TutorialsWeb.com - Articles on OSI Model, Motherboard, and others.

Tutorialsweb.com has the following articles which may be useful in understanding or preparing for A+ cert.

• Computer Motherboards

Motherboard components:
1. Mouse & keyboard
2. USB
3. Parallel port
4. CPU Chip
5. RAM slots
6. Floppy controller
7. IDE controller
8. PCI slot
9. ISA slot
10. CMOS Battery
11. AGP slot
12. CPU slot
13. Power supply plug in 

• Computer Networking

Network implementation consists of the following steps:
1. Physical network design

i. Local Area Network design:

LAN design consists of selecting appropriate devices such as Hubs, Bridges, Switches, and Routers. Criteria for selecting LAN devices include the following:

1. The number of ports required at different levels
2. The speed (10Mbps/100Mbps/1Gbps or others)
3. Media considerations, such as Ethernet, Token Ring etc.
4. Support for different network protocols such as TCP, VOIP etc.
5. Ease of configuration, and maintainability
6. Management (SNMP etc.)
7. Availability
8. Documentation

• Printers and Scanners

Printers are commonly used output devices that produce a hard copy of document stored in electronic form, i.e they put information from computer on to paper.
 There are various kinds of printers available today like Impact printers, Bubble-jet printers, Laser printers, Thermal printers etc.
 

• Introduction to TCP/IP, 

An Internet consists of a set of connected networks. The chief advantage of an Internet is that it provides universal interconnection while allowing individual groups to use whatever network hardware is best suited to their needs. The technology TCP/IP provides the basis for the global Internet, which helps in connecting individuals, universities, corporation and government department in many countries around the globe. The global Internet is expanding rapidly.

• OSI Model

 The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model has the following layers:

1. The Application layer
2. The Presentation layer
3. The Session layer
4. The Transport layer
5. The Network layer
6. The Data link layer
7. The Physical layer

Note that the layers are divided for convenience and understanding, and in actual practice, there might be some overlap in functionalities. Visit TutorialsWeb.com for free articles.

A+ Certification 220-801 Practice Tests

SimulationExams.com released A+ 220-801 Essentials practice tests with 300+ questions and answers. As you might be aware, CompTIA has release new exams several months ago and the older 220-701 will become obsolete very shortly. If any one is preparing for the exam with older objectives, you need to take the exam before it expires.

You may download the new A+ Essentials practice tests and try before purchasing the full version.

Revised A+ Practice Tests With New Exam Engine

The practice tests for A+ Certification have been updated at SimulationExams.com. The practice tests consist of A+ Essentials 220-701 and A+ Practical Application 220-702. The new exam engine has the following features:
1. Integrated Exam Environment - All the available practice tests from SimulationExams.com will have a parent document within the program. One will be able see the test modules installed as well as the test modules that available for download and installation as can be seen from the figure above.
2. It is possible to check for any available updates pro grammatically, and install the latest version of the tests. Note that it is not required to check for updates manually as it is the case with other exam engines of other vendors.
3. Un-install: It is possible to uninstall any test module or the entire exam engine. Note that if you want to uninstall the entire exam engine, you will have the option to uninstall the individual test modules or not to.
4. Inline question feed-back: Candidates will be able to provide feedback on any individual question(s) without leaving the exam environment.
5. Several types of questions: Just as in the real cert exam, several types of question formats are supported: Multiple choice, Simlets, Testlets, Router Simulations, and Exhibit based questions

The demo version is limited to about 30 questions where as the full version will have 300+ questions. Demo version may be activated in to full version after ordering the same.

Download Demo versions:

A+ Essentials Practice Tests 220-701

A+ Practical Applications Practice Tests 220-702

A+ Certification 220-601 (2006 Objectives) and 220-701 (2009 Objectives) Compared

1. Networking

Basic networking concepts

• Basics of workgroups and domains
• Hub, switch and router
• Common ports: HTTP, FTP, POP, SMTP, TELNET, HTTPS
• Identify Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
• Basics class identification

Network types

• Broadband : fiber
• Wireless : WEP, WPA, SSID, MAC filtering, DHCP Settings

2. Security

Basics of data sensitivity and data security

• Compliance
• Classifications
• Social engineering

Security features (BIOS Security)

