A+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition » (Book & CDROM)

Jane Holcombe, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MCSE, MCT, has been an independent trainer, consultant, and course content author since 1984. She is the coauthor of Survey of Operating Systems.

Charles Holcombe has been an independent trainer and consultant for the past 23 years. He has developed and delivered many training courses in addition to authoring several books.

The Best Fully Integrated Study System Available

With hundreds of practice questions and hands-on exercises, CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide, Sixth Edition covers what you need to know—and shows you how to prepare—for these challenging exams.

• 100% complete coverage of all official objectives for CompTIA A+ exams 220-601, 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604

• Exam Readiness Checklist at the front of the book—you're ready for the exam when all objectives on the list are checked off

• Inside the Exam sections in every chapter highlight key exam topics covered

• Simulated exam questions match the format, tone, topics, and difficulty of the real exam

Covers all the exam topics, including:

CPUs and Motherboards

* Power Supply and Cooling Systems

* Memory and Storage Devices

* Display and Input Devices

* Cables, Connectors, and Ports

* Installing, Upgrading, Troubleshooting, and Maintaining PCs

* Supporting Laptops and Portable Devices

* Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems

* Managing Disks and Files

* Managing Printers and Scanners

* Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Networks

* Security

* Safety and Environmental Issues

* Communication and Professionalism

CD-ROM includes:

• Complete MasterExam practice testing engine, featuring: One full practice exam
  • Detailed answers with explanations
  • Score Report performance assessment tool

• Video training clips of key A+ related tasks

• Electronic book for studying on the go

With free online registration:

• One-hour LearnKey video training session
• Bonus downloadable MasterExam practice test

