Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software

Cheryl Schmidt is a professor of Network Engineering Technology at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Prior to joining the faculty ranks, she oversaw LAN and PC support for the college and other organizations. She started her career as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy. She teaches computer repair and various networking topics, including CCNA, network management, and network design. She has published other works with Pearson, including IP Telephony Using CallManager Express and Routing and Switching in the Enterprise Lab Guide.Cheryl has won awards for teaching and technology, including Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Innovative Teacher of the Year, Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence Award, and Cisco Networking Academy Stand Out Instructor. She has presented at U.S. and international conferences. Cheryl keeps busy maintaining her technical certifications and teaching but also loves to travel, hike, do all types of puzzles, and read.Christopher Lee teaches Information Technology and Electronics at Florida State College at Jacksonville. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Chris earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He taught his first computer programming classes at age 14! Since then, he has worked for a variety of companies including IBM, Nortel Networks, Evans Solutions, Convergys Corporation, NGA Human Resources, and himself. His experience spans several industries: Telecommunications, Youth Outside the Educational Mainstream, Information Technology, Higher Education, Human Resources Outsourcing, and Community Development.Chris has devoted countless volunteer hours in technology outreach. He enjoys helping children and adults (especially those in underserved communities) learn the skills or access the resources they need to be competitive in today's technological society. He has built strong partnerships with and implemented successful programs in organizations such as National Society of Black Engineers Jr (NSBE Jr), For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology(FIRST) LEGO League, Northeast Florida STEM2 Hub, Tristan's Acceleration Academy, and Renaissance JAX.

• Introduction ...............xxviiFeatures of this Book ......xxviiiChapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT ........ 1Who Needs This Book? ............ 2Technician Qualities .... 2Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification ................ 5Basic Skills for This Course .... 5Types of Computers ..... 8Basic Computer Hardware ....... 8Mice and Keyboards ..14Common Peripherals .171s and 0s .............18Safety Notes .......21Chapter Summary ......22Key Terms ...........23Review Questions .......24Exercises .............26Chapter 2: Connectivity ......31Introduction to Connectivity ..32External Connectivity 32Mouse and Keyboard Ports ....32Video Ports .........33Audio Ports .........44eSATA Ports .......45Modem and Serial Ports .........45Network Ports ....47Network Cabling ........48Integrated Motherboard Ports 54Getting to Know Ports.............54Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices .....56Chapter Summary ......57Key Terms ...........59Review Questions .......60Exercises .............61Activities .............64Chapter 3: On the Motherboard...67Introduction to the Motherboard ...................68Processor Overview ...68Processor Basics 69Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....71Clocking ..............72Cache ...................73Threading Technology .............73Connecting to the Processor ..74Multicore Processors .74Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ..................76Introduction to Virtualization .76Intel Processors ..77AMD Processors ........78CPU Sockets ......79Processor Cooling ......80Installing a Processor 82Upgrading Processors 84Overclocking Processors ........84Installing CPU Thermal Solutions ................85Troubleshooting Processor Issues .................86Expansion Slots .87PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ..88AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) .................88PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) .................89Motherboard Security Options ......................93Types of Motherboards ...........94Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ....95Motherboard Troubleshooting .......................96Chapter Summary ......99Key Terms .........101Review Questions .....102Exercises ...........104Activities ...........106Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration ......109Configuration Overview .......110BIOS Overview ........110The Setup Program ..111Flash BIOS .......112BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ............113CMOS Memory ........117Motherboard Battery .............118Firmware Updates: Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...........118Other Configuration Parameters ..................120Hardware Configuration Overview.............123Installing a USB Device .......124Installing an eSATA Card .....128Installing a Network Interface Card ...........129Troubleshooting Configurations ..................130Chapter Summary ....133Key Terms .........133Review Questions .....134Exercises ...........136Activities ...........140Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ...................143Disassembly Overview ..........144Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) .....................144Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ..........146Tools ..................147Disassembly .....148Reassembly .......156Preventive Maintenance ........156Basic Electronics Overview .159Power Supply Overview .......163Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ..170Power Protection ......172Symptoms of Power Supply Problems ......173Chapter Summary ....177Key Terms .........179Review Questions .....180Exercises ...........182Activities ...........184Chapter 6: Memory ....187Memory Overview ...188Memory Physical Packaging188Planning a Memory Installation ..................189Installing Memory Overview .......................200Virtual RAM ....202Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ...203Older Applications in Windows ..................204Troubleshooting Memory Problems ...........205Removable Storage ..207Chapter Summary ....211Key Terms .........212Review Questions .....213Exercises ...........215Activities ...........221Chapter 7: