CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHORS QUENTIN DOCTER, A+, Network+, IT Fundamentals+, Cloud Essentials+, is an IT consultant who started in the industry in 1994 working in tech support for Packard Bell. Since then, he’s worked as a tech and network support specialist, trainer, consultant, and webmaster. During his career, he has achieved certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Sun Microsystems. He has written over a dozen books for Sybex, including the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Study Guide and the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Study Guide. JON BUHAGIAR, A+, Network+, is an information technology professional with two decades of experience in higher education. During the past 22 years he has been responsible for Network Operations at Pittsburgh Technical College and lead several projects, including virtualization (server and desktop), VoIP, Microsoft 365, and many other projects supporting the quality of education at the college. He has achieved several certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft, and taught many of the certification paths. He is the author of several books, including Sybex’s CompTIA Network+ Review Guide.

Introduction xxvii

Assessment Test lxxxii

Part I 220- 1101 1

Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3

Understanding Motherboards 7

Motherboard Form Factors 7

System Board Components 10

Understanding Processors 42

CPU Architecture 43

CPU Characteristics 45

Understanding Memory 49

Important Memory Terms 50

Types of Memory 54

Memory Packaging 59

Understanding Cooling Systems 63

Fans 63

Memory Cooling 66

Hard Drive Cooling 67

Chipset Cooling 67

CPU Cooling 67

Summary 71

Exam Essentials 71

Review Questions 73

Performance-Based Question 1 77

Performance-Based Question 2 78

Chapter 2 Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 79

Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 81

Video 82

Multimedia 83

Network Interface Card 85

Input/Output 87

Adapter Configuration 88

Understanding Storage Devices 89

Hard Disk Drive Systems 90

Solid- State Drives 96

Raid 104

Removable Storage and Media 107

Installing, Removing, and Configuring Storage Devices 114

Understanding Power Supplies 118

Power Supply Input 119

Power Supply Output and Ratings 120

Power Connectors 121

Modular Power Supplies 125

Redundant Power Supplies 126

Replacing Power Supplies 129

AC Adapters as Power Supplies 130

Summary 131

Exam Essentials 131

Review Questions 133

Performance-Based Question 137

Chapter 3 Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 139

Understanding Cables and Connectors 140

Video Devices 141

Audio Devices 154

Input and Output Devices 156

Storage Devices 159

Understanding Cables and Connectors 160

Peripheral Cables and Connectors 160

Serial Ports 169

Video Cables and Connectors 170

Hard Drive Cables and Connectors 178

Summary 184

Exam Essentials 185

Review Questions 186

Performance-Based Question 190

Chapter 4 Printers and Multifunction Devices 191

Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 193

Impact Printers 194

Inkjet Printers 196

Laser Printers 205

Thermal Printers 217

3D Printers 218

Installing and Maintaining Printers 223

Printer Interface Components 224

Installing and Sharing Local Printers 229

Installing and Sharing Networked Printers 241

