CompTIA A+ Complete Deluxe Study Guide Exams 220-901 and 220-902

by Docter, Quentin; Dulaney, Emmett; Skandier, Toby

• ISBN13: 9781119137931
• ISBN10: 1119137934
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2016-01-05
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

The ultimate study companion for the A+ certification exams

The CompTIA A+ Complete Deluxe Study Guide, 3^rd Edition is your ultimate preparation tool for exams 220-901 and 220-902. This Complete Deluxe Study Guide covers 100% of the objectives for both exams, so you can avoid surprises on exam day. Practical insights and examples drawn from real-world experiences give you a glimpse into life on the job, as you solidify your understanding of crucial hardware and operating system maintenance and troubleshooting, practice effective communication, enhance your job skills, and get up to speed on safety, security, and environmental issues. Exam highlights show you what to expect on the big day, and end-of chapter reviews help you grasp the major points in the material.

Plus, you'll get access to the exclusive Sybex interactive online learning environment featuring:

• Eight practice exams
• Hundreds of sample questions
• Electronic flashcards
• Searchable glossary of important terms
• Over an hour of instructor-led videos on key exam topics
• Free eBook compatible with multiple devices so you can study on the go

The CompTIA A+ certification is the essential computer technician credential and is required by over 100 leading employers. The CompTIA A+ Complete Deluxe Study Guide, 3rd Edition gives you everything you need to approach the exam with confidence and pass with flying colors.

Author Biography

Quentin Docter started in the IT industry as a tech support agent for Packard Bell in 1994. Since then he has worked in tech support, network administration, consulting, training, web development, and project management. During his career, he has achieved certifications from CompTIA (including A+), Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Sun Microsystems. He is the author of several books. Emmett Dulaney, A+, Network+, Security+, MCT, is an Assistant Professor at Anderson University and a well-known certification columnist. He is a co-author of CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide and CompTIA Security+ Study Guide. Toby Skandier, A+, Network+, i-Net+, Server+, is the founder of the North Carolina-based technical education provider Talskan Technologies, LLC.

