A+ Exam Overview and Strategies
- Purpose and benefits
- Basic exam structure
Identifying and Installing Personal Computer Components
Microprocessors
- Intel
- Pentium
- Core 2 Duo
- AMD
- Athlon
- Opteron
- Clock circuits
- Cache memory
- Voltage Regulator Module
Identifying motherboard components
- CPU and Chipset
- CMOS RAM
- BIOS Flash EEPROM
- Memory slots: DIMM, RIMM
- Integrated I/O connectors
The power supply and display
- Testing power supplies
- Display types: CRT, LCD
- Display adapter cards: PCI, AGP, PCIe
Installing and expanding memory
- RAM device types: DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/DDR2, RAMBUS
- Packaging formats: DIMM, RIMM, SoDIMM, Micro-DIMM
- Error checking: Parity, non-parity, ECC
PC communication devices
- Parallel: EPP, ECP
- Serial interfaces
- USB 2.0
- Network interface cards
- IEEE 1394/Firewire
Data storage systems
- Hard drive types: EIDE, PATA, SATA, SCSI
- Partitioning & formatting hard disks
- Optical storage devices
Troubleshooting strategies for PCs
- Initial troubleshooting steps
- Diagnostic tools
- Power On Self-Test (POST)
- CMOS setup configuration
Maintaining Portable Computers
Identifying components
- RAM
- Hard drives
- Input devices
- NICs and Mini-PCI
- Batteries and power considerations
Troubleshooting portable PCs
- Cleaning
- Heat
- Protecting from physical damage
- Diagnosing common portable problems
Supporting Printers and Scanners
Installing and configuring printers and scanners
- Dot-matrix
- Inkjet
- Dye-sublimation
- Laser
- Laser printer and scanner components
| Troubleshooting printer and scanner problems
- Printer self-test
- External cables
- Printer/scanner interface
Managing Windows Operating Systems
Windows architecture
- Main system files: BOOT, INI, NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM
- File systems: FAT, NTFS
- Windows registry
Installing and upgrading Windows
- Verifying compatibility and minimum requirements
- Identifying valid upgrade paths
- Installing service packs and device drivers
Managing, optimizing and troubleshooting
- Administering Windows with Event Viewer and Task Manager
- Optimizing virtual memory and hard disk performance
- Troubleshooting Windows startup and hardware problems
Fundamentals of Networking
Network cabling and protocols
- UTP (CAT5, 5e, CAT6), STP, Fiber
- TCP/IP, NETBEUI/NETBIOS, IPX/SPX
Wireless networking
- IEEE 802.11a, b, g
- Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2
Internet connection technologies
- LAN/WAN, ISDN, DSL, Cable, Satellite
- IP addressing
Computer Security Best Practices
Ensuring physical security
- Preventing unauthorized access
- Hardware authentication devices
Detecting and fighting malware
- Data security with authentication technologies
- Windows security
- Firewalls
Ensuring Safety in the Workplace
Safe operating environments
- Protecting against Electro Static Discharge (ESD)
- Environmental guidelines
- Hardware disposal procedures
- Preventive maintenance procedures
Communication and Professionalism
- Speaking with clear and concise statements
- Employing active listening skills
- Applying effective customer service practices
|