Performing Printer Maintenance 251

Installing Printer Upgrades 257

Summary 262

Exam Essentials 262

Review Questions 264

Performance-Based Question 268

Chapter 5 Networking Fundamentals 269

Understanding Networking Principles 271

Network Types 272

Primary Network Components 279

Network Operating Systems 283

Network Resource Access 283

Network Topologies 286

Rules of Communication 290

Identifying Common Network Hardware 295

Network Interface Cards 295

Cables and Connectors 299

Networking Components 314

Summary 324

Exam Essentials 324

Review Questions 327

Performance-Based Question 331

Chapter 6 Introduction to TCP/IP 333

Understanding TCP/IP 335

TCP/IP Structure 336

Understanding IP Addressing 346

Understanding DHCP and DNS 356

IPv6 365

Understanding Virtual Networks 368

Virtual Local Area Networks 368

Virtual Private Networks 370

Summary 372

Exam Essentials 372

Review Questions 374

Performance-Based Question 378

Chapter 7 Wireless and SOHO Networks 379

Understanding Wireless Networking Technologies 381

802.11 Networking Standards 382

Bluetooth Networking 393

Long- Range Fixed Wireless 396

Radio Frequency Networking Standards 398

Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks 402

Keys to Planning a Network 402

Choosing an Internet Connection 404

Choosing Internal Network Connections 418

Installing the Network Infrastructure 422

Configuring Wireless Routers and Access Points 433

Summary 449

Exam Essentials 449

Review Questions 451

Performance-Based Question 455

Chapter 8 Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 457

Understanding Network Services 459

Server Roles 460

Internet Appliances 473

Legacy/Embedded Systems 480

Internet of Things Devices 482

Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing 487

Concepts of Cloud Computing 488

Concepts of Virtualization 499

Summary 515

Exam Essentials 516

Review Questions 518

Performance-Based Question 522

Chapter 9 Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 523

Working with Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 526

Understanding the Differences between Device Types 526

Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops 531

Installing and Configuring Laptop Hardware 535

Setting Up and Configuring Accessories and Ports 580

Summary 584

Exam Essentials 585

Review Questions 586

Performance-Based Question 590

Chapter 10 Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 591

Understanding Mobile Connectivity 593

Understanding Cellular Networking Standards 595

Using Cellular Data Connections 597

Establishing Wi- Fi Connectivity 608

Establishing Bluetooth Connectivity 622

Understanding Mobile App Support 635

Understanding Location Services 635

Understanding Mobile Device and App Management 641

Configuring Mobile Device Synchronization 654

Syncing Android Devices 666

Summary 668

Exam Essentials 668

Review Questions 670

Performance-Based Question 674

 Chapter 11 Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 675

Using the Troubleshooting Best Practice Methodology 678

Step 1: Identify the Problem 678

Step 2: Establish a Theory 683

Step 3: Test the Theory 684

Step 4: Establish a Plan of Action 687

Step 5: Verify Functionality 688

Step 6: Document Findings 689

Troubleshooting Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Power Problems 690