Storage Devices ...........223Storage Devices Overview ...224Hard Drive Overview ............225Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview .............227Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .....229M.2 and NVMe230PATA, SATA, and SAS Connectivity .........231Storage Device Configuration Overview ...235System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices .........241Hard Drive Preparation Overview ..............242Windows Disk Management 250Fault Tolerance 253Windows Storage Spaces ......255Disk Caching/Virtual Memory ....................256Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview .....258Data Loss and Corruption ....260Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ...................260Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ...........262RAID Issues .....265SSD Issues ........266Chapter Summary ....268Key Terms .........271Review Questions .....272Exercises ...........274Activities ...........277Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.....279Multimedia Devices Overview ....................280Video Overview ........280Video Cards ......280Projectors ..........287Introduction to Audio ............289Installing Sound Cards ..........292Sound Cards Using Windows ......................293Speakers ............295Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............296Optical Drive Overview ........297Optical Drive Installation .....300Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ........300Scanners ............302Other Multimedia Devices ...305Chapter Summary ....309Key Terms .........310Review Questions .....311Exercises ...........313Activities ...........315Chapter 9: Printers and Multifunction Devices .....317Printer/Multifunction Device Overview ....318Categories of Printers ............318Impact Printers .319Inkjet Printers ...321Laser Printers ...323Thermal Printers .......3273-D Printers ......329Paper ..................332Virtual Printing 334Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges 335Upgrading Printers ...336Printer Maintenance .336Printer Installation Overview .......................342Installing Multifunction Devices .................343USB Printer Installation ........343Printers in the Windows Environment .......344Printer Sharing .349Cloud Printing/Scanning .......354General Printer Troubleshooting .................355USB-Attached Printer Troubleshooting .....359Windows Printer Troubleshooting ..............359Impact Printer Troubleshooting ...................362Inkjet Printer Troubleshooting .....................363Laser Printer Troubleshooting .....................363Chapter Summary ....366Key Terms .........368Review Questions .....369Exercises ...........371Activities ...........372Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ..........375Mobile Device Overview ......376Using Mobile Devices ...........382Cell Phones .......385Mobile Apps .....387Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ............390Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity .......393Mobile Device Email Configuration ..........399Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup ....401Other Mobile Software Tools ......................408Laptops Overview ....410Laptop Hardware ......410Laptop Power ...415Laptop Repairs Overview .....418Laptop Display 433Mobile Device Security ........440Mobile Device Travel and Storage .............447Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ........447Chapter Summary ....462Key Terms .........465Review Questions .....466Exercises ...........468Activities ...........470Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ..473Design Overview ......474Computer System Design .....474Motherboard and Associated Component Design ....................481Power Supply and Case Design ..................481Storage Subsystem Design ...483Audio Subsystem Design .....483Display Subsystem Design ...484Troubleshooting Overview ...485Step 1. Identify the Problem 486Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) ...................487Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause ......................495Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution ............497Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .497Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ........497Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ..........498Chapter Summary ....502Key Terms .........504Review Questions .....505Exercises ...........506Activities ...........511Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies .......515Internet Connectivity Overview ..................516Dial-up Connectivity .............516Cable Modems .518xDSL Modems .519VoIP ...................520Fiber Networks 522Satellite Modems ......524Mobile Connectivity Overview ...................525Web Browsers ..528Basic Web Browser Issues ....531Introduction to Virtualization .......................533Desktop Virtualization Basics ......................534Cloud Computing .....537Chapter Summary ....543Key Terms .........545Review Questions .....546Exercises ...........547Activities ...........549Chapter 13: Networking ...551Networking Overview ...........552Network Media Overview ....559Ethernet over Power 568Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment .......................569The OSI Model 573The TCP/IP Model ...575Network Addressing 577More IPv4 Addressing ..........578Wireless Networks Overview ......................581Wireless Network Standards 582Wireless Network Components ...................583Wireless Network Design .....585Antenna Basics 590Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview ..594Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing .......594Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain .......601Wireless NIC–Specific Settings ..................601Advanced NIC Properties .....603NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization .603Thin or Thick Client Installation Overview .......605Wireless AP/Router Configuration .............607WWAN Cellular Configuration ...................608IoT and Smart Devices ..........609Network Troubleshooting .....611Troubleshooting Cable and DSL Modems 619Networking Multifunction Devices ............619Network Servers .......621Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ........622Software-Defined Networking .....................623Network Terminology ...........624The TCP/IP Model in Action .......................625More Windows Network Settings ...............627Introduction