Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware... | Buy

Master IT hardware and software installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting and fully prepare for the CompTIA® A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams

This is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color guide to connecting, managing, and troubleshooting modern devices and systems in authentic IT scenarios. Its thorough instruction built on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exam objectives includes coverage of Windows 11, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, cloud-based software, mobile and IoT devices, security, Active Directory, scripting, and other modern techniques and best practices for IT management.

Award-winning instructor Cheryl Schmidt also addresses widely-used legacy technologies—making this the definitive resource for mastering the tools and technologies you’ll encounter in real IT and business environments. Schmidt’s emphasis on both technical and soft skills will help you rapidly become a well-qualified, professional, and customer-friendly technician.

Learn more quickly and thoroughly with these study and review tools:

Learning Objectives and chapter opening lists of CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives make sure you know exactly what you’ll be learning, and you cover all you need to know
Hundreds of photos, figures, and tables present information in a visually compelling full-color design
Practical Tech Tips provide real-world IT tech support knowledge
Soft Skills best-practice advice and team-building activities in every chapter cover key tools and skills for becoming a professional, customer-friendly technician
Review Questions—including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions—carefully assess your knowledge of each learning objective
Thought-provoking activities help students apply and reinforce chapter content, and allow instructors to “flip” the classroom if they choose
Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic
Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term
Dozens of Critical Thinking Activities take you beyond the facts to deeper understanding
Chapter Summaries recap key concepts for more efficient studying
Certification Exam Tips provide insight into the certification exam and preparation process

Now available online for free, the companion Lab Manual!

The companion Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual provides students hands-on practice with various computer parts, mobile devices, wired networking, wireless networking, operating systems, and security. The 140 labs are designed in a step-by-step manner that allows students to experiment with various technologies and answer questions along the way to consider the steps being taken. Some labs include challenge areas to further practice the new concepts. The labs ensure students gain the experience and confidence required to succeed in industry.

Cheryl Schmidt is a professor of Network Engineering Technology at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Prior to joining the faculty ranks, she oversaw LAN and PC support for the college and other organizations. She started her career as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy. She teaches computer repair and various networking topics, including CCNA, network management, and network design. She has published other works with Pearson, including IP Telephony Using CallManager Express and Routing and Switching in the Enterprise Lab Guide.

Cheryl has won awards for teaching and technology, including Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Innovative Teacher of the Year, Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence Award, and Cisco Networking Academy Stand Out Instructor. She has presented at U.S. and international conferences. Cheryl keeps busy maintaining her technical certifications and teaching but also loves to travel, hike, do all types of puzzles, and read.

Christopher Lee teaches Information Technology and Electronics at Florida State College at Jacksonville. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Chris earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He taught his first computer programming classes at age 14! Since then, he has worked for a variety of companies including IBM, Nortel Networks, Evans Solutions, Convergys Corporation, NGA Human Resources, and himself. His experience spans several industries: Telecommunications, Youth Outside the Educational Mainstream, Information Technology, Higher Education, Human Resources Outsourcing, and Community Development.

Chris has devoted countless volunteer hours in technology outreach. He enjoys helping children and adults (especially those in underserved communities) learn the skills or access the resources they need to be competitive in today’s technological society. He has built strong partnerships with and implemented successful programs in organizations such as National Society of Black Engineers Jr (NSBE Jr), For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology(FIRST) LEGO League, Northeast Florida STEM2 Hub, Tristan’s Acceleration Academy, and Renaissance JAX.

