4830ffirs.fm Page iii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
CompTIA A+
®
Complete
Study Guide
Quentin Docter
Emmett Dulaney
Toby Skandier
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
4830ffirs.fm Page ii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
4830ffirs.fm Page i Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
CompTIA A+
®
Complete
Study Guide
4830ffirs.fm Page ii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
4830ffirs.fm Page iii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
CompTIA A+
®
Complete
Study Guide
Quentin Docter
Emmett Dulaney
Toby Skandier
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
4830ffirs.fm Page iv Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
Acquisitions and Development Editor: Jeff Kellum
Technical Editor: Mike Harwood
Production Editor: Daria Meoli
Copy Editor: Linda Recktenwald
Production Manager: Tim Tate
Vice President and Executive Group Publisher: Richard Swadley
Vice President and Executive Publisher: Joseph B. Wikert
Vice President and Publisher: Neil Edde
Media Development Specialist: Angela Denny
Book Designer: Judy Fung
Compositor: Craig Woods, Happenstance Type-O-Rama
Proofreader: James Brook, Word One
Indexer: Ted Laux
Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico
Cover Designer: Margaret Rowlands
Copyright © 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
ISBN-13: 978-0-4700-4830-6
ISBN-10: 0-4700-4830-1
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4830ffirs.fm Page v Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
The logo of the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum (CAQC) program and the
status of this or other training material as “Authorized” under the CompTIA Authorized
Quality Curriculum program signifies that, in CompTIA’s opinion, such training material
covers the content of the CompTIA’s related certification exam. CompTIA has not
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makes no guarantee concerning the success of persons using any such “Authorized” or
other training material in order to prepare for any CompTIA certification exam.
The contents of this training material were created for the CompTIA A+ exams covering
CompTIA certification objectives that were current as of 2006.
How to become CompTIA certified:
This training material can help you prepare for and pass a related CompTIA certification
exam or exams. In order to achieve CompTIA certification, you must register for and pass
a CompTIA certification exam or exams.
In order to become CompTIA certified, you must:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select a certification exam provider. For more information please visit
http://www.comptia.org/certification/general_information/exam_
locations.aspx
Register for and schedule a time to take the CompTIA certification exam(s) at a
convenient location.
Read and sign the Candidate Agreement, which will be presented as the time
of the exam(s). The text of the Candidate Agreement can be found at http://
www.comptia.org/certification/general_information/candidate_
agreement.aspx.
Take and pass the CompTIA certification exam(s).
For more information about CompTIA’s certifications, such as its industry acceptance,
benefits or program news, please visit http://www.comptia.org/certification/.
CompTIA is a not-for-profit trade information technology (IT) trade association. CompTIA’s
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and knowledge widely sought after by the IT industry.
To contact CompTIA with any questions or comments, please call 630-678-8300 or email
[email protected].
4830ffirs.fm Page vi Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
To Our Valued Readers:
Thank you for looking to Sybex for your CompTIA A+ exam prep needs. We at Sybex are proud
of our reputation for providing certification candidates with the practical knowledge and skills
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those standards.
The authors and editors have worked hard to ensure that this edition of the CompTIA A+
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As always, your feedback is important to us. If you believe you’ve identified an error in the book,
please send a detailed e-mail to
[email protected]. And if you have general comments or suggestions, feel free to drop me a line directly at
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Good luck in pursuit of your A+ certification!
Neil Edde
Vice President & Publisher
Sybex, an Imprint of Wiley
4830ffirs.fm Page vii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
To Kara, Abbie, and Lauren—Quentin Docter
For Karen—Emmett Dulaney
For my wife, Karen. Your support continues to amaze me. None of this would be
possible without you. 143—Toby Skandier
4830ffirs.fm Page viii Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
Acknowledgments
It continues to amaze me how many people and how much time it takes to create a book of
this scope and size. From beginning to end, there are scores of dedicated professionals focused
on delivering the best book possible to you the readers.
