What Is Server+ Certification?

The Server+ certification program was created to offer a wide-ranging certification, in the sense that it’s intended to certify competence with servers from many different makers/ vendors. Everyone must take and pass one exam: SK0-004.

The Server+ certification isn’t awarded until you’ve passed the test. For the latest pricing on the exams and updates to the registration procedures, call Pearson VUE at (877) 551-7587. You can also go to the website, www.vue.com, for additional information or to register online. If you have further questions about the scope of the exams or related CompTIA programs, refer to the CompTIA website at www.comptia.org.

Who Should Buy This Book?

If you want to acquire a solid foundation in servers and the storage systems they use, and your goal is to prepare for the exams by filling in any gaps in your knowledge, this book is for you. You’ll find clear explanations of the concepts you need to grasp and plenty of help to achieve the high level of professional competency you need in order to succeed in your chosen field.

If you want to become certified as a Server+ holder, this book is definitely what you need. However, if you just want to attempt to pass the exam without really understanding the basics of personal computers, this guide isn’t for you. It’s written for people who want to acquire skills and knowledge of servers and storage systems.

What’s Included in the Book

We’ve included several learning tools throughout the book:

Objective map and opening list of objectives We have included a detailed exam objective map showing you where each of the exam objectives is covered. In addition, each chapter opens with a list of the exam objectives it covers. Use these resources to see exactly where each of the exam topics is covered.

Assessment test We have provided an assessment test that you can use to check your readiness for the exam at the end of this Introduction. Take this test before you start reading the book; it will help you determine the areas on which you might need to brush up. The answers to the assessment test questions appear on a separate page after the last question of the test. Each answer includes an explanation and a note telling you the chapter in which the material appears.

Exam essentials Each chapter, just before the summary, includes a number of exam essentials. These are the key topics that you should take from the chapter in terms of areas on which you should focus when preparing for the exam.

Chapter Review Questions To test your knowledge as you progress through the book, there are review questions at the end of each chapter. As you finish each chapter, answer the review questions and then check your answers—the correct answers appear in the Appendix. You can go back to reread the section that deals with each question you got wrong to ensure that you answer correctly the next time you’re tested on the material.

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

The interactive online learning environment that accompanies CompTIA Server+ Exam SK0-004 provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exams and increase your chances of passing them the first time! The test bank includes the following elements:

Sample tests All of the questions in this book are provided, including the assessment test, which you’ll find at the end of this introduction, and the chapter tests that include the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two practice exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.

Flashcards One set of questions is provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.

Glossary The key terms from this book and their definitions are available as a fully searchable PDF.

How to Use This Book

If you want a solid foundation for preparing for the Server+ exam, this is the book for you. I’ve spent countless hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you prepare for the exams.

This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your study time if you understand how we put the book together. Here’s a list that describes how to approach studying:

1. Take the assessment test immediately following this introduction. It’s okay if you don’t know any of the answers—that’s what this book is for. Carefully read over the explanations for any question you get wrong, and make note of the chapters where that material is covered.
2. Study each chapter carefully, making sure you fully understand the information and the exam objectives listed at the beginning of each one. Again, pay extra-close attention to any chapter that includes material covered in questions you missed on the assessment test.
3. Read over the summary and exam essentials. These will highlight the sections from the chapter with which you need to be familiar before sitting for the exam.
4. Answer all of the review questions at the end of each chapter. Specifically note any questions that confuse you, and study the corresponding sections of the book again. Don’t just skim these questions! Make sure that you understand each answer completely.
5. Go over the electronic flashcards. These help you prepare for the latest Server+ exam, and they’re really great study tools.
6. Take the practice exam.

Tips for Taking the Server+ Exam

Here are some general tips for taking your exams successfully:

• Bring two forms of ID with you. One must be a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The other can be a major credit card or a passport. Both forms must include a signature.
• Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials, particularly tables and lists of exam-related information.
• Read the questions carefully. Don’t be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking.
• Don’t leave any unanswered questions. Unanswered questions are scored against you.
• There will be questions with multiple correct responses. When there is more than one correct answer, a message at the bottom of the screen will prompt you to either “Choose two” or “Choose all that apply.” Be sure to read the messages displayed to know how many correct answers you must choose.
• When answering multiple-choice questions you’re not sure about, use a process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. Doing so will improve your odds if you need to make an educated guess.
• On form-based tests (nonadaptive), because the hard questions will eat up the most time, save them for last. You can move forward and backward through the exam.
• For the latest pricing on the exams and updates to the registration procedures, visit CompTIA’s website at www.comptia.org.