• Drive lock
• Passwords
• Intrusion detection
• TPM

Biometrics

• Fingerprint scanner
• Data wiping / hard drive destruction / hard drive recycling

3. Operating Systems

Additional OS:Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate

Compare and contrast the different Windows Operating Systems and their features

• Windows 2000, Windows XP 32bit vs. 64bit, Windows Vista 32 bit vs. 64bit
• Side bar, Aero, UAC, minimum system requirements, system limits
• Windows 2000 and newer – upgrade paths and requirements
• Terminology (32bit vs. 64bit – x86 vs. x64)
• Application compatibility, installed program locations (32bit vs. 64bit),
• Windows compatibility mode
• User interface, start bar layout

Command prompt utilities

• telnet
• ping
• ipconfig

Run line utilities

• msconfig
• msinfo32
• Dxdiag
• Cmd

Installation methods

• Recover CD
• Factory recovery partition

Install and configure windows OS

• User data migration – User State Migration Tool (USMT)
• Virtual memory

Configure power management

• Suspend
• Wake on LAN
• Sleep timers
• Hibernate
• Standby

Demonstrate safe removal of peripherals

4. Hardware or Personal Computer components

Blu-Ray optical drive

Removable Storage: Hot swappable devices and non-hot swappable devices

Motherboard characteristics

I/O interfaces : USB 1.1 and 2.0,PS/2

Memory slots

• SODIMM
• SIMM

Bus slots

• PCMCIA

Contrast RAID (levels 0, 1, 5)

Power supplies types

• Voltage selector switch
• Pins (20, 24)

CPU characteristics

• Multicore , Triple and Quad core
• Onchip Cache : L1 and L2

Memory Types

Single channel vs. dual channel

Speed

• PC100
• PC133
• PC2700
• PC3200
• DDR3-1600
• DDR2-667

Input devices

KVM switch

5. Troubleshooting, Repair and Maintenance

Common hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes

Hardware related symptoms

• Excessive heat
• Noise
• Odors
• Status light indicators
• Alerts
• Visible damage (e.g. cable, plastic)

Use documentation and resources

• User / installation manuals
• Internet / web based
• Training materials

6. Communication and Professionalism

Set and meet expectations / timeline and communicate status with the customer

• Offer different repair / replacement options if applicable
• Provide proper documentation on the services provided
• Follow up with customer / user at a later date to verify satisfaction

7.Safety and Environmental Procedures

EMI

• Network interference
• Magnets

RFI

• Cordless phone interference
• Microwaves

Electrical safety

• CRT
• Power supply
• Inverter
• Laser printers
• Matching power requirements of equipment with power distribution and UPSs

Cable management

• Avoiding trip hazards
• Physical safety
• Heavy devices
• Hot components

Topics Removed

1. Networking Removed topics

1. Basic networking concepts

• Cabling
• Protocols (all other than TCP/IP, NetBIOS)
• Connectors (all other than RJ45 and RJ11)

2. Network types

• ISDN
• Infra red
• VOIP

3. All topics under these subheadings

i. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade networks

ii. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for networks

2. Security Removed topics

• Access points
• Describe importance and process of incident reporting
• Recognize and respond appropriately to social engineering situations
• Perform preventive maintenance for computer security

3.OS Removed topics

• Identify names, purposes and characteristics of the primary operating system components including registry, virtual memory and file system
• Identify the names, locations, purposes and characteristics of operating system files for

example:

BOOT.INI

NTLDR

NTDETECT.COM

NTBOOTDD.SYS

Registry data files

4. Laptops and Portable Devices

Identifyand distinguish between mobile and desktop motherboards and processors including throttling, power management and WiFi

5.Printers

• Solid Ink
• Interfaces used by printers and scanners
• Basic concepts of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading printers and scanners
• Tools, basic diagnostic procedures for printers and scanners

A+ IT Practice Questions

1. When replacing an LCD in a laptop with Wi-Fi capabilities, which of the following cables should be disconnected? (Choose 2 best answers).

a. Main VGA to Primary Controller Board
b. Speaker
c. Keyboard
d. Panel
e. Wi-Fi

Ans: a,e

2. Which of the following measurement of a digital multimeter is typically done on a device in power-off state?

a. Voltage
b. Power
c. Current
d. Resistance

Ans: d

3. You find that the laser printer is slow in printing. Which of the following is most likely to increase the printing speed of a laser printer?

