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9781587132612

IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software Course Booklet, Version 4.1

by
  • ISBN13:

    9781587132612

  • ISBN10:

    1587132613

  • Edition: 2nd
  • Format: Paperback
  • Copyright: 2010-04-15
  • Publisher: Cisco Press
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Summary

The Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software course, in a low-cost, text-only booklet for easy offline studying Gives IT Essentials students an inexpensive study resource that can be read wherever Internet access isn't available Handy printed format lets students easily highlight and make notes Page correlations link directly to the online curriculum Covers the latest version of the IT Essentials PC and Software course IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.1covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts. The fundamentals part of the course, chapters 1-10, will help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam (220-701), which covers the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security, and validates the communication skills and professionalism required of all entry-level IT professionals. The advanced part of the course, chapters 11-16, will help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam (220-702), which builds on the CompTIA A+ Essentials knowledge and skills, with more of a hands-on orientation and scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems. You must pass both exams to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. While extensive online study resources and comprehensive textbooks are available, many students and instructors have requested a low-cost printed resource that can be used to study in places where Internet access may not be available. This booklet is that resource. Drawn directly from the online curriculum, it covers every skill and competency covered in the latest IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software course. This booklet enables you to study offline, highlight key points, and take handwritten notes. All topics are correlated directly to online web pages, helping you easily switch between offline and online content.

Author Biography

Cisco Networking Academy is an innovative Cisco education initiative that delivers information and communication technology skills to improve career and economic opportunities around the world. The Academy provides online courses, interactive tools, and lab activities to prepare individuals for information technology and networking careers in virtually every industry.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Personal Computer

Introduction

1.1 Explain IT industry certifications

    1.1.1 Identify education and certification

    1.1.2 Describe the A+ certification

    1.1.3 Describe the EUCIP certification

1.2 Describe a computer system

1.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and power supplies

    1.3.1 Describe cases

    1.3.2 Describe power supplies

1.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal components

    1.4.1 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of motherboards 8

    1.4.2 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of CPUs 8

    1.4.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cooling systems

    1.4.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ROM and RAM

    1.4.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of adapter cards

    1.4.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of storage drives

    1.4.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal cables

1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ports and cables

    Serial Ports and Cables

    Modem Ports and Cables

    USB Ports and Cables

    FireWire Ports and Cables

    Parallel Ports and Cables

    SCSI Ports and Cables

    Network Ports and Cables

    PS/2 Ports

    Audio Ports

    Video Ports and Connectors

1.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of input devices

1.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of output devices

    Monitors and Projectors

    All-in-One Printer

    Speakers and Headphones

1.8 Explain system resources and their purposes

    Interrupt Requests

    Input/Output (I/O) Port Addresses

    Direct Memory Access

Summary

Chapter 1 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 2 Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use

Introduction

2.1 Explain the purpose of safe working conditions and procedures

    2.1.1 Identify safety procedures and potential hazards for users and technicians

    2.1.2 Identify safety procedures to protect equipment from damage and data from loss

    2.1.3 Identify safety procedures to protect the environment from contamination

2.2 Identify tools and software used with personal computer components and their purposes

    2.2.1 Identify hardware tools and their purpose

    2.2.2 Identify software tools and their purpose

    2.2.3 Identify organizational tools and their purpose

2.3 Implement proper tool use

    2.3.1 Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic wrist strap

    2.3.2 Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic mat

    2.3.3 Demonstrate proper use of various hand tools

    2.3.4 Demonstrate proper use of cleaning materials

Summary

Chapter 2 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 3 Computer Assembly - Step by Step

Introduction

3.1 Open the case

3.2 Install the power supply

3.3 Attach the components to the motherboard and install the motherboard

    3.3.1 Install a CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly

    3.3.2 Install the RAM

    3.3.3 Install the motherboard

3.4 Install internal drives

3.5 Install drives in external bays

    3.5.1 Install the optical drive

    3.5.2 Install the floppy drive

3.6 Install adapter cards

    3.6.1 Install the NIC

    3.6.2 Install the wireless NIC

    3.6.3 Install the video adapter card

3.7 Connect all internal cables

    3.7.1 Connect the power cables

    3.7.2 Connect the data cables

3.8 Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer

    3.8.1 Re-attach the side panels to the case

    3.8.2 Connect external cables to the computer

3.9 Boot the computer for the first time

    3.9.1 Identify beep codes

    3.9.2 Describe BIOS setup

Summary

Chapter 3 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 4 Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Introduction

