CompTIA Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) - Online Course

CompTIA's Server+ certification offers industry recognition of server administration, troubleshooting, and management. This series equips you with all you need to know in order to pass the 2005 edition of the Server+ test (SK0-002). Learners will be presented with an up-to-date look at current server networking strategies from both the installation and servicing perspectives.

This course is for anyone working, or preparing to work, with server networking technology and hardware, or for administrators and technicians preparing to take the CompTIA certification exam SK0-002. This online course contains 16 lessons and 1 practice exams and should take approximately 46 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Server Basics (2.0) hours

Server Basics teaches you how to describe different server systems, discuss the differences between general-purpose, appliance and application servers, describe different server types, and explain how to use multi-tiered server architectures. This course provides you with the basics of server technology. You will examine the different types of servers and network architectures. Topics include Comparing server systems, General-purpose and appliance servers, Application servers and services, Providing service, Server types, and Multi-tiered server architectures.

Lesson 2: Server Availability (2.0) hours

Server Availability teaches you how to discuss the effects of server failure and reliability, explain the concepts of clustering and scalability, calculate high availability, and differentiate between fault tolerance and failover. This course provides you with a basic understanding of clustering, scalability, high availability, fault tolerance, and failover. Topics include Server failures and reliable server networks, Clustering, Scalability, High availability, Fault tolerance, and Failover.

Lesson 3: Multiprocessing and Server Memory (3.0) hours

Multiprocessing and Server Memory teaches you how to define the different types of multiprocessing systems, explain the advantages and disadvantages to multiprocessing, define multiprocessing systems, discuss different types of RAM and where they are to be used, and explain the purpose of the buffer and the cache in terms of system memory. This course provides information about multiprocessors, multiprocessing systems and memory types that you will encounter on the CompTIA Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) Exam. Topics include Multiprocessing systems, Symmetric multiprocessing systems, Multiprocessing advantages and disadvantages, Installing multiple processors, Server processor subsystems, Selecting server memory, Error checking and correction, and Buffering and cache memory.

Lesson 4: Server Bus Architecture (3.0) hours

Server Bus Architecture teaches you how to describe the various local bus interfaces and chipsets, explain bus mastering, discuss the various high-performance I/O interfaces, and list hardware technologies related to bus mastering. This course provides you with a basic understanding of server bus architecture and various hardware technologies used to manage and maintain a server's up time. Topics include Local bus architectures and standards, Server bus management, PCI configuration, PCI bus mastering and hot-swap technology, Hot-plug PCI technology, PCI-X, PCI Express, Hierarchical and peer PCI bus, and Intelligent input/output.

Lesson 5: SCSI Systems (2.0) hours

SCSI Systems teaches you how to discuss the development of the SCSI standard, explain the details of SCSI bus speeds and widths, discuss different types of SCSI connectors and cables, explain the different methods that can be used for terminating a SCSI chain, explain how SCSI addressing is handled, and describe different Internet applications of the SCSI standard. This course provides information about the SCSI standard, including the development of the standard, the types of SCSI connections, and the cables to use. You will also learn about SCSI addressing, terminations, and how the SCSI standard is used over the Internet. Topics include SCSI development, Serial attached SCSI, SCSI cables and connectors, SCSI addressing, SCSI terminations, and Internet SCSI.

Lesson 6: IDE/ATA and RAID Systems (2.0) hours

IDE/ATA and RAID Systems teaches you how to discuss the parallel ATA interface standards, list serial ATA interface standards, explain the phases of network storage, and discuss the various RAID systems. This course provides you with a basic understanding of the various interface standards and RAID systems. Topics include IDE interfacing, Ultra and serial ATA, Serial ATA II, Nearline storage, RAID development, RAID levels, and Dual-level RAID systems.

Lesson 7: Advanced Storage Arrays (2.0) hours

Advanced Storage Arrays teaches you how to explain the benefits of Fibre Channel, discuss the storage arrays Fibre Channel can use, compare the storage devices that Fibre Channel uses, identify the different cable, connector and converter types Fibre Channel uses, explain how Fibre Channel transmission speeds are determined, compare the bus lengths and topologies available to Fibre Channel, explain how Fibre Channel bridges allow Fibre Channel to be used with other storage technologies, and describe the use of SAN, NAS, iSCSI and FCIP for network storage. This course provides information about Fibre Channel standards, as well as how they are used and properly implemented. Topics include Fibre channel, Fibre channel storage arrays, Fibre channel disk drives and adapters, Fibre channel cables, connectors, and converters, Fibre channel transmission speeds, Fibre channel hardware bus lengths and topologies, Fibre channel bridges, SAN and NAS specifications, and iSCSI and FCIP network storage.

Lesson 8: Installing Hardware (3.0) hours

Installing Hardware teaches you how to discuss the need for installation planning and verification, discuss the power sources, cabling, and hardware a server installation requires, and explain the network protocols, access protocols, and network infrastructure involved in a server installation. This course provides you with a basic understanding of installation planning, hardware and server installation, and network protocols and infrastructure. Topics include Planning and verifying installation, Server power variations, Network protocols and domain names, Components, cables, and server racks, Server hardware, Server installation, Understanding network infrastructure, and Network access protocols.