a. Update firmware
b. Update driver
c. Add more physical memory
d. Change paper
e. Change toner

ans: c

4. A Windows XP computer is connected to a peer-to-peer network. You suspect that the system is being hacked without any visible traces of being compromised. The computer has one user account and an administrative password set. Which of the following will create a higher level of
security?

a. Change Operating System to Windows 2000
b. Disable Guest account
c. Use complex password
d. Choose a different computer name

ans: b

5. To automatically update the accessories of a network printer, both the printer and the computer must support:

a. LPR/LPD
b. SNMP
c. HTTP
d. SSL

ans: b

6. What should a technician do FIRST to fix a problem on a Windows XP computer that displays an “Error loading operating system” or “Missing operating system” error message?

a. Re-install Windows XP from CD
b. From the Recovery Console run the FIXMBR command
c. Run Notton Anti Virus
d. Delete registry file

ans: b

A+ Essentials Exam - Revised (New Objectives)

SimulationExams.com recently revised A+ Certification practice exams engine. One need to pass A+ Essentials along with one of the three available optionals, viz. A+ IT Technician, A+ Remote Support Technician, or A+ Depot Technician exams.

Details are available as below:
A+ Essentials
A+ IT Technican
A+ Remote Support
A+ Depot Technician

A+ Certification, awarded by CompTIA is vendor neutral. CompTIA certifications do not expire, though CompTIA recommends updating the certification to the most recent one offered by CompTIA.

A+ IT Technician Practice Tests

SimulationExams.com, a leading practice tests provider has recently released A+ IT Technician practice tests. The said exam is an optional part of the 2-part A+ Certification. To achieve A+ Certification, one needs to pass A+ Essentials exam and one of the following 3 optional exams:
a. A+ IT Technician, or
b. A+ Remote Support Technician, or
c. A+ Depot Technician

Among the 3 optional exams, A+ IT Technician is the most widely chosen optional exam for obtaining A+ Certification. CompTIA has discontinued earlier A+ Core Hardware, and A+ Operating Systems exams, and the candidates will no longer be able to register for these exams.

CompTIA certifications are valid for life, though the organization recommend for re-certification to keep abreast of changing technologies. A+ Certification is vendor neutral.

VLAN Port Assignments

VLAN Port Assignments

• VLANs are assigned to individual switch ports.

• Ports can be statically assigned to a single VLAN or dynamically assigned to a single VLAN.

• All ports are assigned to VLAN 1 by default

• Ports are active only if they are assigned to VLANs that exist on the switch.

• Static port assignments are performed by the administrator and do not change unless modified by the administrator, whether the VLAN exists on the switch or not.

• Dynamic VLANs are assigned to a port based on the MAC address of the device plugged into a port.

• Dynamic VLAN configuration requires a VLAN Membership Policy Server (VMPS) client, server, and database to operate properly.

CCENT Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

Cisco has recently introduced CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry-level Networking Technician) exam. The exam topic are provided below for reference:

Exam Number:		640-822 ICND1
Associated Certifications:		CCENT and CCNA
Duration:		90 Minutes (50-60 questions)
Available Languages:		English

Describe the operation of data networks.

• Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
• Select the components required to meet a given network specification
• Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
• Describe common networking applications including web applications
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
• Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network
• Interpret network diagrams
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network
• Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
• Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
• Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Implement a small switched network

• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
• Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet technologies
• Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
• Explain the operation of Cisco switches and basic switching concepts
• Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
• Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Implement and verify basic security for a switch (port security, deactivate ports)
• Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, autonegotiation, and switch hardware failures

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office

• Describe the need and role of addressing in a network
" Create and apply an addressing scheme to a network
• Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN environment
• Explain the basic uses and operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
• Describe and verify DNS operation
• Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
• Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
• Identify and correct IP addressing issues

Implement a small routed network

• Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
• Access and utilize the router CLI to set basic parameters
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
• Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
• Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
• Manage IOS configuration files (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
• Manage Cisco IOS
• Implement password and physical security
• Verify network status and router operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN

• Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
• Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
• Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats

• Explain today's increasing network security threats and the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
• Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
• Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement and verify WAN links

• Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/current_exams/640-822.html

A+ Essentials 220-601 practice exams

SimulationExams.com has launched practice tests for A+ 2006 Certification. A+ Essentials practice exam includes over 300 practice questions. The practice questions include multiple choice, true/false, and exhibit based questions. The practice tests can downloaded from the website.
The exam objectives for A+ Essentials are:
1.0 Personal Computer Components
2.0 Laptop and Portable Devices
3.0 Operating Systems
4.0 Printers and Scanners
5.0 Networks
6.0 Security
7.0 Safety and Environmental Issues
8.0 Communication and Professionalism
One need to pass A+ Essentials with any one of the following options:
220-602 A+ IT Technician
220-603 A+ Remote Support Technician
220-604 A+ Depot Technician
Among the options available, 220-604 A+ Depot Technician is considered to be covering minimum syllabus.
Wishes all the certification aspirants good luck!

New A+ exams launch

Two of the exams offered by CompTIA(R) 1. A+ Core Hardware, and 2. A+ Operating Systems are revamped recently. The new objectives, and further details may be viewed at Comptia website, comptia.com.

A+ Tutorial on Core Hardware Technologies.

A tutorial on A+ Core Hardware Technologies is available from simulationexams.com. A brief review of contents of the said tutorial are given below:

1. Computer Mother board
2. BIOS and CMOS Firmware
3. PC Memory
4. Processor/CPU
5. Storage Devices
6. Display Devices
7. PCMCIA/ PC Cards
8. IRQs, and I/O Addresses
9. Cables, and Connectors including serial, parallel, USB, and Firewire.
10. PC Power Supplies

Downloadable practice tests for A+ are also available from simulationexams.com

PCI-X standards

PCI-X
PCI-X (Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended) is a computer bus technology that
increases the speed that data can move within a computer up to 133 MHz. The technology was developed jointly by IBM, HP, and Compaq. PCI-X doubles the speed and amount of data exchanged between the computer processor and peripheral devices. With the current PCI design, one 64-bit bus runs at 66 MHz. Additional buses move 32 bits at 66 MHz or 64 bits at 33 MHz. The maximum data rate between the processor and peripherals using the traditional PCI design is 532 MB per second. With PCI-X, one 64-bit bus runs at 133 MHz, allowing for a data exchange of 1.06 GB per second (133X8bytes=1.064Gbytes). PCI-X is backwards-compatible. You can use both PCI and PCI-X cards on the same bus but the bus speed will run at the speed of the slowest card. Fault torerance is built in to PCI-X.

PCI-X 2.0

PCI-X 2.0 is a higher speed version of the PCI X ( more specifically PCI-X 66 and PCI-X 133) standard. PCI X 2.0 provides for two new speed grades: PCI-X 266 and PCI-X 533, offering up to 4.3 gigabytes per second of bandwidth. PCI-X 2.0 offers enhanced system reliability. ECC support has been added, providing automatic single-bit error recovery and double-bit error detection.

PCI-X 2.0 is built upon the same architecture, protocols, signals, and connector as traditional PCI. Migration to PCI-X 266 and PCI-X 533 is simplified by retaining hardware and software compatibility with previous generations of PCI and PCI-X. As a result, new designs can immediately connect with hundreds of PCI and PCI-X products that are currently available.

Summary of PCI-X 2.0 Features

• Up to 32 times faster than traditional PCI bus speed
• Doubles and Quadruples PCI-X bandwidth.
• Full hardware and software backward compatibility.
• Uses the same form factor, pin-outs, connector, bus widths, and protocols.
• Enables 10Gb Ethernet, 10Gb Fibre Channel, InfiniBand™ Architecture, and
  other IO technologies.
• Full RAS support including ECC.

Online A+ Certification exams

A+ Certification exams are available online from a few vendors.
The online exams are a good alternative to off-line (download and use) exams when you have Internet connectivity, and mobile. You can access the online tests from anywhere provided that there exists Internet connectivity.
Online exam vendors provide several features for self evaluation including the following:
1. Timed tests with several question types, similar to actual exam,
2. Categorized scoring for identifying weak areas
3. Saving and recalling exam results among others.