1.1 Explain the purpose and function of server form factors

• Rack mount
  • Dimensions
    • 1U, 2U, 4U
  • Cable management arms
  • Rail kits
• Tower
• Blade technology
  • Blade enclosure
• Backplane/Midplane
• Power supply sockets
• Network modules/switches
• Management modules
  • Blade server

1.2 Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain server components

• CPU
  • Multiprocessor vs. multicore
  • Socket type
  • Cache levels: L1, L2, L3
  • Speeds
• Core
• Bus
• Multiplier
  • CPU stepping
  • Architecture
• x86
• x64
• ARM
• RAM
  • ECC vs. non-ECC
  • DDR2, DDR3
  • Number of pins
  • Static vs. dynamic
  • Module placement
  • CAS latency
  • Timing
  • Memory pairing
• Bus types, bus channels, and expansion slots
  • Height differences and bit rate differences
  • PCI
  • PCIe
  • PCI-X
• NICs
• Hard drives
• Riser cards
• RAID controllers
• BIOS/UEFI
  • CMOS battery
• Firmware
• USB interface/port
• Hotswap vs. non-hotswap components

1.3 Compare and contrast power and cooling components

• Power
  • Voltage
• 110v vs. 220v vs. –48v
• 208v vs. 440v/460v/480v
• Wattage
  • Consumption
  • Redundancy
  • 1-phase vs. 3-phase power
  • Plug types
• NEMA
• Edison
• Twist lock
• Cooling
  • Airflow
  • Thermal dissipation
  • Baffles/shrouds
  • Fans
  • Liquid cooling

2.1 Install and configure server operating systems

• Determine server role/purpose
• Update firmware
• BIOS/UEFI configuration
  • Boot order
• Disk preparation
  • RAID setup
  • Partitioning
  • Formatting
  • File system type
    • Ext 2, 3, 4
    • NTFS
    • FAT32
    • ReiserFS
    • UFS
    • VMFS
    • ZFS
  • Swap
• Configure host name
• Local account setup
• Connect to network
• Join domain/directory
• Address security concerns
  • Patching
  • OS hardening
  • Compliance to company procedures/standards
• Enable services
• Install features/roles/applications/drivers
• Performance baseline
  • Server optimization
  • Swap or pagefile optimization
• Unattended/remote installations
  • Deploying images and cloning
  • Scripted installs
    • PXE boot
    • TFTP

2.2 Compare and contrast server roles and requirements for each

• Web server
• Application server
• Directory server
• Database server
• File server
• Print server
• Messaging server
• Mail server
• Routing and remote access server
• Network services server
  • DHCP
  • DNS/WINS
  • NTP

2.3 Given a scenario, use access and control methods to administer a server

• Local hardware administration
  • KVM
  • Serial
  • Virtual Administration console
• Network-based hardware administration
  • KVM over IP
  • ILO
  • iDRAC
• Network-based operating system administration
  • RDP
  • SSH
  • VNC
  • Command line/shell

2.4 Given a scenario, perform proper server maintenance techniques

• Change management
• Patch management
  • Operating System updates
  • Application updates
  • Security software updates
  • Firmware updates
  • Device drivers updates
  • Compatibility lists
• Operating systems
• Hardware
• Applications
  • Testing and validation
• Outages and service level agreements
  • Scheduled downtime
  • Unscheduled downtime
  • Impact analysis
  • Client notification
  • MTTR
• Performance monitoring
  • CPU utilization
  • Memory utilization
  • Network utilization
  • Disk utilization
    • Disk IOPS
    • Storage capacity
  • Comparison against performance baseline
  • Processes and services monitoring
  • Log monitoring
• Hardware maintenance
  • Check system health indicators
    • LEDs
    • Error codes
    • Beep codes
    • LCD messages
  • Replace failed components
    • Fans
    • Hard drives
    • RAM
    • Backplanes
    • Batteries
  • Preventative maintenance
    • Clearing dust
    • Check proper air flow
  • Proper shut down procedures
• Fault tolerance and high availability techniques
  • Clustering
    • Active/active
    • Active/passive
  • Load balancing
    • Round robin
    • Heartbeat

