CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHORSQUENTIN DOCTER, A+, Network+, IT Fundamentals+, Cloud Essentials+, is an IT consultant who started in the industry in 1994 working in tech support for Packard Bell. Since then, he’s worked as a tech and network support specialist, trainer, consultant, and webmaster. During his career, he has achieved certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Sun Microsystems. He has written over a dozen books for Sybex, including the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Study Guide and the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Study Guide. JON BUHAGIAR, A+, Network+, is an information technology professional with two decades of experience in higher education. During the past 22 years he has been responsible for Network Operations at Pittsburgh Technical College and lead several projects, including virtualization (server and desktop), VoIP, Microsoft 365, and many other projects supporting the quality of education at the college. He has achieved several certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft, and taught many of the certification paths. He is the author of several books, including Sybex’s CompTIA Network+ Review Guide.

• Introduction xxviiAssessment Test lxxxiiPart I 220- 1101 1Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3Understanding Motherboards 7Motherboard Form Factors 7System Board Components 10Understanding Processors 42CPU Architecture 43CPU Characteristics 45Understanding Memory 49Important Memory Terms 50Types of Memory 54Memory Packaging 59Understanding Cooling Systems 63Fans 63Memory Cooling 66Hard Drive Cooling 67Chipset Cooling 67CPU Cooling 67Summary 71Exam Essentials 71Review Questions 73Performance-Based Question 1 77Performance-Based Question 2 78Chapter 2 Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 79Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 81Video 82Multimedia 83Network Interface Card 85Input/Output 87Adapter Configuration 88Understanding Storage Devices 89Hard Disk Drive Systems 90Solid- State Drives 96Raid 104Removable Storage and Media 107Installing, Removing, and Configuring Storage Devices 114Understanding Power Supplies 118Power Supply Input 119Power Supply Output and Ratings 120Power Connectors 121Modular Power Supplies 125Redundant Power Supplies 126Replacing Power Supplies 129AC Adapters as Power Supplies 130Summary 131Exam Essentials 131Review Questions 133Performance-Based Question 137Chapter 3 Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 139Understanding Cables and Connectors 140Video Devices 141Audio Devices 154Input and Output Devices 156Storage Devices 159Understanding Cables and Connectors 160Peripheral Cables and Connectors 160Serial Ports 169Video Cables and Connectors 170Hard Drive Cables and Connectors 178Summary 184Exam Essentials 185Review Questions 186Performance-Based Question 190Chapter 4 Printers and Multifunction Devices 191Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 193Impact Printers 194Inkjet Printers 196Laser Printers 205Thermal Printers 2173D Printers 218Installing and Maintaining Printers 223Printer Interface Components 224Installing and Sharing Local Printers 229Installing and Sharing Networked Printers 241Performing Printer Maintenance 251Installing Printer Upgrades 257Summary 262Exam Essentials 262Review Questions 264Performance-Based Question 268Chapter 5 Networking Fundamentals 269Understanding Networking Principles 271Network Types 272Primary Network Components 279Network Operating Systems 283Network Resource Access 283Network Topologies 286Rules of Communication 290Identifying Common Network Hardware 295Network Interface Cards 295Cables and Connectors 299Networking Components 314Summary 324Exam Essentials 324Review Questions 327Performance-Based Question 331Chapter 6 Introduction to TCP/IP 333Understanding TCP/IP 335TCP/IP Structure 336Understanding IP Addressing 346Understanding DHCP and DNS 356IPv6 365Understanding Virtual Networks 368Virtual Local Area Networks 368Virtual Private Networks 370Summary 372Exam Essentials 372Review Questions 374Performance-Based Question 378Chapter 7 Wireless and SOHO Networks 379Understanding Wireless Networking Technologies 381802.11 Networking Standards 382Bluetooth Networking 393Long- Range Fixed Wireless 396Radio Frequency Networking Standards 398Installing and Configuring SOHO Networks 402Keys to Planning a Network 402Choosing an Internet Connection 404Choosing Internal