A+ Certification Resources

Practice tests:
A+ Core tests from simulationexams.com
A+ OS tests from simulationexams.com
Exam cram notes:
A+ Core exam cram from examguides.com
A+ OS exam cram from examguides.com
Discussion forum:
Comptia A+ at examguides.com
Online tests:
A+ On-line tests from certexams.com

Detailed exam objectives for A+ Core hardware exam.

Area 1:
Installation, configuration, and upgrading
I. The exam objectives include identifying the names, purpose, and characteristics of systems, and modules. Example of concepts and modules are:

• Motherboard
• Firmware and hardware
• PC power supplies
• Processors including mmx, pII, pIII, Xeon, and other latest processors
• Memory, including SDRAMs, DRAMs, Cache memory
• Storage devices, including Hard disks (both internal and external), Floppy disks, and Flash dirve
• Display devices, including VGA, SVGA monitors, and Flat panel displays
• Adapter cards, including NICs, PCI, and others
• Ports,
• Riser cards

II. Identifying basic procedures for adding and removing field rplaceable modules for desktop systems. The replaceable desktop components include:
Copmputer motherboard
storage devices like hard disk, floppy disk, CD read/write, Tape drives, and others
Power supplies including AT and ATX
Cooling Systems for Fans, Heat sinks, and Liquid cooling
Processor/CPU
Memory
Display devices
Input devices including keyboard, mouse, pointer deviices, and touch screen.
Adapters, including network cards, sound cards, video cards, modem, scsi devices, IEEE 1384 FireWire, USB and others.
III. Identify typical IRQs, DMAs, and I/O address. Acquire skills to change these settings according to a given requirement. The devices may include the following:

• ISA devices (legacy)
• Special devices like CAK/CAM
• Internal modems
• Floppy drive controllers
• Hard drive controllers
• Multimedia devices
• NIC cards
• IO ports including serial, parallel, USB ports, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Infrared

IV. Identifying the names, purposes, and characteristics of of peripheral ports, and associated cables including the following:

Serial, parallel, USB, IEEE 1394/Firewire, and Infrared ports

Serial-straight, serial-cross, null modem, parallel, and USB cable types,

DB-9, DB-25, RJ-11, RJ-45, DB-25, and Centronics (mini 36) connector types

PS2, Mini-Din, USB, IEEE1394 connector types

VI. Acquire skills to install and configure common IDE devices. These include the following:

• IDE interface types: EIDE, ATA/ATAPI, Serial ATA, PIO
• RAID (0,1, and 5)
• Master/Slave/cable select
• Devices per channel
• Primary/Secondary
• Cable orientation/requirements

VII. Identify proper procedure for installing and configuring SCSI devices and cables. These include the following:

• SCSI Interface Types: Narrow, Fast, Wide, Ultra-wide, LVD, HVD
• Internal and External
• SCSI IDs: Jumber block/DIP switch settings, resolving ID conflicts
• RAID (0, 1 and 5)
• Cabling: Length, type, and termination requirements.

VIII. Acquire skills for installing and configuring common peripheral devices. The devices include the following:

• Dial-up, DSL, ISDN modems, and tranceivers
• External storage devices
• Digital cameras, pdas, wireless access points, infrared devices, ups, and monitors

IX. PC operations optimixation. This may include the following:

• Liquid, air, and heatsink cooling. Applying thermal compound, and its role in cooling.
• Disk subsystems enhancements for hard drives, controller cards, and cables
• NICs
• Specialized video cards
• memory, and additional processors.

X. Issues to be considered while upgrading a PC:

Drivers for legacy devices,

Bus types and characteristics,

Cache, memory capacity requirements

Processor compatibility,

Hard drive compatibility,

System/firmware compatibility/upgradability

Power supply connectors, and output voltages and capacity requirements.

Check for compatibility of the following components:

Motherboards, Memory, Hard drives, cpu, adaptyer cards, bios, pcmcia cards, and power sources.

