CompTIA A+ Complete Certification Kit

Emmett Dulaney (Indianapolis, IN), A+, Network+, Security+, MCT, is an Assistant Professor at Anderson University. He has written several certification books on Windows, Security, IT project management, and UNIX. He is also a well-known certification columnist for CertCities.com. Quentin Docter (Waconia, MN) A+, MCSE, CNE, CCNA, and SCSA, has over 17 years IT experience. He is now working as an IT consultant and author. Toby Skandier (Raleigh, NC), A+, Network +, i-Net+, Server+, is founder of Talskan Technologies, LLC, a technical education provider based in North Carolina.

CompTIA A+ Complete Deluxe Study Guide: Exams 220-901 and 220-902


Introduction xxix


Assessment Test lvii


Part I - 220-901 1


Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3


Identifying Components of Motherboards 5


System Board Form Factors 6


System Board Components 8


Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors 32


Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory 38


Important Memory Terms 38


Types of Memory 43


Memory Packaging 50


Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems 54


Fans 54


Memory Cooling 58


Hard Drive Cooling 58


Chipset Cooling 58


CPU Cooling 59


Summary 63


Exam Essentials 63


Review Questions 65


Performance-Based Question 1 69


Performance-Based Question 2 69


Chapter 2 Storage Devices and Power Supplies 71


Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices 72


Hard Disk Drive Systems 72


Solid-State Drives 77


Optical Storage Drives 79


Drive Interfaces and RAID 85


Removable Storage and Media 89


Installing, Removing, and Configuring Storage Devices 95


Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Power Supplies 98


Dual-Rail Architecture 99


Power and Voltage Ratings 99


Power Connectors 100


Replacing Power Supplies 106


AC Adapters as Power Supplies 107


Summary 108


Exam Essentials 108


Review Questions 109


Performance-Based Question 112


Chapter 3 Peripherals and Expansion 113


Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 117


Video 118


Multimedia 119


I/O 120


Communications 120


Adapter Configuration 126


Identifying Characteristics of Connectors and Cables 126


Device Connector Types 127


Common Peripheral Cables and Their Interfaces 134


Video Display Cables and Connectors 146


Input Devices 157


Mouse 158


Touchpad 159


Keyboard 161


Scanner 163


Barcode Reader 165


Digitizer 166


Biometric Devices 167


Gamepads and Joysticks 168


Motion Sensor 168


Smart Card Reader 169


Multimedia Input Devices 170


Output Devices 173


Printers 174


Speakers 174


Display Devices 174


Input and Output Devices 174


Touchscreens 175


KVM Switch 175


Smart TV 176


Set-Top Box 177


Summary 177


Exam Essentials 178


Review Questions 179


Performance-Based Questions 182


Chapter 4 Display Devices 183


Understanding Display Types and Settings 184


Video Display Types 184


Adjusting Display Settings 195


Understanding Video Standards and Technologies 205


Video Standards 205


Advanced Video Resolutions and Concepts 207


Summary 212


Exam Essentials 213


Review Questions 214


Performance-Based Question 217


Chapter 5 Custom Configurations 219


Standard Thick Clients 222


Graphic and CAD/CAM Design Workstations 223


CPU Enhancements 223


Video Enhancements 224