Introduction ...............xxvii

Features of this Book ......xxviii

Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT ........ 1

Who Needs This Book? ............ 2

Technician Qualities .... 2

Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification ................ 5

Basic Skills for This Course .... 5

Types of Computers ..... 8

Basic Computer Hardware ....... 8

Mice and Keyboards ..14

Common Peripherals .17

1s and 0s .............18

Safety Notes .......21

Chapter Summary ......22

Key Terms ...........23

Review Questions .......24

Exercises .............26

Chapter 2: Connectivity ......31

Introduction to Connectivity ..32

External Connectivity 32

Mouse and Keyboard Ports ....32

Video Ports .........33

Audio Ports .........44

eSATA Ports .......45

Modem and Serial Ports .........45

Network Ports ....47

Network Cabling ........48

Integrated Motherboard Ports 54

Getting to Know Ports.............54

Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices .....56

Chapter Summary ......57

Key Terms ...........59

Review Questions .......60

Exercises .............61

Activities .............64

Chapter 3: On the Motherboard...67

Introduction to the Motherboard ...................68

Processor Overview ...68

Processor Basics 69

Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....71

Clocking ..............72

Cache ...................73

Threading Technology .............73

Connecting to the Processor ..74

Multicore Processors .74

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ..................76

Introduction to Virtualization .76

Intel Processors ..77

AMD Processors ........78

CPU Sockets ......79

Processor Cooling ......80

Installing a Processor 82

Upgrading Processors 84

Overclocking Processors ........84

Installing CPU Thermal Solutions ................85

Troubleshooting Processor Issues .................86

Expansion Slots .87

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ..88

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) .................88

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) .................89

Motherboard Security Options ......................93

Types of Motherboards ...........94

Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ....95

Motherboard Troubleshooting .......................96

Chapter Summary ......99

Key Terms .........101

Review Questions .....102

Exercises ...........104

Activities ...........106

Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration ......109

Configuration Overview .......110

BIOS Overview ........110

The Setup Program ..111

Flash BIOS .......112

BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ............113

CMOS Memory ........117

Motherboard Battery .............118

Firmware Updates: Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...........118

