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Index
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 The Path of the PC Tech
CompTIA A+ Certification
Who Is CompTIA?
The Path to Other Certifications
CompTIA A+ Objectives
Windows-Centric
Windows 10
Exam 220–901
Exam 220-902
The Path to Certification
Finding a Testing Center
Exam Costs
How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams
Historical/Conceptual
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 2 Operational Procedures
902
The Professional Tech
Appearance
The Traits of a Tech
Effective Communication
Assertive Communication
Respectful Communication
Eliciting Answers
Expectations and Follow-Up
Tools of the Trade and Personal Safety
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Antistatic Tools
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
Personal Safety
Physical Tools
Troubleshooting Theory
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 3 The Visible Computer
Historical/Conceptual
The Computing Process
The Computing Parts
Stages
Why the Process Matters to Techs
Breaking It Down
901
Computing Hardware
902
Computing Software
Common Operating System Functions
User Interfaces
File Structures and Paths
The Tech Launch Points
Chapter 3 Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 4 Microprocessors
Historical/Conceptual
CPU Core Components
The Man in the Box
Clock
Back to the External Data Bus
Memory
Memory and RAM
Address Bus
901
Modern CPUs
Developers
Technology
Selecting and Installing CPUs
Selecting a CPU
Installation Issues
Troubleshooting CPUs
Symptoms of Overheating
Catastrophic Failure
Beyond A+
Intel Core M
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 5 RAM
Historical/Conceptual
Understanding DRAM
Organizing DRAM
Practical DRAM
DRAM Sticks
Consumer RAM
Types of RAM
SDRAM
RDRAM
901
DDR SDRAM
DDR2
DDR2
DDR3L/DDR3U
DDR4
RAM Variations
Working with RAM
Do You Need More RAM?
Getting the Right RAM
Installing DIMMs
Installing SO-DIMMs in Laptops
Troubleshooting RAM
Testing RAM
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 6 BIOS
901
We Need to Talk
Talking to the Keyboard
BIOS
CMOS
Modify CMOS: The Setup Program
Typical CMOS Setup Programs
Option ROM and Device Drivers
Option ROM
Device Drivers
BIOS, BIOS, Everywhere!
Power-On Self Test (POST)
Before and During the Video Test: The Beep Codes
Text Errors
POST Cards
The Boot Process
Care and Feeding of BIOS and CMOS
Default/Optimized Settings
Clearing CMOS
Losing CMOS Settings
Flashing the ROM
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 7 Motherboards
Historical/Conceptual
How Motherboards Work
Form Factors
901
Chipset
Motherboard Components
Expansion Bus
Structure and Function of the Expansion Bus
PCI
AGP
PCI-X
Mini-PCI
PCI Express
Installing Expansion Cards
Troubleshooting Expansion Cards
Upgrading and Installing Motherboards
Choosing the Motherboard and Case
Installing the Motherboard
Troubleshooting Motherboards
Symptoms
Techniques
Options
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 8 Power Supplies
Historical/Conceptual
Understanding Electricity
901
Powering the PC
Supplying AC
902
901
Supplying DC
Installing and Maintaining Power Supplies
Installing
Cooling
Troubleshooting Power Supplies
No Motherboard
Switches
When Power Supplies Die Slowly
Fuses and Fire
Beyond A+
It Glows!
Modular Power Supplies
Temperature and Efficiency
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 9 Hard Drive Technologies
Historical/Conceptual
How Hard Drives Work
Magnetic Hard Drives
901
Solid-State Drives
Hybrid Hard Drives
Parallel and Serial ATA
PATA
SATA
Protecting Data with RAID
RAID
Implementing RAID
Hardware Versus Software
Installing Drives
Choosing Your Drive
Jumpers and Cabling on PATA Drives
Cabling SATA Drives
Connecting Solid-State Drives
BIOS Support: Configuring CMOS and Installing Drivers
Configuring Controllers
Autodetection
Boot Order
Enabling AHCI
Troubleshooting Hard Drive Installation
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 10 Implementing Hard Drives
Historical/Conceptual
Hard Drive Partitions
902
Master Boot Record
Dynamic Disks
GUID Partition Table
Other Partition Types
When to Partition
Partition Naming Problems
Hard Drive Formatting
File Systems in Windows
FAT
FAT32
NTFS
FAT64
File Systems in Mac OS X
File Systems in Linux
The Partitioning, Formatting, and Pooling Process
Bootable Media
Partitioning and Formatting with the Installation Media
Disk Management
Formatting a Partition
Storage Spaces