Acknowledgments     xxxi
Preface     xxxiii
Introduction     xxxvii
Personal Computer Components
Personal Computer Components-Unit I     3
Introduction to Personal Computers     4
The PC Case     6
Purpose and Features     7
Case Form Factors     7
Case Categories     8
Case Sizes     8
Motherboards     9
Form Factors     10
Motherboard Components     14
Chipset     20
Firmware     20
BIOS     20
CMOS     21
BIOS and CMOS Roles in the Boot Process     22
Viewing System Settings in CMOS     22
Riser Card/Daughter Card     23
Processor/CPU     24
Purposes and Characteristics     24
CPU Technologies     24
Manufacturers and Models     30
Identifying Your Processor     34
Two-Minute Drill     35
Q&A: Self Test     37
Lab Question     40
Self Test Answers     42
Lab Answer     45
Personal Computer Components-Unit II     47
PowerSupply     48
Voltage     48
Wattage     50
Check Out the Wattage on PCs and Other Devices     50
Fan     51
AC Adapters     51
Form Factors     51
Cooling Systems     53
CPU and Case Fans     53
Heat Sinks     53
Thermal Compounds     54
Liquid Cooling Systems     54
Case Design     54
Memory     54
Functional Overview of RAM and ROM Usage     55
RAM Technology     56
Operational Characteristics     59
Calculating the Memory Bank Size     60
Storage Devices     62
Floppy Disk Drives     62
Hard Disk Drives     63
Optical Disk Drives     64
Tape Drives     69
Solid-State Storage     69
Adapter Cards     71
Video Adapter Cards     72
Multimedia Adapter Cards     72
I/O Adapter Cards     72
Communications Adapters     73
Video Adapters and Displays     74
Video Adapters     74
Displays     76
Display Connectors      78
Display Settings     80
Modifying Display Settings     81
Input Devices     83
Pointing Devices     83
Keyboard     83
Bar Code Reader     84
Multimedia     85
Biometric Devices     85
Touch Screen     86
Cables, Connectors, and Ports     86
Cables     86
Ports and Connectors     87
Two-Minute Drill     96
Q&A: Self Test     99
Lab Question     102
Self Test Answers     103
Lab Answer     106
Installing and Upgrading PCs     107
Installing Motherboards, CPUs, and Memory     109
Selecting a Motherboard, CPU, and Memory Combination     109
Replacing a Motherboard     111
Installing a Motherboard     112
Removing an Old Motherboard     112
Proper Handling and Installation of a Motherboard     112
Upgrading a CPU     113
Removing a PGA Processor from a ZIF Socket     114
Optimizing a System with RAM     114
Installing and Removing Memory     115
Installing and Removing a SIMM      115
Installing and Removing a DIMM or RIMM Module     116
Configuring and Optimizing a Motherboard     116
Backing Up the CMOS Settings     117
Replacing or Upgrading BIOS     121
When to Upgrade the BIOS     121
Upgrading the BIOS     122
Adding, Configuring, and Removing Power Supplies     122
Selecting a Power Supply     122
Removing a Power Supply/Installing a Power Supply     123
Replacing a Power Supply     123
Adding, Configuring, and Removing Cooling Systems     124
Common Sense First     124
Selecting an Appropriate Cooling System     124
Installing and Configuring a Cooling System     126
Removing a Cooling System     126
Adding, Configuring, and Removing Storage Devices     127
Optimizing a PC with Storage Devices     127
Selecting an Appropriate Internal Storage Device     127
Installing Drives on PATA Channels     128
Choosing a Master     130
Installing Drives on SATA Channels     132
Installing a SATA Drive     132
Internal Floppy Disk Drives     133
Installing and Configuring SCSI Devices     134
Installing External SCSI Devices     141
Removing an Internal Storage Device     142
Removing a Drive     142
Installing and Removing an External Storage Device     142
Preparing a Hard Disk for Use     144
Adding, Configuring, and Removing Adapter Cards     145
Selecting an Appropriate Adapter Card     146
Installing and Configuring an Adapter Card     146
Removing an Adapter Card     146
Installing an Adapter Card     146
Adding, Configuring, and Removing Displays     147
Selecting an Appropriate Display Device     147
Installing and Configuring a Display Device     148
Removing a Display     148
Adding and Removing Input Devices     148
Selecting an Input Device     148
Installing and Removing an Input Device     149
Two-Minute Drill     151
Q&A: Self Test     154
Lab Question     158
Self Test Answers     159
Lab Answer     163
Troubleshooting and Maintenance for PCs     165
Troubleshooting Theory and Techniques     166
Theory     167
Diagnostic Procedures and Troubleshooting Techniques      167
Troubleshooting with Device Manager     170
Troubleshooting Step-by-Step     174
Troubleshooting PC Component Problems     176
Procedures     176
Video     176
Power Supply     178
POST Audio and Visual Errors     180
CPU     181
CMOS     182
Replacing the CMOS Battery     182
Memory     183
Input Devices     183
Cleaning a Mouse     184
