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A+ Certification:

Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

A+™ Certification: Core Hardware and Operating Systems (Third Edition) Kit - A CompTIA Certification

Course number: newly released 085815 sk (085811 and 085812 combined, formerly 077810sk)
Software: A+ Certification
Course length: 10 days total

A+™ Certification: Core Hardware Third Edition - A CompTIA Certification


Course number: 085811

Course Specifications

Course Description
This course is one of two courses you will need to take if your job responsibilities include entry-level computer
service technician support duties. It is also one of two courses of study for the CompTIA A+ certification
program. In this course, you'll build on your end-user background knowledge as you acquire the specific skills
required to install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, and repair PC hardware components and systems.

Course Objective: You will install, remove, upgrade, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware.

Target Student: This course is designed for persons with basic end-user skills with Windows-based personal
computers, who wish to begin a career in information technology by becoming personal computer service
technicians, or who wish to prepare to take the CompTIA A+ Core Hardware examination.

Prerequisites: End-user skills with Windows-based personal computers, including the ability to: Start up and
shut down the computer.Log on to a computer or computer network.Run programs.Move, copy, delete, and
rename files in Windows Explorer.Browse and search for information on the Internet.
Basic knowledge of computing concepts including: The difference between hardware and software.The
functions of software components such as the operating system, applications, and file system.The function of a
computer network.
You can obtain this level of skills and knowledge by taking any of the following Element K courses:
Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows 95Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows
98Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows 2000Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows
XPIntroduction to Networks and the Internet

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on
activities.

Hardware Requirements
For each lab station, you will need the following hardware. It is recommended that the documentation and driver
disks for each device be included for use by students as needed. For some of the more expensive items, or less
common devices, you might perform an instructor demonstration, have one lab station install the item and others
watch, or pass the device from one lab station to the next with each station installing then removing the device.
• An ATX-based system with PCI and ISA slots. Whenever possible, have enough components for each
lab station to install each device. If the systems you are using have only PCI slots, have at least one
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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

other system that contains both ISA and PCI slots. The computer also needs at least one of each of the
following ports: parallel, VGA, keyboard and mouse PS/2 ports, serial, USB, FireWire, and sound
including Line In, Line Out, Mic, and Game ports. If Windows XP cannot be installed on this additional
system, you can install Windows 98 or Windows 2000 on it.

• PCI Cards.

• ISA Cards.

• Printer with a Parallel port.

• Printer with a Serial port.

• Printer with an Infrared port.

• Printer with a USB port.

• Internal and external modems.

• USB hub.

• USB devices.

• Network cards (and any required networking equipment for students to reach the Internet).

• PDA with serial, USB, and/or Infrared ports.

• Extra RAM to install.

• Additional IDE Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD-R Drive to install.

• Additional SCSI Hard Drive or CD/DVD drive to install.

• External SCSI device.

• Additional Parallel port devices.

• FireWire port.

• FireWire devices.

• FireWire hub.

• Speakers.

• Microphone.

• Joystick or other game controller that connects to the 15-pin game port.

• MIDI device.

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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

• Other quarter-inch mini-jack device (cassette player, musical keyboard, and so on).

• Digital camera.

• Laptop with docking station and/or port replicator.

• External SCSI devices.

• PC Cards (Type I, II, and III if possible).

• UPS.

• ESD protection devices such as workbench mats with wrist strap and grounding cord, floor mat with
grounding cord and shoe straps.

• PC cleaning supplies such as compressed air canisters, mini-vacuum suitable for laser printers, swabs,
alcohol, monitor wipes, and other PC cleaning solutions.

• Audio CD.

• AGP video card.

• RAID controller and drives.

• Wireless devices including mouse and/or keyboard and networking devices.

• Cartridge drive and cables (Iomega Zip or Jaz, SuperDisk, or similar drives).

• At least one system with dual processors.

• Cables for all devices. In addition, you also need the following cables: Null modem, RJ-45, RJ-11, RG 6,
RG 8, RG 58, RG 59, STP, Fiber Optic.
Some topics describe hardware that you are less likely to have. However, if you do have access to the
hardware, it will enhance the learning experience for the students. Any of the following items will be of benefit to
students in installing, configuring, working with, and troubleshooting.
• Digital flat panel monitor with DVI connection.

• DVI port.

• CPU cooling systems including temperature sensors, liquid cooling systems, thermal compounds, heat
sinks, and fans.

• Riser cards for audio and communications (also known as daughter boards).

• Mini PCI adapters for notebook computers.

• Different kinds of memory packages.

• Different kinds of CPU packages.


