CompTIA A+ Rapid Review (Exam 220-801 and Exam 220-802)

CompTIA A+ Rapid Review (Exam 220-801 and Exam 220-802)

by Darril Gibson
Released April 2013
Publisher(s): Microsoft Press
ISBN: 9780735668423

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Book description

Assess your readiness for CompTIA A+ Exams 220-801 and 220-802—and quickly identify where you need to focus and practice. This practical, streamlined guide walks you through each exam objective, providing "need to know" checklists, review questions, tips, and links to further study—all designed to help bolster your preparation.

Reinforce your exam prep with a Rapid Review of these objectives:

Exam 220-801:

  • PC Hardware

  • Networking

  • Laptops

  • Printers

  • Operational Procedures

    • Exam 220-802:

  • Operating Systems

  • Security

  • Mobile Devices

  • Troubleshooting

    • This book is an ideal complement to the in-depth training of the Microsoft Press Training Kit and other exam-prep resources for CompTIA A+ Exams 220-801 and 220-802.

    Table of contents

    1. Introduction
      1. CompTIA professional certification program
      2. Certification helps your career
      3. It pays to get certified
      4. Four steps to getting certified and staying certified
        1. Stay certified! Take advantage of continuing education
      5. How to obtain more information
      6. Support & feedback
        1. Errata
        2. We want to hear from you
        3. Stay in touch
    2. Preparing for the exam
    3. I. Exam 220-801
      1. 1. PC hardware
        1. Objective 1.1: Configure and apply BIOS settings
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Install firmware upgrades—flash BIOS
          3. BIOS component information
          4. BIOS configurations
          5. Use built-in diagnostics
          6. Monitoring
          7. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 1.2: Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Sizes
          3. Expansion slots
          4. RAM slots
          5. CPU sockets
          6. Chipsets
          7. Jumpers
          8. Power connections and types
          9. Fan connectors
          10. Front panel connectors
          11. Bus speeds
          12. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 1.3: Compare and contrast RAM types and features
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Types
          3. RAM compatibility and speed
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 1.4: Install and configure expansion cards
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Sound cards
          3. Video cards
          4. Network cards
          5. Serial and parallel cards
          6. USB and FireWire cards
          7. Storage cards
          8. Modem cards
          9. Wireless/cellular cards
          10. TV tuner cards
          11. Video capture cards
          12. Riser cards
          13. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 1.5: Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Optical drives
          3. Combo drives and burners
          4. Connection types
          5. Hard drives
          6. Solid state/flash drives
          7. RAID types
          8. Floppy drive
          9. Tape drive
          10. Media capacity
          11. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Objective 1.6: Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Socket types
          3. Characteristics
          4. Cooling
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        7. Objective 1.7: Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Physical connections
          3. Speeds, distances, and frequencies of wireless device connections
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        8. Objective 1.8: Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenario
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Connector types and their voltages
          3. Specifications
          4. Dual voltage options
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        9. Objective 1.9: Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
          3. Audio/Video editing workstation
          4. Virtualization workstation
          5. Gaming PC
          6. Home Theater PC
          7. Standard thick client
          8. Thin client
          9. Home Server PC
          10. Can you answer these questions?
        10. Objective 1.10: Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Types
          3. Refresh rates
          4. Resolution
          5. Native resolution
          6. Brightness/lumens
          7. Analog vs. digital
          8. Privacy/antiglare filters
          9. Multiple displays
          10. Can you answer these questions?
        11. Objective 1.11: Identify connector types and associated cables
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Display connector types
          3. Display cable types
          4. Device connectors and pin arrangements
          5. Device cable types
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        12. Objective 1.12: Install and configure various peripheral devices
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Input devices
          3. Multimedia devices
          4. Output devices
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        13. Answers
          1. Objective 1.1: Configure and apply BIOS settings
          2. Objective 1.2: Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties
          3. Objective 1.3: Compare and contrast RAM types and features
          4. Objective 1.4: Install and configure expansion cards
          5. Objective 1.5: Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
          6. Objective 1.6: Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method
          7. Objective 1.7: Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose
          8. Objective 1.8: Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenarios
          9. Objective 1.9: Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs
          10. Objective 1.10: Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices
          11. Objective 1.11: Identify connector types and associated cables
          12. Objective 1.12: Install and configure various peripheral devices
      2. 2. Networking
        1. Objective 2.1: Identify types of network cables and connectors
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Fiber
          3. Twisted-pair
          4. Coaxial
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 2.2: Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Fiber
          3. Twisted-pair
          4. Coaxial
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 2.3: Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. IP class
          3. IPv4 vs. IPv6
          4. Public vs. private vs. APIPA
          5. Static vs. dynamic
          6. Client-side DNS
          7. DHCP
          8. Subnet mask
          9. Gateway
          10. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 2.4: Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Ports
          3. Protocols
          4. TCP vs. UDP
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 2.5: Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Standards
          3. Encryption types
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Objective 2.6: Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. MAC filtering
          3. Channels (1–11)
          4. Port forwarding, port triggering
          5. Built-in networking services
          6. Wireless security
          7. DMZ
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        7. Objective 2.7: Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Cable and fiber
          3. Phone lines
          4. Satellite
          5. Cellular (mobile hotspot)
          6. WiMAX and line of sight wireless Internet service
          7. Can you answer these questions?
        8. Objective 2.8: Identify various types of networks
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. LAN
          3. WAN
          4. PAN
          5. MAN
