The CompTIA A+ Study Guide Outline circa 2016

CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals - 1
Topic A: Personal Computer Components - 2
Topic B: Storage Devices - 14
Topic C: Mobile Digital Devices - 25
Topic D: Connection Interfaces -31

Lesson 2: Operating System Fundamentals - 53
Topic A: PC and Mobile Operating Systems -54
Topic B: PC Operating System Tools and Utilities - 68

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals - 83
Topic A: Network Types -84
Topic B: Network Components - 90
Topic C: Common Network Services - 96
Topic D: Cloud Concepts - 99
Topic E: Security Fundamentals - 103

Lesson 4: Safety and Operational Procedures - 111
Topic A: Basic Maintenance Tools and Techniques -112
Topic B: Personal and Electrical Safety - 120
Topic C: Environmental Safety and Materials Handling - 128
Topic D: Professionalism and Communication - 138
Topic E: Organizational Policies and Procedures - 140
Topic F: Troubleshooting Theory - 146

Lesson 5: Supporting Display Devices - 151
Topic A: Install Display Devices - 152
Topic B: Configure Display Devices -162
Topic C: Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices -166

Lesson 6: Installing and Configuring Peripheral Components - 171
Topic A: Install and Configure Input Devices -172
Topic B: Install and Configure Output Devices - 188
Topic C: Install and Configure Input/Output Devices - 192
Topic D: Install and Configure Expansion Cards - 197

Lesson 7: Managing System Components - 201
Topic A: Identify Motherboard Components and Features -202
Topic B: Install and Configure CPUs and Cooling Systems - 223
Topic C: Install Power Supplies - 231
Topic D: Troubleshoot System Components - 239

Lesson 8: Managing Data Storage - 251
Topic A: Identify RAM Types and Features - 252
Topic B: Troubleshoot RAM Issues - 258
Topic C: Install and Configure Storage Devices - 260
Topic D: Configure the System Firmware - 268
Topic E: Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays - 276

Lesson 9: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows -285
Topic A: Implement Client-Side Virtualization - 286
Topic B: Install Microsoft Windows -293
Topic C: Use Microsoft Windows  - 308
Topic D: Configure Microsoft Windows - 318
Topic E: Upgrade Microsoft Windows - 334

Lesson 10: Optimizing and Maintaining Microsoft Windows 341
Topic A: Optimize Microsoft Windows - 342
Topic B: Back Up and Restore System Data - 349
Topic C: Perform Disk Maintenance - 352
Topic D: Update Software - 355

Lesson 11: Working With Other Operating Systems - 361
Topic A: The OS X Operating System - 362
Topic B: The Linux Operating System - 373

Lesson 12: Customized Client Environments -407
Topic A: Types of Common Business Clients -408
Topic B: Custom Client Environments - 411

Lesson 13: Networking Technologies -419
Topic A: TCP/IP Properties and Characteristics - 420
Topic B: TCP/IP - 435
Topic C: Internet Connections - 445
Topic D: Ports and Protocols - 449
Topic E: Networking Tools - 456

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities -465
Topic A: Configure Basic Windows Networking - 466
Topic B: Configure Network Perimeters - 474
Topic C: Using Windows Networking Features - 479
Topic D: Install and Configure SOHO Networks -484

Lesson 15: Supporting Mobile Digital Devices - 495
Topic A: Install and Configure Exterior Laptop Components - 496
Topic B: Install and Configure Interior Laptop Components - 505
Topic C: Other Mobile Devices - 511
Topic D: Mobile Device Accessories and Ports - 516
Topic E: Mobile Device Connectivity -519
Topic F: Mobile Device Synchronization - 526
Topic G: Troubleshoot Mobile Device Hardware - 529

Lesson 16: Supporting Printers and Multifunction Devices - 539
Topic A: Printer and Multifunction Technologies -540
Topic B: Install and Configure Printers - 555
Topic C: Maintain Printers - 561
Topic D: Troubleshoot Printers - 564

Lesson 17: Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Controls - 575
Topic A: Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities - 576
Topic B: General Security Controls - 586
Topic C: Mobile Security Controls - 598
Topic D: Data Destruction and Disposal Methods - 602

Lesson 18: Implementing Security Controls - 607
Topic A: Secure Operating Systems - 608
Topic B: Secure Workstations -621
Topic C: Secure SOHO Networks - 627
Topic D: Secure Mobile Devices - 634

Lesson 19: Troubleshooting System-Wide Issues -641
Topic A: Troubleshoot PC Operating Systems - 642
Topic B: Troubleshoot Mobile Device Operating Systems and Applications - 661
Topic C: Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks - 665
Topic D: Troubleshoot Common Security Issues - 671

Appendix A: Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-901 - 685
Appendix B: Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-902 - 705
Appendix C: A+ Command Reference - 725
Appendix D: A Brief History of Personal Computers - 741
Solutions - 749
Glossary - 771
Index - 805