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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

• Touchscreen monitor or panel to attach to a monitor.

• External tape drive.

• CAD/CAM devices.

• Cable modem.

• DSL modem.

• Special function video card such as those with TV tuner or TV connection capabilities.

• Various types of RAM.

• Solid Ink printer.

• Thermal printer.

• Dye sublimation printer.

• Printers with features such as the ability to add memory, hard drives, NICs, operational trays and
feeders, finishers such as staplers, and/or functions such as scanning, fax, and copier built into the
printer.

• Battery operated printer.


For the troubleshooting lessons, if you have access to any non-working devices, the devices can be installed for
students to troubleshoot.
• Any of the devices students have worked with (from the hardware list for the course) that are not
working are suitable for this purpose.

• Some suggestions for simulating problems are included as Instructor Notes in the Activities, but actual
non-working devices can often be beneficial in helping students identify when something is broken as
opposed to not correctly configured.

• Damaged CD-ROM.

• Broken or damaged cables.

• Any non-working items which can be broken open to show students the internal workings of devices.

Platform Requirements

• Windows

Software Requirements

• Windows XP.

• Device drivers for any cards and devices students will install.

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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

• A MIDI sequencer. You can download one of the many MIDI sequencers listed at
www.hitsquad.com/smm/win95/MIDI_SEQUENCERS/. Several are Freeware, some are Shareware,
and some are demos.

Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• explore foundational information about computers.

• install or remove devices on standard ports.

• install or remove internal hardware.

• upgrade system components.

• install, configure, and work with various portable computing devices.

• perform preventative maintenance procedures.

• troubleshoot and correct device problems.

• troubleshoot system problems.

Course Content
Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers
Topic 1A: A Brief History of Computers
Topic 1B: Desktop Computer System Components and Their Functions
Topic 1C: Software and Firmware
Topic 1D: Numbering Systems

Lesson 2: Setting Up a Personal Computer


Topic 2A: Install Video Output Devices
Topic 2B: Install PS/2 Devices
Topic 2C: Install Parallel Devices
Topic 2D: Install Serial Devices
Topic 2E: Install Game and Sound Devices
Topic 2F: Install USB Devices
Topic 2G: Install FireWire Devices
Topic 2H: Connect Wireless Devices

Lesson 3: Installing or Removing Internal Hardware


Topic 3A: Establish an ESD-free Work Area
Topic 3B: Install or Remove Adapter Cards
Topic 3C: Install a Network Adapter and Cable
Topic 3D: Install or Remove IDE Drives
Topic 3E: Install or Remove Internal SCSI Drives
Topic 3F: Install External SCSI Devices
Topic 3G: RAID

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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

Lesson 4: Upgrading System Components


Topic 4A: Add Memory
Topic 4B: Upgrade the CPU
Topic 4C: Add a CPU
Topic 4D: Upgrade the System BIOS
Topic 4E: Upgrade the Power Supply
Topic 4F: Upgrade the System Board
Topic 4G: Decide When to Upgrade

Lesson 5: Supporting Portable Computing Devices


Topic 5A: Connect External Peripherals to a Portable Computer
Topic 5B: Install or Remove Portable Computing Device Drives
Topic 5C: Install or Remove PCMCIA Cards
Topic 5D: Install or Remove Mini-PCI Cards
Topic 5E: Install or Add Memory to a Portable Computing Device
Topic 5F: Connect PDAs to Computers

Lesson 6: Performing Preventative Maintenance


Topic 6A: Hard Disk Maintenance
Topic 6B: Perform Printer Maintenance
Topic 6C: Use a UPS
Topic 6D: Clean Peripheral Components
Topic 6E: Clean Internal System Components
Topic 6F: Dispose of Computer Equipment

Lesson 7: Troubleshooting Device Problems


Topic 7A: Correct Monitor Problems
Topic 7B: Correct Input Device Problems
Topic 7C: Correct Adapter Card and PC Card Problems
Topic 7D: Correct Hard Drive Problems
Topic 7E: Correct Internal Removable Media Drive Problems
Topic 7F: Correct CD or DVD Drive Problems
Topic 7G: Correct Printer Problems

Lesson 8: Troubleshooting System Problems


Topic 8A: Correct Network Connection Problems
Topic 8B: Correct Modem Problems
Topic 8C: Correct Power Problems
Topic 8D: Correct Boot Problems
Topic 8E: Correct Memory Problems
Topic 8F: Correct System Board Problems
Topic 8G: Correct Portable System Problems
Topic 8H: Diagnose System Problems

Appendix A: Peripherals and Connector Types

Appendix B: Basics of Electricity

Appendix C: A+ Core Hardware Exam Objectives


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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

