CompTIA A+ 2009 Essentials (220-701) - Online Course

This is the first of two exams required towards earning CompTIA A+ 2009 certification. Vendor neutral, the CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician's ability to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. Additionally, certification ensures an understanding of the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology along with the ability to effectively interact with customers and peers.

This series is for anyone who is preparing for the CompTIA A+ 2009 Essentials (220-701) exam. This online course contains 12 lessons and 3 practice exams and should take approximately 32 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Personal Computer System Components (4.0) hours

Personal Computer System Components teaches you how to explain motherboard components, types and features, explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features, explain cooling methods and devices, and compare and contrast memory types, characteristics and their purpose. This course covers the system components of a PC, common peripheral ports and cables, and the various methods used for cooling a PC. Topics include Motherboards, Processors, Memory, Ports and Cables, and Cooling Systems.

Lesson 2: Storage Devices, Power Supplies, and Adapters (2.0) hours

Storage Devices, Power Supplies, and Adapters teaches you how to categorize storage devices and backup media, explain motherboard components, types and features, classify power supplies types and characteristics, install and configure peripherals and input devices, and summarize the function and types of adapter cards. This course covers personal computer components, specifically storage devices, power supplies, input devices, and adapter cards. Topics include Storage Devices, Power Supplies, Input Devices, and Adapter Cards.

Lesson 3: Display Devices (2.0) hours

Display Devices teaches you how to distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics. This course covers various display technologies, settings, standards, and connection mechanisms. Topics include Display Types and Settings, and Video Standards and Technologies.

Lesson 4: Laptops and Portable Devices (1.0) hour

Laptops and Portable Devices teaches you how to install, configure and optimize laptop components and features. his course covers laptop computer architecture and managing power on laptops. Topics include Laptop Architecture, and Laptop Power Management.

Lesson 5: Printer Installation and Configuration (2.0) hours

Printer Installation and Configuration teaches you how to install and configure printers. This course covers types of printers (impact, inkjet, laser, and thermal), printer installation, printer interfaces, and the supplies used for printers. Topics include Printer Types and Processes, and Installing and Configuring Printers.

Lesson 6: Operating System Features and Interfaces (4.0) hours

Operating System Features and Interfaces teaches you how to work with operating systems, and use Microsoft Windows operating systems. This course covers where Windows came from, the basics of Windows structure, critical boot files, and window management. Topics include Working with Operating Systems, and Using Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Lesson 7: Operating Systems Installation and Configuration (3.0) hours

Operating Systems Installation and Configuration teaches you how to explain the process and steps to install and configure the Windows OS, and explain the basics of boot sequences, methods and startup utilities. This course covers the different methods of installing and upgrading Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. For each type of OS installation, it discusses the installation prerequisites and how to install that OS. Topics include File Systems and Directories, Installing Operating Systems, Upgrading Operating Systems, Common Installation Issues, Optimizing Windows, and Identifying Boot Sequences.

Lesson 8: Troubleshooting Theory and Preventive Maintenance (2.0) hours

Troubleshooting Theory and Preventive Maintenance teaches you how to explain the troubleshooting theory when given a scenario, and integrate common preventative maintenance techniques when given a scenario. This course provides an introduction to troubleshooting theory, including identifying problem, testing solutions, and creating a documentation plan. It also covers preventive maintenance techniques. Topics include Troubleshooting Theory, and Preventive Maintenance.

Lesson 9: Troubleshooting Operating Systems, Hardware, Printers, and Laptops (2.0) hours

Troubleshooting Operating Systems, Hardware, Printers, and Laptops teaches you how to identify troubleshooting resources, such as user manuals, Internet sites, and training materials, troubleshoot common operating system issues, hardware symptoms, and printers, and troubleshoot common laptop issues. This course covers how to find troubleshooting information and how to troubleshoot operating system, hardware, and common laptop issues. Topics include Troubleshooting Resources, Operating System and Hardware Symptoms, and Troubleshooting Common Laptop Issues.

Lesson 10: Networking (3.0) hours

Networking teaches you how to summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and protocols, categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations, and compare and contrast the different network types. This course covers a broad variety of networking topics. This course has everything you need to get ready for the networking questions on the A+ Essentials exam. At the same time, the A+ exam barely scratches the surface of the things you can learn about networking. Topics include Networking Principles, Identifying Common Network Hardware, and Comparing Network Types.

Lesson 11: Network Security Fundamentals (2.0) hours

Network Security Fundamentals teaches you how to identify types of authentication technologies, explain how wireless security works, describe physical and data security techniques, identify types of security solutions, and list the most common security problem areas. This course covers the basic elements of network security. Topics include Basic Security Concepts, Security Solutions, and Security Problem Areas.

Lesson 12: Operational Procedures (2.0) hours

Operational Procedures teaches you how to apply appropriate safety and environmental procedures, and employ communication skills and professionalism in the workplace. This course covers two key areas of operational procedures: safety and environmental procedures, and communication and professionalism. Topics include Safety and Environmental Issues, Applying Proper Safety and Disposal Procedures, and Demonstrating Communication Skills and Professionalism.

3 Practice Exams

This course presents questions that will help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ 2009 Essentials (220-701) exam.