CompTIA (A+) Certification (2009 Edition)

50 Hours/Instructor Supported

CompTIA A+ certification (2009 Edition) validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA  A+ certification (2009 Edition) confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

CompTIA A+ certification (2009 Edition) ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.

Individuals in careers that require IT knowledge outside of the formal IT job role, such as SMB office manager, technical sales roles or other non-technical roles that require understanding of computer repair issues may also find the validation of skills associated with the CompTIA (A+) credential to be valuable. This training would be beneficial for individuals looking for IT job positions such as; Help Desk Support, PC Technician, Remote Service Technician, Field Service Engineer, Senior Help Desk Support, Senior Computer Technician, Customer Support Manager or Network Technician.

Two exams are required for the CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition certification:

CompTIA (A+) Essentials Exam 220-701:
CompTIA (A+) Essentials validates knowledge of basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills such as installing, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, with additional elements of security and soft skills. The Essentials Exam validates the basic skills needed by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment. Click here to see a detailed curriculum outline.

A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components

Overview/Description
The IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds, but the backbone of that work has always remained the computers themselves. In order for a computer to function correctly it requires specific types of hardware components. This course covers the different types of motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, and memory that are needed by computers and how they work in unison to ensure that computers perform as required. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track

Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components

·         Distinguish between common motherboard form factors

·         Recognize the functions of key motherboard components

·         Distinguish between memory slot types

·         Recognize how the bus architecture functions

·         Recognize the function of processor sockets and slots

·         Recognize the function of disk features

·         Recognize key characteristics of computer storage devices

·         Recognize key characteristics of computer power supplies

·         Distinguish between motherboard components and their functions

·         Distinguish between computer storage devices

·         Distinguish between computer power supplies

·         Recognize key CPU components

·         Recognize types of CPUs

·         Recognize ways to reduce the heat generated by CPUs

·         Recognize the types of memory used in computer systems

·         Recognize key characteristics of different types of RAM

·         Distinguish between CPU types and components

·         Determine ways to cool a CPU

·         Determine which type of memory to use in a CPU

A+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers

Overview/Description
Add-on devices and displays are a whole market in themselves, as are laptops and printers. The mobile world of technology has seen two ongoing trends: bigger and better displays, and smaller and more efficient components and laptops. This course examines these trends and covers the types of display devices, peripherals, adapter card technologies, laptop trends and the different types of printers that are used today, and how to install and configure them. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers

·         Distinguish between CRT, LCD, and projector technologies used for display devices

·         Recognize how to install the keyboard and mouse

·         Recognize multimedia devices that can be connected to a computer

·         Recognize key characteristics of touch screen monitors

·         Recognize key characteristics of video adapter cards

·         Recognize key characteristics of multimedia adapter cards

·         Recognize key characteristics of I/O adapter cards

·         Recognize key characteristics of communications adapter cards

·         Configure display devices

·         Configure peripheral devices

·         Configure adapters

·         Recognize key characteristics of personal computer cards

·         Recognize types of communication connections for laptops

·         Set power plans for laptops

·         Configure stylus settings on tablet PCs

·         Distinguish between types of printers

·         Install printers

·         Configure printer preferences

·         Install printer drivers

·         Configure laptops

·         Install and configure printers and drivers

A+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems

Overview/Description
There have been numerous versions of Windows over the years, and each has added new abilities and components. Each new version of the Windows operating system provides better and more efficient features to improve the users interaction with the operating system and computer. This course compares Windows 2000, XP, and Vista as well as 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems. It will also demonstrate how to install Windows, device drivers, and migrate users files and applications using USMT. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems

·         Distinguish between Windows 2000, XP, and Vista operating systems

·         Distinguish between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems

·         Identify key characteristics of Windows OS upgrade paths

·         Configure program compatibility

·         Identify key characteristics of a Windows XP installation

·         Install Windows Vista

·         Install device drivers and verify with Device Manager

·         Migrate user accounts from a Windows XP computer to a Windows Vista computer

·         Configure application compatibility

·         Install the Windows Vista operating system

·         Install device drivers and verify the installation

·         Use the USMT utility to migrate user accounts

A+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows

Overview/Description
With each new version of the Windows operating system, new interface elements and enhancements have been made to provide better visual effects and easier access to the tools and utilities that are provided to use and manage them. This course demonstrates how to use the Windows interface, including built-in tools such as Administrative Tools, the Control Panel, and command-line utilities to manage the Windows operating system. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows

·         Add gadgets to the sidebar

·         Enable the Aero feature and change the color of windows

·         Set attributes for files using Windows Explorer

·         View a log in Event Viewer

·         Create a new MMC

·         Use Task Manager to stop a service

·         Configure virtual memory

·         Customize the Windows operating system interface

·         Perform basic management tasks in the Windows operating system

·         Identify the functions of command-driven system management tools

·         Identify the functions of Telnet, ipconfig, and ping

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot the boot sequence of a computer

A+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers

Overview/Description
Troubleshooting computer problems is a major role in the computer technicians life. Every day there will be new problems to solve. This course examines the theories and practical application methods to troubleshoot problems on computers, laptops, and printers. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers

·         Recognize the process for troubleshooting computer problems

·         Recognize the tools used for troubleshooting computer problems

·         Troubleshoot internal hardware

·         Troubleshoot USB ports and FireWire ports

·         Troubleshoot drives

·         Troubleshoot keyboards and display devices

·         Troubleshoot computer hardware

·         Troubleshoot USB ports

·         Troubleshoot operating system problems

·         Troubleshoot startup problems

·         Troubleshoot application problems

·         Recognize typical approaches to troubleshooting print problems

·         Manage the print queue

·         Manage a printer spooler service

·         Troubleshoot laptops

·         Troubleshoot operating system and application problems

·         Troubleshoot printer problems

·         Troubleshoot laptop problems

A+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals

Overview/Description
Security and networking are important in the computer world. This trend has only increased as the average persons interaction on the Internet continues to grow. This course examines security concepts and technologies, such as encryption, authentication, firewalls, and malicious content scanners while also examining malicious content types and the preventative measures that can be taken to guard against them. This course also examines network connectivity, including wired and wireless, and the components and communication mechanisms, such as cables, protocols and devices, used in order to allow two or two million computers to communicate with each other and to share information. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.


Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals

·         Recognize how key encryption technologies work

·         Recognize how key authentication technologies work

·         Configure firewall exceptions

·         Recognize ways to dispose of data

·         Configure a wireless network connection

·         Recognize how to secure a network using IDS

·         Open the TPM

·         Recognize ways to secure the user environment

·         Set firewall exceptions

·         Set a wireless network connection

·         View the TPM status

·         Recognize how the types of malicious code work

·         Recognize how spyware works

·         Recognize how spam works

·         Recognize key networking concepts

·         Join a computer to a domain and a workgroup

·         Recognize how network devices function

·         Configure TCP/IP settings on a client

·         Recognize key characteristics of wired and wireless networks

·         Configure a wireless network

·         Join a computer to a domain and a workgroup

·         Configure TCP/IP settings on a client manually and automatically

·         Configure a client computer to connect to a wireless network

·         Distinguish between the types of network cabling

·         Distinguish between the types of connectors

A+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance

Overview/Description
Operational procedures are necessary to guarantee that products function properly while not damaging the environment, other products, or individuals around them. Another aspect of operational procedures is the need for professionalism and good communication skills in the workplace. This course covers both safety and environmental procedures to be established and used along with the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.


Lesson Objectives

A+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance

·         Recognize how to guard against risks to data and equipment in an electronic environment

·         Recognize how to ensure the safety of personnel in an electronic environment

·         Recognize how to listen and speak effectively to clients

·         Recognize how to communicate effectively using e-mail

·         Determine how to protect data and equipment in an electronic environment

·         Determine how to protect personnel in an electronic environment

·         Recognize how to communicate effectively to clients

·         Enable updates for the Windows operating system

·         Update drivers manually

·         Check the hard disk for errors

·         Schedule Disk Defragmenter to run regularly

·         Use the System Configuration tool to identify Windows startup problems

·         Perform a complete Windows PC backup

·         Back up files

·         Restore files

·         Manually update drivers

·         Use disk management tools

·         Back up and restore data

·         Recognize preventative maintenance measures for the workplace

CompTIA (A+) Practical Application Exam 220-702:
The CompTIA (A+) 220-702 exam measures key abilities for an entry-level IT professional with hands-on lab or field experience. This exam validates skills such as installing, configuring, upgrading, maintaining, troubleshooting PC workstations and SOHO networks. Examples of job roles include: Enterprise Technician, IT Administrator, Field Service Technician and PC Technician.

