Table of Contents

About This Book

Conventions Used in This Book

Foolish Assumptions

How This Book Is Organized

Book I: Setting the A+ Groundwork

Book II: Inside the Box

Book III: Outside the Box

Book IV: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Book V: Operating System Basics

Book VI: Managing the Operating System

Book VII: Recovering Systems

Book VIII: Networking

Book IX: Securing Systems

Appendix

Bonus Chapter

Icons Used in This Book

Where to Go from Here

Book I: Chapter 1: The 2012 A+ Exams

CompTIA A+ Certification and Why You Need It

Checking Out the Exams and Their Objectives

The CompTIA A+ Exam 220-801

The CompTIA A+ Exam 220-802

Using This Book to Prepare for the Exams

Making Arrangements to Take the Exams

The Day the Earth Stood Still: Exam Day

Arriving at the exam location

Taking the exam

How does CompTIA set the pass level?

Book I: Chapter 2: A+ Soft Skills

Using Troubleshooting Procedures and Good Practices

Identifying the problem

Analyzing the problem and potential causes

The basic troubleshooting process

Evaluate results

Going the extra mile

Document findings, activities, and outcomes

Documentation resources

Professionalism and Communication

Good communication skills

Professional behavior

Getting an A+

Book I: Chapter 3: Protecting Yourself and Your PC

Gathering Tools of the Trade

Hardware tools

Software tools

Avoiding the Dreaded ESD

ESD means electrostatic discharge (not extrasensory deprivation)

Preventing ESD

Watching Out for EMI

Safety First!

Personal safety

Recognizing high-voltage equipment

Protecting computer components

Disposing of Components

Batteries

CRTs

Toner kits and cartridges

Material Safety Data Sheet

Exploring Ergonomics

Getting an A+

Book I: Chapter 4: An Overview of System Components

What Is a Computer?

Looking inside the Box

Processor/CPU

Storage devices

Memory

System boards

Power supply

Adapter cards

Cooling system and fans

Firmware and chipsets

BIOS

CMOS

Checking outside the Box

Casing and form factors

Input and output devices

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 1: Knowing Your Motherboard

What’s on the Front Panel

Finding Out What’s on a Motherboard

Processor

SIMM/DIMM sockets

Cache memory

Motherboard chipset

BIOS chip

Battery

Expansion slots

Ports and connectors

Power connectors

Drive connectors

Jumpers and DIP switches

Identifying the Types of Motherboards

Full AT

Baby AT

LPX/NLX

ATX

microATX and FlexATX

ITX

Understanding Bus Architectures

ISA

MCA

EISA

VESA

PCI

PCMCIA

AGP

PCI-X

PCI Express

AMR and CNR

miniPCI and miniPCI Express

Performance Considerations

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 2: Picking Your Processor

Understanding Processor Terminology

Processor speed

Data bus

Address bus

Registers

Cache memory

Math co-processor

Real-mode versus protected-mode

MMX

Hyperthreading

Multicore

Virtualization support

32-bit or 64-bit architecture

Integrated GPU

Throttling

Overclocking

VRM

Chip packaging

Identifying Socket Types

Looking at Popular Intel Processors

Pentium

Pentium Pro

Pentium II

Celeron

Pentium III

Xeon

Pentium 4

Itanium and Itanium II

Pentium M

Intel Core 2

Intel Atom

Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors

Don’t Forget Non-Intel Chips

K6

K6-2

K6-III

Athlon

Athlon XP

Duron

Opteron

Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2

Phenom and Phenom II

Turion 64 and Turion 64 X2

Installing a Processor

Will it fit in the socket?

CPU voltage and transistor integration

Performing the installation

Keeping a Processor Cool

Heat sinks and CPU fans

Installing a heat sink and fan

Increasing Performance

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 3: What to Remember about Memory

Understanding the Types of Memory

Remembering the purpose of memory

Read-only memory (ROM)

Random access memory (RAM)

Identifying the Types of DRAM

Standard DRAM

Fast page mode

Extended data output

Burst extended data output

Synchronous DRAM

Rambus DRAM

DDR

DDR2 and DDR3

Viewing memory type with CPU-Z

How Would You Like Your Chips Packaged?