Table of Contents

Introduction xxix

Assessment Test lvii

Part I - 220]901 1

Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3

Identifying Components of Motherboards 5

System Board Form Factors 6

System Board Components 8

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors 32

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory 38

Important Memory Terms 38

Types of Memory 43

Memory Packaging 50

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems 54

Fans 54

Memory Cooling 58

Hard Drive Cooling 58

Chipset Cooling 58

CPU Cooling 59

Summary 63

Exam Essentials 63

Review Questions 65

Performance]Based Question 1 69

Performance]Based Question 2 69

Chapter 2 Storage Devices and Power Supplies 71

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices 72

Hard Disk Drive Systems 72

Solid-State Drives 77

Optical Storage Drives 79

Drive Interfaces and RAID 85

Removable Storage and Media 89

Installing, Removing, and Configuring Storage Devices 95

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Power Supplies 98

Dual-Rail Architecture 99

Power and Voltage Ratings 99

Power Connectors 100

Replacing Power Supplies 106

AC Adapters as Power Supplies 107

Summary 108

Exam Essentials 108

Review Questions 109

Performance-Based Question 112

Chapter 3 Peripherals and Expansion 113

Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 117

Video 118

Multimedia 119

I/O 120

Communications 120

Adapter Configuration 126

Identifying Characteristics of Connectors and Cables 126

Device Connector Types 127

Common Peripheral Cables and Their Interfaces 134

Video Display Cables and Connectors 146

Input Devices 157

Mouse 158

Touchpad 159

Keyboard 161

Scanner 163

Barcode Reader 165

Digitizer 166

Biometric Devices 167

Gamepads and Joysticks 168

Motion Sensor 168

Smart Card Reader 169

Multimedia Input Devices 170

Output Devices 173

Printers 174

Speakers 174

Display Devices 174

Input and Output Devices 174

Touchscreens 175

KVM Switch 175

Smart TV 176

Set-Top Box 177

Summary 177

Exam Essentials 178

Review Questions 179

Performance-Based Questions 182

Chapter 4 Display Devices 183

Understanding Display Types and Settings 184

Video Display Types 184

Adjusting Display Settings 195

Understanding Video Standards and Technologies 205

Video Standards 205

Advanced Video Resolutions and Concepts 207

Summary 212

Exam Essentials 213

Review Questions 214

Performance]Based Question 217

Chapter 5 Custom Configurations 219

Standard Thick Clients 222

Graphic and CAD/CAM Design Workstations 223

CPU Enhancements 223

Video Enhancements 224

Maximized RAM 224

Audio/Video Editing Workstations 225

Video Enhancements 225

Specialized Audio 226

Specialized Hard Drives 226

Virtualization Workstations 227

CPU Enhancements 228

Maximized RAM 228

Gaming PCs 230

CPU Enhancements 230

Video Enhancements 231

Specialized Audio 231

Enhanced Cooling 232

Home Theater PCs 232

Video Enhancements 234

Specialized Audio 234

Special Chassis and TV Tuner 234

Thin Clients 235

Home Server PCs 236

Media Streaming Capabilities 237

File and Print Sharing Services 240

Gigabit NIC 240

RAID Array 241

Summary 241

Exam Essentials 241

Review Questions 243

Performance-Based Question 246

Chapter 6 Networking Fundamentals 247

Understanding Networking Principles 249

Understanding Networking Fundamentals 250

Identifying Common Network Hardware 270

Network Interface Cards (NICs) 270

Cables and Connectors 272

Networking Components 284

Summary 289

Exam Essentials 290

Review Questions 292

Performance-Based Question 295

Chapter 7 Introduction to TCP/IP 297

Understanding TCP/IP 299

TCP/IP Structure 300

Understanding IP Addressing 308

Summary 322

Exam Essentials 323

Review Questions 324

Performance-Based Question 327

Chapter 8 Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 329

Understanding Wireless Networking 331

802.11 Networking Standards 332

802.11 Devices 338

Wireless Encryption Methods 339

Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks 341

Choosing Connection Types 341

Installing the Network 363

Configuring a Wireless Router 373

Summary 386

Exam Essentials 387

Review Questions 388

Performance-Based Question 391

Chapter 9 Understanding Laptops 393

Understanding Laptop Architecture 396

Laptops vs. Desktops 396

Laptop Case 398

Motherboards and Processors 399

Memory 402

Storage 403

Input Devices 406

Expansion Buses and Ports 414

Docking Stations 422

Power Systems 424

Laptop Displays 427

Cable Locks 431

Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops 432

Using the Right Tools 432

Replacing Laptop Components 434

Summary 448

Exam Essentials 448

Review Questions 450

Performance-Based Question 453

Chapter 10 Understanding Mobile Devices 455

Understanding Mobile Devices 457

Characteristics of Mobile Devices 458

Tablets 461

Smartphones 463

Phablets 469

e-Readers 471

GPS 473

Smart Cameras 476

Wearable Technology Devices 477

Connection Types 484

Mobile Device Accessories 490

Summary 492

Exam Essentials 492

Review Questions 494

Performance-Based Question 497

Chapter 11 Installing and Configuring Printers 499

Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 502

Impact Printers 503

Inkjet 505

Laser Printers 513

Thermal Printers 524

Virtual Printers 525

Installing and Configuring Printers 527

Printer Interface Components 527

Installing and Sharing Local Printers 532

Installing and Sharing Networked Printers 542

Performing Printer Maintenance and Upgrades 550

Performing Printer Maintenance 551

Installing Printer Upgrades 556

Summary 559

Exam Essentials 560

Review Questions 562

Performance-Based Question 565

Chapter 12 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 567

Troubleshooting Core Hardware Issues 574

Troubleshooting Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Power Problems 575