Maximized RAM 224


Audio/Video Editing Workstations 225


Video Enhancements 225


Specialized Audio 226


Specialized Hard Drives 226


Virtualization Workstations 227


CPU Enhancements 228


Maximized RAM 228


Gaming PCs 230


CPU Enhancements 230


Video Enhancements 231


Specialized Audio 231


Enhanced Cooling 232


Home Theater PCs 232


Video Enhancements 234


Specialized Audio 234


Special Chassis and TV Tuner 234


Thin Clients 235


Home Server PCs 236


Media Streaming Capabilities 237


File and Print Sharing Services 240


Gigabit NIC 240


RAID Array 241


Summary 241


Exam Essentials 241


Review Questions 243


Performance-Based Question 246


Chapter 6 Networking Fundamentals 247


Understanding Networking Principles 249


Understanding Networking Fundamentals 250


Identifying Common Network Hardware 270


Network Interface Cards (NICs) 270


Cables and Connectors 272


Networking Components 284


Summary 289


Exam Essentials 290


Review Questions 292


Performance-Based Question 295


Chapter 7 Introduction to TCP/IP 297


Understanding TCP/IP 299


TCP/IP Structure 300


Understanding IP Addressing 308


Summary 322


Exam Essentials 323


Review Questions 324


Performance-Based Question 327


Chapter 8 Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 329


Understanding Wireless Networking 331


802.11 Networking Standards 332


802.11 Devices 338


Wireless Encryption Methods 339


Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks 341


Choosing Connection Types 341


Installing the Network 363


Configuring a Wireless Router 373


Summary 386


Exam Essentials 387


Review Questions 388


Performance-Based Question 391


Chapter 9 Understanding Laptops 393


Understanding Laptop Architecture 396


Laptops vs. Desktops 396


Laptop Case 398


Motherboards and Processors 399


Memory 402


Storage 403


Input Devices 406


Expansion Buses and Ports 414


Docking Stations 422


Power Systems 424


Laptop Displays 427


Cable Locks 431


Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops 432


Using the Right Tools 432


Replacing Laptop Components 434


Summary 448


Exam Essentials 448


Review Questions 450


Performance-Based Question 453


Chapter 10 Understanding Mobile Devices 455


Understanding Mobile Devices 457


Characteristics of Mobile Devices 458


Tablets 461


Smartphones 463


Phablets 469


e-Readers 471


GPS 473


Smart Cameras 476


Wearable Technology Devices 477


Connection Types 484


Mobile Device Accessories 490


Summary 492


Exam Essentials 492


Review Questions 494


Performance-Based Question 497


Chapter 11 Installing and Configuring Printers 499


Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 502


Impact Printers 503


Inkjet 505


Laser Printers 513


Thermal Printers 524


Virtual Printers 525


Installing and Configuring Printers 527


Printer Interface Components 527


Installing and Sharing Local Printers 532


Installing and Sharing Networked Printers 542


Performing Printer Maintenance and Upgrades 550


Performing Printer Maintenance 551


Installing Printer Upgrades 556


Summary 559


Exam Essentials 560


Review Questions 562


Performance-Based Question 565


Chapter 12 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 567


Troubleshooting Core Hardware Issues 574


Troubleshooting Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Power Problems 575