A+ Practical Application 2009: Personal Computer Components

Overview/Description
The IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, but the backbone of the industry has always remained the computers themselves. This course looks at the components that make up personal computers and shows you how they all work in unison. It explores such components as motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, adapter cards, and a variety of memory types. The course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track

Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)

Lesson Objectives

A+ Practical Application 2009: Personal Computer Components

·         Recognize the functions of motherboard components

·         Recognize how storage devices are configured

·         Recognize key characteristics of power supplies

·         Recognize how the motherboard is configured

·         Recognize how storage devices are configured

·         Recognize key characteristics of processors

·         Recognize key characteristics of memory

·         Recognize how computers are kept from overheating

·         Recognize key characteristics of adapter cards

·         Recognize how processors are configured

·         Recognize how adapter cards are used

A+ Practical Application 2009: Troubleshooting Hardware

Overview/Description
Within all industries, computer technicians are expected to locate and resolve issues ranging from hardware failure to operating system problems. In this course, the learner will be shown how to troubleshoot various computer components, such as motherboards, storage devices, power supplies, memory, and adapter cards. The course also explores troubleshooting techniques used to resolve laptop and printer problems. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Practical Application 2009: Troubleshooting Hardware

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot motherboard components

·         Recognize the uses of motherboard troubleshooting tools

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot storage devices

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot power supplies

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot processors

·         Recognize how to replace processors

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot memory

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot adapter cards

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot a motherboard

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot storage devices

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot a processor

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot laptops

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot printers

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot laptops

·         Recognize how to troubleshoot printers

A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Operating Systems

Overview/Description
There are a variety of hardware and software resources a technician can use to troubleshoot Windows operating system issues. This course examines the commands, disk management tools, system utilities, and error messages commonly used to resolve such problems. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Operating Systems

·         Use disk management commands

·         Use system management commands

·         Use file management commands

·         Use folder management commands

·         Use the DEFRAG and NTBACKUP disk management commands

·         Convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk using the Disk Management tool

·         Create a mounted drive

·         Recognize the functions of key administration tools

·         Use Performance Monitor to monitor a system

·         Use the Services console to configure services

·         Set system tasks

·         Use management and troubleshooting commands

·         Perform disk management tasks

·         Use system utilities

·         Recognize key differences between Windows 2000, XP, and Vista OS directory structures

·         Recognize how to resolve common startup errors

·         Recognize how to resolve common operational issues

·         Resolve auto-restart errors

·         Recognize how to optimize system performance

·         Resolve startup problems

·         Resolve operational problems

·         Resolve auto-restart errors

A+ Practical Application 2009: Security

Overview/Description
Preventing, treating, and removing malware and system security threats are necessary skills for IT technicians. This course examines methods used to deal with viruses and malware, along with measures used to implement resource security on operating systems and networks. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.

Lesson Objectives

A+ Practical Application 2009: Security

·         Recognize ways to combat viruses and malware

·         Use Windows Defender to scan for malware

·         Secure operating systems

·         Recognize key characteristics of BIOS security

·         Scan a computer for spyware

·         Change share permissions

·         Encrypt a folder

Make sure your computer has the Minimum Workstation Requirements in order to run the program at optimum levels.

Hardware

·         Minimum Pentium 166 MHz CPU required to support audio playback.

·         Minimum 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended).

·         Network connection to the web server via a web browser.

·         End-user workstations must have a minimum video resolution of 800x600, with 16-bit color.

·         Minimum 28.8 Kbps connection speed required for most products. It may take dial-up users 1-2 minutes to start a course.

Operating Systems

·         32-bit Microsoft Windows operating system: Windows 95/98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

·         Mac Operating System (10.4), courses are playable from the Linux

Web Browsers

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 4.x or greater.

·         Netscape Navigator, version 4.06 through 4.8, 6.2, 7.0, 7.1.

·         Safari Web Browser, versions 2.0 and 2.0.4. (MAC)

·         Firefox 1.5.0 (Linux) (Note:Java Runtime Envieronment for Firefox may be required)

Web Accessibility Support

·         SkillPort supports JAWS screen reader software, versions 3.7u, 4.0, and 4.51.

·         JAWS 3.7u and 4.0 require 256 color resolution.