CompTIA A+ Certification kursus/course. In English. Also remote.

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.

This course is intended for those wishing to improve their skills in PC support and administration and qualify with CompTIA A+ certification. CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. Popular job roles which benefit from CompTIA A+ certification include:

• Service Desk Analyst
• Help Desk Technician
• Technical Support Specialist
• Field Service Technician
• Associate Network Engineer
• Data Support Technician
• Desktop Support Administrator
• End User Computing Technician
• System Support Specialist

This course can help prepare for other technical qualifications and act as groundwork for more advanced training, including CompTIA Network+ Certification, CompTIA Security+ Certification, CompTIA Server+ Certification, CCNA, MCTS, MCITP, MCSE and a number of HP certifications.

Prerequisites

You should have extensive experience using a PC, Windows and browsing the web. You should be able to:

• Use a keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen
• Recognise the main components of a PC (such as case, monitor, mouse and keyboard) and different data media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs
• Start the computer and navigate the desktop
• Use Windows Explorer to create directories and subdirectories and move, copy or rename files and directories
• Connect to a network
• Use Internet Explorer to view websites

Duration

5 days. Hands on.

Course Objectives

CompTIA A+ is the only industry recognized credential with performance-based items to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment. It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in end point management & technical support roles. CompTIA A+ is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.

This course has been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and passing the CompTIA A+ certification exams, as well as other similar qualifications. After successfully completing this course you will have the skills to:

• Support basic IT infrastructure, including endpoint management, advanced device connectivity troubleshooting, and basic networking
• Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware, including components, connectors and peripherals
• Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
• Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals, including detecting and removing malware, addressing privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening
• Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
• Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and the use of scripting in IT support

In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Core 1 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Core 2 covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each exam is 90 minutes and includes a mix of multiple choice, drag and drop, and performance-based questions.

CompTIA A+ is accredited by ANSI as meeting the ISO/IEC 17024 standard and is approved by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to fulfill Directive 8570.01-M requirements.

Course Content

Mobile Devices

Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components
Hardware/device replacement

Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop
Types
WiFi antenna connector/placement
Webcam
Microphone
Inverter
Digitizer/touchscreen

Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
Special function keys
Docking station
Port replicator
Physical laptop lock and cable lock
Rotating/removable screens

Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
Tablets
Smartphones
Wearable technology devices
E-readers
GPS

Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices
Connection types
Accessories

Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support
Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
Bluetooth
Corporate and ISP email configuration
Integrated commercial provider email configuration
Radio firmware
IMEI vs. IMSI
VPN

Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization
Synchronization methods
Types of data to synchronize
Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO)
Software requirements to install the application on the PC
Connection types to enable synchronization

Networking

Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes
Ports and protocols
TCP vs. UDP

Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices
Routers
Switches
Access points
Cloud-based network controller
Firewall
Network interface card
Repeater
Hub
Cable/DSL modem
Bridge
Patch panel
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Ethernet over Power

Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network
Router/switch functionality
Access point settings
IP addressing
NIC configuration
End-user device configuration
IoT device configuration
Cable/DSL modem configuration
Firewall settings
QoS
Wireless settings

Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols
802.11a
802.11b
802.11g
802.11n
802.11ac
Frequencies
Channels
Bluetooth
NFC
RFID
Zigbee
Z-Wave
3G
4G
5G
LTE

Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts
Server roles
Internet appliance
Legacy/embedded systems

Explain common network configuration concepts
IP addressing
DNS
DHCP
IPv4 vs. IPv6
Subnet mask
Gateway
VPN
VLAN
NAT

Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features
Internet connection types
Network types

Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
Crimper
Cable stripper
Multimeter
Tone generator and probe
Cable tester
Loopback plug
Punchdown tool
WiFi analyzer

Hardware

Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes
Network cables
Video cables
Multipurpose cables
Peripheral cables
Hard drive cables
Adapters

Identify common connector types
RJ-11
RJ-45
RS-232
BNC
RG-59
RG-6
USB
Micro-USB
Mini-USB
USB-C
DB-9
Lightning
SCSI
eSATA
Molex

Given a scenario, install RAM types
RAM types
Single channel
Dual channel
Triple channel
Error correcting
Parity vs. non-parity

Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
Optical drives
Solid-state drives
Magnetic hard drives
Hybrid drives
Flash
Configurations

Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards
Motherboard form factor
Motherboard connectors types
BIOS/UEFI settings
CMOS battery
CPU features
Compatibility
Cooling mechanism
Expansion cards

Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types
Printer
ADF/flatbed scanner
Barcode scanner/QR scanner
Monitors
VR headset
Optical drive types
Mouse
Keyboard
Touchpad
Signature pad
Game controllers
Camera/webcam
Microphone
Speakers
Headset
Projector
External storage drives
KVM
Magnetic reader/chip reader
NFC/tap pay device
Smart card reader

Summarize power supply types and features
Input 115V vs. 220V
Output 5V vs. 12V
24-pin motherboard adapter
Wattage rating
Number of devices/types of devices to be powered

Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs
Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
Audio/video editing workstation
Virtualization workstation
Gaming PC
Network attached storage device
Standard thick client
Thin client

Given a scenario, install and configure common devices
Desktop
Laptop/common mobile devices

Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings
Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
Device sharing
Public/shared devices

Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies
Laser
Inkjet
Thermal
Impact
Virtual
3D printers

