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CompTIA A+ 220-801Objectives

The CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam is divided up by domain.Each domain makes up a certain percentage of the test. Thefive domains of the A+ 220-801 exam and their respective per-centages are listed in the following table:

Domain Percentage of exam

1.0 PC Hardware 40%

2.0 Networking 27%

3.0 Laptops 11%

4.0 Printers 11%

5.0 Operational Procedures 11%

TToottaall 110000%%

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2 CompTIA A+ 220-801 Objectives

1.0 PC Hardware 40%

1.1 Configure and apply BIOS settings. Install firmware upgrades – flash BIOS

BIOS component information

n RAM

n Hard drive

n Optical drive

n CPU

BIOS configurations

n Boot sequence

n Enabling and disabling devices

n Date/time

n Clock speeds

n Virtualization support

n BIOS security (passwords, drive encryption: TPM, lo-jack)

Use built-in diagnostics

Monitoring

n Temperature monitoring

n Fan speeds

n Intrusion detection/notification

n Voltage

n Clock

n Bus speed

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1.0 PC Hardware 40% 3

1.2 Differentiate between motherboard components, their pur-poses, and properties. Sizes

n ATX

n Micro-ATX

n ITX

Expansion slots

n PCI

n PCI-X

n PCIe

n miniPCI

n CNR

n AGP2x, 4x, 8x

RAM slots

CPU sockets

Chipsets

n North Bridge

n South Bridge

n CMOS battery

Jumpers

Power connections and types

Fan connectors

Front panel connectors

n USB

n Audio

n Power button

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n Power light

n Drive activity lights

n Reset button

Bus speeds

1.3 Compare and contrast RAMtypes and features. Types

n DDR

n DDR2

n DDR3

n SDRAM

n SODIMM

n RAMBUS

n DIMM

n Parity vs. non-parity

n ECC vs. non-ECC

n RAM configurations

n Single channel vs. dual channel vs. triple channel

n Single sided vs. double sided

RAM compatibility and speed

1.4 Install and configure expansion cards. Sound cards

Video cards

Network cards

Serial and parallel cards

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USB cards

Firewire cards

Storage cards

Modem cards

Wireless/cellular cards

TV tuner cards

Video capture cards

Riser cards

1.5 Install and configure storagedevices and use appropriate media. Optical drives

n CD-ROM

n DVD-ROM

n Blu-Ray

Combo drives and burners

n CD-RW

n DVD-RW

n Dual Layer DVD-RW

n BD-R

n BD-RE

Connection types

n External

n USB

n Firewire

n eSATA

n Ethernet

n Internal SATA, IDE and SCSI

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n IDE configuration and setup (Master, Slave, Cable Select)

n SCSI IDs (0 – 15)

n Hot swappable drives

Hard drives

n Magnetic

n 5400 rpm

n 7200 rpm

n 10,000 rpm

n 15,000 rpm

Solid state/flash drives

n Compact flash

n SD

n Micro-SD

n Mini-SD

n xD

n SSD

RAID types

n 0

n 1

n 5

n 10

Floppy drive

Tape drive

Media capacity

n CD

n CD-RW

n DVD-RW

n DVD

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n Blu-Ray

n Tape

n Floppy

n DL DVD

1.6 Differentiate among various CPUtypes and features and select theappropriate cooling method. Socket types

n Intel: LGA, 775, 1155, 1156, 1366

n AMD: 940, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, FM1, F

Characteristics

n Speeds

n Cores

n Cache size/type

n Hyperthreading

n Virtualization support

n Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)

n Integrated GPU

Cooling

n Heat sink

n Fans

n Thermal paste

n Liquid-based

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1.7 Compare and contrast variousconnection interfaces and explain their purpose. Physical connections

n USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 speed and distance characteristics

n Connector types: A, B, mini, micro

n Firewire 400 vs. Firewire 800 speed and distance characteristics

n SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA, IDE speeds

n Other connector types

n Serial

n Parallel

n VGA

n HDMI

n DVI

n Audio

n RJ-45

n RJ-11

n Analog vs. digital transmission

n VGA vs. HDMI

Speeds, distances and frequencies of wireless device connections

n Bluetooth

n IR

n RF

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1.8 Install an appropriate powersupply based on a given scenario. Connector types and their voltages

