ISBN-10: 0768681448
ISBN-13: 9780768681444
Publisher: Exam Cram
Copyright: 2008
Format: On-line Supplement; 1296 pp
Published: 04/08/2008
This is the Safari online edition of the printed book.
This book covers every skill measured by the latest A+ Exams including:
- Understanding all essential PC terminology, concepts, internal components, and peripherals
- Installing, upgrading, configuring, and optimizing PC components
- Troubleshooting hardware and performing essential preventive maintenance
- Mastering today’s best practices for professionalism and client communications
- Managing storage, printers, and scanners
- Maintaining laptops and other portable devices
- Performing advanced component installation, upgrade, and troubleshooting
- Installing, upgrading, repairing, and optimizing all Windows operating systems covered on the A+ exams
- Securing PCs and safeguarding their contents against data loss
- Setting up networks and troubleshooting network connectivity issues
- Understanding and managing computer-related safety and environmental issues
WRITTEN BY A LEADING A+ EXPERT
Charles J. Brooks is currently co-owner and vice president of Educational Technologies Group Inc., as well as co-owner of eITPrep LLP, an online training company. He is in charge of research and product development at both organizations. A former electronics instructor and technical writer with the National Education Corporation, Charles taught and wrote on post-secondary EET curriculum, including introductory electronics, transistor theory, linear integrated circuits, basic digital theory, industrial electronics, microprocessors, and computer peripherals. Charles has authored several books, including the first five editions of A+ Certification Training Guide, The Complete Introductory Computer Course, and IBM PC Peripheral Troubleshooting and Repair. He also writes about networking, residential technology integration, and convergence.
CD Features MeasureUp Practice Questions!
The CD features innovative testing software powered by MeasureUp, with an extensive collection of additional practice questions. This state-of-the-art study system can help you get completely ready for any current A+ exams: A+ Essentials, 220-602, 220-603, or 220-604!
- Multiple test modes, so you can study in the way that’s most comfortable for you
- Detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers help you thoroughly understand every A+ topic
- Helps you quickly identify your strengths–and fix your weaknesses
www.examcram.com
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3565-2
ISBN-10: 0-7897-3565-2
U.S. $59.99
CAN. $65.99
U.K. £42.99 (inc. of VAT)
Introduction.................................................................................... 1
How This Book Helps You..................................................... 2
Organization.............................................................. 2
Instructional Features................................................. 3
Extensive Practice Test Options.................................. 3
Final Review............................................................... 4
Registering for the Exam....................................................... 4
Hardware and Software You Will Need................................... 5
Advice on Taking the Exam................................................... 5
Chapter 1 Basic PC Terms and Concepts........................................ 7
Introduction....................................................................... 10
The PC System................................................................... 10
System Unit Cases................................................... 11
Form Factors........................................................... 20
Power Supplies......................................................... 22
System Boards (Motherboards)................................ 26
Microprocessor........................................................ 28
Chipsets.................................................................. 30
Memory Units (RAM and ROM)................................. 32
Basic Input/Output Systems (BIOS).......................... 34
System Configuration Settings.................................. 37
Expansion Slots........................................................ 39
Adapter Cards.......................................................... 41
Data Storage Devices............................................... 44
Removable Storage.................................................. 48
Peripherals and Ports................................................ 50
Video Displays.......................................................... 54
Printers.................................................................... 56
Exam Prep Questions.......................................................... 57
Answers and Explanations................................................... 62
Challenge Solution.............................................................. 64
Chapter 2 PC System Boards...................................................... 65
Introduction....................................................................... 67
System Board Form Factors............................................... 67
ATX System Boards................................................. 67
BTX System Boards................................................. 69
Low-Profile Form Factors......................................... 72
Pentium Chipsets..................................................... 73
System Bus Speeds................................................. 78
Expansion Slots.................................................................. 79
PCI Local Bus........................................................... 79
PCI-X....................................................................... 82
PCI Express............................................................. 82
AGP Slots................................................................ 85
Audio Modem Risers (AMR) and Communication Networking Risers (CNR) 87
Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Components.................... 87
I/O Ports............................................................................ 88
Onboard Disk Drive Connections............................... 89
SCSI Connections.................................................... 93
Processor Socket Specifications.......................................... 94
AMD Slots and Sockets............................................ 96
DRAM Sockets.................................................................... 98
CMOS RAM......................................................................... 98
CMOS Setup Utilities................................................. 98
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 112
Answers and Explanations................................................. 117
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 119
Chapter 3 Microprocessors........................................................ 121
Introduction..................................................................... 123
Intel Microprocessors........................................................ 123
The Pentium Processor........................................... 123
