Book description
An inside look into the life of a PC technician-from everyday tasks to the challenging roadblocks
Gaining hands-on experience is considered the most difficult part of trying to break into the PC technician. Building on the standards set by CompTIA-and endorsed by the IT industry worldwide-this book takes you one step further than what you might simply learn in a classroom and shows you how to actually perform the various tasks you can expect to encounter on the job.
The Street Smarts series is designed to help current or aspiring IT professionals put their certification to work for them. Full of practical, real world scenarios, each book features actual tasks from the field and then offers step-by-step exercises that teach the skills necessary to complete those tasks. Broken down into the various aspects of a PC technician's job, this book provides you with step-by-step guidance for performing some of the most common and some of the most daunting tasks PC technicians face.
Includes detailed instructions for performing the everyday tasks and handling the difficult scenarios that a PC technician faces on a daily basis
Covers hardware and software installation and maintenance as well as installing and upgrading operating systems, networks, and security systems
Provides step-by-step guidance for installing or replacing a power supply or laptop hard drive, upgrading Windows XP to Vista, scanning and removing viruses, and installing printer drivers
Whether you're looking to break into the field of PC technicians, are pursuing your A+ certification, or are seeking some unique guidance to performing real-world tasks, this resource is essential.
Table of contents
- Copyright
- Dear Reader,
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
-
Introduction
- What Is A+ Certification?
- Is This Book for You?
- How This Book Is Organized
-
The A+ Exam Objectives
- A+ Essentials 2009 Exam Objectives
-
1.0 Personal Computer Components
- 1.1 Categorize storage devices and backup media
- 1.2 Explain motherboard components, types and features
- 1.3 Classify power supplies types and characteristics
- 1.4 Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features
- 1.5 Explain cooling methods and devices
- 1.6 Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics and their purpose
- 1.7 Distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics
- 1.8 Install and configure peripherals and input devices
- 1.9 Summarize the function and types of adapter cards
- 1.10 Install, configure and optimize laptop components and features
- 1.11 Install and configure printers
-
2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair and Maintenance
- 2.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
- 2.2 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes
- 2.3 Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers
- 2.4 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the appropriate basic troubleshooting method
- 2.5 Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques
- 3.0 Operating Systems and Software
- 4.0 Networking
- 5.0 Security
- 6.0 Operational Procedure
- A+ Practical Application 2009 Exam Objectives
-
1.0 Hardware
- 1.1 Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain personal computer components
- 1.2 Given a scenario, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace personal computer components
- 1.3 Given a scenario, install, configure, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace laptop components
- 1.4 Given a scenario, select and use the following tools
- 1.5 Given a scenario, detect and resolve common printer issues
-
2.0 Operating Systems
- 2.1 Select the appropriate commands and options to troubleshoot and resolve problems
