A+^® Complete Study Guide: Exams 220-301 & 220-302, Deluxe, 2nd Edition

by David Groth

• ISBN13: 9780782142440
• ISBN10: 0782142443
• Edition: CD
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-10-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

Herea??s the book you need to prepare for the latest versions of CompTIAa??s A+ Exams. This Deluxe Edition of Sybexa??s Best Selling A+ Study Guide provides: Full coverage of every exam objective Practical information on network hardware Hundreds of challenging practice questions, in the book and on the CD Leading-edge exam preparation software, including a test engine and electronic flashcards Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives, including:Core Hardware Installation, configuration, and upgrading Diagnosing and troubleshooting Preventive maintenance Motherboards, processors, and memory Printers Basic networking Operating System Technologies OS fundamentals Installation, configuration, and upgrading Diagnosing and troubleshooting Networks Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xxv
Assessment Test	xxxv
Part 1 A+ Hardware Service Technician Exam	1	(456)
Chapter 1 PC Architecture	3	(66)
The Case	5	(7)
Full Tower	6	(2)
Mid Tower	8	(1)
Mini Tower	8	(1)
Midi Tower	9	(1)
Desktop	10	(1)
Slimline	10	(1)
Proprietary Case Designs	11	(1)
Comparison of Case Designs	12	(1)
The Power Supply	12	(4)
Power Supply Connectors	13	(3)
The Motherboard	16	(15)
Types of System Boards	16	(2)
System Board Components	18	(13)
The Processor/CPU	31	(2)
Memory	33	(1)
Storage Devices	34	(5)
Hard Disk Systems	35	(1)
Floppy Drives	35	(2)
CD-ROM Drives	37	(1)
CD-R and CD-RW Drives	37	(1)
DVD-ROM Drives	38	(1)
DVD Burners	38	(1)
Other Storage Media	38	(1)
Adapter Cards	39	(3)
Video Card	39	(1)
Network Interface Card (NIC)	40	(1)
Modem	41	(1)
Sound Card	41	(1)
Display Devices	42	(6)
Display Concepts	42	(6)
Ports and Cables	48	(12)
Peripheral Port Connector Types	48	(6)
Common Peripheral Interfaces and Cables	54	(6)
Summary	60	(1)
Key Terms	60	(3)
Review Questions	63	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	67	(2)
Chapter 2 Motherboards, CPUs, and RAM	69	(48)
Motherboard Architecture	70	(23)
Chipsets	70	(2)
Memory	72	(3)
Communication Ports	75	(1)
Processor Sockets	76	(6)
External Cache Memory (Level 2)	82	(1)
Bus Architectures	83	(9)
BIOS	92	(1)
CPUs	93	(11)
Architecture Differences	93	(5)
CPU Manufacturers	98	(6)
RAM	104	(4)
Types	104	(2)
Operational Characteristics	106	(2)
Summary	108	(1)
Key Terms	108	(3)
Review Questions	111	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	115	(2)
Chapter 3 Disk Drive Storage	117	(48)
Storage Types	118	(9)
Punch Cards and Tape	118	(1)
Disk Drives	119	(8)
Disk Theory	127	(1)
Floppy Disk Systems	127	(5)
The Medium	127	(2)
The Drives	129	(1)
The Controller	130	(1)
The Cable	131	(1)
Floppy Drive Installation and Configuration	132	(1)
IDE/ATA Disk Systems	132	(12)
IDE/ATA Technologies	133	(7)
IDE/EIDE Installation and Configuration	140	(4)
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)	144	(8)
Types of SCSI	145	(2)
SCSI Device Installation and Configuration	147	(5)
Disk System Fault Tolerance	152	(4)
Disk Mirroring	153	(1)
Disk Duplexing	153	(1)
Disk Striping	154	(1)
Redundant Array of Inexpensive (or Independent) Disks (RAID)	155	(1)
