CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide

Introduction xxiii Part I CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam 220- 1101 1 Chapter 1 Mobile Devices 3 1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components 5 Hardware/device replacement 5 Physical privacy and security components 9 Exam essentials 10 1.2 Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices 10 Types 11 Mobile display components 13 Exam essentials 14 1.3 Given a scenario, set up and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices 14 Connection methods 15 Accessories 20 Exam essentials 26 1.4 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile- device network connectivity and application support 26 Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable) 27 Bluetooth 29 Location services 32 Mobile device management (MDM)/mobile application management (MAM) 32 Mobile device synchronization 36 Exam essentials 40 Review Questions 41 Chapter 2 Networking 45 2.1 Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes 50 Ports and protocols 50 TCP vs. UDP 53 Exam essentials 54 2.2 Compare and contrast common networking hardware 54 Routers 55 Switches 55 Access points 55 Patch panel 56 Firewall 56 Power over Ethernet (PoE) 56 Hub 58 Cable modem 58 Digital subscriber line (DSL) 58 Optical network terminal (ONT) 59 Network interface card (NIC) 59 Software- defined networking (SDN) 60 Exam essentials 61 2.3 Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking 61 Frequencies 61 Channels 62 Bluetooth 63 802.11 63 Long- range fixed wireless 64 NFC 65 Radio- frequency identification (RFID) 65 Exam essentials 65 2.4 Summarize services provided by networked hosts 66 Server roles 66 Internet appliances 68 Legacy/embedded systems 69 Internet of Things (IoT) devices 70 Exam essentials 70 2.5 Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks 71 Internet Protocol (IP) addressing 71 Exam essentials 79 2.6 Compare and contrast common network configuration concepts 79 DNS 79 DHCP 81 Virtual LAN (VLAN) 82 Virtual private network (VPN) 83 Exam essentials 83 2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features 84 Internet connection types 84 Network types 85 Exam essentials 87 2.8 Given a scenario, use networking tools 87 Crimper 87 Cable stripper 87 WiFi analyzer 87 Toner probe 88 Punchdown tool 88 Cable tester 88 Loopback plug 89 Network tap 89 Exam essentials 89 Review Questions 90 Chapter 3 Hardware 95 3.1 Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes 102 Network cables 102 Peripheral cables 107 Video cables 108 Hard drive cables 111 Adapters 117 Connector types 119 Exam essentials 124 3.2 Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM 124 RAM types 124 Single- channel/Dual- channel 127 Triple Channel 127 Quad- channel 128 Exam essentials 128 3.3 Given a scenario, select and install storage devices 129 Hard drives 129 SSDs 131 Drive configurations 132 Removable storage 134 Exam essentials 139 3.4 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add- on cards 139 Motherboard form factor 139 Motherboard connector types 142 Motherboard compatibility 148 Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) settings 153 Encryption 155 CPU architecture 155 Expansion cards 156 Cooling 159 Exam essentials 160 3.5 Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power supply 160 Input 115V vs. 220V 161 Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V 161 20- pin to 24- pin motherboard adapter 161 Redundant power supply 162 Modular power supply 162 Wattage rating 162 Exam essentials 163 3.6 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings 163 Properly unboxing a device – setup location considerations 163 Use appropriate drivers for a given OS 164 Device connectivity 164 Public/shared devices 165 Configuration settings 167 Security 168 Network scan services 169 Automatic document feeder (ADF)/flatbed scanner 169 Exam essentials 170 3.7 Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables 170 Laser 170 Inkjet 181 Thermal 184 Impact 186 Exam essentials 188 Review Questions 190 Chapter 4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing 197 4.1 Summarize cloud computing concepts 199 Common cloud models 199 Cloud characteristics 200 Desktop virtualization 201 Exam essentials 201 4.2 Summarize aspects of client- side virtualization 202 Purpose of virtual machines 202 Exam essentials 205 Review Questions 206 Chapter 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 209 5.1 Given a scenario, apply the best practice methodology to resolve problems 213 Always consider corporate policies, procedures, and impacts before implementing changes 213 1. Identify the problem 214 2. Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious) 214 3. Test the theory to determine cause 215 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution 215 5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures 216 6. Document the findings, actions, and outcomes 216 Exam essentials 216 5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power 216 Common symptoms 217 Exam essentials 224 5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays 225 Common symptoms 225 Exam essentials 228 5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues 229 Common symptoms 229 Exam essentials 232 5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with mobile devices 232 Common symptoms 233 Exam essentials 237 5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues 238 Common symptoms 238 Exam essentials 244 5.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless networks 244 Common symptoms 244 Exam essentials 247 Review Questions 248 Part II CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam 220- 1102 251 Chapter 6 Operating Systems 253 1.1 Identify basic features of Microsoft Windows editions 263 Windows 10 editions 263 Windows 11 264 Feature differences 264 Upgrade paths 266 Exam essentials 267 1.2 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command- line tool 268 Navigation 268 Command- line tools 271 Exam essentials 290 1.3 Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (OS) 290 Task Manager 291 Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap- in 296 Additional tools 312 Exam essentials 320 1.4 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft Windows 10 Control Panel utility 320 Internet Options 320 Devices and Printers 327 Programs and Features 329 Network and Sharing Center 331 System 331 Windows Defender Firewall 335 Mail 335 Sound 336 User Accounts 337 Device Manager 339 Indexing Options 340 Administrative Tools 340 File Explorer Options 342 Power Options 346 Ease of Access 348 Exam essentials 349 1.5 Given a scenario, use the appropriate Windows settings 349 Time and Language 350 Update and Security 351 Personalization 352 Apps 355 Privacy 356 System 357 Devices 357 Network and Internet 359 Gaming 361 Accounts 362 Exam essentials 362 1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop 364 Workgroup vs. domain setup 364 Local OS firewall settings 368 Client network configuration 369 Establish network connections 370 Proxy settings 371 Exam essentials 373 1.7 Given a scenario, apply application installation and configuration concepts 374 System requirements for applications 374 OS requirements for applications 375 Distribution methods 376 Other considerations for new applications 377 Exam essentials 378 1.8 Explain common OS types and their purposes 378 Workstation OSs 378 Cell phone/tablet OSs 379 Various filesystem types 380 Vendor life- cycle limitations 381 Compatibility concerns between OSs 381 Exam essentials 382 1.9 Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse OS environment 382 Boot methods 382 Types of installations 384 Partitioning 388 Drive format 389 Upgrade considerations 390 Feature updates 390 Exam essentials 391 1.10 Identify common features and tools of the macOS/desktop OS 391 Installation and uninstallation of applications 391 Apple ID and corporate restrictions 392 Best practices 393 System Preferences 394 Features 398 Disk Utility 401 FileVault 402 Terminal 402 Force Quit 403 Exam essentials 404 1.11 Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop OS 404 Common commands 404 Best practices 411 Tools 414 Exam essentials 415 Review Questions 416 Chapter 7 Security 419 2.1 Summarize various security measures and their purposes 427 Physical security 427 Physical security for staff 432 Logical security 435 Mobile device management (MDM) 436 Active Directory 437 Exam essentials 439 2.2 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods 439 Protocols and encryption 439 Authentication 441 Exam essentials 442 2.3 Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using the appropriate tools and methods 443 Malware 443 Tools and methods 449 Exam essentials 452 2.4 Explain common social- engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities 452 Social engineering 452 Threats 455 Vulnerabilities 458 Exam essentials 459 2.5 Given a scenario, manage and configure basic security settings in the Microsoft Windows OS 459 Defender Antivirus 459 Firewall 461 Users and Groups 462 Login OS Options 463 NTFS vs. share permissions 464 Shared files and folders 467 Run as administrator vs. standard user 468 BitLocker 470 BitLocker To Go 470 Encrypting File System (EFS) 470 Exam essentials 471 2.6 Given a scenario, configure a workstation to meet best practices for security 471 Data- at- rest encryption 472 Password best practices 472 End- user best practices 473 Account