Troubleshooting Storage Device Problems 588


Troubleshooting Video Issues 593


Troubleshooting Mobile Devices, Printers, and Networking 595


Troubleshooting Common Mobile Device Issues 595


Troubleshooting Printer Problems 607


Troubleshooting Networking Problems 630


Summary 652


Exam Essentials 653


Review Questions 655


Performance-Based Question 658


Part II - 220-902 659


Chapter 13 Operating System Basics 661


Understanding Operating Systems 662


Operating System Terms and Concepts 664


Minimum System Requirements 665


The Windows Interface 669


What’s in a Window? 685


Updating Windows 689


Creating Restore Points 690


File Management 691


Going Virtual 698


Preparing for the Exam 699


Summary 702


Exam Essentials 702


Review Questions 703


Performance-Based Question 706


Chapter 14 Operating System Administration 707


Interacting with Operating Systems 709


Control Panel 709


The Command Prompt 721


Virtual Memory 733


Administrative Tools 734


Task Manager 734


MMC 739


Computer Management 739


Services 740


Performance Monitor 740


Task Scheduler 741


Windows System Configuration Tools 742


Power Management 748


Disk Management 749


Getting Disks Ready to Store Files and Programs 749


Backing Up the Data on Your Drives 753


Checking the Health of Hard Disks and Optimizing Their Performance 753


User Authentication 754


Summary 755


Exam Essentials 755


Review Questions 757


Performance-Based Question 761


Chapter 15 Working with Windows 8/8.1 763


Windows Editions 764


Installing Windows 8 769


Unattended Installation/Image Deployment 773


Remote Network Installation 773


Multiboot Installation 774


Repair Installation/Refresh/Restore 774


Recovery Partition 774


Windows 8 Boot Methods 776


Internal Hard Drive (Partition) 776


External/Hot Swappable Drive 776


Flash Drives 777


Solid-State Drives 777


Netboot 777


Summary 777


Exam Essentials 778


Review Questions 779


Performance-Based Question 782


Chapter 16 Working with Windows 7 783


Windows 7 Editions 785


Installing Windows 7 791


Upgrading to Windows 7 792


Upgrading Editions of Windows 7 796


Installation/Upgrade Boot Options 797


The Windows 7 Boot Sequences 797


Key Boot Files 797


Windows 7 Features 798


Tools in Windows 7 798


Windows 7 Administrative Tools 804


Local Users and Groups 804


Local Security Policy 805


System Configuration 807


Component Services 808


Data Sources 808


Print Management 809


Windows Memory Diagnostics 810


Unique Control Panel Utilities 810


HomeGroup 810


RemoteApp and Desktop Connections 810


Troubleshooting 811


Networking and Windows 7 813


Configuring an Alternative IP Address in Windows 814


Network Card Properties 815


Configuring Windows Networking 816


Windows 7 System Performance and Optimization 817


Summary 819


Exam Essentials 819


Review Questions 821


Performance-Based Question 826


Chapter 17 Working with Windows Vista 827


Windows Vista Editions 829


Installing Windows Vista 832


Clean Install 832


Upgrading to Windows Vista 833


Transferring to Windows Vista 835


The Windows Vista Boot Sequences 835


Key Boot Files 835


Windows Vista Features 836


Tools in Windows Vista 836


Windows Vista Administrative Tools 840


Users and Groups 840


Local Security Policy 841


System Configuration 843


Component Services 845


Data Sources 845


Print Management 845


Windows Memory Diagnostics 846


Distinctive Utilities 847


Tablet PC Settings 847


Pen and Input Devices 848


Offline Files 849


Problem Reports and Solutions 850


Printers 852


Networking and Windows Vista 852


Vista System Performance and Optimization 855


Aero 856


User Account Control 857


Indexing 858


Sidebar 859


Summary 860


Exam Essentials 860


Review Questions 861


Performance-Based Question 865


Chapter 18 Working with Mac OS and Linux 867


Best Practices 868


Scheduled Backups 868


Scheduled Disk Maintenance 871


System Updates/App Store 871


Patch Management 871


Driver/Firmware Updates 873


Antivirus/Antimalware Updates 873


Tools 873


Features 874


Basic Linux Commands 877


Understanding the Syntax of Shell Commands 878


Discovering and Using Linux Commands 879


Becoming root (Superuser) 881


Managing Processes 881


Directory Navigation 883


Directory Listings 884


Changing Permissions and Ownership 885


Working with Files 886


Working with Directories 887


Networking Utilities 887


Summary 888


Exam Essentials 888


Review Questions 889


Performance-Based Question 892


Chapter 19 Security 893