          6. Topologies
          7. Can you answer these questions?
        9. Objective 2.9: Compare and contrast network devices and their functions and features
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Hub
          3. Switch
          4. Router
          5. Access point
          6. Bridge
          7. Modem
          8. NAS
          9. Firewall
          10. VoIP phones
          11. Internet appliance
          12. Can you answer these questions?
        10. Objective 2.10: Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Crimper
          3. Multimeter
          4. Toner probe
          5. Cable tester
          6. Loopback plug
          7. Punchdown tool
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        11. Answers
          1. Objective 2.1: Identify types of network cables and connectors
          2. Objective 2.2: Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling
          3. Objective 2.3: Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
          4. Objective 2.4: Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose
          5. Objective 2.5: Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types
          6. Objective 2.6: Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings
          7. Objective 2.7: Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features
          8. Objective 2.8: Identify various types of networks
          9. Objective 2.9: Compare and contrast network devices and their functions and features
          10. Objective 2.10: Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
      3. 3. Laptops
        1. Objective 3.1: Install and configure laptop hardware and components
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Expansion options
          3. Hardware/device replacement
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 3.2: Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Types
          3. Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement
          4. Inverter and its function
          5. Backlight
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 3.3: Compare and contrast laptop features
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Special function keys
          3. Docking station vs. port replicator
          4. Physical laptop lock and cable lock
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Answers
          1. Objective 3.1: Install and configure laptop hardware and components
          2. Objective 3.2: Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop
          3. Objective 3.3: Compare and contrast laptop features
      4. 4. Printers
        1. Objective 4.1: Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Laser
          3. Inkjet
          4. Thermal
          5. Impact
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, install, and configure printers
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Use appropriate printer drivers for a given operating system
          3. Print device sharing
          4. Printer sharing
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 4.3: Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Laser
          3. Thermal
          4. Impact
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Answers
          1. Objective 4.1: Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process
          2. Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, install, and configure printers
          3. Objective 4.3: Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance
      5. 5. Operational procedures
        1. Objective 5.1: Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. ESD strap
          3. ESD mats
          4. Self-grounding
          5. Equipment grounding
          6. Personal safety
          7. Compliance with local government regulations
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 5.2: Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
          3. Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
          4. Power surges, brownouts, blackouts
          5. Protection from airborne particles
          6. Component handling and protection
          7. Compliance to local government regulations
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 5.3: Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Use proper language—avoid jargon, acronyms, slang when applicable
          3. Maintain a positive attitude
          4. Listen and do not interrupt the customer
          5. Be culturally sensitive
          6. Avoid distractions
          7. Dealing with difficult customer or situation
          8. Be on time / set and meet expectations
          9. Deal appropriately with customer’s confidential materials
          10. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 5.4: Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. First response
          3. Use of documentation/documentation changes
          4. Chain of custody
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Answers
          1. Objective 5.1: Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures
          2. Objective 5.2: Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
          3. Objective 5.3: Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism
          4. Objective 5.4: Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity
    4. II. Exam 220-802
      1. 6. Operating systems
        1. Objective 1.1: Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP 64-bit Professional
          3. Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Enterprise
          4. Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise
          5. Features
          6. Upgrade paths—differences between in-place upgrades, compatibility tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor
          7. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 1.2: Given a scenario, install and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Boot methods
          3. Type of installations
          4. Partitioning
          5. File system types/formatting
          6. Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
          7. Workgroup vs. domain setup
          8. Time/date/region/language settings
          9. Driver installation, software and windows updates
          10. Factory recovery partition
          11. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 1.3: Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Networking
          3. OS
          4. Recovery console
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 1.4: Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Administrative
          3. msconfig
          4. Task Manager
          5. Disk Management
          6. Other
          7. Run line utilities
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 1.5: Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities (the items are organized by “classic view/large icons” in Windows)
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common to all Microsoft operating systems
          3. Unique to Windows XP
          4. Unique to Windows Vista
          5. Unique to Windows 7
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Objective 1.6: Set up and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Homegroup, file/print sharing
          3. Workgroup vs. domain setup
          4. Network shares/mapping drives
          5. Establish networking connections
          6. Firewall settings
          7. Proxy settings
          8. Remote desktop
          9. Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
          10. Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
          11. Network card properties
          12. Can you answer these questions?
        7. Objective 1.7: Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Best practices
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        8. Objective 1.8: Explain the differences among basic OS security settings
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. User and groups
          3. Shared files and folders
          4. NTFS vs. share permissions
