Master PC installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and networking and fully prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 exams   This unique tutorial and study guide teaches the fundamentals of computer desktop and laptop installation, configuration, maintenance, and networking with thorough instruction built on the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 exam objectives. Learn all the skills you need to become a certified professional and customer-friendly technician using today’s tools and technologies.   Every chapter opens with focused learning objectives and lists the exam objectives covered in that chapter. To meet the learning objectives, each chapter includes detailed figures, helpful Tech Tips, explanations of key terms, step-by-step instruction, and complete coverage of every topic. At the end of every chapter are comprehensive assessment tools, including a summary, review questions, labs, activities, and exam tips.   Covers Both 2012 A+ Exams:   A+ 220-801:   •  PC Hardware             •  Networking               •  Laptops        •  Printers         •  Operational Procedures   A+ 220-802   •  Operating Systems               •  Security        •  Mobile Devices         •  Troubleshooting   Learn more quickly and thoroughly with all these study and review tools: Learning Objectives provide the goals for each chapter Practical Tech Tips give real-world PC repair knowledge Soft Skills information and activities in each chapter cover all the tools and skills you need to become a professional, customer-friendly technician in every category Review Questions, including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions, assess your knowledge of the learning objectives More than 125 Lab Exercises enable you to link theory to practical experience Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term Critical Thinking Activities in every chapter take you beyond the facts to complete comprehension of topics Chapter Summary provides a recap of key concepts See Special Offer in Back of Book to save 70% on the CompTIA A+ Cert Guide, Deluxe Edition, Premium Edition eBook and Practice Test  

Table of Contents:
Introduction Features of This Book Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Repair Overview CompTIA A+ Certification Safety Note Technician Qualities Basic Computer Parts External Connectivity Mouse and Keyboard Ports Mice and Keyboards Wireless Input Devices Mouse and Keyboard Preventive Maintenance Keyboard/Mouse Troubleshooting Video Port USB Port Installing Extra USB Ports USB Troubleshooting Parallel Ports Serial Ports Audio Ports IEEE 1394 Ports IEEE 1394 Troubleshooting eSATA Ports Network Ports Modem Ports Pros and Cons of Integrated Motherboards Docking Stations and Port Replicators Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 1.1 Identifying Tower Computer Parts     Lab 1.2 Identification of Computer Ports     Lab 1.3 Identification of Video Ports     Lab 1.4 Port Identification Activities Chapter 2: On the Motherboard Processor Overview Processor Basics Intel Processors AMD Processors Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview Cache Clocking Threading Technology Connecting to the Processor Multi-Core Processors Sockets and Slots Processor Cooling Installing Processors Mobile Device Motherboards/CPUs Overclocking Processors Troubleshooting Processor Issues Expansion Slots PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Laptop Expansion More Motherboard Connectors Chipsets Types of Motherboards Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards Motherboard Troubleshooting Soft Skills–Active Listening Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 2.1 ATX Motherboard Parts Identification Exercise     Lab 2.2 Motherboard Analysis     Lab 2.3 Processor Speed, Processor Socket, and Ports Activities Chapter 3: System Configuration Configuration Overview BIOS Overview The Setup Program Flash BIOS BIOS Configuration Settings CMOS Memory Motherboard Batteries Other Configuration Parameters IRQ (Interrupt Request) PCI Interrupts I/O (Input/Output) Addresses Memory Addresses Adapter Configuration Soft Skills–A Good Technician Quality: One Thing at a Time Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 3.1 Configuration Method Exercise and Review     Lab 3.2 System Resource Configuration Through the Setup Program     Lab 3.3 Examining System Resources by Using Windows     Lab 3.4 Device Drivers Activities Chapter 4: Disassembly and Power Disassembly Overview Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) Disassembly Tools Opening the Case Cables and Connectors Storage Devices Motherboards Mobile Device Issues Reassembly Preventive Maintenance Basic Electronics Overview Electronics Terms Power Supply Overview Power Supply Form Factors Purposes of a Power Supply Power Supply Voltages Mobile Device Travel and Storage Mobile Device Power ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply Symptoms of Power Supply Problems Solving Power Supply