IT- A+ CERT PREP
A+ Essential and Practical
These courses are designed for individual that are seeking to transition into the IT/Computer Repair field or who wish to upgrade their job skills and prepare for the: CompTIA Core A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Certification Exam 
NOTE: The NEW Core A+ (220-1001) and (220-1002) Certification Prep Courses Included
Prerequisites Though there are no prerequisites for this course we recommend that individuals take the Window operating systems course or equivalent knowledge. 
 
A+ ESSENTIALS A+ PRACTICAL           
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
  • List the different components of a computer system
  • Describe how each component works within the system
  • Adjust various component settings
  • Choose the proper CPU
  • List Uses of Peripheral Devices 
  • Explain display devices and their configuration
  • Describe how to configure a computer for specific requirements
  • List types of networks and network devices and their basic functions
  • Connect to the internet and perform basic troubleshooting 
  • Describe different mobile devices and their uses
  • List the hardware requirements for portable devices
  • Describe the use of printers, print drivers, and connection options
  • Perform basic printer maintenance and troubleshooting
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
  • Windows Overview and Installation
  • Windows Interaction and Personalization
  • Windows Utilities and Management
  • Windows Applications and Features
  • Adding Hardware to Windows
  • Adding Storage Options
  • Networking with the Windows Operating System
  • Monitoring the Windows OS and an Introduction to Other Oss
  • OSX Features and an Introduction to Linux
  • Terminal Commands for Linux or Mac OSX 
  • Introduction to Mobile Operating Systems
  • Introduction to Virtualization and Basic Security Concepts
  • Windows Security Features and Management
  • Common Troubleshooting
  • Security Practices
  • Troubleshooting
COURSE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Windows Overview and Installation
This lesson explores the different Windows Operating Systems and the processes used to install them.

  • Overview on Windows
  • Installation Considerations and Requirements
Lesson 2: Windows Interaction and Personalization
This lesson covers information related to interaction and personalization of a Windows OS.  Students will learn about the basics of User Accounts and Profiles and about the many ways to interact with Windows and personalize setting with the OS.

  • How to Use Windows
Lesson 3: Windows Utilities and Management
This lesson explores the information needed to execute Windows tools and utilities to effectively manage a Windows environment. 

  • Configure & Manage the Windows OS
Lesson 4: Windows Applications and Features
This lesson explores Windows applications and how to manage, troubleshoot and install them into the OS. 

  • Configure Windows Applications & Services
Lesson 5: Adding Hardware to Windows and Storage Options 
This lesson covers the installation process of hardware and the accompanying software that is needed to integrate the hardware into the Windows OS, as well as a breakdown of storage options available within the Windows OS. 

  • Configure Devices and Drivers
  • Storage for Windows
Lesson 6: Networking with the Windows Operating System 
This lesson explores the different methods and procedures required to join a Windows OS to an existing network, modify an existing configuration, and troubleshoot issues that may arise with the networking from an OS perspective. 

  • Windows Networking
  • Types of Servers
Lesson 7: Monitoring the Windows OS and an Introduction to Other OSs 
This lesson provides an introduction to monitoring the Windows OS, optimizing performance, as well as data backup and recovery.  In addition, other operating systems such as Linux and Mac OSX are introduced.

  • Troubleshoot & Optimize Windows
  • Other Operating Systems
Lesson 8: Mac OSX Features and an Introduction to Linux 
This lesson explores the Linux OS and the similarities between Mac OSX and Linux.

  • Other Operating Systems and Technologies
Lesson 9: Shell and Terminal Commands for Linux or Mac OSX 
This lesson explores many of the commands used within Linux and Mac OSX to administer those operating systems at an advanced level.   

  • Identify Common Features
 
Lesson 10: Introduction to Mobile Operating Systems
This lesson provides and introduction to mobile operating systems.  Mobile Oss including some of the features, technologies, and troubleshooting will be covered.

  • Mobile Devices and Operating Systems
  • Safety, Communication, and Troubleshooting
Lesson 11: Introduction to Virtualization and Basic Security Concepts 
This lesson explores virtualization and security.  Basic terms and concepts of virtualization are covered along with an understanding of the virtual environment. 

  • Set Up & Use Client-side Virtualization
  • Identify Security Threats & Vulnerabilities
  • Common Prevention Methods
Lesson 12: Windows Security Features and Management
This lesson explores features of the Windows OS for the purpose of maintaining security of data resources, how to implement them, and how to manage those features.

