A+ Core Hardware Fundamentals

The A+ Core Hardware Fundamentals course prepares A+ certification candidates for the CompTIA A+ hardware exam. Students will learn about PC hardware and system maintenance procedures. Topics include a detailed look at hardware components, power supply, upgrades, networking, maintenance and troubleshooting. In hands-on exercises, students will assign configuration settings, upgrade systems, configure SCSI devices, install printers and monitors, remove and replace components, and troubleshoot POST errors.

Prerequisites

No prior technical computer experience is necessary.

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Topics

Computer Fundamentals
Introduction to Computers
Common PC Terms and Concepts

Component Overview
Computer Terms
System Modules
Boot Process

System Power
Power Supply
Voltage Concerns
Additional Power and Voltage Concerns
Safety Concerns

Motherboard
Motherboard Forms Factors
Microprocessors
Handling Motherboards and Chips
Memory
System Configuration

Installation and Configuration
IRQ, DMA, I/O Addresses and ROM
BIOS
Bus Structures
Adapter Board Installation and
Configuration
Specialized Devices Resource
Assignments

Disk Drives
Introduction to Data Storage
Floppy Disk Drives
Hard Disk Drive Fundamentals
IDE and EIDE Disk Drives
Investigating LBA and ECHS
Serial ATA (SATA) Disk Drives
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
Portable System Storage Devices
Removable, Unique Storage Devices
CD-ROMs and Writable CD-ROMs

Peripherals
Ports, Connectors and Cables
Common Input Devices
Monitors
Video RAM
Printers
Modems, Cable Modems and DSL
Portable Systems

System Upgrades
Basic System Upgrade Concepts
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
Microprocessor (CPU) Upgrade
Memory Upgrade
Hard Disk Drive Upgrade
Video Card Upgrade
Upgrading Portable Systems

Networking
Networking Concepts
Communication Path
Network Access Methods
Network Implementation
Network Software
Network Support Issues
Wireless Networking

System Maintenance
Maintenance Overview
Preventive Maintenance (PM)
Device/Component Storage
Desktop Removal and Replacement
Portable Removal and Replacement

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Fundamentals
Role of Information
Practical Troubleshooting
Common Problems (Quick Checks)
Examining the POST
Common System Errors
Following a Decision Tree