A+ Certification Training Self Study Course

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A+ CERTIFICATION TRAINING 

With free upgrade for New A+ 2000 exam certifications

A+ Certification - Your Complete Training Guide !
Eight (8) interactive CD-ROMs, Two (2) workbooks, simulated test quizzer, PC Diagnostic hardware (PC Sentry Kit) and software.  $595.00

What is A+ Certification?
A+ Certification is an industry recognized credential that certifies the competency of PC Service Specialists. It is sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry  Association (CompTIA) and tests are administered by Sylvan Prometric. The  program is backed by over 50 Major computer hardware and software  manufacturers, vendors, distributors, resellers, and publications.  A+  Certification provides a wealth of benefits to any person seeking a job in the computer industry!

Who May  Take the Test?
A+ Certification is open to anyone who wants to take the tests. No specific requirements are necessary except payment of the fee. Individuals may retake the  test modules as often as they like, but the Core and the Specialty Exams must be passed within 90 calendar days of each other in order for and individual to become certified.

Advance  Your Career!
Whether you are considering entering the computer industry or considering advancing your career, the A-Plus certification is a must!  Being good at your job is not enough!  A-Plus certifies the abilities of PC Service  Specialists and will help you achieve the earnings you are  worth.

A+ Certification is Required in the Corporate  World!
COMPAQ, Hewlett-Packard, Apple, IBM, Minolta, and Toshiba  either require or recommend their personnel and service centers become certified.

A+ Test  Requirements
To gain your A+ certification you must pass two exams: the "Core" Exam and a  "Speciality" operating system exam. The Specialty exam covers Windows/DOS. Our  interactive self study program provide you with ALL the knowledge necessary to  master the A+ Exams.

CompTIA TEST OBJECTIVES

Core Exam

Domain %  of Examination 1.0 Installation,  Configuration & Upgrading 30% 2.0 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 20% 3.0 Safety and Preventive 10% 4.0 Motherboard, Processors, Memory 10% 5.0  Printers 10% 6.0 Portable Systems 5% 7.0 Basic   Networking 5% 8.0 Customer Satisfaction 10%* Windows/DOS   Exam 1.0 Function,  Structure, Operation and File Management 30% 2.0 Memory Management 10% 3.0 Installation,   Configuration and Upgrading 25% 4.0   Troubleshooting 25% 5.0  Networks 10%

* The Customer Satisfaction domain will be scored but will not impact the final pass/fail score on the A+ Core Examination.  Windows 95 will have a weighting of 75% vs. 25% for  DOS & Windows 3.x.

Training covers the following material.

Core Module:

Domain 1.0 Installation, Configuration, and  Upgrading

This domain requires the knowledge and skills to identify, install,  configure, and upgrade microcomputer modules and peripherals, following established basic procedures for system assembly and disassembly of field  replaceable modules. Elements include ability to identify and configure IRQ's,  DMA's, I/O addresses, and set switches and jumpers.

1.1 - Identify basic terms, concepts, and functions of system modules, including how each module should work during normal operation:
System board - Power supply -  Processor/CPU - Memory - Storage devices - Monitor - Modem - Input devices -  Output devices - BIOS CMOS

1.2 - Identify basic procedures for adding and removing field replaceable modules:
System board - Power supply - Processor/CPU - Memory - Storage devices - Monitor - Modem - Input devices - Output devices.

1.3 - Identify available IRQs, DMA's, and I/0 addresses and procedures for configuring them for device installation, including identifying switch and jumper settings:
Standard IRQ settings - Differences between jumpers and  switches - Locating and setting switches/jumpers - Modems Sound Cards - Network  Cards.

1.4 - Identify common peripheral ports, associated cabling, and their connectors:
Cable  types - Cable orientation - Cable and connector location - internal/external -  Serial versus parallel - Pin connections - Cable handling/routing - Examples of  types of connectors. DB9 - DB25 - RJ11 - RJ14 - RJ45 - PS2/MINI-DIN.

1.5 - Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring IDE/EIDE  devices:
Master/slave - Devices per channel.

1.6 - Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring SCSI  devices:
Address/Termination conflicts Cabling Types (example: regular, wide, ultra-wide) - Power supply Internal versus external - Switch and jumper settings.

1.7 - Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring peripheral  devices:
Monitor/Video Card - Modem - Storage devices - Associated  drivers.

1.8 - Recognize  the functions and effective use of common hand tools:
Chip-puller - Torx bit - Regular bit - Multimeter.

1.9 - Identify procedures for upgrading BIOS:
Upgrade system BIOS (flash or replace) - Upgrade system hardware

1.10 - Identify  hardware methods of system optimization  and when to use them:
Memory - Hard Drives - CPU, Cache memory

Domain 2.0 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

This domain requires the ability to apply knowledge relating to  diagnosing and troubleshooting common module problems and system malfunctions.  This includes knowledge of the symptoms relating to common problems.

