Introduction ...............xxvii
   Features of this Book ......xxviii
Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT ........ 1
   Who Needs This Book? ............ 2
   Technician Qualities .... 2
   Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification ................ 5
   Basic Skills for This Course .... 5
   Types of Computers ..... 8
   Basic Computer Hardware ....... 8
   Mice and Keyboards ..14
   Common Peripherals .17
   1s and 0s .............18
   Safety Notes .......21
   Chapter Summary ......22
   Key Terms ...........23
   Review Questions .......24
   Exercises .............26
Chapter 2: Connectivity ......31
   Introduction to Connectivity ..32
   External Connectivity 32
   Mouse and Keyboard Ports ....32
   Video Ports .........33
   Audio Ports .........44
   eSATA Ports .......45
   Modem and Serial Ports .........45
   Network Ports ....47
   Network Cabling ........48
   Integrated Motherboard Ports 54
   Getting to Know Ports.............54
   Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices .....56
   Chapter Summary ......57
   Key Terms ...........59
   Review Questions .......60
   Exercises .............61
   Activities .............64
Chapter 3: On the Motherboard...67
   Introduction to the Motherboard ...................68
   Processor Overview ...68
   Processor Basics 69
   Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....71
   Clocking ..............72
   Cache ...................73
   Threading Technology .............73
   Connecting to the Processor ..74
   Multicore Processors .74
   Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ..................76
   Introduction to Virtualization .76
   Intel Processors ..77
   AMD Processors ........78
   CPU Sockets ......79
   Processor Cooling ......80
   Installing a Processor 82
   Upgrading Processors 84
   Overclocking Processors ........84
   Installing CPU Thermal Solutions ................85
   Troubleshooting Processor Issues .................86
   Expansion Slots .87
   PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ..88
   AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) .................88
   PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) .................89
   Motherboard Security Options ......................93
   Types of Motherboards ...........94
   Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ....95
   Motherboard Troubleshooting .......................96
   Chapter Summary ......99
   Key Terms .........101
   Review Questions .....102
   Exercises ...........104
   Activities ...........106
Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration ......109
   Configuration Overview .......110
   BIOS Overview ........110
   The Setup Program ..111
   Flash BIOS .......112
   BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ............113
   CMOS Memory ........117
   Motherboard Battery .............118
   Firmware Updates: Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...........118
   Other Configuration Parameters ..................120
   Hardware Configuration Overview.............123
   Installing a USB Device .......124
   Installing an eSATA Card .....128
   Installing a Network Interface Card ...........129
   Troubleshooting Configurations ..................130
   Chapter Summary ....133
   Key Terms .........133
   Review Questions .....134
   Exercises ...........136
   Activities ...........140
Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ...................143
   Disassembly Overview ..........144
   Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) .....................144
   Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ..........146
   Tools ..................147
   Disassembly .....148
   Reassembly .......156
   Preventive Maintenance ........156
   Basic Electronics Overview .159
   Power Supply Overview .......163
   Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ..170
   Power Protection ......172
   Symptoms of Power Supply Problems ......173
   Chapter Summary ....177
   Key Terms .........179
   Review Questions .....180
   Exercises ...........182
   Activities ...........184
Chapter 6: Memory ....187
   Memory Overview ...188
   Memory Physical Packaging188
   Planning a Memory Installation ..................189
   Installing Memory Overview .......................200
   Virtual RAM ....202
   Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ...203
   Older Applications in Windows ..................204
   Troubleshooting Memory Problems ...........205
   Removable Storage ..207
   Chapter Summary ....211
   Key Terms .........212
   Review Questions .....213
   Exercises ...........215
   Activities ...........221
Chapter 7: Storage Devices ...........223
   Storage Devices Overview ...224
   Hard Drive Overview ............225
   Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview .............227
   Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .....229
   M.2 and NVMe230
   PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity .........231
   Storage Device Configuration Overview ...235
   System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices .........241
   Hard Drive Preparation Overview ..............242
   Windows Disk Management 250
   Fault Tolerance 253
   Windows Storage Spaces ......255
   Disk Caching/Virtual Memory ....................256
   Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview .....258
   Data Loss and Corruption ....260
   Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ...................260
   Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ...........262
   RAID Issues .....265
   SSD Issues ........266
   Chapter Summary ....268
   Key Terms .........271
   Review Questions .....272
   Exercises ...........274
   Activities ...........277
Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.....279
   Multimedia Devices Overview ....................280
   Video Overview ........280
   Video Cards ......280
   Projectors ..........287
   Introduction to Audio ............289
   Installing Sound Cards ..........292
   Sound Cards Using Windows ......................293
   Speakers ............295
   Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............296
   Optical Drive Overview ........297
   Optical Drive Installation .....300
   Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ........300
