A+ Certification 2006 Short Course

Section A: Certification Standards

• A+ Test Versions
• Testing Locations and Information

Section B: Visible PC

• Computer Hardware
• System Unit Overview
• Connectors
• Sound Connectors
• New System Unit Connectors

Section C: System Unit

• Inside the System Unit
• Motherboard Components
• Electrostatic Discharge
• Power Supply and Cables

Section D: CPU Overview

• Data Bus
• Counting in Binary
• Clock Speed
• Program Commands
• RAM
• Address Bus
• Line of Code

Section E: CPUs

• Intel 8086
• Internal CPU Speed
• RAM Cache
• Double Cache
• CPU Types
• Historical CPUs
• Pipelining
• Four-Step Process
• Dual Pipelines

Section F: Modern CPUs

• Chip Sets
• Frontside/Backside Bus
• Pentium
• PGA CPU
• LGA CPU
• Speculative Execution
• MMX
• VRM
• AMD-K5/Pentium Pro

Section G: Processors

• Pentium III
• Code Names
• AMD Athlon Thunderbird

Section A: Next Generation CPUs

• Pentium 4
• The Process
• Pentium Speed
• Hyper-Threading
• Two CPUs
• 32-Bit Processors

Section B: Processor Types

• 64-Bit Processor
• AMD 64-Bit Processor
• AMD Solution
• Core Processors
• Low-End Processors
• Mobile Processors

Section C: Installing and Upgrading CPUs

• Installing a CPU
• Fan Installation and Connectors
• Over-Clocking
• Liquid Cooling
• Reservoir, Pump, and Radiator

Section D: RAM Concepts

• RAM Transistors and Capacitors
• DRAM Organization
• DRAM
• Memory Chips (x8, x16, x32) Width

Section E: RAM Types

• FPM/EDO
• SDRAM
• RDRAM
• DDR SDRAM
• Measuring DDR and DDR2 Speed
• Dual-Channel
• ECC RAM/Double-Sided DRAM

Section F: Installing and Repairing RAM

• Adding RAM
• RAM Count
• CPU-Z
• RAM Errors

Section A: CMOS

• BIOS Chip
• CMOS Set Up
• Basic CMOS
• Advanced CMOS
• Security
• Boot and Exit Options
• Clearing CMOS

Section B: Power-On Self Test (POST)

• Beep Codes
• Text Error Code
• POST Card

Section C: Expansion Bus

• Expansion Slots
• PC Bus
• ISA Bus
• False Starts
• PCI
• AGP
• Parallel vs. Serial
• PCI Express

Section D: System Devices

• System Resources
• I/O Addresses
• Device Manager
• Hexadecimal
• Hex to Binary

Section E: Interruption

• IRQ Wire
• PCI/ISA Interrupt Channels
• IOAPIC
• Interrupt Request
• DMA

Section F: Installing Devices

• Network Card Installation
• Device Errors
• COM Ports and LPT Ports

Section G: Motherboard

• AT/ATX
• BTX
• NLX
• ITX
• Motherboard Installation
• Wire Placement
• AMR/CNR

Section H: Power Supply

• AC/DC Transformer
• Surge Suppressor
• AT and ATX Power Supplies
• Connectors
• ATX Power Versions
• Latest Generation Power Supplies

Section A: System Build

• Assembly
• Case Components
• Mounting the Motherboard
• Fan Mounting
• Power Supply Installation

Section B: Hard Drive Technology

• Read-Write Armature
• Flux Reversal
• CHS Values
• Drive Types
• Terminology
• Hard Drive Controllers

Section C: ATA Hard Drives

• ATA-1 Standard
• ATA-2 (EIDE) Standard
• ATA-4 Standard
• ATA-5 Standard
• Cables
• Controller Issues
• Interrupt 13 Extensions
• ATA-6 Standard
• Serial ATA

Section D: SCSI

• Concepts
• Host Adapter
• SCSI Chains
• Termination
• LUN
• SCSI Types
• Termination Types
• SCSI Cable Lengths