Identifying General Hardware Symptoms and Causes 691

Identifying BIOS/UEFI and POST Routine Problems 696

Identifying Motherboard and CPU Problems 700

Identifying Memory Issues 702

Identifying Power Supply Problems 705

Summary 708

Exam Essentials 709

Review Questions 711

Performance-Based Question 715

Chapter 12 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 717

Troubleshooting Storage Drives and RAID Arrays 721

Lights and Sounds 722

Devices Not Found 723

Performance Issues 724

S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostics 725

RAID Issues 729

Optical Drive Issues 730

Troubleshooting Video, Projector, and Display Issues 731

Video Input Issues 731

Video Image Problems 732

Other Display Issues 735

Troubleshooting Common Mobile Device Issues 737

Power and Heat Issues 738

Input Problems 741

Connectivity Issues 743

Physical Damage and Malware 748

Troubleshooting Printer Problems 751

Impact Printer Problems 752

Inkjet Printer Problems 755

Laser Printer Problems 759

Managing Print Jobs 772

Troubleshooting Networking Problems 779

Using Network Troubleshooting Tools 779

Resolving Connectivity Issues 799

Summary 806

Exam Essentials 806

Review Questions 809

Performance-Based Question 813

Part II 220- 1102 815

Chapter 13 Operating System Basics 817

Understanding Operating Systems 819

Operating System Terms and Concepts 821

Operating Systems 823

Minimum System Requirements 828

Understanding Applications 830

System Requirements for Applications 830

Application Installation 832

Security Considerations 835

Other Considerations for New Applications 835

Introduction to Windows 10 836

Windows Editions 836

Windows Features 840

The Windows Interface 851

What’s in a Window? 864

File Management 867

Preparing for the Exam 871

Summary 872

Exam Essentials 872

Review Questions 874

Performance- Based Question 878

Chapter 14 Windows Configuration 879

Interacting with Operating Systems 882

Task Manager 882

Microsoft Management Console 888

Additional Tools 899

Control Panel 905

Windows Settings 937

The Windows Registry 960

Disk Management 962

Getting Disks Ready to Store Files and Programs 963

Checking the Health of Hard Disks and Optimizing Their Performance 969

Summary 970

Exam Essentials 970

Review Questions 972

Performance- Based Question 976

Chapter 15 Windows Administration 977

Installing and Upgrading Windows 980

Windows Installation Options 982

The Installation Process 984

The Upgrade Process 1002

Repair Installation 1006

Recovery Partition 1007

Side- by- Side Upgrading Windows 10/11 1007

Image Deployment 1008

Upgrading Editions of Windows 1008

Security and Feature Updates 1008

Installation/Upgrade Boot Options 1011

Considerations 1012

Command- Line Tools 1013

Networking in Windows 1030

Networking Models 1030

User Authentication 1034

Establishing a Network Connection 1036

Accessing Resources 1041

Firewall Settings 1044

Client Network Configuration 1046

Summary 1050

Exam Essentials 1050

Review Questions 1052

Performance- Based Question 1056

Chapter 16 Working with macOS and Linux 1057

macOS and Linux 1060

Applications on macOS 1061

Installing Applications from the App Store 1061

Installing Downloadable Applications 1062

Managing Applications 1064

Creating Shortcuts 1065

Best Practices 1065

Scheduled Backups 1065

Scheduled Disk Maintenance 1068

System Updates/App Store 1068

Patch Management 1069

Driver/Firmware Updates 1070

Antivirus/Antimalware Updates 1071

Tools 1071

System Preferences 1073

Features 1082

Basic Linux Commands 1087

Understanding the Syntax of Shell Commands 1088

Discovering and Using Linux Commands 1089

Becoming root (Super User) 1091

Maintaining the Operating System 1092

Managing Processes 1095

Directory Navigation 1097

Directory Listings 1098

Changing Permissions and Ownership 1099

Working with Files 1100

Working with Directories 1103

Networking Utilities 1104

Getting Help 1106

Linux and Windows 1106

Summary 1108

Exam Essentials 1109

Review Questions 1110

Performance- Based Question 1114

Chapter 17 Security Concepts 1115

Physical Security Concepts 1121

Access Control Vestibule 1121

Badge Reader 1122

Video Surveillance 1122

Motion Sensors 1123

Alarm System 1124

Door Locks 1124

Equipment Locks 1125

Security Guards 1127

Fences 1127

Bollards 1128

Physical Security for Staff 1128

Key Fobs 1129

Smartcards and RFID Badges 1129

Keys 1130

Biometrics 1131

Lighting 1132

Magnetometers 1132

Logical Security 1132

Principle of Least Privilege 1133

Access Control Lists 1133

Authentication Factors 1135

Multifactor Authentication 1135

Mobile Device Management (MDM) 1137

Active Directory 1138

Malware 1143

Ransomware 1144

Trojans 1144

Keyloggers 1145

Rootkits 1145

Spyware 1145

Cryptominers 1146

Viruses 1146

Virus Transmission in a Network 1150

Botnets 1151

Worms 1151

Mitigating Software Threats 1151

Antivirus 1152

Antimalware 1153

Recovery Console 1154

End- User Education 1154

Software Firewalls 1156

Reinstalling the OS 1158

Social Engineering Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities 1159

