CompTIA%20A+%20Essentials%20Curriculum%20Outline
A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components
Overview/DescriptionThe IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds, but the backbone of that work has always remained the computers themselves. In order for a computer to function correctly it requires specific types of hardware components. This course covers the different types of motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, and memory that are needed by computers and how they work in unison to ensure that computers perform as required. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.0
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components
Distinguish between common motherboard form factors Recognize the functions of key motherboard components Distinguish between memory slot types Recognize how the bus architecture functions Recognize the function of processor sockets and slots Recognize the function of disk features Recognize key characteristics of computer storage devices Recognize key characteristics of computer power supplies Distinguish between motherboard components and their functions Distinguish between computer storage devices Distinguish between computer power supplies Recognize key CPU components Recognize types of CPUs Recognize ways to reduce the heat generated by CPUs Recognize the types of memory used in computer systems Recognize key characteristics of different types of RAM Distinguish between CPU types and components Determine ways to cool a CPU Determine which type of memory to use in a CPU Course Number:
cs_apet_a01_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers
Overview/DescriptionAdd-on devices and displays are a whole market in themselves, as are laptops and printers. The mobile world of technology has seen two ongoing trends: bigger and better displays, and smaller and more efficient components and laptops. This course examines these trends and covers the types of display devices, peripherals, adapter card technologies, laptop trends and the different types of printers that are used today, and how to install and configure them. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.5
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers
Distinguish between CRT, LCD, and projector technologies used for display devices Recognize how to install the keyboard and mouse Recognize multimedia devices that can be connected to a computer Recognize key characteristics of touch screen monitors Recognize key characteristics of video adapter cards Recognize key characteristics of multimedia adapter cards Recognize key characteristics of I/O adapter cards Recognize key characteristics of communications adapter cards Configure display devices Configure peripheral devices Configure adapters Recognize key characteristics of personal computer cards Recognize types of communication connections for laptops Set power plans for laptops Configure stylus settings on tablet PCs Distinguish between types of printers Install printers Configure printer preferences Install printer drivers Configure laptops Install and configure printers and drivers Course Number:
cs_apet_a02_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers
Overview/DescriptionTroubleshooting computer problems is a major role in the computer technicians life. Every day there will be new problems to solve. This course examines the theories and practical application methods to troubleshoot problems on computers, laptops, and printers. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.0
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers
Recognize the process for troubleshooting computer problems Recognize the tools used for troubleshooting computer problems Troubleshoot internal hardware Troubleshoot USB ports and FireWire ports Troubleshoot drives Troubleshoot keyboards and display devices Troubleshoot computer hardware Troubleshoot USB ports Troubleshoot operating system problems Troubleshoot startup problems Troubleshoot application problems Recognize typical approaches to troubleshooting print problems Manage the print queue Manage a printer spooler service Troubleshoot laptops Troubleshoot operating system and application problems Troubleshoot printer problems Troubleshoot laptop problems Course Number:
cs_apet_a05_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance
Overview/DescriptionOperational procedures are necessary to guarantee that products function properly while not damaging the environment, other products, or individuals around them. Another aspect of operational procedures is the need for professionalism and good communication skills in the workplace. This course covers both safety and environmental procedures to be established and used along with the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.0
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance
Recognize how to guard against risks to data and equipment in an electronic environment Recognize how to ensure the safety of personnel in an electronic environment Recognize how to listen and speak effectively to clients Recognize how to communicate effectively using e-mail Determine how to protect data and equipment in an electronic environment Determine how to protect personnel in an electronic environment Recognize how to communicate effectively to clients Enable updates for the Windows operating system Update drivers manually Check the hard disk for errors Schedule Disk Defragmenter to run regularly Use the System Configuration tool to identify Windows startup problems Perform a complete Windows PC backup Back up files Restore files Manually update drivers Use disk management tools Back up and restore data Recognize preventative maintenance measures for the workplace Course Number:
cs_apet_a07_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems (Windows 7 update)
Overview/DescriptionThere have been numerous versions of Windows over the years, and each has added new abilities and components. Each new version of the Windows operating system provides better and more efficient features to improve the users interaction with the operating system and computer. This course compares Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7 as well as 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems. It will also demonstrate how to install Windows, device drivers, and migrate users files and applications using USMT. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.5
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems (Windows 7 update)
Distinguish between Windows 2000, XP, and Vista operating systems Distinguish between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems Identify key characteristics of Windows OS upgrade paths Configure program compatibility Identify key characteristics of a Windows XP installation Install Windows Vista Install device drivers and verify with Device Manager Migrate user accounts from a Windows XP computer to a Windows Vista computer Configure application compatibility Install the Windows Vista operating system Install device drivers and verify the installation Use the USMT utility to migrate user accounts Recognize key considerations when planning a Windows 7 installation Install Windows 7 Use the USMT to transfer files and settings from previous Windows installations to Windows 7 Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for a Windows 7 installation Install Windows 7 Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for a Windows 7 installation Course Number:
cs_apet_a08_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows (Windows 7 update)
Overview/DescriptionWith each new version of the Windows operating system, new interface elements and enhancements have been made to provide better visual effects and easier access to the tools and utilities that are provided to use and manage them. This course demonstrates how to use the Windows interface, including built-in tools such as Administrative Tools, the Control Panel, and command-line utilities to manage the Windows operating system. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)2.5
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows (Windows 7 update)
Add gadgets to the sidebar Enable the Aero feature and change the color of windows Set attributes for files using Windows Explorer View a log in Event Viewer Create a new MMC Use Task Manager to stop a service Configure virtual memory Customize the Windows operating system interface Perform basic management tasks in the Windows operating system Identify the functions of command-driven system management tools Identify the functions of Telnet, ipconfig, and ping Recognize how to troubleshoot the boot sequence of a computer Recognize key new features in the Windows 7 interface Use libraries Recognize new networking features in Windows 7 Use HomeGroup sharing to connect computers on your home network Create and optimize libraries Create and join a homegroup Course Number:
cs_apet_a09_it_enus Back to ListA+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals (IPv6 update)
Overview/DescriptionSecurity and networking are important in the computer world. This trend has only increased as the average persons interaction on the Internet continues to grow. This course examines security concepts and technologies, such as encryption, authentication, firewalls, and malicious content scanners while also examining malicious content types and the preventative measures that can be taken to guard against them. This course also examines network connectivity, including wired and wireless, and the components and communication mechanisms, such as cables, protocols and devices, used in order to allow two or two million computers to communicate with each other and to share information. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target AudienceIndividuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
PrerequisitesCandidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)3.0
Lesson Objectives A+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals (IPv6 update)
Recognize how key encryption technologies work Recognize how key authentication technologies work Configure firewall exceptions Recognize ways to dispose of data Configure a wireless network connection Recognize how to secure a network using IDS Open the TPM Recognize ways to secure the user environment Set firewall exceptions Set a wireless network connection View the TPM status Recognize how the types of malicious code work Recognize how spyware works Recognize how spam works Recognize key networking concepts Join a computer to a domain and a workgroup Recognize how network devices function Configure TCP/IP settings on a client Recognize key characteristics of wired and wireless networks Configure a wireless network Join a computer to a domain and a workgroup Configure TCP/IP settings on a client manually and automatically Configure a client computer to connect to a wireless network Distinguish between the types of IPv6 addresses Recognize key characteristics of the technologies used to transition from IPv4 to IPv6 Distinguish between the types of network cabling Distinguish between the types of connectors Course Number:
cs_apet_a10_it_enus Back to List