did-you-know? rent-now

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

did-you-know? rent-now

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

We're the #1 textbook rental company. Let us show you why.

9780470048306

CompTIA A+® Complete Study Guide

by ; ;
  • ISBN13:

    9780470048306

  • ISBN10:

    0470048301

  • Edition: CD
  • Format: Paperback
  • Copyright: 2006-10-01
  • Publisher: Sybex
  • Purchase Benefits
  • Free Shipping Icon Free Shipping On Orders Over $35!
    Your order must be $35 or more to qualify for free economy shipping. Bulk sales, PO's, Marketplace items, eBooks and apparel do not qualify for this offer.
  • eCampus.com Logo Get Rewarded for Ordering Your Textbooks! Enroll Now
List Price: $59.99

Summary

All-in-one guide prepares you for CompTIA's new A+ Certification

Candidates aiming for CompTIA's revised, two-exam A+ Certified Track will find everything they need in this value-packed book. Prepare for the required exam, CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-601), as well as your choice of one of three additional exams focusing on specific job roles--IT Technician (220-602), Remote Support Technician (220-603), or Depot Technician (220-604). This in-depth book prepares you for any or all four exams, with full coverage of all exam objectives. Inside, you'll find:

  • Comprehensive coverage of all exam objectives for all four exams in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you're getting the instruction you need
  • Hand-on exercises to reinforce critical skills
  • Real-world scenarios that show you life beyond the classroom and put what you've learned in the context of actual job roles
  • Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day
  • Exam Essentials, a key feature at the end of each chapter that identifies critical areas you must become proficient in before taking the exams
  • A handy fold-out that maps every official exam objective to the corresponding chapter in the book, so you can track your exam prep objective by objective
  • Look inside for complete coverage of all exam objectives for all four CompTIA A+ exams.

Featured on the CD

SYBEX TEST ENGINE:
Test your knowledge with advanced testing software. Includes all chapter review questions and 8 total practice exams.

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS:
Reinforce your understanding with flashcards that can run on your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.

Also on CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF. Study anywhere, any time, and approach the exam with confidence.

Visit www.sybex.com for all of your CompTIA certification needs.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Author Biography

Quentin Docter, A+, MCSE, CNE, CCNA, SCSA, is an IT consultant and author. He has written or coauthored several books for Sybex, including MCSE: Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure Design Study Guide.

Emmett Dulaney, A+, MCSE, has written over 30 books on Windows, Security, IT project management, and UNIX, and is the certification columnist for Redmond Magazine and CramSession.com.

Toby Skandier, A+, is a technical education developer for Sprint Corporation. He has coauthored numerous books, including the bestselling CompTIA Network+ Study Guide.

