CompTIA A+ 2009 Accelerated

Prerequisites:

Due to the fast paced nature of this accelerated course delegates should already have at least a high level understanding of the topics covered in the course. Delegates without this knowledge should instead attend the individual CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials Support Skills and CompTIA A+ Certification Practical Application Support Skills courses available.

Course Description:

This accelerated 5-day courses combines the topics from the "CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials Support Skills" and "CompTIA A+ Certification Practical Application Support Skills". These practical "hands-on" courses are the essential foundation for newcomers to PC support. They provide students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills. The courses have been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and passing CompTIA's A+ Certification exams or other similar qualifications.

Students will learn the fundamental principles of supporting desktop and portable computers and operating systems plus network and print devices and applications.

This course is intended for students wishing to qualify with CompTIA A+ Certification for PC Support professionals. It is also suitable for students wanting to improve their skills in PC support and administration. By completing this course, students will also be assisted with entry into a career in ICT. This course will particularly benefit students 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 for other, similar technical support qualifications and act as groundwork for more advanced training, including CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+, CCNA, and MCSE / MCSA.

These courses will prepare students for the 220-701 CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials and 220-702 CompTIA A+ Certification Practical Application exams for the objectives released in August 2009 and are approved under the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum program. A+ Certification is internationally endorsed and recognized 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.

This course includes the following modules:

Types of Computer

• Personal Computers
• Desktop Computers
• Portable Computers
• Units, Signaling, and Circuits

Motherboards

• Motherboard Layout
• Bus Architecture
• Motherboard Components
• Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards
• Motherboard Form Factors
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Cooling

Processors

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Features of CPUs
• Intel Processors
• AMD Processors
• CPU Packaging
• Notebook Processors

Memory

• Memory Types
• Memory Characteristics

Storage Devices

• Storage Devices
• Hard Drives
• Drive Controllers
• Floppy Drives
• Optical Disk Storage
• Flash Memory
• Tape Drives

Input and Peripheral Devices

• I/O Ports and Cables
• Input Devices
• I/O Devices
• Communications Devices
• Installing and Configuring Peripherals

Video and Sound Devices

• Display Devices
• Video Adapters
• Audio Devices
• Multimedia Input Devices

Windows Operating System

• What is an Operating System?
• Windows Architecture
• Early Versions of Windows
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Other Operating Systems

Managing Windows

• Windows Administrative Tools
• Configuring Hardware
• Screen Savers and Power Management
• Managing Software
• Managing Services
• Windows Registry

Windows Storage Management

• Preparing a Hard Disk
• Navigating Windows
• Working with Folders
• Working with Files
• Searching For Files
• The Recycle Bin
• File and Folder Management in Vista
• My Network Places

Installing and Upgrading Windows

• Overview of OS Installations
• Installing Windows from CD / DVD
• Upgrading the OS
• Options for Deploying Windows

Windows Boot Process

• Windows Boot Process
• The BOOT.INI File
• Windows Vista Boot Process
• Configuring Boot Devices
• Advanced Startup Options

Network Concepts

• What is a Network?
• The OSI Model
• Network Devices
• Network Transport Protocols
• The Internet

Local, Wireless, and Remote Networks

• Network Cabling
• Wireless Networks
• Accessing the Internet

Printers

• The Print Process
• Printer Types
• Installing and Configuring a Printer
• Maintaining Printers

Troubleshooting Techniques

• Troubleshooting Models and Processes
• Approaching Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting Resources

Basic Troubleshooting Scenarios

• Common Hardware Symptoms
• Windows Errors
• Troubleshooting Applications
• Troubleshooting Printers
• Network Troubleshooting Basics

Preventive Maintenance

• Health and Safety
• Static Electricity and ESD
• Materials Handling
• Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment
• Physical Inspections
• Patch Management
• Data Backup

Security

• Security Fundamentals
• Access Control
• Authentication
• Accounting
• Social Engineering
• Malware
• Data Security

Professionalism and Communication

• Customer Service Skills
• Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Handling Customer Complaints

Monitoring and Performance Tools

• Command Prompt and Text Editors
• System Information and Monitoring
• Performance Options
• Remote Utilities

Disk and File Management Tools

• Disk and Volume Management
• Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt
• File Management using a Command Prompt

Troubleshooting Windows

• Windows Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting Applications
• Windows Printer Troubleshooting

Viruses and Malware

• Malware Symptoms
• Anti-virus Software

Installing a SOHO Network

• Implementing a LAN
• Configuring Network Properties
• Implementing Wireless Networks
• Configuring Client Options
• Configuring Internet Connections
• Voice-over-IP

Network Security

• User and Group Accounts
• Setting Share Permissions
• NTFS Folder and File Permissions
• Troubleshooting File System Security
• Implementing Other Security Mechanisms

Troubleshooting Networks

• Troubleshooting Networks
• Testing TCP/IP

Troubleshooting Client Connectivity

• Electronic Mail (Email)

Supporting PC Hardware

• Maintaining PCs
• Maintenance Toolkit
• Preventive Maintenance

Upgrading and Troubleshooting PCs

• General Installation and Upgrade Advice
• Upgrading and Optimizing Hardware
• Disassembling a PC
• Installing Components on the Motherboard
• CMOS Setup
• Troubleshooting Motherboard Components

Upgrading and Troubleshooting Peripherals and Notebooks

• Storage Devices
• Adding and Removing Peripheral Devices
• Upgrading and Troubleshooting Notebooks

Maintaining and Troubleshooting Printers

• Dot Matrix Printers
• Inkjet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Other Printer Types
• Maintaining and Upgrading Printers :: Printer Troubleshooting