CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ Training Course for Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Yorkshire & London

• Home
• Training Services
• Course Schedules
• CompTIA Certifications
• Special Offers
• Room Hire
• Locations
• About Us
• Contact

• Thanks so much for your coaching and insights and help in getting me through the certification... I've managed to keep your 100% success rate intact!
  - Daniel Merriott [CTT+]

Course Information

Introduction

The essential foundation course developed by CompTIA. The A+ certification is recognised worldwide as the de facto standard for entry-level computer technicians. A+ certification opens the door to an exciting career in computing technology.

^*2 The duration of the course is kept to five days for practical purposes. Some areas of the course are of an accelerated nature in order to meet the core requirements of A+. Please contact us for further information.

Important Changes

CompTIA is transitioning from a lifetime certification policy to one that requires continuing education or recertification.

IT personnel who earn CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+ certification on or after January 1, 2011, will require continuing education credits to maintain their certifications.

CompTIA is making this change to maintain ISO 17024 accreditation for those three certifications. ISO accreditation is extremely important because of its global credibility.

Audience

CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

Completion

• Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices
• Install and configure peripheral devices
• Identify types and characteristics of portable computers
• Install and configure Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP
• Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting
• Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely
• Communicate effectively with customers
• Install and configure print and imaging devices
• Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access

Prerequisites

CompTIA's A+ is for IT career entrants. Some PC and Microsoft Windows experience would be ideal however this is not essential. Competency in english and basic mathematics will allow the learner to comprehend the material and concepts presented.

Examinations

The course will help prepare the learner for the pertinent CompTIA A+ examinations.

Materials

A comprehensive CompTIA authorised student manual and other learning materials are provided.

Course Outline

The Visible PC

• Introduction to the PC
• Key Functions of a PC
• The System Case
• I/O Ports and Cables
• PS2 Ports
• Parallel Ports
• Serial Ports
• USB Ports
• SCSI
• IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
• Modem and Network Ports
• Audio Ports
• Joystick/MIDI Ports
• Adding and Removing Peripherals

Motherboards

• Motherboard Layout
• System Clock
• Bus Architecture
• Motherboard Components
• Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards
• Motherboard Form Factors
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Processors

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Processor Terminology
• Multitasking, Multiprocessing, and Multithreading
• Intel Processors
• AMD Processors
• Processor Sockets and Chipsets

Memory

• Memory Types
• Memory Packaging
• Memory Characteristics

Storage Devices

• Storage Devices
• Hard Drives
• Installing a Storage Device
• Preparing a Hard Disk
• Floppy Drives
• Optical Disk Storage
• Flash Memory
• Tape Drives

Peripheral Devices

• PC Display Screens
• Graphics Adapter
• Installing a Graphics Adapter and Display
• TV Tuners
• Sound Cards
• I/O and Communications Adapters

Portable Computers

• Portable and Desktop Computers
• Notebooks
• Tablet PC
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Features of Operating Systems

• Microsoft Operating Systems
• Overview of Windows 2000
• Overview of Windows XP
• Workgroups and Domains
• UNIX and Linux
• Apple Mac OS X
• Novell NetWare

Installing and Upgrading Windows

• Overview of OS Installations
• Preparing the Hard Disk
• Domain or Workgroup Selection
• Installation Methods
• Setup Failure and Recovery
• Upgrading the OS
• Options for Deploying Windows

The Windows Boot Process

• Windows Boot Files
• Initial Startup Process
• The BOOT.INI File

Managing Windows

• Features of the Desktop
• Windows Administrative Tools
• Changing System Settings
• Configuring Hardware
• Optimising Windows Performance Options
• Screen Savers and Power Management
• Managing Software
• Managing Services

Windows Storage Management

• Disk Management
• Navigating Windows
• Working with Folders
• Working with Files
• Searching For Files
• The Recycle Bin
• My Network Places

Hardware Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Techniques
• Troubleshooting Power Problems
• Troubleshooting POST
• Troubleshooting Internal Devices
• Troubleshooting Peripherals
• Notebook Troubleshooting
• Preventative Maintenance

Troubleshooting the Operating System

• Error Categories
• Advanced Startup Options
• Diagnosing Problems
• Troubleshooting Applications
• Remote Features

Security

• Security Fundamentals
• Windows Security Overview
• Internet Security
• Malware
• Data Security

Safety and Environmental Issues

• Health and Safety
• Static Electricity and ESD
• Materials Handling
• Storage of Components for Future Use
• Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment

Professionalism and Communication

• Customer Service Skills
• Basic Troubleshooting Approach
• Giving Feedback
• Communication with a Customer
• Professionalism
• Handling Customer Complaints

Printers and Scanners

• The Print Process
• Installing and Configuring a Printer
• Operating and Troubleshooting Printers
• Scanners
• Installing and Using a Scanner

Network Concepts

• What is a Network?
• Network Components
• Network Topologies
• The OSI Model
• IEEE 802 Standards
• Network Devices
• Network Transport Protocols

Implementing a LAN

• Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks
• Network Components
• Implementing a LAN
• Network Troubleshooting Basics

WAN and Internet Connectivity

• Wide Area Networks and the Internet
• Accessing the Internet
• Cellular Devices
• Voice-over-IP

PC Support Industry

• IT Technicians
• Remote Support
• Depot Technicians
• Problem Management
• Quality Assurance

Using the Command Prompt

• Command Prompt and Text Editors
• Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt
• File Management using a Command Prompt

System Management Tools

• Options for Deploying Windows
• Microsoft Management Console
• Windows Optimisation Tools
• Remote Utilities
• Windows Registry

System Recovery

• Windows Troubleshooting
• System Restore
• Emergency Repair
• Data Backup

Connectivity and Client Options

• TCP/IP
• Configuring Network Properties
• Configuring Wireless Connections
• Configuring Client Options

Sharing Resources

• Local and Domain User Accounts
• Creating User Accounts
• Planning and Implementing Groups
• Setting Share Permissions
• NTFS Folder and File Permissions
• Encrypting Files and Folders
• Auditing

Internet Standards and Applications

• Overview of the Internet
• Development of the Internet
• Internet Services
• The World Wide Web
• Electronic Mail (Email)
• Newsgroups (Usenet)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Telnet
• Instant Messaging
• Virtual Private Networks
• Domain Names
• Uniform Resource Indicator
• Internet Email Addresses

Configuring Internet Access

• Accessing the Internet
• Web Browser Security

Network Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Networks
• Testing TCP/IP

PC Maintenance

• Electrical Circuits
• Maintenance Toolkit
• Hazards
• Preventative Maintenance
• Maintaining Display Devices
• Maintaining Disk and Tape Drives
• Cleaning Inside the Case
• Power Problems

Installing and Removing Hardware

• Disassembling a PC
• Removing Peripheral Devices
• Removing Storage Devices
• Reassembling the PC
• Adding and Removing Notebook Devices

BIOS, CMOS, and System Resources

• BIOS and CMOS
• BIOS/CMOS Setup Programs
• System Resources
• Plug-and-Play

Troubleshooting and Optimisation

• Diagnostic Hardware and Software
• Troubleshooting, Upgrading, and Optimising Hardware

Maintaining Printers and Scanners

• Dot Matrix Printers
• Inkjet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Other Printer Types
• Scanners
• Installing, Maintaining, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners
• Printer Troubleshooting
• Configuring and Troubleshooting Scanners

Copyright © & Design - Rezound Limited | CompTIA A+ Training Courses for Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Yorkshire & London