Network Connections 418Installing the Network Infrastructure 422Configuring Wireless Routers and Access Points 433Summary 449Exam Essentials 449Review Questions 451Performance-Based Question 455Chapter 8 Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 457Understanding Network Services 459Server Roles 460Internet Appliances 473Legacy/Embedded Systems 480Internet of Things Devices 482Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing 487Concepts of Cloud Computing 488Concepts of Virtualization 499Summary 515Exam Essentials 516Review Questions 518Performance-Based Question 522Chapter 9 Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 523Working with Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 526Understanding the Differences between Device Types 526Disassembling and Reassembling Laptops 531Installing and Configuring Laptop Hardware 535Setting Up and Configuring Accessories and Ports 580Summary 584Exam Essentials 585Review Questions 586Performance-Based Question 590Chapter 10 Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 591Understanding Mobile Connectivity 593Understanding Cellular Networking Standards 595Using Cellular Data Connections 597Establishing Wi- Fi Connectivity 608Establishing Bluetooth Connectivity 622Understanding Mobile App Support 635Understanding Location Services 635Understanding Mobile Device and App Management 641Configuring Mobile Device Synchronization 654Syncing Android Devices 666Summary 668Exam Essentials 668Review Questions 670Performance-Based Question 674Chapter 11 Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 675Using the Troubleshooting Best Practice Methodology 678Step 1: Identify the Problem 678Step 2: Establish a Theory 683Step 3: Test the Theory 684Step 4: Establish a Plan of Action 687Step 5: Verify Functionality 688Step 6: Document Findings 689Troubleshooting Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and Power Problems 690Identifying General Hardware Symptoms and Causes 691Identifying BIOS/UEFI and POST Routine Problems 696Identifying Motherboard and CPU Problems 700Identifying Memory Issues 702Identifying Power Supply Problems 705Summary 708Exam Essentials 709Review Questions 711Performance-Based Question 715Chapter 12 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 717Troubleshooting Storage Drives and RAID Arrays 721Lights and Sounds 722Devices Not Found 723Performance Issues 724S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostics 725RAID Issues 729Optical Drive Issues 730Troubleshooting Video, Projector, and Display Issues 731Video Input Issues 731Video Image Problems 732Other Display Issues 735Troubleshooting Common Mobile Device Issues 737Power and Heat Issues 738Input Problems 741Connectivity Issues 743Physical Damage and Malware 748Troubleshooting Printer Problems 751Impact Printer Problems 752Inkjet Printer Problems 755Laser Printer Problems 759Managing Print Jobs 772Troubleshooting Networking Problems 779Using Network Troubleshooting Tools 779Resolving Connectivity Issues 799Summary 806Exam Essentials 806Review Questions 809Performance-Based Question 813Part II 220- 1102 815Chapter 13 Operating System Basics 817Understanding Operating Systems 819Operating System Terms and Concepts 821Operating Systems 823Minimum System Requirements 828Understanding Applications 830System Requirements for Applications 830Application Installation 832Security Considerations 835Other Considerations for New Applications 835Introduction to Windows 10 836Windows Editions 836Windows Features 840The Windows Interface 851What’s in a Window? 864File Management 867Preparing for the Exam 871Summary 872Exam Essentials 872Review Questions 874Performance- Based Question 878Chapter 14 Windows Configuration 879Interacting with Operating Systems 882Task Manager 882Microsoft Management Console 888Additional Tools 899Control Panel 905Windows Settings 937The Windows Registry 960Disk Management 962Getting Disks Ready to Store Files and Programs 963Checking the Health of Hard Disks and Optimizing Their Performance 969Summary 970Exam Essentials 970Review Questions 972Performance- Based Question 976Chapter 15 Windows Administration 977Installing and Upgrading Windows 980Windows Installation Options 982The Installation Process 984The Upgrade Process 1002Repair Installation 1006Recovery Partition 1007Side- by- Side Upgrading Windows 10/11 1007Image Deployment 1008Upgrading Editions of Windows 1008Security and Feature Updates 1008Installation/Upgrade Boot Options 