Master IT Hardware, Software, and Troubleshooting-and Fully Prepare for the Latest CompTIA (R) Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)
The Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color resource for building the skills you need to become a confident, job-ready IT technician--and for passing the updated CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15).
Built around the latest A+ exam objectives, this comprehensive guide helps you connect, configure, manage, and troubleshoot today's most widely used devices, operating systems, and cloud-based technologies--all in the context of real IT scenarios. You'll gain hands-on expertise with Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, mobile and IoT devices, Active Directory, cybersecurity, scripting, and more.
Award-winning instructors Cheryl Schmidt and Christopher Lee combine technical depth with a strong focus on customer service and workplace-ready soft skills. Legacy technologies are also covered to prepare you for any environment you may encounter in the field.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN AND HOW YOU'LL LEARN IT
Covers All Current A+ Exam Objectives: Stay focused with clear coverage of every topic tested on the Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15).
Real-World, Visual Learning: Hundreds of full-color photos, illustrations, and tables help you understand how things work.
Hands-On Tech Tips: Practical insights and field-tested troubleshooting advice throughout the book.
Professional Skills Focus: Soft skills tips and team-building exercises help you develop the communication and collaboration abilities today's employers demand.
Extensive Practice and Review Tools:
Learning Objectives and Key Terms at the start of each chapter
Review questions including multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended formats
Critical thinking activities to reinforce deeper understanding
Certification Exam Tips to help you study smarter
Chapter Summaries & Glossary: Recap and reinforce key takeaways for fast and effective study.
Free Online Companion: Complete A+ Lab Manual
Available for free online, the Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual offers 140+ hands-on labs that walk you through:
PC components and mobile device repair
Wired and wireless networking
Operating system installation and configuration
Security fundamentals
Real-world troubleshooting scenarios
Step-by-step instructions, built-in challenges, and critical thinking questions help you practice, experiment, and build confidence with core A+ topics. Whether you're preparing for the exam or the workplace--or both--this lab manual ensures you're ready.
Perfect for students, instructors, and career changers alike, this guide will prepare you for both certification success and on-the-job performance in today's fast-moving IT environments.
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ISBN-13
978-0-13-543977-7 (9780135439777)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Introduction .................xxv
Features of This Book .............................xxvii
Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT .......................... 1
Who Needs This Book? ..................... 2
Technician Qualities ........................... 2
Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification .... 5
Basic Skills for This Course ............. 5
Types of Computers ............................ 8
Basic Computer Hardware ................ 8
Mice and Keyboards .........................14
Common Peripherals ........................17
1s and 0s ............18
Safety Notes ......20
Chapter Summary .............................21
Key Terms ..........22
Review Questions ..............................23
Exercises ............25
Activities ............27
Chapter 2: Connectivity .............................29
Introduction to Connectivity ...........30
External Connectivity .......................30
Mouse and Keyboard Ports .............30
Video Ports ........38
Audio Ports ........43
eSATA Ports ......43
Modem and Serial Ports ..................44
Network Ports ...46
Network Cabling ...............................47
Integrated Motherboard Ports .........53
Getting to Know Ports......................53
Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices ...............55
Chapter Summary .............................56
Key Terms ..........57
Review Questions ..............................58
Exercises ............59
Activities ............62
Chapter 3: On the Motherboard............65
Introduction to the Motherboard ....66
Processor Overview ..........................66
Processor Basics ................................67
Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....68
Cache ..................69
Connecting to the Processor ...........70
Multicore Processors ........................71
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ...72
Introduction to Virtualization Support .....73
Intel Processors .74
AMD Processors ............75
CPU Sockets .....76
Processor Cooling .............77
Installing a Processor .......................78
Upgrading Processors .......................80
Overclocking Processors .................80
Installing CPU Thermal Solutions .81
Troubleshooting Processor Issues ..82
Expansion Slots 83
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ....................83
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) ..84
Motherboard Security Options .......87
Types of Motherboards ....................88
Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ..............89
Motherboard Troubleshooting ........90
Chapter Summary .............................93
Key Terms ..........94
Review Questions ..............................95
Exercises ............97
Activities ............99
Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration .....103
Configuration Overview ................104
BIOS Overview ...............................104
UEFI .................105
BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ...............107
CMOS Memory ...............................110
Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...............112
Other Configuration Parameters ...113
Hardware Configuration Overview............115
Installing a USB Device ................117
Installing an eSATA Card ..............120
Installing a Network Interface Card ..........121
Troubleshooting Configurations ...122
Chapter Summary .........4
Key Terms ........124
Review Questions .......125
Exercises ..........127
Activities ..........131
Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ....135
Disassembly Overview ...................136
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ......136
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ........138
Tools .................139
Disassembly ....140
Reassembly ......147
Preventive Maintenance .................147
Basic Electronics Overview ..........150
Power Supply Overview ................153
Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ........160
Power Protection .............................162
Symptoms of Power Supply Problems .........163
Chapter Summary .......167
Key Terms ........168
Review Questions ......169
Exercises ..........172
Activities ..........173
