CompTIA A+ Essentials 2009 - E-Learning - LQA+2009ES

CompTIA A+ Essentials 2009 - LQA+2009ES

Module 1: Computer Hardware Components

Overview/Description

The IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds, but the backbone of that work has always remained the computers themselves. In order for a computer to function correctly it requires specific types of hardware components. This course covers the different types of motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, and memory that are needed by computers and how they work in unison to ensure that computers perform as required. This course covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Target Audience

Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track

Prerequisites

Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.

Lesson Objectives

Motherboards: Form Factor, Components, and Memory Slots

• distinguish between common motherboard form factors
• recognize the functions of key motherboard components
• distinguish between memory slot types

Motherboards: Architecture, Sockets, Slots, and Disks

• recognize how the bus architecture functions
• recognize the function of processor sockets and slots
• recognize the function of disk features

Computer Storage Devices and Power Supplies

• recognize key characteristics of computer storage devices
• recognize key characteristics of computer power supplies

Identifying Motherboards, Storage, and Power Options

CPUs and Cooling Technologies

• recognize key CPU components
• recognize types of CPUs
• recognize ways to reduce the heat generated by CPUs

Memory Types and Characteristics

• recognize the types of memory used in computer systems
• recognize key characteristics of different types of RAM

Identifying CPUs and Memory Types

Module 2: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops and Printers

Overview/Description

Add-on devices and displays are a whole market in themselves, as are laptops and printers. The mobile world of technology has seen two ongoing trends: bigger and better displays, and smaller and more efficient components and laptops. This course examines these trends and covers the types of display devices, peripherals, adapter card technologies, laptop trends and the different types of printers that are used today, and how to install and configure them.

Lesson Objectives

Display Devices

• distinguish between CRT, LCD, and projector technologies used for display devices

Peripheral Devices

• recognize how to install the keyboard and mouse
• recognize multimedia devices that can be connected to a computer
• recognize key characteristics of touch screen monitors

Types of Adapter Cards

• recognize key characteristics of video adapter cards
• recognize key characteristics of multimedia adapter cards
• recognize key characteristics of I/O adapter cards
• recognize key characteristics of communications adapter cards

Configuring Display Devices, Peripherals, and Adapters

Configuring and Powering Laptops

• recognize key characteristics of personal computer cards
• recognize types of communication connections for laptops
• set power plans for laptops
• configure stylus settings on tablet PCs

Installing and Configuring Printers

• distinguish between types of printers
• install printers
• configure printer preferences
• install printer drivers

Configuring Laptops and Printers

Module 3: Installing Windows Operating Systems

Overview/Description

There have been numerous versions of Windows over the years, and each has added new abilities and components. Each new version of the Windows operating system provides better and more efficient features to improve the user's interaction with the operating system and computer. This course compares Windows 2000, XP, and Vista as well as 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems. It will also demonstrate how to install Windows, device drivers, and migrate users files and applications using USMT.

Lesson Objectives

Windows OS, Upgrading, and Compatibility

• distinguish between Windows 2000, XP, and Vista operating systems
• distinguish between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
• identify key characteristics of Windows OS upgrade paths
• configure program compatibility

Installing Windows XP and Windows Vista

• identify key characteristics of a Windows XP installation
• install Windows Vista

Updating Device Drivers and Migrating User Accounts

• install device drivers and verify with Device Manager
• migrate user accounts from a Windows XP computer to a Windows Vista computer

Installing a Windows Vista Operating System

Module 4: Using and Managing Windows

Overview/Description

With each new version of the Windows operating system, new interface elements and enhancements have been made to provide better visual effects and easier access to the tools and utilities that are provided to use and manage them. This course demonstrates how to use the Windows interface, including built-in tools such as Administrative Tools, the Control Panel, and command-line utilities to manage the Windows operating system.