          5. System files and folders
          6. User authentication
          7. Can you answer these questions?
        9. Objective 1.9: Explain the basics of client-side virtualization
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Purpose of virtual machines
          3. Resource and network requirements
          4. Hypervisor and emulator requirements
          5. Security requirements
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        10. Answers
          1. Objective 1.1: Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems
          2. Objective 1.2: Given a scenario, install and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method
          3. Objective 1.3: Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools
          4. Objective 1.4: Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools
          5. Objective 1.5: Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities (the items are organized by “classic view/large icons” in Windows)
          6. Objective 1.6 Set up and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
          7. Objective 1.7: Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools
          8. Objective 1.8: Explain the differences among basic OS security settings
          9. Objective 1.9: Explain the basics of client-side virtualization
      2. 7. Security
        1. Objective 2.1: Apply and use common prevention methods
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Physical security
          3. Digital security
          4. User education
          5. Principle of least privilege
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 2.2: Compare and contrast common security threats
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Social engineering
          3. Malware
          4. Rootkits
          5. Phishing
          6. Shoulder surfing
          7. Spyware
          8. Viruses
          9. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 2.3: Implement security best practices to secure a workstation
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Setting strong passwords
          3. Requiring passwords
          4. Restricting user permissions
          5. Changing default user names
          6. Disabling the Guest account
          7. Screensaver required password
          8. Disable autorun
          9. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 2.4: Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Low-level format vs. standard format
          3. Hard drive sanitation and sanitation methods
          4. Physical destruction
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 2.5: Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Change default user names and passwords
          3. Changing SSID and disabling SSID broadcast
          4. Setting encryption
          5. Enable MAC filtering
          6. Antenna and access point placement
          7. Radio power levels
          8. Assign static IP addresses
          9. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common security steps
          3. Disabling ports
          4. Physical security
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        7. Answers
          1. Objective 2.1: Apply and use common prevention methods
          2. Objective 2.2: Compare and contrast common security threats
          3. Objective 2.3: Implement security best practices to secure a workstation
          4. Objective 2.4: Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method
          5. Objective 2.5: Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network
          6. Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network
      3. 8. Mobile devices
        1. Objective 3.1: Explain the basic features of mobile operating systems
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Android vs. iOS
          3. Screen orientation and calibration
          4. GPS and geotracking
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 3.2: Establish basic network connectivity and configure email
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
          3. Bluetooth
          4. Email configuration
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 3.3: Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Passcode locks
          3. Remote wipes
          4. Locator applications
          5. Remote backup applications
          6. Failed login attempts restrictions
          7. Antivirus
          8. Patching/OS updates
          9. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 3.4: Compare and contrast hardware differences in regards to tablets and laptops
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. No field serviceable parts
          3. Typically not upgradable
          4. Touch interface
          5. Solid state drive
          6. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 3.5: Execute and configure mobile device synchronization
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Types of data to synchronize
          3. Software requirements to install the application on the PC
          4. Connection types to enable synchronization
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Answers
          1. Objective 3.1: Explain the basic features of mobile operating systems
          2. Objective 3.2: Establish basic network connectivity and configure email
          3. Objective 3.3: Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices
          4. Objective 3.4: Compare and contrast hardware differences in regards to tablets and laptops
          5. Objective 3.5: Execute and configure mobile device synchronization
      4. 9. Troubleshooting
        1. Objective 4.1: Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Identify the problem
          3. Establish a theory of probable cause
          4. Test the theory to determine cause
          5. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
          6. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
          7. Document findings, actions, and outcomes
          8. Can you answer these questions?
        2. Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        3. Objective 4.3: Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        4. Objective 4.4: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Can you answer these questions?
        5. Objective 4.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        6. Objective 4.6: Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        7. Objective 4.7: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Best practices for malware removal
          5. Can you answer these questions?
        8. Objective 4.8: Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Disassembling processes for proper reassembly
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        9. Objective 4.9: Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools
          1. Exam need to know...
          2. Common symptoms
          3. Tools
          4. Can you answer these questions?
        10. Answers
          1. Objective 4.1: Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
          2. Objective 4.2: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
          3. Objective 4.3: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
          4. Objective 4.4: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues
          5. Objective 4.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools
          6. Objective 4.6: Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools
          7. Objective 4.7: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
          8. Objective 4.8: Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
          9. Objective 4.9: Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools
    5. A. About the author
    6. Index
    7. About the Author
    8. Copyright

    Product information

    • Title: CompTIA A+ Rapid Review (Exam 220-801 and Exam 220-802)
    • Author(s): Darril Gibson
    • Release date: April 2013
    • Publisher(s): Microsoft Press
    • ISBN: 9780735668423