SIMMs

DIMMs

SODIMM

MicroDIMM

Understanding Error-Checking Memory

Parity versus nonparity

ECC memory

Multichannel Memory Architecture

Dual channel

Triple and quadruple channel

Single Sided Versus Double Sided

Working with Cache Memory

L1 cache

L2 cache

L3 cache

Viewing cache memory with CPU-Z

Installing or Upgrading Memory

Type of memory

Speed

Connectors

Using parity or nonparity?

Installing memory on desktop PCs

Installing memory on laptop systems

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 4: Telling Your BIOS from Your CMOS

The BIOS and Its Purpose

Upgrading the System BIOS

Performing the BIOS upgrade

Potential issues with BIOS upgrading

Understanding CMOS

Viewing Basic CMOS Settings

Hard drive

Optical drive

Floppy disk drive

Memory

CPU and clock speeds

Parallel port

Serial ports

Date and time

Boot sequence

Security Features

Plug and Play BIOS

Viewing Advanced CMOS Settings

Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)

BIOS date and revision number

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Built-in network adapter

Virus protection

Onboard cache

Virtualization support

Built-in diagnostics and monitoring

AHCI Settings

Reserve resources

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 5: Managing Storage Technology

Understanding Hard Drive Terminology

Disk geometry

Read/write process

Performance

Master Boot Record

LBA and ECHS

Discovering IDE Devices

IDE overview

Installing IDE devices

Learning How SCSI Works

SCSI overview

Installing SCSI devices

The Serial ATA Hype!

eSATA Drives

Using Removable Storage

Floppy disks

Zip drives

CD-ROM/CD-RW

DVD/DVD-RW

Blu-ray Discs

BD-R and BD-RE

Solid state drives

External hard drives

Tape

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 6: Working with File Systems

Understanding File Systems

The FAT file system

The FAT32 file system

NTFS

NTFS today

HPFS

Managing Partitions and Volumes

Primary partition

Extended partition

Creating partitions and volumes in Windows

Formatting partitions and volumes

Extending and splitting partitions

Assigning drive letters and mount points

Understanding drive status

Securing Data with RAID

RAID 0

Mirroring/duplexing (RAID 1)

RAID 5 Volume (RAID 5)

RAID 10

Troubleshooting and Management Tools

Defragmentation utility

Check Disk utility

Disk Cleanup

Using diskpart

Getting an A+

Book II: Chapter 7: Working with Power

Knowing the Basics of Power Terminology

Volt

Ohm

Amp

Watt

Identifying the Purpose of Power Supply Units

Identifying Power Supplies

Power Connectors

The ATX main power connector

The floppy drive connector

The peripheral connector

The 12-volt power connector

The Serial ATA connector

The 6-pin PCIe connector and 8-pin PCIe connector

Power Supply Form Factors

Using AC Adapters

Working with UPS and Suppressors

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 1: Describing Ports, Cables, and Connectors

Identifying Common Computer Ports

Serial and parallel ports

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

FireWire (IEEE 1394)

Keyboard and mouse

Monitor

Comparing Cable Types

Ribbon

Twisted pair

Thick and thin coax

Fiber

Cable Orientation

Connector Types

IBM Type 1 connector

DB-9

DB-15

DB-25

Centronics 36 and 50

RJ-11

RJ-45

BNC

PS/2, or mini-DIN 6

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors

IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectors

Standard External Cables

Parallel cable

Serial cable

Null modem cable

Viewing Cable Adapters

Barrel connectors

Gender changers

Null modem

Multimedia Connectors

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 2: Installing and Configuring Input Devices

Minding Your Keys and Qs

Identifying keyboard types

Installing a keyboard

Configuring keyboards and setting accessibility options

Catching the Mouse

Types of mice

Installing a mouse

Communicating with Modems and Network Adapters

Working with modems

Working with network adapters

Other Input Devices

Understanding System Resources

I/O addresses

Interrupt request (IRQ)

Direct memory access (DMA)