Adapter Cards     185
Motherboard     186
Hard Drives     186
Troubleshooting a Drive Failure     187
Optical Drives     187
Floppy Drive Failures     188
USB Devices     189
SCSI Devices     191
Troubleshooting Tools     192
Software Tools     192
The Hardware Toolkit     193
Specialized Diagnostic Toolkits     195
Cleaning Products     197
Preventive Maintenance Techniques     199
Visual and Audio Inspection     199
Driver and Firmware Updates     199
Use of Cleaning Materials     199
Ensuring a Proper Environment      201
Maintenance of Components     201
Thermally Sensitive Devices     203
Two-Minute Drill     206
Q&A: Self Test     209
Lab Question     213
Self Test Answers     214
Lab Answer     218
Laptops and Portable Devices
Using and Supporting Laptops and Portable Devices     223
Introduction to Portable Computers     224
Laptops and Notebooks     224
Handheld Computers     225
Laptop Hardware     226
Motherboard     226
CPU     227
Video Adapter     227
Display     227
Memory     228
Hard Drives     229
Peripherals     229
Expansion Slots     231
Using Device Manager to View a CardBus Controller     233
Communication Connections and Appropriate Uses     235
Power and Electrical Input Devices     238
Input Devices     239
Installing and Upgrading Laptops     242
Keyboards     242
Mouse     242
Docking Stations     243
PC Card/CardBus/ExpressCards     243
Memory Upgrades      244
Installing SODIMM Memory     244
Batteries     246
Peripherals     247
Configuring Power Management     248
System Management Mode     249
Power Management Standards     249
Configuring Power Management in Windows     250
Configuring Power Settings     252
Two-Minute Drill     255
Q&A: Self Test     258
Lab Question     261
Self Test Answers     263
Lab Answer     266
Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Laptops     267
Troubleshooting Laptops and Portable Devices     268
Power Problems     269
Using a Multimeter to Test an AC Adapter     274
Other Startup Problems     275
System Instability     277
Display Problems     278
Testing for Pixilation Problems     280
Input Devices     281
Wireless Problems     285
Preventive Maintenance for Laptops and Portable Devices     286
Transporting and Shipping a Laptop     287
Cooling Issues     287
Hardware and Video Cleaning Materials     288
Two-Minute Drill      290
Q&A: Self Test     293
Lab Question     296
Self Test Answers     297
Lab Answer     300
Operating Systems
Operating System Fundamentals     303
Major Operating Systems     305
The Purpose of Operating Systems     305
Differences Between Major Operating Systems     305
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems     310
Operating System Revision Levels     312
Viewing the Version Information     312
Running Upgrade Advisor     315
Common Windows Components     317
Graphical User Interface     317
File Systems     325
Registry     325
Using the Registry Editor     327
Virtual Memory     328
Operating System Files     330
Windows Boot and System Files     330
Using My Computer to View the Boot Files     331
Using My Computer to View the System Files     332
Registry Files     333
Two-Minute Drill     337
Q&A: Self Test     339
Lab Question     342
Self Test Answers     343
Lab Answer     346
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems     347
Installing Windows     348
Prepare to Install Windows     348
Installation Startup and Source Locations     350
Attended Windows Installation     352
Unattended Installation     359
Upgrading Windows     361
Upgrade Paths     362
Requirements and Compatibility     362
Running Upgrade Advisor from the Windows XP CD     365
Pre-Upgrade Tasks     365
Using Disk Cleanup     369
Running an Upgrade     371
Post-Installation Tasks     373
Network Configuration     373
Check Out Your Neighborhood     373
Registration and Activation     374
Updating Windows     377
Install Additional Applications and Windows Components     380
Installing New Devices     380
Optimizing Windows     384
Virtual Memory     384
Viewing the Virtual Memory Settings     385
Hard Drives     386
Services     386
Startup     388
Two-Minute Drill     390
Q&A: Self Test     392
Lab Question      395
Self Test Answers     396
Lab Answer     399
Disk and File Management     401
Disk Management     402
Disk Storage Types     402
Viewing the Disk Storage Type     404
Partitioning Basic Disks     405
Creating a New Partition     409
Creating a New Partition after Installation     410
File Management     411
File Systems     411
Files     417
File Attributes     418
Text File Editors     423
Organizing Files Using Folders     424
Managing Files and Folders     426
Managing Directories and Files at the Command Prompt     432
Windows Utilities     433
Command-Line Utilities     434
Working at the Command Prompt in Windows     435
Using the ATTRIB Command     438
Windows GUI Utilities     439