Advanced Pentium Architectures............................. 125
Intel Dual-Core Processors..................................... 132
Advanced Intel Microprocessor Technologies........... 134
AMD Processors............................................................... 135
Athlon 64 Processors............................................. 137
Duron Processors................................................... 138
Athlon Dual-Core Processors.................................. 138
Opteron Processors............................................... 141
Microprocessor Clock Speeds............................................ 144
Processor Power Supply Levels......................................... 145
Configuring Microprocessors and Buses............................. 146
Fans, Heat Sinks, and Cooling Systems............................. 148
BTX Thermal Module............................................... 150
Advanced Cooling Systems..................................... 150
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 155
Answers and Explanations................................................. 158
Challenge Solution............................................................ 160
Chapter 4 Random Access Memory (RAM)................................. 161
Introduction..................................................................... 163
SRAM and DRAM............................................................... 163
SRAM Types........................................................... 164
Advanced DRAM Types........................................... 164
Memory Overhead............................................................ 167
Error Checking and Correcting................................ 168
Cache Memory Operations..................................... 171
RAM Packaging................................................................. 172
RIMM..................................................................... 173
RAM Speed Ratings................................................ 174
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 178
Answers and Explanations................................................. 180
Challenge Solution............................................................ 181
Chapter 5 Data Storage Systems.............................................. 183
Introduction..................................................................... 185
Hard-Disk Drives (HDD).................................................... 185
Personal Video Recorders....................................... 188
RAID Systems........................................................ 190
Floppy-Disk Drives................................................. 196
Magnetic Tape Drives............................................. 197
Optical Storage................................................................. 199
CD-ROM Drives...................................................... 199
DVDs..................................................................... 204
Disk Drive Interfaces......................................................... 205
Internal Disk-Drive Interfaces.................................. 206
IDE/ATA Interface................................................... 206
Serial ATA (SATA) Interface.................................... 209
Floppy-Drive Interface............................................ 210
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)............... 211
Removable Storage.......................................................... 220
Flash Memory........................................................ 220
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 225
Answers and Explanations................................................. 228
Chapter 6 Ports and Peripherals................................................. 231
Introduction..................................................................... 233
Input/Output Interfaces.................................................... 233
Initiating I/O Transfers............................................ 233
System Resource Allocations.................................. 234
Ports, Cables, and Connectors.......................................... 237
PS/2 Connectors.................................................... 237
Universal Serial Bus (USB)...................................... 238
IEEE-1394 FireWire Bus.......................................... 243
Multimedia Connections.......................................... 245
Legacy Ports.......................................................... 250
Parallel Ports.......................................................... 251
RS-232 Serial Ports................................................ 253
Game Ports........................................................... 255
Typical Peripheral Systems................................................ 256
Keyboards............................................................. 257
Pointing Devices..................................................... 258
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 278
Answers and Explanations................................................. 282
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 283
Chapter 7 Installing, Upgrading, Configuring, and Optimizing PC Components 285
Introduction..................................................................... 287
Installing Storage Devices................................................. 287
Installing Internal Storage Devices........................... 287
HDD Installation..................................................... 288
Installing SCSI Adapter Cards.................................. 295
Installing CD-ROM/DVD Drives................................ 303
Installing CD-RW and DVD±RW Drives..................... 304
Installing a Floppy Disk Drive................................... 304
Installing External Storage Devices in Desktop PCs... 305
Upgrading and Optimizing Disk Drives................................ 306
HDD Upgrading....................................................... 306
Disk Drive Subsystem Enhancements...................... 307
Installing Video/Monitor Systems....................................... 310
Installing Standard PC Input Devices.................................. 311
Installing Scanners.................................................. 312
Installing Bar Code Scanners................................... 313
Installing Sound Cards............................................ 314
Installing Digital Cameras........................................ 314
Installing Adapter Card-Based Peripherals................ 316
Installing Devices Using USB, IEEE-1394, PC Card, and IrDA 318
Upgrading Peripheral Devices.................................. 321
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 322
Answers and Explanations................................................. 324
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 325
Chapter 8 Basic Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance Techniques 327
Introduction..................................................................... 330
Basic PC Troubleshooting.................................................. 330
Diagnostic and Repair Tools.................................... 331
Gathering Information............................................ 332
Initial Troubleshooting Steps................................... 334