2.1 - Identify common symptoms & problems associated with each module and how to  troubleshoot and isolate the problems:
Processor/Memory symptoms -  Keyboards/Mouse/Track  Ball/Pen/Microphones/Touch Pad - Floppy drive failures -  Parallel Ports/scanners/tape drives - Hard Drives - Sound Card/Audio  Monitor/Video -  Modems - BIOS - Power supply - Device drivers - POST -  Audio/visual error codes

2.2 - Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and good practices for eliciting problem  symptoms from customers
Troubleshooting determination procedures - Determine whether hardware or software problem - Gather information from user regarding, e.g., Customer Environment - Symptoms/Error Codes - Situation when the problem occurred.

Domain 3.0 Safety and  Preventive Maintenance

This domain requires the knowledge of safety and preventive  maintenance. With regard to safety, it includes the potential hazards to  personnel and equipment when working with lasers, high voltage equipment, ESD and items that require special disposal procedures that comply with  environmental guidelines. With regard to preventive maintenance, this includes knowledge of preventive maintenance products, procedures, environmental hazards, and precautions when working on microcomputer systems.

3.1 - Identify the purpose of various types of preventive maintenance products and procedures,  and when to use/perform them:
Liquid cleaning compounds - Types of materials to clean contacts and connections - Types of tools used for cleaning  floppy drives: Head cleaning disk - Manufacturer guidelines - Observations:  identify wear and tear to determine need for maintenance - Vacuum out systems,  power supplies, fans - Industry standards, normal use versus heavy use or  environmental considerations.

3.2 - Identify procedures and devices for protecting against environmental hazards:
UPS  (uninterruptible power supply), suppressors, noise filters, and plug strips - Determining the signs of power issues - Proper methods of storage of components  for future use.

3.3 - Identify the potential hazards and proper safety procedures relating to lasers and high voltage equipment:
Lasers ran cause blindness - High voltage equipment  can cause electrocution, e.g., Power supply - CRT.

3.4 - Identify Items that require special disposal procedures to comply with environmental  guidelines:
Batteries - Toner kits/cartridges Computers - Chemical solvents and cans - CRTs - MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

3.5 - Identify ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions and procedures, including the use of ESD protection devices:
What ESD can do, how it may be apparent, or  hidden - Common ESD protection devices - Situations that could present a danger or hazard.

Domain 4.0 Motherboard/Processors/Memory

This domain requires knowledge of specific terminology, facts, ways  and means of dealing with classifications categories and principles of  motherboards, processors, and memory in microcomputer systems.

4.1 - Distinguish  between the popular CPU chips in terms of their basic characteristics:
Popular CPU chips:
386- 486 - 586 - 686
Characteristics:
Physical size - Voltage - Speeds - Heat sink and cooling fan requirements - On board cache or not - Sockets - Number of  pins.

4.2 - Identify the categories of RAM (Random Access Memory) terminology, their locations, and physical characteristics:
Terminology:
EDO RAM (Extended Data Output  RAM) - DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) - SRAM (Static RAM) -VRAM (Video RAM) - WRAM (Windows Accelerator Card RAM)
Locations and physical characteristics:
Memory bank - Memory chips (8, 16, and 32 bit) - SIMMS (Single In-line Memory Module) - DIMMS (Dual In- line Memory Module) Parity chips versus non-parity chips.

4.3 - Identify the most popular type of motherboards, their components, and their architecture (e.g., bus structures and power supplies):
Types of motherboards:
-AT  (Full and Baby) -  ATX
Components:
Communication ports - CMOS, SIMM AND DIMM Processor Sockets - External Cache Memory (Level 2) - ROM - Bus  Architecture - ISA - EISA - PCI - VESA local bus (VL-BUS) - PC Card (PCMCIA) Basic compatibility guidelines.

4.4 - Identify the purpose of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), what it contains and how to change Its basic parameters:
Example Basic CMOS Settings:
Printer parallel port - Uni/bi-directional, disable/enable,  ECP, EPP com/serial port - memory address, interrupt request, disable hard drive - size and drive type - floppy drive  enable/disable drive or boot, speed,  density - boot sequence - memory parity, non-parity - network interface card -  date/time - passwords.

Domain 5.0 Printers

This domain requires knowledge of basic types of printers, basic concepts, printer components, how they work, how they  print onto a page, paper path, care and service techniques, and common problems.

5.1 - Identify basic concepts, printer operations, printer components, and field replaceable  units in primary printer types.
Types of Printers:
Laser - Inkjet - Dot Matrix - Paper feeder mechanisms - Common Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) for  printers include:

Primary Power Supply Boards or Assemblies - High Voltage Power Supplies System (or Main Logic) Boards - Sub Logic Boards - Motors (main drive, paper feed, transport, etc.) - Fusers - Rollers - Sensors Switches - Cables - Printheads/laser devices - ROM SIMMs - EPROMs - Operator Panels - Gear Packs.

