IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual » (4th Edition)

Cisco Networking Academy is an innovative Cisco education initiative that delivers information and communication technology skills to improve career and economic opportunities around the world. The Academy provides online courses, interactive tools, and lab activities to prepare individuals for information technology and networking careers in virtually every industry.

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual, Fourth Edition

Cisco Networking Academy

The only authorized Lab Manual for the Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials v4.1 course

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual is a supplemental book that helps the students in the Cisco^® Networking Academy course prepare to take the CompTIA^® A+ exams (based on the 2009 objectives). The hands-on labs, worksheets, and class discussions from the course are printed within this book to practice performing tasks that will help you become a successful PC technician. By reading and completing this book, you have the opportunity to review all key concepts that the CompTIA exams cover and reinforce those concepts with hands-on exercises.

Related titles

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide,
Fourth Edition

ISBN-10: 1-58713-263-X

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-263-6

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Course Booklet, Version 4.1

ISBN-10: 1-58713-261-3

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-261-2

31 Days Before Your A+ Exams, Second Edition

ISBN-10: 1-58713-260-5

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-260-5

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer.......................................................... 1

1.1.2 Worksheet: Job Opportunities...................................................................................... 1

1.4.7 Worksheet: Research Computer Components............................................................... 2

Chapter 2: Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use................................................................ 6

2.2.2 Worksheet: Diagnostic Software................................................................................... 6

2.3.4 Lab: Computer Disassembly......................................................................................... 7

Chapter 3: Computer Assembly—Step by Step............................................................. 11

3.2 Lab: Install the Power Supply........................................................................................ 11

3.3.3 Lab: Install the Motherboard....................................................................................... 12

3.5.2 Lab: Install the Drives................................................................................................. 13

3.6.3 Lab: Install Adapter Cards.......................................................................................... 14

3.7.2 Lab: Install Internal Cables.......................................................................................... 15

3.8.2 Lab: Complete the Computer Assembly...................................................................... 16

3.9.2 Lab: Boot the Computer............................................................................................. 17

Chapter 4: Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................ 20

Chapter 5: Fundamental Operating Systems.................................................................. 21

5.2.2 Worksheet: NOS Certifications and Jobs.................................................................... 21

5.3.2 Worksheet: Upgrade Hardware Components.............................................................. 21

5.4.2 Lab: Install Windows XP............................................................................................ 23

5.4.2 Optional Lab: Install Windows Vista........................................................................... 34

5.4.5 Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows XP.................................. 48

5.4.5 Optional Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows Vista................. 53

5.4.8 Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows XP............................... 59

5.4.8 Optional Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows Vista............... 71

5.4.9 Worksheet: Answer NTFS and FAT32 Questions...................................................... 83

5.5.1 Lab: Run Commands in Windows XP......................................................................... 83

5.5.1 Optional Lab: Run Commands in Windows Vista........................................................ 85

5.5.3 Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows XP.......................... 89

5.5.3 Optional Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 109

5.5.4 Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows XP..................................................... 130

5.5.4 Optional Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows Vista.................................... 138

5.6.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP......................................................................... 146

5.6.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista........................................................ 155

5.6.3 Lab: Registry Backup and Recovery in Windows XP................................................ 165

5.7.2 Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows XP........................ 178

5.7.2 Optional Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 184

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices.............................................. 191

6.1.2 Worksheet: Research Laptops, Smartphones, and PDAs.......................................... 191

6.2.3 Worksheet: Complete Docking Stations True or False Questions............................... 193

6.3.4 Worksheet: Answer Laptop Expansion Questions..................................................... 193

6.4.1 Worksheet: Match ACPI Standards......................................................................... 194

6.7.2 Worksheet: Research Laptop Problems.................................................................... 194

Chapter 7: Fundamental Printers and Scanners........................................................... 196

7.4.2 Lab: Install All-in-One Device and Software............................................................. 196

Chapter 8: Fundamental Networks............................................................................... 201

8.3.2 Worksheet: Identify IP Address Classes................................................................... 201

8.9.1 Worksheet: Internet Search for NIC Drivers............................................................. 201

8.9.2 Lab: Configure an Ethernet NIC to use DHCP in Windows XP................................. 202

8.9.2 Optional Lab: Configure an Ethernet NIC to use DHCP in Windows Vista................ 212

8.10.3 Worksheet: Answer Broadband Questions.............................................................. 221

8.12.2 Worksheet: Diagnose a Network Problem.............................................................. 222

8.12.2 Worksheet: Diagnose a Network Problem.............................................................. 224

Chapter 9: Fundamental Security.................................................................................. 225

9.1 Worksheet: Security Attacks....................................................................................... 225

9.2.1 Worksheet: Third-Party Anti-Virus Software............................................................ 225

9.4.2 Worksheet: Operating System Updates..................................................................... 227

9.5.2 Worksheet: Gather Information from the Customer.................................................... 227

Chapter 10: Communication Skills................................................................................ 230

10.1 Worksheet: Technician Resources.............................................................................. 230

10.2.2 Class Discussion: Controlling the Call...................................................................... 230

10.2.3 Class Discussion: Identifying Difficult Customer Types............................................. 231

10.3 Class Discussion: Customer Privacy........................................................................... 232

Chapter 11: Advanced Personal Computers................................................................. 233