Summary	156	(1)
Key Terms	157	(2)
Review Questions	159	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	163	(2)
Chapter 4 Printers	165	(54)
Impact Printers	166	(2)
Daisy-Wheel Printers	166	(1)
Dot-Matrix Printers	167	(1)
Bubble-Jet Printers	168	(7)
Parts of a Typical Bubble-Jet Printer	169	(5)
The Bubble-Jet Printing Process	174	(1)
Laser Printers (Page Printers)	175	(11)
Electrophotographic (EP) Laser Printers	175	(10)
LED Page Printers	185	(1)
Other Printers	186	(1)
Printer Interfaces and Supplies	187	(10)
Interface Components	187	(5)
Printer Supplies	192	(5)
Printer Troubleshooting	197	(13)
Dot-Matrix Printer Problems	197	(2)
Bubble-Jet Printer Problems	199	(2)
Laser and Page Printer Problems	201	(9)
Summary	210	(1)
Key Terms	211	(1)
Review Questions	212	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	216	(3)
Chapter 5 Networking Fundamentals	219	(52)
What Is a Network?	220	(21)
LANs vs. WANs	221	(2)
Primary Network Components	223	(3)
Network Resource Access	226	(3)
Network Topologies	229	(4)
Network Communications	233	(7)
Network Architectures	240	(1)
Network Media	241	(12)
Cabling	241	(8)
The Network Interface Card (NIC)	249	(3)
Media Access Methods	252	(1)
Connectivity Devices	253	(2)
Repeaters	253	(1)
Hubs/Switches	254	(1)
Bridges	254	(1)
Routers	255	(1)
Brouters	255	(1)
Gateways	255	(1)
Networking and the Internet	255	(6)
Types of Connections	256	(5)
Summary	261	(1)
Key Terms	262	(2)
Review Questions	264	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	268	(3)
Chapter 6 Building a PC	271	(72)
Before You Begin	272	(15)
Background Information	272	(7)
Clearing a Workspace	279	(1)
Gathering Tools	280	(7)
Gathering Parts	287	(3)
Preparing the Motherboard	290	(13)
Removing the Motherboard from Its Box	290	(1)
Installing the CPU/Processor and Its Cooling Mechanism	291	(10)
Installing Memory	301	(2)
Installing the Motherboard	303	(6)
Removing the Case Cover	304	(1)
Installing Mounting Standoffs	305	(2)
Removing the Back-Panel Punchouts	307	(1)
Connecting the Front-Panel Connectors	307	(1)
Installing and Securing the Motherboard	308	(1)
Installing the Power Supply	309	(2)
Installing Storage Devices	311	(10)
Installing Floppy Disk Drives	311	(3)
Installing Hard Disk(s)	314	(4)
Installing a CD-ROM//CD-RW/DVD/DVDRW	318	(3)
Installing Expansion Cards	321	(4)
Installing a Video Card	321	(2)
Installing Other Expansion Cards or Devices	323	(2)
Connecting External Peripherals	325	(2)
Double-Checking Everything	327	(1)
Connecting the Power, and Testing	327	(4)
Configuring CMOS	328	(3)
Finishing Up	331	(2)
Installing Network/Modem Connections	331	(1)
Installing Speakers/Headphones	332	(1)
Installing the Operating System	333	(1)
Removal and Replacement Procedures	333	(1)
Summary	334	(1)
Key Terms	334	(2)
Review Questions	336	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	340	(3)
Chapter 7 Portable Systems	343	(22)
Laptop Architecture	344	(12)
Comparing Laptops to Desktops	345	(1)
Laptop Case	346	(1)
Motherboard and Supporting Circuitry	346	(1)
Memory	347	(1)
Storage	347	(2)
Displays	349	(1)
Input Devices	350	(3)
Expansion Bus and Ports	353	(2)
Networking	355	(1)
Docking Stations	355	(1)
Power Systems	356	(1)
Laptop Component Installation	356	(4)
Installing Storage Devices	356	(1)
