Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software
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Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)(Pearson IT Cybersecurity Curriculum (ITCC))

Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)(Pearson IT Cybersecurity Curriculum (ITCC))

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About the Book

Master IT Hardware, Software, and Troubleshooting—and Fully Prepare for the Latest CompTIA® Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15) The Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color resource for building the skills you need to become a confident, job-ready IT technician--and for passing the updated CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15). Built around the latest A+ exam objectives, this comprehensive guide helps you connect, configure, manage, and troubleshoot today’s most widely used devices, operating systems, and cloud-based technologies--all in the context of real IT scenarios. You’ll gain hands-on expertise with Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, mobile and IoT devices, Active Directory, cybersecurity, scripting, and more. Award-winning instructors Cheryl Schmidt and Christopher Lee combine technical depth with a strong focus on customer service and workplace-ready soft skills. Legacy technologies are also covered to prepare you for any environment you may encounter in the field. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN AND HOW YOU’LL LEARN IT Covers All Current A+ Exam Objectives: Stay focused with clear coverage of every topic tested on the Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15). Real-World, Visual Learning: Hundreds of full-color photos, illustrations, and tables help you understand how things work. Hands-On Tech Tips: Practical insights and field-tested troubleshooting advice throughout the book. Professional Skills Focus: Soft skills tips and team-building exercises help you develop the communication and collaboration abilities today’s employers demand. Extensive Practice and Review Tools: Learning Objectives and Key Terms at the start of each chapter Review questions including multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended formats Critical thinking activities to reinforce deeper understanding Certification Exam Tips to help you study smarter Chapter Summaries & Glossary: Recap and reinforce key takeaways for fast and effective study. Free Online Companion: Complete A+ Lab Manual Available for free online, the Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual offers 140+ hands-on labs that walk you through: PC components and mobile device repair Wired and wireless networking Operating system installation and configuration Security fundamentals Real-world troubleshooting scenarios Step-by-step instructions, built-in challenges, and critical thinking questions help you practice, experiment, and build confidence with core A+ topics. Whether you’re preparing for the exam or the workplace--or both--this lab manual ensures you’re ready. Perfect for students, instructors, and career changers alike, this guide will prepare you for both certification success and on-the-job performance in today’s fast-moving IT environments.

Table of Contents:
Introduction .................xxv Features of This Book .............................xxvii Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT .......................... 1     Who Needs This Book? ..................... 2     Technician Qualities ........................... 2     Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification .... 5     Basic Skills for This Course ............. 5     Types of Computers ............................ 8     Basic Computer Hardware ................ 8     Mice and Keyboards .........................14     Common Peripherals ........................17     1s and 0s ............18     Safety Notes ......20     Chapter Summary .............................21     Key Terms ..........22     Review Questions ..............................23     Exercises ............25     Activities ............27 Chapter 2: Connectivity .............................29     Introduction to Connectivity ...........30     External Connectivity .......................30     Mouse and Keyboard Ports .............30     Video Ports ........38     Audio Ports ........43     eSATA Ports ......43     Modem and Serial Ports ..................44     Network Ports ...46     Network Cabling ...............................47     Integrated Motherboard Ports .........53     Getting to Know Ports......................53     Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices ...............55     Chapter Summary .............................56     Key Terms ..........57     Review Questions ..............................58     Exercises ............59     Activities ............62 Chapter 3: On the Motherboard............65     Introduction to the Motherboard ....66     Processor Overview ..........................66     Processor Basics ................................67     Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....68     Cache ..................69     Connecting to the Processor ...........70     Multicore Processors ........................71     Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ...72     Introduction to Virtualization Support .....73     Intel Processors .74     AMD Processors ............75     CPU Sockets .....76     Processor Cooling .............77     Installing a Processor .......................78     Upgrading Processors .......................80     Overclocking Processors .................80     Installing CPU Thermal Solutions .81     Troubleshooting Processor Issues ..82     Expansion Slots 83     PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ....................83     PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) ..84     Motherboard Security Options .......87     Types of Motherboards ....................88     Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ..............89     Motherboard Troubleshooting ........90     Chapter Summary .............................93     Key Terms ..........94     Review Questions ..............................95     Exercises ............97     Activities ............99 Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration .....103     Configuration Overview ................104     BIOS Overview ...............................104     UEFI .................105     BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ...............107     CMOS Memory ...............................110     Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...............112     Other Configuration Parameters ...113     Hardware Configuration Overview............115     Installing a USB Device ................117     Installing an eSATA Card ..............120     Installing a Network Interface Card ..........121     Troubleshooting Configurations ...122     Chapter Summary .........4     Key Terms ........124     Review Questions .......125     Exercises ..........127     Activities ..........131 Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ....135     Disassembly Overview ...................136     Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ......136     Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ........138     Tools .................139     Disassembly ....140     Reassembly ......147     Preventive Maintenance .................147     Basic Electronics Overview ..........150     Power Supply Overview ................153     Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ........160     Power Protection .............................162     Symptoms of Power Supply Problems .........163     Chapter Summary .......167     Key Terms ........168     Review Questions ......169     Exercises ..........172     Activities ..........173 Chapter 6: Memory ...177     Memory Overview ........178     Memory Physical Packaging.........178     Planning a Memory Installation ...179     Installing Memory Overview ........190     Virtual RAM ...192     Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ......193     Older Applications in Windows ...195     Troubleshooting Memory Problems ..............195     Removable Storage .........................197     Chapter Summary ...........................201     Key Terms ........202     Review Questions ............................203     Exercises ..........205     Activities ..........211 Chapter 7: Storage Devices ....................213     Storage Devices Overview ............214     Hard Drive Overview .....................215     Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview ..............217     Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .........219     SATA and SAS Connectivity ........220     Storage Device Configuration Overview .......222     System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices ..........228     Hard Drive Preparation Overview ................229     Windows Disk Management .........236     Fault Tolerance ................................238     Windows Storage Spaces ...............240     Disk Caching/Virtual Memory .....241     Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview ..............243     Data Loss and Corruption .............245     Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ....246     Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ......247     RAID Issues ....251     SSD Issues .......251     Chapter Summary ........253     Key Terms ........255     Review Questions ............256     Exercises ..........258     Activities ..........261 Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.......63     Multimedia Devices Overview .....264     Video Overview ...............................264     Projectors .........274     Introduction to Audio .....................276     Sound Cards Using Windows .......279     Speakers ...........281     Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............282     Optical Drive Overview .................283     Optical Drive Installation ..............286     Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ...............286     Scanners ...........287     Other Multimedia Devices ............290     Chapter Summary ...........................293     Key Terms ........294     Review Questions ...................295     Exercises ..........297     Activities ..........298 Chapter 9: Printers/Multifunction Devices ...........301     Printer/Multifunction Device Overview .........302     Categories of Printers ..........302     Impact Printers 303     Inkjet Printers ..305     Laser Printers ..308     Thermal Printers ...................311     Paper .................313     Virtual Printing ................................316     Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges ..317     Upgrading Printers ..........................318     Printer Maintenance ........................318     Printer Installation Overview ........324     Installing Multifunction Devices ..326     USB Printer Installation .................326     Printers in the Windows Environment ........327     Printer Sharing 332     Cloud Printing/Scanning ................337     General Printer Troubleshooting ..338     Chapter Summary ...........................349     Key Terms ........350     Review Questions ............................351     Exercises ..........353     Activities ..........354 Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ...................357     Mobile Device Overview ...............358     Using Mobile Devices ....................364     Cell Phones ......366     Mobile Apps ....368     Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ........371     Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity ......373     Mobile Device Email Configuration ............379     Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup .............381     Other Mobile Software Tools .......385     Laptops Overview .....387     Laptop Hardware ..............387     Laptop Power ..391     Laptop Repairs Overview ..............394     Mobile Device Security .................410     Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ...415     Chapter Summary .........429     Key Terms ........431     Review Questions ........432     Exercises ..........434     Activities ..........436 Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ........439     Design Overview .............................440     Computer System Design ..............441     Motherboard and Associated Component Design .....447     Power Supply and Case Design ...447     Storage Subsystem Design ............449     Audio Subsystem Design ..............449     Display Subsystem Design ............450     Troubleshooting Overview ............451     Step 1. Identify the Problem .........452     Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) .453     Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause .......461     Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Proposed Solution .....463     Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .....463     Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ..........................463     Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ............................464     Chapter Summary ...........................468     Key Terms ........469     Review Questions ............................470     Exercises ..........471     Exercise 11.4 Determining the Troubleshooting Process Step ...........476     Activities ..........476 Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies.......479     Internet Connectivity Overview ...480     Dial-up Connectivity ......................480     Cable Modems 482     xDSL Modems 483     VoIP ..................484     Fiber Networks ................................486     Satellite Modems .............................488     Mobile/Cellular Connectivity Overview .....................489     Web Browsers .492     Introduction to Virtualization ........498     Containers ........503     Cloud Computing ............................503     Chapter Summary ...........................509     Key Terms ........511     Review Questions ............................512     Exercises ..........513     Activities ..........515 Chapter 13: Networking ..........................517     Networking Overview ....................518     Network Media Overview .............525     Ethernet over Power .......................534     Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment ........535     The OSI Model ................................538     The TCP/IP Model ..........................540     Network Addressing .......................542     More IPv4 Addressing ...................543     Wireless Networks Overview .......546     Wireless Network Standards .........547     Wireless Network Components ....548     Wireless Network Design ..............550     Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview .....559     Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing ................560     Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain ................566     Wireless NIC–Specific Settings ...567     Advanced NIC Properties ..............568     NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization ..........569     Wireless AP/Router Configuration ............570     WWAN Cellular Configuration ....572     IoT and Smart Devices ...................572     Network Troubleshooting ..............573     Networking Multifunction Devices .............582     Network Servers ..............................584     Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ......585     Software-Defined Networking ......586     Network Terminology ....................587     The TCP/IP Model in Action ........588     More Windows Network Settings 590     Introduction to Shared Folders .....594     Chapter Summary ...........................598     Key Terms ........601     Review Questions ............................602     Exercises ..........604     Activities ..........610 Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ......613     Operating Systems Overview .......614     User Interaction with Operating Systems ........615     Overview of Popular Operating Systems ...........616     32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems ............617     Windows 11 Versions .....................618     Workstation Operating Systems ...619     Operating Systems for Mobile Devices ........619     End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns ........620     Update Limitations .........................620     Compatibility Concerns .................621     Corporate Operating System Needs .....621     Basic Windows Usage Overview .623     Windows 11 Desktop Components .............624     Shortcuts ..........627     Recycle Bin .....628     Interactions Within a Window ......629     Managing Windows Files and Folders ..........630     Searches and Indexing ...................635     Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .......637     Introduction to Windows Settings 640     Determining the Windows Version ...............642     Windows Registry ...........................643     Editing the Windows Registry ......643     Backing Up Data .............................644     WinRE ..............645     Recovering the Windows OS ........645     Chapter Summary ...........................647     Key Terms ........648     Review Questions ............................649     Exercises ..........650     Activities ..........652 Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ........655     Scripting Overview .........................656     Command Prompt Overview ........656     Command Prompt Basics ..............657     Moving Around from a Command Prompt ...659     The md and rd Commands ..........662     Two Useful Commands: del and type .....663     Copying Files ..664     The attrib Command ................665     Why Learn Commands? ................666     PowerShell .......666     Other Commands You Should Look Over .......667     Command Format ...........................668     Introduction to Scripting ................692     Script File Types ..............................693     Use Cases for Scripting .................694     Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......695     Environment Variables ...................696     Script Syntax ...698     Introduction to Script Programming .......699     Variables ...........699     Data Types .......701     Examples of Using Variables ........702     Comments Within Scripts ..............703     Basic Script Constructs ..................704     Decisions: The Selection Structure.............704     Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ......708     Loops: The Repetition Structure ..708     A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell .......711     Chapter Summary ...........................714     Key Terms ........715     Review Questions ............................716     Exercises ..........717     Activities ..........718 Chapter 16: Advanced Windows ..........721     Advanced Windows Overview .....722     Preinstallation of Windows ...........722     Installation/Upgrade of Windows 732     Corporate Windows Deployment .733     Verifying the Installation ...............735     Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ....735     System Restore ................................737     Reloading Windows ........................737     Windows Updates ...........................739     Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....740     Configuring Windows Overview ..741     Configuring Windows ....................743     Adding Devices ...............................743     Installing/Removing Software ......750     Computer Management Console ..754     System Tools ...755     User Account Management ...........759     Managing Storage ...........................765     Managing Services and Applications ......769     Data Sources (ODBC) ....................770     Print Management Console ...........771     Overview of the Windows Boot Process ....772     Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) .....773     Startup Settings Menu ....................776     Task Manager ..782     Monitoring System Performance .784     Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process .....789     Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process ...790     Black Screen/Video Issues ............792     Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start ...793     Slow Boot ........795     Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ...796     Windows Reboots/System Instability .......797     Shutdown Problems ........................798     Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ......799     Power Options.799     Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .....801     Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ..803     Cloud-Based Productivity Tools ..804     Chapter Summary ...........................809     Key Terms ........811     Review Questions ............................812     Exercises ..........813     Activities ..........815 Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ..817     Introduction to macOS ...................818     Navigating the User Interface .......819     Basic System Usage, Applications, Updates, and Backups .....822     Management and Troubleshooting Tools ......827     Utilities .............830     Introduction to Linux .....................839     OS Components and Common Configuration Files ..840     Navigating the User Interface .......840     Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....842     Command-Line Interface ...............845     macOS and Linux Best Practices .854     Chapter Summary ...........................855     Key Terms ........856     Review Questions ............................857     Exercises ..........858     Activities ..........859 Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .....861     Security Overview ...........................862     Security Policy 862     Physical Security .............................863     Logical Security ..............................870     Considering the End User .............875     Licensing ..........876     Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ........878     Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources .884     Permissions ......891     Folder Options 897     Protecting the Operating System and Data .....898     Internet Security ..............................906     Remote Access to Network Devices .......918     Internet Appliances .........................920     Wireless Network Security Overview .......921     Security Incident Response ...........928     A Final Word About Security .......930     Chapter Summary ...........................932     Key Terms ........934     Review Questions ............................935     Exercises ..........937     Activities ..........939 Chapter 19: Operational Procedures .941     Operational Procedures Overview ......942     Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .......951     IT Documentation ...........................959     Change Management ......................964     Chapter Summary ...........................975     Key Terms ........977     Review Questions ............................978     Exercises ..........980     Activities ..........981 Appendix A: Subnetting Basics ............985   Online Only Elements Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives Glossary 9780135439777, TOC, 8/12/2025


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Product Details
  • ISBN-13: 9780135439777
  • Publisher: Pearson Education (US)
  • Publisher Imprint: Pearson IT Certification
  • Language: English
  • Returnable: N
  • Sub Title: CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)
  • ISBN-10: 0135439779
  • Publisher Date: 06 Nov 2025
  • Binding: Paperback
  • No of Pages: 1104
  • Series Title: Pearson IT Cybersecurity Curriculum (ITCC)


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Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)(Pearson IT Cybersecurity Curriculum (ITCC))
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