configuring device drivers and required software.

Content may include the following:

  • Device driver installation

    • Plug-and-Play (PnP) and non-PnP devices

    • Install and configure device drivers

    • Install different device drivers

    • Manually install a device driver

    • Search the Internet for updated device drivers

    • Using unsigned drivers (driver signing)

  • Install additional Windows components

  • Determine if permissions are adequate for performing the task

2.5 Identify the procedures necessary to optimize the operating system and major operating system subsystems.

Content may include the following:

  • Virtual memory management

  • Disk Defragmentation

  • Files and Buffers

  • Caches

  • Temporary file management

Domain 3: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

3.1 Recognize and interpret the meaning of common error codes and start-up messages from the boot sequence, and identify steps to correct the problems.

Content may include the following:

  • Common error messages and codes

    • Boot failure and errors

  • Invalid boot disk

  • Inaccessible boot device

  • Missing NTLDR

  • Bad or missing command interpreter

    • Start-up messages

  • Error in CONFIG.SYS line XX

  • Himem.sys not loaded

  • Missing or corrupt Himem.sys

  • Device/Service has failed to start

    • A device referenced in SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, Registry is not found

    • Event Viewer—event log is full

    • Failure to start GUI

    • Windows Protection Error

    • User-modified settings cause improper operation at start-up

    • Registry corruption

  • Using the correct utilities

    • Dr. Watson

    • Boot Disk

    • Event Viewer

3.2 Recognize when to use common diagnostic utilities and tools. Given a diagnostic scenario involving one of these utilities or tools, select the appropriate steps needed to resolve the problem.

Utilities and tools may include the following:

  • Start-up disks

    • Required files for a boot disk

    • Boot disk with CD-ROM support

  • Startup Modes

    • Safe mode

    • Safe mode with command prompt

    • Safe mode with networking

    • Step-by-step/Single-step mode

    • Automatic skip driver (ASD.exe)

  • Diagnostic tools, utilities, and resources

    • User/Installation manuals

    • Internet/Web resources

    • Training materials

    • Task Manager

    • Dr. Watson

    • Boot disk

    • Event Viewer

    • Device Manager

    • WinMSD

    • MSD

    • Recovery CD-ROM

    • CONFIGSAFE

  • Eliciting problem symptoms from customers

  • Having the customer reproduce error as part of the diagnostic process

  • Identifying recent changes to the computer environment from the user

3.3 Recognize common operational and usability problems, and determine how to resolve them.

Content may include the following:

  • Troubleshooting Windows-specific printing problems

    • Print spool is stalled

    • Incorrect/incompatible driver for printer

    • Incorrect parameter

  • Other common problems

    • General Protection Faults

    • Bluescreen error (BSOD)

    • Illegal operation

    • Invalid working directory

    • System lockup

    • Option (sound card, modem, input device) or will not function

    • Application will not start or load

    • Cannot log on to network (option-NIC not functioning)

    • Applications don’t install

    • Network connections

  • Viruses and virus types

    • What they are

    • TSR (Terminate Stay Resident) programs and virus

    • Sources (floppy, e-mails, etc.)

    • How to determine presence

Domain 4: Networks

4.1 Identify the networking capabilities of Windows. Given configuration parameters, configure the operating system to connect to a network.

Content may include the following:

  • Configure protocols

    • TCP/IP

  • Gateway

  • Subnet mask

  • DNS (and domain suffix)

  • WINS

  • Static address assignment

  • Automatic address assignment (APIPA, DHCP)

    • IPX/SPX (NWLink)

    • AppleTalk

    • NetBEUI/NetBIOS

  • Configure client options

    • Microsoft

    • Novell

  • Verify the configuration

  • Understand the use of the following tools

    • IPCONFIG.EXE

    • WINIPCFG.EXE

    • PING

    • TRACERT.EXE

    • NSLOOKUP.EXE

  • Share resources (understand the capabilities/limitations with each OS version)

  • Setting permissions to shared resources

  • Network type and network card

4.2 Identify the basic Internet protocols and terminologies. Identify procedures for establishing Internet connectivity. In a given scenario, configure the operating system to connect to, and use Internet resources.

Content may include the following:

  • Protocols and terminologies

    • ISP

    • TCP/IP

    • E-mail (POP, SMTP, IMAP)

    • HTML

    • HTTP

    • HTTPS

    • SSL

    • Telnet

    • FTP

    • DNS

  • Connectivity technologies

    • Dial-up networking

    • DSL networking

    • ISDN networking

    • Cable

    • Satellite

    • Wireless

    • LAN

  • Installing and configuring browsers

    • Enable/Disable script support

    • Configure proxy settings

    • Configure security settings

  • Firewall protection under Windows XP




The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook
The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook (Charles River Media Networking/Security)
ISBN: 1584503726
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 390

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