Other Configuration Parameters ..................120

Hardware Configuration Overview.............123

Installing a USB Device .......124

Installing an eSATA Card .....128

Installing a Network Interface Card ...........129

Troubleshooting Configurations ..................130

Chapter Summary ....133

Key Terms .........133

Review Questions .....134

Exercises ...........136

Activities ...........140

Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ...................143

Disassembly Overview ..........144

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) .....................144

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ..........146

Tools ..................147

Disassembly .....148

Reassembly .......156

Preventive Maintenance ........156

Basic Electronics Overview .159

Power Supply Overview .......163

Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ..170

Power Protection ......172

Symptoms of Power Supply Problems ......173

Chapter Summary ....177

Key Terms .........179

Review Questions .....180

Exercises ...........182

Activities ...........184

Chapter 6: Memory ....187

Memory Overview ...188

Memory Physical Packaging188

Planning a Memory Installation ..................189

Installing Memory Overview .......................200

Virtual RAM ....202

Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ...203

Older Applications in Windows ..................204

Troubleshooting Memory Problems ...........205

Removable Storage ..207

Chapter Summary ....211

Key Terms .........212

Review Questions .....213

Exercises ...........215

Activities ...........221

Chapter 7: Storage Devices ...........223

Storage Devices Overview ...224

Hard Drive Overview ............225

Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview .............227

Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .....229

M.2 and NVMe230

PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity .........231

Storage Device Configuration Overview ...235

System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices .........241

Hard Drive Preparation Overview ..............242

Windows Disk Management 250

Fault Tolerance 253

Windows Storage Spaces ......255

Disk Caching/Virtual Memory ....................256

Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview .....258

Data Loss and Corruption ....260

Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ...................260

Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ...........262

RAID Issues .....265

SSD Issues ........266

Chapter Summary ....268

Key Terms .........271

Review Questions .....272

Exercises ...........274

Activities ...........277

Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.....279

Multimedia Devices Overview ....................280

Video Overview ........280

Video Cards ......280

Projectors ..........287

Introduction to Audio ............289

Installing Sound Cards ..........292

Sound Cards Using Windows ......................293

Speakers ............295

Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............296

Optical Drive Overview ........297

Optical Drive Installation .....300

Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ........300

Scanners ............302

Other Multimedia Devices ...305

Chapter Summary ....309

Key Terms .........310

Review Questions .....311

Exercises ...........313

Activities ...........315

Chapter 9: Printers and Multifunction Devices .....317

Printer/Multifunction Device Overview ....318

Categories of Printers ............318

Impact Printers .319

Inkjet Printers ...321

Laser Printers ...323

Thermal Printers .......327

3-D Printers ......329

Paper ..................332

Virtual Printing 334

Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges 335

Upgrading Printers ...336

Printer Maintenance .336

Printer Installation Overview .......................342

Installing Multifunction Devices .................343

USB Printer Installation ........343

Printers in the Windows Environment .......344

Printer Sharing .349

Cloud Printing/Scanning .......354

General Printer Troubleshooting .................355

USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting .....359

Windows Printer Troubleshooting ..............359

Impact Printer Troubleshooting ...................362

Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting .....................363

Laser Printer Troubleshooting .....................363

Chapter Summary ....366

Key Terms .........368

Review Questions .....369

Exercises ...........371

Activities ...........372

Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ..........375

Mobile Device Overview ......376

Using Mobile Devices ...........382

Cell Phones .......385

Mobile Apps .....387

Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ............390

Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity .......393

Mobile Device Email Configuration ..........399

Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup ....401

Other Mobile Software Tools ......................408

Laptops Overview ....410

Laptop Hardware ......410

Laptop Power ...415

Laptop Repairs Overview .....418

Laptop Display 433

Mobile Device Security ........440

Mobile Device Travel and Storage .............447

Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ........447

Chapter Summary ....462

Key Terms .........465

Review Questions .....466

Exercises ...........468

Activities ...........470

Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ..473

Design Overview ......474

Computer System Design .....474

Motherboard and Associated Component Design ....................481

Power Supply and Case Design ..................481

Storage Subsystem Design ...483

Audio Subsystem Design .....483

Display Subsystem Design ...484

Troubleshooting Overview ...485

Step 1. Identify the Problem 486

Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) ...................487

Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause ......................495

Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution ............497

Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .497

Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ........497

Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ..........498

Chapter Summary ....502

Key Terms .........504

Review Questions .....505

Exercises ...........506

Activities ...........511

Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies .......515

Internet Connectivity Overview ..................516

Dial-up Connectivity .............516

Cable Modems .518

xDSL Modems .519

VoIP ...................520

Fiber Networks 522

Satellite Modems ......524

Mobile Connectivity Overview ...................525

Web Browsers ..528

Basic Web Browser Issues ....531

Introduction to Virtualization .......................533

Desktop Virtualization Basics ......................534

Cloud Computing .....537

Chapter Summary ....543

Key Terms .........545

Review Questions .....546

Exercises ...........547

Activities ...........549

Chapter 13: Networking ...551

Networking Overview ...........552

Network Media Overview ....559

Ethernet over Power 568

Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment .......................569

The OSI Model 573

The TCP/IP Model ...575

Network Addressing 577

More IPv4 Addressing ..........578

Wireless Networks Overview ......................581

Wireless Network Standards 582

Wireless Network Components ...................583

Wireless Network Design .....585

Antenna Basics 590

Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview ..594

Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing .......594

Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain .......601

Wireless NIC–Specific Settings ..................601

Advanced NIC Properties .....603

NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization .603

Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview .......605

Wireless AP/Router Configuration .............607

WWAN Cellular Configuration ...................608

IoT and Smart Devices ..........609

Network Troubleshooting .....611

Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems 619

Networking Multifunction Devices ............619

Network Servers .......621

Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ........622

Software-Defined Networking .....................623

Network Terminology ...........624

The TCP/IP Model in Action .......................625

More Windows Network Settings ...............627

Introduction to Shared Folders ....................632

Chapter Summary ....635

Key Terms .........637

Review Questions .....639

Exercises ...........642

Activities ...........648

Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ...651

Operating Systems Overview ......................652

User Interaction with Operating Systems .653

Overview of Popular Operating Systems ..654

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems .........655

Windows 10 and Windows 11 Versions .....656

Workstation Operating Systems ..................657

Operating Systems for Mobile Devices .....657

End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns .......................658

