Microsoft Course Listings

CompTIA A+ Certification: Essentials

Overview
Skills Taught
Audience
Prerequisites
Outline

Duration:30 hours
Skill Level:Basic
Certifications:CompTIA A+ (2007)
Delivery Type:Expert Encore

Description
The A+ Essentials course represents the baseline hardware, operating system, network, and security skills expected of an entry-level IT professional. This course covers the integral components of computer systems including the CPU, memory, disks, power supplies and expansion cards. Essentials also features devices found in a typical business setting such as laptops, PDAs, printers and monitors. A major section of this course is dedicated to understanding the fundamentals of Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems. Learners will also be introduced to the basic elements of a computer network as well as safety and security.

Skills Taught
    This course covers the following hardware and software technologies:

  • CPUs and motherboards
  • Memory
  • Disks
  • Bus structures
  • Expansion cards
  • Cables
  • Video and multimedia input/output devices
  • Print devices
  • BIOS
  • Windows 2000 Professional
  • Windows XP Home Edition
  • Windows XP Multimedia Edition
  • Windows XP Professional

Audience
This course is recommended for any student interested in achieving a foundation in computer networking technology. This course is one of two exams that are required to achieve A+ certification. It is also a perfect starting point for students interested in pursuing Cisco and Microsoft certifications.

Prerequisites
  • Computer user-level skills
  • Basic knowledge of personal computers
Outline
Module 1: Getting Started with PC Hardware Support
  • Computer components overview
  • Hardware, software, and firmware
  • Troubleshooting models
Module 2: Operating Systems
  • Operating system fundamentals
  • Directory and file management
Module 3: Electricity and Power Systems
  • Electricity and electronics
  • Static electricity
  • Power supplies
  • Power supply troubleshooting
  • Electricity and power systems
Module 4: CPUs and Motherboards
  • Central processing units (CPUs)
  • Packaging, slots, and cooling techniques
  • Motherboards and system cases
  • Motherboard troubleshooting
Module 5: Basic Input/Output System
  • BIOS and CMOS
  • The POST process
  • Firmware updates
  • BIOS and POST troubleshooting
Module 6: Memory Systems
  • Memory
  • Memory packaging
  • Memory troubleshooting
Module 7: Bus Structures
  • Buses
  • Host system interaction
  • The PCI bus
Module 8: Expansion Cards
  • Drive Adapters
  • Video cards
  • Sound cards
  • Internal modems
  • Expansion card troubleshooting
Module 9: Ports, Connectors, and Cables
  • Serial and parallel ports, cables, and connectors
  • Keyboards, mice, and pointing devices
  • USB ports, cables, and connectors
  • FireWire ports, cables, and connectors
  • Infrared and Bluetooth wireless ports
  • Multimedia ports, cables, and connectors
  • Port, cable, and connector troubleshooting
Module 10: Data Storage Devices
  • Hard drives
  • Optical drives
  • Removable storage devices
  • Storage device troubleshooting
Module 11: Video and Multimedia Input/Output Devices
  • Sound input and output devices
  • Scanners and cameras
  • Cathode ray terminals
  • LCDs and other video technologies
Module 12: Printers
  • Dot matrix printers
  • Inkjet and related printer technologies
  • Laser printers
  • Other types of printers
Module 13: Portable Computers and Devices
  • Notebook computers
  • Handheld computers
Module 14: Monitoring and Management
  • System management
  • System troubleshooting
  • The Windows boot process
  • System monitoring
Module 15: Connecting Computers
  • Networking concepts
  • Wired network connections
  • Wireless network connections
  • Network architectures
Module 16: Networking Computers
  • Network communications
  • Addressing
  • Internet connections
  • Network installation
  • Network troubleshooting
Module 17: Security
  • Operating system security
  • Security hardware
  • The human aspects of security
Module 18: Safety
  • Safety and hazards
  • Safe work practices
  • Disposing of computer equipment
Module 19: Troubleshooting and Maintaining a PC
  • Tools and software
  • Preventive hardware maintenance
Module 20: Professionalism and Communication
  • Professionalism and customer satisfaction
  • Problem and resolution tracking
Module 21: Windows Installation and Upgrades
  • Installation
  • Upgrades
Included Labs
  • Use the Add Hardware Wizard
  • Use Device Manager
  • Dos Commands
  • Dos Command Utilities
  • Preparing for Installation
  • Installing XP
  • Configuring Static and Dynamic IP Addresses