| This book has 21 chapters, 1 appendix, and study content on the CD packaged with the book. The following sections are included in print form in the book: -
Chapter 1, "A+ Objectives for the 2003 Exam Revisions," cross-references the official A+ Certification Exam objectives for the latest (November 2003) A+ Certification Exams to the relevant sections of the book. Use this chapter to help you focus on any weak spots in your knowledge of A+ Certification objectives. -
Chapter 2, "PC Anatomy 101," provides you with a complete outside-in tour of typical desktop and portable computers. If you've never popped the top off your PC before, let this chapter be your guide. -
Chapter 3, "How Computers Measure and Transfer Data," gets you up to speed on how computers store, count, and transfer information. -
Chapter 4, "The Motherboard and CPU," brings you the whole story on how motherboards and processors (CPUs) work together and how they are installed and kept cool. -
Chapter 5, "Power Supplies and Circuit Testing," introduces you to the unsung hero of system stability, the power supply. You also learn how to test the electrical circuits in your computer and protect your PC with surge suppressors and battery backup units. -
Chapter 6, "BIOS and CMOS Configuration," provides full coverage on how the BIOS chip on the motherboard tells the rest of the computer what to do, how it reports problems, and how you can adjust its default settings. -
Chapter 7, "RAM," helps you master the bewildering varieties of memory chips and modules. Learn how to install them and discover that with some versions of Windows, you can have too much RAM. -
Chapter 8, "Input/Output Devices and Cables," shows you the differences between parallel and serial ports and their more recent siblings, helps you figure out where to plug in your mouse and keyboard, and how modems work. -
Chapter 9, "Video," helps you master video cards and monitors . -
Chapter 10, "Printers," introduces you to new technologies such as thermal and dye sublimation as well as covering the mainstream inkjet and laser printers on everybody's desk. -
Chapter 11, "Installing and Configuring Common Peripherals," shows you how and where to connect popular peripherals such as digital cameras , PDAs, and network devices. -
Chapter 12, "Portables," demonstrates the many ways that portables differ from desktop computers. With more portable computers now being sold than desktops, chances are there's a portable in your future. -
Chapter 13, "Safety and Recycling," shows you how to clean, recycle, and dispose of computer equipment the right way. It also covers how to work inside your PC, so read this chapter first! -
Chapter 14, "Storage," covers the selection, installation, and configuration of removable media, hard disk, and floppy and optical storage devices. -
Chapter 15, "Preparing Hard and Floppy Drives with Windows," shifts the focus from hardware to software. Learn how to turn an out-of-the-box hard disk into storage for your ever-increasing collection of data. -
Chapter 16, "Operating System Installation," guides you through the process of installing Windows versions from NT 4.0 through XP from start to finish. This chapter also shows you how to create a dual-boot configuration (two operating systems in one computer). -
Chapter 17, "Operating System Upgrades," shows you how to replace an old Windows version with a newer version and how to finish bringing your system up to date with service pack and Windows Updates installations. -
Chapter 18, "Using and Optimizing Windows," helps you understand the Windows startup process, how to configure Windows after it starts, and how to use Windows's most important GUI and command-line tools. -
Chapter 19, "Installing and Configuring Hardware in Windows," shows you how to install, configure, and use printers and other types of hardware the Windows way. -
Chapter 20, "Troubleshooting Windows and Windows Applications," helps you deal with "broken" Windows installations and stubborn applications. -
Chapter 21, "Networking and Internet Connectivity," covers both the hardware (network card and cable) and software (network protocols and Windows features) that make networks work. -
Appendix A, "CD-ROM Instructions," helps you get the most from the jam-packed CD-ROM packaged with this book. The CD includes Chapters 22, 23, a CD Supplement, a Windows command reference, and the Glossary. It also includes a first-class self-test engine, hands-on labs, study notes, and practice test questions for each chapter you can take with you anywhere (they're in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format) and actual BIOS beep code samples you can play through your PC's speakers . The CD is an integral part of this book, so be sure to use it. The following chapters and materials are found on the CD: -
Chapter 22, "Troubleshooting Principles," teaches you the methods of troubleshooting and gives you plenty of help with troubleshooting hardware and operating system problems. -
Chapter 23, "Preparing to Take the A+ Certification Exams," shows you how to sign up for the exams and prepare to get a passing score. -
The CD Supplement provides additional technical information on SCSI configuration, touchscreen monitors, and printer options. -
Study Guide sections for Chapters 2 “22, including hands-on labs, a glossary for each chapter, and practice test questions and answers. -
The Windows command reference provides detailed syntax and examples. -
The PrepLogic Practice Exam, Preview Edition. See Appendix A to learn how to use the contents of the CD. tip  | I've also included a helpful glossary on the CD included with this book, which provides real-world definitions of the key terms and concepts highlighted in each chapter. This glossary comes in two formats. First, you'll find it in printable PDF format. Print it out and include with your binder of study materials. Second, I've included the glossary in Windows Help file format, which means you can copy the Help file to your hard drive and search the glossary for terms. I believe you will find this to be an asset to your A+ studies. |
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