Problems Adverse Power Conditions Adverse Power Protection Surge Protectors Line Conditioners Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Standby Power Supply (SPS) Phone Line Isolator Electrical Fires Computer Disposal/Recycling Soft Skills–Written Communications Skills Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 4.1 Performing Maintenance on an Antistatic Wrist Strap     Lab 4.2 Computer Disassembly/Reassembly     Lab 4.3 Amps and Wattage     Lab 4.4 Continuity Check     Lab 4.5 Pin-Out Diagramming     Lab 4.6 Fuse Check     Lab 4.7 Using a Multimeter     Lab 4.8 Wall Outlet and Power Cord AC Voltage Check     Lab 4.9 Device DC Voltage Check     Lab 4.10 Windows XP Power Options     Lab 4.11 Windows Vista/7 Power Options Activities Chapter 5: Logical Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Overview Identify the Problem Establish a Theory of Probable Cause Test the Theory to Determine Cause Establish a Plan of Action and Implement the Solution Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventive Measures Soft Skills–Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes and Provide Feedback Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 5.1 Logical Troubleshooting Activities Chapter 6: Memory Memory Overview Memory Physical Packaging Planning the Memory Installation Planning the Memory Installation–Memory Technologies Mobile Device Memory Planning the Memory Installation–Memory Features Planning for Memory–The Amount of Memory to Install Planning for Memory–How Many of Each Memory Type? Planning for Memory–Researching and Buying Memory Installing Memory Overview Removing/Installing Memory Adding More Cache/RAM Windows Disk Caching Monitoring Memory Usage Under Windows Old Applications Under Windows Troubleshooting Memory Problems Flash Memory Soft Skills–Teamwork Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 6.1 Configuring Memory on Paper, Part 1     Lab 6.2 Configuring Memory on Paper, Part 2     Lab 6.3 Configuring Memory on Paper, Part 3     Lab 6.4 Configuring Memory on Paper, Part 4     Lab 6.5 Configuring Memory on Paper, Part 5     Lab 6.6 Examining Memory Resources Using Windows XP     Lab 6.7 Using the System Information Tool in Windows XP to View Memory     Lab 6.8 Using Windows XP Task Manager to View Memory     Lab 6.9 Examining Memory Resources Using Windows 7     Lab 6.10 Using the System Information Tool in Windows 7 to View Memory     Lab 6.11 Using Windows 7 Task Manager to View Memory     Lab 6.12 Determining Memory Resources in an iOS-Based Device     Lab 6.13 Determining Memory Resources in an Android-Based Device Activities Chapter 7: Storage Devices Storage Devices Overview Floppy Drive Overview Floppy Media and Construction Floppy Drive Installation or Replacement Hard Drive Overview Hard Drive Geometry Hard Drive Interfaces Overview IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) SSD (Solid State Drive) SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) Storage Device Configuration Overview PATA Physical Installation SATA Physical Installation SSD Physical Installation Parallel SCSI Configuration SCSI ID Configuration and Termination SCSI Cables SAS Installation Mobile Device Storage System BIOS Configuration for Hard Drives Hard Drive Preparation Overview Partitioning How Drive Letters Are Assigned Windows Disk Management Fault Tolerance High-Level Formatting Troubleshooting Devices RAID Issues Preventive Maintenance for Hard Drives Data Security Removable Drive Storage Disk Caching/Virtual Memory Soft Skills–Phone Skills Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 7.1 Configuring a PATA IDE Hard Drive on Paper     Lab 7.2 Configuring a PATA IDE Cable Select Configuration     Lab 7.3 Configuring a SATA Hard Drive on Paper     Lab 7.4 Installing an IDE PATA/SATA Hard Drive with Windows XP Disk Management Tool, diskpart, and convert     Lab 7.5 Installing an IDE PATA/SATA Hard Drive with the Windows 7 Disk Management Tool, diskpart, and convert     Lab 7.6 Striping and Spanning Using Windows 7     Lab 7.7 Windows XP Backup Tool     Lab 7.8 Windows 7 Backup Tool     Lab 7.9 Windows XP/Vista Hard Disk Tools     Lab 7.10 Windows 7 Hard Disk Tools Activities Chapter 8: Multimedia Devices Multimedia Overview Optical Disk Drive Overview Optical Drive Features Optical Drive Interfaces and Connections Optical Drive Installation Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues Preventive Maintenance for ODDs and Discs Theory of Sound Card Operation Installing Sound Cards Sound Cards Using Windows Mobile Device Sound Speakers Troubleshooting Sound Problems Scanners Digital Cameras Soft Skills–Attitude Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 8.1 Sound and Optical Drives in Windows XP     Lab 8.2 Sound and Optical Drives in Windows 7     Lab 8.3 Optical Drive Installation Lab     Lab 8.4 DirectX Diagnostics in Windows XP     Lab 8.5 DirectX Diagnostics in Windows 7     Lab 8.6 Installing a Sound Card and Speakers in Windows XP     Lab 8.7 Installing a