Table of Contents

Introduction xxi
Assessment Test lviii
Identifying Personal Computer Components
1(96)
Identifying Components of Motherboards
4(23)
Types of System Boards
5(1)
System Board Form Factors
6(2)
System Board Components
8(19)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors
27(3)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory
30(8)
DRAM
32(2)
SRAM
34(1)
ROM
35(1)
CMOS
35(1)
Memory Packaging
35(3)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices
38(9)
Hard Disk Drive Systems
38(1)
Floppy Drives
38(2)
CD-ROM Drives
40(1)
CD-R and CD-RW Drives
41(1)
DVD-ROM Drives
41(1)
DVD Burners
41(1)
Other Storage Media
42(4)
Advanced Digital Storage
46(1)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Power Supplies
47(6)
Floppy Drive Power Connectors
48(1)
AT System Connectors
49(1)
Standard Peripheral Power Connector
50(1)
Modern Power Connectors
50(3)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Display Devices
53(10)
Display Concepts
53(1)
Video Technologies
53(7)
Monitors
60(1)
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
61(2)
Identifying Input Devices
63(3)
Mouse
63(1)
Keyboard
64(1)
Bar-code Reader
65(1)
Multimedia Devices
65(1)
Biometric Devices
65(1)
Touch Screens
65(1)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Adapter Cards
66(3)
Video Card
66(1)
Network Interface Card (NIC)
66(1)
Modem
67(1)
Sound Card
68(1)
I/O Card
69(1)
Identifying Characteristics of Ports and Cables
69(15)
Peripheral Port Connector Types
70(1)
D-subminiature Connectors
70(2)
Other Types of Ports
72(4)
Common Peripheral Interfaces and Cables
76(8)
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems
84(5)
Fans
85(1)
Memory Cooling
85(1)
Hard Drive Cooling
86(1)
Chipset Cooling
87(1)
CPU Cooling
87(2)
Summary
89(1)
Exam Essentials
89(2)
Review Questions
91(4)
Answers to Review Questions
95(2)
Effectively Working with Personal Computer Components
97(42)
Installing, Configuring, and Optimizing PC Components
99(8)
Upgrading Storage Devices
99(7)
Upgrading Display Devices
106(1)
Upgrading Input/Multimedia Devices
107(1)
Identifying Tools and Diagnostics for PC Components
107(22)
Gathering Tools
108(7)
Basic Aspects of Troubleshooting
115(1)
Basic Diagnostic Procedures
115(3)
Recognizing and Isolating Issues
118(1)
Applying Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
119(10)
Performing Preventative Maintenance on Personal Computers
129(2)
Summary
131(1)
Exam Essentials
131(1)
Review Questions
132(4)
Answers to Review Questions
136(3)
Understanding Laptops and Portable Devices
139(42)
Understanding Laptop Architecture
142(21)
Laptops vs. Desktops
142(1)
Laptop Case
143(1)
Motherboards and Processors
144(1)
Memory
145(2)
Storage
147(2)
Displays
149(5)
Input Devices
154(2)
Expansion Bus and Ports
156(6)
Docking Stations
162(1)
Power Systems
162(1)
Managing Power and Removing Devices
163(7)
Understanding Laptop Power Management
163(2)
Managing Power in Windows
165(3)
Removing Laptop-Specific Hardware
168(2)
Troubleshooting and Performing Preventative Maintenance on Laptops
170(4)
Diagnosing Laptop Problems
170(2)
Performing Preventative Maintenance
172(2)
Summary
174(1)
Exam Essentials
174(1)
Review Questions
175(4)
Answers to Review Questions
179(2)
Understanding Operating Systems
181(68)
Understanding Operating Systems
184(10)
Operating System Terms and Concepts
185(1)
Microsoft Windows
186(5)
Alternative Operating Systems
191(3)
Using Operating Systems
194(46)
The Windows Interface
194(15)
What's in a Window?
209(3)
Control Panel
212(8)
The Command Prompt
220(1)
The Registry
221(2)
Virtual Memory
223(1)
Windows System Files
224(3)
Disk Management
227(4)
File Management
231(9)
Summary
240(1)
Exam Essentials
241(1)
Review Questions
242(4)
Answers to Review Questions
246(3)
Understanding Basics of Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems
249(56)
Installing Operating Systems
251(19)
Installation Prerequisites
251(7)
Preparing the Computer for Installation
258(6)
Windows XP Installation
264(5)
Post-Installation Routines
269(1)
Upgrading the Operating System
270(10)
Upgrade Prerequisites
271(2)
Upgrading to Windows 2000
273(6)
Upgrading to Windows XP
279(1)
Finalizing Your Upgrade
280(1)
Installing Device Drivers
280(6)
Rights and Security Issues
281(1)
Basic Procedure for Device Installation
282(1)
Windows Version-Specific Installation Items
283(3)
Optimizing Windows 2000 and Windows XP
286(10)
Managing Virtual Memory
286(4)
Defragmenting Disks
290(3)
Using Disk Caches
293(2)
Managing Temporary Files
295(1)
Summary
296(1)
Exam Essentials
297(2)
Review Questions
