CompTIA A+ Certification Support Skills (2009 Objectives with Windows 7) Acclerated
Overview
This bundle package includes the 5-day courses “CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials Support Skills” and “CompTIA A+ Certification Practical Application Support Skills”. These practical “hands-on” courses are the essential foundation for newcomers to PC support. They provide students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills. The courses have been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and passing CompTIA’s A+ Certification exams or other similar qualifications.
Students will learn the fundamental principles of supporting desktop and portable computers and operating systems plus network and print devices and applications.
Delegates will learn how to
On course completion, students will be able to:
- Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices.
- Install and configure peripheral devices.
- Identify types and characteristics of portable computers.
- Install and configure Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
- Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely.
- Communicate effectively with customers.
- Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access.
- Manage and optimize Windows using command line tools, administrative consoles, and Remote Desktop.
- Manage and optimize disks and volumes using command line tools and administrative consoles.
- Diagnose and resolve Windows troubleshooting scenarios.
- Use anti-virus tools to prevent and recover from malware infections.
- Configure and troubleshoot local network and wireless connections and client applications.
- Configure and manage users, groups, and shared resources.
- Configure and troubleshoot access control measures, such as BIOS security, authentication, encryption, and firewalls.
- Perform preventive maintenance using approved tools and products.
- Assemble, disassemble, and upgrade PC and notebook components.
- Configure and update BIOS/CMOS.
- Troubleshoot, optimize, and upgrade hardware.
- Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain printers.
Certification track
These courses will prepare students for the 220-701 CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials and 220-702 CompTIA A+ Certification Practical Application exams for version 2.0 of the 2009 edition objectives (including Windows 7 content) and is approved under the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum program. A+ Certification is internationally endorsed and recognized as the only benchmark vendor-neutral qualification for PC support and troubleshooting. Indeed, A+ Certification is a prerequisite qualification for employment (and is endorsed) by many leading computer manufacturers and vendors on a global basis.
Target audience
This course is intended for students wishing to qualify with CompTIA A+ Certification for PC Support professionals. It is also suitable for students wanting to improve their skills in PC support and administration. By completing this course, students will also be assisted with entry into a career in ICT. This course will particularly benefit students pursuing a career in supporting desktop personal computer users, in job roles such as Support Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Desktop Engineer, Computer Administrator, or PC Support Analyst. Study of the course can also help to prepare for other, similar technical support qualifications and act as groundwork for more advanced training, including CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+, CCNA, and MCSE / MCSA.
Prerequisites
Students should have successfully completed the gtslearning course “PC Fundamentals” or have equivalent experience of using a PC, Windows and browsing the Web. The following key skills are recommended:
- Use a keyboard and mouse.
- Recognize the main components of a PC (such as case, monitor, mouse, and keyboard) and different data media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs.
- Start the computer and navigate the Desktop.
- Use Windows Explorer to create directories and subdirectories; and move, copy, or rename files and directories.
- Use Internet Explorer to view websites.
Course outline
Each course consists of two volumes, with a study volume, containing indexed notes and review questions, and a companion volume, containing exam objectives mapping, exam information, practical labs, answers to review questions, and a comprehensive glossary. Each course also comes with two online practice exams.
A+ Essentials course contents:
Module 1 / PC and Notebook Hardware
- Types of Computer
- Personal Computers
- Desktop Computers
- Portable Computers
- Units, Signaling, and Circuits
- Motherboards
- Motherboard Layout
- Bus Architecture
- Motherboard Components
- Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards
- Motherboard Form Factors
- Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Cooling Systems
- Processors
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Features of CPUs
- Intel Processors
- AMD Processors
- CPU Packaging
- Notebook Processors
- Memory
- Memory Types
- Memory Characteristics
- Storage Devices
- Hard Drives
- Drive Controllers
- Floppy Drives
- Optical Disc Storage
- Flash Memory
- Tape Drives
- Input and Peripheral Devices
- I/O Ports and Cables
- Input Devices
- I/O Devices
- Communications Devices
- Installing and Configuring Peripherals
- Video and Sound Devices
- Display Devices
- Video Adapters
- Audio Devices
- Multimedia Input Devices
Module 2 / Operating Systems
- Windows Operating System
- What is an Operating System?