First, I need to thank my co-authors Emmett Dulaney and Toby Skandier, as they did a
tremendous job while being under a serious time crunch. Now on to the rest of the team.
Jeff Kellum kept us on track and moving forward, which was a challenge at times. Daria
Meoli kept us organized, which is no small feat during writing. I owe special gratitude to Tech
Editor Neil Hester, who kept me on my toes and made excellent suggestions. Copy Editors
Linda Recktenwald and Sharon Wilkey provided their usual clairvoyance, and saved me from
butchering the English language. Many thanks also go out to the proofreader (James Brook),
indexer (Ted Laux), and compositor (Craig Woods). Without their great contributions this
book would not have made it to your hands.
—Quentin Docter
There are a great many people to thank but three are key; without them this book would
not be possible. First and foremost is Jeff Kellum of Sybex, who does his job extremely well
and pulls you along with him. Thanks must also go to David Groth for his excellent work on
the previous edition. I also thank the Production Editor (Daria Meoli); the Technical Editor
(Neil Hester); and the Copy Editor (Linda Recktenwald). Without their hard work, I would
have never completed this book.
—Emmett Dulaney
I would like to thank my Acquisitions and Development Editor, Jeff Kellum. Jeff has a
knack for matching me to the most interesting and challenging projects that enhance my
knowledge and proficiency in my area of expertise and then keeping me on track with them.
I’m indebted to my Technical Editor, Neal Hester, for catching some of the most detailed technical issues. This book is vastly more solid for his vigilance. My Production Editor, Daria Meoli,
and Copy Editor, Linda Recktenwald, have my deepest gratitude for repairing those things in
which I am most certainly not expert.
In addition, I’d like to thank the proofreader (James Brook), indexer (Ted Laux), typesetter
(Craig Woods), and CD developers (Angela Denny and Kit Malone).
Thank you to my Embarq Corporation management team and associates for the support
and challenges you continue to offer.
Finally, thank you to my incredible kids, Toby, Tiffani, Trey, and Taylor. You guys support
and encourage your dad through your own hard work and determination. You’re always in
my thoughts and plans.
—Toby Skandier
4830ffirs.fm Page ix Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:20 PM
Contents at a Glance
Introduction
xxi
Assessment Test
lviii
Chapter 1
Identifying Personal Computer Components
Chapter 2
Effectively Working with Personal Computer Components
Chapter 3
Understanding Laptops and Portable Devices
139
Chapter 4
Understanding Operating Systems
181
Chapter 5
Understanding Basics of Installing, Configuring,
Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems
249
Identifying Operating System Troubleshooting and
Diagnostic Procedures
305
Chapter 7
Understanding the Basics of Printers and Scanners
357
Chapter 8
Networking Fundamentals
423
Chapter 9
Understanding Network Security Fundamentals
483
Chapter 10
Identifying Safety and Environmental Issues
523
Chapter 11
Understanding Professionalism and Communication
563
Chapter 12
Working with Personal Computer Components
583
Chapter 13
Working with Laptops and Portable Devices
631
Chapter 14
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading
Operating Systems
663
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading
Printers and Scanners
739
Installing, Configuring, Optimizing, and Upgrading
Network Systems
777
Installing, Configuring, Upgrading, and Optimizing
Security Systems
809
Chapter 6
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
1
97
Glossary
847
Index
873
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4831xftoc.fm Page xi Thursday, September 14, 2006 4:36 PM
Contents
Introduction
xxi
Assessment Test
lviii
Chapter
1
Identifying Personal Computer Components
Identifying Components of Motherboards
Types of System Boards
System Board Form Factors
System Board Components
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Processors
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Memory
DRAM
SRAM
ROM
CMOS
Memory Packaging
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Storage Devices
Hard Disk Drive Systems
Floppy Drives
CD-ROM Drives
CD-R and CD-RW Drives