299(4)
Answers to Review Questions
303(2)
Identifying Operating System Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Procedures
305(52)
Troubleshooting Steps
308(2)
Step 1: Talk to the Customer
308(1)
Step 2: Gather Information
309(1)
Step 3: Eliminate Possibilities
309(1)
Step 4: Evaluate Your Results
310(1)
Step 5: Document Your Work
310(1)
Understanding Boot Sequences
310(9)
Listing the Important Files
310(2)
Identifying Important Files in Windows 2000/XP
312(1)
Understanding the Windows 2000/XP Boot Process
313(1)
Advanced Startup Options
314(1)
Using the Recovery Console
315(2)
Creating Boot Disks or an Emergency Repair Disk
317(2)
Identifying Windows File-Related Problems
319(7)
System Files Not Found
320(1)
Configuration File Issues
320(1)
Swap File Issues
321(1)
Windows Boot Issues
321(1)
Troubleshooting Other Common Problems
322(3)
Understanding Windows Reporting
325(1)
Identifying Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities
326(8)
Disk Management Tools
326(1)
System Management Tools
327(6)
File Management Tools
333(1)
Identifying Diagnostic Resources
334(2)
User/Installation Manuals
335(1)
Internet/Web Resources
335(1)
Training Materials
335(1)
Performing Preventative Maintenance on Operating Systems
336(11)
Using Recommended Hardware
336(1)
Obtaining Current Drivers
337(1)
Installing Windows Properly
337(1)
Shutting Down Properly
337(1)
Updating Windows
338(1)
Scheduling Backups
339(4)
Creating Restore Points
343(3)
Guarding against Viruses
346(1)
Summary
347(1)
Exam Essentials
348(2)
Review Questions
350(4)
Answers to Review Questions
354(3)
Understanding the Basics of Printers and Scanners
357(66)
Understanding Printer and Scanner Fundamentals
359(37)
Impact Printers
360(2)
Bubble-Jet Printers
362(8)
Laser Printers
370(12)
Printer Interfaces and Supplies
382(10)
Scanners and Their Components
392(4)
Installing, Configuring, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
396(4)
Printer and Scanner Installation Procedures
396(4)
Optimizing Printer and Scanner Performance
400(1)
Troubleshooting Printers and Scanners
400(14)
Dot-Matrix Printer Problems
400(3)
Bubble-Jet Printer Problems
403(1)
Laser and Page Printer Problems
404(10)
Scanner Troubleshooting
414(1)
Summary
414(1)
Exam Essentials
415(2)
Review Questions
417(4)
Answers to Review Questions
421(2)
Networking Fundamentals
423(60)
Understanding Networking Principles
425(38)
Understanding Networking Fundamentals
426(23)
Identifying Common Network Media
449(11)
Understanding Networking Components
460(3)
Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Networks
463(12)
Installing and Configuring Network Interface Cards
463(1)
Obtaining Wired and Wireless Internet Connections
464(11)
Troubleshooting Network Interface Cards
475(1)
Summary
475(1)
Exam Essentials
476(1)
Review Questions
477(4)
Answers to Review Questions
481(2)
Understanding Network Security Fundamentals
483(40)
Understanding Security
485(22)
Authentication Technologies
486(5)
Working with Hardware and Software Security
491(7)
Understanding Wireless Security
498(3)
Understanding Data and Physical Security
501(6)
Security Solutions
507(6)
BIOS Security
507(1)
Malicious Software Protection
508(1)
Data Access
508(4)
Backup Procedures
512(1)
Data Migration
512(1)
Data Remnant Removal
513(1)
Password Management
513(1)
Locking Workstations
513(1)
Identifying Security Problem Areas
513(4)
Summary
515(1)
Exam Essentials
516(1)
Review Questions
517(4)
Answers to Review Questions
521(2)
Identifying Safety and Environmental Issues
523(40)
Understanding Safety and Environmental Issues
525(20)
Identifying Potential Safety Hazards
526(6)
Identifying Environmental Concerns
532(3)
Using Safety Documentation
535(7)
Using Appropriate Repair Tools
542(2)
Handling Accidents
544(1)
Applying Proper Safety and Disposal Procedures
545(10)
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
546(3)
Working in a Safe Environment
549(2)
Handling Equipment
551(1)
Following Disposal Procedures
552(3)
Summary
555(1)
Exam Essentials
555(1)
Review Questions
556(4)
Answers to Review Questions
560(3)
Understanding Professionalism and Communication
563(20)
Using Good Communication Skills
566(4)
Elicit Problem Symptoms from Customers
569(1)
Have the Customer Reproduce the Error
569(1)
Identify Recent Changes
570(1)
Use the Collected Information
570(1)
Using Appropriate Behavior
570(5)
Punctuality
570(1)
Accountability
571(1)
Flexibility
572(1)
Confidentiality
572(1)
Respect
572(3)
Privacy
575(1)
Putting It All in Perspective
575(1)
Summary
576(1)
Exam Essentials
576(1)
Review Questions
577(4)