Section E: PATA Hard Drive Installation

• Drive Components
• SetUp Utility
• Boot Order
• Set Boot Order
• Configure Drive

Section F: CD Media

• Compact Disc
• CD-ROM
• Speed Ratings
• CD-R
• CD-RW
• 80 Millimeter CDs
• DVD-ROM Types
• High Definition
• DVD Media

Section A: Removable Media

• Floppy Drives
• Thumb Drives
• External Hard Drives
• USB Connectors
• FireWire
• eSATA
• Flash Drives

Section B: Sound

• Sound Cards
• Sound Card Setup
• Speakers
• Sound Card Installation
• Sound Devices
• Codecs

Section C: CRT and LCD Monitors

• Video Cards
• Video RAM
• CTR Monitors
• LCD Monitors
• CCFLs
• Response Rate
• Brightness/Contrast

Section D: Video Technology

• VGA Connection
• DVI
• Video Resolution
• Color Depth
• Dual-Link DVI
• Projectors
• Monitor Size and Resolution
• Video Cards

Section E: Video Card Installation

• Beginning Installation
• Uninstall Video Card
• Video Card Tools
• Display Property Settings
• Advanced Options
• Power Option Properties
• Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Section A: Modern Operating Systems

• Types and Function
• User Interfaces
• Partitioning and Formatting
• Network Support
• Domains, Workgroups, and Applications

Section B: Operating Systems

• File Allocation Table
• Windows History
• System Versions
• Linux/UNIX/Uuntu
• Macintosh OSX

Section C: Installing and Upgrading

• Installation Checklist
• Clean Install
• Partitions, Service Packs, Updates

Section D: Installing Windows

• CMOS Setup
• Partition and Format Setup
• Product Codes
• Windows XP Setup
• Settings and Users

Section E: Finalizing Installation

• Installing Drivers and Devices
• Installing DirectX Video Cards
• Activation, Updates, Options Software

Section F: Windows Setup Tools

• Properties and Interface
• NT Loader/NT Detect
• Boot.ini and SWAPFILE
• Adjusting Virtual Memory
• File Extensions and Attributes
• Registry Editor

Section G: Installing Drives

• Master Boot Record
• Partitions and Dynamic Drives
• Drive Partitioning
• Creating Extended Partitions
• Converting to a Dynamic Drive

Section H: RAID

• RAID 0
• RAID 1
• Parity
• RAID 5
• RAID 0+1
• Hardware RAID
• Enabling RAID
• RAID Set
• Software RAID

Section A: I/O Devices and Settings

• Keyboards and Mice
• Control Panel
• Web Camera
• Microphone
• Sound and Audio Device Properties
• Specialty Devices
• Cleaning Components
• Keyboard and Mice Cleaning

Section B: Command Prompt

• Introduction
• Documents and Settings
• File Volumes
• Specialty Commands
• Attributes

Section C: Working with Command Prompt

• Directories
• Wildcards
• Deleting Files
• Copy Command
• Xcopy
• Move Command

Section D: Basic Windows Maintenance

• File Fragmentation
• Error Checking
• CHKDSK
• Disk Cleanup
• Disk Cleanup Options

Section E: Backup

• System Restore
• System Restore
• ASR/ERD
• Bootable Drives
• Live CDs
• Event Viewer

Section F: Troubleshooting Windows

• Startup Problems
• Recovery Console Commands
• Recover Registry Commands
• Recovery CDs/Partitions
• Windows Advanced Options Menu
• AutoStart Programs

Section G: Windows Errors

• Task Manager/Processes
• System File Checker
• Services
• Remote Desktop
• Windows Reporting Tool

Section A: Networking

• Network Cables
• Cat Levels
• Fiber-Optic Cable
• Fire Ratings
• Network Connectors

Section B: Hardware Technology

• Network Connections
• MAC Address Details
• Packets
• Ethernet Standard
• CSMA/CD
• 10Base-T
• 100Base-T
• 1000Base-T
• Network Card Settings
• Network Hub