Symptoms/Error Codes......................................... 336
Determining Hardware/Software/Configuration Problems 339
Using a Multimeter............................................................ 343
Field-Replaceable Unit Troubleshooting.................... 348
Basic Preventive Maintenance............................................ 350
Cleaning................................................................. 350
Preventive Maintenance Procedures........................ 352
Protecting Display Systems..................................... 355
Protecting Hard-Disk Drives.................................... 357
Protecting Removable Media Drives......................... 359
Protecting Input Devices......................................... 361
Preventive Maintenance Scheduling......................... 363
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 366
Answers and Explanations................................................. 369
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 371
Chapter 9 Advanced PC Troubleshooting.................................... 373
Introduction..................................................................... 376
Isolating Power Supply Problems....................................... 376
Checking a Dead System........................................ 377
Troubleshooting the System Board.................................... 379
System Board Symptoms...................................... 380
Configuration Checks............................................. 382
Hardware Checks................................................... 382
Troubleshooting Keyboard Problems....................... 388
Troubleshooting Mouse Problems............................ 391
Troubleshooting Video Systems.............................. 394
Troubleshooting HDDs............................................ 400
Troubleshooting CD-ROM and DVD Drives............... 406
Troubleshooting FDDs............................................ 410
Troubleshooting Tape Drives................................... 412
Troubleshooting Other Removable Storage Systems 413
Troubleshooting Port Problems............................... 414
IEEE-1394 Adapters and Ports.......................................... 417
Troubleshooting Sound Cards................................. 419
Troubleshooting Front Panel Connections................ 421
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 423
Answers and Explanations................................................. 428
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 430
Chapter 10 Portable Computer Fundamentals............................ 431
Introduction..................................................................... 434
Inside Portables................................................................ 434
Portable System Boards................................................... 435
Microprocessors in Portables.................................. 437
Pentium IIIM and 4M Processors............................. 438
Pentium M Processors............................................ 439
Centrino................................................................ 440
Pentium M Celerons............................................... 440
Core Duo Processors............................................. 441
AMD Mobile Processors.......................................... 443
Portable Memory.............................................................. 443
Upgrading Portable Memory.................................... 445
Portable Drives................................................................. 447
Upgrading/Replacing Portable Drives........................ 448
Portable Display Types...................................................... 449
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)................................. 449
Portable Keyboards.......................................................... 453
Trackballs......................................................................... 454
Touch Pads...................................................................... 455
Pointing Sticks.................................................................. 456
External Portable I/O........................................................ 457
Peripheral Storage Devices..................................... 458
External Floppy Disk Drives..................................... 458
External CD-ROM/DVD Drives................................. 458
Removable Storage................................................ 459
PC Cards.......................................................................... 460
Cardbus................................................................. 462
Adding PC Card Memory......................................... 462
Installing PC Cards.................................................. 463
Installing PC Card Support...................................... 464
Mini PCI/PCI Express Mini Cards.............................. 464
Networking Portables........................................................ 466
Wireless Networking with Portables......................... 467
Portable Power Sources.................................................... 471
Power Consumption............................................... 472
Power Management............................................... 473
Docking Stations.............................................................. 475
Port Replicators...................................................... 476
Portable System Upgrading............................................... 476
Upgrading Batteries................................................ 476
Upgrading PC Cards................................................ 477
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 479
Answers and Explanations................................................. 482
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 484
Chapter 11 Maintaining and Repairing Portable Computers.......... 485
Introduction..................................................................... 487
Troubleshooting Portable Systems.................................... 487
Common LCD Display Problems........................................ 489
Replacing the LCD Panel.......................................... 491
Troubleshooting Portable Keyboards.................................. 492
Troubleshooting Touch Pads.............................................. 493
Troubleshooting Portable Unique Storage........................... 493
Troubleshooting Infrared Ports.......................................... 495
Troubleshooting PCMCIA................................................... 496
Troubleshooting Portable Power Issues.............................. 497
Troubleshooting Docking Stations/Port Replicators............. 499
Portable Preventative Maintenance.................................... 500
Rough Handling...................................................... 501
Thermal Issues....................................................... 502
Cleaning................................................................. 502
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 503
Answers and Explanations................................................. 504
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 505
