CompTIA

Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (1201/1202)

Prepare for the CompTIA A+ IT hardware and software (1201/1202) certification and master the core concepts of entry-level IT support.

(220-1201-1202-SCH.AB1) / ISBN : 978-1-64459-790-3
Lessons
Lab
TestPrep
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About This Course

Start your IT future with the A+ IT Hardware and Software (1201/1202).  Get all-in-one comprehensive guide with interactive & practical resources to transform you into a job-ready IT technician.

We go beyond just helping you pass the test. Be more focused on real-world scenarios. Mastering the art of connecting, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting some of the most widely used devices, operating systems & cloud-based technologies.  Be ready to turn your theory into triumph!   

Skills You’ll Get

  • All current A+ exam objectives: Get your hands on our guide covering t the latest A+ exam objectives, including both the 220-1201 & 220-1202 exams. 
  • PC Hardware & Peripheral Management: Identify, install, upgrade, and troubleshoot hardware components such as motherboards, processors, RAM, storage drives, printers, and multimedia devices. 
  • Networking Fundamentals & Configuration: Gain practical skills in configuring wired/wireless networks, routers, IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and basic SOHO setups.
  • Operating Systems & Software Management: Master Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS usage, installations, updates, configurations, and system recovery tools.
  • Device Security & Risk Mitigation: Implement physical, network, and OS-level security practices, covering firewalls, permissions, encryption, malware defense, and user access controls.
  • Mobile Device Support: Configure, secure, sync, and troubleshoot mobile phones, tablets, and laptops across various platforms and connectivity types.
  • Printer and Peripheral Management: Install and manage printers and multifunction devices, understand various printer technologies, and resolve print-related issues.
  • Scripting & Automation Basics: Use Command Line, PowerShell, Python, and Bash to automate tasks, troubleshoot systems, and streamline IT operations.
Download Course Outline

1

Introduction to the World of IT

  • Who Needs This Course?
  • Technician Qualities
  • Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification
  • Basic Skills for This Course
  • Types of Computers
  • Basic Computer Hardware
  • Mice and Keyboards
  • Common Peripherals
  • 1s and 0s
  • Safety Notes
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities 
2

Connectivity

  • Introduction to Connectivity
  • External Connectivity
  • Mouse and Keyboard Ports
  • Video Ports
  • Audio Ports
  • eSATA Ports
  • Modem and Serial Ports
  • Network Ports
  • Network Cabling
  • Integrated Motherboard Ports
  • Getting to Know Ports
  • Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices
  • Soft Skills: Using Appropriate Titles
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
3

On the Motherboard

  • Introduction to the Motherboard
  • Processor Overview
  • Processor Basics
  • Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
  • Cache
  • Connecting to the Processor
  • Multicore Processors
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  • Introduction to Virtualization
  • Intel Processors
  • AMD Processors
  • CPU Sockets
  • Processor Cooling
  • Installing a Processor
  • Upgrading Processors
  • Overclocking Processors
  • Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
  • Troubleshooting Processor Issues
  • Expansion Slots
  • PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
  • PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
  • Motherboard Security Options
  • Types of Motherboards
  • Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
  • Motherboard Troubleshooting
  • Soft Skills: Active Listening
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
4

Introduction to Configuration

  • Configuration Overview
  • BIOS Overview
  • UEFI
  • BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings
  • CMOS Memory
  • Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI
  • Other Configuration Parameters
  • Hardware Configuration Overview
  • Installing a USB Device
  • Installing an eSATA Card
  • Installing a Network Interface Card
  • Troubleshooting Configurations
  • Soft Skills: A Good Technician Practice: Change Only One Thing At A Time And Document
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
5

Disassembly and Power

  • Disassembly Overview
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Tools
  • Disassembly
  • Reassembly
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Basic Electronics Overview
  • Power Supply Overview
  • Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply
  • Power Protection
  • Symptoms of Power Supply Problems
  • Soft Skills: Written Communications Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities 
6

Memory

  • Memory Overview
  • Memory Physical Packaging
  • Planning a Memory Installation
  • Installing Memory Overview
  • Virtual RAM
  • Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows
  • Older Applications in Windows
  • Troubleshooting Memory Problems
  • Removable Storage
  • Soft Skills: Teamwork
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
7

Storage Devices

  • Storage Devices Overview
  • Hard Drive Overview
  • Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview
  • Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview
  • SATA and SAS Connectivity
  • Storage Device Configuration Overview
  • System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices
  • Hard Drive Preparation Overview
  • Windows Disk Management
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Windows Storage Spaces
  • Disk Caching/Virtual Memory
  • Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview
  • Data Loss and Corruption
  • Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation
  • Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices
  • RAID Issues
  • SSD Issues
  • Soft Skills: Phone Skills
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
8

