CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Cram

David L. Prowse has more than 20 years of experience in the IT field and loves to share his knowledge with readers, viewers, and students. Dave is an advocate of lifelong learning, self-improvement, building confidence, and the sharing of knowledge, and he promotes these ideas in his books, videos, and classes. He answers questions at his websites: https://dprocomputer.com (for A+) and https://prowse.tech (for Linux).

Introduction
Part I: Introduction to Core 1 (220-1101)
CORE 1 (220-1101): DOMAIN 1.0: MOBILE DEVICES
Chapter 1 Laptop Hardware and Components
Introduction to Laptops
Power
Keyboards/Keys
    Special Function Keys
    Troubleshooting Keyboards
Touchpad
Random-Access Memory (RAM)
Storage Drives
Communications
Physical Privacy
Chapter 2 Mobile Device Display Components
Display Types
Inverter and Backlight
    Damaged Inverter
    Worn-Out Backlight
Digitizers and Touchscreens
Webcam and Microphone
Wi-Fi Antenna Connector and Placement
Chapter 3 Mobile Device Accessories and Ports
Connection Types
    Wired Connections
    Wireless Connections
Accessories
    Docking Stations and Port Replicators
    Drawing Pads, Touchpads, and Touch Pens
Chapter 4 Mobile Device Network Connectivity and Application Support
Enabling Wireless Functions
Bluetooth
Email Configuration
    Integrated Commercial Provider Email Configuration
    Corporate and ISP Email Configuration
Cellular Radio Technologies
Location Services
    GPS
    Cellular Location
    IMEI and IMSI
Synchronization Methods
    Synchronizing to the Cloud
    Synchronizing to the Desktop
    Synchronizing to the Automobile
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
CORE 1 (220-1101): DOMAIN 2.0: NETWORKING
Chapter 5 TCP and UDP Ports and Protocols
TCP vs. UDP
Ports and Protocols
    HTTP vs. HTTPS
    Email Protocols
    FTP, SSH, and Telnet
    DHCP
    DNS
    LDAP
    RDP
    More Protocols and Ports
Chapter 6 Network Devices
Switches
Routers
Wireless Access Points
Firewalls
Network Interface Cards
    Hubs
Patch Panels
Power over Ethernet
Cable/DSL Modems
Network Interface Devices
Software-Defined Networking
Chapter 7 Wireless Protocols
802.11 Wireless
Long-Range Fixed Wireless
RFID
Chapter 8 Networked Hosts
Server Roles
    File Servers
    Web Servers
    Print Servers
    Mail Servers
    Proxy Servers
DHCP Servers
    DNS Servers
    Syslog Servers
    AAA Servers
Internet Security Appliances
    Network Firewall
    UTM
    Spam Gateway
    Load Balancer
Embedded Systems and IoT
    Embedded Systems
    IoT
Chapter 9 SOHO Network Configuration
Configuring IPv4
Private vs. Public Addresses
Configuring IPv6
Chapter 10 Network Configuration Concepts
DNS
Email Authentication Methods
DHCP
    DHCP Process
    DHCP Reservations
VLANs
VPNs
Chapter 11 Network Types
Network Types
    LAN and WAN
    MAN
    SAN
    WLAN
    WMN
    PAN
Internet Connection Types
    Cable Internet
    DSL
    Fiber
    Satellite
    Wireless Internet Service Provider
Chapter 12 Networking Tools
Network Cabling Tools
Network Tap
Wi-Fi Analyzers
CORE 1 (220-1101): DOMAIN 3.0: HARDWARE
Chapter 13 Cables and Connectors
Network Cables
    Twisted Pair
    Coaxial
    Optical
Peripheral Cables and Connectors
    USB
    Lightning and Thunderbolt
    Serial
Video Cables and Connectors
Storage Drive Cables and Connectors
Adapters
Chapter 14 RAM
RAM Types
    DDR3
    DDR4
    DDR5
Installing RAM
RAM Technologies
    Single-Channel vs. Multichannel Architectures
    ECC vs. Non-ECC
Chapter 15 Storage Drives
SATA
Magnetic Hard Drives
Solid-State Drives
RAID
Flash
    USB Flash Drives
    Secure Digital Cards
Optical Drives