Common Prevention Methods 896


Physical Security 897


Digital Security 899


User Education/AUP 905


Principle of Least Privilege 906


Email Filtering 906


Virtual Private Networks 906


Common Security Threats 907


Social Engineering 907


Password Attacks 908


Malware 909


Man-in-the-Middle Attacks 909


Rootkits 910


Phishing 910


Shoulder Surfing 911


Spyware 911


Viruses 912


Worms 917


Trojans 918


Ransomware 918


Spoofing 918


Zero-Day Attack 919


Zombie/Botnet 919


Non-Complaint Systems 920


Workstation Security Best Practices 920


Setting Strong Passwords 920


Requiring Passwords and Expiration 921


Account Management 921


Restricting User Permissions 921


Add Login Time Restrictions 921


Act on Failed Login Attempts 922


Changing Default Usernames 922


Disabling the Guest Account 922


Screensaver Required Password 922


Disable Autorun 922


Data Loss Prevention 923


Working with Windows OS Security Settings 923


Users and Groups 923


NTFS vs. Share Permissions 925


Shared Files and Folders 927


System Files and Folders 928


User Authentication 928


BitLocker and BitLocker To Go 929


EFS 929


Mobile Device Security 929


Screen Locks 930


Remote Wipes and Locator Applications 931


Remote Backup 934


Operating System Updates 934


Destruction and Disposal Methods 935


Recycling or Repurposing Best Practices 936


Low-Level Format vs. Standard Format 936


Hard Drive Sanitation and Sanitation Methods 936


Physical Destruction 937


Securing a SOHO Network (Wireless) 939


Change Default Usernames and Passwords 940


Changing the SSID 940


Setting Encryption 940


Disabling SSID Broadcast 940


Enable MAC Filtering 940


Antenna and Access Point Placement 941


Radio Power Levels 941


Assign Static IP Addresses 941


WPS 942


Securing a SOHO Network (Wired) 942


Change Default Usernames and Passwords 942


Assign Static IP Addresses 943


Disabling Ports 943


Physical Security 943


Summary 945


Exam Essentials 945


Review Questions 947


Performance-Based Question 951


Chapter 20 Network Services, Cloud Computing, and Virtualization 953


Understanding Network Services 955


Server Roles 956


Internet Appliances 971


Legacy and Embedded Systems 973


Understanding Cloud Computing and Virtualization 975


Concepts of Cloud Computing 975


Understanding Virtualization 984


Summary 996


Exam Essentials 996


Review Questions 998


Performance-Based Question 1001


Chapter 21 Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1003


Understanding Mobile Operating Systems 1006


Comparing Mobile Operating Systems 1007


Understanding Sensors and Calibration 1022


Using Additional Mobile Operating System Features 1029


Network Connectivity and Email 1036


Understanding Cellular Data Connections 1037


Establishing Wi-Fi Connectivity 1045


Establishing Bluetooth Connectivity 1056


Configuring Email Accounts 1069


Mobile Device Synchronization 1082


Syncing Apple iOS Devices 1083


Syncing Android Devices 1088


Software Installation Requirements 1089


Summary 1092


Exam Essentials 1092


Review Questions 1093


Performance-Based Question 1096


Chapter 22 Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1097


Understanding Troubleshooting Theory 1100


Identifying the Problem 1101


Establishing a Theory 1105


Testing Solutions 1106


Establishing a Plan of Action 1107


Verifying Functionality 1109


Documenting the Work 1109


Troubleshooting Operating Systems 1110


Common Symptoms 1110


Operating System Tools 1118


Troubleshooting Security Issues 1126


Common Symptoms 1128


Security Tools 1132


Best Practices for Malware Removal 1136


Troubleshooting Mobile Issues 1137


Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues 1139


Summary 1142


Exam Essentials 1142


Review Questions 1143


Performance-Based Question 1146


Chapter 23 Understanding Operational Procedures 1147


Understanding Safety Procedures 1150


Identifying Potential Safety Hazards 1151


Creating a Safe Workplace 1161


Understanding Environmental Controls 1170


Managing the Physical Environment 1171


Handling and Disposing of Computer Equipment 1177


Understanding Policies, Licensing, and Privacy 1186


Managing Software Licenses 1186


Managing Sensitive Information 1189


Demonstrating Professionalism 1191


Communicating with Customers 1192


Using Appropriate Behavior 1196


Putting It All in Perspective 1202


Summary 1204


Exam Essentials 1204


Review Questions 1206


Performance-Based Question 1209


Appendix A Answers to Review Questions 1211


Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1212