to Shared Folders ....................632Chapter Summary ....635Key Terms .........637Review Questions .....639Exercises ...........642Activities ...........648Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ...651Operating Systems Overview ......................652User Interaction with Operating Systems .653Overview of Popular Operating Systems ..65432-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems .........655Windows 10 and Windows 11 Versions .....656Workstation Operating Systems ..................657Operating Systems for Mobile Devices .....657End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns .......................658Update Limitations ..658Compatibility Concerns ........659Corporate Operating System Needs ...........660Basic Windows Usage Overview ................661Windows 10 and Windows 11 Desktop Components ..............663Shortcuts and Tiles ...669Recycle Bin ......670Interactions Within a Window .....................670Managing Windows Files and Folders .......672Searches and Indexing ..........678Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .679Introduction to Windows Control Panel Utilities .....................682Determining the Windows Version .............685Windows Registry ....686Editing the Windows Registry .....................687Backing Up Data ......688WinRE ...............688Recovering the Windows OS .......................688Chapter Summary ....690Key Terms .........691Review Questions .....692Exercises ...........693Activities ...........695Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ..............697Scripting Overview ..698Command Prompt Overview .......................699Command Prompt Basics .....699Moving Around from a Command Prompt ........701The md and rd Commands .705Two Useful Commands: del and type .706Copying Files ...706The attrib Command ......708Why Learn Commands? .......708PowerShell ........708Other Commands You Should Look Over 709Command Format ....710Introduction to Scripting .......734Script File Types .......735Use Cases for Scripting ........736Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......737Environment Variables ..........738Script Syntax ....740Introduction to Script Programming ..........741Variables ............741Data Types ........743Examples of Using Variables .......................744Comments Within Scripts .....745Basic Script Constructs .........746Decisions: The Selection Structure.............746Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ..750Loops: The Repetition Structure .................751A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell ........753Chapter Summary ....756Key Terms .........757Review Questions .....758Exercises ...........759Activities ...........760Chapter 16: Advanced Windows .763Advanced Windows Overview ....................764Preinstallation of Windows ..764Installation/Upgrade of Windows ...............774Corporate Windows Deployment ................775Verifying the Installation ......776Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ...777Reloading Windows .779Windows Updates ....780Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....781Configuring Windows Overview .................783Configuring Windows ...........784Adding Devices ........784Installing/Removing Software .....................792Computer Management Console .................796System Tools ....797User Account Management ..801Managing Storage ....807Managing Services and Applications .........811Data Sources (ODBC) ...........812Print Management Console ..813Overview of the Windows Boot Process ...814System Restore .....815Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) ..................816Startup Settings Menu ...........819System Configuration Utility .......................820Task Manager ...824Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process ..826Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process .....827Black Screen/Video Issues ...829Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start .......................831Slow Boot .........832Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ....833Windows Reboots/System Instability ........835Shutdown Problems .835Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ...........836Power Options..836Monitoring System Performance ................838Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .......843Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ...............846Chapter Summary ....848Key Terms .........850Review Questions .....851Exercises ...........852Activities ...........854Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ......................857Introduction to macOS ..........858Navigating the User Interface ......................859Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....862Management and Troubleshooting Tools ..866Utilities ..............869Introduction to Linux ............878Navigating the GNOME User Interface ....879Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....880Command-Line Interface ......883macOS and Linux Best Practices ................892Chapter Summary ....893Key Terms .........894Review Questions .....895Exercises ...........896Activities ...........897Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .......899Security Overview ....900Security Policy .900Physical Security ......901Logical Security .......908Considering the End User ....912Licensing ...........912Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ...........915Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources ................920Permissions .......928Folder Options .934Protecting the Operating System and Data ........935Internet Security .......942Remote Access to Network Devices ..........955Internet Appliances ..956Wireless Network Security Overview ........957Security Incident Response ..964A Final Word About Security ......................966Chapter Summary ....968Key Terms .........969Review Questions .....971Exercises ...........973Activities ...........975Chapter 19: Operational Procedures ................977Operational Procedures Overview ..............978Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .........986IT Documentation ....994Change Management .............999Chapter Summary . 1012Key Terms ...... 1014Review Questions .. 1015Exercises ........ 1017Activities ........ 1018Appendix A: Subnetting Basics  1021Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives (Online)Glossary  1025  9780137670444, TOC, 7/29/2022

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