Chapter 16 Motherboards and Add-on Cards
Motherboard Form Factors and Connector Types
    ATX
    microATX
    ITX
    Expansion Buses
Expansion Cards
    Installing Video Cards
    Sound Cards
    Other Expansion Cards
More Ports and Connectors
BIOS/UEFI Settings
The POST
Chapter 17 CPUs
CPU Architecture
    Clock Rate
    Overclocking
    Types of CPUs
    Multithreading and Multicore
    Cache Memory
CPU Compatibility
    Intel and AMD
    Sockets
Power Consumption
Cooling Mechanisms
    Heat Sinks
    Thermal Paste
    Fans
    Liquid Cooling Systems
Installing CPUs
Chapter 18 Power
Planning Which Power Supply to Use
    Types of Power Supplies and Compatibility
    Wattage and Capacity Requirements
    Number and Type of Power Connectors
    Modular and Redundant PSUs
Installing the Power Supply
Chapter 19 Multifunction Devices/Printers
Setup Considerations
Printer Configuration Settings
    Basic Printer Configuration Settings
    Sharing Printers and Managing Permissions
Local vs. Network Printers
Basic Printer Security
Chapter 20 Printer Consumables
Laser Printers
Inkjet Printers
Thermal Printers
Impact Printers
3D Printers
CORE 1 (220-1101): DOMAIN 4.0: VIRTUALIZATION AND CLOUD COMPUTING
Chapter 21 Cloud Computing Concepts
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Common Cloud Models
Cloud Computing Characteristics
Desktop Virtualization
Chapter 22 Client-Side Virtualization
Purpose of Virtual Machines
Hypervisors
Examples of Virtual Machine Software
Virtual Machine Requirements
Cross-Platform Virtualization
Containers and Sandboxes
    OS-Level Virtualization (Containers)
    Sandboxes
CORE 1 (220-1101): DOMAIN 5.0: HARDWARE AND NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING
Chapter 23 Computer Troubleshooting 101
The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process
    Step 1: Identify the Problem
    Step 2: Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
    Step 3: Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
    Step 4: Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
    Step 5: Verify Full System Functionality and, if Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
    Step 6: Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
Chapter 24 Troubleshooting Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Power
Troubleshooting Motherboards
Troubleshooting CPUs
Troubleshooting RAM
Troubleshooting Power Supply Issues
Heating and Cooling
Chapter 25 Troubleshooting Storage Drives and RAID Arrays
Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Storage Drives
Storage Drive Preventive Maintenance
Storage Drive Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting RAID Arrays
Chapter 26 Troubleshooting Video Issues
PC Video Troubleshooting
External Laptop Monitors and Projectors
    External Laptop Monitors
    Projectors
Chapter 27 Troubleshooting Mobile Devices
Mobile Device Display Troubleshooting
Mobile Device Overheating
More Mobile Device Troubleshooting
Disassembling Processes
Chapter 28 Troubleshooting Printers
Troubleshooting Printers
Print Jobs and the Print Spooler
Managing Printers and Print Jobs
The Windows Print Spooler
Chapter 29 Troubleshooting Wired and Wireless Network Problems
Troubleshooting Common Symptoms
A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Practice Exam
Part II: Introduction to Core 2 (220-1102)
CORE 2 (220-1102): DOMAIN 1.0: OPERATING SYSTEMS
Chapter 30 Comparing Windows Editions
Windows 10 Editions and Feature Differences
Windows Desktop/User Interface and Components
Windows 10 Upgrade Paths
Windows 11
Chapter 31 Microsoft Command-Line Tools, Part I
Microsoft Command-Line Basics
    Command Prompt
    PowerShell
    Windows Terminal
    Ask for Help!