Chapter 2: Storage Devices and Power Supplies 1214


Chapter 3: Peripherals and Expansion 1215


Chapter 4: Display Devices 1217


Chapter 5: Custom Configurations 1219


Chapter 6: Network Fundamentals 1221


Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1222


Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1224


Chapter 9: Understanding Laptops 1226


Chapter 10: Understanding Mobile Devices 1227


Chapter 11: Installing and Configuring Printers 1229


Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1230


Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1232


Chapter 14: Operating System Administration 1233


Chapter 15: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1234


Chapter 16: Working with Windows 7 1235


Chapter 17: Working with Windows Vista 1236


Chapter 18: Working with Mac OS and Linux 1238


Chapter 19: Security 1239


Chapter 20: Network Services, Cloud Computing, and Virtualization 1240


Chapter 21: Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1241


Chapter 22: Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1243


Chapter 23: Understanding Operational Procedures 1244


Appendix B Answers to Performance-Based Questions 1247


Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1248


Chapter 2: Storage Devices and Power Supplies 1249


Chapter 3: Peripherals and Expansion 1249


Chapter 4: Display Devices 1249


Chapter 5: Custom Configurations 1252


Chapter 6: Network Fundamentals 1252


Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1254


Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1254


Chapter 9: Understanding Laptops 1254


Chapter 10: Understanding Mobile Devices 1256


Chapter 11: Installing and Configuring Printers 1256


Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1257


Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1257


Chapter 14: Operating System Administration 1259


Chapter 15: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1259


Chapter 16: Working with Windows 7 1259


Chapter 17: Working with Windows Vista 1262


Chapter 18: Working with Mac OS and Linux 1264


Chapter 19: Security 1264


Chapter 20: Network Services, Cloud Computing, |and Virtualization 1266


Chapter 21: Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1266


Chapter 22: Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1267


Chapter 23: Understanding Operational Procedures 1267


Index 1269


CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide: Exams 220-901 and 220-902


Introduction xv


Part I CompTIA A+ 220-901 1


Chapter 1 Hardware 3


1.1 Given a Scenario, Configure Settings and Use BIOS/UEFI Tools on a PC 8


1.2 Explain the Importance of Motherboard Components, Their Purpose, and Properties 18


1.3 Compare and Contrast Various RAM Types and Their Features 32


1.4 Install and Configure PC Expansion Cards 37


1.5 Install and Configure Storage Devices and Use Appropriate Media 44


1.6 Install Various Types of CPUs and Apply the Appropriate Cooling Methods 59


1.7 Compare and Contrast Various PC Connection Interfaces, Their Characteristics, and Purpose 64


1.8 Install a Power Supply Based on Given Specifications 74


1.9 Given a Scenario, Select the Appropriate Components for a Custom PC Configuration to Meet Customer Specifications or Needs 79


1.10 Compare and Contrast Types of Display Devices and Their Features 87


1.11 Identify Common PC Connector Types and Associated Cables 92


1.12 Install and Configure Common Peripheral Devices 102


1.13 Install SOHO Multifunction Devices/Printers and Configure Appropriate Settings 108


1.14 Compare and Contrast Differences Between the Various Print Technologies and the Associated Imaging Process 114


1.15 Given a Scenario, Perform Appropriate Printer Maintenance 128


Review Questions 135


Chapter 2 Networking 137


2.1 Identify the Various Types of Network Cables and Connectors 140


2.2 Compare and Contrast the Characteristics of Connectors and Cabling 147


2.3 Explain the Properties and Characteristics of TCP/IP 152


2.4 Explain Common TCP and UDP Ports, Protocols, and Their Purpose 158


2.5 Compare and Contrast Various Wi-Fi Networking Standards and Encryption Types 161


2.6 Given a Scenario, Install and Configure a SOHO Wireless/Wired Router and Apply Appropriate Settings 164


2.7 Compare and Contrast Internet Connection Types, Network Types, and Their Features 170


2.8 Compare and Contrast Network Architecture Devices, Their Functions, and Features 174


2.9 Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate Networking Tools 178