2.5 Explain the importance of asset management and documentation

• Asset management
  • Licensing
  • Labeling
  • Warranty
  • Life cycle management
    • Procurement
    • Usage
    • End of life
    • Disposal/recycling
  • Inventory
    • Make
    • Model
    • Serial number
    • Asset tag
• Documentation
  • Service manuals
  • Network diagrams
  • Architecture diagrams
  • Dataflow diagrams
  • Recovery documentation
  • Baseline documentation
  • Change management policies
  • Service Level Agreement
  • Server configuration
• Secure storage of sensitive documentation

2.6 Explain the purpose and operation of virtualization components

• Hosts and guests
• Management interface for virtual machines
• Hypervisor
  • Type I
  • Type II
  • Hybrid
• Hardware compatibility list
  • BIOS/UEFI compatibility and support
  • CPU compatibility support
  • AMD-V/Intel VT
• Resource allocation between Guest and Host
  • CPU
  • Storage
  • Memory
  • Network connectivity
    • Direct Access (Bridging) vs. NAT
    • Virtual NICs
    • Virtual switches
  • Video

3.1 Given a scenario, install and deploy primary storage devices based on given specifications and interfaces

• Disk specifications
  • RPM
  • Dimensions/form factor
  • Capacity
  • Bus width
  • IOPS
  • Seek time and latency
  • Hotswap vs. non-hotswap components
• Interfaces
  • SAS
  • SATA
  • SCSI
  • USB
  • Fibre Channel
• Hard drive vs. SSD

3.2 Given a scenario, configure RAID using best practices

• RAID levels and performance considerations
  • 0
  • 1
  • 5
  • 6
  • 10
• Software vs. hardware RAID
  • Performance considerations
• Configuration specifications
  • Capacity
  • Bus types
  • Drive RPM
• Hotswap support and ramifications
• Hot spare vs. cold spare
• Array controller
  • Memory
  • Battery backed cache
  • Redundant controller

3.3 Summarize hardware and features of various storage technologies

• DAS
• NAS
  • iSCSI
  • FCoE
• SAN
  • Fibre Channel
  • LUN and LUN masking
  • HBAs and fabric switches
• JBOD
• Tape
  • Drive
  • Libraries
• Optical drive
• Flash, Compact Flash, and USB drive

3.4 Given a scenario, calculate appropriate storage capacity and plan for future growth

• Base10 vs. Base2 disk size calculation (1000 vs. 1024)
• Disk quotas
• Compression
• Capacity planning considerations:
  • Operating system growth
    • Patches
    • Service packs
    • Log files
  • Temporary directories
  • Databases
  • Application servers
  • File servers
  • Archival

4.1 Compare and contrast physical security methods and concepts

• Multifactor Authentication
  • Something you have
  • Something you know
  • Something you are
• Security concepts
  • Mantrap
  • RFID chip
  • ID card
  • Biometric
  • Keypad
  • Access list
  • Security guard
  • Security camera
  • Keys & Locks
    • Cabinet
    • Rack mount
    • Server
  • Safe

4.2 Given a scenario, apply server hardening techniques

• OS hardening
  • Stopping unneeded services/closing unneeded ports
  • Install only required software
  • Install latest operating system patches
• Application hardening
  • Install latest patches
  • Disabling unneeded services/roles/features
• Endpoint security
  • HIDS
  • Anti-malware
• Remediate security issues based on a vulnerability scan
• Hardware hardening
  • Disabling unneeded hardware and physical ports/devices
  • BIOS password
  • Disable WOL (Wake on LAN)
  • Set up boot order
  • Chassis locks/intrusion detection

4.3 Explain basic network security systems and protocols

• Firewall
  • Network-based
  • Host-based
• Port security/802.1x/NAC
• Router access list
• NIDS
• Authentication protocols
  • LDAP
  • RADIUS
  • TACACS
  • TACACS+
• PKI
  • Private key
  • Public key
  • Certificate authority
  • SSL/TLS
• VPN
• IPSEC
• VLAN
• Security zones
  • DMZ
  • Public and private
  • Intranet and extranet

4.4 Implement logical access control methods based on company policy

• Access control lists
  • Users
  • Groups
    • Roles
  • Resources
    • File system
    • Network ACLs
    • Peripheral devices
    • Administrative rights
    • Distribution lists
  • Permissions
    • Read
    • Write/Modify
    • Execute
    • Delete
    • Full control/Superuser
    • File vs. share