Navigating in the Command Line
Working with Directories and Files
Partitioning and File System-Based Commands
chkdsk and sfc
    chkdsk
    SFC
winver and shutdown
    shutdown
Advanced Commands: gpupdate and gpresult
Chapter 32 Microsoft Command-Line Tools, Part II
Networking Commands
    ipconfig
    ping
    tracert and pathping
    hostname
    netstat
    nslookup
    net
    Bonus Command: arp
Chapter 33 Microsoft Operating System Features and Tools, Part I
Task Manager
The MMC and Administrative Tools
    The MMC
    Event Viewer
    Task Scheduler
    Device Manager
    Certificate Manager
    Local Users and Groups
    Performance Monitor
    Group Policy Editor and Local Security Policy
    Services
    Bonus Tool: Computer Management
Chapter 34 Microsoft Operating System Features and Tools, Part II
Disk Management
    The Disk Management Utility
    Mount Points and Mounting a Drive
    Storage Spaces
    Disk Cleanup
    Optimize Drives/Disk Defragmenter
Additional Windows Tools
    System Information/msinfo32
    Resource Monitor
    System Configuration/MSConfig
    The Windows Registry
Chapter 35 Windows Control Panel Utilities
Opening and Viewing the Control Panel Utilities
    Internet Options
    Devices and Printers
    Programs and Features
    Program Compatibility
    Windows Defender Firewall
    Mail
    Sound
    User Accounts
    Indexing Options
    File Explorer Options
    Power Management
    Ease of Access Center
Chapter 36 Windows Settings
How to Access Settings
Time & Language
Update & Security
    Windows Update
    Windows Defender Firewall
Personalization
Apps
Privacy
System
    Display
    Power & Sleep
    Storage
    About and System Properties
    Virtual Memory
Devices
Network & Internet
Gaming
Accounts
Chapter 37 Windows Networking
Workgroup vs. Domain Setup
    Sharing Resources and Making Network Connections
    Printer Sharing and Access
Establishing Networking Connections
Proxy Settings
Chapter 38 Application Installation and Configuration Concepts
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit
System and OS Requirements for Applications
    Scenario 1: Video Editing Program
    Scenario 2: Developer Program
Distribution Methods
Other Considerations for New Applications
    Application Impact
    User Permissions
    Security Considerations
Chapter 39 Common Operating Systems
Workstation Operating Systems
Smartphone and Tablet Operating Systems
    Android
    iOS
    iPadOS
File System Types and Formatting
    Windows File System Basics
    Linux File System Basics
    macOS File System Basics
Vendor Life-Cycle Limitations
Compatibility Concerns Between Operating Systems
Chapter 40 Operating System Installations and Upgrades
Boot Methods
Types of Installations
Partitioning
    Primary and Extended Partitions and Logical Drives
    Basic and Dynamic Drives
    GPT vs. MBR
More OS Installation and Upgrade Considerations
Chapter 41 macOS
macOS Basics
System Preferences
macOS Features
Managing and Maintaining macOS
Installation and Uninstallation of Applications
Apple ID
Chapter 42 Linux
Linux Basics
Linux Desktop Distributions
Linux Partition Scheme and File System
Linux Command Line
Samba
Linux Best Practices
    Updates and Patches
    Backups
    Anti-malware
    In Closing
CORE 2 (220-1102): DOMAIN 2.0: SECURITY
Chapter 43 Physical Security
Physical Locks
Entry Systems
Biometrics
Other Physical Security Precautions
Protecting Data Physically
Chapter 44 Logical Security
Authentication
Principle of Least Privilege
MDM Policies
Active Directory
    User Profiles
    Logon Script
    Home Folder
    Group Policy
    Security Groups
More Logical Security Concepts
    Authenticator Applications
    Hard Tokens vs. Soft Tokens
    Access Control Lists
    SMS
    Email Security
Chapter 45 Wireless Security and Malware
Comparing/Contrasting Wireless Security Protocols and Authentication Methods
    Wireless and Encryption Protocols
    RADIUS and TACACS+
    Kerberos
Detecting, Removing, and Preventing Malware Using the Appropriate Tools and Methods
    Malicious Software Types
    Preventing Malicious Software
Chapter 46 Social Engineering
Social Engineering
    Phishing
    Evil Twin
    Shoulder Surfing
    Piggybacking/Tailgating
    Dumpster Diving
    Impersonation
Threats and Vulnerabilities
    Network-Based Attacks
    Password Cracking
    Additional Security Threats
    Vulnerabilities and Security Best Practices
Chapter 47 Windows Security Settings
The CIA of Computer Security
Windows Defender Antivirus
Windows Defender Firewall
Users and Groups
Permissions
    Permission Inheritance and Propagation
    Moving and Copying Folders and Files
File Security
    Administrative Shares
    Encrypting File System
    BitLocker Encryption
Chapter 48 Windows Best Practices