Section C: Wireless

• Wireless Options
• Wireless Access Points
• Connecting to a Wireless Network
• Cellular Wireless
• Bluetooth Introduction
• Working with Bluetooth

Section D: Network Protocols

• Protocol Stacks
• IPX/SPX

Section E: TCP/IP Protocol

• TCP/IP Properties
• DNS
• DNS Resolution
• DHCP
• APIPA

Section A: Network Sharing

• Workgroups/Domains
• Rights and Permissions
• Groups
• Setting Up User Accounts
• File Sharing
• Making Workgroups and Sharing
• Accessing Shared Folders
• Sharing a Network Printer

Section B: The Internet

• Connections
• ISDN
• Cable Modem
• DSL
• Satellite
• Broadband Box
• Routing
• Router Diagram
• Firewall Configuration

Section C: Internet Services

• Ports
• TCPView
• TCP, UDP, and ICMP Packets
• Internet Options

Section D: Network Troubleshooting

• Structured Cabling
• Cable Testers
• Link Lights
• Configuration Commands
• Ipconfig
• Shared Resources

Section A: Laptops vs. Desktops

• Internal Components
• Hard Drive
• External Monitor
• Function Keys
• Power Settings
• Monitor
• Port Replicator
• PCMCIA
• Power and Batteries

Section B: Troubleshooting Laptops

• AC Adaptor
• Power Checklist
• Multimeter
• Testing Process
• Connecting to a Laptop
• Infrared Port
• Devices
• LCD
• Diagnosis Checklist
• Input Devices

Section C: Printers

• Dot Matrix
• Inkjet
• Laser
• Toner
• Laser Printer Diagram
• Other Printer Types

Section D: Installing Printers

• Printer Installation
• Installing Print Drivers

Section E: Printer Settings and Maintenance

• Print Options
• Printer Features
• Toner Cartridges
• Scheduled Maintenance
• Print Problems

Section F: Scanners

• Overview
• TWAIN
• Scanner Maintenance

Section A: Security

• Passwords
• Security Devices

Section B: Protecting Your PC

• Security Review
• Virus Definition
• More Definitions
• Software Firewall
• avast!
• Locking and Encryption
• SSL
• Policies

Section C: Protecting Your Network

• Wireless Security
• Encryption
• NAT
• DHCP Server
• Social Engineering
• This Old PC

Section D: Troubleshooting Methods

• FRU
• System Diagnosis
• Mental Reassemble
• Validate Results

Section E: Safety

• Safe Working Environment
• Dangerous Components
• Accidents
• Disposables

Section F: Communication and Professionalism

• Use Clear, Concise, Direct Statements
• Avoid Interrupting
• Clarify Statements, Ask Questions
• Avoid Jargon, Abbreviations, Acronyms
• Listen to Customers
• Maintaining Positive Attitude and Voice
• Avoid Arguing/Being Defensive
• Do Not Minimize Customer Problems
• Avoid Being Judgmental
• Avoid Distractions/ Interruptions
• Respectful of Property

Section A: Importance of Communication Skills

• Being a Powerful Communicator
• Improved Quality, Reduced Costs

Section B: Communications Theory

• Communication Formulas
• Communication Process
• Three Perceived Elements
• Tone of Voice
• Body Language
• Environment
• Communication Roles

Section C: Listening Skills

• Hindrances of Listening
• Effective Listening
• Seven Distractions
• Five Listening Levels

Section D: Effective Listening Techniques

• Empathy Listening
• Seek Synergy
• Five Steps of Listening
• Asking Questions
• Customer Service Principles

Section E: Translating Your Knowledge

• Comparison Method
• Contrast Method
• Construction Method
• Combination Method
• Things to Remember

Section F: Building Rapport

• Three Rapport Elements
• Use Their Names
• Discover Their Interests
• Let Them Talk
• Pacing
• Match Conversational Modalities