Sound Card and Speakers in Windows 7     Lab 8.8 Installing a USB Scanner     Lab 8.9 Changing the Drive Letter of an Optical Drive Using the Disk Management and diskpart Utility Activities Chapter 9: Other Peripherals Chapter Overview Video Overview Types of Video Output Devices Video Terminology and Theory LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Video Ports and Cables Multiple Displays Projectors Monitor Preventive Maintenance Monitor Energy Efficiency Privacy Video Adapters Specialized Video Cards Video Memory Installing a Video Adapter Troubleshooting Video Printers Overview Printer Ports Networked Printers Wireless Printers Categories of Printers Impact Printers Inkjet Printers Laser Printers Thermal Printers Paper Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges Printer Installation Upgrading Printers Printer Preventive Maintenance Printers in the Windows Environment Windows Printer Troubleshooting General Printer Troubleshooting Impact Printer Troubleshooting Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting Laser Printer Troubleshooting Soft Skills–Work Ethics Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 9.1 Exploring Video in Windows XP     Lab 9.2 Exploring Video in Windows 7     Lab 9.3 Configuring a Second Monitor Attached to the Same PC     Lab 9.4 Configuring a Second Monitor Attached to a Windows 7 PC     Lab 9.5 Determining the Amount of Video Memory     Lab 9.6 Determining the Minimum Video Memory Installed     Lab 9.7 Exploring Video Memory on a Windows 7 Computer     Lab 9.8 Installing a Generic/Text Only Print Driver on a Windows XP Computer     Lab 9.9 Installing a Local Printer on a Windows XP Computer     Lab 9.10 Exploring a Windows 7 Printer Activities Chapter 10: Computer Design Design Overview Computer System Design Motherboard and Associated Component Design Power Supply and Case Design Storage Subsystem Design Audio Subsystem Design Display Subsystem Design Mobility Design Soft Skills–Dealing with Irate Customers Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 10.1 Computer System Design     Lab 10.2 Design Components     Lab 10.3 Subsystem Design Components Activities Chapter 11: Basic Operating Systems Basic Operating Systems Overview Basic Windows Usage Overview Basic Mobile Device Usage Managing Windows Files and Folders Attributes, Compression, and Encryption Determining the Windows Version Windows Registry Editing the Windows Registry Recovering the Windows OS Recovering a Mobile OS Virtualization Basics Recovery Console/WinRE Command Prompt Overview Command Prompt Basics Moving Around from a Command Prompt The TYPE Command Copying Files The ATTRIB Command Why Learn Commands? Command Format Soft Skills–Staying Current Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 11.1 XP Basic Usage     Lab 11.2 Windows Vista/7 Basic Usage     Lab 11.3 Introduction to Mobile Operating Systems     Lab 11.4 Windows XP/Vista/7 Taskbar Options     Lab 11.5 Windows XP/Vista/7 File and Folder Management     Lab 11.6 Managing Files on a Mobile Device     Lab 11.7 Windows XP/Vista/7 File Extension     Lab 11.8 Windows XP/Vista/7 Attributes, Compression, and Encryption     Lab 11.9 Using REGEDIT in Windows XP/Vista/7     Lab 11.10 Modifying the Windows XP Start Button     Lab 11.11 Modifying the Windows Vista/7 Start Button     Lab 11.12 Basic Commands at a Command Prompt     Lab 11.13 The COPY, MD, DEL, and RD Commands     Lab 11.14 The ATTRIB Command and Moving Around in the Directory Structure     Lab 11.15 Backup Software and the Archive Bit     Lab 11.16 Creating a Boot Floppy Disk in Windows XP     Lab 11.17 Installing and Exploring Windows XP Recovery Console     Lab 11.18 Creating a Windows 7 System Repair Disc     Lab 11.19 Creating a Windows 7 System Image Disc Activities Chapter 12: Windows XP, Vista, and 7 Windows XP Overview Windows Vista/7 Overview Logging on to Windows Pre-Installation of Windows Viruses Installation/Upgrade of Windows Corporate Windows Deployment Verifying the Installation Troubleshooting a Windows Installation Dual-Booting Windows Virtualization Reloading Windows Updating Windows Backing Up/Restoring the Windows Registry Backing Up and Restoring the Windows System State Configuring Windows Overview Configuring Windows Adding Devices System Restore Installing/Removing Software Microsoft Management Console Advanced Boot Options Menu Overview of the Windows Boot Process Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process Windows XP ASR (Automated System Recovery) WinRE System Configuration Utility Task Manager and Event Viewer Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start Windows Reboots Shutdown Problems Monitoring System Performance Supporting Windows Computers Remotely Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System Soft Skills–Avoiding Burnout Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 12.1 Windows XP Clean Installation     Lab 12.2 Windows XP Upgrade Installation     Lab 12.3 Windows 7 Installation     Lab 12.4 Installing VMware