Lesson Objectives

Using the Windows Operating System Interface

• add gadgets to the sidebar
• enable the Aero feature and change the color of windows
• set attributes for files using Windows Explorer

Managing the Windows Operating Systems

• view a log in Event Viewer
• create a new MMC
• use Task Manager to stop a service
• configure virtual memory

Using the Windows Operating System

Command-line Utilities

• identify the functions of command-driven system management tools
• identify the functions of Telnet, ipconfig, and ping
• Windows Boot Sequences and Options
• recognize how to troubleshoot the boot sequence of a computer

Module 5: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers

Overview/Description

Troubleshooting computer problems is a major role in the computer technician's life. Every day there will be new problems to solve. This course examines the theories and practical application methods to troubleshoot problems on computers, laptops, and printers.

Lesson Objectives

The Troubleshooting Process and Tools

• recognize the process for troubleshooting computer problems
• recognize the tools used for troubleshooting computer problems

Troubleshooting Hardware

• troubleshoot internal hardware
• troubleshoot USB ports and FireWire ports
• troubleshoot drives
• troubleshoot keyboards and display devices

Troubleshooting Hardware Problems

Troubleshooting Operating System and Application Issues

• troubleshoot operating system problems
• troubleshoot startup problems
• troubleshoot application problems

Troubleshooting Printers

• recognize typical approaches to troubleshooting print problems
• manage the print queue
• manage a printer spooler service

Troubleshooting Laptops

• troubleshoot laptops

Troubleshooting OS, Printer, and Laptop Problems

Module 6: Security and Network Fundamentals

Overview/Description

Security and networking are important in the computer world. This trend has only increased as the average person's interaction on the Internet continues to grow. This course examines security concepts and technologies, such as encryption, authentication, firewalls, and malicious content scanners while also examining malicious content types and the preventative measures that can be taken to guard against them. This course also examines network connectivity, including wired and wireless, and the components and communication mechanisms, such as cables, protocols and devices, used in order to allow two or two million computers to communicate with each other and to share information.

Lesson Objectives

Security Concepts and Technologies

• recognize how key encryption technologies work
• recognize how key authentication technologies work
• configure firewall exceptions
• recognize ways to dispose of data

Security Features and Connections

• configure a wireless network connection
• recognize how to secure a network using IDS
• open the TPM
• recognize ways to secure the user environment

Setting Firewall Exceptions and Wireless Connections

Malicious Software Detection and Prevention

• recognize how the types of malicious code work
• recognize how spyware works
• recognize how spam works

Networking Fundamentals, Devices, and Protocols

• recognize key networking concepts
• join a computer to a domain and a workgroup
• recognize how network devices function
• configure TCP/IP settings on a client

Network Types and Wireless Configuration

• recognize key characteristics of wired and wireless networks
• configure a wireless network

Performing Basic Network Configurations

Network Cables and Connectors

• distinguish between the types of network cabling
• distinguish between the types of connectors

Module 7: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance

Overview/Description

Operational procedures are necessary to guarantee that products function properly while not damaging the environment, other products, or individuals around them. Another aspect of operational procedures is the need for professionalism and good communication skills in the workplace. This course covers both safety and environmental procedures to be established and used along with the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace.

Lesson Objectives

Environmental and Safety Procedures

• recognize how to guard against risks to data and equipment in an electronic environment
• recognize how to ensure the safety of personnel in an electronic environment

Professionalism and Communication in Technical Support

• recognize how to listen and speak effectively to clients
• recognize how to communicate effectively using e-mail

Making the Workplace Safe and Communicating Effectively

Windows OS and Driver Updates

• enable updates for the Windows operating system
• update drivers manually

Disk Management Tools

• check the hard disk for errors
• schedule Disk Defragmenter to run regularly
• use the System Configuration tool to identify Windows startup problems

Data Backup and Restore

• perform a complete Windows PC backup
• back up files
• restore files

Performing Updates, Disk Management, and Backups

Preventative Maintenance in the Workplace

• recognize preventative maintenance measures for the workplace