4.1 Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance

    Hardware

    Software

    Benefits

4.2 Identify the steps of the troubleshooting process

    4.2.1 Explain the purpose of data protection

    4.2.2 Identify the problem

    4.2.3 Establish a theory of probable causes

    4.2.4 Determine an exact cause

    4.2.5 Implement the solution

    4.2.6 Verify solution and full system functionality

    4.2.7 Document findings

Summary

Chapter 4 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 5 Fundamental Operating Systems

Introduction

5.1 Explain the purpose of an operating system

    5.1.1 Describe characteristics of modern operating systems

    5.1.2 Explain operating system concepts

5.2 Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities

    5.2.1 Describe desktop operating systems

    5.2.2 Describe network operating systems

5.3 Determine operating system based on customer needs

    5.3.1 Identify applications and environments that are compatible with an operating system

    5.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with the OS platform

5.4 Install an operating system

    5.4.1 Identify hard drive setup procedures

    5.4.2 Prepare hard drive

    5.4.3 Install the operating system using default settings

    5.4.4 Create accounts

    5.4.5 Complete the installation

    5.4.6 Describe custom installation options

    5.4.7 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files

    5.4.8 Describe how to manipulate operating system files

    5.4.9 Describe directory structures

5.5 Navigate a GUI (Windows)

    5.5.1 Manipulate items on the desktop

    5.5.2 Explore Control Panel applets

    5.5.3 Explore administrative tools

    5.5.4 Install, navigate, and uninstall an application

    5.5.5 Describe upgrading an operating system

5.6 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems

    5.6.1 Create a preventive maintenance plan

    5.6.2 Schedule a task

    5.6.3 Back up the hard drive

5.7 Troubleshoot operating systems

    5.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions

Summary

Chapter 5 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 6 Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices

Introduction

6.1 Describe laptops and other portable devices

    Laptops

    PDAs and Smartphones

    6.1.1 Identify some common uses of laptops

    6.1.2 Identify some common uses of PDAs and smartphones

6.2 Identify and describe the components of a laptop

    6.2.1 Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop

    6.2.2 Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop

    6.2.3 Describe the components found on the laptop docking station

6.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components

    6.3.1 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards

    6.3.2 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop processors

    6.3.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management

    6.3.4 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities

6.4 Explain how to configure laptops

    6.4.1 Describe how to configure power settings

    6.4.2 Describe the safe installation and removal of laptop components

    6.4.3 Laptop communication hardware installation and configuration

6.5 Compare the different mobile phone standards

6.6 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices

    6.6.1 Identify appropriate cleaning procedures

    6.6.2 Identify optimal operating environments

6.7 Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices

    6.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    6.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions

Summary

Chapter 6 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 7 Fundamental Printers and Scanners

Introduction

7.1 Describe the types of printers currently available

    7.1.1 Describe characteristics and capabilities of printers

    7.1.2 Describe printer to computer interfaces

    7.1.3 Describe laser printers

    7.1.4 Describe impact printers

    7.1.5 Describe inkjet printers

    7.1.6 Describe solid-ink printers

    7.1.7 Describe other printer types

7.2 Describe the installation and configuration process for printers

    7.2.1 Describe how to set up a printer

    7.2.2 Explain how to power and connect the device using a local or network port

    7.2.3 Describe how to install and update the device driver, firmware, and RAM

    7.2.4 Identify configuration options and default settings

    7.2.5 Describe how to optimize printer performance

    7.2.6 Describe how to print a test page

    7.2.7 Describe how to share a printer

7.3 Describe the types of scanners currently available

    7.3.1 Describe scanner types, resolution, and interfaces

    7.3.2 Describe all-in-one devices

    7.3.3 Describe flatbed scanners

    7.3.4 Describe handheld scanners

    7.3.5 Describe drum scanners

7.4 Describe the installation and configuration process for scanners

    7.4.1 Explain how to power and connect a scanner

    7.4.2 Describe how to install and update the device driver

    7.4.3 Identify configuration options and default settings

7.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for printers and scanners

    7.5.1 Describe printer maintenance

    7.5.2 Describe scanner maintenance

7.6 Troubleshoot printers and scanners

    7.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    7.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

Summary

Chapter 7 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 8 Fundamental Networks

Introduction

8.1 Explain the principles of networking

    8.1.1 Define computer networks

    8.1.2 Explain the benefits of networking

8.2 Describe types of networks

    8.2.1 Describe a LAN

    8.2.2 Describe a WAN

    8.2.3 Describe a WLAN

    8.2.4 Explain peer-to-peer networks

    8.2.5 Explain client/server networks

8.3 Describe basic networking concepts and technologies

    8.3.1 Explain bandwidth and data transmission

    8.3.2 Describe IP addressing

    8.3.3 Define DHCP

    8.3.4 Describe Internet protocols and applications

    8.3.5 Define ICMP

8.4 Describe the physical components of a network

    8.4.1 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of network devices

    8.4.2 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of common network cables

