CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide 8/E Exams 220-801&802, 8th Edition

CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide 8/E Exams 220-801&802, 8th Edition

by Jane Holcombe, Charles Holcombe
Released November 2012
Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 9780071795784

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Book description

The best fully integrated study system available for CompTIA A+ exams 220-801 & 220-802

With hundreds of practice questions and hands-on exercises, CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Eighth Edition covers what you need to know—and shows you how to prepare—for these challenging exams. McGraw-Hill is a Gold-Level CompTIA Authorized Partner offering Authorized CompTIA Approved Quality Content.

  • 100% complete coverage of all official objectives for the exams
  • Exam Readiness Checklist—you’re ready for the exams when all objectives on the list are checked off
  • Exam Watch notes call attention to information about, and potential pitfalls in, the exams
  • Two-Minute Drills for quick review at the end of every chapter
  • Simulated exam questions match the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the multiple-choice exam questions

Covers all the exam topics, including:
Operational Procedures • Operating System Fundamentals • Motherboards and Processors • Storage, Memory, and Adapters • Power Supplies, Display Devices, and Peripherals • Installing and Upgrading PC Components • Installing and Configuring Laptops • Client-Side Virtualization • Upgrading, Installing, and Configuring Windows • Disk and File Management • Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance of PCs • Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Laptops • Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Windows • Network Basics • Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network • Troubleshooting Networks • Computer Security Fundamentals • Implementing Digital Security • Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows Clients • Supporting Mobile Devices • Using and Supporting Printers

Electronic content includes:

  • Complete MasterExam practice testing engine, featuring: Two practice exams; Detailed answers with explanations; Score Report performance assessment tool
  • CertCam video clips from the authors
  • Glossary with key terms
  • MasterSim interactive labs
  • One segment of LearnKey video training

With free online registration:

  • Bonus—two downloadable MasterExam practice tests
    •

    Table of contents

    1. Cover 
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. About the Authors
    5. CompTIA Approved Quality Content
    6. Contents at a Glance
    7. Contents 
    8. Preface
    9. Acknowledgments
    10. Introduction
    11. 1: Operational Procedures
      1. Workplace Safety and Safe Equipment Handling
        1. Cable Management
        2. Using Appropriate Tools
        3. Fire Safety
        4. Lifting and Moving Equipment
        5. Exercise 1-1: Research Lifting Guidelines
        6. Hot Components
        7. Electrical Safety
        8. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
        9. Exercise 1-2: ESD-Proofing Your Workspace
        10. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
        11. Working Safely with Power Supplies
        12. Display Devices
        13. Printers
        14. Compressed Air
      2. Environmental Concerns for IT Professionals
        1. Working in a Harsh Environment
        2. Disposing of Computing Waste
        3. Exercise 1-3: Researching Recycling Centers
      3. Professionalism and Proper Communication
        1. Professionalism
      4. Dealing with Prohibited Content and Prohibited Activities
        1. Defining Prohibited Content and Behavior
        2. Policies Concerning Prohibited Content and Behavior
        3. Responding to the Discovery of Prohibited Content and/or Behavior
      5. Two-Minute Drill
      6. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    12. 2: Operating System Fundamentals
      1. Introduction to Windows Operating Systems
        1. The Purpose of Operating Systems
        2. The Many Flavors of Windows
        3. Exercise 2-1: Viewing the Windows Version, Edition, and Service Pack Information
        4. Microsoft Support Lifecycle
      2. Considerations for Installing or Upgrading Windows
        1. System Requirements
        2. Application and Hardware Compatibility
        3. Exercise 2-2: Running Upgrade Advisor
        4. Running Old Applications in Windows
        5. Clean Install versus an Upgrade
        6. Upgrade Paths
        7. Migrating Data and Settings
      3. The Windows User Interface
        1. The Windows Desktop
        2. Security Tools
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    13. 3: Personal Computer Components—Motherboards and Processors
      1. The Hardware Toolkit
        1. Exercise 3-1: What’s in Your Toolkit?
      2. Motherboard Form Factors and Components
        1. Sizes/Form Factors
        2. Exercise 3-2: Compare Motherboards
        3. Motherboard Components
      3. CPUs
        1. CPU Purposes
        2. CPU Technologies and Characteristics
        3. Manufacturers and Models
        4. Cooling Systems
        5. Exercise 3-3: Check Out Your Cooling System
      4. Configuring a Motherboard
        1. Hardware Configuration
        2. Understanding BIOS
        3. CMOS
        4. BIOS Configuration
        5. Exercise 3-4: Viewing the BIOS Settings
        6. Installing Motherboard Drivers
        7. Replacing or Upgrading BIOS
        8. BIOS-based Diagnostics and Monitoring
      5. The PC Case
        1. Purpose and Features
        2. Case Form Factors
        3. Case Categories
        4. Case Sizes
        5. All-in-Ones: The Anti-Case
      6. Two-Minute Drill
      7. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    14. 4: Personal Computer Components—Memory, Adapters, and Storage
      1. Memory
        1. From Bits to Exabytes
        2. Hertz to Gigahertz
        3. Overview of RAM and ROM
        4. Features and Configurations of RAM Chips and Modules
        5. RAM Compatibility
      2. Expansion Cards and Built-in Adapters
        1. Video Adapter
        2. Multimedia Adapters
        3. I/O Adapters
        4. Exercise 4-1: Research USB Connectors
        5. Communication Adapters
        6. Riser Cards
        7. Exercise 4-2: View Adapter Cards in Device Manager
      3. Storage Devices and Interfaces
        1. Drive Interfaces
        2. Mass Storage Devices
        3. Exercise 4-3: Identify Your Storage Devices
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    15. 5: Power Supplies, Display Devices, and Peripherals
      1. Power Supplies
        1. Electrical Terminology
        2. Exercise 5-1: Check Out the Wattage on PCs and Other Devices
        3. Fans
        4. AC Adapters
        5. Power Supply Form Factors and Connectors
        6. Connecting Power to Peripherals
        7. Energy Efficiency
        8. Removing a Power Supply/Installing a Power Supply
        9. Exercise 5-2: Replacing a Power Supply
      2. Video Adapters and Displays
        1. Analog vs. Digital
        2. Video Adapters
        3. Multiple Displays
        4. Multiple Video Adapters for One Monitor
        5. Display Types
        6. Display Settings
        7. Exercise 5-3: Check Out the Color Quality Setting in Windows
      3. Installing and Configuring Peripheral Devices
        1. Installing Displays
        2. Selecting Input Devices
        3. Multimedia
        4. Biometric Devices
        5. KVM Switches
        6. Installing USB Devices
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    16. 6: Installing and Upgrading PC Components
      1. Selecting Components for Custom PCs