Chapter 12 Windows Operating Systems................................... 507
Introduction..................................................................... 509
Operating Systems........................................................... 509
Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).............................. 510
The Windows NT Product Line........................................... 512
Windows Active Directory....................................... 515
Windows 2000....................................................... 516
Windows XP........................................................... 518
Windows 2003 Server............................................ 519
Windows Vista Operating Systems.......................... 520
Navigating Windows 2000/XP........................................... 520
Windows 2000/XP Desktops.................................. 521
Drop-Down Menus................................................. 527
The Taskbar........................................................... 530
Start Menu............................................................. 531
Windows 2000 Control Panel.................................. 536
Windows Explorer.................................................. 544
Windows XP Interface Variations............................. 547
Windows XP Media Center Interfaces...................... 553
Command Prompt Procedures.......................................... 562
Working from the Command Line........................... 563
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 570
Answers and Explanations................................................. 574
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 576
Chapter 13 Major Windows Structures....................................... 577
Introduction..................................................................... 579
The PC Hardware Startup Process..................................... 579
Windows 2000/XP Structures........................................... 585
System Memory Management................................ 586
Windows 2000/XP Registries.................................. 588
Windows 2000/XP File Systems........................................ 592
Managing Partitions................................................ 592
High-Level Formatting............................................ 594
FAT Disk Organization............................................ 594
NTFS Disk Organization.......................................... 600
Files and Filenames........................................................... 611
File Types.............................................................. 611
Windows 2000/XP Files.......................................... 612
File Encryption and Compression............................. 613
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 617
Answers and Explanations................................................. 620
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 622
Chapter 14 Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems.............. 623
Introduction..................................................................... 625
Installing Windows 2000/XP.............................................. 625
Installation Methods............................................... 626
Hard Disk Drive Preparation.................................... 631
Managing Patches and Service Packs....................... 632
Troubleshooting General Setup Problems................ 634
Installing Windows 2000 Professional................................ 635
Windows 2000 Setup Problems.............................. 637
Installing Windows XP Professional..................................... 639
Windows XP MCE Hardware Requirements.............. 641
Windows XP Setup Problems.................................. 642
Operating System Upgrading............................................. 643
Upgrading to Windows 2000................................... 644
Upgrading to Windows XP....................................... 647
Performing Local Upgrades..................................... 648
Upgrade Problems............................................................ 650
Dual Booting.......................................................... 651
Loading and Adding Device Drivers..................................... 653
2000/XP Device Drivers.......................................... 654
SATA Drivers.......................................................... 655
Finding Drivers....................................................... 655
Driver Signing......................................................... 656
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 658
Answers and Explanations................................................. 661
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 662
Chapter 15 Optimizing Operating Systems................................. 665
Introduction..................................................................... 667
Optimizing Windows 2000/XP Performance....................... 667
Optimizing Virtual Memory...................................... 668
Optimizing the Disk Drive System........................... 669
Managing Temporary Files...................................... 671
Optimizing System Services.................................... 673
Modifying the Startup Process................................. 674
Monitoring System Performance............................. 677
Monitoring Application Performance with System Monitor 678
Software Maintenance............................................ 684
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 687
Answers and Explanations................................................. 688
Challenge Solution............................................................ 689
Chapter 16 Operating System Utilities........................................ 691
Introduction..................................................................... 693
Windows Disk-Management Tools..................................... 693
Disk Cleanup.......................................................... 694
CHKDSK................................................................ 695
HDD Defragmentation............................................ 696
Backups................................................................. 698
Removable Storage Utility...................................... 709
Windows 2000/XP System Management Tools.................. 710
Event Viewer.......................................................... 710
Windows 2000/XP System Information................... 713
Windows XP System Restore.................................. 715
Task Manager........................................................ 716
Device Manager..................................................... 717
MSCONFIG.EXE...................................................... 721
Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance Features.. 722
File Management Tools..................................................... 723
System Editors...................................................... 723
Dr. Watson............................................................ 725
Command-Line Utilities..................................................... 726
Windows Troubleshooting Help Files.................................. 728
Internet Help.......................................................... 731