Video and Multimedia Devices

  • Multimedia Devices Overview
  • Video Overview
  • Projectors
  • Introduction to Audio
  • Sound Cards Using Windows
  • Speakers
  • Troubleshooting Sound Problems
  • Optical Drive Overview
  • Optical Drive Installation
  • Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues
  • Scanners
  • Other Multimedia Devices
  • Soft Skills: Attitude
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
9

Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Printer/Multifunction Device Overview
  • Categories of Printers
  • Impact Printers
  • Inkjet Printers
  • Laser Printers
  • Thermal Printers
  • Paper
  • Virtual Printing
  • Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges
  • Upgrading Printers
  • Printer Maintenance
  • Printer Installation Overview
  • Installing Multifunction Devices
  • USB Printer Installation
  • Printers in the Windows Environment
  • Printer Sharing
  • Cloud Printing/Scanning
  • General Printer Troubleshooting
  • Soft Skills: Work Ethics
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
10

Mobile Devices

  • Mobile Device Overview
  • Using Mobile Devices
  • Cell Phones
  • Mobile Apps
  • Mobile Device Wired Connectivity
  • Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity
  • Mobile Device Email Configuration
  • Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup
  • Other Mobile Software Tools
  • Laptops Overview
  • Laptop Hardware
  • Laptop Power
  • Laptop Repairs Overview
  • Mobile Device Security
  • Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview
  • Soft Skills: A Word about Appearance
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
11

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

  • Design Overview
  • Computer System Design
  • Motherboard and Associated Component Design
  • Power Supply and Case Design
  • Storage Subsystem Design
  • Audio Subsystem Design
  • Display Subsystem Design
  • Troubleshooting Overview
  • Step 1. Identify the Problem
  • Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious)
  • Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
  • Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution
  • Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
  • Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
  • Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts
  • Soft Skills: Dealing with Difficult Customers
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
12

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Internet Connectivity Overview
  • Dial-up Connectivity
  • Cable Modems
  • xDSL Modems
  • VoIP
  • Fiber Networks
  • Satellite Modems
  • Mobile Connectivity Overview
  • Web Browsers
  • Introduction to Virtualization
  • Containers
  • Cloud Computing
  • Soft Skills: Mentoring
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
13

Networking

  • Networking Overview
  • Network Media Overview
  • Ethernet Over Power
  • Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment
  • The OSI Model
  • The TCP/IP Model
  • Network Addressing
  • More IPv4 Addressing
  • Wireless Networks Overview
  • Wireless Network Standards
  • Wireless Network Components
  • Wireless Network Design
  • Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview
  • Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing
  • Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain
  • Wireless NIC–Specific Settings
  • Advanced NIC Properties
  • NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization
  • Wireless AP/Router Configuration
  • WWAN Cellular Configuration
  • IoT and Smart Devices
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Networking Multifunction Devices
  • Network Servers
  • Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems
  • Software-Defined Networking
  • Network Terminology
  • The TCP/IP Model in Action
  • More Windows Network Settings
  • Introduction to Shared Folders
  • Soft Skills: Being Proactive
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
14

Introduction to Operating Systems

  • Operating Systems Overview
  • User Interaction with Operating Systems
  • Overview of Popular Operating Systems
  • 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems
  • Windows 11 Versions
  • Workstation Operating Systems
  • Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
  • End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns
  • Update Limitations
  • Compatibility Concerns
  • Corporate Operating System Needs
  • Basic Windows Usage Overview
  • Windows 11 Desktop Components
  • Shortcuts
  • Recycle Bin
  • Interactions Within a Window
  • Managing Windows Files and Folders
  • Searches and Indexing
  • Attributes, Compression, and Encryption
  • Introduction to Windows Settings
  • Determining the Windows Version
  • Windows Registry
  • Editing the Windows Registry
  • Backing Up Data
  • WinRE
  • Recovering the Windows OS
  • Soft Skills: Staying Current
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
15

Introduction to Scripting

  • Scripting Overview
  • Command Prompt Overview
  • Command Prompt Basics
  • Moving Around from a Command Prompt
  • The md and rd Commands
  • Two Useful Commands: del and type
  • Copying Files
  • The attrib Command
  • Why Learn Commands?
  • PowerShell
  • Other Commands You Should Look Over
  • Command Format
  • Introduction to Scripting
  • Script File Types
  • Use Cases for Scripting
  • Mitigating Consequences of Scripting
  • Environment Variables
  • Script Syntax
  • Introduction to Script Programming
  • Variables
  • Data Types
  • Examples of Using Variables
  • Comments Within Scripts
  • Basic Script Constructs
  • Decisions: The Selection Structure
  • Compound Conditions and Logical Operators
  • Loops: The Repetition Structure
  • A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell
  • Soft Skills: Changing Perspective When Troubleshooting
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
16

