Overview:

If you are getting ready for a career as an entry-level information technology (IT) professional or personal computer (PC) service technician, the CompTIA? A+? Certification course is the first step in your preparation. The course will build on your existing user-level knowledge and experience with personal computer software and hardware to present fundamental skills and concepts that you will use on the job. In this course, you will acquire the essential skills and information you will need to install, upgrade, repair, configure, troubleshoot, optimize, and perform preventative maintenance of basic personal computer hardware and operating systems.

The CompTIA A+ Certification course can benefit you in two ways. Whether you work or plan to work in a mobile or corporate environment where you have a high level of face-to-face customer interaction, where client communication and client training are important, or in an environment with limited customer interaction and an emphasis on hardware activities, this course provides the background knowledge and skills you will require to be a successful A+ technician. It will also assist you if you are preparing to take the the new CompTIA A+ Core Series exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).

Target Student:

This course is intended for anyone with basic computer user skills who is interested in obtaining a job as an IT professional or PC technician. In addition, this course will help prepare students to achieve a CompTIA A+ Certification.

Prerequisites:

Students taking this course should have the following skills: end-user skills with Windows?-based personal computers, including the ability to: browse and search for information on the Internet; start up, shut down, and log on to a computer and network; run programs; and move, copy, delete, and rename files in Windows Explorer. Students should also have basic knowledge of computing concepts, including the difference between hardware and software; the functions of software components, such as the operating system, applications, and file systems; and the function of a computer network. 

An introductory course in a Windows operating system, or equivalent skills and knowledge, is required. 

Course Content

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals

Topic A: Computer System Components

TopTopic B: Storage Devices

Topic C: Device Connections and Interfaces

Lesson 2: Operating System Fundamentals

Topic A: Personal Computer Operating Systems p>

Topic B: Windows Control Panel Utilities

Topic C: Command Line Tools

TopTopic D: Windows Security Settings

Topic E: Windows Operating System Tools

Lesson 3: Operational Procedures

Topic A: Basic Maintenance Tools and Techniques p>

Topic B: Electrical Safety

TopTopic C: Environmental Safety and Materials Handling

Topic D: Professionalism and Communication

Lesson 4: Peripheral Components

Topic A: Install and Configure Display Devices p>

Topic B: Install and Configure Input Devices

TopTopic C: Install and Configure Expansion Cards

Topic D: Install and Configure Multimedia Devices

Lesson 5: Managing System Components

Topic A: Motherboards p>

Topic B: CPUs and Cooling Systems

Topic C: Select and Install Power Supplies

Topic D: RAM Types and Features

TopTopic E: Install and Configure Storage Devices

Topic F: Configure the System BIOS

Lesson 6: Installing and Configuring Operating Systems

Topic A: Implement Virtualization p>

Topic B: Install Microsoft Windows

TopTopic C: Windows Upgrades

Topic D: Windows Preventive Maintenance

Lesson 7: Customized Client Environments

Topic A: Standard Clients

Topic B: Custom Client Environments

Lesson 8: Networking Technologies

Topic A: Physical Network Connections

Topic B: TCP/IP

Topic C: Network Connectivity

Topic D: Ports and Protocols

TopTopic E: Set Up and Configure Windows Networking

Topic F: Networking Tools

Lesson 9: Installing, Configuring, and Maintaining SOHO Networks

Topic A: Install and Configure SOHO Networks

Topic B: SOHO Network Security

Lesson 10: Supporting Laptops

Topic A: Laptop Hardware and Components

Topic B: Install and Configure Laptop Hardware Components

Lesson 11: Mobile Computing

Topic A: Mobile Device Technologies

Topic B: Configure Mobile Devices

Lesson 12: Supporting Printers

Topic A: Printer Technologies

Topic B: Install, Configure, and Maintain Printers

Lesson 13: Security

Topic A: Security Fundamentals

Topic B: Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

TopTopic C: Security Protection Measures

Topic D: Workstation Security

Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Hardware Components

Topic A: Troubleshooting Theory p>

Topic B: Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices

Topic C: Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays

Topic D: Troubleshoot System Components

TopTopic E: Troubleshoot Laptops

Topic F: Troubleshoot Printers

Lesson 15: Troubleshooting System-Wide Issues

Topic A: Troubleshoot Operating Systems

Topic B: Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks

Topic C: Troubleshoot Common Security Issues

Upon completion, a student will also have the necessary skills to take the CompTIA A+ Certification exam. The CompTIA A+ Certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. It tests for the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communications skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals. Testing is administered by Pearson Vue. Testing contact information is listed below. Students will register and pay for exam vouchers directly to Pearson Vue.

 For more information about our programs, please call (864) 646-1700.  Or, attend one of our Open Houses or apply for one our Workforce Scholarships!