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Maintenance
901
Troubleshooting Hard Drive Implementation
Beyond A+
Third-Party Partition Tools
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 11 Essential Peripherals
901
Supporting Common Ports
USB Ports
FireWire Ports
Thunderbolt Ports
General Port Issues
Common Peripherals
Keyboards
Pointing Devices
Biometric Devices
Smart Card Readers
Bar Code Readers
Touch Screens
Motion Sensors
KVM Switches
Gamepads and Joysticks
Digitizers
Multimedia Devices
Video Capture
TV Tuners
Smart TV and Set-Top Boxes
Storage Devices
Flash Memory
Optical Drives
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 12 Building a PC
901
Specialized Custom PCs
Evaluating Parts
Workstation PCs
Specialized Consumer PCs
902
Installing and Upgrading Windows
Media Sources
Types of Installation
The Installation and Upgrade Process
Troubleshooting Installation Problems
Post-Installation Tasks
Patches, Service Packs, and Updates
Upgrading Drivers
Restoring User Data Files (If Applicable)
Migrating and Retiring
No Installation Is Perfect
Beyond A+
Installing Windows 10
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 13 Windows Under the Hood
902
Registry
Accessing the Registry
Registry Components
Talkin’ Registry
Manual Registry Edits
Command-Line Registry Editing Tools
The Boot Process
Processes, Services, and Threads
Task Manager
Performance Tools
Tools for Programmers
Component Services
Data Sources
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 14 Users, Groups, and Permissions
902
Authentication with Users and Groups
User Accounts
Passwords
Groups
Configuring Users and Groups
Local Users and Groups
Authorization Through NTFS
NTFS Permissions
Inheritance
Permission Propagation
Techs and Permissions
Permissions in Linux and Mac OS X
Sharing Resources Securely
Sharing a Folder
Add/Edit Users and/or Groups
Administrative Shares
Protecting Data with Encryption
Beyond Sharing Users and Groups
Security Policies
User Account Control
How UAC Works
How to Turn Off UAC
UAC in Modern Windows
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 15 Maintaining and Optimizing Operating Systems
902
Maintaining Operating Systems
Windows Patch Management
Patch Management in Mac OS X and Linux
Managing Temporary Files in Windows
Registry Maintenance
Disk Maintenance Utilities
Scheduling Maintenance
Controlling Autostarting Software
System Information
Optimizing Operating Systems
Installing and Removing Software
Installing/Optimizing a Device
Performance Options
Preparing for Problems
Backing Up Personal Data
System Restore in Windows
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 16 Working with the Command-Line Interface
902
Deciphering the Command-Line Interface
Shells
Accessing the Command-Line Interface in Windows
Accessing the Command-Line Interface in Mac OS X and Linux
The Command Prompt
Closing the Terminal
Filenames and File Formats
Drives and Folders
Mastering Fundamental Commands
Structure: Syntax and Switches
Viewing Directory Contents: dir and ls
Changing Directory Focus: The cd Command
Moving Between Drives
Making Directories: The md/mkdir Command
Removing Directories: The rd Command
Running a Program in Windows
Running a Program in Mac OS X and Linux
Working with Files
Using Wildcards to Locate Files
Deleting Files
Copying and Moving Files
Pruning and Grafting Folder Trees
Assorted Windows Commands
chkdsk (/f /r)
format
hostname
gpupdate
gpresult
sfc
shutdown
Using Special Keys in Windows
Using Special Keys in Mac OS X and Linux
Beyond A+
The compact and cipher Commands
902
PowerShell
Assorted Mac OS X and Linux Commands
ifconfig
iwconfig
ps
grep
apt-get
vi
dd
shutdown
passwd
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 17 Troubleshooting Operating Systems
902
Failure to Boot
Failure to Boot: Hardware or Configuration
Failure to Boot: Windows XP (A CompTIA Retro Moment)
Failure to Boot: Modern Windows
Failure to Boot: Linux
Failure to Start Normally
Device Drivers
Registry
Advanced Startup Options
Troubleshooting Tools
More Control Panel Tools
Application Problems
Application Installation Problems
Problems with Uninstalling
Compatibility
Missing File or Incorrect File Version
Crashing Programs
Volume Shadow Copy Service and System Protection
Chapter Review
Questions
Review Answers
Chapter 18 Virtualization
Historical/Conceptual
What Is Virtualization?
Meet the Hypervisor
Emulation Versus Virtualization
Client-Side Virtualization
902
Why Do We Virtualize?