1011Considerations 1012Command- Line Tools 1013Networking in Windows 1030Networking Models 1030User Authentication 1034Establishing a Network Connection 1036Accessing Resources 1041Firewall Settings 1044Client Network Configuration 1046Summary 1050Exam Essentials 1050Review Questions 1052Performance- Based Question 1056Chapter 16 Working with macOS and Linux 1057macOS and Linux 1060Applications on macOS 1061Installing Applications from the App Store 1061Installing Downloadable Applications 1062Managing Applications 1064Creating Shortcuts 1065Best Practices 1065Scheduled Backups 1065Scheduled Disk Maintenance 1068System Updates/App Store 1068Patch Management 1069Driver/Firmware Updates 1070Antivirus/Antimalware Updates 1071Tools 1071System Preferences 1073Features 1082Basic Linux Commands 1087Understanding the Syntax of Shell Commands 1088Discovering and Using Linux Commands 1089Becoming root (Super User) 1091Maintaining the Operating System 1092Managing Processes 1095Directory Navigation 1097Directory Listings 1098Changing Permissions and Ownership 1099Working with Files 1100Working with Directories 1103Networking Utilities 1104Getting Help 1106Linux and Windows 1106Summary 1108Exam Essentials 1109Review Questions 1110Performance- Based Question 1114Chapter 17 Security Concepts 1115Physical Security Concepts 1121Access Control Vestibule 1121Badge Reader 1122Video Surveillance 1122Motion Sensors 1123Alarm System 1124Door Locks 1124Equipment Locks 1125Security Guards 1127Fences 1127Bollards 1128Physical Security for Staff 1128Key Fobs 1129Smartcards and RFID Badges 1129Keys 1130Biometrics 1131Lighting 1132Magnetometers 1132Logical Security 1132Principle of Least Privilege 1133Access Control Lists 1133Authentication Factors 1135Multifactor Authentication 1135Mobile Device Management (MDM) 1137Active Directory 1138Malware 1143Ransomware 1144Trojans 1144Keyloggers 1145Rootkits 1145Spyware 1145Cryptominers 1146Viruses 1146Virus Transmission in a Network 1150Botnets 1151Worms 1151Mitigating Software Threats 1151Antivirus 1152Antimalware 1153Recovery Console 1154End- User Education 1154Software Firewalls 1156Reinstalling the OS 1158Social Engineering Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities 1159Phishing 1160Shoulder Surfing 1161Tailgating 1161Impersonation 1162Dumpster Diving 1162Evil Twin 1162Common Security Threats 1163Denial- of- Service Attacks 1163Zero- Day Attacks 1165Spoofing Attacks 1166On- Path Attack (Previously Known as Man- in- the- Middle Attack) 1167Password Attacks 1167Insider Threat 1168SQL Injection 1169Cross- Site Scripting (XSS) 1169Exploits and Vulnerabilities 1170Noncompliant Systems 1170Patching and Updates 1170Operating Systems Life Cycle 1171Unprotected Systems 1171Byod 1171Security Best Practices 1172Data Encryption 1172Setting Strong Passwords 1173Requiring Passwords 1174Password Expiration 1175End- User Best Practices 1176Account Management 1177Disable AutoRun 1181Destruction and Disposal Methods 1183Recycling or Repurposing Best Practices 1183Physical Destruction 1185Summary 1187Exam Essentials 1187Review Questions 1190Performance- Based Question 1194Chapter 18 Securing Operating Systems 1195Working with Windows OS Security Settings 1199Users and Groups 1199User Authentication 1203NTFS vs. Share Permissions 1208Shared Files and Folders 1215System Files and Folders 1218Windows Security Features 1220Web Browser Security 1228Browser Download and Installation 1228Extensions and Plug- ins 1230Credentials Managers 1232Secure Data Transfers 1233Settings 1234Securing a SOHO Network (Wireless) 1239Changing Default Usernames and Passwords 1240Changing the SSID 1240Guest Network Isolation 1240Setting Encryption 1241Disabling SSID Broadcast 1242Wireless MAC Filtering 1242Frequencies 1243Radio Power Levels 1244Antenna and Access Point Placement 1245Assign Static IP Addresses 1245WPS 1246Authentication 1246Securing a SOHO Network (Wired) 1247Changing Default Credentials 1247Upgrading Firmware 1248Filtering 1248DHCP 1252Physical Security 1252Mobile Device Security 1253Screen Locks 1254Remote Wipes and Locator Applications 1256Remote Backup 1258Failed Login Attempts Restrictions 1258Viruses and Malware on Mobile Devices 1259Operating System Updates 1260Full- Device Encryption 1260Multifactor Authentication 1260Authenticator Applications 1261Firewalls 1261Policies and Procedures 1261IoT Considerations 1263Summary 1263Exam Essentials 1264Review Questions 1265Performance-Based Question 1269Chapter 19 Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1271Troubleshooting Common Microsoft Windows OS Problems 1275Common Symptoms 1275Common Troubleshooting Steps 1297Troubleshooting Security Issues 1309Common Symptoms 1310Browser- Related Symptoms 1315Best Practices for Malware Removal 13181. Identify and Verify Malware Symptoms 13182. Quarantine Infected Systems 13193. Disable System Restore in Windows 13204. Remediate Infected Systems 13215. Schedule Scans and Run Updates 13236. Enable System Restore and Create a Restore Point in Windows 13247. Educate the End User 1325Troubleshooting Mobile OS Issues 1325Application Problems 1325Performance Issues 1327OS Fails to Update 1329Extremely Short Battery Life 1330Connectivity Issues 1331Autorotate Issues 1334Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues 1335Security Concerns 1336Common Symptoms 1338Summary 1341Exam Essentials 1342Review Questions 1343Performance- Based Question 1346Chapter 20 Scripting and Remote Access 1347Scripting 1349Scripting Basics 1351Scripting Languages 1355Scripting Use Cases 1366Script Considerations 1373Remote Access 1375Remote Desktop Protocol 1375Virtual Private Network (VPN) 1376Virtual Network Computing 1379Telnet 1379Secure Shell 1380Remote Monitoring and Management 1381Remote Access Tools 1382Security Considerations 1387Summary 1387Exam Essentials 1388Review Questions 1389Performance- Based Question 1392Chapter 21 Safety and Environmental Concerns 1393Understanding Safety Procedures 1395Identifying Potential Safety Hazards 1395Creating a Safe Workplace 1407Understanding Environmental Controls 1417Managing the Physical Environment 1418Handling and Disposing of Computer Equipment 1424Understanding Policies, Licensing, and Privacy 1433Dealing with Prohibited Content/Activity 1434Incident Response 1435Managing Software Licenses 1440Managing Sensitive Information 1443Summary 1446Exam Essentials 1446Review Questions 1448Performance-Based Question 1452Chapter 22 Documentation and Professionalism 1453Documentation and Support 1457Ticketing Systems 1458Asset Management 1462Common Documentation 1466Knowledge Base/Articles 1475Change Management Best Practices 1476Disaster Prevention and Recovery 1482Data Backups 1483Battery Backup/UPS 1489Power Generators 1490Surge Protection 1491Account Recovery Options 1492Demonstrating Professionalism 1494Professional Appearance 1495Communicating with Customers 1496Using Appropriate Behavior 1500Putting It All in Perspective 1507Summary 1508Exam Essentials 1508Review Questions 1510Performance- Based Question 1514Appendix A Answers to the Review Questions 1515Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1516Chapter 2: Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1518Chapter 3: Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 1520Chapter 4: Printers and Multifunction Devices 1521Chapter 5: Networking Fundamentals 1523Chapter 6: Introduction to TCP/IP 1525Chapter 7: Wireless and SOHO Networks 1527Chapter 8: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1529Chapter 9: Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 1531Chapter 10: Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 1533Chapter 11: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1535Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1537Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1539Chapter 14: Windows Configuration 1540Chapter 15: Windows Administration 1543Chapter 16: Working with macOS and Linux 1545Chapter 17: Security Concepts 1547Chapter 18: Securing Operating Systems 1549Chapter 19: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1551Chapter 20: Scripting and Remote Access 1554Chapter 21: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1556Chapter 22: Documentation and Professionalism 1558Appendix B Answers to Performance- Based Questions 1561Chapter 1: Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 1562Chapter 2: Expansion Cards, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 1563Chapter 3: Peripherals, Cables, and Connectors 1563Chapter 4: Printers and Multifunction Devices 1564Chapter 5: Networking Fundamentals 1565Chapter 6: Introduction to TCP/IP 1566Chapter 7: Wireless and SOHO Networks 1566Chapter 8: Network Services, Virtualization, and Cloud Computing 1567Chapter 9: Laptop and Mobile Device Hardware 1568Chapter 10: Mobile Connectivity and Application Support 1568Chapter 11: Troubleshooting Methodology and Resolving Core Hardware Problems 1569Chapter 