CompTIA A+ Certification

Hours: 50 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Open, Mentor Supported
Retail Price: $995.00

Course Overview:

This certification exam will expire on June 30th, 2016.  If you are interested in CompTIA A+, please take a look at the updated 220-901 & 220-902 exams.

CompTIA A+ training teaches students fundamental competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security, troubleshooting, customer service and communication to work with clients. In order to achieve your CompTIA A+ certification you will need to pass two exams - 220-801 & 220-802. After completing the CompTIA A+ 220-801 course, students will know hardware, laptops, motherboards, processors, memory, CPU, troubleshooting theory, preventative maintenance techniques, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS, cables, connectors, network types, security concepts, security technologies, viruses, malware, communication and professionalism.

• CompTIA A+ 220-801 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking. 
• CompTIA A+ 220-802 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS.

This course includes FREE access for 12 months to a cloud based lab platform to assist students develop the practical information technology (IT) skills necessary to succeed in high in demand IT jobs.  This cloud based lab solution uses real equipment that enables our students to execute each practical task in a safe environment that is accessible from anywhere without needing to buy their own hardware or risk damage to their own system.

Along with providing the necessary hardware in a virtual environment, students gain access to high quality practical exercises that cover many of the exam topics they will encounter on their certifying exams.

Course Outline:

CompTIA A+ 220-801

• Introduction
• Objectives

CompTIA A+ 220-801: PC Hardware

• PC Hardware Overview
• Computers Tour
• In-House Computer
• HP PC Computer
• Dell PC Computer
• Computer Cases
• Kit Computer Case
• In-House Case
• HP PC Case
• Dell PC Case

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Motherboard

• Motherboard Overview
• Motherboard Sizes
• Expansion Slots
• Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Slots
• RAM Slots
• CPU Sockets
• Legacy Chipsets
• Newer Chipsets
• Legacy MB Comparison
• Motherboard Chipsets Demo
• Jumpers
• Switches
• Connectors
• Bus Speeds
• Kit Computer Connectors
• In-House Connectors
• HP PC Connectors
• Dell PC Connectors
• Motherboard Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Processor

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Socket Types
• Pin Grid Array (PGA)
• Land Grid Array (LGA)
• AMD Processors
• CPU Characteristics
• Speeds, Cores and Cache
• Hyperthreading and Virtualization
• CPU Architecture
• CPU Cooling
• Kit Computer Processor
• In-House Processor
• HP PC Processor
• Dell PC Processor
• Processor Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Memory

• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Memory Packages 
• Synchronous Dynamic (SDRAM)
• Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
• Rambus DRAM
• Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Cache Memory
• Page File
• RAM Features
• RAM Configurations
• Registered Memory
• RAM Types
• Double Data Rate (DDR)
• Compatibility and Speed
• RAM Demonstration
• Memory Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Power

• Install a Power Supply
• Power Connectors
• Specifications
• Calculate Power Needs
• Online Power Usage Calculator
• Power Supply Demo
• Kit Computer Assembly
• In-House Assembly
• HP PC Assembly
• Dell PC Assembly
• Power Supply Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: BIOS

• Configure BIOS Settings
• Basic Input/Output System
• Power On Self Test (POST)
• Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
• Components Managed
• Configurations
• Security
• Diagnostics
• Monitoring
• Firmware Upgrades
• Change BIOS Settings
• Flash BIOS Demonstration
• BIOS Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Connectors

• Connection Interfaces
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
• Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
• Serial ATA (SATA)
• eSATA
• Floppy Disk
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
• Serial
• Parallel
• Video Graphics Array (VGA)
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
• High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
• Audio
• RJ-45 Ethernet
• RJ-11 Telephone
• Bluetooth
• IR Infrared
• RF Wireless
• DisplayPort
• IBM Personal System/2 (PS/2)
• RCA Phono Connector
• Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC)
• Composite Video
• Component Video
• Separate Video (S-Video)
• Connectors Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Storage

• Storage Devices and Media
• Optical Drives
• Hard Drives
• Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA)
• UltraDMA
• Serial ATA (SATA)SCSI Storage
• Solid State Drives
• Flash MemoryMemory Cards
• USB Flash Drives
• Floppy Drive
• Tape Drive
• Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)
• AID-0 Disk Striping
• RAID-1 Disk Mirroring
• RAID-5 Striping and Parity
• RAID-10 Striping Mirrored
• RAID Review
• RAID Demo
• Connections
• eSATA
• SCSI
• USB
• Other
• Memory Card Reader
• USB Flash Drives Demo
• IDE Cable Demo
• ATAPI5/UDMA4 Demo
• SATA Connect
• SCSI Connect
• USB Connect
• Storage Review 