4.5 Implement data security methods and secure storage disposal techniques

• Storage encryption
  • File-level encryption
  • Disk encryption
  • Tape encryption
• Storage media
  • Soft wipe
    • File deletion
  • Hard wipe
    • Zero out all sectors
  • Physical destruction
  • Remote wipe

4.6 Given a scenario, implement proper environmental controls and techniques

• Power concepts and best practices
  • UPS
    • Runtime vs. capacity
    • Automated graceful shutdown of attached devices
    • Periodic testing of batteries
    • Maximum load
    • Bypass procedures
    • Remote management
  • PDU
    • Connect redundant rack PDUs to separate circuits
  • Capacity planning
    • PDU ratings
    • UPS ratings
    • Total potential power draw
  • Multiple circuits
    • Connect redundant power supplies to separate PDUs
• Safety
  • ESD procedures
  • Fire suppression
  • Proper lifting techniques
  • Rack stability
  • Floor load limitations
  • Sharp edges and pinch points
• HVAC
  • Room and rack temperature and humidity
    • Monitoring and alert notifications
  • Air flow
    • Rack filler/baffle/blanking panels
  • Hot aisle and cold aisle

5.1 Given a scenario, configure servers to use IP addressing and network infrastructure services

• IPv4 vs. IPv6
• Default gateway
• CIDR notation and subnetting
• Public and private IP addressing
• Static IP assignment vs. DHCP
• DNS
  • FQDN
  • Default domain suffix/search domain
• WINS
• NetBIOS
• NAT/PAT
• MAC addresses
• Network Interface Card configuration
  • NIC teaming
  • Duplexing
    • Full
    • Half
    • Auto
  • Speeds
    • 10/100/1000 Mbps
    • 10 Gbps

5.2 Compare and contrast various ports and protocols

• TCP vs. UDP
• SNMP 161
• SMTP 25
• FTP 20/21
• SFTP 22
• SSH 22
• SCP 22
• NTP 123
• HTTP 80
• HTTPS 443
• TELNET 23
• IMAP 143
• POP3 110
• RDP 3389
• FTPS 989/990
• LDAP 389/3268
• DNS 53
• DHCP 68

5.3 Given a scenario, install cables and implement proper cable management procedures

• Copper
  • Patch cables
    • Crossover
    • Straight through
    • Rollover
  • CAT5
  • CAT5e
  • CAT6
• Fiber
  • Singlemode
  • Multimode
• Connectors
  • ST
  • LC
  • SC
  • SFP
  • RJ-45
  • RJ-11
• Cable placement and routing
  • Cable channels
  • Cable management trays
    • Vertical
    • Horizontal
• Labeling
• Bend radius
• Cable ties

6.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery principles

• Site types
  • Hot site
  • Cold site
  • Warm site
• Replication methods
  • Disk to disk
  • Server to server
  • Site to site
• Continuity of Operations
  • Disaster recovery plan
  • Business continuity plan
  • Business impact analysis
    • Who is affected
    • What is affected
    • Severity of impact

6.2 Given a scenario, implement appropriate backup techniques

• Methodology
  • Full/Normal
    • Copy
  • Incremental
  • Differential
  • Snapshot
  • Selective
  • Bare metal
  • Open file
  • Data vs. OS restore
• Backup media
  • Linear Access
    • Tape
  • Random Access
    • Disk
    • Removable media
    • Optical media
• Media and restore best practices
  • Labeling
  • Integrity verification
  • Test restorability
  • Tape rotation and retention
• Media storage location
  • Offsite
  • Onsite
  • Security considerations
  • Environmental considerations

7.1 Explain troubleshooting theory and methodologies

• Identify the problem and determine the scope
  • Question users/stakeholders and identify changes to the server/environment
  • Collect additional documentation/logs
  • If possible, replicate the problem as appropriate
  • If possible, perform backups before making changes
• Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
  • Determine whether there is a common element of symptom causing multiple problems
• Test the theory to determine cause
  • Once theory is confirmed, determine next steps to resolve problem
  • If theory is not confirmed, establish new theory or escalate
• Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and notify impacted users
• Implement the solution or escalate as appropriate
  • Make one change at a time and test/confirm the change has resolved the problem
  • If the problem is not resolved, reverse the change if appropriate and implement a new change
• Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures
• Perform a root cause analysis
• Document findings, actions and outcomes throughout the process

