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CompTIA A+ Certification: Essentials (2007) Expert Encore

Overview/Description
Target Audience
Prerequisites
Expected Duration
Lesson Objectives
Course Number

Overview/Description
The A+ Essentials course represents the baseline hardware, operating system, network, and security skills expected of an entry-level IT professional. This course covers the integral components of computer systems including the CPU, memory, disks, power supplies and expansion cards. Essentials also features devices found in a typical business setting such as laptops, PDAs, printers and monitors. A major section of this course is dedicated to understanding the fundamentals of Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. Students will be introduced to the basic elements of a computer network as well as safety and security.

Target Audience
This course is recommended for any student interested in achieving a foundation in computer networking technology. This course covers one of two exams that are required to achieve A+ certification. It is also a perfect starting point for students interested in pursuing Cisco and Microsoft certifications.

Prerequisites
To benefit fully from this course, students should have the following prerequisite courses/skills and knowledge:

Computer user-level skills
Basic knowledge of personal computers

Certification
CompTIA A+ Essentials

Exams
220-601

Accreditation
ITCAP

Included Labs

Backing up Data
Using Event Viewer
DOS Commands
DOS Command Utilities
Preparing for Installation
Installing XP
Configuring Static and Dynamic IP Address
Using Driver Rollback
File Compression and Encryption
Adding a Local User
Use the Add or Remove Hardware Wizard
NTFS Permissions
Create a System Restore Point

Skills
This course covers the following hardware and software technologies:

CPUs and motherboards
Memory
Disks
Bus structures
Expansion cards
Cables
Video and multimedia input/output devices
Print devices
BIOS
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows XP Home Edition
Windows XP Multimedia Edition
Windows XP Professional

Outline
CompTIA A+ Certification: Essentials

Unit 1: Getting Started with PC Hardware Support

1-2 Topic A: Computer components overview
1-8 Topic B: Hardware, software, and firmware
1-10 Topic C: Troubleshooting models
1-17 Summary

Unit 2: Operating Systems

2-2 Topic A: Operating system fundamentals
2-24 Topic B: Directory and file management
2-42 Summary

Unit 3: Electricity and Power Systems

3-2 Topic A: Electricity and electronics
3-11 Topic B: Static electricity
3-18 Topic C: Power supplies
3-26 Topic D: Power supply troubleshooting
3-28 Summary

Unit 4: CPUs and Motherboards

4-2 Topic A: Central processing units (CPUs)
4-13 Topic B: Packaging, slots, and cooling techniques
4-24 Topic C: Motherboards and system cases
4-32 Topic D: Motherboard troubleshooting
4-34 Summary

Unit 5: Basic Input/Output System

5-2 Topic A: BIOS and CMOS
5-7 Topic B: The POST process
5-11 Topic C: Firmware updates
5-15 Topic D: BIOS and POST troubleshooting
5-20 Summary

Unit 6: Memory Systems

6-2 Topic A: Memory
6-10 Topic B: Memory packaging
6-16 Topic C: Memory troubleshooting
6-24 Summary

Unit 7: Bus Structures

7-2 Topic A: Buses
7-5 Topic B: Host system interaction
7-16 Topic C: The PCI bus
7-21 Topic D: Video buses
7-26 Summary

Unit 8: Expansion Cards

8-2 Topic A: Drive adapters
8-15 Topic B: Video cards
8-23 Topic C: Sound cards
8-27 Topic D: Internal modems
8-38 Topic E: Expansion card troubleshooting
8-43 Summary

Unit 9: Ports, Connectors, and Cables

9-2 Topic A: Serial and parallel ports, cables, and connectors
9-12 Topic B: Keyboards, mice, and pointing devices
9-17 Topic C: USB ports, cables, and connectors
9-23 Topic D: FireWire ports, cables, and connectors
9-27 Topic E: Infrared and Bluetooth wireless ports
9-31 Topic F: Multimedia ports, cables, and connectors
9-35 Topic G: Port, cable, and connector troubleshooting
9-39 Summary

Unit 10: Data Storage Devices

10-2 Topic A: Hard drives
10-16 Topic B: Optical drives
10-26 Topic C: Removable storage devices
10-37 Topic D: Storage device troubleshooting
10-44 Summary

Unit 11: Video and Multimedia Input/Output Devices

11-2 Topic A: Cathode ray terminals
11-14 Topic B: LCDs and other video technologies
11-28 Topic C: Sound input and output devices
11-35 Topic D: Scanners and cameras
11-47 Summary

Unit 12: Printers

12-2 Topic A: Dot matrix printers
12-7 Topic B: Inkjet and related printer technologies
12-22 Topic C: Laser printers
12-38 Topic D: Other types of printers
12-42 Summary

Unit 13: Portable Computers and Devices

13-2 Topic A: Notebook computers
13-29 Topic B: Handheld computers
13-38 Summary

Unit 14: Monitoring and Management

14-2 Topic A: The Windows boot process
14-8 Topic B: System monitoring
14-19 Topic C: System troubleshooting
14-47 Topic D: System management
14-57 Summary

Unit 15: Connecting Computers

15-2 Topic A: Networking concepts
15-11 Topic B: Wired network connections
15-30 Topic C: Wireless network connections
15-35 Topic D: Network architectures
15-44 Summary

Unit 16: Networking Computers

16-2 Topic A: Network communications
16-6 Topic B: Addressing
16-14 Topic C: Internet connections
16-19 Topic D: Network installation
16-45 Topic E: Network troubleshooting
16-52 Summary

Unit 17: Security

17-2 Topic A: Operating system security
17-17 Topic B: Security hardware
17-26 Topic C: The human aspects of security
17-48 Summary

Unit 18: Safety

18-2 Topic A: Safety and hazards
18-15 Topic B: Safe work practices
18-17 Topic C: Disposing of computer equipment
18-20 Summary

Unit 19: Troubleshooting and Maintaining a PC

19-2 Topic A: Tools and software
19-10 Topic B: Preventive hardware maintenance
19-15 Summary

Unit 20: Professionalism and Communication

20-2 Topic A: Professionalism and customer satisfaction
20-7 Topic B: Problem and resolution tracking
20-9 Summary

Unit 21: Windows Installation and Upgrades

21-2 Topic A: Installation
21-16 Topic B: Upgrades
21-24 Summary
Backing up Data
Using Event Viewer
DOS Commands
DOS Command Utilities
Preparing for Installation
Installing XP
Configuring Static and Dynamic IP Address
Using Driver Rollback
File Compression and Encryption
Adding a Local User
Use the Add or Remove Hardware Wizard
NTFS Permissions
Create a System Restore Point

Expected Duration (hours)
30.0

Lesson Objectives

CompTIA A+ Certification: Essentials (2007) Expert Encore

Install, configure and optimize the hardware components of personal computers

Install and troubleshoot expansion cards

Identify ports, connectors and cables

Troubleshoot and diagnose errors with laptops, portable devices, monitors, printers and scanners

Install, upgrade, troubleshoot and monitor operating systems

Define elements of networks including protocols, cables, and connectivity

Identify the fundamentals of security, including network, physical and wireless security.

Course Number:
LLCT0007