Memory addresses

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 3: Installing and Configuring Output Devices

Understanding Video Adapters

Looking at the video standards

Video card features

Installing a video card

Using Your Monitor or Display

Types of displays

Evaluating features of displays

Configuring your display settings

Configuring multidisplay support

Troubleshooting Display Issues

The Sound of Computers

Types of sound cards

Installing a sound card

Configuring a sound card

Other Output Devices

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 4: Managing Printers

Learning about Paper Feeder Mechanisms

Continuous form feeders

Friction feeders

Understanding Types of Printers

Laser printers

Inkjet printers

Dot matrix printers

Thermal printers

Common parts on the printer

Viewing Types of Printer Connections and Configurations

Parallel connections

Serial cable connections

Network cable connections (Ethernet)

Wireless connections

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Infrared

FireWire and SCSI

Hardware print server

Upgrading Printer Hardware

Upgrading memory

Adding a disk drive

Upgrading the firmware

Installing a Printer in Windows

Installing a printer

Configuring a printer

Connecting to the shared printer

Troubleshooting Printer Problems

Check the simple stuff first

Paper jams

Garbled characters or corrupted output

Spots or smudging on the printout

Slow printing

Spooling service problems

Dot matrix problems

Inkjet problems

Laser printer problems

Common problems and tools

Managing print jobs

Understanding Safety and Preventative Maintenance

Safety precautions

Preventive maintenance

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 5: Working with Multimedia Devices

Understanding Scanners

Scanning process

Connecting a scanner

Scanning an image

Using Digital and Web Cameras

Digital cameras

Uploading pictures to the computer

Web and digital video cameras

Looking at Other Multimedia Devices

Microphones

MIDI

TV tuners, video capture cards, and camcorders

Getting an A+

Book III: Chapter 6: Dealing with Laptops and Mobile Devices

Identifying Portable Computer Components

Looking at Laptop Batteries

Different types of batteries

Handling batteries

Maximizing battery performance

Changing batteries

Power-management features

Understanding AC Adapters

AC adapter problems

AC adapter troubleshooting and repair

Learning about LCD Panels

Handling LCD panels

Connecting an LCD panel to a computer

Understanding Laptop Input Devices

Laptop keyboard

Pointing devices

Laptop Communication Components

Network card and modem

Wireless network card

Other communications ports

Port Replicators and Docking Stations

Expanding on a Laptop

PCMCIA cards

ExpressCards

Card readers

Upgrading Your Laptop

Upgrading memory

Mini–PCI Express (PCIe) cards

Adding hard disk space

Replacing your CD-/DVD-ROM drive

Troubleshooting Laptop Issues

Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops

Understanding Small Handheld Devices

Looking at the current OS

Securing your devices

Classifying a laptop from a mobile device

Synchronizing your data

Getting an A+

Book IV: Chapter 1: Performing Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance 101

Using Preventive Maintenance Tools

Materials and equipment

Software utilities

Maintaining Environmental Controls

Ventilation and airflow

Humidity and liquids

ESD

Dirt, dust, and debris (the three Ds)

EMI

Power, UPS, and suppressors

Completing Maintenance Tasks

Case and components

Power supplies

Monitors

Keyboards and mice

Drives

Storage media

Laptops

Printers and scanners

Getting an A+

Book IV: Chapter 2: Troubleshooting Procedures and Guidelines

Identifying Troubleshooting Tools

Hardware tools

Diagnostic software

The Art of Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting basics

Physical environment

Audio and visual troubleshooting

Using your other senses

CMOS and BIOS

Motherboard

Processor/memory

Floppy drive

Hard drives

CD/DVD-ROM

Keyboard and mouse

Sound card/audio

Monitor/video

Modem

Serial and parallel ports

USB

Power supplies and batteries

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 1: Comparison of Major Operating Systems

What Is an Operating System?