Area 2:

Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

2.1 Identification of common PC problems, and arriving at appropriate steps to be taken for fixing the same. Given a problem situation, identify the most likely cause. The content may include the following:

• I/O ports and cables: serial, parallel, USB ports, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Infrared, and SCSI
• Motherboards: CMOS BIOS setting, POST visual and/or audible error codes.
• Troubleshooting peripherals like printers, scanners
• Computer case: Power supplies, Slot covers, and Front cover alignment
• Storage devices and cables including FDD, HDD, CD R/W, DVD, DVDRW, tape drive, and removable storage
• Cooling systems including fans, heat sinks, temperature sensors, and liquid cooling
• Processor, memory, and display devices.
• Input devices including keyboard, mouse, and touch screen
• Adapters including NIC, sound card, video card, modem, scsi, ieee 1394, and usb.
• Portable systems include pcmcia, batteries, docking stations, port replicators, and portale unique storage.

2.2 Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and tools. Enquire problem symptoms from customers. Content include the following:

• troubleshooting, isolation, and problem determination procedures,
• Determining whether a hardware or software problem,
• Collecting information from user regarding customer environment, symptoms/error codes, and situation when the problem occured.

Area 3:

PC Preventive Maintenance, Safety, and Environmental issues

Identification of various types of preventive maintenance measures, products, and procedures. When, and how to use them. Content may include the following:

Liquid cleaning compounds

Types of materials to clean contacts, and connections

• Non-static vacuums (chassis, power supplies, and fans)
• Cleaning monitors,
• Cleaning removable media devices,
• Ventilation, dust and moisture control on PC hardware interior,
• Hard disk maintenance including defragging, scan disk, CHKDSK
• verifying UPS, and spike suppressors

3.2 Identify various safety measures and procedures and when/how to use them. Content may include the following:

• ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions, and procedures. This contains 1. The damage that ESD can inflict on electronic components, both hidden and apparent, 2. Common ESD protection devices, 3. Situations that could present a hazard.
• Potential hazards, and proper safety procedures relating to 1. high voltage equipment, power supply, and CRTs

3.3 Identify environmental protection measures and procedures. Know when and how to use them. Content may include the following:

Special disposal procedures that comply with environmental guidelines for batteries, CRTs, chemical solvents and cans, and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Area 4

Motherboards/Processors/Memory

4.1 Distinguish between the popular CPU chips using their basic charageristics. Content may include the following:

Popular CPU chips (Pentium class compatible)

Voltage

Speeds (actual vs. advertised)

Cache level 1, level ii, level iii

sockets/slots

VRMs

4.2 Identify the types of RAM, form factors, and operational characteristics. Banking and speed requirements determination for a given scenarios. Content may include the following:

• Memory types include the following: EDO RAM,. DRAM, SRAM, VRAM, SDRAM, DDR, RAMBUS.
• Form factors include the following: SIMM, DIMM, SoDIMM, MicroDIMM, RIMM
• Operation characteristics may include memory chips (8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit) - 1. Parity chips vs. non-parity chips, 2. ECC vs. non-EC 3. Single-sided vs. double sided

4.3 Identify the popular types of motherboards, their components, and thier architecture (bus structures). COntent may include the following:

AT, ATX motherboards

Components:

• Communication pors: Serial, USB, Parallel, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Infrared
• Memory: SIMM, DIMM, RIMM, SoDIMM, MicroDIMM
• Processor sockets: Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot A, Socket A, Socket 7, Socket 8, Socket 423, Socket 478, Socket 370
• External cache memory (level 2)
• Bus architectures: ISA, PCI-32 bit, PCI-64bit, AGP (2X, 4X, and 8X Pro), USB, AMR (Audio Modem Riser) slots, CNR (Communication network riser) slots, basic compatibility guidelines, IDE (include ATA, ATAPI, ULTRA-DMA, EIDE), SCSI (include Narrow, Wide, Fast, Ulra, HVD, and LVD), and chipsets.

4.4 Identify the purpose of CMOS memory. The significance of changing the paramenters of a CMOS. Topics may include the following:

CMOS Settings:

• Default settings,
• CPU settings,
• Printer parallel port -uni, bi-directional, diable/enable, ECP, EPP
• CMOS/Serial port - memory address, interrupt request, disable
• Floppy drive - enable/disable drive or boot, speed, density
• Hard drive- size and drive type
• Memory - speed, parity, non-parity
• Boot sequence
• Date/Time
• Passwords
• Plug and Play BIOS,
• Disabling on-board devices
• Disabling virus protection
• Power management
• Infrared

Area 5

Printers

5.1 Identify printer technologies, interfaces, and options/upgrades

• Technologies include Laser, Ink dispersion, dot matrix, solid ink, thermal, dye sublimation.
• Interfaces include parallel, network, scsi, usb, infrared, serial, ieee 1394 firewire, and wireless.
• Options/upgrade include memory, hard drives, nics, trays and feeders, finishers (like stapling), and scanners/fax/copier

5.2 Common printer problems and techniques to fix the same. Topics include the following:

Printer drivers, firmware updates, paper feed and output, calibrations, printing test pages, errors, memory, configuration, network connections, connections, paper jam, print quality, safety precautions, preventive maintenance, consumables, and environment.

