The main aim of this course is to help to prepare you for CompTIA's A+ Certification Essentials exam (2006 Objectives). A+ Certification is internationally endorsed and recognised as the only benchmark vendor-neutral qualification for PC support and troubleshooting. Indeed, A+ Certification is a prerequisite qualification for employment (and is endorsed) by many leading computer manufacturers and vendors on a global basis
A+Certification Training Overview and objectives
This course will teach you how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer components and systems. As a PC technician, you will be expected to support old and new systems, so it is important that you have a full understanding of legacy hardware, as well as the latest technologies.
By completing this course, you will also be assisted with entry into a career in ICT. This course will particularly benefit you in pursuing a career in supporting desktop personal computer users, in job roles such as Support Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Desktop Engineer, Computer Administrator, or PC Support Analyst. Study of the course can also help to prepare you for other, similar technical support qualifications and act as a groundwork for more advanced training.
This practical “hands-on” course will teach you the fundamental principles of supporting desktop and portable computers and operating systems. On course completion, you will be able to:
- Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices.
- Install and configure basic peripheral devices.
- Identify types and characteristics of portable computers.
- Install and configure Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP.
- Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely.
- Communicate effectively with customers.
- Install and configure print and imaging devices.
- Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access.
A+Certification
To obtain A+ Certification, you must pass both the 220-601 CompTIA A+ Essentials Exam and one of the electives listed below:
- 220-602 CompTIA A+ Certification IT Technician.
- 220-603 CompTIA A+ Certification Remote Support Technician.
- 220-604 CompTIA A+ Certification Depot Technician.
A+Certification Training Audience
This course is intended for students wishing to qualify with A+ Certification for PC Support professionals. It is also suitable for students wanting to improve their skills in PC support and administration.
This is the essential foundation course for newcomers to PC support and provides students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills.
The course has been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and passing CompTIA’s “A+ Certification” exams or other similar qualifications.
Prerequisites
Ideally, you should have successfully completed the "PC Fundamentals" course or have some basic experience of using a PC, Windows, and browsing the web. It is recommended that you have the following skills and knowledge before starting this course:
- Use a keyboard and mouse.
- Recognize the main components of a PC and different data media such as floppy disks, or CD-ROMs?
- Start the computer and navigate the Desktop.
- Use Windows Explorer to create directories and subdirectories; and move, copy
- or rename files and directories.
- Use Internet Explorer to view websites.
A+Certification Course Organization
This course book contains the study notes for you to refer to in class and to review at home as you prepare for the exam. The course is divided into several modules, each covering a different subject area. Each module is split into a series of units containing related topics for study. Each unit has a set of review questions designed to test your knowledge of the topics covered in the unit. Answers to the review questions are located in the companion volume.
Throughout the course, there will be ample opportunity for you to learn through practical work. A series of ‘hands-on’ labs help to familiarise you with the concepts and technologies that are taught on this course.
The accompanying book contains a list of the CompTIA A+ certification objectives (and where in the study notes you can find useful material to prepare for each objective), tips for taking the CompTIA exams, the practical labs for you to complete in class, a glossary of terms and concepts used in computer support, and answers to the end of unit review questions.
A+Certification Training Course duration
5 Days
A+Certification Training Course outline
Module 1 - PC Components
- Introduction to the PC
- Key Functions of a PC
- The System Case
- I/O Ports and Cables
- PS/2 Ports
- Parallel Ports
- Serial Ports
- USB Ports
- SCSI
- IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
- Modem and Network Ports
- Audio Ports
- Joystick/MIDI Ports
- Adding and Removing Peripherals
- Motherboard Layout
- System Clock
- Bus Architecture
- Motherboard Components
- Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards
- Motherboard Form Factors
- Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- System Clock
- Processor Terminology
- Multitasking, Multiprocessing, and Multithreading
- Intel Processors
- AMD Processors
- Processor Sockets and Chipsets
- Memory Types
- Memory Packaging
- Memory Characteristics
- UNIT 5 - STORAGE DEVICES:
- Hard Drives
- Installing a Storage Device
- Preparing a Hard Disk
- Floppy Drives
- Optical Disk Storage
- Flash Memory
- Tape Drives
- UNIT 6 - PERIPHERAL DEVICES:
- PC Display Screens
- Video Card
- Installing a Video Card and Monitor
- TV Tuners
- Sound Cards
- I/O and Communications Adapters
Module 2 - Portable Computers
- UNIT 1 - PORTABLE COMPUTERS:
- Portable and Desktop Computers
- Notebooks
- Tablet PC
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
- SUMMARY - PORTABLE COMPUTERS 143
Module 3 - Operating Systems
- UNIT 1 - THE WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM:
- Introduction to the Operating System
- Microsoft Operating Systems
- Overview of Windows 2000
- Overview of Windows XP
- Workgroups and Domains
- Apple Mac OS X
- Linux
- Novell NetWare
- UNIT 2 - INSTALLING AND UPGRADING WINDOWS:
- Overview of OS Installations
- Preparing the Hard Disk
- Domain or Workgroup Selection
- Installation Methods
- Setup Failure and Recovery
- Upgrading the OS
- Options for Deploying Windows
- UNIT 3 - THE WINDOWS BOOT PROCESS:
- Windows Boot Files
- Initial Startup Process
- The BOOT.INI File
- Unit 4 - Managing Windows:
- Features of the Desktop
- Windows Administrative Tools
- Changing System Settings
- Configuring Hardware
- Windows Performance Options
- Screen Savers and Power Management
- Managing Software
- Managing Services
- Unit 5 - Windows Storage Management:
- Disk Management
- Navigating Windows
- Working with Folders
- Working with Files
- Searching For Files
- The Recycle Bin
- My Network Places
- Summary - Operating Systems
Module 4 - PC Support
- Unit 1 - Hardware Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
- Troubleshooting Techniques
- Troubleshooting Power Problems
- Troubleshooting POST
- Troubleshooting Internal Devices
- Troubleshooting Peripherals
- Notebook Troubleshooting
- Preventative Maintenance
- Unit 2 - Troubleshooting the Operating System:
- Error Categories
- Advanced Startup Options
- Diagnosing Problems
- Troubleshooting Applications
- Remote Features
- Unit 3 Security:
- Security Fundamentals
- Windows Security Overview
- Internet Security
- Malware
- Data Security
- Unit 4 - Safety and Environmental Issues:
- Health and Safety
- Static Electricity and ESD
- Materials Handling
- Storage of Components for Future Use
- Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment
- Unit 5 - Professionalism and Communication:
- Customer Service Skills
- Basic Approach
- Giving Feedback
- Communication with a Customer
- Professionalism
- Handling Customer Complaints
Module 5 - Printers and Scanners
- Unit 1 - Printers and Scanners:
- The Print Process
- Installing and Configuring a Printer
- Operating and Troubleshooting Printers
- Scanners
- Installing and Using a Scanner
- Summary - Printers and Scanners
Module 6 - Networking
- Unit 1 - Network Concepts:
- What is a Network?
- Network Components
- Network Topologies
- The OSI Model
- IEEE 802 Standards
- Network Devices
- Network Transport Protocols
- Unit 2 - Implementing a LAN:
- Uses and Benefits of a LAN
- Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks
- Network Components
- Implementing a LAN
- Network Troubleshooting Basics
- Unit 3 - WAN and Internet Connectivity:
- Wide Area Networks and the Internet
- Accessing the Internet
- Cellular Devices
- Voice-over-IP
- Networking
