Comptia A+ Complete Study Guide (exam Core 1 220–1001 And Exam Core 2 220–1002)

The definitive Sybex guide to A+ certification, fully updated for the latest exams

The CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, Fourth Edition is your ultimate preparation guide for Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002. Covering 100 percent of the objectives for both exams, this book gets you up to speed on essential A+ knowledge and skills. Master the critical competencies associated with hardware and software, system maintenance, troubleshooting, connectivity, and more—with practical examples drawn from real-world experience, you’ll develop the skill set employers demand in today’s IT environment. End-of-chapter reviews help you gauge your progress and stay on track for success, while exam highlights give you a sneak preview of what to expect on the big day. You also get access to the Sybex online test bank, featuring electronic flashcards, a searchable glossary, and 4 practice exams to help you study from anywhere, any time—track your progress and test your understanding with interactive study tools.

CompTIA A+ certification is the industry-leading standard for IT professionals. Hundreds of companies require their computer technicians to hold this valuable credential. Now in its fourth edition, this revised and updated study guide includes expanded coverage of virtualization and cloud computing, mobile hardware installation, network security, and more, to reflect the latest changes in the A+ exam. Providing all the information you need to earn your A+ certification, this invaluable resource will help you:

• Master the basics of hardware, software, and peripherals
• Understand and troubleshoot network connectivity issues
• Install and configure Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OSX, and Linux operating systems

The CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide, Fourth Edition arms you with the tools and knowledge necessary to take your skills to the next level. Whether a first-time candidate or IT professional in need of recertification, this essential study guide will help you prepare, practice, and pass with minimal burden and maximum results.

Introduction xxxiii

Assessment Test for Exam 220-1001 lxxvi

Assessment Test for Exam 220-1002 lxxxvii

Part I 220-1001 1

Chapter 1 Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 3

Understanding Motherboards 5

Understanding Processors 38

Understanding Memory 44

Understanding Cooling Systems 59

Summary 68

Exam Essentials 68

Review Questions 70

Performance-Based Question 1 74

Performance-Based Question 2 74

Chapter 2 Internal Expansion, Storage Devices, and Power Supplies 75

Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards 77

Understanding Storage Devices 84

Understanding Power Supplies 113

Summary 124

Exam Essentials 124

Review Questions 126

Performance-Based Question 130

Chapter 3 Peripherals and Connectors 131

Understanding Cables and Connectors 133

Understanding Uses of Peripheral Devices 161

Summary 194

Exam Essentials 195

Review Questions 197

Performance-Based Question 201

Chapter 4 Custom PC Configurations 203

Exploring Custom Configurations 205

Thin Clients 221

Summary 228

Exam Essentials 229

Review Questions 230

Performance-Based Question 234

Chapter 5 Installing and Configuring Printers 235

Understanding Print Technologies and Imaging Processes 237

Installing and Maintaining Printers 267

Summary 303

Exam Essentials 303

Review Questions 305

Performance-Based Question 308

Chapter 6 Networking Fundamentals 309

Understanding Networking Principles 311

Identifying Common Network Hardware