- 2.2 Differentiate between Windows Operating System directory structures (Windows 2000, XP and Vista)
- 2.3 Given a scenario, select and use system utilities / tools and evaluate the results
- 2.4 Evaluate and resolve common issues
- 3.0 Networking
- 4.0 Security
-
1. Installing Hardware and Software
- 1.1. Task 1.1: Preventing ESD Damage
- 1.2. Task 1.2: Installing RAM
- 1.3. Task 1.3: Installing a PCI Card
- 1.4. Task 1.4: Installing a PCI Express Card
- 1.5. Task 1.5: Installing a CPU
- 1.6. Task 1.6: Installing a Power Supply
- 1.7. Task 1.7: Installing an IDE Hard Drive
- 1.8. Task 1.8: Installing a SATA Hard Drive
- 1.9. Task 1.9: Installing a SCSI Drive
- 1.10. Task 1.10: Installing a CD Drive
- 1.11. Task 1.11: Installing a DVD Drive
- 1.12. Task 1.12: Installing a Motherboard
- 1.13. Task 1.13: Installing a Video Card
- 1.14. Task 1.14: Installing a Laptop Keyboard
- 1.15. Task 1.15: Installing SO-DIMM in a Laptop
- 1.16. Task 1.16: Installing a Laptop Hard Drive
- 1.17. Task 1.17: Installing a Laptop Optical Drive
- 1.18. Task 1.18: Installing a Docking Station
- 1.19. Task 1.19: Installing a KVM Switch
- 1.20. Task 1.20: Installing a Complete Workstation from the Box
- 1.21. Task 1.21: Installing Drivers from a Disc
- 1.22. Task 1.22: Installing Drivers from the Internet
- 1.23. Task 1.23: Reformatting a Hard Drive
- 1.24. Task 1.24: Installing Windows XP Professional as a Fresh Install
- 1.25. Task 1.25: Installing Windows Vista as a Fresh Install
- 1.26. Task 1.26: Uninstalling Software
- 1.27. Task 1.27: Installing Microsoft Applications
- 1.28. Task 1.28: Installing Non-Microsoft Applications
- 1.29. Task 1.29: Upgrading Windows 2000 to Windows XP
- 1.30. Task 1.30: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista
- 1.31. Task 1.31: Using Restore Points in Windows XP
- 1.32. Task 1.32: Shutting Down Programs
- 1.33. Task 1.33: Tweaking Windows XP
- 1.34. Task 1.34: Installing a Local Printer
- 1.35. Task 1.35: Installing Printer Drivers
- 1.36. Task 1.36: Installing a Bluetooth Device in Windows Vista
-
2. Maintaining and Documenting Computer Systems
- 2.1. Task 2.1: Identifying a Motherboard
- 2.2. Task 2.2: Identifying a Power Supply
- 2.3. Task 2.3: Testing and Replacing a Power Supply
- 2.4. Task 2.4: Managing a Swap File
- 2.5. Task 2.5: Imaging a Disk
- 2.6. Task 2.6: Searching for Drivers
- 2.7. Task 2.7: Searching for Windows Vista Drivers
- 2.8. Task 2.8: Listing All of the Drivers Installed on a Windows Vista PC
- 2.9. Task 2.9: Cleaning Dust Bunnies out of Computers
- 2.10. Task 2.10: Cleaning Out Fans
- 2.11. Task 2.11: Oiling Fans
- 2.12. Task 2.12: Cleaning and Degaussing CRT Monitors
- 2.13. Task 2.13: Cleaning Keyboards, Mice, and PCs
- 2.14. Task 2.14: Defragging a Hard Drive
- 2.15. Task 2.15: Scheduling Automatic Defragging in Windows Vista
- 2.16. Task 2.16: Defragmenting a Single File
- 2.17. Task 2.17: Upgrading a Graphics Card
- 2.18. Task 2.18: Checking and Reseating RAM
- 2.19. Task 2.19: Checking and Reseating PCI and PCI Express Cards
- 2.20. Task 2.20: Checking Internal Connectors
- 2.21. Task 2.21: Speeding Up Windows 2000 Professional
- 2.22. Task 2.22: Flashing the BIOS
- 2.23. Task 2.23: Changing the CMOS Battery to Correct a Slow PC Clock
- 2.24. Task 2.24: Resetting Passwords
- 2.25. Task 2.25: Creating a New Local User in Windows Vista
- 2.26. Task 2.26: Testing Ports with an Online Scanner
- 2.27. Task 2.27: Changing Printer Toner
- 2.28. Task 2.28: Scanning a Document Using Windows Vista
- 2.29. Task 2.29: Managing Windows Startup and Recovery Behavior
- 2.30. Task 2.30: Performing Asset Management of PCs
- 2.31. Task 2.31: Performing Asset Management on Inventory