Answers to Review Questions
581(2)
Working with Personal Computer Components
583(48)
Removing, Installing, and Configuring Components
587(26)
Selecting Components
587(3)
Motherboards, CPUs, Memory, and Adapter Cards
590(4)
Storage Devices
594(5)
Power Supplies
599(1)
Display Devices
600(4)
Input Devices
604(6)
Cooling Systems
610(3)
Using Tools and Diagnostic Procedures for Personal Computer Components
613(9)
Understanding Computer Resources
614(3)
Determining Available Resources
617(2)
Manually Specifying a Resource Assignment
619(1)
Diagnostic Resources
620(2)
Performing Preventative Maintenance for Personal Computer Components
622(1)
Summary
623(1)
Exam Essentials
623(2)
Review Questions
625(4)
Answers to Review Questions
629(2)
Working with Laptops and Portable Devices
631(32)
Using Laptops and Portable Devices
634(11)
Identifying Applications for Laptop-Specific Communication Connections
635(8)
Identifying Laptop-Specific Power Requirements
643(1)
Understanding LCD Technology
643(2)
Removing Devices and Video Sharing
645(5)
Removing Laptop-Specific Hardware
646(2)
Understanding Video Memory Sharing
648(2)
Troubleshooting Laptops
650(4)
Identifying Specific Safety Issues
650(1)
Diagnosing Laptop Problems
650(4)
Summary
654(1)
Exam Essentials
654(2)
Review Questions
656(4)
Answers to Review Questions
660(3)
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems
663(76)
Using Operating Systems
669(35)
Using the Command Prompt
669(14)
Managing Disks, Directories, and Files
683(5)
Using Windows Utilities
688(16)
Optimizing Operating Systems
704(6)
Managing Virtual Memory
705(1)
Defragmenting Disks
706(1)
Managing Temporary Files
707(1)
Managing Services, Startup, and Applications
708(2)
Troubleshooting Windows
710(16)
Recovering Windows
711(6)
Recognizing and Resolving Common Operational Problems and Error Messages
717(5)
Using Windows Diagnostic Utilities
722(4)
Performing Preventative Maintenance
726(5)
Updating Windows
726(1)
Scheduling Backups
727(4)
Creating Restore Points
731(1)
Summary
731(1)
Exam Essentials
731(2)
Review Questions
733(4)
Answers to Review Questions
737(2)
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
739(38)
Understanding Printer and Scanner Processes
743(7)
Impact Printers
744(2)
Ink-Dispersion Printers
746(2)
Laser Printers
748(1)
Other Printers
749(1)
Scanner Processes
750(1)
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
750(14)
Printer and Scanner Installation Procedures
751(7)
Installing Printer Upgrades
758(3)
Optimizing Scanner Performance
761(3)
Using Printer and Scanner Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques
764(4)
Multi-meter
765(1)
Screwdrivers
765(1)
Cleaning Solutions
766(1)
Extension Magnets
767(1)
Test Patterns
767(1)
Performing Preventative Maintenance
768(1)
Performing Scheduled Maintenance
768(1)
Ensuring a Suitable Environment
768(1)
Using Recommended Supplies
769(1)
Summary
769(1)
Exam Essentials
770(1)
Review Questions
771(4)
Answers to Review Questions
775(2)
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Network Systems
777(32)
Understanding Networking
781(8)
Identifying Network Protocols and Technologies
781(6)
Identifying Network Connectivity Technologies
787(2)
Working with Additional Network Components
789(8)
Working with Browsers
789(2)
Establishing Network Connectivity
791(3)
Sharing Network Resources
794(3)
Using Network Tools and Diagnostics
797(4)
Network Tools to Use
797(2)
Troubleshooting Network Issues
799(2)
Performing Preventative Network Maintenance
801(1)
Summary
802(1)
Exam Essentials
802(2)
Review Questions
804(3)
Answers to Review Questions
807(2)
Installing, Configuring, Upgrading, and Optimizing Security Systems
809(38)
Understanding Security Baselines
812(1)
Hardening a System
813(14)
Hardening the OS and NOS
814(4)
Hardening File Systems
818(2)
Working with Access Control Lists
820(1)
Working with Group Policies
821(6)
Auditing and Logging
827(1)
Updating Your Operating System
828(1)
Hotfixes
828(1)
Service Packs
828(1)
Patches
829(1)
Revisiting Social Engineering
829(2)
Recognizing Common Attacks
831(6)
Back Door Attacks
831(1)
Spoofing Attacks
831(1)
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
832(1)
Replay Attacks
832(1)
Password-Guessing Attacks
833(1)
Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) Attacks
833(2)
TCP Attacks
835(2)
General Rules for the Exam
837(3)
Summary
840(1)
Exam Essentials
840(1)
Review Questions
841(4)
Answers to Review Questions
845(2)
Glossary 847(26)
Index 873

Supplemental Materials

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.

Rewards Program