Installing Power Systems	357	(1)
Replacing or Adding Memory	357	(1)
Adding Input Devices	357	(1)
Installing Expansion Devices	358	(1)
Replacing Displays	359	(1)
Enabling Wireless Networking	359	(1)
Summary	360	(1)
Key Terms	361	(1)
Review Questions	362	(2)
Answers to Review Questions	364	(1)
Chapter 8 Upgrading PC Components	365	(34)
PC Upgrade Background	366	(4)
Why Upgrade?	366	(1)
Is an Upgrade Possible?	367	(2)
What Can Be Upgraded?	369	(1)
Upgrading PC Components	370	(9)
Upgrading the Motherboard	370	(1)
Upgrading the CPU	371	(1)
Upgrading Memory	372	(1)
Upgrading Hard Drives/Storage	373	(1)
Upgrading the BIOS	374	(1)
Upgrading Expansion Cards	375	(2)
Laptop Upgrades	377	(2)
Installing PC Peripherals	379	(12)
Installing Modems and Transceivers	379	(4)
Adding External Storage	383	(1)
Connecting Scanners and Digital Cameras	383	(2)
PDAs	385	(1)
Installing Wireless Access Points	385	(1)
Using Infrared Devices	386	(1)
Connecting Printers	386	(1)
UPSs (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and Suppressors	387	(2)
Upgrading Monitors	389	(2)
Summary	391	(1)
Key Terms	391	(1)
Review Questions	392	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	396	(3)
Chapter 9 Optimizing PC Performance, Preventative Maintenance, and Safety	399	(22)
Optimizing PC Performance	400	(4)
Cooling System Optimization	400	(2)
Disk Subsystem Enhancements	402	(1)
NIC Performance	402	(1)
Specialized Video Cards	403	(1)
Memory Performance	403	(1)
Additional Performance Enhancements	403	(1)
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)	404	(3)
Antistatic Wrist Strap	405	(1)
Antistatic Bags for Parts	406	(1)
ESD Antistatic Mats	406	(1)
Other Protection Methods	406	(1)
Maintaining Safety	407	(4)
The Computer	407	(1)
The Power Supply	408	(1)
The Printer	409	(1)
The Monitor	410	(1)
The Keyboard and Mouse	410	(1)
Environmental Concerns	411	(1)
Cleaning Systems	412	(2)
Summary	414	(1)
Key Terms	414	(1)
Review Questions	415	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	419	(2)
Chapter 10 Hardware Troubleshooting	421	(36)
Troubleshooting Resources	422	(2)
Intellectual Resources	422	(1)
Hardware and Software Resources	423	(1)
Top 10 Troubleshooting Steps	424	(4)
Step 1: Define the Problem	424	(1)
Step 2: Check the Simple Stuff First	424	(1)
Step 3: Check to See If It's User Error	425	(1)
Step 4: Reboot the Computer	426	(1)
Step 5: Determine If the Problem Is Hardware Related or Software Related	426	(1)
Step 6: If the Problem Is Hardware Related, Determine Which Component Is Failing	427	(1)
Step 7: If the Problem Is Software Related, Boot Clean	427	(1)
Step 8: Check Service Information Sources	427	(1)
Step 9: If It Ain't Broke...	427	(1)
Step 10: Ask for Help	428	(1)
Software Troubleshooting	428	(9)
DOS Troubleshooting	430	(3)
Windows Troubleshooting	433	(4)
Hardware Troubleshooting	437	(13)
POST Routines	438	(3)
Motherboard Problems	441	(1)
Hard Disk System Problems	441	(1)
Peripheral Problems	442	(3)
Keyboard and Mouse Problems	445	(1)
Display System Problems	445	(2)
Floppy Drive Problems	447	(1)
Sound Card Problems	448	(1)
BIOS Issues	448	(1)
Power Supply Problems	448	(1)
Miscellaneous Problems	449	(1)
FRUs	450	(1)
Summary	450	(1)
Key Terms	451	(1)
Review Questions	452	(3)
Answers to Review Questions	455	(2)