Lesson 9: Server Management and Configuration (3.0) hours

Server Management and Configuration teaches you how to determine the manageability elements of a network, both data and storage, explain the functions of security management over SANs and NAS infrastructures, define the roles of in-band and out-of-band virtualization with networked storage environments, determine the differences between the ESCON, telecom, and ESCOM models, determine valid reasons for updating a server network using a preplanning method, define the peripheral cabling types such as USB, FireWire, and serial ATA, and explain the importance of backup and recovery plans. This course provides information about proper network and storage server management and configuration, as administered by the network administrator or server manager. It also discusses storage virtualization methods, preplanning and planning of network operating system updates, external peripheral configurations, and driver update processes on a network. Topics include Network administration, Storage virtualization, Preplanning and installing updates, Network operating system installation, External peripheral configurations, and Driver updates.

Lesson 10: Preparing the Server for Service (4.0) hours

Preparing the Server for Service teaches you how to name the two most commonly used network management protocols, list the essential services that a system monitoring agent must provide, explain the purpose of performing a server baseline, specify what documents should be kept for troubleshooting purposes, list what is included in a server management plan, and explain the importance and requirements of a server network security plan. This course provides information about the installation of system service tools, backup software, system monitoring agents, and event logs. It also discusses server baselines, creating server configuration documentation, and implementing the server management plan for OS-dependent and OS-independent components. Topics include SNMP and DMI, Server backup, System monitoring, Server baselines, Establishing conditions, Documenting configurations, Server management plan, and Security planning and remote servers.

Lesson 11: Upgrading the Basic System (3.0) hours

Upgrading the Basic System teaches you how to determine proper downtime schedules for system upgrades, perform basic system upgrades to BIOS, firmware, and processors, build documentation procedures, including creating the baseline for future upgrades, explain the differences in backup and data recover options, and determine best practices for handling ESD and grounds. This course provides you with a detailed understanding of basic system upgrades and the elements that accompany them. These include scheduling, documenting, and installing. Topics include Scheduling downtime, Performing full system backups, Processor upgrade, Hard drive upgrade, Memory upgrade, and BIOS and firmware upgrade.

Lesson 12: Adapters, Peripherals, Monitoring Agents and Service Tools (3.0) hours

Adapters, Peripherals, Monitoring Agents and Service Tools teaches you how to upgrade service adapter cards and peripheral devices, choose a UPS for your system, identify types of server monitoring and management, and describe network management protocols. This course provides information on adapters, peripherals, monitoring agents, and service tools, and what you need to know about them for the CompTIA Server+ exam. Topics include Upgrading server adapter cards, Upgrading peripheral devices, Uninterruptible power supplies, Server monitoring and management, Monitoring interruption and management software, Network management protocols, and Service tool upgrade.

Lesson 13: Maintenance and Environmental Issues (3.0) hours

Maintenance and Environmental Issues teaches you how to discuss the importance of performing backups and proactive maintenance, explain the fundamentals of server security and the importance of physical security, and establish antitheft devices for all system hardware, including server racks. This course provides you with a basic understanding of server backups and physical security issues. Topics include Performing file backups, Creating and using baselines, Adjusting SNMP thresholds, Server housekeeping, Server management plan, Entrance security, Server room security, and Environmental issues.

Lesson 14: Server Problem Determination (3.0) hours

Server Problem Determination teaches you how to escalate problems properly, evaluate the server startup process for problems, determine if a server problem is caused by configuration errors, hardware failures or software problems, use hardware diagnostic tools and utilities, and shut down different server operating systems. This course explains how to use diagnostic hardware tools and utilities to evaluate problems with the server. Topics include Gathering information and handling escalations, Using server-related documentation, System evaluation, Hardware, software, and configuration problems, Diagnostic tools and utilities, Server operating system shutdowns, and Troubleshooting server networks.

Lesson 15: Troubleshooting (2.0) hours

Troubleshooting teaches you how to measure, document, and analyze performance data, identify and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks, and discuss the importance of rescheduling tasks and balancing resources. This course provides you with a basic understanding of various system bottlenecks and resource demands. Topics include Optimal performance, Documenting suspected bottlenecks, Identifying performance bottlenecks, Troubleshooting bottlenecks, Physical disk bottlenecks, Memory and network interface bottlenecks, Processor and network redirector bottlenecks, and Server bottlenecks and resource handling.

Lesson 16: Disaster Recovery (3.0) hours

Disaster Recovery teaches you how to create, update, and implement a disaster recovery plan, select the best hardware and media to backup your data, and create a backup schedule and a backup rotation scheme. This course provides information about disaster recovery as it applies to the Server+ exam. Topics include Disaster recovery plan, System redundancy plan, Hardware and media Backup, Tape drive backup, Advanced digital recording, Automated data tape storage, Backup scheduling, and Backup rotation scheme and removable storage.

1 Practice Exam

This course provides information about preparing to take the CompTIA Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) Exam. It also includes two 80-question practice exams.