CompTIA A+ 2009 Essentials Support Skills

This 5-day practical "hands-on" course is the essential foundation for newcomers to PC support. It provides students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills. The course has been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and passing CompTIA’s A+ Certification exams or other similar qualifications. Students will learn the fundamental principles of supporting desktop and portable computers and operating systems plus network and print devices and applications

Students should have successfully completed the course "PC Fundamentals" or have equivalent experience of using a PC, Windows and browsing the Web. The following key skills are recommended:
• Use a keyboard and mouse.
• Recognize 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.
• Use Internet Explorer to view websites.

• 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, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Vista.
• Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely.
• Communicate effectively with customers.
• Install and configure print devices.
• Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access

Types of Computer • Personal Computers • Desktop Computers • Portable Computers • Units, Signaling, and Circuits
Motherboards • Motherboard Layout • Bus Architecture • Motherboard Components • Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards • Motherboard Form Factors • Power Supply Unit (PSU) • Cooling
Processors • Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Features of CPUs • Intel Processors • AMD Processors • CPU Packaging • Notebook Processors
Memory • Memory Types • Memory Characteristics
Storage Devices • Storage Devices • Hard Drives • Drive Controllers • Floppy Drives • Optical Disk Storage • Flash Memory • Tape Drives
Input and Peripheral Devices • I/O Ports and Cables • Input Devices • I/O Devices • Communications Devices • Installing and Configuring Peripherals
Video and Sound Devices • Display Devices • Video Adapters • Audio Devices • Multimedia Input Devices

Windows Operating System • What is an Operating System? • Windows Architecture • Early Versions of Windows • Windows 2000 • Windows XP • Windows Vista • Other Operating Systems
Managing Windows • Windows Administrative Tools • Configuring Hardware • Screen Savers and Power Management • Managing Software • Managing Services • Windows Registry
Windows Storage Management • Preparing a Hard Disk • Navigating Windows • Working with Folders • Working with Files • Searching For Files • The Recycle Bin • File and Folder Management in Vista • My Network Places
Installing and Upgrading Windows • Overview of OS Installations • Installing Windows from CD / DVD • Upgrading the OS • Options for Deploying Windows
Windows Boot Process • Windows Boot Process • The BOOT.INI File • Windows Vista Boot Process • Configuring Boot Devices • Advanced Startup Options

Network Concepts • What is a Network? • The OSI Model • Network Devices • Network Transport Protocols • The Internet
Local, Wireless, and Remote Networks • Network Cabling • Wireless Networks • Accessing the Internet
Printers • The Print Process • Printer Types • Installing and Configuring a Printer • Maintaining Printers

Troubleshooting Techniques • Troubleshooting Models and Processes • Approaching Troubleshooting • Troubleshooting Resources
Basic Troubleshooting Scenarios • Common Hardware Symptoms • Windows Errors • Troubleshooting Applications • Troubleshooting Printers • Network Troubleshooting Basics
Preventive Maintenance • Health and Safety • Static Electricity and ESD • Materials Handling • Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment • Physical Inspections • Patch Management • Data Backup
Security • Security Fundamentals • Access Control • Authentication • Accounting • Social Engineering • Malware • Data Security
Professionalism and Communication • Customer Service Skills • Communication Skills • Professionalism • Handling Customer Complaints