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.
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.
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 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.
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:
IDE interface types
EIDE
ATA/ATAPI
Serial ATA
PIO
RAID (0, 1, and 5)
Master/Slave/Cable select
Devices per channel
Primary/Secondary
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:
I/O ports and cables
Serial
Parallel
USB ports
IEEE 1394/FireWire
Infrared
SCSI
Motherboards
CMOS/ BIOS settings
POST audible/visual error codes
Peripherals
Computer case
Power supply
Slot covers
Front cover alignment
Storage devices and cables
FDD
HDD
CD/CDRW
DVD/DVDRW
Tape drive
Removable storage
Cooling systems
Fans
Heating sinks
Liquid cooling
Temperature sensors
Processor/CPU
Memory
Display device
Input devices
Keyboard
Mouse/Pointer devices
Touch screen
Adapters
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Sound card
Video card
Modem
SCSI
IEEE 1394/FireWire
USB
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 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.
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