Table Of ContentCompTIA A+ Essentials 220-701 2009 Examination Objectives
1.0 Hardware 3.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate proper use of user
interfaces
1.1 Categorize storage devices and backup media
3.3 Explain the process and steps in installing and
1.2 Explain motherboard components, types, and features
configuring the Windows operating system
1.3 Classify power supply types and characteristics
3.4 Explain the basics of boot sequences, methods,
1.4 Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and
and startup utilities
their features
1.5 Explain cooling methods and devices
1.6 Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics, 4.0 Networking
and their purposes
4.1 Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals,
1.7 Distinguish between the different display devices and
including technologies, devices, and protocols
their characteristics
4.2 Categorize network cables and connectors and their
1.8 Install and configure peripherals and input devices
implementations
1.9 Summarize the functions and types of adapter cards
4.3 Compare and contrast the different network types
1.10 Install, configure, and optimize laptop components and
features
5.0 Security
1.11 Install and configure printers
5.1 Explain the basic principles of security concepts and
2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance
technologies
2.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory 5.2 Summarize the following security features: wireless
2.2 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware encryption, malicious software protection, BIOS
and operating system symptoms and their causes security, password management/password complexity,
2.3 Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting locking of a workstation using hardware and the
methods and tools for printers operating system, and biometrics
2.4 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop
issues and determine the appropriate basic
6.0 Operational Procedure
troubleshooting method
6.1 Outline the purpose of appropriate safety and
2.5 Given a scenario, integrate common preventive
environmental procedures and, given a scenario,
maintenance techniques
apply them
3.0 Operating Systems and Software
6.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate the appropriate use of
3.1 Compare and contrast the different Windows operating communication skills and professionalism in the
systems and their features workplace
CompTIA A+ Practical Application 220-702 2009 Examination Objectives
1.0 Hardware 2.2 Differentiate between Windows operating
system directory structures (Windows 2000, XP,
1.1 Given a scenario, install, configure, and maintain
Vista, and Windows 7)
personal computer components
2.3 Given a scenario, select and use system utilities/tools
1.2 Given a scenario, detect problems, troubleshoot, and
and evaluate the results
repair/replace personal computer components
2.4 Evaluate and resolve common issues
1.3 Given a scenario, install, configure, detect problems,
troubleshoot, and repair/replace laptop components
3.0 Networking
1.4 Given a scenario, select and use the following tools:
3.1 Troubleshoot client-side connectivity issues using
multimeter, power supply tester, specialty hardware/
appropriate tools
tools, cable testers, loopback plugs, antistatic pad and
wrist strap, and extension magnet 3.2 Install and configure a small office/home office (SOHO)
network
1.5 Given a scenario, detect and resolve common printer
issues
4.0 Security
2.0 Operating Systems
4.1 Given a scenario, prevent, troubleshoot, and remove
2.1 Select the appropriate commands and options to viruses and malware
troubleshoot and resolve problems 4.2 Implement security and troubleshoot common issues
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The Complete
Guide to PC Repair
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F I F TH ED I T I ON UPDAT E
The Complete
Guide to PC Repair
Cheryl A. Schmidt
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Schmidt, Cheryl A.
⫹
The complete A guide to PC repair update / Cheryl A. Schmidt. — 5th ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-272759-4 (alk. paper)
ISBN-10: 0-13-272759-5 (alk. paper)
1. Microcomputers—Maintenance and repair—Examinations—Study guides. 2. Computer
technicians—Certification—Study guides. 3. Computer networks—Examinations—Study guides.
4. Computing Technology Industry Association—Examinations—Study guides. I. Title.
TK7887.S34 2012
621.39’160288—dc22
2010053317
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1—CRK—15 14 13 12 11
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-272759-4
ISBN 10: 0-13-272759-5
Preface
The Complete A+ Guide to PC Repair, Fifth Edition Update, is intended for one or more courses
geared toward A+ Certification and Computer Repair. It covers all the material needed for the
following exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials 220-701® and CompTIA A+ Practical Application
220-702®. The book is written so that it is easy to read and understand because concepts are
presented in building-block fashion. The book focuses on hardware, software, basic networking,
and computer security.
Some of the best features of the book include the coverage of difficult subjects in a step-by-step
manner, carefully developed graphics to illustrate concepts, photographs to demonstrate various
technologies, reinforcement questions, critical thinking skills, soft skills that relate to chapter
material, and hands-on exercises at the end of each chapter. Also, this book is written by a teacher
who understands the value of a textbook in this field.
What’s New in the Fifth Edition?
This update to the Fifth Edition has been revised to include coverage of Windows 7 in addition
to Vista and XP. This edition differs from the Fourth in the following ways:
● Conformity with the latest CompTIA A+ Exam requirements, including CompTIA A+
Essentials 220-701 exam, as well as the CompTIA A+ Practical Application 220-702 exam.
● New sections in almost every chapter that relate to Windows Vista and 7.
● Emphasis on security and laptop components issues throughout all of the chapters.
● Added tools and exercises on topics such as subnetting, more wireless networking, strip-
ing and spanning of hard drive volumes, and use of dual monitors.
● Printers and video chapters integrated into a single peripheral devices chapter.
