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CompTIA A+ Certification Training | Chicago

Summary of CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard in terms of measuring a technician's hardware and software knowledge. As the most popular entry-level certification, it is particularly popular among individuals switching from another career to computers

Description for CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification exam was developed in 1993 at the request of the IT industry; major corporations needed a way to validate the skills of entry-level technicians. CompTIA recruited Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from more than 20 companies to create the standards and objectives of CompTIA A+. Hands-on service technicians used their real-world experience to define the test content, while computer service experts developed the exam questions. Thirteen years later, more than 700,000 technicians certified worldwide, CompTIA A+ is still seen by the technology community as the perfect entry into an IT career.

Outline of CompTIA A+ Certification

Chapter 1 Personal Computer System Components 1

 

Identifying Components of Motherboards

Types of System Boards

System Board Form Factors

System Board Components

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory

Important Memory Terms

Types of Memory

Memory Packaging

Identifying Characteristics of Ports and Cables

Peripheral Port Connector Types

Common Peripheral Interfaces and Cables

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems

Fans

Memory Cooling

Hard Drive Cooling

Chipset Cooling

CPU Cooling

 

Chapter 2 Storage Devices, Power Supplies, and Adapters

 

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices

Hard Disk Drive Systems

Floppy Drives

Optical Storage Drives

Other Storage Media

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Power Supplies

Floppy Drive Power Connectors

AT System Connectors

Standard Peripheral Power Connector

Modern Power Connectors

AC Adapters as Power Supplies

Identifying Input Devices

Mouse

Keyboard

Barcode Reader

Multimedia Devices

Biometric Devices

Touchscreens

KVM Switch

Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Adapter Cards

Video

Multimedia

I/O 122

Communications

 

Chapter 3 Understanding Display Devices

 

Understanding Display Types and Settings

Video Display Types

Adjusting Display Settings

Understanding Video Standards and Technologies

Video Standards

Advanced Video Resolutions

LCD-Specific Concepts

Additional Video Technologies

 

Chapter 4 Understanding Laptops and Portable Devices

 

Understanding Laptop Architecture

Laptops vs. Desktops

Laptop Case

Motherboards and Processors

Memory

Storage

Input Devices

Contents xvii

Expansion Buses and Ports

Docking Stations

Power Systems

Laptop Power Management

Understanding Laptop Power Management

Managing Power in Windows

 

Chapter 5 Installing and Configuring Printers 205

 

Understanding Printer Types and Processes

Impact Printers

Bubble-Jet Printers

Laser Printers

Printer Interfaces and Supplies

Installing and Configuring Printers

Printer Installation Procedures

 

Chapter 6 Operating System Features and Interfaces

 

Understanding Operating Systems

Operating System Terms and Concepts

Microsoft Windows

Using Operating Systems

The Windows Interface

What’s in a Window?

Control Panel 289

The Command Prompt

Administrative Tools

The Registry

Virtual Memory

Windows System Files

Disk Management

File Management

 

Chapter 7 Installing and Configuring Operating Systems

 

File Systems and Directories

File Systems: FAT32 vs. NTFS

Files and Folders

Installing Operating Systems

Determining OS Installation Options

Determining the Installation Method

Preparing the Computer for Installation

Installing Windows 2000

Windows XP Installation

Windows Vista Installation

Postinstallation Routines

Upgrading Operating Systems

Upgrading to Windows Vista

Upgrading to Windows XP

Finalizing Your Upgrade

Migrating User Data

Performing a Repair Install

Common Installation Problems

Installing Device Drivers

Rights and Security Issues

Basic Procedure for Device Installation

Windows Version-Specific Installation Items

Optimizing Windows

Keeping the System Current

Power Management

Identifying Boot Sequences

 

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Theory and Preventive

Maintenance

 

Understanding Troubleshooting Theory

Identifying the Problem

Establishing a Theory

Testing Solutions

Establishing a Plan of Action

Verifying Functionality

Documenting the Work

Understanding Preventive Maintenance

Managing the Physical Environment

Using the Right Repair Tools and Cleaning Materials

Running Updates

Using Disk Management Tools

Backing Up Data and Creating Restore Points

 

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting Operating Systems, Hardware,

Printers, and Laptops

 

Identifying Troubleshooting Resources

User/Installation Manuals

Internet/Web Resources

Training Materials

Understanding Operating System and Hardware Symptoms

Troubleshooting Common Operating System Problems

Troubleshooting Hardware Symptoms

Troubleshooting Printers

Troubleshooting Common Laptop Issues

Diagnosing Laptop Problems

Preventive Maintenance on Laptops

 

Chapter 10 Understanding Networking

 

Understanding Networking Principles

Understanding Networking Fundamentals

Understanding Networking Protocols

Identifying Common Network Hardware

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Cabling and Connectors

Networking Components

Comparing Network Types

Wired Networks

Wireless Networks

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

 

Chapter 11 Understanding Network Security Fundamentals

 

Understanding Security

Authentication Technologies

Working with Hardware and Software Security

Understanding Wireless Security

Understanding Physical and Data Security

Security Solutions

BIOS Security

Malicious Software Protection

Data Access

Data Remnant Removal

Password Management

Locking Workstations

Identifying Security Problem Areas

 

Chapter 12 Understanding Operational Procedures

 

Understanding Safety and Environmental Issues

Identifying Potential Safety Hazards

Identifying Environmental Concerns

Using Safety Documentation

Using Appropriate Repair Tools

Handling Accidents

Applying Proper Safety and Disposal Procedures

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge

Preventing Electromagnetic Interference

Working in a Safe Environment

Handling Equipment

Following Disposal Procedures

Demonstrating Communication Skills and Professionalism

Communicating with Customers

Using Appropriate Behavior

Putting It All in Perspective

 