        1. Graphics/CAD/CAM Design Workstation
        2. Audio/Video Editing Workstation
        3. Virtualization Workstation
        4. Gaming PC
        5. Home Theater PC
        6. Standard Thick Client
        7. Thin Client
        8. Home Server PC
      2. Installing and Upgrading Motherboards and Onboard Components
        1. Replacing a Motherboard
        2. Installing a Motherboard
        3. Exercise 6-1: Removing an Old Motherboard
        4. Exercise 6-2: Properly Handling and Installing a Motherboard
        5. Upgrading a CPU
        6. Exercise 6-3: Removing a PGA Processor from a ZIF Socket
        7. Exercise 6-4: Removing a Processor from an LGA Socket
        8. Exercise 6-5: Installing a Processor in an Empty LGA Socket
        9. Removing and Installing Cooling Systems
        10. Optimizing a System with RAM
        11. Exercise 6-6: Running a Memory Scanner
        12. Installing and Removing Memory
        13. Exercise 6-7: Installing and Removing a DIMM Module
      3. Installing Adapter Cards
        1. Removing an Adapter Card
        2. Exercise 6-8: Removing an Adapter Card
        3. Installing and Configuring an Adapter Card
        4. Exercise 6-9: Installing an Adapter Card
      4. Installing Storage Devices
        1. Removing an Internal Storage Device
        2. Exercise 6-10: Removing a Drive
        3. Installing Drives on PATA Channels
        4. Exercise 6-11: Choosing a Master
        5. Installing Optical Drives
        6. Installing Solid-State Storage
        7. Installing Drives on SATA Channels
        8. Exercise 6-12: Installing a SATA Drive
        9. Installing RAID Arrays
        10. Installing Internal Floppy Disk Drives
        11. Installing and Configuring SCSI Devices
        12. Removing and Installing an External Storage Device
        13. Preparing a Storage Device for Use
      5. Two-Minute Drill
      6. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    17. 7: Installing and Configuring Laptops
      1. Installing and Upgrading Laptops
        1. What Is a Laptop?
        2. Opening a Laptop Case
        3. Laptop Components
        4. Exercise 7-1: Installing SODIMM Memory
      2. Power Options
        1. Power Management Standards
        2. Configuring Power Management in Windows
        3. Exercise 7-2: Exploring Power Options on a Laptop
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    18. 8: Client-Side Virtualization
      1. Introduction to Virtualization
        1. Purposes of Virtualization
        2. Server-Side Virtualization vs. Client-Side Virtualization
        3. Types of Client-Side Virtualization
      2. Implementing Client-Side Desktop Virtualization
        1. Hypervisors
        2. Implementing Desktop Virtualization
        3. Exercise 8-1: Testing a Computer for HAV Support
        4. Exercise 8-2: Installing Microsoft Virtual PC 2007
        5. Exercise 8-3: Installing Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC
        6. Exercise 8-4: Installing Oracle VirtualBox on a Windows 7 Host
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    19. 9: Upgrading, Installing, and Configuring Windows
      1. Upgrading Windows
        1. Why Upgrade?
        2. Pre-Upgrade Tasks
        3. Running an Upgrade from Older Versions to Newer Versions
        4. Windows Anytime Upgrade
      2. Installing Windows
        1. Preparing to Install Windows
        2. Selecting Boot Media and Methods
        3. Over-the-Network Installation
        4. Installing from a Recovery Disc
        5. Installing from a Factory Recovery Partition
        6. Attended Clean Windows Installation
        7. Exercise 9-1: Installing Windows 7
        8. Unattended Installation
      3. Configuring Windows
        1. Network Configuration
        2. Registration and Activation
        3. Updating Windows
        4. Installing Applications and Additional Windows Components
        5. Migrating Data
        6. Installing New Devices
        7. Optimizing Windows
        8. Exercise 9-2: Viewing the Virtual Memory Settings
        9. Exercise 9-3: Enabling ReadyBoost for a Flash Drive
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    20. 10: Disk and File Management
      1. Disk Management
        1. Managing Disks
        2. Exercise 10-1: Viewing the Disk Storage Type
        3. Disk Management at the Command Prompt
      2. Understanding Windows Startup
        1. Windows Startup Phases
        2. Windows Startup File Locations
        3. System Startup Settings
        4. Exercise 10-2: Viewing the Contents of BCD in Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
      3. File Management
        1. File Systems
        2. Files
        3. Text Editors
        4. Organizing Files Using Folders
        5. Exercise 10-3: Managing Files and Folders
        6. File Management at the Command Prompt
        7. Exercise 10-4: Managing Directories and Files at the Command Prompt
        8. Windows Utilities
        9. Exercise 10-5: Using the DEFRAG command
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    21. 11: Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance of PCs
      1. Preparing for Troubleshooting
        1. Protecting Systems and Gathering Tools
        2. Troubleshooting Theory
        3. Exercise 11-1: Troubleshooting with Device Manager