DVD-ROM Drives
DVD Burners
Other Storage Media
Advanced Digital Storage
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Power Supplies
Floppy Drive Power Connectors
AT System Connectors
Standard Peripheral Power Connector
Modern Power Connectors
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Display Devices
Display Concepts
Video Technologies
Monitors
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
Identifying Input Devices
Mouse
Keyboard
Bar-code Reader
Multimedia Devices
Biometric Devices
Touch Screens
1
4
5
6
8
27
30
32
34
35
35
35
38
38
38
40
41
41
41
42
46
47
48
49
50
50
53
53
53
60
61
63
63
64
65
65
65
65
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xii
Contents
Chapter
2
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Adapter Cards
Video Card
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Modem
Sound Card
I/O Card
Identifying Characteristics of Ports and Cables
Peripheral Port Connector Types
D-subminiature Connectors
Other Types of Ports
Common Peripheral Interfaces and Cables
Identifying Purposes and Characteristics of Cooling Systems
Fans
Memory Cooling
Hard Drive Cooling
Chipset Cooling
CPU Cooling
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
66
66
66
67
68
69
69
70
70
72
76
84
85
85
86
87
87
89
89
91
95
Effectively Working with Personal Computer
Components
97
Installing, Configuring, and Optimizing PC Components
Upgrading Storage Devices
Upgrading Display Devices
Upgrading Input/Multimedia Devices
Identifying Tools and Diagnostics for PC Components
Gathering Tools
Basic Aspects of Troubleshooting
Basic Diagnostic Procedures
Recognizing and Isolating Issues
Applying Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
Performing Preventative Maintenance on Personal Computers
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
3
Understanding Laptops and Portable Devices
Understanding Laptop Architecture
Laptops vs. Desktops
Laptop Case
99
99
106
107
107
108
115
115
118
119
129
131
131
132
136
139
142
142
143
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Contents
Motherboards and Processors
Memory
Storage
Displays
Input Devices
Expansion Bus and Ports
Docking Stations
Power Systems
Managing Power and Removing Devices
Understanding Laptop Power Management
Managing Power in Windows
Removing Laptop-Specific Hardware
Troubleshooting and Performing Preventative Maintenance
on Laptops
Diagnosing Laptop Problems
Performing Preventative Maintenance
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
4
xiii
144
145
147
149
154
156
162
162
163
163
165
168
170
170
172
174
174
175
179
Understanding Operating Systems
181
Understanding Operating Systems
Operating System Terms and Concepts
Microsoft Windows
Alternative Operating Systems
Using Operating Systems
The Windows Interface
What’s in a Window?
Control Panel
The Command Prompt
The Registry
Virtual Memory
Windows System Files
Disk Management
File Management
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
184
185
186
191
194
194
209
212
220
221
223
224
227
231
240
241
242
246
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xiv
Contents
Chapter
5
Understanding Basics of Installing, Configuring,
Optimizing, and Upgrading Operating Systems
Installing Operating Systems
Installation Prerequisites
Preparing the Computer for Installation
Windows XP Installation
Post-Installation Routines
Upgrading the Operating System
Upgrade Prerequisites
Upgrading to Windows 2000
Upgrading to Windows XP
Finalizing Your Upgrade
Installing Device Drivers
Rights and Security Issues
Basic Procedure for Device Installation
Windows Version-Specific Installation Items
Optimizing Windows 2000 and Windows XP
Managing Virtual Memory
Defragmenting Disks
Using Disk Caches
Managing Temporary Files
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
6
Identifying Operating System Troubleshooting
and Diagnostic Procedures
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Talk to the Customer
Step 2: Gather Information
Step 3: Eliminate Possibilities
Step 4: Evaluate Your Results
Step 5: Document Your Work
Understanding Boot Sequences
Listing the Important Files
Identifying Important Files in Windows 2000/XP
Understanding the Windows 2000/XP Boot Process
Advanced Startup Options
Using the Recovery Console
Creating Boot Disks or an Emergency Repair Disk
Identifying Windows