Power Saving
Hardware Consolidation
System Management and Security
Research
Real-world Virtualization
To the Cloud
The Service-Layer Cake
Ownership and Access
Why We Cloud
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 19 Display Technologies
Video Displays
Historical/Conceptual
CRT Monitors
901
LCD Monitors
Projectors
Plasma Displays
Common Features
Display Adapters
Historical/Conceptual
Modes
901
Motherboard Slot
Graphics Processor
Video Memory
Integrated GPUs
Connector Types and Associated Cables
Installing and Configuring Video
Software
902
Working with Drivers
3-D Graphics
Troubleshooting Video
Troubleshooting Video Cards/Drivers
Troubleshooting Monitors
Beyond A+
Changing Technologies
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 20 Essentials of Networking
902
Roles Hosts Play in Networks
Historical/Conceptual
Networking Technologies
901
Frames and NICs
Ethernet
Ethernet with Twisted Pair
Ethernet with Alternative Connections
Implementing Ethernet
The Typical LAN
Structured Cabling
Going Wide
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 21 Local Area Networking
901/902
TCP/IP
Network Addressing with IPv4
Network Addressing with IPv6
Installing and Configuring a Wired Network
Installing a NIC
Configuring a Network Client
Sharing and Security
Network Shares
Network Organization
Troubleshooting Networks
Repairing Physical Cabling
Fixing Common Problems
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 22 Wireless Networking
Historical/Conceptual
Wireless Networking Components
901
Wireless Networking Software
Wireless Network Modes
902
Wireless Networking Security
901
Speed and Range Issues
Wireless Networking Standards
IEEE 802.11-Based Wireless Networking
Other Wireless Standards
902
Installing and Configuring Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi Configuration
Bluetooth Configuration
Cellular Configuration
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
Hardware Troubleshooting
Software Troubleshooting
Connectivity Troubleshooting
Configuration Troubleshooting
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 23 The Internet
Historical/Conceptual
How the Internet Works
Internet Tiers
TCP/IP—The Common Language of the Internet
Internet Service Providers
Connection Concepts
901
Connecting to the Internet
Dial-Up
DSL
Cable
Fiber
Wi-Fi
Cellular
Satellite
Connection to the Internet
Internet Application Protocols
902
The World Wide Web
E-mail
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Telnet and SSH
SFTP
Voice over IP
Remote Desktop
Virtual Private Networks
Support Applications (Internet Utilities)
901
Internet Troubleshooting
No Connectivity
Limited Connectivity
Local Connectivity
Slow Transfer Speeds
Beyond A+
Online Gaming
Chat
File Sharing
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 24 Portable Computing
Historical/Conceptual
Portable Computing Devices
Taxonomy
901
Input Devices
Display Types
Extending Portable Computers
Single-Function Ports
Networking Options
Portable-Specific Expansion Slots
Storage Card Slots
General-Purpose Ports
Managing and Maintaining Portable Computers
Batteries
Power Management
Cleaning
Heat
Protecting the Machine
Upgrading and Repairing Laptop Computers
Disassembly Process
Standard Upgrades
Hardware Replacement
Troubleshooting Portable Computers
Power and Performance
Components
Chapter 24 Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 25 Understanding Mobile Devices
901
Types of Mobile Devices
Smartphones
Tablets
Phablets
E-Readers
Wearable Technology Devices
Mobile Hardware Features
902
Meet the Big Three Mobile OSs
Apple iOS
Google Android
Microsoft Windows Phone
Mobile OS Features
Configuring a Mobile Device
Enhancing Hardware
Adding Apps
Network Connectivity
Data
E-mail
Synchronization
Mobile Device Communication and Ports
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 26 Care and Feeding of Mobile Devices
901/902
Troubleshooting Mobile Device Issues
Touchscreen Is Nonresponsive
App Not Loading
Slow Performance
E-mail Issues
Battery Life
Swollen Battery
Overheating
Frozen System
Cannot Broadcast to an External Monitor
No Sound from Speakers
GPS and Location Services Problems
System Lockout
Troubleshooting Steps and Tools
Securing Mobile Devices
BYOD vs. Corporate-Owned Devices
Profile Security Requirements
Preventing Physical Damage
Combating Malware
Dealing with Loss
Recovering from Theft
Securing Your Data
Mobile OS and Application Security Issues
Connectivity and Data Usage Issues
Unauthorized Connections
Unauthorized Data Access
Unauthorized Account Access
Unauthorized Root Access
Unauthorized Location Tracking
Unauthorized Camera and Microphone Activation
Troubleshooting Steps and Tools
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 27 Printers and Multifunction Devices
901
Printer and Multifunction Device Components and Technologies
Printers
Scanners
Copy and Fax Components
Connectivity
The Laser Printing Process
Processing
Charging
Exposing
Developing
Transferring
Fusing
Cleaning
Installing a Multifunction Device
Setting Up Printers in Windows
Configuring Print Settings
Optimizing Print Performance
Managing Shared/Public/Networked Devices
Troubleshooting Printers
Troubleshooting General Issues
Troubleshooting Impact Printers
Troubleshooting Thermal Printers
Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers
Troubleshooting Laser Printers
Chapter Review
Questions
Answers
Chapter 28 Securing Computers
902
Analyzing Threats
Unauthorized Access
Social Engineering
Data Destruction
Administrative Access
System Crash/Hardware Failure
Physical Theft
Malware
Environmental Threats
Security Concepts and Technologies
Access Control
Data Classification and Compliance
Licensing
Reporting
Network Security
Malicious Software
Malware Signs and Symptoms
Malware Prevention and Recovery
Firewalls
Internet Appliances
Authentication and Encryption
Wireless Issues
Chapter 28 Review
Questions
Answers
Appendix A Mapping to the CompTIA A+ Objectives
220-901 Exam Objectives
220-902 Exam Objectives
Appendix B About the Download
Media Center Download
Playing the Mike Meyers Introduction Video
Downloading Total Tester Exam Software
Installing and Running Total Tester
About Total Tester
About the Assessment Test
TotalSims for CompTIA A+
Mike’s Video Training
Mike’s Cool Tools
Technical Support
Total Seminars Technical Support
McGraw-Hill Education Content Support
Glossary
Index
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