12: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 1569Chapter 13: Operating System Basics 1570Chapter 14: Windows Configuration 1570Chapter 15: Windows Administration 1571Chapter 16: Working with macOS and Linux 1575Chapter 17: Security Concepts 1577Chapter 18: Securing Operating Systems 1577Chapter 19: Troubleshooting Operating Systems and Security 1578Chapter 20: Scripting and Remote Access 1578Chapter 21: Safety and Environmental Concerns 1579Chapter 22: Documentation and Professionalism 1579Index 1581Exercise 2.1 Removing an Internal Storage Device 115Exercise 2.2 Installing an Internal Storage Device 116Exercise 2.3 Removing a Power Supply 130Exercise 3.1 Changing the Refresh Rate in Windows 10 143Exercise 3.2 Changing the Settings for Multiple Monitors 148Exercise 4.1 Identifying the Parts of an Inkjet Printer 203Exercise 4.2 Installing a USB Printer in Windows 10 239Exercise 4.3 Installing a TCP/IP Printer in Windows 10 242Exercise 4.4 Determining if Bonjour Is Installed in Windows 244Exercise 4.5 Scanning a Document to Google Drive 250Exercise 4.6 Using an Inkjet Cleaning Solution 255Exercise 4.7 Installing Memory into a Laser Printer 258Exercise 5.1 Pricing Network Cables 313Exercise 7.1 The Cost of Networking 422Exercise 7.2 Installing an Internal NIC in Windows 10 422Exercise 8.1 Configuring Windows 10 to Use a Proxy Server 477Exercise 8.2 Using Google’s Cloud Services 497Exercise 8.3 Enabling Hyper- V in Windows 10 503Exercise 8.4 Installing VirtualBox and Lubuntu on Windows 10 508Exercise 9.1 Removing Speakers from a Laptop 536Exercise 9.2 Removing the Display Assembly 544Exercise 9.3 Removing the Display Panel 546Exercise 9.4 Removing the Motherboard from a Laptop 549Exercise 9.5 Replacing Laptop Memory 553Exercise 9.6 Removing an M 2 SSD from a Laptop 557Exercise 9.7 Removing a Laptop Keyboard 560Exercise 9.8 Disabling a Touchpad in Windows 10 563Exercise 9.9 Removing an Internal Laptop Battery 568Exercise 9.10 Removing the System Fan 572Exercise 9.11 Removing the CPU Heat Sink 573Exercise 9.12 Removing the Wireless NIC 574Exercise 9.13 Removing the CMOS Battery 575Exercise 9.14 Flashing the System BIOS 576Exercise 10.1 Connecting an iPhone to a Wi- Fi Network 609Exercise 10.2 Connecting an Android Phone to a Wi- Fi Network 611Exercise 10.3 Disabling Cellular Use for Data Networking on an iPhone 614Exercise 10.4 Disabling Cellular Use for Data Networking in Android OS 616Exercise 10.5 Setting Up a VPN in Android 619Exercise 10.6 Pairing an Android Device with a Windows Laptop 623Exercise 10.7 Pairing an iPhone with a Vehicle’s Sound System 632Exercise 10.8 Configuring Location Services in iOS 638Exercise 10.9 Email Account Configuration on an iPhone 645Exercise 10.10 Email Account Configuration in Android 648Exercise 10.11 Enabling ActiveSync in iOS 658Exercise 11.1 Troubleshooting Practice 707Exercise 12.1 Using a S M A R T Software Utility in Windows 729Exercise 12.2 Stopping and Restarting the Print Spooler in Windows 10 775Exercise 12.3 Renewing an IP Address in Windows 10 787Exercise 12.4 Renewing an IP Address from the Command Line 789Exercise 12.5 Using the net share Command in Windows 795Exercise 13.1 Changing a Screen Saver in Windows 854Exercise 13.2 Auto- Hiding the Taskbar 856Exercise 13.3 Starting a Program from the Run Window 859Exercise 14.1 Working with Task Manager 887Exercise 14.2 Working with Performance Monitor 896Exercise 14.3 Changing the Time Zone 908Exercise 14.4 Showing Hidden Files and Folders 913Exercise 15.1 Command- Line Directory Management 1015Exercise 15.2 Running chkdsk within Windows 1025Exercise 15.3 Running chkdsk at the Command Line 1026Exercise 16.1 Installing Applications on macOS 1063Exercise 16.2 Uninstalling Applications on macOS 1065Exercise 16.3 Working with Files 1103Exercise 17.1 Testing Your Antimalware 1153Exercise 17.2 Testing Social Engineering 1160Exercise 18.1 Examining a Security Token 1207Exercise 18.2 Examining File Permissions 1214Exercise 18.3 Working with File Hashes 1230Exercise 18.4 Setting the Passcode Lock on an iPhone 1255Exercise 18.5 Setting the Passcode Lock on an Android Phone 1255Exercise 19.1 Reviewing Reliability Monitor 1288Exercise 19.2 Manually Creating a Restore Point in Windows 1304Exercise 20.1 Creating and Running a Windows Batch Script 1356Exercise 20.2 Creating Your First PowerShell Script 1360Exercise 21.1 Finding Trip Hazards 1413Exercise 21.2 Finding MSDSs 1425Exercise 22.1 Understanding Punctuality 1501Exercise 22.2 Surprise Someone 1505