Part II Operating Systems Technologies Exam	457	(390)
Chapter 11 Introduction to Operating Systems	459	(22)
Types of Software	461	(1)
Operating System Terms and Concepts	462	(1)
Types of PC Operating Systems	463	(11)
Classic Operating Systems	463	(5)
OS/2	468	(1)
Alternative PC Operating Systems	468	(2)
Microsoft Windows	470	(4)
Choosing an Operating System	474	(1)
Summary	474	(1)
Key Terms	474	(1)
Review Questions	475	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	479	(2)
Chapter 12 Using the Microsoft Operating System GUI	481	(74)
The Windows Interface	482	(20)
The Desktop	483	(3)
The Taskbar	486	(1)
The Start Menu	487	(10)
Icons	497	(5)
What's in a Window?	502	(3)
Elements of a Window	502	(2)
States of a Window	504	(1)
Using the Command Prompt	505	(5)
Running a Utility or Program from the Command Prompt	506	(1)
Issuing Text Commands	507	(3)
Windows Configuration	510	(36)
File Management	511	(9)
System Tools	520	(3)
Control Panel	523	(8)
Task Manager	531	(2)
Managing Hardware in Windows	533	(3)
Computer Management Console	536	(3)
Virtual Memory	539	(2)
Disk Management	541	(3)
The Registry Editor	544	(2)
Summary	546	(1)
Key Terms	547	(1)
Review Questions	548	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	552	(3)
Chapter 13 Major OS Architectures	555	(26)
Listing the Important Files	556	(8)
Important Files in Windows 9x	557	(6)
Important Files in Windows NT/2000/XP	563	(1)
Boot Sequence	564	(5)
The Windows 9x Boot Process	564	(1)
The Windows NT/2000/XP Boot Process	565	(1)
Advanced Startup Options	566	(3)
Creating a Startup Disk or Emergency Repair Disk	569	(4)
Windows 98/Me Startup Disk	569	(2)
Windows NT Workstation Boot Disks and Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)	571	(1)
Windows 2000 Boot Disks and ERD	571	(2)
Automated System Recovery in Windows XP	573	(1)
Summary	573	(1)
Key Terms	574	(1)
Review Questions	575	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	579	(2)
Chapter 14 Installing and Upgrading Your OS	581	(64)
Installing the Operating System	582	(40)
Installation Prerequisites	582	(11)
Windows 9x Installation	593	(6)
Windows NT Workstation Installation	599	(11)
Windows 2000 Professional Installation	610	(5)
Windows XP Installation	615	(5)
Post-Installation Routines	620	(2)
Upgrading the Operating System	622	(16)
Upgrade Prerequisites	622	(2)
Upgrading to 98/Me	624	(5)
Upgrading to NT Workstation 4.0	629	(2)
Upgrading to Windows 2000	631	(5)
Upgrading to Windows XP	636	(2)
Summary	638	(1)
Key Terms	638	(1)
Review Questions	639	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	643	(2)
Chapter 15 Hardware Installation	645	(54)
Overview of Windows Device Installation	646	(12)
Rights and Security Issues	646	(1)
Basic Procedure for Device Installation	647	(2)
Windows Version-Specific Installation Items	649	(9)
Peripheral Connection Methods	658	(2)
Serial	658	(1)
Parallel	658	(1)
SCSI	659	(1)
USB	659	(1)
FireWire (IEEE 1394)	659	(1)
Windows Printing Configuration	660	(31)
Local Printing Configuration	660	(27)
Network Printing	687	(4)
Summary	691	(1)
Key Terms	691	(1)
Review Questions	692	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	696	(3)
Chapter 16 Windows Networking	699	(88)
Windows Networking Basics	701	(2)
Windows 95 and Beyond	702	(1)