   Scanners ............302
   Other Multimedia Devices ...305
   Chapter Summary ....309
   Key Terms .........310
   Review Questions .....311
   Exercises ...........313
   Activities ...........315
Chapter 9: Printers and Multifunction Devices .....317
   Printer/Multifunction Device Overview ....318
   Categories of Printers ............318
   Impact Printers .319
   Inkjet Printers ...321
   Laser Printers ...323
   Thermal Printers .......327
   3-D Printers ......329
   Paper ..................332
   Virtual Printing 334
   Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges 335
   Upgrading Printers ...336
   Printer Maintenance .336
   Printer Installation Overview .......................342
   Installing Multifunction Devices .................343
   USB Printer Installation ........343
   Printers in the Windows Environment .......344
   Printer Sharing .349
   Cloud Printing/Scanning .......354
   General Printer Troubleshooting .................355
   USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting .....359
   Windows Printer Troubleshooting ..............359
   Impact Printer Troubleshooting ...................362
   Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting .....................363
   Laser Printer Troubleshooting .....................363
   Chapter Summary ....366
   Key Terms .........368
   Review Questions .....369
   Exercises ...........371
   Activities ...........372
Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ..........375
   Mobile Device Overview ......376
   Using Mobile Devices ...........382
   Cell Phones .......385
   Mobile Apps .....387
   Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ............390
   Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity .......393
   Mobile Device Email Configuration ..........399
   Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup ....401
   Other Mobile Software Tools ......................408
   Laptops Overview ....410
   Laptop Hardware ......410
   Laptop Power ...415
   Laptop Repairs Overview .....418
   Laptop Display 433
   Mobile Device Security ........440
   Mobile Device Travel and Storage .............447
   Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ........447
   Chapter Summary ....462
   Key Terms .........465
   Review Questions .....466
   Exercises ...........468
   Activities ...........470
Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ..473
   Design Overview ......474
   Computer System Design .....474
   Motherboard and Associated Component Design ....................481
   Power Supply and Case Design ..................481
   Storage Subsystem Design ...483
   Audio Subsystem Design .....483
   Display Subsystem Design ...484
   Troubleshooting Overview ...485
   Step 1. Identify the Problem 486
   Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) ...................487
   Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause ......................495
   Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution ............497
   Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .497
   Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ........497
   Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ..........498
   Chapter Summary ....502
   Key Terms .........504
   Review Questions .....505
   Exercises ...........506
   Activities ...........511
Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies .......515
   Internet Connectivity Overview ..................516
   Dial-up Connectivity .............516
   Cable Modems .518
   xDSL Modems .519
   VoIP ...................520
   Fiber Networks 522
   Satellite Modems ......524
   Mobile Connectivity Overview ...................525
   Web Browsers ..528
   Basic Web Browser Issues ....531
   Introduction to Virtualization .......................533
   Desktop Virtualization Basics ......................534
   Cloud Computing .....537
   Chapter Summary ....543
   Key Terms .........545
   Review Questions .....546
   Exercises ...........547
   Activities ...........549
Chapter 13: Networking ...551
   Networking Overview ...........552
   Network Media Overview ....559
   Ethernet over Power 568
   Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment .......................569
   The OSI Model 573
   The TCP/IP Model ...575
   Network Addressing 577
   More IPv4 Addressing ..........578
   Wireless Networks Overview ......................581
   Wireless Network Standards 582
   Wireless Network Components ...................583
   Wireless Network Design .....585
   Antenna Basics 590
   Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview ..594
   Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing .......594
   Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain .......601
   Wireless NIC–Specific Settings ..................601
   Advanced NIC Properties .....603
   NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization .603
   Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview .......605
   Wireless AP/Router Configuration .............607
   WWAN Cellular Configuration ...................608
   IoT and Smart Devices ..........609
   Network Troubleshooting .....611
   Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems 619
   Networking Multifunction Devices ............619
   Network Servers .......621
   Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ........622
   Software-Defined Networking .....................623
   Network Terminology ...........624
   The TCP/IP Model in Action .......................625
   More Windows Network Settings ...............627
   Introduction to Shared Folders ....................632
   Chapter Summary ....635
   Key Terms .........637
   Review Questions .....639
   Exercises ...........642
   Activities ...........648
Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ...651
   Operating Systems Overview ......................652
   User Interaction with Operating Systems .653
   Overview of Popular Operating Systems ..654
   32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems .........655
   Windows 10 and Windows 11 Versions .....656
   Workstation Operating Systems ..................657
   Operating Systems for Mobile Devices .....657
   End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns .......................658
   Update Limitations ..658
   Compatibility Concerns ........659
