Request full copy

Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: A CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Textbook, 8th edition

Published by Pearson IT Certification (August 1, 2019) © 2020

  • Cheryl A. Schmidt Florida Community College, Jacksonville

eTextbook

per month

  • Anytime, anywhere learning with the Pearson+ app
  • Easy-to-use search, navigation and notebook
  • Simpler studying with flashcards
$100.00

  • A print text (hardcover or paperback) 
  • Free shipping
  • Also available for purchase as an ebook from all major ebook resellers, including InformIT.com

uCertify

from$180.00

  • Includes the full Pearson e-text, pre- and post-assessments, quizzes, videos, and more
  • Provides hands-on skills to bridge conceptual knowledge and real-world application
  • Powerful student management tools yet easy to implement, customize, and manage
Cheryl Schmidt's Complete A+ Guide to It Hardware and Software, Eighth Edition presents the fundamentals of computer desktop and laptop installation, configuration, maintenance, and networking through simple, step-by-step instruction based on CompTIA A+® Edition objectives. With a focused emphasis on security and customer service skills, this comprehensive computer repair guide introduces the most important tools students need to become professional, customer-friendly technicians using today's technologies. A+® Certification Exam objectives summarize exam topics in an easy-to-use reference at the beginning of the book, so students can quickly locate and review key concepts covered on the exam. Each section is written in building-block fashion, beginning with the simplest concepts, continuing on to more advanced concepts, and creating a solid foundation for understanding new technologies as they arrive. Schmidt provides comprehensive pedagogical tools, many of them unique to this book. 
  • Excellent resource to learn  installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting of PCs preparing  you for entry-level IT job roles
  • Straightforward coverage of all certification objectives
  • Extensive end-of-chapter review, including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions
  • Soft Skills sections in each chapter, and at least two Soft Skills activities at the end of each chapter
  • Tech Tips designed to be useful in real-world PC repair
  • Hands-On Exercises linking theory to practice and experience 
  • Clear chapter objectives
  • At least 2 Critical Thinking Skills activities in every chapter
  • Comes with instructor resources for course use: Instructor’s Manual, Chapter Power Points, Test Bank
  • Learning Objectives provide the goals for each chapter
  • Practical Tech Tips give real-world PC repair knowledge
  • Soft Skills information and activities in each chapter cover all the tools and skills you need to become a professional, customer-friendly technician in every category
  • Review Questions, including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions, assess your knowledge of the learning objectives
  • Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic
  • Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term
  • Critical Thinking Activities in every chapter take you beyond the facts to complete comprehension of topics
  • Chapter Summary provides a recap of key concepts
The Eight Edition of the Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: AA CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Textbook has been updated to reflect the latest exam objectives. 
New Core 1 Exam Objectives: Bigger Cloud Emphasis, New Technology
The A+ 220-1002 exam features an increased emphasis on new technology, such as the introduction of a separate domain on cloud and virtualization. Previously, cloud and virtualization were lumped in with other systems and technologies (and was part of Core 2 rather than Core 1). The “other OS/technologies” domain in the old version also included Mac and Linux, servers, mobile OS, mobile device connectivity and synchronization  – which together were worth 12 percent of the score. In the new version, cloud and virtualization are now worth 12 percent on their own.

Much of the cloud knowledge covered is the same, but new cloud-related topics listed in the 220-1002 exam objectives include:
  • Shared resources (internal versus external)
  • Off-site email applications
  • Cloud file-storage services
  • Virtual application streaming and cloud-based apps
  • Virtual desktops
The change reflects the growing complexity of the environments that IT support professionals need to understand and operate in. As Sears explained: “With the new A+ certification, there’s attention paid to devices other than laptops and mobile phones. There is discussion of how to support IoT devices. It all ties back to an increase in the sophistication of these technological environments.”
Other changes in the various domains represent current IT and technology trends. For example, phablets (devices between phones and tablets) and docking stations are out from the mobile domain, while VR/AR headsets are in; syncing to automobiles was added under mobile-device synchronization methods; and more networking protocols are included, such as 5G, under wireless networking protocols.

New Core 2 Objectives: Bigger Emphasis on Security
The 220-1002 exam takes security skills to the next level, according to CompTIA. For example, it’s no longer enough to simply recognize malware – you need to be able to detect and remove it.
Changes to the security domain include:
  • Physical and logical (digital) security practices have been separated into individual sections 
  • New concepts have been introduced, such as the “principle of least privilege” and mobile-device management (MDM) policies
  • Social engineering has been expanded and includes a lot of other vectors beyond phishing, like spearphishing, shoulder-surfing and even dumpster-diving
  • Workstation security practices have been expanded to include basic active directory functions like account deletion

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT
  • Chapter 2: Connectivity
  • Chapter 3: On the Motherboard
  • Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration
  • Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power.
  • Chapter 6: Memory
  • Chapter 7: Storage Devices
  • Chapter 8: Multimedia Devices
  • Chapter 9: Printers
  • Chapter 10: Mobile Devices
  • Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review
  • Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies
  • Chapter 13: Networking
  • Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems
  • Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting
  • Chapter 16: Advanced Windows
  • Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems
  • Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security
  • Chapter 19: Operational Procedures

Cheryl Schmidt is a professor of Network Engineering Technology at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Prior to joining the faculty ranks, she oversaw the LAN and PC support for the college and other organizations. She started her career as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy. She teaches computer repair and various networking topics, including CCNA, network management, and network design. She has published other works with Pearson, including IP Telephony Using CallManager Express and Routing and Switching in the Enterprise Lab Guide.

Cheryl has won awards for teaching and technology, including Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Innovative  Teacher of the Year, Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence Award, and Cisco Networking Academy Stand Out Instructor. She has presented at U.S. and international conferences. Cheryl keeps busy maintaining her technical certifications and teaching but also loves to travel, hike, do all types of puzzles, and read.

Need help? Get in touch

uCertify

The Pearson uCertify Courses and Labs combine Pearson's authorized and peer-reviewed content with uCertify's accessible, flexible, and scalable online learning platform. All Courses and Labs are mapped directly to Pearson texts to make integration into your current courses easy and convenient

The uCertify Courses are a foundational learning tool and come with the complete Pearson interactive e-text, pre- and post- assessments, quizzes, exercises, tests, instructional videos, and more. The uCertify Labs and Simulators provide hands-on skills and bridge the gap between conceptual knowledge and real-world application

Pearson+

All in one place. Pearson+ offers instant access to eTextbooks, videos and study tools in one intuitive interface. Students choose how they learn best with enhanced search, audio and flashcards. The Pearson+ app lets them read where life takes them, no wi-fi needed. Students can access Pearson+ through a subscription or their MyLab or Mastering course.

Video
Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Video transcript (PDF | 16KB) 

Pearson eTextbook: What’s on the inside just might surprise you

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. It’s the same with your students. Meet each one right where they are with an engaging, interactive, personalized learning experience that goes beyond the textbook to fit any schedule, any budget, and any lifestyle. 

Digital Learning NOW

Extend your professional development and meet your students where they are with free weekly Digital Learning NOW webinars. Attend live, watch on-demand, or listen at your leisure to expand your teaching strategies. Earn digital professional development badges for attending a live session.

Explore webinars