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31 Days Before Your CompTIA A+ Exams
- By Ben Conry
- Published Apr 15, 2009 by Cisco Press.
Book
- Sorry, this book is no longer in print.
Description
- Copyright 2009
- Edition: 1st
- Book
- ISBN-10: 1-58713-231-1
- ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-231-5
31 Days Before Your CompTIA A+ Exams
Ben Conry
A day-by-day review guide for the Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials student
31 Days Before Your CompTIA A+ Exams is a preparation guide for all four A+ exams (2006 objectives) and maps to the IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Version 4 course developed by the Cisco® Networking Academy®.
Not sure which specialty exam to take: Field Technician, Remote Technician, or Bench Technician? This book breaks down key exam topics into manageable bits of information to review and helps you decide which direction to take after passing the Essentials exam on Day 15.
Use this day-by-day guide to organize, prepare, and review all the CompTIA® A+ objectives. The features of the book empower you to fit exam preparation into an otherwise busy schedule:
- Tear-out calendar summarizes each day’s study topics
- Checklist highlights important tasks and deadlines leading up to your exam
- Description of the CompTIA A+ exams and signup process includes instructions on how to use a Cisco Networking Academy course voucher
- Strategies from the author help you to be mentally, organizationally, and physically prepared for exam day
- Conversational tone makes your study time more enjoyable
Ben Conry has a master’s degree in instructional technology from Johns Hopkins University and currently holds CCNA®, CCAI, and A+ certifications. He is the lead instructor for Information Technology Essentials 1 in Baltimore County public schools, where he consistently guides disadvantaged students through their A+ certification. He has received awards and citations for his commitment to educational excellence and for preparing students for both college and the workforce.
Related Titles:
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software
Companion Guide
ISBN: 978-1-58713-199-8
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software
Labs and Study Guide
ISBN: 978-1-58713-198-1
This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy.
Sample Content
Sample Pages
Download the sample pages (includes Day 31 and Index)
Table of Contents
Part I: Days 31—15: Taking the Essentials Exam (2006)
Day 31: Hardware Concepts: Part 1 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
Storage Devices
Interfaces and Cables
Adapter Cards
Motherboards
CPU Slots and Sockets
Power Supplies
Homework
Funwork
Day 30: Hardware Concepts: Part 2 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
System Resources
Memory
Input and Output
Cables and Ports
Cooling Systems
A Day in the Office
Homework
Funwork
Day 29: Hardware Installation
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
SATA Installation
PATA Installation
SCSI
RAID
Flashing the BIOS: A Closer Look
Preparing the HDD for an OS Installation
Drive-Related Best Practices Found on the A+ Exam
Homework
Funwork
Day 28: Hardware Troubleshooting
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Troubleshooting Process
Troubleshooting Best Practices Found on the A+ Exam
POST and Boot Problems
Resolving Resolutions
Troubleshooting Tools
Preventive Maintenance
Homework
Funwork
Day 27: Laptops and Portable Devices: Part 1 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Batteries
ACPI Power Management
Laptops and Projectors
Memory and Expansion Slots
Homework
Funwork
Day 26: Laptops and Portable Devices: Part 2 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Cell Phones
Cleaning Laptops
Repairing Laptops
Troubleshooting Laptops
Homework
Funwork
Day 25: Operating Systems Concepts
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
Operating System and the Layered PC Model
Desktop Operating Systems
Network Operating Systems
The “Multi” Terms
Modes
Logical Memory
Registry
GUI Versus CLI
Users and Permissions
Windows Vista Administrator Account
File Extensions
Plug-Ins, Players, and Viewers
File Attributes
Virtual Memory
Homework
Funwork
Day 24: Operating Systems Installation
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
Hardware Compatibility List
Boot Process
Clean Operating System Install
Add New Hardware Wizard
Add/Remove Software
Device Manager
Homework
Funwork
Day 23: Operating Systems Troubleshooting
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Memory Dumps
ERD and ASR
Not Enough HDD Space
Last Known Good Configuration
Event Viewer
MSCONFIG
Change File Extension Associations
Install a Program on OS X, Windows, and Linux
View the CLI on OS X, Windows, and Linux
Disk Management and Utilities
Microsoft Backup Utility
Homework
Funwork
Day 22: Printers
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
Printer Measurements
Types of Printers
Printer Connections
Printer Troubleshooting
Homework
Funwork
Day 21: Scanners
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Handheld, Flatbed, and Drum Scanners
Optical Character Recognition