Advanced Windows

  • Advanced Windows Overview
  • Preinstallation of Windows
  • Installation/Upgrade of Windows
  • Corporate Windows Deployment
  • Verifying the Installation
  • Troubleshooting a Windows Installation
  • System Restore
  • Reloading Windows
  • Windows Updates
  • Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data
  • Configuring Windows Overview
  • Configuring Windows
  • Adding Devices
  • Installing/Removing Software
  • Computer Management Console
  • System Tools
  • User Account Management
  • Managing Storage
  • Managing Services and Applications
  • Data Sources (ODBC)
  • Print Management Console
  • Overview of the Windows Boot Process
  • Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
  • Startup Settings Menu
  • System Configuration Utility
  • Task Manager
  • Monitoring System Performance
  • Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process
  • Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process
  • Black Screen/Video Issues
  • Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start
  • Slow Boot
  • Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings
  • Windows Reboots/System Instability
  • Shutdown Problems
  • Summary of Troubleshooting Steps
  • Power Options
  • Supporting Windows Computers Remotely
  • Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System
  • Cloud-Based Productivity Tools
  • Soft Skills: Avoiding Burnout
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
17

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

  • Introduction to macOS
  • Navigating the User Interface
  • Basic System Usage, Applications, Updates, and Backups
  • Management and Troubleshooting Tools
  • Utilities
  • Introduction to Linux
  • OS Components and Common Configuration Files
  • Navigating the User Interface
  • Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups
  • Command-Line Interface
  • macOS and Linux Best Practices
  • Soft Skills: Be Humble
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
18

Computer and Network Security

  • Security Overview
  • Security Policy
  • Physical Security
  • Logical Security
  • Considering the End User
  • Licensing
  • Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources
  • Permissions
  • Folder Options
  • Protecting the Operating System and Data
  • Internet Security
  • Remote Access to Network Devices
  • Internet Appliances
  • Wireless Network Security Overview
  • Security Incident Response
  • A Final Word About Security
  • Soft Skills: Building Customer Trust
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
19

Operational Procedures

  • Operational Procedures Overview
  • Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions
  • IT Documentation
  • Change Management
  • Soft Skills: Skills TO SUCCEED
  • Lesson Summary
  • Activities
A

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics

1

Connectivity

  • Connecting a Desktop
  • Connecting a Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
2

On the Motherboard

  • Connecting Internal Components of a Desktop
  • Troubleshooting the Slow Performance Issue
3

Introduction to Configuration

  • Enabling and Disabling a Device Driver
4

Disassembly and Power

  • Replacing SMPS
  • Protecting the Computer Using a UPS
5

Memory

  • Replacing the RAM in a Laptop
  • Configuring Virtual Memory
  • Formatting and Cleaning a Disk
  • Creating a Volume with Disk Management
  • Performing Disk Cleanup
  • Troubleshooting Memory Issue of a Desktop
  • Inserting and Ejecting a USB Drive
  • Installing an SD Card
6

Storage Devices

  • Connecting an External Hard Disk
  • Replacing the Internal HDD
  • Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk
  • Creating and Managing Dynamic Disks
  • Creating RAID Arrays
  • Creating a Storage Pool
  • Creating a VHD
7

Video and Multimedia Devices

  • Adjusting Display Settings
  • Installing the Sound Card
  • Connecting an External Speaker and Headphones
8

Printers and Multifunction Devices

  • Setting up a Wireless Inkjet Printer
  • Installing a Printer
  • Sharing a Printer
9

Mobile Devices

  • Installing an App and Configuring Permission Settings
  • Connecting an iPhone to Wi-Fi
  • Setting a Data-Usage Limit
  • Connecting a Laptop to a Personal Mobile Hotspot
  • Connecting an iPhone to a Laptop via Bluetooth
  • Configuring Email and Synchronization on Mobile Devices
  • Connecting a Docking Station
  • Replacing a Laptop Battery
  • Replacing the SSD in a Laptop
  • Setting a Secure Passcode on iPhone
  • Configuring iPad Access Control and Authentication
  • Setting Up Mobile Device Encryption and Backup on an iPad
  • Jailbreaking an iPhone
  • Updating iPhone iOS and Security Patches
  • Performing a Factory Reset on an Android Phone
10

Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review

  • Joining a Workstation to an AD Domain
11

Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies

  • Connecting to an Ethernet Network
  • Connecting to a Cable Modem
  • Connecting to a DSL Network
  • Creating a VM in Azure
  • Securing the Browser
  • Setting Up Azure Storage and Uploading a File
  • Creating and Deploying a Web App
  • Creating an Azure IoT Hub
12