File-Related Problems
System Files Not Found
249
251
251
258
264
269
270
271
273
279
280
280
281
282
283
286
286
290
293
295
296
297
299
303
305
308
308
309
309
310
310
310
310
312
313
314
315
317
319
320
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Chapter
7
Contents
xv
Configuration File Issues
Swap File Issues
Windows Boot Issues
Troubleshooting Other Common Problems
Understanding Windows Reporting
Identifying Windows-Based Troubleshooting Utilities
Disk Management Tools
System Management Tools
File Management Tools
Identifying Diagnostic Resources
User/Installation Manuals
Internet/Web Resources
Training Materials
Performing Preventative Maintenance on Operating Systems
Using Recommended Hardware
Obtaining Current Drivers
Installing Windows Properly
Shutting Down Properly
Updating Windows
Scheduling Backups
Creating Restore Points
Guarding against Viruses
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
320
321
321
322
325
326
326
327
333
334
335
335
335
336
336
337
337
337
338
339
343
346
347
348
350
354
Understanding the Basics of Printers
and Scanners
Understanding Printer and Scanner Fundamentals
Impact Printers
Bubble-Jet Printers
Laser Printers
Printer Interfaces and Supplies
Scanners and Their Components
Installing, Configuring, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
Printer and Scanner Installation Procedures
Optimizing Printer and Scanner Performance
Troubleshooting Printers and Scanners
Dot-Matrix Printer Problems
Bubble-Jet Printer Problems
Laser and Page Printer Problems
Scanner Troubleshooting
Summary
Exam Essentials
357
359
360
362
370
382
392
396
396
400
400
400
403
404
414
414
415
4831xftoc.fm Page xvi Thursday, September 14, 2006 4:36 PM
xvi
Contents
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
8
Networking Fundamentals
Understanding Networking Principles
Understanding Networking Fundamentals
Identifying Common Network Media
Understanding Networking Components
Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Networks
Installing and Configuring Network Interface Cards
Obtaining Wired and Wireless Internet Connections
Troubleshooting Network Interface Cards
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
9
Understanding Network Security Fundamentals
Understanding Security
Authentication Technologies
Working with Hardware and Software Security
Understanding Wireless Security
Understanding Data and Physical Security
Security Solutions
BIOS Security
Malicious Software Protection
Data Access
Backup Procedures
Data Migration
Data Remnant Removal
Password Management
Locking Workstations
Identifying Security Problem Areas
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
10
Identifying Safety and Environmental Issues
Understanding Safety and Environmental Issues
Identifying Potential Safety Hazards
Identifying Environmental Concerns
Using Safety Documentation
Using Appropriate Repair Tools
Handling Accidents
417
421
423
425
426
449
460
463
463
464
475
475
476
477
481
483
485
486
491
498
501
507
507
508
508
512
512
513
513
513
513
515
516
517
521
523
525
526
532
535
542
544
4831xftoc.fm Page xvii Thursday, September 14, 2006 4:36 PM
Contents
Applying Proper Safety and Disposal Procedures
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Working in a Safe Environment
Handling Equipment
Following Disposal Procedures
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
11
Understanding Professionalism and
Communication
Using Good Communication Skills
Elicit Problem Symptoms from Customers
Have the Customer Reproduce the Error
Identify Recent Changes
Use the Collected Information
Using Appropriate Behavior
Punctuality
Accountability
Flexibility
Confidentiality
Respect
Privacy
Putting It All in Perspective
Summary
Exam Essentials
Review Questions
Answers to Review Questions
Chapter
12
Working with Personal Computer Components
Removing, Installing, and Configuring Components
Selecting Components
Motherboards, CPUs, Memory, and Adapter Cards
Storage Devices
Power Supplies
Display Devices
Input Devices
Cooling Systems
Using Tools and Diagnostic Procedures for Personal
Computer Components
Understanding Computer Resources
Determining Available Resources
xvii
545
546
549
551
552
555
555
556
560
563
566
569
569
570
570
570
570
571
572
572
572
575
575
576
576
577
581
583
587
587
590
594
599
600
604
610
613
614
617