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts
Common cloud models
Shared resources
Rapid elasticity
On-demand
Resource pooling
Measured service
Metered
Off-site email applications
Cloud file storage services
Virtual application streaming/cloud-based applications
Virtual desktop

Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization
Purpose of virtual machines
Resource requirements
Emulator requirements
Security requirements
Network requirements
Hypervisor

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems
Always consider corporate policies, procedures, and impacts before implementing changes
Identify the problem
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
Test the theory to determine cause
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
Document findings, actions, and outcomes

Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
Common symptoms
Disassembling processes for proper reassembly

Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems
Common symptoms

Operating Systems

Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes
32-bit vs. 64-bit
Workstation operating systems
Cell phone/tablet operating systems
Vendor-specific limitations
Compatibility concerns between operating systems

Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 10
Corporate vs. personal needs
Desktop styles/user interface

Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods
Boot methods
Type of installations
Partitioning
File system types/formatting
Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
Workgroup vs. Domain setup
Time/date/region/language settings
Driver installation, software, and Windows updates
Factory recovery partition
Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
Application compatibility
OS compatibility/upgrade path

Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools
Navigation
ipconfig
ping
tracert
netstat
nslookup
shutdown
dism
sfc
chkdsk
diskpart
taskkill
gpupdate
gpresult
format
copy
xcopy
robocopy
net use
net user
[command name] /?
Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges

Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools
Administrative
MSConfig
Task Manager
Disk Management
System utilities

Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities
Internet Options
Display/Display Settings
User Accounts
Folder Options
System
Windows Firewall
Power Options
Credential Manager
Programs and features
HomeGroup
Devices and Printers
Sound
Troubleshooting
Network and Sharing Center
Device Manager
BitLocker
Sync Center

Summarize application installation and configuration concepts
System requirements
OS requirements
Methods of installation and deployment
Local user permissions
Security considerations

Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop
HomeGroup vs. Workgroup
Domain setup
Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
Establish networking connections
Proxy settings
Remote Desktop Connection
Remote Assistance
Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
Firewall settings
Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
Network card properties

Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems
Best practices
Tools
Features
Basic Linux commands

Security

Summarize the importance of physical security measures
Mantrap
Badge reader
Smart card
Security guard
Door lock
Biometric locks
Hardware tokens
Cable locks
Server locks
USB locks
Privacy screen
Key fobs
Entry control roster

Explain logical security concepts
Active Directory
Software tokens
MDM policies
Port security
MAC address filtering
Certificates
Antivirus/Anti-malware
Firewalls
User authentication/strong passwords
Multifactor authentication
Directory permissions
VPN
DLP
Access control lists
Smart card
Email filtering
Trusted/untrusted software sources
Principle of least privilege

Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
Protocols and encryption
Authentication

Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods
Malware
Tools and methods

Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities
Social engineering
DDoS
DoS
Zero-day
Man-in-the-middle
Brute force
Dictionary
Rainbow table
Spoofing
Non-compliant systems
Zombie

Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings
User and groups
NTFS vs. share permissions
Shared files and folders
System files and folders
User authentication
Run as administrator vs. standard user
BitLocker
BitLocker To Go
EFS

Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation
Password best practices
Account management
Disable autorun
Data encryption
Patch/update management

Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices
Screen locks
Remote wipes
Locator applications
Remote backup applications
Failed login attempts restrictions
Antivirus/Anti-malware
Patching/OS updates
Biometric authentication
Full device encryption
Multifactor authentication
Authenticator applications
Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
Firewalls
Policies and procedures

Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
Physical destruction
Recycling or repurposing best practices

Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks
Wireless-specific
Change default usernames and passwords
Enable MAC filtering
Assign static IP addresses
Firewall settings
Port forwarding/mapping
Disabling ports
Content filtering/parental controls
Update firmware
Physical security

Software Troubleshooting

Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems
Common symptoms
Common solutions

Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal
Identify and research malware symptoms
Quarantine the infected systems
Disable System Restore (in Windows)
Remediate the infected systems
Schedule scans and run updates
Enable System Restore and create a restore point (in Windows)
Educate the end user

Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues
Common symptoms

Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues
Common symptoms

Operational Procedures

Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation
Network topology diagrams
Knowledge base/articles
Incident documentation
Regulatory and compliance policy
Acceptable use policy
Password policy
Inventory management

Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices
Documented business processes
Purpose of the change
Scope the change
Risk analysis
Plan for change
End-user acceptance
Change board
Backout plan
Document changes

Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods
Backup and recovery
Backup testing
UPS
Surge protector
Cloud storage vs. local storage backups
Account recovery options

Explain common safety procedures
Equipment grounding
Proper component handling and storage
Toxic waste handling
Personal safety
Compliance with government regulations

Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls
MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
Protection from airborne particles
Dust and debris
Compliance to government regulations

Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts
Incident response
Licensing/DRM/EULA
Regulated data
Follow all policies and security best practices

Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism
Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
Maintain a positive attitude/project confidence
Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
Be culturally sensitive
Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
Avoid distractions
Dealing with difficult customers or situations
Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials

Identify the basics of scripting
Script file types
Environment variables
Comment syntax
Basic script constructs
Basic data types

Given a scenario, use remote access technologies
RDP
Telnet
SSH
Third-party tools
Security considerations of each access method