CompTIA A+ CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified!
Description
Skip the fluff and quickly master the essentials with this accurate CompTIA A+ certification test prep
In the second edition of CompTIA A+ CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified! Core 1 Exam 220-1201, tech educator and expert Mike Chapple delivers a hands-on guide to efficiently and effectively preparing for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam. The book contains concise discussions of the mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware components, virtualization and cloud computing services, and troubleshooting techniques you'll need for the updated test and on a day-to-day basis at your job.
Chapple covers all relevant technological advances in mobile, cloud, networking, and security that have taken place since publication of the first edition of this book. He also walks you through the material you need to know to succeed on the newly created 220-1201 exam.
You'll use the proven CertMike approach to:
- Prepare-CertMike is your personal study coach, guiding you through all the exam objectives and helping you gain an understanding of how they apply to on-the-job tasks!
- Practice-Each chapter includes two multiple choice practice questions. Work through the detailed explanations to evaluate each answer option and understand the reason for the best answer!
- Pass-On exam day, use the critical knowledge you've learned when you're ready to take the test. You'll feel ready and confident to pass the exam and earn your certification!
Laser-focused on starting and accelerating your IT technician career and ensuring your success on the A+ certification Core 1 exam, the book skips the fluff and familiarizes you with IT basics you'll use on the test and every day in your work. It also offers complimentary access to helpful online study tools, like a bonus practice exam and audio recordings of the CertMike Exam Essentials.
The second edition of CompTIA A+ CertMike is perfect for anyone preparing for their A+ certification who wants to reduce test anxiety, boost their confidence, and get up to speed quickly and efficiently. It's also a great resource for hardware and PC technicians who want to reinforce foundational skills and upgrade their professional knowledge.
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Chapple, PhD, CISSP, CISM, CIPP/US, CIPM, CCSP, is Teaching Professor of Information Technology, Analytics, and Operations at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. He is the bestselling author of over 50 technical books. He is also the Faculty Director of the University's Business/Computer Science program.
Content
Introduction xxi
Part I Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices 1
Chapter 1 Mobile Device Hardware 3
Chapter 2 Mobile Device Accessories and Connectivity 19
Chapter 3 Mobile Device Network Connectivity and Application Support 35
Part II Domain 2.0: Networking 53
Chapter 4 TCP/IP Networking 55
Chapter 5 TCP/IP Ports and Protocols 61
Chapter 6 Wireless Networking Protocols 71
Chapter 7 Networked Host Services 85
Chapter 8 Network Configuration 97
Chapter 9 Networking Hardware 109
Chapter 10 Installing and Configuring Networks 125
Chapter 11 Internet Connection Types 137
Chapter 12 Networking Tools 149
Part III Domain 3.0: Hardware 159
Chapter 13 Displays 161
Chapter 14 Cables and Connectors 171
Chapter 15 Random Access Memory (RAM) 195
Chapter 16 Storage Devices 207
Chapter 17 Motherboards 229
Chapter 18 Booting, CPUs, and Expansion Cards 247
Chapter 19 Power Supplies 265
Chapter 20 Printer and Multifunction Device Configuration 277
Chapter 21 Printer Maintenance 297
Part IV Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing 309
Chapter 22 Virtualization 311
Chapter 23 Cloud Computing 321
Part V Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 329
Chapter 24 Troubleshooting 331
Chapter 25 Troubleshooting Motherboards, RAM, CPU, and Power 337
Chapter 26 Troubleshooting Storage 355
Chapter 27 Troubleshooting Video 373
Chapter 28 Troubleshooting Mobile Devices 385
Chapter 29 Troubleshooting Networks 399
Chapter 30 Troubleshooting Printers 409Index 421
Introduction
If you're preparing to take the A+ Core 1 exam, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information. This exam covers a broad range of topics, and it's possible to spend weeks studying each one of them. Fortunately, that's not necessary!
As part of the CertMike Test Prep series, CompTIA® A+® CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified! Core 1 Exam 220-1201 is designed to help you focus on the specific knowledge that you'll need to pass the exam. CompTIA publishes a detailed list of exam objectives, and this book is organized around those objectives. Each chapter clearly states the single objective that it covers and then, in a few pages, covers the material you need to know about that objective.
You'll find two important things at the end of each chapter: exam essentials and review questions. The CertMike Exam Essentials distill the major points from the chapter into just a few bullet points. Reviewing these Exam Essentials is a great way to prepare yourself right before the exam. I've also recorded a free audio version of the Exam Essentials that you'll find on the book's companion website at www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep. They're great listening when you're in the car, at the gym, or mowing the lawn!
Each chapter concludes with two practice questions that are designed to give you a taste of what it's like to take the exam. You'll find that they're written in the same style as the A+ exam questions and have detailed explanations to help you understand the correct answer. Be sure to take your time and thoroughly read these questions.
Finally, the book's website includes a full-length practice exam that you can use to assess your knowledge when you're ready to take the test. Good luck on the A+ Core 1 exam!