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Expansion Cards

• Install and Configure
• Video Cards
• Network Cards
• External Connectors
• Storage Cards
• Legacy Communications
• Wireless Cards
• Sound Card Install
• Video Card Install
• Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Card Install
• PCI Express Card Install
• PCI Card Install
• Network Connectors
• Expansion Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Display Devices

• Display Types
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
• Other Flat Panels
• Projectors
• Refresh Rates
• Resolution
• Video Standards
• VGA Analog
• Interlaced Video
• Brightness and Contrast
• Analog vs. Digital
• Privacy Issues
• Multiple Monitors
• CRT Display Demo
• LCD Monitor Demo
• Projector Demo
• Display Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Peripherals

• Install and Configure
• Input Devices
• Multimedia Devices
• Output Devices
• Other Devices
• Keyboard/KVM
• Audio Devices
• Gamepad
• Camera
• MIDI Keyboard
• Wireless
• Peripherals Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Custom Configurations

• Select Components
• Design Workstation
• Editing Workstation
• Virtualization
• Gaming PC
• Home Theater
• Thick/Thin Client
• Home Server
• Custom Configuration Example
• Custom Configuration Review
• Hardware Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Networking

• Networking Overview
• Identify Network Cables and Connectors
• Fiber Connectors
• Twisted Pair
• Coaxial
• Characteristics of Connectors and Cabling
• Fiber Cable
• Unshielded Twisted Pair
• UTP Categories
• Shielded Twisted Pair
• Cable Types

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Internet Protocol Suite

• Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
• Binary Numbering
• IP Addressing
• Address Classes
• Public vs. Private
• Network Address Translation
• IP Address Properties
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Automatic Private IP Address
• Client Side Services
• Client IP Configuration
• Windows XP Client IP
• Common TCP and UDP Ports and Protocols
• TCP Ports
• Protocols
• TCP vs. UDP
• Wireless Networking Standards and Encryption
• 802.11 Standard
• Authentication and Encryption

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Networking Hardware

• Wireless/Wired Router
• Router Settings
• Security Settings
• QoS and Firewall
• Port Forwarding
• Demilitarized Zone
• Install SOHO Router
• Compare Internet Connection Types
• Wired Connections
• Wireless Connections
• Identify Types of Networks
• Network Topologies
• Compare Network Devices
• Use Appropriate Networking Tools
• Networking Tools
• Networking Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Laptops

• Laptops Overview
• Dell Laptop Tour
• Acer Laptop Tour
• Install Hardware and Components
• Expansion Options
• Device Replacement
• Laptop Display Components
• Compare Laptop Features
• Function Keys
• Docking Station vs. Port Replicator
• Physical Lock
• Disassemble and Reassemble
• Device Replacement Demo
• Laptop Disassembly
• Laptop Display
• Laptop Base
• Laptop Reassembly
• Final Assembly
• Laptops Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Printers

• Printers Overview
• Printer Types and Imaging Processes
• Laser Printer Parts
• Laser Imaging Process
• Inkjet Printers
• Thermal Printers
• Impact Printers
• Install and Configure Printers
• Wired Printer
• Wireless Printer
• Print Server
• Network Printer Demo
• Perform Printer Maintenance
• Laser Maintenance
• Thermal Maintenance
• Impact Maintenance
• Printers Review

CompTIA A+ 220-801: Operational Procedures

• Operational Procedures Overview
• Use Appropriate Safety Procedures
• Personal Safety
• Regulatory Compliance
• Environmental Impacts and Controls
• Environmental Hazards
• Power Regulation
• Environmental Maintenance
• Communication Skills
• Professional Courtesy
• Difficult Customer or Situation
• Meeting Expectations
• Confidential Materials
• Prohibited Content and Activity
• Use of Documentation
• Operational Procedures Review
• Course Review

CompTIA A+ 220-802

• Introduction
• Objectives

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Operating Systems

• Features and Requirements
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• 32 vs. 64 bit
• Features
• Aero
• Sidebar
• User Account Control
• Bit-locker
• Shadow Copy
• System Restore
• Ready Boost
• Compatibility Mode
• XP Mode
• Easy Transfer
• Administrative Tools
• Defender and Security Essentials
• More Features
• File Structure and Paths
• Category vs. Classic
• Upgrade Paths
• Compatibility Tool and Upgrade Advisor