Maintaining Scanners
Other Scanners
Homework
Funwork
Day 20: Networking: Part 1 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objective
Key Points
LANs, WANs, and WLANs
OSI Model
Simplex, Multicasting, Half Duplex, Full Duplex
Network Addressing
Network Topologies
Client/Server Versus Peer to Peer
Network Architectures
Bluetooth
Homework
Funwork
Day 19: Networking: Part 2 of 2
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
OSI and TCP/IP Models
Network Protocols
Standards Organizations
AT Commands
Internet Connections
Troubleshooting Networks
Homework
Funwork
Day 18: Security
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Security Threats
WIFI Security
AV, Spyware Removal, and Definitions Updates
Firewalls
User Training and Password Policies
Troubleshooting Security
Homework
Funwork
Day 17: Environmental Issues
A+ Essentials Exam Objectives
Key Points
Hazards
Fire Safety
Material Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS)
Tools
Electrostatic Discharge
Disposing of Computer Components
Customer Support
Service Level Agreements
Homework
Funwork
Day 16: Essentials Review Day
The Cheat Sheet Study Technique
Homework
Funwork
Day 15: Essentials Exam Day
The Perfect Score
Before the Exam
During the Exam
After the Exam
Part II: Days 14-1: Taking the Field Technician Exam 220-602
Day 14: Hardware: A Closer Look
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
Seriously SCSI
Legacy Expansion Slots
Old-School D Plugs
Absolute Power Supplies
Homework
Funwork
Day 13: Hardware Troubleshooting
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
Troubleshooting Monitor Issues
Can You Hear Me Now?
Quirky Qwerty
Homework
Funwork
Day 12: Hardware Preventive Maintenance
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
Maintenance Toolkit
Safety First
Cleaning Solutions
Homework
Funwork
Day 11: Laptops and Peripherals
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Networking for Laptops
Video RAM
Hot Swappable and Not Swappable
Measuring Memory and Speed: When Size Matters
Bluetooth Classes
Homework
Funwork
Day 10: Operating Systems: A Closer Look
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
Command-Line Switches
System Folders and Users
Shared Folders and Naming Conventions
Mapping a Network Drive
Language Packs
Accessibility Options
Homework
Funwork
Day 9: Operating Systems Troubleshooting
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
Raising the Dead: Operating System Recovery
Administrative Tools
Problems with Permissions
Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Assistance
Homework
Funwork
Day 8: Operating Systems Preventive Maintenance
A+ 220-602 Exam Objective
Key Points
What Really Happens at Startup?
Custom OS Installations
Updating the Operating System
Homework
Funwork
Day 7: Printers and Scanners: A Closer Look
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Printer RAM and Firmware
Scanner Software
WYSIWYG
The Clean and Happy Printer
Homework
Funwork
Day 6: Troubleshooting Printers
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, and A4
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Toner: The Good, the Bad, and the Messy
Common Printer Problems
Homework
Funwork
Day 5: Networking: A Closer Look
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Ports of Call
Wire Drill
File Sharing
Homework
Funwork
Day 4: Network Troubleshooting
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Follow the Packet
Seeing the Light
Homework
Funwork
Day 3: Security, Environment, and Customer Service
A+ 220-602 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Firewalls
Hash
Encryption
Virtual Private Networking
A Geekspeak Translation Guide
Environment
Homework
Funwork
Day 2: 220-602 Review Day
By Any Other Name
Brain Dumps
Write Your Own Practice Questions
Homework
Funwork
Day 1: 220-602 Exam Day
Before the Exam
During the Exam
After the Exam
Part III: Days 14-1: Taking the Remote Technician Exam 220-603
Day 14: Remote Hardware Troubleshooting
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Remote Technician
Connecting over the Phone
Getting a Clue
Beep-Beep
Just a Little SCSI
Homework
Funwork
Day 13: Troubleshooting from a Distance
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Remote Assistance
Remote Assistance Assistance
Remote Desktop
Remote Access
Telnet and SSH
VPN
Big Brother
Homework
Funwork
Day 12: Command Prompt: That Old Time Religion
A+ 220-603 Exam Objective
Key Points
CLI on the Phone
Command-Line Switches
Homework
Funwork
Day 11: Microsoft and Me
A+ 220-603 Exam Objective
Key Points
License and Registration, Please
Hailing a CAB
Never Forget a Face
Know All Roads
Homework
Funwork
Day 10: Comparing Operating Systems
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Comparing Windows XP, Macintosh OS X, and Linux
Installing Applications on Operating Systems
Homework
Funwork
Day 9: Opening Windows
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Upgrading Windows
Distributions of Windows XP
Backward Compatibility
The Devil in the Details
Policies
Homework
Funwork
Day 8: Speaking Fluent XP
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Keyboard Shortcuts
What Really Happens at Startup?