   Corporate Operating System Needs ...........660
   Basic Windows Usage Overview ................661
   Windows 10 and Windows 11 Desktop Components ..............663
   Shortcuts and Tiles ...669
   Recycle Bin ......670
   Interactions Within a Window .....................670
   Managing Windows Files and Folders .......672
   Searches and Indexing ..........678
   Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .679
   Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities .....................682
   Determining the Windows Version .............685
   Windows Registry ....686
   Editing the Windows Registry .....................687
   Backing Up Data ......688
   WinRE ...............688
   Recovering the Windows OS .......................688
   Chapter Summary ....690
   Key Terms .........691
   Review Questions .....692
   Exercises ...........693
   Activities ...........695
Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ..............697
   Scripting Overview ..698
   Command Prompt Overview .......................699
   Command Prompt Basics .....699
   Moving Around from a Command Prompt ........701
   The md and rd Commands .705
   Two Useful Commands: del and type .706
   Copying Files ...706
   The attrib Command ......708
   Why Learn Commands? .......708
   PowerShell ........708
   Other Commands You Should Look Over 709
   Command Format ....710
   Introduction to Scripting .......734
   Script File Types .......735
   Use Cases for Scripting ........736
   Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......737
   Environment Variables ..........738
   Script Syntax ....740
   Introduction to Script Programming ..........741
   Variables ............741
   Data Types ........743
   Examples of Using Variables .......................744
   Comments Within Scripts .....745
   Basic Script Constructs .........746
   Decisions: The Selection Structure.............746
   Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ..750
   Loops: The Repetition Structure .................751
   A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell ........753
   Chapter Summary ....756
   Key Terms .........757
   Review Questions .....758
   Exercises ...........759
   Activities ...........760
Chapter 16: Advanced Windows .763
   Advanced Windows Overview ....................764
   Preinstallation of Windows ..764
   Installation/Upgrade of Windows ...............774
   Corporate Windows Deployment ................775
   Verifying the Installation ......776
   Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ...777
   Reloading Windows .779
   Windows Updates ....780
   Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....781
   Configuring Windows Overview .................783
   Configuring Windows ...........784
   Adding Devices ........784
   Installing/Removing Software .....................792
   Computer Management Console .................796
   System Tools ....797
   User Account Management ..801
   Managing Storage ....807
   Managing Services and Applications .........811
   Data Sources (ODBC) ...........812
   Print Management Console ..813
   Overview of the Windows Boot Process ...814
   System Restore .....815
   Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) ..................816
   Startup Settings Menu ...........819
   System Configuration Utility .......................820
   Task Manager ...824
   Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process ..826
   Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process .....827
   Black Screen/Video Issues ...829
   Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start .......................831
   Slow Boot .........832
   Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ....833
   Windows Reboots/System Instability ........835
   Shutdown Problems .835
   Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ...........836
   Power Options..836
   Monitoring System Performance ................838
   Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .......843
   Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ...............846
   Chapter Summary ....848
   Key Terms .........850
   Review Questions .....851
   Exercises ...........852
   Activities ...........854
Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ......................857
   Introduction to macOS ..........858
   Navigating the User Interface ......................859
   Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....862
   Management and Troubleshooting Tools ..866
   Utilities ..............869
   Introduction to Linux ............878
   Navigating the GNOME User Interface ....879
   Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....880
   Command-Line Interface ......883
   macOS and Linux Best Practices ................892
   Chapter Summary ....893
   Key Terms .........894
   Review Questions .....895
   Exercises ...........896
   Activities ...........897
Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .......899
   Security Overview ....900
   Security Policy .900
   Physical Security ......901
   Logical Security .......908
   Considering the End User ....912
   Licensing ...........912
   Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ...........915
   Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources ................920
   Permissions .......928
   Folder Options .934
   Protecting the Operating System and Data ........935
   Internet Security .......942
   Remote Access to Network Devices ..........955
   Internet Appliances ..956
   Wireless Network Security Overview ........957
   Security Incident Response ..964
   A Final Word About Security ......................966
   Chapter Summary ....968
   Key Terms .........969
   Review Questions .....971
   Exercises ...........973
   Activities ...........975
Chapter 19: Operational Procedures ................977
   Operational Procedures Overview ..............978
   Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .........986
   IT Documentation ....994
   Change Management .............999
   Chapter Summary . 1012
   Key Terms ...... 1014
   Review Questions .. 1015
   Exercises ........ 1017
   Activities ........ 1018
Appendix A: Subnetting Basics  1021
Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives (Online)
Glossary  1025
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9780137670444, TOC, 7/29/2022