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Install and Configure

• Boot Methods
• Types of Installation
• Upgrade Installation
• Upgrade Windows Vista
• Clean Installation
• Install Windows XP
• Install Windows Vista/7
• Windows XP Repair Installation
• Windows 7 Repair Installation
• Clean Wipe Drive C:
• Multi-boot Installation
• Remote Network Installation
• Partitioning
• File System Types
• Disk and Partition Demo
• Load Alternate Drivers
• Workgroup vs. Domain
• Installation Settings
• Drivers and Software
• Recovery Partition

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Command Line Tools

• Networking Tools
• Networking Tools Demo
• Operating System Tools
• OS Tools Demo
• Recovery Console Tools
• RC Tools Demo

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Features and Tools

• Features and Tools
• Event Viewer Demo
• Shared Folders
• Device Manager
• Local Users and Groups
• Local Security Policy
• Monitoring Tools
• Services
• Task Scheduler
• Administrative Tools
• Windows Firewall
• MSCONFIG
• Task Manager
• Disk Management
• Partitioning
• Disk Management Demo
• Migration Tools
• Run Line Utilities

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Control Panel

• Control Panel Utilities
• Internet Options
• Display
• User Accounts
• Folder Options
• System Properties
• Security Center
• Power Options
• Add/Remove Programs
• Network Connections
• Printers and Faxes
• Automatic Updates
• Tablet PC Settings
• Pen and Input Devices
• Offline Files
• Problem Reports and Solutions
• Vista Printers
• HomeGroup
• Action Center
• Remote and Desktop Apps
• Troubleshooting in Action Center

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Networking

• Workgroup vs. Domain
• Shares and Mapping
• Establish Network Connections
• Proxy Settings
• Network Settings
• Firewall Settings
• Configuring Alternate IP Address
• Network Card Properties

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Preventative Maintenance

• Best Practices
• Scheduled Backups
• Maintenance Tools
• Defragmentation
• Patch Management
• Driver Updates
• Firmware Updates
• Antivirus Updates
• System Restore
• Recovery Image

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Security Settings

• Users and Groups – Administrator
• NTFS Permissions
• File Attributes
• Shared Files and Folders
• Permission Propagation
• System Files and Folders
• User Authentication

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Virtualization

• Virtual Machines
• XP Mode Demo
• Hyper-V Manager
• Domain Review

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Security

• Objectives
• Physical Security
• Digital Security
• Prevention Methods (2.1)
• Security Threats (2.2)
• Secure a Workstation (2.3)
• Best Practices
• Data Disposal (2.4)
• Wireless Network (2.5)
• Wired Network (2.6)
• Security Review

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Mobile Devices

• Objectives
• Basic Features (3.1)
• Downloading Apps
• Connectivity and Email (3.2)
• Wireless and Email
• Security (3.3)
• Using a Passcode
• Hardware (3.4)
• Android Features
• iOS Features
• Synchronization (3.5)
• Synchronize an iPad
• Mobile Devices Review

CompTIA A+ 220-802: Troubleshooting

• Objectives
• Troubleshooting Theory (4.1)
• Motherboard, RAM, CPU, Power (4.2)
• Common Symptoms
• Hard Drives and RAID Arrays (4.3)
• Common Symptoms
• Video and Display (4.4)
• Wired and Wireless Networks (4.5)
• Common Symptoms
• Operating System (4.6)
• Common Symptoms
• Security (4.7)
• Anti-Malware Software
• Laptops (4.8)
• Proper Disassembly
• Printers (4.9)
• Final Review

CompTIA A+ Support Skills Virtual Lab

• Windows 7
• System Administration
• User Account Management
• Disk Management
• File Management
• Application Management
• Device Management
• System Management Utilities
• Windows Maintenance Tasks
• Installing and Configuring Windows XP
• Installing Windows Vista
• Boot troubleshooting
• Automated System Recovery
• Event Viewer
• Anti Virus Software
• Account and Password Policies
• Network Adapter Properties
• Windows Networking
• Remote Desktop
• Testing Network Connectivity

All necessary materials are included.

Certification(s):

This course prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 certification exams.

System Requirements:

• Cable and DSL internet connections are recommended for the best experience.

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 2 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone (Webinar / Live Online sessions)

• Microsoft Windows 7 or 10 (Home, Pro)
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is denoted in the above course outline.