n SATA

n Molex

n 4/8-pin 12v

n PCIe 6/8-pin

n 20-pin

n 24-pin

n Floppy

Specifications

n Wattage

n Size

n Number of connectors

n ATX

n Micro-ATX

Dual voltage options

1.9 Evaluate and select appropriatecomponents for a custom configuration, to meet customerspecifications or needs. Graphic / CAD / CAM design workstation

n Powerful processor

n High-end video

n Maximum RAM

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Audio/Video editing workstation

n Specialized audio and video card

n Large fast hard drive

n Dual monitors

Virtualization workstation

n Maximum RAM and CPU cores

Gaming PC

n Powerful processor

n High-end video/specialized GPU

n Better sound card

n High-end cooling

Home Theater PC

n Surround sound audio

n HDMI output

n HTPC compact form factor

n TV tuner

Standard thick client

n Desktop applications

n Meets recommended requirements for running Windows

Thin client

n Basic applications

n Meets minimum requirements for running Windows

Home Server PC

n Media streaming

n File sharing

n Print sharing

n Gigabit NIC

n RAID array

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1.10 Given a scenario, evaluatetypes and features of displaydevices. Types

n CRT

n LCD

n LED

n Plasma

n Projector

n OLED

Refresh rates

Resolution

Native resolution

Brightness/lumens

Analog vs. digital

Privacy/antiglare filters

Multiple displays

1.11 Identify connector types and associated cables. Display connector types

n DVI-D

n DVI-I

n DVI-A

n Displayport

n RCA

n DB-15

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n BNC

n miniHDMI

n RJ-45

n miniDin-6

Display cable types

n HDMI

n DVI

n VGA

n Component

n Composite

n S-video

n RGB

n Coaxial

n Ethernet

Device connectors and pin arrangements

n SATA

n eSATA

n PATA

n IDE

n EIDE

n Floppy

n USB

n IEEE1394

n SCSI

n PS/2

n Parallel

n Serial

n Audio

n RJ-45

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Device cable types

n SATA

n eSATA

n IDE

n EIDE

n Floppy

n USB

n IEEE1394

n SCSI

n 68pin vs. 50pin vs. 25pin

n Parallel

n Serial

n Ethernet

n Phone

1.12 Install and configure variousperipheral devices. Input devices

n Mouse

n Keyboard

n Touch screen

n Scanner

n Barcode reader

n KVM

n Microphone

n Biometric devices

n Game pads

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n Joysticks

n Digitizer

Multimedia devices

n Digital cameras

n Microphone

n Webcam

n Camcorder

n MIDI enabled devices

Output devices

n Printers

n Speakers

n Display devices

2.0 Networking 27%

2.1 Identify types of network cables and connectors. Fiber

n Connectors: SC, ST and LC

Twisted Pair

n Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45

n Wiring standards: T568A, T568B

Coaxial

n Connectors: BNC, F-connector

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2.0 Networking 27% 15

2.2 Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling. Fiber

n Types (single-mode vs. multi-mode)

n Speed and transmission limitations

Twisted pair

n Types: STP, UTP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, plenum, PVC


Coaxial

n Types: RG-6, RG-59


2.3 Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP. IP class

n Class A

n Class B

n Class C

IPv4 vs. IPv6

Public vs. private vs. APIPA

Static vs. dynamic

Client-side DNS

DHCP

Subnet mask

Gateway

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2.4 Explain common TCP and UDPports, protocols, and their purpose. Ports

n 21 – FTP

n 23 – TELNET

n 25 – SMTP

n 53 – DNS

n 80 – HTTP

n 110 – POP3

n 143 – IMAP

n 443 – HTTPS

n 3389 – RDP

Protocols

n DHCP

n DNS

n LDAP

n SNMP

n SMB

n SSH

n SFTP

TCP vs. UDP

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2.5 Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types. Standards

n 802.11 a/b/g/n

n Speeds, distances and frequencies

Encryption types

n WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES

2.6 Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router usingappropriate settings. MAC filtering

Channels (1 – 11)

Port forwarding, port triggering

SSID broadcast (on/off)

Wireless encryption

Firewall

DHCP (on/off)

DMZ

NAT

WPS

Basic QoS

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2.7 Compare and contrast Internetconnection types and features. Cable