        4. Training
      2. Troubleshooting Motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and Power
        1. Procedures
        2. General Symptoms
        3. Troubleshooting Motherboard Problems
        4. Exercise 11-2: Replacing the CMOS Battery
        5. Troubleshooting RAM Problems
        6. Troubleshooting CPUs
        7. Troubleshooting Power Supplies
        8. Cooling Systems
      3. Troubleshooting Storage Devices
        1. Hard Disk Drives
        2. Exercise 11-3: Troubleshooting a Drive Failure
        3. Solid-state Storage Devices
        4. Removable Storage
        5. External Storage
        6. SCSI Devices
        7. Adapter Cards
        8. Thermally Sensitive Devices
      4. Troubleshooting I/O Devices
        1. Troubleshooting Video
        2. Troubleshooting Nonvideo I/O Devices
        3. Input Devices
      5. Preventive Maintenance Techniques
        1. Visual and Aural Inspection
        2. Driver and Firmware Updates
        3. Maintenance and Cleaning of Computer Components
      6. Two-Minute Drill
      7. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    22. 12: Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Laptops
      1. Troubleshooting Laptops
        1. Power Problems
        2. Exercise 12-1: Using a Multimeter to Test an AC Adapter
        3. Other Startup Problems
        4. Video Symptoms and Possible Causes and Solutions
        5. Input Devices
        6. Wireless Problems
      2. Preventive Maintenance for Laptops
        1. Transporting and Shipping a Laptop
        2. Cooling Issues
        3. Hardware and Video Cleaning Materials
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    23. 13: Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Windows
      1. Overview of Troubleshooting Software Problems
        1. The Quick Fixes: Rebooting, Uninstalling, and Reinstalling
        2. Pinpointing the Problem Application
        3. Minimum Requirements
      2. Windows Troubleshooting Tools
        1. Troubleshooting Tools for Windows Vista and Newer Versions
        2. System Information (MSINFO32.EXE)
        3. The Registry
        4. The Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
        5. REGSVR32
        6. Data Sources
        7. Task Manager
        8. System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG.EXE)
        9. Windows Memory Diagnostic
        10. Troubleshooting with Modified Startups
        11. Exercise 13-1: Working in Safe Mode
        12. System Restore
        13. Shadow Copy
        14. Recovery Options
        15. DirectX Diagnostic Tool
      3. Symptoms and Solutions
        1. OS Instability Problems
        2. RAID Not Detected During Installation
        3. Troubleshooting Applications
        4. Common Error Messages
      4. Preventive Maintenance for Windows OSs
        1. Scheduled Backups
        2. Scheduled Check Disks
        3. Scheduled Disk Defragmentation
        4. Patch Management
      5. Two-Minute Drill
      6. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    24. 14: Network Basics
      1. Network Topologies, Classifications, and Performance
        1. Network Topologies
        2. Geographic Network Classifications and Technologies
        3. Exercise 14-1: Testing Broadband Speeds
        4. Bandwidth and Latency
      2. Network Software
        1. Network Roles
        2. Network Operating System
        3. Network Client
        4. TCP/IP
        5. Network Addressing
        6. Exercise 14-2: Viewing the Physical and IP Addresses of a NIC
        7. Common Ports
      3. Network Hardware
        1. Network Adapters
        2. Transmission Medium
        3. Devices for Connecting to LANs and the Internet
        4. Exercise 14-3: Identifying Network Hardware
        5. Other Network Devices
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    25. 15: Installing a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Network
      1. Installing and Configuring Networks
        1. Using Networking Tools
        2. Installing a NIC
        3. Exercise 15-1: Connecting an Ethernet Cable
        4. Creating a Wi-Fi Network
        5. Exercise 15-2: Configuring a WAP or Wireless Router
        6. IP Configuration
        7. Exercise 15-3: Manually Configuring IP Settings in Windows XP
        8. Exercise 15-4: Manually Configuring IP Settings in Windows Vista and Windows 7
        9. Configuring a WAN Connection
        10. Configuring Bluetooth
        11. Installing Basic VoIP
        12. Configuring Remote Desktop
        13. Configuring Remote Assistance
      2. Internet Concepts
        1. Internet Service Providers
        2. Internet Services and Protocols
        3. Web Servers
        4. Web Browsers
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    26. 16: Troubleshooting Networks
      1. Troubleshooting Common Network Problems
        1. Tools for Network Troubleshooting
        2. Connectivity Problems
        3. Exercise 16-1: Using TRACERT
        4. Resolving Insufficient Bandwidth
        5. Troubleshooting DNS Problems
        6. Exercise 16-2: Using NSLOOKUP to Troubleshoot DNS
        7. Troubleshooting WINS Problems
        8. Troubleshooting with Terminal Software
        9. Troubleshooting Modem Problems
      2. Preventive Maintenance for Networks