  • Window Security
  • Best Practices to Secure a Workstation
  • Securing Mobile Devices
Lesson 13: Common Troubleshooting and Security Practices
This lesson covers troubleshooting and security principles along with security practices commonly implemented within an IT infrastructure. 

  • Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
  • Securing SOHO Wireless Networks
  • Troubleshooting Methodology
  • System File Checker
  • Physically Secure Computers
Lesson 14: A Practical Approach to Troubleshooting
This lesson explores the various steps, tools, and solutions to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to PCs, security, mobile Oss, and applications. 

  • Troubleshooting PC OS Issues
  • Troubleshooting PC Security Issues
  • Troubleshooting Common Mobile Issues
Lesson 15: Safety
This covers safety procedures when working with electronic components and power supplies.

  • Safety in the Workplace
Lesson 16: Various Features and Requirements of Microsoft OS
This lesson compares and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems including remote booting and editing the operating system.

  • Microsoft Tools

Lesson 1: Motherboards
understanding of motherboards and their expansion slots. 

  • Introduction to PCs
  • Motherboards and Expansion Slots
Lesson 2: Bios and Startup 
This lesson covers what happens when your computer first starts up and why.  
  • The Computer BIOS
Lesson 3: RAM
This lesson will help you understand the different types of RAM. 
  • Understanding RAM
Lesson 4: Storage Solutions 
This lesson explores the different storage options and how they work for your computer. 
  • Storage Options
  • Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Lesson 5: CPUs
This lesson covers the basics of the CPU (Central Processing Unit), how they work and how to install and configure a CPU in your computer. 
  • Understanding the CPU
  • Understanding Power Supplies
  • Cooling Technologies
Lesson 6: Connectors and Connections  
This lesson introduces you to all of the different types of connectors and cables that can be used for your computer. 
  • Peripheral Connectivity Options
Lesson 7: Peripheral Devices
This lesson covers peripheral devices, describing all of the different hardware that can be connected to your computer. 
  • Computer Peripherals
Lesson 8: Display Devices 
This lesson describes different types of display technology and how to configure and troubleshoot them. 
  • Display Technologies
  • Troubleshooting Displays
Lesson 9: Different Computer Form Factors
This lesson discusses the different requirements and options available for different types of computers
  • Selecting Appropriate PC Options
  • Troubleshooting PC Issues
Lesson 10: Introduction to Networking 
This lesson teaches you to identify different types of networks and network devices, and about basic network functionality. 
  • Introduction to Networking
  • Introduction to Networking Devices
Lesson 11: Network Protocols and Cabling 
This lesson covers network protocols, and goes into detail on setting up an IP addressing scheme using either IPv4 or IPv6. 
  • Understanding Networking Protocols
  • Network Cabling and Connector Options
Lesson 12: Wireless Networking 
This lesson discusses the benefits of wireless networks and how to mitigate some of the related drawbacks. 
  • Wireless LAN Technologies
  • Understanding Network Roles
Lesson 13: Broadband Routers
This lesson explains how to install and configure a broadband router in a small office or home office scenario. 
  • Configuring a Broadband Router
Lesson 14: Internet Connections 
This lesson discusses the different options for connecting to the internet, and how to make the best use of them, as well as basic troubleshooting.
  • Internet Connectivity Options
  • Cabling Tools
  • Troubleshooting Networking
Lesson 15: Mobile Computing  
This lesson introduces information on portable computers like laptops, and some of the special hardware and considerations that you need to take into account when using them.  
  • Understanding Mobile Computers
  • Understanding Laptops and Laptop Expansion
  • Maintaining Laptops
Lesson 16: Portable Computer Hardware
This lesson describes different types of computer hardware that can go into a portable computer. 
  • Servicing Laptop Components
  • Laptop Displays
Lesson 17: Printers 
This lesson explains all the different types of printers, print drivers, and connection options that you use when installing a new printer.  
  • Introduction to Printers
  • Printer Configuration and Networking
Lesson 18: Printer Maintenance
This lesson teaches you about printer installation and maintenance procedures.  
  • Installing and Servicing Printers
Lesson 19: Troubleshooting Printers
This lesson describes basic troubleshooting for printers, introducing some common issues that you might run into, and how to solve them.   
  • Troubleshooting Printing
Lesson 20: Miscellaneous Tools and Connectors
This lesson covers various computer connectors, converters and memory cards.   
  • CLI tools, Various Cables, and Memory Cards
Lesson 21: Troubleshooting Peripheral and Mobile Devices
This lesson covers computer peripherals and mobile devices and how to troubleshoot common problems with these devices.
This lesson covers the following:
  • Computer Peripherals and Mobile Devices