Installing Networking Hardware and Software	703	(13)
Configuring Windows 9x as a Network Client	703	(3)
Configuring Windows NT Workstation as a Network Client	706	(6)
Configuring Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional as a Network Client	712	(3)
Configuring Clients for NetWare Network Access	715	(1)
Configuring Windows to Share Files and Printers	716	(22)
Enabling File and Printer Sharing on Windows 9x	716	(5)
Enabling Sharing in Windows NT	721	(8)
Sharing in Windows 2000	729	(6)
Sharing in Windows XP	735	(3)
Using Shared Resources	738	(6)
Sharing Options with Windows 2000	740	(1)
Sharing Options with Windows XP	741	(1)
Using a Shared Printer	742	(2)
Network Protocol Overview	744	(12)
TCP/IP	745	(9)
IPXISPX (NWLink)	754	(2)
Configuring Internet Access Software	756	(22)
Creating a Windows 9x DUN Connection	757	(3)
Installing DUN on Windows 2000	760	(2)
Making a Dial-Up Connection in Windows XP	762	(6)
Installing and Configuring Firewall Protection under Windows XP	768	(2)
Other Internet Software	770	(8)
Summary	778	(1)
Key Terms	778	(2)
Review Questions	780	(5)
Answers to Review Questions	785	(2)
Chapter 17 Windows Optimization	787	(24)
Managing Virtual Memory	788	(7)
Virtual Memory in Windows 9x	789	(1)
Virtual Memory in Windows NT	790	(2)
Virtual Memory in Windows 2000	792	(1)
Virtual Memory in Windows XP	793	(2)
Defragmenting Disks	795	(3)
Defragmenting in Windows 9x	796	(1)
Defragmenting in Windows NT Workstation	796	(1)
Defragmenting in Windows 2000 Professional	796	(1)
Defragmenting in Windows XP Professional	797	(1)
Using FILES= and BUFFERS=	798	(2)
FILES= and BUFFERS= in Windows 9x	799	(1)
FILES= and BUFFERS= in Windows NT/2000/XP	799	(1)
Using Disk Caches	800	(3)
Disk Caching in Windows 9x	800	(1)
Disk Caching in Windows NT/2000/XP	801	(1)
Cached Internet Explorer Files	802	(1)
Managing Temporary Files	803	(1)
Summary	804	(1)
Key Terms	805	(1)
Review Questions	806	(3)
Answers to Review Questions	809	(2)
Chapter 18 Windows Diagnostics and Troubleshooting	811	(36)
Troubleshooting Steps	812	(2)
Step 1: Talk to the Customer	813	(1)
Step 2: Gather Information	813	(1)
Step 3: Eliminate Possibilities	814	(1)
Step 4: Document Your Work	814	(1)
Windows File-Related Problems	814	(4)
System Files Not Found	815	(1)
Configuration File Issues	816	(1)
Swap File Issues	816	(1)
Windows Boot Issues	817	(1)
Troubleshooting Windows Printing Problems	818	(1)
Troubleshooting Other Common Problems	818	(3)
Preemptive "Troubleshooting": Guarding against Virus Attacks	821	(2)
Troubleshooting Tools: Windows-Based Utilities	823	(15)
SCANDISK	823	(2)
Device Manager	825	(1)
Computer Management	826	(1)
Event Viewer	827	(1)
MSCONFIG.EXE	828	(1)
REGEDIT.EXE	828	(1)
ATTRIB.EXE	829	(1)
EXTRACT.EXE	829	(1)
EDIT. COM	829	(1)
FDISK.EXE	830	(1)
SYSEDIT.EXE	830	(1)
SCANREG.EXE	831	(1)
WSCRIPT.EXE	832	(1)
HWINFO.EXE	832	(1)
ASD.EXE (Automatic Skip Driver)	833	(1)
CVTI.EXE	833	(1)
MSD.EXE	834	(1)
WinMSD	835	(1)
Safe Modes	836	(1)
Recovery CD	837	(1)
ConfigSafe	838	(1)
Diagnostic Resources	838	(1)
User/Installation Manuals	838	(1)
Internet/Web Resources	839	(1)
Training Materials	839	(1)
Summary	839	(1)
Key Terms	840	(1)
Review Questions	841	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	845	(2)
Glossary	847	(68)
Index	915