CompTIA A+ certification validates foundation-level knowledge and skills necessary for a career in IT support. It is the starting point for a career. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.

• Categorize storage devices and backup media
• Explain motherboard components, types and features
• Classify power supplies types and characteristics
• Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features
• Explain cooling methods and devices
• Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics and their purpose
• Distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics
• Install and configure peripherals and input devices
• Summarize the function and types of adapter cards
• Install, configure and optimize laptop components and features
• Install and configure printers
• Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
• Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes
• Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers
• Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the appropriate basic troubleshooting method
• Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques
• Compare and contrast the different Windows Operating Systems and their features
• Given a scenario, demonstrate proper use of user interfaces
• Explain the process and steps to install and configure the Windows OS
• Explain the basics of boot sequences, methods and startup utilities
• Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and protocols
• Categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations
• Compare and contrast the different network types
• Explain the basic principles of security concepts and technologies
• Outline the purpose of appropriate safety and environmental procedures and given a scenario apply them
• Given a scenario, demonstrate the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace
• Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain personal computer components
• Given a scenario, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace personal computer components
• Given a scenario, install, configure, detect problems, troubleshoot and repair/replace laptop components
• Given a scenario, select and use the following tools
• Given a scenario, detect and resolve common printer issues
• Select the appropriate commands and options to troubleshoot and resolve problems
• Differentiate between Windows Operating System directory structures (Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7)
• Given a scenario, select and use system utilities / tools and evaluate the results
• Evaluate and resolve common issues
• Troubleshoot client-side connectivity issues using appropriate tools
• Install and configure a small office home office (SOHO) network
• Given a scenario, prevent, troubleshoot and remove viruses and malware
• Implement security and troubleshoot common issues

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