8.5 Describe LAN topologies and architectures

    8.5.1 Describe LAN topologies

    8.5.2 Describe LAN architectures

8.6 Identify standards organizations

8.7 Identify Ethernet standards

    8.7.1 Explain cabled Ethernet standards

    8.7.2 Explain wireless Ethernet standards

8.8 Explain OSI and TCP/IP data models

    8.8.1 Define the TCP/IP model

    8.8.2 Define the OSI model

    8.8.3 Compare OSI and TCP/IP

8.9 Describe how to configure a NIC and a modem

    8.9.1 Install or update a NIC driver

    8.9.2 Attach computer to existing network

    8.9.3 Describe the installation of a modem

8.10 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of other technologies used to establish connectivity

    8.10.1 Describe telephone technologies

    8.10.2 Define power line communication

    8.10.3 Define broadband

    8.10.4 Define VoIP

    8.10.5 Define VPN

8.11 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques used for networks

    Counterfeiting and the IT Industry

8.12 Troubleshoot a network

    8.12.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    8.12.2 Identify common network problems and solutions

Summary

Chapter 8 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 9 Fundamental Security

Introduction

9.1 Explain why security is important

9.2 Describe security threats

    9.2.1 Define viruses, worms, and Trojans

    9.2.2 Explain web security

    9.2.3 Define adware, spyware, and grayware

    9.2.4 Explain Denial of Service

    9.2.5 Describe spam and popup windows

    9.2.6 Explain social engineering

    9.2.7 Explain TCP/IP attacks

    9.2.8 Explain data wiping, hard drive destruction and recyling

9.3 Identify security procedures

    9.3.1 Explain what is required in a basic local security policy

    9.3.2 Explain the tasks required to protect physical equipment

    9.3.3 Describe ways to protect data

    9.3.4 Describe wireless security techniques

9.4 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for security

    9.4.1 Explain how to update signature files for anti-virus and anti-spyware software

    9.4.2 Explain how to install operating system service packs and security patches

9.5 Troubleshoot security

    9.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    9.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

Summary

Chapter 9 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 10 Communication Skills

Introduction

10.1 Explain the relationship between communication and troubleshooting

10.2 Describe good communication skills and professional behavior

    10.2.1 Determine the computer problem of the customer

    10.2.2 Display professional behavior with the customer

    10.2.3 Focus the customer on the problem during the call

    10.2.4 Use proper netiquette

    10.2.5 Implement time and stress management techniques

    10.2.6 Observe Service Level Agreements

    10.2.7 Follow business policies

10.3 Explain ethics and legal aspects of working with computer technology

    Ethical Customs

    Legal Rules

10.4 Describe call center environment and technician responsibilities

    10.4.1 Describe the call center environment

    10.4.2 Describe level-one technician responsibilities

    10.4.3 Describe level-two technician responsibilities

Summary

Chapter 10 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 11 Advanced Personal Computers

Introduction

11.1 Give an overview of field, remote, and bench technician jobs

11.2 Explain safe lab procedures and tool use

    11.2.1 Review safe working environments and procedures

    11.2.2 Review names, purposes, characteristics, and safe and appropriate use of tools

    11.2.3 Identify potential safety hazards and implement proper safety procedures for computer components

    11.2.4 Describe environmental issues

11.3 Describe situations requiring replacement of computer components

    11.3.1 Select a case and power supply

    11.3.2 Select a motherboard

    11.3.3 Select the CPU and heat sink/fan assembly

    11.3.4 Select RAM

    11.3.5 Select adapter cards

    11.3.6 Select storage devices and hard drives

    11.3.7 Select input and output devices

11.4 Upgrade and configure personal computer components and peripherals

    11.4.1 Upgrade and configure a motherboard

    11.4.2 Upgrade and configure a CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly

    11.4.3 Upgrade and configure RAM

    11.4.4 Upgrade and configure BIOS

    11.4.5 Upgrade and configure storage devices and hard drives

    11.4.6 Upgrade and configure input and output devices

11.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for personal computer components

    11.5.1 Clean internal components

    11.5.2 Clean the case

    11.5.3 Inspect computer components

11.6 Troubleshoot computer components and peripherals

    11.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    11.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    11.6.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 11 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 12 Advanced Operating Systems

