Course: CompTIA A+ Electives

This five-day practical “hands-on” course will teach support newcomers the essentials of installing and troubleshooting all types of PC hardware.

The course consists of two volumes, with a study volume, containing indexed notes and review questions, and a companion volume, containing exam objectives mapping, exam information, practical labs, answers to review questions, and a comprehensive glossary.

This course is intended for students wishing to qualify with CompTIA A+ Certification for PC Support professionals. It is also suitable for students wanting to improve their skills in PC support and administration.

Students should have successfully completed the "CompTIA A+ Essentials Support Skills" course or have previous experience of PC support. Specifically, it is recommended that students have the following skills and knowledge before starting this course:

Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices
Install and configure basic peripheral devices
Identify types and characteristics of portable computers
Install and configure Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP
Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting
Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely
Communicate effectively with customers
Install and configure print and imaging devices
Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access

Leads to the examinations (delegates choose required elective)
220-602 - CompTIA A+ IT Technician
220-603 - CompTIA A+ Remote Support Technician
220-604 - CompTIA A+ Depot Technician

Delegates will learn how to:
Describe PC support industry job roles
Manage Windows using command line tools and edit the Registry
Use Remote Tools to deploy, maintain, optimise, and troubleshoot systems
Use tools to recover or restore a damaged installation
Configure and troubleshoot local network and wireless connections
Configure and manage users, groups, and shared resources
Configure and secure internet connections and web browser software
Perform preventative maintenance using approved tools and products
Assemble, disassemble, and upgrade PC and notebook components
Configure and update BIOS/CMOS
Troubleshoot, optimise, and upgrade hardware
Troubleshoot and maintain printers and scanners

Module 1: PC Support Industry

PC Support Industry IT Technicians • Remote Support • Depot Technicians • Problem Management • Quality Assurance

Module 2: Configuring and Troubleshooting the OS

Using the Command Prompt Command Prompt and Text Editors • Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt • File Management using a Command Prompt
System Management Tools Options for Deploying Windows • Microsoft Management Console • Windows Optimisation Tools • Remote Utilities • Windows Registry
System Recovery Windows Troubleshooting • System Restore • Emergency Repair • Data Backup

Module 3: Network Support

Connectivity and Client Options TCP/IP • Configuring Network Properties • Configuring Wireless Connections • Configuring Client Options
Sharing Resources Local and Domain User Accounts • Creating User Accounts • Planning and Implementing Groups • Setting Share Permissions • NTFS Folder and File Permissions • Encrypting Files and Folders • Auditing
Internet Standards and Applications Overview of the Internet • Development of the Internet • Internet Services • The World Wide Web • Electronic Mail (Email) • Newsgroups (Usenet) • File Transfer Protocol (FTP) • Telnet • Instant Messaging • Virtual Private Networks • Domain Names • Uniform Resource Indicator • Internet Email Addresses
Configuring Internet Access Accessing the Internet • Web Browser Security
Network Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Networks • Testing TCP/IP

Module 4: PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PC Maintenance Electrical Circuits • Maintenance Toolkit • Hazards • Preventative Maintenance • Maintaining Display Devices • Maintaining Disk and Tape Drives • Cleaning Inside the Case • Power Problems
Installing and Removing Hardware Disassembling a PC • Removing Peripheral Devices • Removing Storage Devices • Reassembling the PC • Adding and Removing Notebook Devices
BIOS, CMOS, and System Resources BIOS and CMOS • BIOS/CMOS Setup Programs • System Resources • Plug-and-Play
Troubleshooting and Optimisation Diagnostic Hardware and Software • Troubleshooting, Upgrading, and Optimising Hardware
Maintaining Printers and Scanners Dot Matrix Printers • Inkjet Printers • Laser Printers • Other Printer Types • Scanners • Installing, Maintaining, and Upgrading Printers and Scanners • Printer Troubleshooting • Configuring and Troubleshooting Scanners