32-bit (x86) versus 64-bit (x64)

Looking at the Windows OS

Comparing versions of Windows

Windows families

Typical system requirements

Identifying GUI elements

Welcome to the Linux World

Comparing versions of Linux

Typical system requirements

Identifying GUI elements

Understanding the Macintosh OS

Comparing versions of Mac OS

Typical system requirements

Identifying GUI elements

Choosing an Optimal System

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 2: Operating System Functions

Identifying Major Operating System Functions

Understanding memory management

Checking the OS version

Understanding Major Operating System Components

Getting into the architecture

Paging your memory

Choosing your file systems

Registry

Navigating Your Computer

Computer

Windows Explorer

My Network Places

Command line

Using Tools and Configuration Utilities

Control panel applets

Microsoft Management Console

Taskbar and notification area

Start menu

Remote Desktop Connection

Remote Assistance

Location of Major Files

User files

System files

Fonts

Temporary files

Program files

Offline files and folders

Examining Windows Vista and Windows 7 Features

Aero Desktop

Sidebar and Gadgets

User Account Control

BitLocker drive encryption

ReadyBoost

Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)

System Restore

Compatibility Mode

XP Mode

Easy Transfer

Security Center

Event Viewer

Administrative tools

Control Panel views

Client-Side Virtualization

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 3: Installing and Upgrading Windows

Understanding Installation Methods

Bootable CD/DVD

USB and PXE

Network installation

Drive imaging

Imaging with Windows 7

Preparing for Installation

Hardware requirements

Computer name

Workgroup/domain

Partitions

File systems

Other preparation steps

Performing Attended Installations of Windows

Performing a Windows XP attended installation

Performing a Windows 7 and Vista attended installation

Performing Unattended Installations of Windows

Windows XP and Server 2003

Windows 7 and Vista

Verifying and Troubleshooting the Installation

Upgrading Windows

Preparing to upgrade

Upgrading to Windows XP

Upgrading to Windows Vista

Upgrading to Windows 7

Installing or Removing Additional Windows Components

Understanding How to Dual-Boot Windows

Updating Installation Files

Restoring User Data Files

Saving a computer’s state

Restoring a computer’s state

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 4: Managing Files and Directories

Identifying File-Naming Conventions

Long and short filenames

Creating file associations

Understanding file extensions

Understanding File Attributes

How attributes are stored

The basic attributes

Windows NTFS extended attributes

Setting basic attributes

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 5: Command Prompt Procedures

Using command.com and cmd.exe

Managing Directories

dir

mkdir

chdir

rmdir

Copying and Moving Files

copy

xcopy

robocopy.exe

move

del

ren

Making Comparisons

diskcopy.com and diskcomp.com

fc.exe

Performing Diagnostics and Tuning Performance

defrag.exe

chkdsk.exe

shutdown.exe

Working with Other Useful Commands

attrib.exe

diskpart.exe

format.com

ver

help

Getting an A+

Book V: Chapter 6: Working with System Files and the Boot Process

Power-on Self-Test (POST) process

Standard Boot Process for Windows XP

ntldr

ntbootdd.sys

boot.ini

ntdetect.com

ntoskrnl.exe

The device load process

The service load process

Loading the shell

Standard Boot Process for Windows Vista and Windows 7

bootmgr

Boot Configuration Database

winload.exe

Managing Memory and Virtual Memory

Getting an A+

Book VI: Chapter 1: Loading and Configuring Device Drivers

Loading Device Drivers

Changing Device Settings

Updating Drivers

Removing Device Drivers

Signed and Unsigned Drivers

Working with Plug and Play

Permissions to Install Drivers

Verifying Driver Installation

Device Driver Failure

Getting an A+

Book VI: Chapter 2: Working with Applications

Installing and Removing Applications

Installing an application

Removing an application

Getting the Most out of Multitasking

Cooperative multitasking

Preemptive multitasking

Running 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows Applications

Benefiting from 32-bit applications

Benefiting from 64-bit applications

Executing in the Windows environments

Running 16-Bit Windows Applications

Executing in the Windows environments

Encountering incompatibilities

Running MS-DOS–Based Applications

Program information file (PIF) settings

Understanding incompatibilities

Windows Compatibility Modes

Windows 7’s XP Mode

Application Install, Start, and Load Errors

Getting an A+

Book VI: Chapter 3: Optimizing the Windows Environment

Identifying Areas of System Bottlenecks

Using Monitoring Tools

Task Manager

Performance

Windows Resource Monitor

Other tools

Optimization Best Practices

Virtual memory

Hard drive

Printers

Scanners

Temporary files

Services

Startup

GUI Enhancements

Indexing

Getting an A+

Book VI: Chapter 4: Using Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities

Understanding Operating System Utilities for Disk Maintenance

diskpart.exe and Disk Management

defrag.exe and dfrg.msc

chkdsk.exe (Check Disk)

Configuration Utilities

System Configuration utility

regedit.exe

regsvr32

Device Manager

Computer Management

Component Services

Getting a Handle on Diagnostic Utilities

The System Information tool

Event Viewer

Network Diagnostics

Dr. Watson

System File Checker

Windows Memory Diagnostics

DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Miscellaneous Utilities

Task Scheduler

Windows Script Host

expand.exe

Data Sources

Getting an A+

Book VII: Chapter 1: Managing Error Codes and Startup Messages

Windows Boot Files and Failure-to-Boot Errors

SCSI issues

No operating system found or incorrect boot device

Missing boot files

Device-Related Errors

A device referenced in system files is not found

Registry corruption

Safe Mode

Other Errors

Paging file errors

Failure to start GUI

Error Diagnostic Tools

Dr. Watson

Windows Error Reporting

Event Viewer

Getting an A+

Book VII: Chapter 2: Managing Common Problems

Solving Windows-Specific Service Problems

Solving Boot Errors and Errors Requiring Restarting

Auto-restart errors

Blue screen errors

Blank screen on boot

System lockup

Resolving Device Driver and Service Errors

Application Install, Start, and Load Failures

Corrupted shortcuts

Damaged setting

Missing files or dlls

Corrupted memory space

Applications will not install

Solving Other Problems

General Protection Faults

Illegal operation

Device will not function

Getting an A+

Book VII: Chapter 3: Preparing for Disasters with Disaster Recovery

Working with Boot Disks

Using F8 Options During Boot-up

Booting into Safe Mode

Tracking the boot with a bootlog

Using the Last Known Good Configuration

Other Windows boot options

Improper Shutdown and Boot

Emergency Repair

Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)

Emergency Repair Process

Recovery Console

Understanding Backup and Restore

Backing up your computer

Restoring files from a backup

Restore points in Windows

ASR in Windows

Recovery and Rescue Methods

Recovery CDs and recovery partitions

Recovery image

Rescue CDs

Rescue partitions or rescue installations

Scheduling Preventative Maintenance

Getting an A+

Book VIII: Chapter 1: Down to the Networking Basics

Identifying the Types of Networks

Peer-to-peer networks

Server-based (client-server) networks

Additional networking terminology

Understanding Network Topologies

Bus

Star

Ring

Mesh

Hybrid

Wireless

Connecting with Network Cabling

Twisted pair

Wiring standards

Coaxial

Fiber optic

Troubleshooting Networking Cables

EMI

Plenum

Examining Network Access Methods

CSMA/CD

CSMA/CA

Token passing

Piecing Together the Network Architectures

Ethernet

Token ring

FDDI

Understanding Network Protocols

IEEE standards

The OSI model

Voice over IP (VoIP)

Working with Network Devices

Network interface card (NIC)

Repeater

Bridge

Router

Gateway

Hub

Switch

Wireless access point (WAP)

Other networking devices

Using network troubleshooting tools

Understanding Communication Methods

Ways to Network a Computer

Network card

Serial and parallel ports

Infrared port

Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network

Functions and benefits of a home router

Running a server on a SOHO

Wireless networking for a SOHO

SOHO security practices

Getting an A+

Book VIII: Chapter 2: Understanding Common Wireless Communications

Understanding Infrared Devices

Working with Wireless Networks

Components of a wireless network

Connecting to a network

Wireless standards

Securing wireless networks

Installing and Configuring a SOHO Network

Basic wireless router settings

Securing the wireless router

Other router settings

Other Wireless

Bluetooth

WAN cellular

Increasing Wireless Network Performance

Troubleshooting Issues

Getting an A+

Book VIII: Chapter 3: Networking the Operating System

Understanding Networking Components

Network adapter driver

Network client

Protocols

Services

The TCP/IP Protocol

IP address

Subnet mask

Default gateway

Configuring TCP/IP in Windows

Configuring TCP/IP en masse using DHCP

Alternate IP Address

Special addresses

Network Address Translation

Proxy settings

IPv4 versus IPv6

Understanding Name Resolution

NetBIOS names

Fully qualified domain names (FQDNs)