Phishing 1160

Shoulder Surfing 1161

Tailgating 1161

Impersonation 1162

Dumpster Diving 1162

Evil Twin 1162

Common Security Threats 1163

Denial- of- Service Attacks 1163

Zero- Day Attacks 1165

Spoofing Attacks 1166

On- Path Attack (Previously Known as Man- in- the- Middle Attack) 1167

Password Attacks 1167

Insider Threat 1168

SQL Injection 1169

Cross- Site Scripting (XSS) 1169

Exploits and Vulnerabilities 1170

Noncompliant Systems 1170

Patching and Updates 1170

Operating Systems Life Cycle 1171

Unprotected Systems 1171

Byod 1171

Security Best Practices 1172

Data Encryption 1172

Setting Strong Passwords 1173

Requiring Passwords 1174

Password Expiration 1175

End- User Best Practices 1176

Account Management 1177

Disable AutoRun 1181

Destruction and Disposal Methods 1183

Recycling or Repurposing Best Practices 1183

Physical Destruction 1185

Summary 1187

Exam Essentials 1187

Review Questions 1190

Performance- Based Question 1194

Chapter 18 Securing Operating Systems 1195

Working with Windows OS Security Settings 1199

Users and Groups 1199

User Authentication 1203

NTFS vs. Share Permissions 1208

Shared Files and Folders 1215

System Files and Folders 1218

Windows Security Features 1220

Web Browser Security 1228

Browser Download and Installation 1228

Extensions and Plug- ins 1230

Credentials Managers 1232

Secure Data Transfers 1233

Settings 1234

Securing a SOHO Network (Wireless) 1239

Changing Default Usernames and Passwords 1240

Changing the SSID 1240

Guest Network Isolation 1240

Setting Encryption 1241

Disabling SSID Broadcast 1242

Wireless MAC Filtering 1242

Frequencies 1243

Radio Power Levels 1244

Antenna and Access Point Placement 1245

Assign Static IP Addresses 1245

WPS 1246

Authentication 1246

Securing a SOHO Network (Wired) 1247

Changing Default Credentials 1247

Upgrading Firmware 1248

Filtering 1248

DHCP 1252

Physical Security 1252

Mobile Device Security 1253

Screen Locks 1254

Remote Wipes and Locator Applications 1256

Remote Backup 1258

Failed Login Attempts Restrictions 1258

Viruses and Malware on Mobile Devices 1259

Operating System Updates 1260

Full- Device Encryption 1260

Multifactor Authentication 1260

Authenticator Applications 1261

Firewalls 1261

Policies and Procedures 1261

IoT Considerations 1263

Summary 1263

Exam Essentials 1264

Review Questions 1265

Performance-Based Question 1269

Chapter 19 Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1271

Troubleshooting Common Microsoft Windows OS Problems 1275

Common Symptoms 1275

Common Troubleshooting Steps 1297

Troubleshooting Security Issues 1309

Common Symptoms 1310

Browser- Related Symptoms 1315

Best Practices for Malware Removal 1318

1. Identify and Verify Malware Symptoms 1318

2. Quarantine Infected Systems 1319

3. Disable System Restore in Windows 1320

4. Remediate Infected Systems 1321

5. Schedule Scans and Run Updates 1323

6. Enable System Restore and Create a Restore Point in Windows 1324

7. Educate the End User 1325

Troubleshooting Mobile OS Issues 1325

Application Problems 1325

Performance Issues 1327

OS Fails to Update 1329

Extremely Short Battery Life 1330

Connectivity Issues 1331

Autorotate Issues 1334

Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues 1335

Security Concerns 1336

Common Symptoms 1338

Summary 1341

Exam Essentials 1342

Review Questions 1343

Performance- Based Question 1346

Chapter 20 Scripting and Remote Access 1347

Scripting 1349

Scripting Basics 1351

Scripting Languages 1355

Scripting Use Cases 1366

Script Considerations 1373

Remote Access 1375

Remote Desktop Protocol 1375

Virtual Private Network (VPN) 1376

Virtual Network Computing 1379

Telnet 1379

Secure Shell 1380

Remote Monitoring and Management 1381

Remote Access Tools 1382

Security Considerations 1387

Summary 1387

Exam Essentials 1388

Review Questions 1389

Performance- Based Question 1392