Troubleshooting Storage Device Problems 588

Troubleshooting Video Issues 593

Troubleshooting Mobile Devices, Printers, and Networking 595

Troubleshooting Common Mobile Device Issues 595

Troubleshooting Printer Problems 607

Troubleshooting Networking Problems 630

Summary 652

Exam Essentials 653

Review Questions 655

Performance-Based Question 658

Part II - 220-902 659

Chapter 13 Operating System Basics 661

Understanding Operating Systems 662

Operating System Terms and Concepts 664

Minimum System Requirements 665

The Windows Interface 669

What’s in a Window? 685

Updating Windows 689

Creating Restore Points 690

File Management 691

Going Virtual 698

Preparing for the Exam 699

Summary 702

Exam Essentials 702

Review Questions 703

Performance-Based Question 706

Chapter 14 Operating System Administration 707

Interacting with Operating Systems 709

Control Panel 709

The Command Prompt 721

Virtual Memory 733

Administrative Tools 734

Task Manager 734

MMC 739

Computer Management 739

Services 740

Performance Monitor 740

Task Scheduler 741

Windows System Configuration Tools 742

Power Management 748

Disk Management 749

Getting Disks Ready to Store Files and Programs 749

Backing Up the Data on Your Drives 753

Checking the Health of Hard Disks and Optimizing Their Performance 753

User Authentication 754

Summary 755

Exam Essentials 755

Review Questions 757

Performance-Based Question 761

Chapter 15 Working with Windows 8/8.1 763

Windows Editions 764

Installing Windows 8 769

Unattended Installation/Image Deployment 773

Remote Network Installation 773

Multiboot Installation 774

Repair Installation/Refresh/Restore 774

Recovery Partition 774

Windows 8 Boot Methods 776

Internal Hard Drive (Partition) 776

External/Hot Swappable Drive 776

Flash Drives 777

Solid-State Drives 777

Netboot 777

Summary 777

Exam Essentials 778

Review Questions 779

Performance-Based Question 782

Chapter 16 Working with Windows 7 783

Windows 7 Editions 785

Installing Windows 7 791

Upgrading to Windows 7 792

Upgrading Editions of Windows 7 796

Installation/Upgrade Boot Options 797

The Windows 7 Boot Sequences 797

Key Boot Files 797

Windows 7 Features 798

Tools in Windows 7 798

Windows 7 Administrative Tools 804

Local Users and Groups 804

Local Security Policy 805

System Configuration 807

Component Services 808

Data Sources 808

Print Management 809

Windows Memory Diagnostics 810

Unique Control Panel Utilities 810

HomeGroup 810

RemoteApp and Desktop Connections 810

Troubleshooting 811

Networking and Windows 7 813

Configuring an Alternative IP Address in Windows 814

Network Card Properties 815

Configuring Windows Networking 816

Windows 7 System Performance and Optimization 817

Summary 819

Exam Essentials 819

Review Questions 821

Performance-Based Question 826

Chapter 17 Working with Windows Vista 827

Windows Vista Editions 829

Installing Windows Vista 832

Clean Install 832

Upgrading to Windows Vista 833

Transferring to Windows Vista 835

The Windows Vista Boot Sequences 835

Key Boot Files 835

Windows Vista Features 836

Tools in Windows Vista 836

Windows Vista Administrative Tools 840

Users and Groups 840

Local Security Policy 841

System Configuration 843

Component Services 845

Data Sources 845

Print Management 845

Windows Memory Diagnostics 846

Distinctive Utilities 847

Tablet PC Settings 847

Pen and Input Devices 848

Offline Files 849

Problem Reports and Solutions 850

Printers 852

Networking and Windows Vista 852

Vista System Performance and Optimization 855

Aero 856

User Account Control 857

Indexing 858

Sidebar 859

Summary 860

Exam Essentials 860

Review Questions 861

Performance-Based Question 865

Chapter 18 Working with Mac OS and Linux 867

Best Practices 868

Scheduled Backups 868

Scheduled Disk Maintenance 871

System Updates/App Store 871

Patch Management 871

Driver/Firmware Updates 873

Antivirus/Antimalware Updates 873

Tools 873

Features 874

Basic Linux Commands 877

Understanding the Syntax of Shell Commands 878

Discovering and Using Linux Commands 879

Becoming root (Superuser) 881

Managing Processes 881

Directory Navigation 883

Directory Listings 884

Changing Permissions and Ownership 885

Working with Files 886

Working with Directories 887

Networking Utilities 887

Summary 888

Exam Essentials 888

Review Questions 889

Performance-Based Question 892

Chapter 19 Security 893

Common Prevention Methods 896

Physical Security 897

Digital Security 899

User Education/AUP 905

Principle of Least Privilege 906

Email Filtering 906

Virtual Private Networks 906

Common Security Threats 907

Social Engineering 907

Password Attacks 908

Malware 909

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks 909

Rootkits 910

Phishing 910

Shoulder Surfing 911

Spyware 911

Viruses 912

Worms 917

Trojans 918

Ransomware 918

Spoofing 918

Zero-Day Attack 919

Zombie/Botnet 919

Non-Complaint Systems 920

Workstation Security Best Practices 920

Setting Strong Passwords 920

Requiring Passwords and Expiration 921

Account Management 921

Restricting User Permissions 921

Add Login Time Restrictions 921

Act on Failed Login Attempts 922

Changing Default Usernames 922

Disabling the Guest Account 922

Screensaver Required Password 922

Disable Autorun 922

Data Loss Prevention 923

Working with Windows OS Security Settings 923

Users and Groups 923

NTFS vs. Share Permissions 925

Shared Files and Folders 927

System Files and Folders 928

User Authentication 928

BitLocker and BitLocker To Go 929

EFS 929

Mobile Device Security 929

Screen Locks 930