Two-Minute Drill     442
Q&A: Self Test     444
Lab Question     448
Self Test Answers     449
Lab Answer     452
Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance for Windows     453
Understanding and Modifying Windows Startup      454
Windows Startup Phases     455
The BOOT.INI File and System Startup Settings     460
Viewing the BOOT.INI File     463
Diagnosing and Repairing Operating Systems Failures     464
Using the Advanced Options Menu     464
Working in Safe Mode     470
System Restore     471
Recovery Console     472
Automated System Recovery (ASR)     474
Emergency Repair Process     475
Operational Issues and Symptoms     476
OS Instability Problems     47?
Restoring Stability after an Interrupted Hibernate Mode     477
Troubleshooting Applications     479
Common Error Messages and Codes     481
Using Diagnostic Utilities and Tools     489
Documentation Resources     489
Create Startup Disks     491
Creating and Testing a Windows Startup Floppy Disk     492
Device Manager     493
Getting to Know Device Manager     494
Task Manager     495
System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)     496
System File Checker (SFC)     497
Performing Preventive Maintenance     499
Defragment Hard Drive Volumes      499
Turn on Automatic Updates     500
Software Updates     500
Back Up the Registry     500
Backing Up the Registry     501
Scheduled Backups     502
Test Restore     503
Configure System Restore     503
Two-Minute Drill     506
Q&A: Self Test     509
Lab Question     513
Self Test Answers     514
Lab Answer     517
Printers and Scanners
Using and Supporting Printers and Scanners     521
Understanding Printers and Scanners     522
Printer Technologies     523
Printer Components     529
Printer and Scanner Technologies     533
Scanner Technologies     533
Scanner-Printer Combinations     535
Printer and Scanner Interfaces     536
Installing and Configuring Printers and Scanners     541
Installing a Printer     541
Installing a Non-Plug-and-Play Printer     543
Testing a Printer for Compatibility     544
Configuring a Printer     544
Installing and Configuring Scanners     546
Educating Users     547
Upgrading and Optimizing Printers and Scanners     548
Upgrades     548
Optimizing Printer Performance     549
Optimizing a Scanner     551
Troubleshooting Printers and Scanners     552
The Hardware Toolkit     553
Gather Information     553
Review and Analyze Collected Data     553
Identify Solutions to Problems     554
Common Printer Problems     554
Adding Paper to an Upright Friction-Feed Tray     560
Restarting the Print Spooler Service     562
Common Scanner Problems     563
Preventive Maintenance for Printers and Scanners     565
Maintenance Kits and Page Counts     565
Cleaning a Printer     566
Cleaning a Scanner     566
Cleaning a Scanner     567
Ensuring a Suitable Environment     567
Use Recommended Consumables     567
Two-Minute Drill     569
Q&A: Self Test     573
Lab Question     576
Self Test Answers     577
Lab Answer     580
Networks
Network Basics     583
Network Overview     584
Geographic Network Classifications     585
Geographic Network Technologies     586
Testing Broadband Speeds     595
Network Hardware     595
Network Adapters     596
Transmission Medium     597
Connecting LANs     599
Identifying Network Hardware     601
Network Software     601
Network Roles     602
Protocol Suites     603
Network Addressing     606
Viewing the Physical and IP Addresses of a NIC     611
Network Operating System (NOS)     612
Network Client     612
Internet Concepts     612
Internet Service Provider (ISP)     613
Internet Services and Protocols     613
Two-Minute Drill     617
Q&A: Self Test     621
Lab Question     624
Self Test Answers     625
Lab Answer     628
Installing Networks     629
Installing and Configuring Networks     631
Physical Installation     631
Connecting an Ethernet Cable     633
Configuring a WAP     642
IP Configuration     644
Manually Configuring IP Settings     645
NWLink IPX/SPX      646
Sharing Network Resources     647
Sharing Files and Printers     648
Turning Off Simple File Sharing     649
Internet Connection Sharing     654
Accessing Network Resources     656
Microsoft Workgroups     657
Microsoft Domains     657
Joining a Computer to a Workgroup or Domain     662
Adding a Computer to a Domain     663
Viewing Workgroups, Domains, and Computers     664
Configuring File and Printer Clients     665
Installing an Additional Client Service     668
Installing and Configuring Web Browsers     669
Internet Explorer     670
Firefox     671
Configure Proxy Settings     672
Two-Minute Drill     675
Q&A: Self Test     681
Lab Question     684
Self Test Answers     685
Lab Answer     688
Troubleshooting Networks     689
Tools for Network Troubleshooting     690
Status Indicators     691
Command-Line Tools     691
Cable Testers     692
Remote Desktop     693
Remote Assistance     696