Area 6.

Basic Networking:

6.1 Identify common types of network cables, their properties, and connectors:

• Cable types include Co-axial (RG6, RG8, RG58, RG59), Plenum/PVC, UTP (CAT3, CAT 5e, CAT 6), STP, Fiber (Single mode, multi mode).
• Connector types include BNC, RJ-45, AUI, SC/ST, IDC/UDC

6.2 Identify basic networking concepts including working concepts. The topics incldue the following:

• Installing and configuring network cards, addressing, bandwidth, status indicators.
• Protocols including tcp/ip, ipx/spx, appletalk, netbeui/netbios
• full-duplex, half-duplex communicaiton,
• Cabling include twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, and rs-232
• Networking models include peer-to-peer and client-server.
• Infrared, and wireless networking

6.3 Identify common technologies available for establishing Internet connectiveity and their characteristics.

• The topics may include lan, dsl, cable, isdn, dial-up, satellite, and wireless.
• The characteristics to study include definition, speed, and connections.

A+ certification exam sectionwise scoring

Exam Details: 220-301 A+ Core Hardware Exam:

Number of questions: 80 (approximate, may vary slightly)
Time allowed: 90 minutes
Passing Score: Minimum score os 515 on a scale of 100-900
Exam format: Linear

Domain areas covered by A+ Core Hardware exam:

1.0 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading 35% Weightage
2.0 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 21% Weightage
3.0 Preventive Maintenance 5% Weightage
4.0 Motherboard/Processors/Memory 11% Weightage
5.0 Printers 9% Weightage
6.0 Basic Networking 19% Weightage
Total Weigtage:35+21+5+11+9+19 or 100%

Note that as of now, the latest exam objectives correspond to Nov. 2003. CompTIA has not yet revised the exam since Nov. 2003. Comptia may revise the exam objectives from time to time.

A+ Certification Books

Given below are among the most widely used books and resources:












A+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide by Michael Meyers

The A+ Certification by Michael Meyers is widely used. This book covers both A+ Core Hardware exam, and A+ Operating Systems exam.














A+ Certification Training Guide, Fourth Edition

About A+ Certification.

About A+ Certification:
A+ Certification is offered by CompTIA ®. A+ exam is targeted for computer service technicians with at least 6 months on-the-job experience. It is the most widely recognized certification in the field of computer hardware and Windows Operating Systems.
To get A+ certified, one need to pass 1. A+ Core Hardware Technologies exam, 220-301 and 2. A+ OS (Operating Systems) exam, 220-302. The certification does not have any expiry date like Microsoft or Cisco certifications. According to Comptia, the certification is vendor neutral.
The exam specifics are as below:

Exam: 220-301, A+ Core Hardware Technologies
Number of questions: 80 approximately;
Exam type: Linear
Time allowed: 90 minutes
Passing score: Minimum score required is 515 on a scale of 100-900.
Exam objectives: Click here to visit official exam site
Register for exams at: NCS/VUE (www.vue.com/comptia/)Prometric (www.2test.com)

Exam:220-302, A+ Operating Systems Exam

Number of questions: 80 approximately; exam type: Linear
Time allowed: 90 minutes
Passing score: Minimum score required is 505 on a 100-900 score range.
Exam objectives: Click here to visit official exam site
Exam Format: Adaptive
Register for exams at: NCS/VUE (www.vue.com/comptia/)Prometric (www.2test.com)

There are several online resources that offer exam notes, and practice tests. A few of these include the following:
http://www.simulationexams.com/comptia.htm
http://www.examguides.com
http://www.boson.com
http://www.certexams.com
http://www.practicetests.info that provides various exam vendors

Welcome!

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