Chapter 21 Safety and Environmental Concerns 1393

Understanding Safety Procedures 1395

Identifying Potential Safety Hazards 1395

Creating a Safe Workplace 1407

Understanding Environmental Controls 1417

Managing the Physical Environment 1418

Handling and Disposing of Computer Equipment 1424

Understanding Policies, Licensing, and Privacy 1433

Dealing with Prohibited Content/Activity 1434

Incident Response 1435

Managing Software Licenses 1440

Managing Sensitive Information 1443

Summary 1446

Exam Essentials 1446

Review Questions 1448

Performance-Based Question 1452

Chapter 22 Documentation and Professionalism 1453

Documentation and Support 1457

Ticketing Systems 1458

Asset Management 1462

Common Documentation 1466

Knowledge Base/Articles 1475

Change Management Best Practices 1476

Disaster Prevention and Recovery 1482

Data Backups 1483

Battery Backup/UPS 1489

Power Generators 1490

Surge Protection 1491

Account Recovery Options 1492

Demonstrating Professionalism 1494

Professional Appearance 1495

Communicating with Customers 1496

Using Appropriate Behavior 1500

Putting It All in Perspective 1507

Summary 1508

Exam Essentials 1508

Review Questions 1510

Performance- Based Question 1514

Appendix A Answers to the Review Questions 1515

Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1516

Chapter 2: Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1518

Chapter 3: Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 1520

Chapter 4: Printers and Multifunction Devices 1521

Chapter 5: Networking Fundamentals 1523

Chapter 6: Introduction to TCP/IP 1525

Chapter 7: Wireless and SOHO Networks 1527

Chapter 8: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1529

Chapter 9: Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 1531

Chapter 10: Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 1533

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1535

Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1537

Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1539

Chapter 14: Windows Configuration 1540

Chapter 15: Windows Administration 1543

Chapter 16: Working with macOS and Linux 1545

Chapter 17: Security Concepts 1547

Chapter 18: Securing Operating Systems 1549

Chapter 19: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1551

Chapter 20: Scripting and Remote Access 1554

Chapter 21: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1556

Chapter 22: Documentation and Professionalism 1558

Appendix B Answers to Performance- Based Questions 1561

Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1562

Chapter 2: Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1563

Chapter 3: Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 1563

Chapter 4: Printers and Multifunction Devices 1564

Chapter 5: Networking Fundamentals 1565

Chapter 6: Introduction to TCP/IP 1566

Chapter 7: Wireless and SOHO Networks 1566

Chapter 8: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1567

Chapter 9: Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 1568

Chapter 10: Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 1568

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1569

Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1569

Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1570

Chapter 14: Windows Configuration 1570

Chapter 15: Windows Administration 1571

Chapter 16: Working with macOS and Linux 1575

Chapter 17: Security Concepts 1577

Chapter 18: Securing Operating Systems 1577

Chapter 19: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1578

Chapter 20: Scripting and Remote Access 1578

Chapter 21: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1579

Chapter 22: Documentation and Professionalism 1579

Index 1581

Exercise 2.1 Removing an Internal Storage Device 115

Exercise 2.2 Installing an Internal Storage Device 116

Exercise 2.3 Removing a Power Supply 130

Exercise 3.1 Changing the Refresh Rate in Windows 10 143