7.2 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot hardware problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

• Common problems
  • Failed POST
  • Overheating
  • Memory failure
  • Onboard component failure
  • Processor failure
  • Incorrect boot sequence
  • Expansion card failure
  • Operating system not found
  • Drive failure
  • Power supply failure
  • I/O failure
• Causes of common problems
  • Third-party components or incompatible components
  • Incompatible or incorrect BIOS
  • Cooling failure
  • Mismatched components
  • Backplane failure
• Environmental issues
  • Dust
  • Humidity
  • Temperature
  • Power surge/failure
• Hardware tools
  • Power supply tester (multimeter)
  • Hardware diagnostics
  • Compressed air
  • ESD equipment

7.3 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot software problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

• Common problems
  • User unable to logon
  • User cannot access resources
  • Memory leak
  • BSOD/stop
  • OS boot failure
  • Driver issues
  • Runaway process
  • Cannot mount drive
  • Cannot write to system log
  • Slow OS performance
  • Patch update failure
  • Service failure
  • Hangs on shut down
  • Users cannot print
• Cause of common problems
  • User Account Control (UAC/SUDO)
  • Corrupted files
  • Lack of hard drive space
  • Lack of system resources
  • Virtual memory (misconfigured, corrupt)
  • Fragmentation
  • Print server drivers/services
  • Print spooler
• Software tools
  • System logs
  • Monitoring tools (resource monitor, performance monitor)
  • Defragmentation tools
  • Disk property tools (usage, free space, volume, or drive mapping)

7.4 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose network problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

• Common problems
  • Internet connectivity failure
  • Email failure
  • Resource unavailable
  • DHCP server mis-configured
  • Non-functional or unreachable
  • Destination host unreachable
  • Unknown host
  • Default gateway mis-configured
  • Failure of service provider
  • Cannot reach by host name/FQDN
• Causes of common problems
  • Improper IP configuration
  • VLAN configuration
  • Port security
  • Improper subnetting
  • Component failure
  • Incorrect OS route tables
  • Bad cables
  • Firewall (mis-configuration, hardware failure, software failure)
  • Mis-configured NIC, routing/switch issues
  • DNS and/or DHCP failure
  • Mis-configured hosts file
  • IPv4 vs. IPv6 misconfigurations
• Networking tools
  • ping
  • tracert/traceroute
  • ipconfig/ifconfig
  • nslookup
  • net use/mount
  • route
  • nbtstat
  • netstat

7.5 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot storage problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

• Common problems
  • Slow file access
  • OS not found
  • Data not available
  • Unsuccessful backup
  • Error lights
  • Unable to mount the device
  • Drive not available
  • Cannot access logical drive
  • Data corruption
  • Slow I/O performance
  • Restore failure
  • Cache failure
  • Multiple drive failure
• Causes of common problems
  • Media failure
  • Drive failure
  • Controller failure
  • HBA failure
  • Loose connectors
  • Cable problems
  • Mis-configuration
  • Improper termination
  • Corrupt boot sector
  • Corrupt file system table
  • Array rebuild
  • Improper disk partition
  • Bad sectors
  • Cache battery failure
  • Cache turned off
  • Insufficient space
  • Improper RAID configuration
  • Mis-matched drives
  • Backplane failure
• Storage tools
  • Partitioning tools
  • Disk management
  • RAID array management
  • Array management
  • System logs
  • Net use/mount command
  • Monitoring tools

7.6 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose security issues, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

• Common problems
  • File integrity issue
  • Privilege escalation
  • Applications will not load
  • Can’t access network file/shares
  • Unable to open files
  • Excessive access
  • Excessive memory utilization
• Causes of common problems
  • Open ports
  • Active services
  • Inactive services
  • Intrusion detection configurations
  • Anti-malware configurations
  • Local/group policies
  • Firewall rules
  • Misconfigured permissions
  • Virus infection
  • Rogue processes/services
• Security tools
  • Port scanners
  • Sniffers
  • Cipher
  • Checksums
  • Telnet client
  • Anti-malware

Objective Map

The following objective map shows you where the exam objectives are covered in the chapters. Use it as a reference to find the information you’re looking for.

CompTIA Server + Study Guide

SK0-004 Exam Objectives