Custom OS Installations
Updating the Operating System
Homework
Funwork
Day 7: A Long-Distance Look at Printers and Scanners
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Printer RAM and Firmware
Scanner Software
WYSIWYG
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Toner: The Good, the Bad, and the Messy
Common Printer Problems
Homework
Funwork
Day 6: More Networking
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Ports of Call
Wire Drill
File Sharing
Browsers
Homework
Funwork
Day 5: Even More Networking
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Follow the Packet
Homework
Funwork
Day 4: Security and Wireless
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Firewalls
Hash
Encryption
Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
Homework
Funwork
Day 3: Customer Service
A+ 220-603 Exam Objectives
Key Points
A Geekspeak Translation Guide
Homework
Funwork
Day 2: 220-603 Review Day
By Any Other Name
Brain Dumps
Write Your Own Practice Questions
Homework
Funwork
Day 1: 220-603 Exam Day
Before the Exam
During the Exam
After the Exam
Part IV: Days 14—1: Taking the Bench Technician Exam 220-604
Day 14: Elbow Deep in Hardware
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Seriously SCSI
Legacy Expansion Slots
Old-School D Plugs
Absolute Power Supplies
Homework
Funwork
Day 13: AMD, Intel, and You
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
What’s Under the Hood?
A Bag of Chips
Upgrading the CPU
Homework
Funwork
Day 12: The Right Tool for the Right Job
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Tools
Multimeters and Electricity
Connecting Devices Properly
Known-Good Devices
Homework
Funwork
Day 11: An Ounce of Prevention
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
What’s Hot and What’s Not
Cleaning Solutions
Homework
Funwork
Day 10: Batteries and LCDs
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Portable Power
Crystal Clear
Video Sharing
Homework
Funwork
Day 9: Swapping Drives
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Hot Swappable and Not Swappable
Laptop Hard Drives
Homework
Funwork
Day 8: Troubleshooting Portable Devices
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Troubleshooting Cell Phones
Function over Form Factors
Quirky Qwerty
Homework
Funwork
Day 7: Projectors and Cameras
A+ 220-604 Exam Objective
Key Points
Troubleshooting Cameras
Measuring Memory and Speed: When Size Matters
Troubleshooting Projectors
Homework
Funwork
Day 6: The Big World of Printers and Scanners 255
A+ 220-604 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Safety First
Printer RAM and Firmware
Scanner Software
WYSIWYG
Print Servers
Homework
Funwork
Day 5: Printers and Scanners on Your Own Terms
A+ 220-604 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Got Ink?
Error Codes
Serious Solutions for Serious Bench Techs
Cleaning the Bench Tech Way
Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, and A4
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Toner: The Good, the Bad, and the Messy
Homework
Funwork
Day 4: Alphabet Soup
Key Points
Acronym List
Homework
Funwork
Day 3: Security and Environment
A+ 220-604 Exam Objectives
Key Points
Security Devices
Environment
Homework
Funwork
Day 2: 220-604 Review Day
By Any Other Name
Brain Dumps
Write Your Own Practice Questions
Homework
Funwork
Day 1: 220-604 Exam Day
Before the Exam
During the Exam
After the Exam
Index
More Information
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