Networking

  • Configuring an IPv6 Address
  • Configuring an IPv4 Address
  • Creating a VLAN
  • Configuring the SSID
  • Changing the Password for the Router
  • Configuring a Router Manually
  • Creating a Home Wireless Network
  • Configuring a Router
  • Configuring a DHCP Server
  • Configuring a DNS Server
  • Exploring APIPA and Loopback Addresses
  • Implementing a SOHO Network
  • Configuring NAT
  • Casting an Android Device to a Television
  • Troubleshooting IP Addressing Issues
  • Configuring an SSH Server
  • Capturing Packets Using Wireshark
  • Configuring NIC Teaming
  • Configuring Advanced Network Adapter Settings
  • Mapping a Network Drive
  • Setting Up and Using Network File Sharing
13

Introduction to Operating Systems

  • Using BitLocker to Encrypt a Drive
  • Encrypting a File Using EFS
  • Compressing and Extracting Files Using 7-Zip
  • Configuring Display Language, Region, and Keyboard Layout
  • Personalizing Windows
  • Exploring Windows Registry
14

Introduction to Scripting

  • Diagnosing Network Issues Using Command-Line Utilities
  • Creating a Volume with Diskpart
  • Using the ipconfig and ifconfig Commands
  • Using System Commands
  • Creating and Executing a Shell Script
  • Creating and Executing a Python Script
  • Creating and Executing a PowerShell Script
15

Advanced Windows

  • Creating a Swap Partition
  • Enabling the Shadow Copies Feature
  • Configuring Windows Update
  • Configuring and Using File History
  • Creating and Scheduling a Backup in Windows
  • Creating a Restore Point
  • Observing Control Panel Options from Different Views
  • Installing an Application Based on System Requirements in Windows
  • Installing and Uninstalling an Application in Windows
  • Adding an MMC Snap-in
  • Using Task Scheduler
  • Managing Users and Groups in Windows
  • Viewing Logs in Windows Event Viewer
  • Setting Up a User Account
  • Configuring and Managing User Permissions in Windows
  • Configuring UAC Settings
  • Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS
  • Mounting a Drive to a Folder
  • Disabling a Service
  • Using Task Manager for Performance Analysis
  • Using Performance Monitor
  • Monitoring System Performance Using Resource Monitor
  • Creating a Power Plan
  • Using Microsoft Office 365 Tools
16

macOS and Linux Operating Systems

  • Configuring an IP Address in Linux
  • Managing Files and Directories
  • Manipulating Files Using Command-Line Utilities
  • Creating Backups in Linux
  • Implementing Malware Protection on Linux
  • Encrypting and Decrypting a File Using OpenSSL
  • Creating an Extended and Logical Partition
  • Searching for Files and Text in Linux
  • Archiving and Compressing Files in Linux
  • Managing Linux Passwords
  • Viewing Network Details Using Linux Commands
  • Managing Linux Processes
  • Using the SET Tool
  • Performing Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption
  • Implementing PGP for Secure Email and File Encryption
  • Managing Linux File Permissions and Editing Text Files
17

Computer and Network Security

  • Implementing Physical Security
  • Examining Kerberos Settings
  • Configuring Port Security on an Access Port
  • Implementing MFA on Mobile Devices
  • Defending Against IP Spoofing
  • Simulating a DDoS Attack
  • Simulating a DoS Attack
  • Creating an OU
  • Configuring Group Policy Management
  • Configuring Folder Redirection in Windows
  • Configuring NTFS Permissions
  • Sharing a Folder with a Specific User and Group
  • Managing File Attributes and Permissions
  • Configuring Firewall Rules and Monitoring Network Logs Using pfsense
  • Configuring Windows Defender Firewall
  • Detecting Threats Using Windows Defender
  • Configuring a Windows Firewall
  • Configuring Proxy Settings
  • Using the Remote Desktop Service
  • Adding a VPN Network
  • Completing the Chain of Custody Form
18

Operational Procedures

  • Reporting an Issue
  • Enforcing Password Settings
  • Creating a Bus Topology

Any questions?
Check out the FAQs

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Yes, this course is aligned with the CompTIA A+ 1201 & 1202 exams. The 220-1201 & 220-1202 exams are officially designated for the two parts of the CompTIA A+ certification, which is also referred to as Core 1 & Core 2.  

This course is ideal for beginners with no IT experience, students preparing for the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams, and anyone aiming for a career in IT or technical support.  

Yes, the Complete Guide to IT hardware is designed to offer practical and real-world experiences. It includes a hands-on lab experience. These labs are a crucial part of the learning experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a more practical environment. 

Yes, this course is well-designed to equip you with the essential knowledge & practical skills required for a successful IT career. You can begin your career as an IT technician or work in information technology. 

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