- Windows Architecture
- Early Versions of Windows
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP • Windows Vista • Windows 7
-Managing Windows
- Windows Administrative Tools
- Configuring Hardware
- Screen Savers and Power Management
- Managing Software
- Managing Services
- Windows Registry
- Windows Storage Management
- Preparing a Hard Disk
- Navigating Windows
- Working with Folders
- Working with Files
- Searching For Files
- The Recycle Bin
- File and Folder Management in Vista
- File and Folder Management in Windows 7
- Installing and Upgrading Windows
- Overview of OS Installations
- Installing Windows from CD / DVD
- Upgrading the OS
- Options for Deploying Windows
- Windows Boot Process
- Windows Boot Process
- The BOOT.INI File
- Windows Vista/7 Boot Process
- Configuring Boot Devices
- Advanced Startup Options
Module 3 / Networking and Printing
- Network Concepts
- What is a Network?
- The OSI Model
- Network Devices
- Network Transport Protocols
- The Internet
- Local, Wireless, and Remote Networks
- Network Cabling
- Wireless Networks
- Accessing the Internet
- My Network Places
- Homegroups
- Printers
- The Print Process
- Printer Types
- Installing and Configuring a Printer
- Maintaining Printers
Module 4 / PC Support
-Troubleshooting Techniques
- Troubleshooting Models and Processes
- Approaching Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Resources
- Basic Troubleshooting Scenarios
- Common Hardware Symptoms
- Windows Errors
- Troubleshooting Applications
- Troubleshooting Printers
- Network Troubleshooting Basics
- Preventive Maintenance
- Health and Safety
- Static Electricity and ESD
- Materials Handling
- Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment
- Physical Inspections
- Patch Management
- Data Backup
- Security
- Security Fundamentals
- Access Control
- Authentication
- Accounting
- Social Engineering
- Malware
- Data Security
- Professionalism and Communication
- Customer Service Skills
- Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Handling Customer Complaints
A+ Practical Application course contents
Module 1 / Supporting Windows
- Monitoring and Performance Tools
- Command Prompt and Text Editors
- System Information and Monitoring
- Performance Options
- Remote Utilities
- Disk and File Management Tools
- Disk and Volume Management
- Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt
- File Management using a Command Prompt
- Troubleshooting Windows
- Windows Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Applications
- Windows Printer Troubleshooting
- Viruses and Malware
- Malware Symptoms
- Anti-virus Software
Module 2 / Supporting Networks
- Installing a SOHO Network
- Implementing a LAN
- Configuring Network Properties
- Implementing Wireless Networks
- Configuring Client Options
- Configuring Internet Connections
- Voice-over-IP
- Network Security
- User and Group Accounts
- Setting Share Permissions
- NTFS Folder and File Permissions
- Troubleshooting File System Security
- Implementing Other Security Mechanisms
- Troubleshooting Networks
- Testing TCP/IP
- Troubleshooting Client Connectivity
- Electronic Mail (Email)
Module 3 / Supporting PC Hardware
- Maintaining PCs
- Maintenance Toolkit
- Preventive Maintenance
- Upgrading and Troubleshooting PCs
- General Installation and Upgrade Advice
- Upgrading and Optimizing Hardware
- Disassembling a PC
- Installing Components on the Motherboard
- CMOS Setup
- Troubleshooting Motherboard Components
- Upgrading and Troubleshooting Peripherals and Notebooks
- Storage Devices
- Adding and Removing Peripheral Devices
- Upgrading and Troubleshooting Notebooks
- Maintaining and Troubleshooting Printers
- Dot Matrix Printers
- Inkjet Printers
- Laser Printers
- Other Printer Types
- Maintaining and Upgrading Printers
- Printer Troubleshooting