Introduction

12.1 Select the appropriate operating system based on customer needs

    12.1.1 Describe operating systems

    12.1.2 Describe network operating systems

    12.1.3 Windows OS directory structures

12.2 Install, configure, and optimize an operating system

    12.2.1 Compare and contrast a default installation and a custom installation

    12.2.2 Install Windows XP using a custom installation

    12.2.3 Create, view, and manage disks, directories, and files

    12.2.4 Identify procedures and utilities used to optimize the performance of operating systems

    12.2.5 Identify procedures and utilities used to optimize the performance of browsers

    12.2.6 Describe installation, use, and configuration of e-mail software

    12.2.7 Set screen resolution and update video driver

    12.2.8 Describe installation of a second operating system

    12.2.9 Windows CLI commands

12.3 Describe how to upgrade operating systems

12.4 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for operating systems

    12.4.1 Schedule automatic tasks and updates

    12.4.2 Set restore points

12.5 Troubleshoot operating systems

    12.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    12.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    12.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 12 Questions

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 13 Advanced Laptops and Portable Devices

Introduction

13.1 Describe wireless communication methods for laptops and portable devices

    13.1.1 Describe Bluetooth technology

    13.1.2 Describe infrared technology

    13.1.3 Describe cellular WAN technology

    13.1.4 Describe Wi-Fi technology

    13.1.5 Describe satellite technology

13.2 Describe repairs for laptops and portable devices

13.3 Select laptop components

    13.3.1 Select batteries

    13.3.2 Select a docking station or port replicator

    13.3.3 Select storage devices

    13.3.4 Select additional RAM

13.4 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for laptops

    13.4.1 Describe how to schedule and perform maintenance for laptops

    13.4.2 Explain how to manage data version control between desktops and laptops

13.5 Describe how to troubleshoot a laptop

    13.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    13.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    13.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 13 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 14 Advanced Printers and Scanners

Introduction

14.1 Describe potential safety hazards and safety procedures associated with printers and scanners

14.2 Install and configure a local printer and scanner

    14.2.1 Connect the device to a local port

    14.2.2 Install and configure the driver and software

    14.2.3 Configure options and default setting

    14.2.4 Verify functionality

14.3 Describe how to share a printer and a scanner on a network

    14.3.1 Describe types of print servers

    14.3.2 Describe how to install network printer software and drivers on a computer

14.4 Upgrade and configure printers and scanners

    14.4.1 Describe printer upgrades

    14.4.2 Describe scanner optimization

14.5 Describe printer and scanner preventive maintenance techniques

    14.5.1 Determine scheduled maintenance according to vendor guidelines

    14.5.2 Describe a suitable environment for printers and scanners

    14.5.3 Describe cleaning methods

    14.5.4 Describe checking capacity of ink cartridges and toners

14.6 Troubleshoot printers and scanners

    14.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    14.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    14.6.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 14 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 15 Advanced Networks

Introduction

15.1 Identify potential safety hazards and implement proper safety procedures related to networks

    15.1.1 Explain fiber-optic safety

    15.1.2 Explain cable, cable cutters, and cable cutting safety hazards

15.2 Design a network based on the customer’s needs

    15.2.1 Determine a topology

    15.2.2 Determine protocols and network applications

15.3 Determine the components for your customer’s network

    15.3.1 Select cable types

    15.3.2 Select an ISP connection type

    15.3.3 Select network cards

    15.3.4 Select the network device

15.4 Implement the customer’s network

    15.4.1 Install and test the customer's network

    15.4.2 Configure the customer’s Internet and network resources

15.5 Upgrade the customer’s network

    15.5.1 Install and configure a wireless NIC

    15.5.2 Install and configure a wireless router

    15.5.3 Test a connection

15.6 Describe installation, configuration, and management of a simple mail server

    SMTP

    POP

    IMAP

    E-mail Server

    E-mail Server Installation

15.7 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for networks

15.8 Troubleshoot the network

    15.8.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    15.8.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    15.8.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 15 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Chapter 16 Advanced Security

Introduction

16.1 Outline security requirements based on customer needs

    16.1.1 Outline a local security policy

    16.1.2 Explain when and how to use security hardware

    16.1.3 Explain when and how to use security application software

16.2 Select security components based on customer needs

    16.2.1 Describe and compare security techniques

    16.2.2 Describe and compare access control devices

    16.2.3 Describe and compare firewall types

16.3 Implement customer’s security policy

    16.3.1 Configure security settings

    16.3.2 Describe configuring firewall types

    16.3.3 Describe protection against malicious software

16.4 Perform preventive maintenance on security

    16.4.1 Describe the configuration of operating system updates

    16.4.2 Maintain accounts

    16.4.3 Explain data backup procedures, access to backups, and securing physical backup media

16.5 Troubleshoot security

    16.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

    16.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

    16.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

Summary

Chapter 16 Quiz

Your Chapter Notes

Glossary

 

 

9781587132612    TOC    3/31/2010

 

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