A+™ Certification: Operating Systems Third Edition – A CompTIA Certification

Course Specifications
Course number: 085812
Software: Windows
Course length: 5.0 day(s)
Course Description
A+ Certification: Operating Systems is the course you should take if your job responsibilities include the support
of computers running the Windows 9x, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems. This course, along
with the A+ Certification: Hardware course, prepares you for the CompTIA A+ Operating Systems certification
exam. In this course, you'll build on your skills with using a Windows-based operating system to learn the
specific skills you need to install, maintain, and troubleshoot the Windows 9x, Windows 2000, and Windows XP
operating systems.
Course Objective: You will support Windows 9x, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP
computers.

Target Student: This course is targeted to an individual with basic end-user skills using Windows-based
personal computers, who wishes to begin a career in information technology by becoming a personal computer
service technician, or who wants to prepare to take the CompTIA A+ Operating Systems examination.

Prerequisites: To ensure your success in this course, we recommend that you know how to complete the
following tasks: Start up and shut down the computer.Log on to a computer or computer network.Run
applications.Move, copy, delete, and rename files in Windows Explorer.Browse and search for information on
the Internet.Send and receive email.Basic knowledge of computing concepts, including: The difference between
hardware and software.The functions of software components such as the operating system, applications, and
file system.The function of a computer network.
You can obtain this level of skills and knowledge by taking any of the following Element K courses:
• Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows 98

• Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows 2000

• Introduction to Personal Computers Using Windows XP

• In addition, Hard Disk Management for DOS 6.22 is a required prerequisite for this course.
Although it is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that you take A+ Certification: Core Hardware prior
to taking this course.
It is also strongly recommended that you have a minimum of six months experience working with computers.
Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on
activities.

Hardware Requirements
Except where noted, the requirements listed are for the student and instructor computers.
• 300 Mhz Pentium processor or higher.
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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

• 10 GB hard disk or larger for the student and instructor computers.

• 12 GB hard disk or larger for the classroom domain controller. (You will need an even larger hard disk if
you want each student to use Ghost to create an image of his computer in Lesson 14. You will need
approximately 2 GB of disk space per computer image stored on the server.)

• 128 MB of RAM or more. For the classroom domain controller, 256 MB of RAM or more.

• 800 x 600-capable display adapter and monitor.

• Floppy disk drive and bootable CD-ROM drive.

• One computer installed as a Windows 2000-based classroom domain controller. This computer's
hardware must be on the Windows 2000 Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).

• Network adapter and cabling connecting each classroom computer.

• A projector system to display the instructor's screen output.

• 17 3.5” floppy disks for each student and the instructor.

• Bootable Windows XP Professional CD-ROMs for the ASR recovery topic.

• Internet access.

Platform Requirements

Software Requirements

• For the classroom domain controller, you can use either Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000
Advanced Server. Make sure you have enough per-server licenses for the classroom.

• Windows XP Professional for each student and instructor computer. Be sure you have met the licensing
or activation requirements for your situation.

• Windows 2000 Professional for each student and instructor computer. Be sure you have met the
licensing or activation requirements for your situation.

• Service Pack 2 or later for Windows 2000.

• Bootable Windows 98 Second Edition CD-ROM for each student and instructor computer. Be sure you
have met the licensing or activation requirements for your situation.

• Norton AntiVirus 2002 Professional Edition or McAfee VirusScan Professional Edition. If you choose to
use McAfee VirusScan, students will not be able to manually update their virus definitions unless they
register their software.

• Norton Ghost.

• PowerQuest Partition Magic or Norton Disk Commander.


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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

• If you want to teach students how to install and configure Netscape Navigator instead of Internet
Explorer, you will need Netscape Navigator 7.01 or later. You can download Netscape Navigator at
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/borwsers/download.asp.

• There are additional requirements for some of the lesson-level lab activities. Please see the setup
procedures for each lab activity for these requirements.

• You will need an email account for each student. Obtain these accounts either by installing Microsoft
Exchange Server on the classroom domain controller and creating the necessary accounts or by
creating the accounts with one of the free email services such as Hotmail. You can create one account
for each student or create a single account and have students share this account.

Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• list Windows and command-line tools.

• manage applications.

• install network components.

• implement local security in Windows 2000/NT/XP.

• manage file and print resources in Windows 2000/NT/XP.

• manage file and print resources in Windows 9x.

• manage disk resources in Windows 2000/NT/XP.

• manage disk resources in Windows 9x.

• connect to Internet and intranet resources.

• implement virus protection.

• prepare for disaster recovery.