Update Limitations ..658

Compatibility Concerns ........659

Corporate Operating System Needs ...........660

Basic Windows Usage Overview ................661

Windows 10 and Windows 11 Desktop Components ..............663

Shortcuts and Tiles ...669

Recycle Bin ......670

Interactions Within a Window .....................670

Managing Windows Files and Folders .......672

Searches and Indexing ..........678

Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .679

Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities .....................682

Determining the Windows Version .............685

Windows Registry ....686

Editing the Windows Registry .....................687

Backing Up Data ......688

WinRE ...............688

Recovering the Windows OS .......................688

Chapter Summary ....690

Key Terms .........691

Review Questions .....692

Exercises ...........693

Activities ...........695

Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ..............697

Scripting Overview ..698

Command Prompt Overview .......................699

Command Prompt Basics .....699

Moving Around from a Command Prompt ........701

The md and rd Commands .705

Two Useful Commands: del and type .706

Copying Files ...706

The attrib Command ......708

Why Learn Commands? .......708

PowerShell ........708

Other Commands You Should Look Over 709

Command Format ....710

Introduction to Scripting .......734

Script File Types .......735

Use Cases for Scripting ........736

Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......737

Environment Variables ..........738

Script Syntax ....740

Introduction to Script Programming ..........741

Variables ............741

Data Types ........743

Examples of Using Variables .......................744

Comments Within Scripts .....745

Basic Script Constructs .........746

Decisions: The Selection Structure.............746

Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ..750

Loops: The Repetition Structure .................751

A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell ........753

Chapter Summary ....756

Key Terms .........757

Review Questions .....758

Exercises ...........759

Activities ...........760

Chapter 16: Advanced Windows .763

Advanced Windows Overview ....................764

Preinstallation of Windows ..764

Installation/Upgrade of Windows ...............774

Corporate Windows Deployment ................775

Verifying the Installation ......776

Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ...777

Reloading Windows .779

Windows Updates ....780

Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....781

Configuring Windows Overview .................783

Configuring Windows ...........784

Adding Devices ........784

Installing/Removing Software .....................792

Computer Management Console .................796

System Tools ....797

User Account Management ..801

Managing Storage ....807

Managing Services and Applications .........811

Data Sources (ODBC) ...........812

Print Management Console ..813

Overview of the Windows Boot Process ...814

System Restore .....815

Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) ..................816

Startup Settings Menu ...........819

System Configuration Utility .......................820

Task Manager ...824

Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process ..826

Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process .....827

Black Screen/Video Issues ...829

Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start .......................831

Slow Boot .........832

Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ....833

Windows Reboots/System Instability ........835

Shutdown Problems .835

Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ...........836

Power Options..836

Monitoring System Performance ................838

Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .......843

Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ...............846

Chapter Summary ....848

Key Terms .........850

Review Questions .....851

Exercises ...........852

Activities ...........854

Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ......................857

Introduction to macOS ..........858

Navigating the User Interface ......................859

Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....862

Management and Troubleshooting Tools ..866

Utilities ..............869

Introduction to Linux ............878

Navigating the GNOME User Interface ....879

Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....880

Command-Line Interface ......883

macOS and Linux Best Practices ................892

Chapter Summary ....893

Key Terms .........894

Review Questions .....895

Exercises ...........896

Activities ...........897

Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .......899

Security Overview ....900

Security Policy .900

Physical Security ......901

Logical Security .......908

Considering the End User ....912

Licensing ...........912

Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ...........915

Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources ................920

Permissions .......928

Folder Options .934

Protecting the Operating System and Data ........935

Internet Security .......942

Remote Access to Network Devices ..........955

Internet Appliances ..956

Wireless Network Security Overview ........957

Security Incident Response ..964

A Final Word About Security ......................966

Chapter Summary ....968

Key Terms .........969

Review Questions .....971

Exercises ...........973

Activities ...........975

Chapter 19: Operational Procedures ................977

Operational Procedures Overview ..............978

Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .........986

IT Documentation ....994

Change Management .............999

Chapter Summary . 1012

Key Terms ...... 1014

Review Questions .. 1015

Exercises ........ 1017

Activities ........ 1018

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics 1021

Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives (Online)

Glossary 1025

9780137670444, TOC, 7/29/2022

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.