- 2.32. Task 2.32: Performing Asset Management of a PC's Hardware
- 2.33. Task 2.33: Performing Asset Management on a PC's Software
- 2.34. Task 2.34: Tracking Work Done on a PC
-
3. Networking Computer Systems
- 3.1. Task 3.1: Mapping Drives
- 3.2. Task 3.2: Creating File Shares
- 3.3. Task 3.3: Configuring PCs to Use Dynamic Addressing
- 3.4. Task 3.4: Renewing a Dynamic Address Assignment
- 3.5. Task 3.5: Installing a Network Printer
- 3.6. Task 3.6: Making a Straight-Through Cable
- 3.7. Task 3.7: Making a Crossover Cable
- 3.8. Task 3.8: Testing Network Cables
- 3.9. Task 3.9: Setting Up a Mail Account
- 3.10. Task 3.10: Joining a Computer to a Domain
- 3.11. Task 3.11: Creating a User in Active Directory
- 3.12. Task 3.12: Mapping Network Cables
- 3.13. Task 3.13: Setting Up a Local User ID
- 3.14. Task 3.14: Adding a Network Peripheral-Port Device to a PC
- 3.15. Task 3.15: Setting Up VPN on a PC
- 3.16. Task 3.16: Setting Up Dial-Up Networking
- 3.17. Task 3.17: Connecting a PC to a Network Printer
- 3.18. Task 3.18: Managing Windows Vista Outbound Firewall Settings
- 3.19. Task 3.19: Monitoring Network Activity with the Windows Vista Firewall
-
4. Troubleshooting and Restoring Computer Systems
- 4.1. Task 4.1: Scanning for and Removing Viruses
- 4.2. Task 4.2: Scanning for and Removing Malware
- 4.3. Task 4.3: Scanning for Rootkits
- 4.4. Task 4.4: Changing Backup Tapes on a Server
- 4.5. Task 4.5: Changing the Backup Schedule on a Server
- 4.6. Task 4.6: Backing Up Outlook
- 4.7. Task 4.7: Quickly Diagnosing Windows Vista Problems
- 4.8. Task 4.8: Troubleshooting a Randomly Rebooting PC
- 4.9. Task 4.9: Troubleshooting an Intermittent Boot Failure of a PC
- 4.10. Task 4.10: Troubleshooting a Failed RAM Upgrade
- 4.11. Task 4.11: Troubleshooting a PC That Can't Print to a Local Printer
- 4.12. Task 4.12: Troubleshooting a PC That Can't Print to a Network Printer
- 4.13. Task 4.13: Troubleshooting the Error Message "The Specified Domain Either Does Not Exist or Could Not Be Contacted"
- 4.14. Task 4.14: Troubleshooting Long Load and Print Times for Microsoft Word and Excel
- 4.15. Task 4.15: Troubleshooting a CD Player Not Recognizing Audio CDs
- 4.16. Task 4.16: Troubleshooting the Error Message "Print Processor Unknown"
- 4.17. Task 4.17: Troubleshooting a "New Hardware Found" Message Appearing Repeatedly After Installing a New Scanner
- 4.18. Task 4.18: Troubleshooting the Inability to Connect a USB Digital Camera to a PC
- 4.19. Task 4.19: Troubleshooting an Empty Outlook Contacts Folder
- 4.20. Task 4.20: Troubleshooting No Restart of UPS Device Service After Being Connected
- 4.21. Task 4.21: Troubleshooting a System Conflict with a Hidden Device
- 4.22. Task 4.22: Troubleshooting Excel Locking Up
- 4.23. Task 4.23: Troubleshooting No Monitor Image When the PC Is Powered Up
- 4.24. Task 4.24: Troubleshooting the Inability to Connect to a Mapped Drive
- 4.25. Task 4.25: Troubleshooting the Inability to Access a Shared Folder on a Remote Computer
- 4.26. Task 4.26: Troubleshooting the Inability to Connect to the Network
- 4.27. Task 4.27: Troubleshooting Connection Problems with an External USB Hard Drive
- 4.28. Task 4.28: Troubleshooting a 691 Error Connection Problem
- 4.29. Task 4.29: Troubleshooting a Scanner Problem
- 4.30. Task 4.30: Troubleshooting a Persistent "Align Print Cartridges" Message After Cartridges Have Been Replaced and Aligned
Product information
- Title: PC Technician Street Smarts, Updated for the 2009 Exam: A Real World Guide to CompTIA A+ Skills, Second Edition
- Author(s):
- Release date: October 2009
- Publisher(s): Sybex
- ISBN: 9780470486511
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