Usernames and Passwords
Password Policies
Account Management and End-User Best Practices
Disabling AutoPlay/AutoRun
Chapter 49 Mobile Device Security
Screen Locks
Authenticator Applications
Theft and Loss of Mobile Devices
Compromised and Damaged Devices
    Backups
    Updates
    Antivirus/Anti-malware/Firewalls
    MDM and MAM
    Full Device Encryption
IoT Security
Policies and Procedures
    Profile Security Requirements
Chapter 50 Data Destruction and Disposal
Data Security 101
Formatting Drives
Overwriting Drives
Clear
Purge
Destroy
Chapter 51 SOHO Security
Changing Default Passwords
Wireless-Specific Security Settings
    Changing and Disabling the SSID
    Antennas and Radio Power Levels
    Guest Networks
    Disabling WPS
Enabling MAC Filtering and IP Filtering
Assigning Static IP Addresses
Firewall Settings and Additional Configurations
Content Filtering/Parental Controls
Disabling Physical Ports and More Physical Security
A Final Word on SOHO Routers
Chapter 52 Browser Security
Browser Download/Installation
Settings
Extensions and Plug-ins
Password Managers
Secure Connections
    TLS
    Secure Sites and Tracking
More Settings
CORE 2 (220-1102): DOMAIN 3.0: SOFTWARE TROUBLESHOOTING
Chapter 53 Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows
Windows Recovery
    Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
    Startup Settings
System Restore
Improper, Spontaneous, and Frequent Shutdowns
Stop Errors
Restoring Windows
Common Windows Symptoms and Solutions
Chapter 54 Troubleshooting PC Security Issues
The CompTIA A+ Seven-Step Malware Removal Procedure
Malware Removal Scenario
    1. Investigate and Verify Malware Symptoms
    2. Quarantine the Infected Systems
    3. Disable System Restore in Windows
    4. Remediate the Infected Systems
    5. Schedule Scans and Run Updates
    6. Enable System Restore and Create a Restore Point (in Windows)
    7. Educate the End User
Symptoms of Viruses
Symptoms of Spyware
More Symptoms of PC Security Issues and Potential Solutions
Chapter 55 Troubleshooting Mobile Operating Systems and Applications
Wireless Troubleshooting
    Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
    Bluetooth Troubleshooting
    NFC and AirDrop Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Email Connections
Troubleshooting and Stopping Applications
Initiating Resets
More Mobile Application and OS Troubleshooting
    Updates: The Good and the Bad
    Application Issues
    Random Reboots
    Poor Battery Life
Video Issues
Chapter 56 Troubleshooting Mobile Operating Systems Security Issues
Mobile Device Security Concerns and Symptoms
CORE 2 (220-1102): DOMAIN 4.0: OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
Chapter 57 Documentation
Types of Documents
    Network Topology Diagrams
    Incident Report Documentation
    Standard Operating Procedure
    Compliance and Regulatory Policy
    Acceptable Use Policy
    User Checklists (Onboarding and Offboarding)
Knowledge Bases/Articles
Ticketing Systems
Asset Management
Chapter 58 Change Management and Backup Methods
Understanding Basic Change Management Best Practices
Implementing Workstation Backup and Recovery Methods
    Using Windows File History and Recovery
    Backup Methods
    Backup Testing
    Backup Rotation Schemes
Chapter 59 Safety Procedures
ESD Prevention and Equipment Grounding
Electrical Safety
Electrical Fire Safety
Physical Safety
Chapter 60 Environmental Controls
Temperature, Humidity, and Air
MSDS and Disposal
Power Devices
    Surge Protectors
    Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Chapter 61 Incident Response, Communication, and Professionalism
Understanding the Importance of Prohibited Content/Activity and Privacy, Licensing, and Policy Concepts
    Incident Response
    Licensing/DRM/EULA
    Regulated Data
Using Proper Communication Techniques and Professionalism
    Communication Techniques and Professionalism
Chapter 62 Basic Scripting, Part I
Programming 101
    Basic Data Types
    Basic Script Constructs
    Environment Variables
    Comment Syntax
Chapter 63 Basic Scripting, Part II
PowerShell and .ps1
Bash and .sh
Use Cases and Other Considerations for PowerShell and Bash
Python and .py
JavaScript and .js
Visual Basic Script and .vbs
Chapter 64 Remote Access Technologies
Remote Desktop
    Remote Assistance
    Remote Desktop Connection
    Connecting with Remote Desktop
SSH
More Third-Party Tools
VPN
A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Practice Exam
Chapter 65 Getting Ready for the Exams, and Farewell
Getting Ready for the Exams
Tips for Taking the Real Exams
    General Practices for Taking Exams
    Smart Methods for Difficult Questions
    Wrapping Up the Exam
Beyond the CompTIA A+ Certification


9780137637546   TOC    4/12/2022