management 474 Change default administrator’s user account/password 475 Disable AutoRun 475 Disable Autoplay 476 Exam essentials 476 2.7 Explain common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices 476 Screen locks 477 Remote wipes 478 Locator applications 478 OS updates 478 Device encryption 479 Remote backup applications 479 Failed login attempts restrictions 479 Antivirus/anti- malware 479 Firewalls 480 Policies and procedures 480 Internet of Things (IoT) 480 Exam essentials 480 2.8 Given a scenario, use common data destruction and disposal methods 481 Physical destruction 481 Recycling or repurposing best practices 482 Outsourcing concepts 484 Exam essentials 484 2.9 Given a scenario, configure appropriate security settings on small office/home office (SOHO) wireless and wired networks 485 Home router settings 485 Wireless specific 488 Firewall settings 491 Exam essentials 491 2.10 Given a scenario, install and configure browsers and relevant security settings 492 Browser download/installation 492 Extensions and plug- ins 492 Password managers 493 Secure connections/sites – valid certificates 493 Settings 493 Exam essentials 496 Review Questions 497 Chapter 8 Software Troubleshooting 501 3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS problems 505 Common symptoms 505 Common troubleshooting steps 510 Exam essentials 514 3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues 514 Common symptoms 514 Browser- related symptoms 517 Exam essentials 518 3.3 Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal 518 1. Investigate and verify malware symptoms 518 2. Quarantine infected systems 519 3. Disable System Restore in Windows 519 4. Remediate infected systems 519 5. Schedule scans and run updates 519 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows 520 7. Educate the end user 520 Exam essentials 520 3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues 520 Common symptoms 521 Exam essentials 524 3.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues 524 Security concerns 524 Common symptoms 526 Exam essentials 527 Review Questions 528 Chapter 9 Operational Procedures 531 4.1 Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management 538 Ticketing systems 538 Asset management 540 Types of documents 542 Knowledge base/articles 545 Exam essentials 545 4.2 Explain basic change- management best practices 545 Documented business processes 546 Change management 546 Exam essentials 548 4.3 Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods 548 Backup and recovery 548 Backup testing 550 Backup rotation schemes 550 Exam essentials 551 4.4 Given a scenario, use common safety procedures 552 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) straps 552 ESD mats 553 Equipment grounding 554 Proper power handling 555 Proper component handling and storage 555 Antistatic bags 555 Compliance with government regulations 555 Personal safety 555 Exam essentials 557 4.5 Summarize environmental impacts and local environmental controls 557 Material safety data sheet (MSDS)/documentation for handling and disposal 557 Temperature, humidity- level awareness, and proper ventilation 559 Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts 562 Exam essentials 564 4.6 Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts 565 Incident response 565 Licensing/digital rights management (DRM)/end- user license agreement (EULA) 567 Regulated data 568 Exam essentials 569 4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism 569 Professional appearance and attire 570 Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable 570 Maintain a positive attitude/project confidence 571 Actively listen, take notes, and avoid interrupting the customer 571 Be culturally sensitive 571 Be on time (if late, contact the customer) 572 Avoid distractions 572 Dealing with difficult customers or situations 573 Set and meet expectations/time line and communicate status with the customer 574 Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials 575 Exam essentials 576 4.8 Identify the basics of scripting 576 Script file types 576 Use cases for scripting 577 Other considerations when using scripts 578 Exam essentials 579 4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies 579 Methods/tools 579 Security considerations of each access method 582 Exam essentials 582 Review Questions 583 Appendix Answers to the Review Questions 587 Chapter 1: Mobile Devices 588 Chapter 2: Networking 589 Chapter 3: Hardware 591 Chapter 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing 595 Chapter 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 596 Chapter 6: Operating Systems 598 Chapter 7: Security 599 Chapter 8: Software Troubleshooting 602 Chapter 9: Operational Procedures 603 Index 607