Exercise 3.2 Changing the Settings for Multiple Monitors 148

Exercise 4.1 Identifying the Parts of an Inkjet Printer 203

Exercise 4.2 Installing a USB Printer in Windows 10 239

Exercise 4.3 Installing a TCP/IP Printer in Windows 10 242

Exercise 4.4 Determining if Bonjour Is Installed in Windows 244

Exercise 4.5 Scanning a Document to Google Drive 250

Exercise 4.6 Using an Inkjet Cleaning Solution 255

Exercise 4.7 Installing Memory into a Laser Printer 258

Exercise 5.1 Pricing Network Cables 313

Exercise 7.1 The Cost of Networking 422

Exercise 7.2 Installing an Internal NIC in Windows 10 422

Exercise 8.1 Configuring Windows 10 to Use a Proxy Server 477

Exercise 8.2 Using Google’s Cloud Services 497

Exercise 8.3 Enabling Hyper- V in Windows 10 503

Exercise 8.4 Installing VirtualBox and Lubuntu on Windows 10 508

Exercise 9.1 Removing Speakers from a Laptop 536

Exercise 9.2 Removing the Display Assembly 544

Exercise 9.3 Removing the Display Panel 546

Exercise 9.4 Removing the Motherboard from a Laptop 549

Exercise 9.5 Replacing Laptop Memory 553

Exercise 9.6 Removing an M 2 SSD from a Laptop 557

Exercise 9.7 Removing a Laptop Keyboard 560

Exercise 9.8 Disabling a Touchpad in Windows 10 563

Exercise 9.9 Removing an Internal Laptop Battery 568

Exercise 9.10 Removing the System Fan 572

Exercise 9.11 Removing the CPU Heat Sink 573

Exercise 9.12 Removing the Wireless NIC 574

Exercise 9.13 Removing the CMOS Battery 575

Exercise 9.14 Flashing the System BIOS 576

Exercise 10.1 Connecting an iPhone to a Wi- Fi Network 609

Exercise 10.2 Connecting an Android Phone to a Wi- Fi Network 611

Exercise 10.3 Disabling Cellular Use for Data Networking on an iPhone 614

Exercise 10.4 Disabling Cellular Use for Data Networking in Android OS 616

Exercise 10.5 Setting Up a VPN in Android 619

Exercise 10.6 Pairing an Android Device with a Windows Laptop 623

Exercise 10.7 Pairing an iPhone with a Vehicle’s Sound System 632

Exercise 10.8 Configuring Location Services in iOS 638

Exercise 10.9 Email Account Configuration on an iPhone 645

Exercise 10.10 Email Account Configuration in Android 648

Exercise 10.11 Enabling ActiveSync in iOS 658

Exercise 11.1 Troubleshooting Practice 707

Exercise 12.1 Using a S M A R T Software Utility in Windows 729

Exercise 12.2 Stopping and Restarting the Print Spooler in Windows 10 775

Exercise 12.3 Renewing an IP Address in Windows 10 787

Exercise 12.4 Renewing an IP Address from the Command Line 789

Exercise 12.5 Using the net share Command in Windows 795

Exercise 13.1 Changing a Screen Saver in Windows 854

Exercise 13.2 Auto- Hiding the Taskbar 856

Exercise 13.3 Starting a Program from the Run Window 859

Exercise 14.1 Working with Task Manager 887

Exercise 14.2 Working with Performance Monitor 896

Exercise 14.3 Changing the Time Zone 908

Exercise 14.4 Showing Hidden Files and Folders 913

Exercise 15.1 Command- Line Directory Management 1015

Exercise 15.2 Running chkdsk within Windows 1025

Exercise 15.3 Running chkdsk at the Command Line 1026

Exercise 16.1 Installing Applications on macOS 1063

Exercise 16.2 Uninstalling Applications on macOS 1065

Exercise 16.3 Working with Files 1103

Exercise 17.1 Testing Your Antimalware 1153

Exercise 17.2 Testing Social Engineering 1160

Exercise 18.1 Examining a Security Token 1207

Exercise 18.2 Examining File Permissions 1214

Exercise 18.3 Working with File Hashes 1230

Exercise 18.4 Setting the Passcode Lock on an iPhone 1255

Exercise 18.5 Setting the Passcode Lock on an Android Phone 1255

Exercise 19.1 Reviewing Reliability Monitor 1288

Exercise 19.2 Manually Creating a Restore Point in Windows 1304

Exercise 20.1 Creating and Running a Windows Batch Script 1356

Exercise 20.2 Creating Your First PowerShell Script 1360

Exercise 21.1 Finding Trip Hazards 1413

Exercise 21.2 Finding MSDSs 1425

Exercise 22.1 Understanding Punctuality 1501

Exercise 22.2 Surprise Someone 1505