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 733
Answers and Explanations................................................. 737
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 740
Chapter 17 Basic Operating System Troubleshooting and Maintenance 741
Introduction..................................................................... 744
General OS Troubleshooting Process................................. 745
Troubleshooting Startup Problems..................................... 745
General Boot/Startup Problems.............................. 746
Windows 2000/XP Startup Tools............................ 747
Using Windows XP System Restore......................... 761
Windows 2000/XP Startup Problems....................... 766
Common OS Operational Problems................................... 770
Optional Devices Do Not Operate............................ 770
Troubleshooting Stop-Errors................................... 771
Windows 2000/XP Application Problems.................. 773
Windows-Related Local Printing Problems................ 778
Using Remote Desktop/Assistance.................................... 780
Configuring the Remote Desktop Function............... 780
Conducting Remote Desktop Sessions.................... 781
Using Remote Assistance........................................ 783
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 787
Answers and Explanations................................................. 791
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 793
Chapter 18 Printers and Scanners.............................................. 795
Introduction..................................................................... 798
Printer Types.................................................................... 798
Fonts..................................................................... 799
Basic Printer Components....................................... 800
Dot-Matrix Printers................................................. 802
Dot-Matrix Printer Mechanics.................................. 805
Thermal Printers..................................................... 807
Inkjet Printers........................................................ 808
Laser Printers......................................................... 812
Dye Sublimation Printers......................................... 818
Printer Installation............................................................. 819
USB Printers........................................................... 820
Networked Printers................................................ 821
Wireless Printer Interfaces...................................... 822
Infrared Printer Ports.............................................. 822
Legacy Printer Interfaces........................................ 823
Printer Drivers........................................................ 826
Printer Control Panel Configuration.......................... 828
Printer Calibration................................................... 829
Printer Options and Upgrades.................................. 831
Printing in Windows........................................................... 833
Establishing Printers in Windows.............................. 836
Printer Properties................................................... 838
Network Printing with Windows............................... 839
Scanners.......................................................................... 840
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 845
Answers and Explanations................................................. 850
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 852
Chapter 19 Printer and Scanner Servicing................................... 853
Introduction..................................................................... 856
Servicing Printers.............................................................. 856
General Printer Troubleshooting.............................. 857
Troubleshooting Dot-Matrix Printers.................................. 860
Dot-Matrix Printer Power Supply Problems.............. 861
Dot-Matrix Consumables........................................ 861
Printhead Not Printing............................................. 863
Printhead Not Moving............................................. 865
Paper Not Advancing.............................................. 866
Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers.......................................... 867
Inkjet Printer Configuration Checks......................... 868
Inkjet Consumables............................................... 868
Printhead Not Printing............................................. 870
Printhead Not Moving............................................. 870
Paper Not Advancing.............................................. 871
Troubleshooting Laser Printers.......................................... 872
Laser Printer Consumables..................................... 873
Printer Is Dead or Partially Disabled......................... 874
Print on Page Is Missing or Bad............................... 875
Paper Does Not Feed or Is Jammed........................ 877
Troubleshooting Scanners................................................. 879
Image Quality Problems.......................................... 880
Checking the Host System..................................... 881
Interface Cables..................................................... 882
Preventive Maintenance and Safety Issues......................... 882
Dot-Matrix/Inkjet Printers....................................... 883
Laser Printers......................................................... 883
Laser Safety Issues................................................ 884
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 885
Answers and Explanations................................................. 890
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 892
Chapter 20 Basic Networking Concepts..................................... 895
Introduction..................................................................... 897
Local Area Networks (LANs)............................................. 897
LAN Topologies...................................................... 898
Network Control Strategies.................................... 900
Network Connectivity Devices................................ 903
Network Transmission Media............................................. 907
Copper Cabling....................................................... 907
Fiber-Optic Cable.................................................... 913
Plenum Cable......................................................... 916
Wireless Infrared Links............................................ 916
Wireless RF Links.................................................... 917
Network Architectures...................................................... 920
Ethernet................................................................ 921
Networking Protocols....................................................... 926
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 928
Answers and Explanations................................................. 934
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 936
Chapter 21 Installing Local Area Networks (LANs)...................... 937