NOTE
Don't just study the questions and answers! The questions on the actual exam will be different from the practice questions included in this book. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or objective, so use this book to learn the objectives behind the questions.
THE A+ CERTIFICATION
A+ is designed to be a vendor-neutral certification for those seeking to enter the information technology field. CompTIA recommends this certification for individuals who want to be problem-solvers in the world of endpoint management and technical support. These are common job roles held by A+ certified individuals:
- Business Analyst
- Data Support Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Server Technician
- IT Specialist
- IT Support Manager
- MSP Personnel
- Technical Support Specialist
The A+ certification is unique in that earning it requires passing two separate exams from the same series:
- A+ Core 1 (220-1201), which covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing
- A+ Core 2 (220-1202), which covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures
This book focuses on the Core 1 exam, which covers five major domains of knowledge.
- Mobile Devices
- Networking
- Hardware
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
These five areas include a range of topics, from installing printers to configuring networks, while focusing heavily on the basic knowledge expected of IT technicians.
The A+ exam uses a combination of standard multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs) that require you to manipulate objects on the screen. This exam is designed to be straightforward and not to trick you. If you know the material in this book, you will pass the exam.
Each exam costs $265 in the United States, with roughly equivalent prices in other locations around the globe. More details about the A+ exams and how to take it can be found at:
https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a/core-1-v15/#objectives You'll have 90 minutes to take each exam and will be asked to answer up to 90 questions during that time period. Your exam will be scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 900, with a passing score of 675.
NOTE
CompTIA frequently does what is called item seeding, which is the practice of including unscored questions on exams. It does so to gather psychometric data, which is then used when developing new versions of the exam. Before you take the exam, you will be told that your exam may include these unscored questions. So, if you come across a question that does not appear to map to any of the exam objectives-or for that matter, does not appear to belong in the exam-it is likely a seeded question. You never really know whether a question is seeded, however, so always make your best effort to answer every question.
Taking the Exam
Once you are fully prepared to take the exam, you can visit the CompTIA website to purchase your exam voucher.
https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a/core-1-v15/#overview Currently, CompTIA offers two options for taking the exam: an in-person exam at a testing center and an online exam that you take on your own computer.
TIP
This book includes a coupon that you can use to save 10% on your CompTIA exam voucher.
In-Person Exams
CompTIA partners with Pearson VUE's testing centers.
Simply set up a CompTIA SSO account and schedule an exam.
On the day of the test, take two forms of identification, and make sure to show up with plenty of time before the exam starts. Remember that you will not be able to take your notes, electronic devices (including smartphones and watches), or other materials in with you.
Online Exams
CompTIA began offering online exam proctoring in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As of the time this book went to press, the online testing option was still available and appears likely to continue. Candidates using this approach will take the exam at their home or office and be proctored over a webcam by a remote proctor.
Because of the rapidly changing nature of the online testing experience, candidates wanting to pursue this option should check the CompTIA website for the latest details.
After the Exam
Once you have taken the exam, you will be notified of your score immediately, so you'll know if you passed the test right away. You should keep track of your score report with your exam registration records and the email address you used to register for the exam.
After you earn the A+ certification, you're required to renew your certification every three years by either earning an advanced certification, completing a CertMaster continuing education program, or earning 20 continuing education units (CEUs) over a three-year period.
Many people who earn the A+ credential use it as a stepping-stone to earning other certifications in their areas of interest. Those interested in networking work toward the Network+ credential, data analytics professionals might go on to earn the Data+ certification, and the Security+ credential is a gateway to a career in cybersecurity.
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK COVER?
This book covers everything you need to know to pass the A+ Core 1 exam. It is organized into five parts, each corresponding to one of the five A+ Core 1 domains.
Part I: Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices
Chapter 1: Mobile Device Hardware
Chapter 2: Mobile Device Accessories and Connectivity
Chapter 3: Mobile Device Network Connectivity and Application Support
Part II: Domain 2.0: Networking
Chapter 5: TCP/IP Ports and Protocols
Chapter 6: Wireless Networking Protocols
Chapter 7: Networked Host Services
Chapter 8: Network Configuration
Chapter 9: Networking Hardware
Chapter 10: Installing and Configuring Networks
Chapter 11: Internet Connection Types
Part III: Domain 3.0: Hardware
Chapter 14: Cables and Connectors
Chapter 15: Random Access Memory (RAM)
Chapter 18: Booting, CPUs, and Expansion Cards
Chapter 20: Printer and Multifunction Device Configuration
Chapter 21: Printer Maintenance
Part IV: Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Part V: Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Chapter 25: Troubleshooting Motherboards, RAM, CPU, and Power
Chapter 26: Troubleshooting Storage
Chapter 27: Troubleshooting Video
Chapter 28: Troubleshooting Mobile Devices
Chapter 29: Troubleshooting Networks
Chapter 30: Troubleshooting Printers
Study Guide Elements
This study guide uses a number of common elements to help you prepare.
Exam Tips Throughout each chapter, I've sprinkled practical exam tips that help...
