CompTIA A+ Essentials (Exam 220-701)

The CompTIA Exam 220-701 (A+ Essentials), validates that the candidate has the knowledge of computer technology, networking, security components, understanding of the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology, practice proper safety procedures, and effectively interact with customers and peers. The CompTIA A+ Essentials examination measures necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent knowledge of at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. For more information on CompTIA Exam, click here.

Prerequisites: Students taking this course should have user-level skills and knowledge of personal computers. These skills and knowledge can be obtained by completing any one of the following courses: Windows Vista: Basic, Windows XP: Basic, or Windows 2000: Basic.

Unit 1 : Troubleshooting methodology
    Topic A: Troubleshooting models
    Topic B: Professionalism
Unit 2 : Operating systems
    Topic A: Operating system fundamentals
    Topic B: Directory and file management
    Topic C: File and folder permissions
Unit 3 : Electricity and power supplies
    Topic A: Electrical safety
    Topic B: Power supplies
Unit 4 : CPUs and motherboards
    Topic A: Central processing
    Topic B: Packaging, slots, and cooling techniques
    Topic C: Motherboards
Unit 5 : The Basic Input/Output System
    Topic A: The BIOS and CMOS
    Topic B: The POST and boot processes
Unit 6 : Memory systems
    Topic A: Memory
    Topic B: Memory packaging
    Topic C: Memory monitoring
Unit 7 : Bus structures
    Topic A: Buses
    Topic B: The PCI bus
    Topic C: Video buses
Unit 8 : Expansion cards
    Topic A: Drive adapters
    Topic B: Video cards
    Topic C: Sound cards
    Topic D: Internal modems
Unit 9 : Peripheral connection types
    Topic A: Serial and parallel connections
    Topic B: PS/2 connections
    Topic C: USB connections
    Topic D: FireWire connections
    Topic E: Multimedia connections
Unit 10 : Data storage devices
    Topic A: Hard drives
    Topic B: Optical drives
    Topic C: Removable storage devices
    Topic D: Drive maintenance
Unit 11 : Video output and image input devices
    Topic A: Monitors
    Topic B: Scanners and cameras
Unit 12 : Printers
    Topic A: Printing technologies
    Topic B: Printer installation and optimization
Unit 13 : Connecting computers
    Topic A: Networking concepts
    Topic B: Wired network connections
    Topic C: Basic internetworking devices
Unit 14 : Networking computers
    Topic A: Addressing
    Topic B: Client configuration
Unit 15 : Portable computers
    Topic A: Notebook computers
    Topic B: Notebook issues
Unit 16 : Monitoring and management
    Topic A: System monitoring
    Topic B: System performance
    Topic C: System management
Unit 17 : Operating system troubleshooting
    Topic A: Windows startup
    Topic B: System troubleshooting
Unit 18 : Security
    Topic A: Operating system security
    Topic B: Windows Encrypted File System
    Topic C: Security hardware
    Topic D: The human aspects of security
Unit 19 : Windows installation and upgrades
    Topic A: Windows installation
    Topic B: Upgrades
Unit 20 : Safety and maintenance
    Topic A: Safety and hazards
    Topic B: Computer maintenance
    Topic C: Safe work practices
    Topic D: Disposing of computer equipment
Unit 21 : Troubleshooting hardware
    Topic A: Backups
    Topic B: Hardware problems
Appendix A : System cases
Appendix B : CompTIA A+ acronyms
Appendix C : Certification exam objectives map