Introduction..................................................................... 939
Installing and Configuring LAN Components........................ 939
LAN Adapter Cards................................................. 939
Installing LAN Cards................................................ 941
Optimizing Network Adapters................................. 942
Installing Wireless LANs........................................... 943
Installing Network Components in Windows 2000/XP Control Panels 951
Configuring Clients in Windows 2000/XP.................. 955
Configuring Protocols in Windows 2000/XP............. 955
Networking with Novell NetWare............................. 959
Sharing Network Resources.............................................. 960
Network Shares..................................................... 961
Mapping a Drive..................................................... 965
Exam Prep Questions........................................................ 967
Answers and Explanations................................................. 969
Challenge Solutions........................................................... 970
Chapter 22 Wide Area Networking............................................. 973
Introduction..................................................................... 976
Internet Connectivity........................................................ 976
Internet Service Providers....................................... 977
IP Addresses.......................................................... 978
Internet Domains................................................... 983
Internet Access Methods................................................... 984
LAN Access to the Internet..................................... 985
Dial-Up Access....................................................... 987
ISDN Connections.................................................. 995
Digital Subscriber Lines........................................... 996
Cable Modems..................................................... 1002
Installing Digital Modems....................................... 1004
Satellite Internet Access....................................... 1006
Wireless Internet Access....................................... 1008
Voice Over IP....................................................... 1008
TCP/IP........................................................................... 1010
The TCP/IP Suite.................................................. 1011
Internet Resources......................................................... 1015
The World Wide Web............................................ 1015
File Transfer Protocol (FTP).................................. 1017
Email................................................................... 1018
Secure Socket Layer Protocol............................... 1018
Telnet.................................................................. 1020
Web Browsers................................................................ 1020
Establishing Internet Browser Security Options...... 1022
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1026
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1031
Challenge Solutions......................................................... 1034
Chapter 23 Network Troubleshooting...................................... 1035
Introduction................................................................... 1037
Basic Network Troubleshooting....................................... 1037
Network Troubleshooting Tools............................ 1038
Troubleshooting LANS..................................................... 1042
Service Access Problems...................................... 1043
Checking the NIC................................................. 1043
Checking Cabling.................................................. 1045
Checking Connectivity Devices.............................. 1045
Windows-Related LAN Problems............................ 1046
Troubleshooting Wireless Networks....................... 1050
Troubleshooting Network Printing Problems........... 1052
Troubleshooting WAN Problems....................................... 1055
Troubleshooting Broadband Problems................... 1056
Troubleshooting Dial-Up Problems......................... 1059
Windows Modem Checks...................................... 1063
Troubleshooting Browser Problems....................... 1064
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1067
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1069
Challenge Solutions......................................................... 1070
Chapter 24 Security................................................................ 1073
Introduction................................................................... 1077
Computer Security......................................................... 1077
Access Control..................................................... 1078
PC Hardware Security........................................... 1080
Environmental Security Issues.............................. 1086
Software Security................................................ 1086
Windows Network Security............................................. 1089
Administering Windows Networks......................... 1090
Establishing Wireless Security................................ 1103
Firewalls.............................................................. 1105
Malicious Program Security............................................. 1112
Viruses................................................................ 1112
Establishing and Implementing Malicious Software Protection 1115
Social Engineering................................................. 1121
Spoofing and Phishing........................................... 1122
Pharming............................................................. 1123
Session Hijacking................................................. 1123
Identity Theft....................................................... 1124
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1125
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1128
Challenge Solution.......................................................... 1130
Chapter 25 Safety and Environmental Issues........................... 1131
Introduction................................................................... 1133
Work Area and Safety Issues.......................................... 1133
The Work Area..................................................... 1134
Personal Safety.................................................... 1135
Avoiding Laser and Burn Hazards.......................... 1139
System Protection.......................................................... 1141
Power Line Protection........................................... 1141
Electrostatic Discharge......................................... 1147
Hardware Disposal Procedures........................................ 1153
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1155
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1160
Challenge Solutions......................................................... 1162
Chapter 26 Professionalism and Communication...................... 1163
Introduction................................................................... 1165