Looking at Ports and Protocols

Troubleshooting with TCP/IP Utilities

IPCONFIG

PING

TRACERT

NBTSTAT

NETSTAT

PATHPING

NSLOOKUP

NET commands

Troubleshooting network issues

Sharing File System Resources

User-level access control

Enabling file and printer sharing in Windows

Creating shared folders

Hidden shares

Multiple shares

Connecting to shares

Sharing Printer Resources

Sharing a printer in Windows

Installing a network printer in Windows

Installing a network printer by using Point and Print

Networking with Windows 7

Computer name and workgroup

Changing IP settings

Homegroup

Network profiles

Firewall settings

Network card properties

Wireless locator

Establishing a connection

Understanding Windows Services

Restarting a Windows service

Server service

Workstation service

DHCP Server service

Print Spooler service

Messenger service

Computer browser service

Getting an A+

Book VIII: Chapter 4: Configuring Internet Access

Understanding the Internet

Using an ISP

Working with an ASP

Understanding Internet Protocols

TCP/IP

E-mail

HyperText Transport Protocol

File Transfer Protocol

Command shells

Installing and Configuring Browsers

Configuring General settings

Configuring Security settings

Configuring Privacy settings

Configuring Content settings

Configuring Connections settings

Configuring Programs settings

Working with Advanced settings

Using the Internet

Access methods

Domain names and Web sites

Ways to Access the Internet

Dial-up

Cable

DSL

ISDN

T1/T3

Fiber

Satellite

Wireless

Line-of-sight wireless Internet service

Cellular (mobile hotspot)

WiMax

Firewalls and Home Routers

Getting an A+

Book IX: Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Security

Identifying Types of Attacks

Social engineering attacks

Phishing

Shoulder surfing

Network-based attacks

Software-based attacks

Malicious software (malware)

Understanding Physical Security

BIOS settings

Best practices

Understanding Authentication and Authorization

Authentication

Authorization

Methods of Securing Transmissions

Do Not Forget about Data Protection

Destroying data

Backing up data

Implementing RAID solutions

Data encryption

Compliance and classification

Prevention Methods and Best Practices

Physical security

Digital security

User education

Principle of least privilege

Workstation security best practices

Introduction to Incident Response

The first response

Documentation

Chain of custody

Getting an A+

Book IX: Chapter 2: Implementing Security

Securing Systems through BIOS

Implementing Users and Groups

Creating user accounts

Creating groups

Implementing Permissions and Rights

Rights

User Account Control (UAC)

Permissions

Implementing Auditing

Enabling auditing

Reviewing the security log

Implementing Firewalls

How a firewall works

Creating a DMZ

Hardware versus software firewalls

Port security and exceptions

Security Center versus Action Center

Implementing Security Best Practices

Hardening a system

Patching systems

Firewalls

Password policies

Auditing

Use switches instead of hubs

Use antivirus software

Securing wireless

Getting an A+

Book IX: Chapter 3: Viruses and Malicious Software

My Computer Has a Virus!

Types of viruses

Office macro security settings

Protection from viruses

Updating virus definitions

Understanding Malicious Software

Trojan horses

Worms

Spyware and adware

Pop-ups and phishing

Identifying Hoaxes

Preventing Problems by Staying Up to Date

Windows Update

SUS and WSUS

Antivirus

Other security software

Recovering an Infected System

Common symptoms of an infected system

Tools used to protect the system

Tools used to remove infection

Best practice for scanning and removing

Getting an A+

Book IX: Appendix: CompTIA A+ Exam Reference Matrix

Cheat Sheet