Chapter 6: Memory ...177
Memory Overview ........178
Memory Physical Packaging.........178
Planning a Memory Installation ...179
Installing Memory Overview ........190
Virtual RAM ...192
Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ......193
Older Applications in Windows ...195
Troubleshooting Memory Problems ..............195
Removable Storage .........................197
Chapter Summary ...........................201
Key Terms ........202
Review Questions ............................203
Exercises ..........205
Activities ..........211
Chapter 7: Storage Devices ....................213
Storage Devices Overview ............214
Hard Drive Overview .....................215
Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview ..............217
Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .........219
SATA and SAS Connectivity ........220
Storage Device Configuration Overview .......222
System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices ..........228
Hard Drive Preparation Overview ................229
Windows Disk Management .........236
Fault Tolerance ................................238
Windows Storage Spaces ...............240
Disk Caching/Virtual Memory .....241
Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview ..............243
Data Loss and Corruption .............245
Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ....246
Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ......247
RAID Issues ....251
SSD Issues .......251
Chapter Summary ........253
Key Terms ........255
Review Questions ............256
Exercises ..........258
Activities ..........261
Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.......63
Multimedia Devices Overview .....264
Video Overview ...............................264
Projectors .........274
Introduction to Audio .....................276
Sound Cards Using Windows .......279
Speakers ...........281
Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............282
Optical Drive Overview .................283
Optical Drive Installation ..............286
Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ...............286
Scanners ...........287
Other Multimedia Devices ............290
Chapter Summary ...........................293
Key Terms ........294
Review Questions ...................295
Exercises ..........297
Activities ..........298
Chapter 9: Printers/Multifunction Devices ...........301
Printer/Multifunction Device Overview .........302
Categories of Printers ..........302
Impact Printers 303
Inkjet Printers ..305
Laser Printers ..308
Thermal Printers ...................311
Paper .................313
Virtual Printing ................................316
Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges ..317
Upgrading Printers ..........................318
Printer Maintenance ........................318
Printer Installation Overview ........324
Installing Multifunction Devices ..326
USB Printer Installation .................326
Printers in the Windows Environment ........327
Printer Sharing 332
Cloud Printing/Scanning ................337
General Printer Troubleshooting ..338
Chapter Summary ...........................349
Key Terms ........350
Review Questions ............................351
Exercises ..........353
Activities ..........354
Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ...................357
Mobile Device Overview ...............358
Using Mobile Devices ....................364
Cell Phones ......366
Mobile Apps ....368
Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ........371
Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity ......373
Mobile Device Email Configuration ............379
Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup .............381
Other Mobile Software Tools .......385
Laptops Overview .....387
Laptop Hardware ..............387
Laptop Power ..391
Laptop Repairs Overview ..............394
Mobile Device Security .................410
Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ...415
Chapter Summary .........429
Key Terms ........431
Review Questions ........432
Exercises ..........434
Activities ..........436
Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ........439
Design Overview .............................440
Computer System Design ..............441
Motherboard and Associated Component Design .....447
Power Supply and Case Design ...447
Storage Subsystem Design ............449
Audio Subsystem Design ..............449
Display Subsystem Design ............450
Troubleshooting Overview ............451
Step 1. Identify the Problem .........452
Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) .453
Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause .......461
Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Proposed Solution .....463
Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .....463
Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ..........................463
Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ............................464
Chapter Summary ...........................468
Key Terms ........469
Review Questions ............................470
Exercises ..........471
Exercise 11.4 Determining the Troubleshooting Process Step ...........476
Activities ..........476
Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies.......479
Internet Connectivity Overview ...480
Dial-up Connectivity ......................480
Cable Modems 482
xDSL Modems 483
VoIP ..................484
Fiber Networks ................................486
Satellite Modems .............................488
Mobile/Cellular Connectivity Overview .....................489
Web Browsers .492
Introduction to Virtualization ........498
Containers ........503
Cloud Computing ............................503
Chapter Summary ...........................509
Key Terms ........511
Review Questions ............................512
Exercises ..........513
Activities ..........515
Chapter 13: Networking ..........................517
Networking Overview ....................518
Network Media Overview .............525
Ethernet over Power .......................534
Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment ........535
The OSI Model ................................538
The TCP/IP Model ..........................540
Network Addressing .......................542
More IPv4 Addressing ...................543
Wireless Networks Overview .......546
Wireless Network Standards .........547
Wireless Network Components ....548
Wireless Network Design ..............550
Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview .....559
Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing ................560
Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain ................566
Wireless NIC-Specific Settings ...567
Advanced NIC Properties ..............568
NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization ..........569
Wireless AP/Router Configuration ............570
WWAN Cellular Configuration ....572
IoT and Smart Devices ...................572
Network Troubleshooting ..............573
Networking Multifunction Devices .............582
Network Servers ..............................584
Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ......585
Software-Defined Networking ......586
Network Terminology ....................587