Troubleshooting Common Network Problems     701
Resolving Insufficient Bandwidth     701
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Problems     704
Using TRACERT     710
Using NSLOOKUP to Troubleshoot DNS     714
Removing a Driver for a Non-Present NIC     715
Making Non-Present Devices Visible in Device Manager     716
Preventive Maintenance for Networks     718
Maintaining Equipment     719
Securing and Protecting Network Cabling     720
Two-Minute Drill     722
Q&A: Self Test     724
Lab Question     727
Self Test Answers     728
Lab Answer     731
Security
Computer Security Fundamentals     735
Threats     736
Computer Hardware Theft     737
Identity Theft     737
Fraud     738
Accidents, Mistakes, and Natural and Unnatural Disasters     738
Malicious Software Attacks     738
Grayware     740
Methods for Gaining Access and Obtaining Information     742
Exposure to Inappropriate or Distasteful Content     743
Invasion of Privacy     744
Cookies-the Good and the Bad     744
Social Engineering     746
What Is Your Phishing IQ?     747
Defense Against Threats     749
Security Policies     750
Controlling Access to Restricted Spaces     753
Access Control to Computers and Networks     753
Enabling or Disabling the CTRL-ALT-DELETE Requirement     758
Access Control to File Systems     761
Viewing Folder Permissions     764
Firewalls     765
Equipment Disposal     769
Recovery     769
Auditing     770
Auditing Logon Events vs. Auditing Account Logon Events     771
Auditing Logons     771
Auditing Files and Folders     772
Auditing File and Folders Access     773
Two-Minute Drill     776
Q&A: Self Test     780
Lab Question     784
Self Test Answers     785
Lab Answer     788
Implementing and Troubleshooting Security     789
Implementing Authentication     790
BIOS Password     791
Smart Card Readers     791
Key Fobs     792
Biometrics     792
Lock Computer     793
Auditing      794
Implementing Data Security     795
Applying NTFS and Share Permissions     795
Creating Users and Groups     798
Assigning Permissions to Folders in NTFS     801
Applying NTFS File and Folder Encryption     804
Implementing Data Backup Procedures     806
Data Migration     809
Data Removal     811
Implementing a Defense Against Malicious Software     814
Software Firewalls     814
Configuring the Windows Firewall     816
Antivirus     818
Phishing Filter     818
Antispyware/Antiadware/Pop-Up Blocker     820
Configuring a Pop-Up Blocker     821
Managing Browser Cookies     822
Managing Temporary Internet Files in IE     823
Managing Add-Ons in Web Browsers     825
Using the Manage Add-Ons Tool in Windows Internet Explorer     826
Securing a Wireless Network     828
Access Point Configuration     828
Wireless Client Configuration     831
Troubleshooting Security     834
BIOS Password Problems     834
Biometrics     835
Forgotten Windows Password     835
Missing Security Tab     836
No Permissions on FAT32     837
Encryption Issues     837
Software Firewall Issues     838
Wireless Access Point Problems     839
Preventive Maintenance for Security     839
Two-Minute Drill     842
Q&A: Self Test     847
Lab Question     851
Self Test Answers     852
Lab Answer     856
Safety and Environmental Issues
Safety and Environmental Issues     859
Maintaining a Safe Work Environment     860
Liquids     861
Tripping     862
Electrical Dangers     862
Atmospheric Hazards     863
Safe Equipment Handling     864
Using Appropriate Repair Tools     864
Moving Equipment     864
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)     865
ESD-Proofing Your Workspace     868
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)     868
Proper Component Storage     869
Power Supplies     869
Display Devices     870
Printers     870
Compressed Air     872
Responding to Accidents     873
First Aid Training      873
Giving First Aid     874
Incident Reporting     877
Disposing of Computing Waste     878
Manufacturers' Recycling Programs     878
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)     879
Batteries     879
Toner Cartridges     880
Display Devices     880
Chemical Solvents and Cans     881
Researching Recycling Centers     881
Two-Minute Drill     883
Q&A: Self Test     887
Lab Question     891
Self Test Answers     892
Lab Answer     895
Communication and Professionalism
Communication and Professionalism     899
Basics of Human Interactions     900
Predictable Human Behavior and Responses     901
Body Language     905
Reacting to Body Language     906
Communicating with Customers and Colleagues     907
Communication Goals     907
Keys to Effective Communications     910
Active Communication     912
Tact and Discretion     915
Professionalism     917
Respectful Behavior Toward Others     918
Respect for Property      921
Two-Minute Drill     923
Q&A: Self Test     925
Lab Question     929
Self Test Answers     930
Lab Answer     933
About the CD     935
Index     939