Customer Service Skills................................................... 1165
Prepare................................................................ 1167
Establish Rapport................................................. 1168
Establish Your Presence........................................ 1168
Be Proactive........................................................ 1168
Listen and Communicate...................................... 1169
Follow Up............................................................ 1173
Be Responsive..................................................... 1174
Accountability....................................................... 1175
Be Flexible........................................................... 1177
Be Professional.................................................... 1177
Establish Integrity................................................. 1179
Handle Conflicts Appropriately............................... 1182
Telephone Techniques.......................................... 1182
Handle Paperwork and Finish Up........................... 1184
Maintain an Orderly Work Area.............................. 1185
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1186
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1189
Challenge Solutions......................................................... 1191
Chapter 27 Advanced PC Component Installations and Upgrades 1193
Introduction................................................................... 1195
System Board Compatibility Issues....................... 1195
Replacing System Boards..................................... 1196
Replacing System Board FRU Devices.................... 1202
Installing Memory Modules.................................... 1206
Replacing Power Supplies................................................ 1207
Installing Power Supplies....................................... 1208
Power Supply Upgrade Considerations.................. 1210
System Upgrading and Optimizing................................... 1210
System Board Upgrading...................................... 1211
Exam Prep Questions...................................................... 1222
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1225
Challenge Solutions......................................................... 1226
Chapter 28 Essentials Practice Exam........................................ 1229
Questions....................................................................... 1230
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1248
Chapter 29 IT Tech Practice Exam........................................... 1259
Questions....................................................................... 1260
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1280
Chapter 30 Depot Practice Exam............................................. 1291
Questions....................................................................... 1292
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1310
Chapter 31 Remote Support Practice Exam............................. 1321
Questions....................................................................... 1322
Answers and Explanations............................................... 1341
Appendix What’s on the CD-ROM............................................. 1353
Glossary................................................................................... 1357
TOC, 0789735652, 3/27/08
Charles J. Brooks is currently co-owner and vice president of Educational Technologies Group, Inc., as well as co-owner of eITPrep, LLP, an online training company. He is in charge of research and product development at both organizations. A former electronics instructor and technical writer with the National Education Corporation, Charles taught and wrote on postsecondary EET curriculum, including introductory electronics, transistor theory, linear integrated circuits, basic digital theory, industrial electronics, microprocessors, and computer peripherals. Charles is the author of several books, including the first five editions of A+ Certification Training Guide, The Complete Introductory Computer Course, and IBM PC Peripheral Troubleshooting & Repair. He currently writes about networking, residential technology integration, and convergence.
David L. Prowse is currently a network security engineer and is the creator of Guru Computer Training, Inc., a web-based training company. In his spare time over the past decade, he has managed to train more than 2,000 A+ students with great success. A former coder, David enjoys bringing the “hyper technical” to the table, while keeping the reading experience enjoyable. He is the author of the Exam Cram Network+ Lab Manual, which has been showered with excellent reviews. David has also worked as the technical editor on half a dozen Exam Cram projects.
This book covers every skill measured by the latest A+ Exams including:
- Understanding all essential PC terminology, concepts, internal components, and peripherals
- Installing, upgrading, configuring, and optimizing PC components
- Troubleshooting hardware and performing essential preventive maintenance
- Mastering today’s best practices for professionalism and client communications
- Managing storage, printers, and scanners
- Maintaining laptops and other portable devices
- Performing advanced component installation, upgrade, and troubleshooting
- Installing, upgrading, repairing, and optimizing all Windows operating systems covered on the A+ exams
- Securing PCs and safeguarding their contents against data loss
- Setting up networks and troubleshooting network connectivity issues
- Understanding and managing computer-related safety and environmental issues
WRITTEN BY A LEADING A+ EXPERT
Charles J. Brooks is currently co-owner and vice president of Educational Technologies Group Inc., as well as co-owner of eITPrep LLP, an online training company. He is in charge of research and product development at both organizations. A former electronics instructor and technical writer with the National Education Corporation, Charles taught and wrote on post-secondary EET curriculum, including introductory electronics, transistor theory, linear integrated circuits, basic digital theory, industrial electronics, microprocessors, and computer peripherals. Charles has authored several books, including the first five editions of A+ Certification Training Guide, The Complete Introductory Computer Course, and IBM PC Peripheral Troubleshooting and Repair. He also writes about networking, residential technology integration, and convergence.
CD Features MeasureUp Practice Questions!
The CD features innovative testing software powered by MeasureUp, with an extensive collection of additional practice questions. This state-of-the-art study system can help you get completely ready for any current A+ exams: A+ Essentials, 220-602, 220-603, or 220-604!
- Multiple test modes, so you can study in the way that’s most comfortable for you
- Detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers help you thoroughly understand every A+ topic
- Helps you quickly identify your strengths–and fix your weaknesses
www.examcram.com
ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3565-2
ISBN-10: 0-7897-3565-2
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