The TCP/IP Model in Action ........588
More Windows Network Settings 590
Introduction to Shared Folders .....594
Chapter Summary ...........................598
Key Terms ........601
Review Questions ............................602
Exercises ..........604
Activities ..........610
Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ......613
Operating Systems Overview .......614
User Interaction with Operating Systems ........615
Overview of Popular Operating Systems ...........616
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems ............617
Windows 11 Versions .....................618
Workstation Operating Systems ...619
Operating Systems for Mobile Devices ........619
End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns ........620
Update Limitations .........................620
Compatibility Concerns .................621
Corporate Operating System Needs .....621
Basic Windows Usage Overview .623
Windows 11 Desktop Components .............624
Shortcuts ..........627
Recycle Bin .....628
Interactions Within a Window ......629
Managing Windows Files and Folders ..........630
Searches and Indexing ...................635
Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .......637
Introduction to Windows Settings 640
Determining the Windows Version ...............642
Windows Registry ...........................643
Editing the Windows Registry ......643
Backing Up Data .............................644
WinRE ..............645
Recovering the Windows OS ........645
Chapter Summary ...........................647
Key Terms ........648
Review Questions ............................649
Exercises ..........650
Activities ..........652
Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ........655
Scripting Overview .........................656
Command Prompt Overview ........656
Command Prompt Basics ..............657
Moving Around from a Command Prompt ...659
The md and rd Commands ..........662
Two Useful Commands: del and type .....663
Copying Files ..664
The attrib Command ................665
Why Learn Commands? ................666
PowerShell .......666
Other Commands You Should Look Over .......667
Command Format ...........................668
Introduction to Scripting ................692
Script File Types ..............................693
Use Cases for Scripting .................694
Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......695
Environment Variables ...................696
Script Syntax ...698
Introduction to Script Programming .......699
Variables ...........699
Data Types .......701
Examples of Using Variables ........702
Comments Within Scripts ..............703
Basic Script Constructs ..................704
Decisions: The Selection Structure.............704
Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ......708
Loops: The Repetition Structure ..708
A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell .......711
Chapter Summary ...........................714
Key Terms ........715
Review Questions ............................716
Exercises ..........717
Activities ..........718
Chapter 16: Advanced Windows ..........721
Advanced Windows Overview .....722
Preinstallation of Windows ...........722
Installation/Upgrade of Windows 732
Corporate Windows Deployment .733
Verifying the Installation ...............735
Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ....735
System Restore ................................737
Reloading Windows ........................737
Windows Updates ...........................739
Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....740
Configuring Windows Overview ..741
Configuring Windows ....................743
Adding Devices ...............................743
Installing/Removing Software ......750
Computer Management Console ..754
System Tools ...755
User Account Management ...........759
Managing Storage ...........................765
Managing Services and Applications ......769
Data Sources (ODBC) ....................770
Print Management Console ...........771
Overview of the Windows Boot Process ....772
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) .....773
Startup Settings Menu ....................776
Task Manager ..782
Monitoring System Performance .784
Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process .....789
Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process ...790
Black Screen/Video Issues ............792
Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start ...793
Slow Boot ........795
Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ...796
Windows Reboots/System Instability .......797
Shutdown Problems ........................798
Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ......799
Power Options.799
Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .....801
Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ..803
Cloud-Based Productivity Tools ..804
Chapter Summary ...........................809
Key Terms ........811
Review Questions ............................812
Exercises ..........813
Activities ..........815
Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ..817
Introduction to macOS ...................818
Navigating the User Interface .......819
Basic System Usage, Applications, Updates, and Backups .....822
Management and Troubleshooting Tools ......827
Utilities .............830
Introduction to Linux .....................839
OS Components and Common Configuration Files ..840
Navigating the User Interface .......840
Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....842
Command-Line Interface ...............845
macOS and Linux Best Practices .854
Chapter Summary ...........................855
Key Terms ........856
Review Questions ............................857
Exercises ..........858
Activities ..........859
Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .....861
Security Overview ...........................862
Security Policy 862
Physical Security .............................863
Logical Security ..............................870
Considering the End User .............875
Licensing ..........876
Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ........878
Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources .884
Permissions ......891
Folder Options 897
Protecting the Operating System and Data .....898
Internet Security ..............................906
Remote Access to Network Devices .......918
Internet Appliances .........................920
Wireless Network Security Overview .......921
Security Incident Response ...........928
A Final Word About Security .......930
Chapter Summary ...........................932
Key Terms ........934
Review Questions ............................935
Exercises ..........937
Activities ..........939
Chapter 19: Operational Procedures .941
Operational Procedures Overview ......942
Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .......951
IT Documentation ...........................959
Change Management ......................964
Chapter Summary ...........................975
Key Terms ........977
Review Questions ............................978
Exercises ..........980
Activities ..........981
Appendix A: Subnetting Basics ............985
Online Only Elements
Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives
Glossary
9780135439777, TOC, 8/12/2025