Review Questions 182


Chapter 3 Mobile Devices 185


3.1 Install and Configure Laptop Hardware and Components 187


3.2 Explain the Function of Components Within the Display of a Laptop 199


3.3 Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate Laptop Features 202


3.4 Explain the Characteristics of Various Types of Other Mobile Devices 209


3.5 Compare and Contrast Accessories and Ports of Other Mobile Devices 215


Review Questions 222


Chapter 4 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 225


4.1 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Problems Related to Motherboards, RAM, CPU, and Power with Appropriate Tools 227


4.2 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays with Appropriate Tools 238


4.3 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Video, Projector, and Display Issues 245


4.4 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks with Appropriate Tools 250


4.5 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot and Repair Common Mobile Device Issues While Adhering to the Appropriate Procedures 264


4.6 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Printers with Appropriate Tools 275


Review Questions 284


Part II CompTIA A+ 220]902 287


Chapter 5 Windows Operating Systems 289


1.1 Compare and Contrast Various Features and Requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1) 293


1.2 Given a Scenario, Install Windows PC Operating Systems Using Appropriate Methods 315


1.3 Given a Scenario, Apply Appropriate Microsoft Command-Line Tools 325


1.4 Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate Microsoft Operating System Features and Tools 338


1.5 Given a Scenario, Use Windows Control Panel Utilities 363


1.6 Given a Scenario, Install and Configure Windows Networking on a Client/Desktop 383


1.7 Perform Common Preventive Maintenance Procedures Using the Appropriate Windows OS Tools 397


Review Questions 408


Chapter 6 Other Operating Systems and Technologies 411


2.1 Identify Common Features and Functionality of the Mac OS and Linux Operating Systems 414


2.2 Given a Scenario, Set Up and Use Client-Side Virtualization 433


2.3 Identify Basic Cloud Concepts 435


2.4 Summarize the Properties and Purpose of Services Provided by Networked Hosts 438


2.5 Identify Basic Features of Mobile Operating Systems 441


2.6 Install and Configure Basic Mobile Device Network Connectivity and E-mail 445


2.7 Summarize Methods and Data Related to Mobile Device Synchronization 456


Review Questions 461


Chapter 7 Security 463


3.1 Identify Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities 466


3.2 Compare and Contrast Common Prevention Methods 477


3.3 Compare and Contrast Differences of Basic Windows OS Security Settings 489


3.4 Given a Scenario, Deploy and Enforce Security Best Practices to Secure a Workstation 498


3.5 Compare and Contrast Various Methods for Securing Mobile Devices 502


3.6 Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate Data Destruction and Disposal Methods 509


3.7 Given a Scenario, Secure SOHO Wireless and Wired Networks 512


Review Questions 518


Chapter 8 Software Troubleshooting 521


4.1 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot PC Operating System Problems with Appropriate Tools 523


4.2 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common PC Security Issues with Appropriate Tools and Best Practices 540


4.3 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Mobile OS and Application Issues with Appropriate Tools 549


4.4 Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Mobile OS and Application Security Issues with Appropriate Tools 556


Review Questions 562


Chapter 9 Operational Procedures 565


5.1 Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate Safety Procedures 567


5.2 Given a Scenario with Potential Environmental Impacts, Apply the Appropriate Controls 574


5.3 Summarize the Process of Addressing Prohibited Content/Activity and Explain Privacy, Licensing, and Policy Concepts 581


5.4 Demonstrate Proper Communication Techniques and Professionalism 585


5.5 Given a Scenario, Explain the Troubleshooting Theory 591


Review Questions 595


Appendix Answers to Review Questions 597


Index 609