Workstation     Lab 12.5 Installing Windows into a VMware Workstation Virtual Machine     Lab 12.6 Working with a VMware Workstation Virtual Machine     Lab 12.7 Windows XP/Vista/7 Registry Modification     Lab 12.8 Windows XP System State Backup     Lab 12.9 Windows 7 Backup     Lab 12.10 Windows Automatic Update Utility     Lab 12.11 Windows XP Mouse, Keyboard, Accessibility, and Sound Options     Lab 12.12 Configuring Windows 7 Ease of Access     Lab 12.13 Windows XP System Restore Utility     Lab 12.14 Windows 7 System Restore Utility     Lab 12.15 Upgrading a Hardware Driver and Using Driver Roll Back Using Windows XP/Vista/7     Lab 12.16 Disabling a Hardware Driver Using Windows XP, Vista, or 7     Lab 12.17 Installing Hardware Using Windows XP/Vista/7     Lab 12.18 Installing Administrative Tools in Windows XP     Lab 12.19 Installing and Removing Windows XP Components     Lab 12.20 Installing and Removing Windows Vista/7 Components     Lab 12.21 Windows XP Microsoft Management Console     Lab 12.22 Windows 7 Microsoft Management Console     Lab 12.23 Exploring Windows XP Boot Options     Lab 12.24 Exploring Windows 7 Boot Options     Lab 12.25 Windows XP System Configuration Utility     Lab 12.26 Windows 7 Startup Configuration     Lab 12.27 Halting an Application Using Task Manager in Windows XP/Vista/7     Lab 12.28 Using Windows XP Event Viewer     Lab 12.29 Using Windows Vista/7 Event Viewer     Lab 12.30 Using Task Manager to View Performance     Lab 12.31 Using the System Monitor Utility in Windows XP     Lab 12.32 Using the Performance Monitor Utility in Windows XP     Lab 12.33 Performance and Reliability in Windows 7     Lab 12.34 Installing and Using Remote Desktop in Windows XP     Lab 12.35 Windows 7 Remote Desktop     Lab 12.36 Windows 7 Task Scheduler Activities Chapter 13: Internet Connectivity Internet Connectivity Overview Modems Overview Serial Communication Overview How to Configure Serial Ports and Devices 56Kbps Modems Fax Modems Digital Modems and ISDN VoIP Cable Modems xDSL Modems Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems Satellite Modems Modem Preventive Maintenance Mobile Connectivity Web Browsers Soft Skills–Mentoring Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 13.1 Exploring Serial Devices in Windows XP     Lab 13.2 Exploring Serial Devices in Windows Vista/7     Lab 13.3 Windows XP Direct Cable Connection     Lab 13.4 Internal and External Modem Installation     Lab 13.5 Introduction to Internet Explorer Configuration Activities Chapter 14: Introduction to Networking Networking Overview Types of Local Area Networks Network Topologies Network Media Overview Copper Media Fiber Media Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment Ethernet Issues and Concepts Network Standards The OSI Model The TCP/IP Model Network Addressing IP Addressing Subnetting Basics Wireless Networks Overview Bluetooth Wireless Networks Antenna Basics Wireless Network Standards Wired or Wireless NIC Installation Wireless Broadband Virtualization Network Issues Access Point/Router Installation Configuring a Networked Printer Network Troubleshooting Network Printer Troubleshooting Network Terminology The TCP/IP Model in Action Sharing Email Network Connectivity Mobile Device Network Connectivity Mobile Apps Soft Skills–Being Proactive Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 14.1 Installing and Configuring a NIC Using Windows XP     Lab 14.2 Creating a Straight-Through CAT 5, 5e, or 6 Network Patch Cable     Lab 14.3 Creating a CAT 5, 5e, or 6 Crossover Network Cable     Lab 14.4 Networking with Windows 7     Lab 14.5 Connecting to a Windows XP/Vista/7 Shared or Networked Printer     Lab 14.6 Installing a Dial-Up Connection Using Windows XP     Lab 14.7 Identifying Basic Wireless Network Parts     Lab 14.8 Installing a Wireless NIC     Lab 14.9 Configuring a Wireless Network     Lab 14.10 Wireless Network Case Study     Lab 14.11 FTP Server and Client     Lab 14.12 Subnet Practice Lab Activities Chapter 15: Computer and Network Security Security Overview Security Policy Physical Security Protecting the Operating System and Data DEP (Data Execution Prevention) Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources Permissions Internet Security Security Incident Reporting Wireless Network Security Overview Wireless Authentication and Encryption Default Settings More Wireless Options Wireless Security Conclusion Wireless Network Troubleshooting Mobile Security A Final Word About Security Soft Skills–Building Customer Trust Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises     Lab 15.1 Encrypting a File and Folder     Lab 15.2 Using Windows Vista/7 System Protection     Lab 15.3 Making a Folder Private in XP     Lab 15.4 Sharing a Folder in Windows XP     Lab 15.5 Sharing a Folder in Windows 7     Lab 15.6 Creating a Local Security Policy for Passwords     Lab 15.7 Windows Defender in Windows 7     Lab 15.8 Configuring a Secure Wireless Network Activities Glossary   9780789749765    TOC    1/14/2013