Remote Wipes and Locator Applications 931

Remote Backup 934

Operating System Updates 934

Destruction and Disposal Methods 935

Recycling or Repurposing Best Practices 936

Low-Level Format vs. Standard Format 936

Hard Drive Sanitation and Sanitation Methods 936

Physical Destruction 937

Securing a SOHO Network (Wireless) 939

Change Default Usernames and Passwords 940

Changing the SSID 940

Setting Encryption 940

Disabling SSID Broadcast 940

Enable MAC Filtering 940

Antenna and Access Point Placement 941

Radio Power Levels 941

Assign Static IP Addresses 941

WPS 942

Securing a SOHO Network (Wired) 942

Change Default Usernames and Passwords 942

Assign Static IP Addresses 943

Disabling Ports 943

Physical Security 943

Summary 945

Exam Essentials 945

Review Questions 947

Performance-Based Question 951

Chapter 20 Network Services, Cloud Computing, and Virtualization 953

Understanding Network Services 955

Server Roles 956

Internet Appliances 971

Legacy and Embedded Systems 973

Understanding Cloud Computing and Virtualization 975

Concepts of Cloud Computing 975

Understanding Virtualization 984

Summary 996

Exam Essentials 996

Review Questions 998

Performance-Based Question 1001

Chapter 21 Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1003

Understanding Mobile Operating Systems 1006

Comparing Mobile Operating Systems 1007

Understanding Sensors and Calibration 1022

Using Additional Mobile Operating System Features 1029

Network Connectivity and Email 1036

Understanding Cellular Data Connections 1037

Establishing Wi-Fi Connectivity 1045

Establishing Bluetooth Connectivity 1056

Configuring Email Accounts 1069

Mobile Device Synchronization 1082

Syncing Apple iOS Devices 1083

Syncing Android Devices 1088

Software Installation Requirements 1089

Summary 1092

Exam Essentials 1092

Review Questions 1093

Performance-Based Question 1096

Chapter 22 Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1097

Understanding Troubleshooting Theory 1100

Identifying the Problem 1101

Establishing a Theory 1105

Testing Solutions 1106

Establishing a Plan of Action 1107

Verifying Functionality 1109

Documenting the Work 1109

Troubleshooting Operating Systems 1110

Common Symptoms 1110

Operating System Tools 1118

Troubleshooting Security Issues 1126

Common Symptoms 1128

Security Tools 1132

Best Practices for Malware Removal 1136

Troubleshooting Mobile Issues 1137

Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues 1139

Summary 1142

Exam Essentials 1142

Review Questions 1143

Performance-Based Question 1146

Chapter 23 Understanding Operational Procedures 1147

Understanding Safety Procedures 1150

Identifying Potential Safety Hazards 1151

Creating a Safe Workplace 1161

Understanding Environmental Controls 1170

Managing the Physical Environment 1171

Handling and Disposing of Computer Equipment 1177

Understanding Policies, Licensing, and Privacy 1186

Managing Software Licenses 1186

Managing Sensitive Information 1189

Demonstrating Professionalism 1191

Communicating with Customers 1192

Using Appropriate Behavior 1196

Putting It All in Perspective 1202

Summary 1204

Exam Essentials 1204

Review Questions 1206

Performance-Based Question 1209

Appendix A Answers to Review Questions 1211

Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1212

Chapter 2: Storage Devices and Power Supplies 1214

Chapter 3: Peripherals and Expansion 1215

Chapter 4: Display Devices 1217

Chapter 5: Custom Configurations 1219

Chapter 6: Network Fundamentals 1221

Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1222

Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1224

Chapter 9: Understanding Laptops 1226

Chapter 10: Understanding Mobile Devices 1227

Chapter 11: Installing and Configuring Printers 1229

Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1230

Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1232

Chapter 14: Operating System Administration 1233

Chapter 15: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1234

Chapter 16: Working with Windows 7 1235

Chapter 17: Working with Windows Vista 1236

Chapter 18: Working with Mac OS and Linux 1238

Chapter 19: Security 1239

Chapter 20: Network Services, Cloud Computing, and Virtualization 1240

Chapter 21: Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1241

Chapter 22: Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1243

Chapter 23: Understanding Operational Procedures 1244

Appendix B Answers to Performance-Based Questions 1247

Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1248

Chapter 2: Storage Devices and Power Supplies 1249

Chapter 3: Peripherals and Expansion 1249

Chapter 4: Display Devices 1249

Chapter 5: Custom Configurations 1252

Chapter 6: Network Fundamentals 1252

Chapter 7: Introduction to TCP/IP 1254

Chapter 8: Installing Wireless and SOHO Networks 1254

Chapter 9: Understanding Laptops 1254

Chapter 10: Understanding Mobile Devices 1256

Chapter 11: Installing and Configuring Printers 1256

Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1257

Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1257

Chapter 14: Operating System Administration 1259

Chapter 15: Working with Windows 8/8.1 1259

Chapter 16: Working with Windows 7 1259

Chapter 17: Working with Windows Vista 1262

Chapter 18: Working with Mac OS and Linux 1264

Chapter 19: Security 1264

Chapter 20: Network Services, Cloud Computing, |and Virtualization 1266

Chapter 21: Mobile Operating Systems and Connectivity 1266

Chapter 22: Troubleshooting Theory, OSs, and Security 1267

Chapter 23: Understanding Operational Procedures 1267

Index 1269