DSL

Dial-up

Fiber

Satellite

ISDN

Cellular (mobile hotspot)

Line of sight wireless internet service

WiMAX

2.8 Identify various types of networks. LAN

WAN

PAN

MAN

Topologies

n Mesh

n Ring

n Bus

n Star

n Hybrid

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2.9 Compare and contrast network devices their functions and features. Hub

Switch

Router

Access point

Bridge

Modem

NAS

Firewall

VoIP phones

Internet appliance

2.10 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools. Crimper

Multimeter

Toner probe

Cable tester

Loopback plug

Punchdown tool

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3.0 Laptops 11%

3.1 Install and configure laptophardware and components. Expansion options

n Express card /34

n Express card /54

n PCMCIA

n SODIMM

n Flash

Hardware/device replacement

n Keyboard

n Hard Drive (2.5 vs. 3.5)

n Memory

n Optical drive

n Wireless card

n Mini-PCIe

n screen

n DC jack

n Battery

n Touchpad

n Plastics

n Speaker

n System board

n CPU

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3.0 Laptops 11% 21

3.2 Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop. Types

n LCD

n LED

n OLED

n Plasma

Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement

Inverter and its function

Backlight

3.3 Compare and contrast laptopfeatures. Special function keys

n Dual displays

n Wireless (on/off)

n Volume settings

n Screen brightness

n Bluetooth (on/off)

n Keyboard backlight

Docking station vs. port replicator

Physical laptop lock and cable lock

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4.0 Printers 11%

4.1 Explain the differences betweenthe various printer types and summarize the associated imagingprocess. Laser

n Imaging drum, fuser assembly, transfer belt, transfer roller, pickuprollers, separate pads, duplexing assembly

n Imaging process: processing, charging, exposing, developing, transfer-ring, fusing and cleaning

Inkjet

n Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, carriage andbelt

n Calibration

Thermal

n Feed assembly, heating element

n Special thermal paper

Impact

n Print head, ribbon, tractor feed

n Impact paper

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4.0 Printers 11% 23

4.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure printers. Use appropriate printer drivers for a given operating system

Print device sharing

n Wired

n USB

n Parallel

n Serial

n Ethernet

n Wireless

n Bluetooth

n 802.11x

n Infrared (IR)

n Printer hardware print server

Printer sharing

n Sharing local/networked printer via Operating System settings

4.3 Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance. Laser

n Replacing toner, applying maintenance kit, calibration, cleaning

Thermal

n Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris

Impact

n Replace ribbon, replace print head, replace paper

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5.0 Operational Procedures 11%

5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures. ESD straps

ESD mats

Self-grounding

Equipment grounding

Personal safety

n Disconnect power before repairing PC

n Remove jewelry

n Lifting techniques

n Weight limitations

n Electrical fire safety

n CRT safety – proper disposal

n Cable management

Compliance with local government regulations

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5.0 Operational Procedures 11% 25

5.2 Explain environmental impactsand the purpose of environmentalcontrols. MSDS documentation for handling and disposal

Temperature, humidity level awareness and proper ventilation

Power surges, brownouts, blackouts

n Battery backup

n Surge suppressor

Protection from airborne particles

n Enclosures

n Air filters

Dust and debris

n Compressed air

n Vacuums

Component handling and protection

n Antistatic bags

Compliance to local government regulations

5.3 Given a scenario, demonstrateproper communication and professionalism. Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang when applicable

Maintain a positive attitude

Listen and do not interrupt the customer

Be culturally sensitive

Be on time (if late contact the customer)

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Avoid distractions

n Personal calls

n Talking to co-workers while interacting with customers

n Personal interruptions

Dealing with difficult customer or situation

n Avoid arguing with customers and/or being defensive

n Do not minimize customer’s problems

n Avoid being judgmental

n Clarify customer statements (ask open ended questions to narrow the scopeof the problem, restate the issue or question to verify understanding)

Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the cus-tomer

n Offer different repair/replacement options if applicable

n Provide proper documentation on the services provided

n Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction

Deal appropriately with customers confidential materials

n Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc

5.4 Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibitedcontent/activity. First response

n Identify

n Report through proper channels

n Data/device preservation

Use of documentation/documentation changes

Chain of custody

n Tracking of evidence/documenting process

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