• recover from disaster.

• install client operating systems.

• automate client operating system installations.

Course Content
Lesson 1: Windows Tools
Topic 1A: Windows Graphical Tools
Topic 1B: Windows Command-line Tools

Lesson 2: Managing Applications


Topic 2A: Install a Windows Application
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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

Topic 2B: Configure Virtual Memory


Topic 2C: Install a Non-Windows Application
Topic 2D: Configure a Non-Windows Application
Topic 2E: Remove an Application

Lesson 3: Installing Network Components


Topic 3A: Update a Network Card Driver
Topic 3B: Configure TCP/IP
Topic 3C: Troubleshoot TCP/IP Connectivity
Topic 3D: Install or Remove NetBEUI
Topic 3E: Install or Remove NWLink IPX/SPX
Topic 3F: Install a NetWare Client
Topic 3G: Configure a Network Connection in Windows 9x

Lesson 4: Implementing Local Security in Windows 2000/NT/XP


Topic 4A: Create or Delete Local User Accounts
Topic 4B: Modify User Account Properties
Topic 4C: Set Workgroup or Domain Membership
Topic 4D: Configure File and Folder Security
Topic 4E: Encrypt Files and Folders

Lesson 5: Managing File and Print Resources in Windows 2000/NT/XP


Topic 5A: Share Folders
Topic 5B: Connect to a Network Printer
Topic 5C: Capture a Printer Port
Topic 5D: Install a Local Printer
Topic 5E: Troubleshoot Printing

Lesson 6: Managing File and Print Resources in Windows 9x


Topic 6A: Set Workgroup or Domain Membership
Topic 6B: Configure the Security Level
Topic 6C: Share Folders
Topic 6D: Install a Printer
Topic 6E: Troubleshoot a Printer in Windows 9x
Topic 6F: Enable User Profiles

Lesson 7: Managing Disk Resources in Windows 2000/NT/XP


Topic 7A: Create or Delete a Partition
Topic 7B: Convert a FAT Partition to NTFS
Topic 7C: Compress Files and Folders
Topic 7D: Defragment a Hard Disk in Windows 2000/XP

Lesson 8: Managing Disk Resources in Windows 9x


Topic 8A: Create or Delete a Partition
Topic 8B: Compress a Hard Disk
Topic 8C: Convert a FAT Partition to FAT32
Topic 8D: Defragment a Hard Disk

Lesson 9: Connecting to Internet and Intranet Resources


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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

Topic 9A: Create a Dial-up Connection


Topic 9B: Create a VPN Connection
Topic 9C: Configure a Web Browser
Topic 9D: Configure an Email Client
Topic 9E: Troubleshoot Internet and Intranet Connections

Lesson 10: Implementing Virus Protection


Topic 10A: Install Virus Protection Software
Topic 10B: Configure Virus Protection Software
Topic 10C: Create a Clean Boot Disk
Topic 10D: Manually Update Virus Definitions
Topic 10E: Remove a Virus

Lesson 11: Preparing for Disaster Recovery


Topic 11A: Create a Boot Disk
Topic 11B: Create an Emergency Repair Disk
Topic 11C: Install the Recovery Console
Topic 11D: Back Up Data
Topic 11E: Back Up System State Data
Topic 11F: Back Up the Registry
Topic 11G: Prepare for an Automated System Recovery

Lesson 12: Recovering from Disaster


Topic 12A: Troubleshoot an Application
Topic 12B: Troubleshoot Hard Disks
Topic 12C: Restore Data
Topic 12D: Restore the Registry
Topic 12E: Restore System State Data
Topic 12F: Recover Boot Sector Files
Topic 12G: Perform an Automated System Recovery

Lesson 13: Installing Client Operating Systems


Topic 13A: Install a Windows Client Operating System
Topic 13B: Upgrade a Windows Client Operating System
Topic 13C: Troubleshoot Operating System Installations
Topic 13D: Add or Remove Operating System Components

Lesson 14: Automating Client Operating System Installations


Topic 14A: Perform an Unattended Installation
Topic 14B: Create a Computer Image
Topic 14C: Install a Computer Image

Appendix A: Upgrade From Windows 95 to Windows 98

Appendix B: Upgrade From Windows NT to Windows 2000 or Windows XP

Appendix C: Dynamic Disks

Appendix D: A+ OS Technologies Exam Objectives


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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com
A+ Certification:
Core Hardware & Operating Sytems (Third Edition)

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1577 C Street, Suite 205, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 272-2888 • (800) 516-5164 • FAX (907) 272-7117
Website: www.nbsys.com • E-mail: info@nbsys.com

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