11.1 Worksheet: Job Opportunities................................................................................... 233

11.2.2 Lab: Using a Multimeter and a Power Supply Tester............................................... 234

11.2.2 Lab: Testing UTP Cables Using a Loopback Plug and a Cable Meter...................... 238

11.3.7 Worksheet: Research Computer Components......................................................... 241

11.4.1 Lab: Install a NIC in Windows XP.......................................................................... 246

11.4.1 Optional Lab: Install a NIC in Windows Vista......................................................... 266

11.4.3 Lab: Install Additional RAM in Windows XP.......................................................... 285

11.4.3 Optional Lab: Install Additional RAM in Windows Vista......................................... 288

11.4.4 Lab: BIOS File Search........................................................................................... 291

11.4.5 Lab: Install, Configure, and Partition a Second Hard Drive in Windows XP............. 293

11.4.5 Optional Lab: Install, Configure, and Partition a Second Hard Drive in Windows Vista.......................................................................................................... 305

11.6.3 Lab: Repair Boot Problem...................................................................................... 314

11.6.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Repair Boot Problem....................................................... 315

11.6.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems in Windows XP..................................... 318

11.6.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems in Windows Vista..................... 320

Chapter 12: Advanced Operating Systems................................................................... 322

12.2.2 Lab: Advanced Installation of Windows XP............................................................ 322

12.2.2 Optional Lab: Advanced Installation of Windows Vista........................................... 346

12.2.3 Lab: Create a Partition in Windows XP................................................................... 374

12.2.3 Optional Lab: Create a Partition in Windows Vista.................................................. 388

12.2.4 Lab: Customize Settings in Windows XP................................................................. 402

12.2.4 Optional Lab: Customize Settings in Windows Vista................................................ 483

12.2.5 Optional Lab: Install an Alternate Browser.............................................................. 557

12.4.1 Lab: Schedule Task Using GUI and “at” Command in Windows XP........................ 565

12.4.1 Optional Lab: Schedule Task Using GUI and “at” Command in Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 574

12.4.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP....................................................................... 584

12.4.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista...................................................... 593

12.5.3 Lab: Fix Operating System Problem........................................................................ 603

12.5.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix an Operating System Problem..................................... 603

12.5.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Operating System Problems in Windows XP.......................... 605

12.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Operating System Problems in Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 607

Chapter 13: Advanced Laptops and Portable Devices................................................. 609

13.2. Worksheet: Investigating Repair Centers................................................................... 609

13.3.1 Worksheet: Laptop Batteries.................................................................................. 610

13.3.2 Worksheet: Docking Station................................................................................... 611

13.3.3 Worksheet: Research DVD Drives......................................................................... 612

13.3.4 Worksheet: Laptop RAM....................................................................................... 613

13.5.3 Worksheet: Verify Work Order Information............................................................ 614

13.5.3 Worksheet: Investigating Support Websites and Repair Companies......................... 615

13.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Laptop Problems in Windows XP............................ 616

13.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Laptop Problems in Windows Vista......................... 617

Chapter 14: Advanced Printers and Scanners.............................................................. 619

14.2.4 Lab: Install an All-in-one Printer/Scanner................................................................ 619

14.3.2 Lab: Share the All-in-one Printer/Scanner in Windows XP...................................... 624

14.3.2 Optional Lab: Share the All-in-one Printer/Scanner in Windows Vista...................... 628

14.4.2 Lab: Optimize Scanner Output................................................................................ 634

14.5.1 Worksheet: Search for Certified Printer Technician Jobs.......................................... 636

14.6.3 Lab: Fix a Printer Problem...................................................................................... 637

14.6.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix a Printer Problem....................................................... 637

14.6.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Printer Problems in Windows XP........................................... 639

14.6.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Printer Problems in Windows Vista.......................... 644

Chapter 15: Advanced Networks.................................................................................. 650

15.2.2 Worksheet: Protocols............................................................................................. 650

15.3.2 Worksheet: ISP Connection Types......................................................................... 651

15.4.2 Lab: Configure Browser Settings in Windows XP.................................................... 652

15.4.2 Optional Lab: Configure Browser Settings in Windows Vista................................... 656

15.4.2 Lab: Share a Folder, Share a Printer, and Set Share Permissions in Windows XP................................................................................................................ 663

15.4.2 Optional Lab: Share a Folder, Share a Printer, and Set Share Permissions in Windows Vista.......................................................................................................... 670

15.5.1 Lab: Install a Wireless NIC in Windows XP............................................................ 675

15.5.1 Optional Lab: Install a Wireless NIC in Windows Vista........................................... 681

15.5.2 Lab: Configure Wireless Router.............................................................................. 687

15.5.3 Lab: Test the Wireless NIC in Windows XP........................................................... 692

15.5.3 Optional Lab: Test the Wireless NIC in Windows Vista.......................................... 696

15.8.3 Lab: Fix Network Problem..................................................................................... 699

15.8.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix Network Problem...................................................... 700

15.8.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Network Problems in Windows XP....................................... 702

15.8.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Network Problems in Windows Vista...................... 706

Chapter 16: Advanced Security..................................................................................... 711

16.1.1 Worksheet: Answer Security Policy Questions........................................................ 711

16.2.3 Worksheet: Research Firewalls............................................................................... 711

16.3.1 Lab: Configure Wireless Security............................................................................ 714

16.3.2 Lab: Configure Windows XP Firewall..................................................................... 723

16.3.2 Optional Lab: Configure Windows Vista Firewall.................................................... 727

16.4.3 Lab: Data Backup and Recovery in Windows XP................................................... 737

16.4.3 Optional Lab: Data Backup and Recovery in Windows Vista.................................. 752

16.5.3 Lab: Fix a Security Problem.................................................................................... 763

16.5.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix a Security Problem..................................................... 764

16.5.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Access Security with Windows XP........................................ 767

16.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Access Security with Windows Vista....................... 772

9781587132629 TOC 3/31/2010