● Changed the serial devices chapter to Internet connectivity, removing older references
and material related to serial devices except for analog modems. Focuses on Internet con-
nectivity options and configuration.
● Windows Vista and 7 are integrated into the Windows XP Professional chapter. It includes
all new Vista and 7 labs.
● Windows 2000 Professional chapter moved to the Companion Website.
● New look—including more technical tips and tables—makes detailed information easier
to comprehend, with less wasted space in the exercise section of each chapter.
● Older technologies such as serial device configuration (except for analog modems) moved
to the Companion Website.
Organization of the Text
The text is organized to allow thorough coverage of all topics, but also to be a flexible teaching
tool; it is not necessary to cover all the chapters, nor do the chapters have to be covered in order.
● Chapter 1 covers beginning terminology and computer part and port identification.
Chapter 1 does not have a specific soft skills section as do the other chapters. Instead, it
focuses on common technician qualities that are explored in greater detail in the soft
skills sections of later chapters.
v
vi Preface
● Chapter 2 details components, features, and concepts related to motherboards, includ-
ing microprocessors, cache, expansion slots, and chipsets. Active listening skills are
described in the soft skills section in this chapter.
● Chapter 3 deals with configuration basics for the system and the different methods used
to expand a system. System resources are also explained. Avoiding a “gun slinger” men-
tality is a focus area for soft skills in Chapter 3.
● Chapter 4 steps the student through how to disassemble and reassemble a computer. Tools,
ESD, EMI, and preventive maintenance are discussed for the first time. Subsequent chapters
also include preventive maintenance topics. Basic electronics and computer power are also
covered. Written communication tips are provided in this chapter for soft skills training.
● Chapter 5 is a basic section covering troubleshooting skills and error codes. Good com-
munication skills are stressed as a soft skill area.
● Chapter 6 covers memory concepts, installation, preparation, and troubleshooting. The
importance of teamwork is emphasized as a soft skill target area.
● Chapter 7 deals with storage devices including floppy drive and IDE/SCSI hard drive
installation, preparation, and troubleshooting. Phone communication skills is the target
area for soft skills in this chapter.
● Chapter 8 covers multimedia devices including CD and DVD technologies, as well as
sound cards, scanners, and digital cameras. The chapter ends with a section on having a
positive, proactive attitude.
● Chapter 9 deals with peripheral devices including printers and video. The soft skills
focus area is ethics.
● Chapter 10 handles Internet connectivity including analog and digital methods. The
focus area for soft skills is mentoring.
● Chapter 11 details items that are common when working in a Windows environment,
including common desktop icons, managing files and folders, the registry, and working
from a command prompt including commands issued from Recovery Console. Chapter
11’s soft skills area includes tips on how to stay current in a fast-paced field.
● Chapter 12 is the Windows XP, Vista, and 7 chapter that details how to install and trou-
bleshoot in the XP Professional/Vista/7 environment, including adding hardware, soft-
ware, the management tools and remote management techniques. Avoiding burnout is
the soft skill discussed in Chapter 12.
● Chapter 13 is a chapter that introduces the students to networking. Basic concepts, ter-
minology, and exercises make this chapter a favorite. An introduction to subnetting has been
added. Being proactive instead of reactive is the focus of the soft skills section in this chapter.
● Chapter 14 describes computer and network security issues including wireless network
security. The exercises include file and folder security, event monitoring, and local policy
creation. This chapter’s soft skills area includes tips for dealing with irate customers—
always a difficult situation for new technicians.
Features
● Easy to Understand Each section is written in a building-block fashion that begins
at the most basic level and continues on to the more advanced. Students taught using this
method understand new technologies better because of a solid foundation.
● End-of-Chapter Review Questions Each chapter contains numerous review ques-
tions in various formats, including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank,
and open-ended.
● Chapter Soft Skills Section In each chapter a specific skill set related to soft skills
is presented.
● Tech Tips Each chapter contains technical tips that are useful in the real-world of PC repair.
● Hands-On Exercises Computer repair cannot be learned by theory and lecture alone,
but is reinforced through practice and experience. Exercises at the end of each chapter
help with this task by allowing students to get their hands “dirty” to master the material
they’ve studied.
● Objectives A list of objectives is provided at the beginning of each chapter.
Preface vii
● Terminology At the end of each chapter are the key terms that were defined and used
throughout the chapter.
● Soft Skills Exercises The end of every chapter includes at least two soft skills activi-
ties that relate to the chapter.
● Critical Thinking Skills Every chapter includes at least two critical thinking activi-
ties that relate to the chapter material.
Supplemental Material
The following additional items are available to all readers of this book at its Companion Website
(www.pearsonhighered.com/schmidt):
● Bonus chapters on Windows® 98, Windows NT Workstation, Floppy Drives, and Windows
2000 Professional
● Flashcards and crossword puzzles for review
● Web-based activities to reinforce concepts such as memory configuration, ports, and key
concepts in the chapter
● Self-study quizzes
A complimentary access code for the book’s Companion Website is available with a new copy
of this book. Subscriptions may also be purchased online.
Instructor Support The following supplements are available to qualified instructors from
the Pearson Education Instructor Resource Center (www.pearsonhighered.com/irc). Please visit
the Instructor Resource Center, contact your Pearson Education/Addison-Wesley representative,
or send an email to