Chapter 13 Installing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting

Hardware

 

Installing, Configuring, and Maintaining PC Components 654

Working with Storage Devices

Working with Motherboards, CPUs, Memory, and

Adapter Cards

Working with Power Supplies

Working with Cooling Systems

Identifying Tools and Diagnostics for PC Components

Gathering Tools

Recognizing and Isolating Issues

Applying Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

Removing, Installing, and Configuring Components

Selecting Components

Using Tools and Diagnostic Procedures for Personal

Computer Components

Understanding Computer Resources

Determining Available Resources

Manually Specifying a Resource Assignment

 

Chapter 14 Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting

Laptops

 

Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops

Using the Right Tools

Organization and Documentation

Replacing Laptop Components

Understanding LCDs

Replacing Hard Drives and Memory

Recognizing Internal Laptop Expansion Slots

Upgrading Wireless and Video Cards

Replacing Other Internal Components

Removing External Hardware

 

Chapter 15 Resolving Printer Problems

 

Troubleshooting Printer Problems

Dot-Matrix Printer Problems

Bubble-Jet Printer Problems

Laser Printer Problems

Performing Preventive Maintenance

Performing Scheduled Maintenance

Using Cleaning Solutions

Ensuring a Suitable Environment

Using Recommended Supplies

Installing Printer Upgrades

 

Chapter 16 Operating System Structures and Commands

 

Using Operating Systems

Using the Command Prompt

Understanding and Navigating Directory Structures

User File Locations

System File Locations

Font Files

Managing Temporary Files

Program Files

Offline Files

Windows Vista

Windows XP

Windows 2000

 

Chapter 17 Operating System Utilities and

Troubleshooting Issues

 

Performing Preventive Maintenance on Operating Systems

Using Recommended Hardware

Obtaining Current Drivers

Installing Windows Properly

Shutting Down Properly

Updating Windows

Creating Restore Points

Dealing with Boot Issues

Advanced Startup Options

Using the Repair Options (Windows Vista)

Using the Recovery Console (Windows 2000 and

Windows XP)

Creating Boot Disks or an Emergency Repair Disk

Common Boot Errors and Solutions

Solving Windows File-Related Problems

System Files Not Found

Configuration File Issues

Swap File Issues

Troubleshooting Other Common Problems

Understanding Windows Reporting

Using Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities

Disk Management Tools

System Management Tools

Disk and Remote Management

Getting Disks Ready to Store Files and Programs

Remote Desktop Connection and Assistance

System Performance and Optimization

Common Operational Problems

 

Chapter 18 Installing and Troubleshooting Networks

 

Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks

Choosing Connection Types

Installing the Network

Understanding Firewall Basics

Troubleshooting Client-Side Connectivity Issues

Troubleshooting TCP/IP Settings

Using Client-Side Tools

Troubleshooting Proxies and Firewalls

 

Chapter 19 System Security

 

Security Basics

Viruses and Malware

Symptoms of a Virus/Malware Infection

How Viruses Work

Types of Viruses

Virus Transmission in a Network

Antivirus Software

Recognizing Common Attacks

Back Door Attacks

Spoofing Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Replay Attacks

Password-Guessing Attacks

Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS

(DDoS) Attacks

TCP Attacks

Recovering Operating Systems

Recovery Console

Recovery CD/DVD

Automated System Recovery

Emergency Repair Disk

Diagnostic Tools

Security and Troubleshooting

Hardening the OS

Updating Your Operating System

Working with Filesystems

General Rules for Security and Troubleshooting

Access Control

Working with Policies

Working with Disks and Directories

Auditing and Logging

BIOS Security

Encrypting File System

 

Location Date Time Days
Chicago, IL 03/13/2010 - 05/01/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 04/19/2010 - 04/30/2010 10:00am-3:00pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 04/26/2010 - 06/14/2010 6:00pm-10:00pm Mon Wed [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 05/10/2010 - 05/21/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 06/05/2010 - 07/31/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 06/14/2010 - 06/25/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 07/26/2010 - 08/06/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 08/14/2010 - 10/02/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 08/23/2010 - 10/11/2010 6:00pm-10:00pm Mon Wed [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 09/20/2010 - 10/01/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 10/18/2010 - 10/22/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 10/23/2010 - 12/11/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Chicago, IL 12/06/2010 - 12/17/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 03/16/2010 - 04/29/2010 6:00pm-10:00pm Tue Thu [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 04/17/2010 - 06/05/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 06/05/2010 - 07/24/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 06/28/2010 - 07/09/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 06/29/2010 - 08/12/2010 6:00pm-10:00pm Tue Thu [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 08/09/2010 - 08/20/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 08/14/2010 - 10/02/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 10/23/2010 - 12/11/2010 9:00am-5:00pm Sat [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 10/25/2010 - 12/13/2010 6:00pm-10:00pm Mon Wed [Register][Information]
Lombard, IL 11/08/2010 - 11/19/2010 10:00am-3:30pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri [Register][Information]

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For superior CompTIA A+ certification training in the heart of Chicago, MicroTrain is your educational connection. MicroTrain has trained over 10,000 people in applications as diverse as wireless, web design, and Crystal Reports as part of their regularly offered classes and in customized corporate sessions as well. They offer training and certification testing in comfortable, state-of-the-art centers in downtown Chicago, as well as in the Oak Brook/Lombard and in Deerfield. MicroTrain also provides a testing center to complete your A+ certification

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