        1. Maintaining Equipment
        2. Securing and Protecting Network Cabling
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    27. 17: Computer Security Fundamentals
      1. Security Threats
        1. Computer Hardware Theft
        2. Disasters, Big and Small
        3. Threats to Individuals
        4. Malicious Software Attacks
        5. Exercise 17-1: Research Spam Statistics
        6. Grayware
        7. Methods for Gaining Access and Obtaining Information
        8. Exercise 17-2: What Is Your Phishing IQ?
      2. Defense Against Threats: Physical Security
        1. Lock Doors and Enforce Policies
        2. Preventing Piggybacking and Tailgating
        3. Badges
        4. Smart Card Authentication
        5. Biometric Authentication
        6. Securing Physical Access to Documents
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    28. 18: Implementing Digital Security
      1. Implementing Authentication for Digital Security
        1. Security Policies and Education
        2. Implementing Authentication Security
      2. Implementing a Defense Against Malware
        1. Self-education
        2. Network Access Control
        3. Protecting Windows Files and Programs
        4. User Account Control
        5. System Protection
        6. Software Firewalls
        7. Exercise 18-1: Configuring the Windows Firewall in Windows 7
        8. Antivirus
        9. Antispyware/Anti-adware
        10. Configuring Browser Security
        11. Implementing Security Suites
        12. Removing Malware
        13. Preventive Maintenance for Security
      3. Two-Minute Drill
      4. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    29. 19: Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows Clients
      1. Configuring Windows Clients for File and Printer Sharing
        1. HomeGroups
        2. Exercise 19-1: Creating a HomeGroup
        3. Workgroups
        4. Active Directory Domains
      2. Implementing Data Security
        1. NTFS Permissions
        2. Exercise 19-2: Viewing Folder Permissions in Windows
        3. Applying Share Permissions
        4. Exercise 19-3: Creating a Share and Modifying Share Permissions in Windows Vista/7
        5. Administrative Shares
        6. Connecting to a Shared Folder
        7. Applying NTFS File and Folder Encryption
        8. BitLocker
        9. Digital Data Wiping
        10. File Attributes
      3. Troubleshooting Security
        1. BIOS Password Problems
        2. Biometric Authentication Problems
        3. Forgotten Windows Password
        4. No Permissions on FAT32
        5. Encryption Issues
        6. Software Firewall Issues
        7. Wireless Access Point Compromised
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    30. 20: Supporting Mobile Devices
      1. Overview of Mobile Devices
        1. Smartphones and Tablets in Everyday Life
        2. Hardware Features
        3. Mobile Operating Systems
        4. Mobile Apps
      2. Configuring Mobile Devices
        1. Connecting to Wireless Networks
        2. Email Configuration
        3. Synchronization
      3. Securing Mobile Devices
        1. Today’s IT Challenge: BYOD
        2. Meeting the Challenge
      4. Two-Minute Drill
      5. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    31. 21: Using and Supporting Printers
      1. Printer Basics
        1. Windows Print Processing
        2. Printer Types and Technologies
        3. Paper-Feeding Technologies
        4. Printer Components
      2. Installing and Configuring Printers
        1. Printer Interfaces
        2. Installing a Printer
        3. Exercise 21-1: Installing a Non–Plug and Play Printer
        4. Testing a Printer for Compatibility
        5. Installing an All-in-One Printer
        6. Configuring a Printer
        7. Print Management
        8. Sharing a Printer
        9. Upgrades
        10. Optimizing Printer Performance
        11. Deleting a Printer
      3. Printer Maintenance
        1. Maintenance Tools
        2. Replacing Consumables
        3. Exercise 21-2: Adding Paper to an Upright Friction-Feed Tray
        4. Cleaning a Printer
        5. Replacing Print Heads
        6. Maintenance Kits and Page Counts
        7. Calibration
        8. Ensuring a Suitable Environment
      4. Troubleshooting Printers
        1. Printer Troubleshooting Tools
        2. Understanding Print Spooling for Troubleshooting
        3. Unable to Install a Printer
        4. Access Denied to an Installed Printer
        5. Non-Windows Clients Cannot Connect to a Shared Printer
        6. Paper Feed Problems
        7. Clearing a Paper Jam
        8. No Connectivity to Printer
        9. Unable to Install Printer 1126
        10. Printer Will Not Print
        11. Exercise 21-3: Restarting the Print Spooler Service
        12. Blank Pages
        13. Print Quality
        14. Printer Error Messages
      5. Two-Minute Drill
      6. Q&A: Self Test
        1. Self Test Answers
    32. Appendix A: About the Download
    33. Glossary
    34. Index

    Product information

    • Title: CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide 8/E Exams 220-801&802, 8th Edition
    • Author(s): Jane Holcombe, Charles Holcombe
    • Release date: November 2012
    • Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
    • ISBN: 9780071795784