5.2 - Identify care and service techniques and common problems with primary printer types:
Feed and output - Paper jam, Print quality.

5.3 - Identify the types of printer connections and configurations:
Parallel - Serial -  Network

Domain 6.0 Portable Systems

This domain requires knowledge of portable computers and their unique  components and problems.

6.1 - Identify the unique components of portable systems and their unique problems:
Battery - LCD - AC adapter - docking stations - Hard Drive - Types I, II, III cards - Network cards - Memory

Domain 7.0 Basic Networking

This domain requires knowledge of basic network concepts and terminology, ability to determine whether a computer is networked, knowledge of  procedures for swapping and configuring network interface cards, and knowledge of the ramifications of repairs when a computer is networked.

7.1 - Identify basic networking concepts, including how a network works:
Network access,  Protocol Network Interface Cards - Cabling - Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber Optic - Ways to network a PC.

7.2 - Identify procedures for swapping and configuring network interface  cards.

7.3 - Identify ramifications of repairs on the network:
Reduced bandwidth - Loss of data Network slowdown

Domain 8.0 Customer Satisfaction

This domain requires knowledge of (and sensitivity around) - those behaviors that contribute to satisfying customers.  More specifically, these  behaviors include such things as; the quality of technician-customer personal interactions, the way a technician conducts him or herself professionally within  the customer's business setting, the credibility and confidence projected by the  technician which, in turn, engenders customer confidence, the resilience, friendliness, and efficiency that can unexpectedly delight the customer above and beyond the solving of a technical problem.

8.1 -  Differentiate effective from ineffective behaviors as these contribute to the maintenance or achievement of customer satisfaction:
Some of the customer satisfaction behaviors and factors addressed include:
Communicating and  listening (face-to-face or over the phone) Interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues - Responding appropriately to the customers technical level - Establishing  personal rapport with the customer - Professional conduct - Conflict avoidance  and resolution.

Windows  Module:

Domain 1.0 Function, Structure, Operation and File Management

This domain requires knowledge of DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows 95 operating systems in terms of its functions and  structure, for managing files  and directories, and running programs. It also  includes navigating through the operating system from DOS command line prompts and Windows procedures for  accessing and retrieving Information.

1.1 - Identify the operating system's functions, structure, and major system  files:
Functions of DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95 - Major components of DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95 - Contrasts between Windows 3.x and Windows 95 -  Major system files, what they are, where they are located and how they are used: System, Configuration, and User Interface files - DOS - Autoexec.bat - Config.sys IO.sys - Ansi.sys - Msdos.sys - Emm386.exe - Command.com - Windows  3.x - Win.ini - System.ini - User.exe - Gdi.exe - Win.com - Krnlxxx.exe -  Windows 95 - IO.sys - Msdos.sys - Command.com - Win.ini - Program.ini -  System.dat - User.dat.

1.2 - Identify ways to navigate the operating system and how to get to needed technical information
Procedures (e.g., menu or icon driven) for navigating through  DOS  to perform such things as locating, accessing and retrieving information - Procedures for navigating through the Windows 3.x/Windows 95 operating system, accessing, and retrieving information - How DOS organizes and structures files in directories - Root directories - Folders and subfolders.

1.3 - Identify basic concepts and procedures for creating  and managing files and directories  in DOS/Windows
File naming conventions - File types - File formats -  Command syntax.

1.4 - Identify the procedures for viewing files and  changing file attributes, and the ramifications of changes (e.g., security issues):
Use Attrib.exe - Read  Only, Hidden System, and Archive attributes - View Menu and using tabs.

1.5 - Identify the procedures for basic disk management:
Using disk management utilities  - Backing up - Formatting - Partitioning - Defragmenting - Scandisk.

1.6 - Identify how the operating system stores information on the hard drive in file allocation tables:
Virtual File Allocation Table (VFAT) FAT32

Domain 2.0 Memory  Management

This domain requires knowledge of the types  of memory used by DOS  and Windows, and the potential for memory address conflicts.

2.1 -  Differentiate between types of memory:
Conventional - Extended/upper  memory - High memory - Expanded memory - Virtual memory.

2.2 - Identify typical memory conflict problems and how to optimize memory use:
What a memory conflict is - How it happens - When to employ utilities - Illegal operations occurrences - Conflicts with 16-bit applications/Windows 95  operations MemMaker or other optimization utilities - Himem.sys - Use of  expanded memory blocks (using Emm386.exe)

Domain 3.0 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading

This domain requires knowledge of installing, configuring and  upgrading DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows 95. This includes knowledge of system boot sequences.

3.1 - Identify the procedures for installing DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95, and bringing the software to a basic operational level:
Partition - Format drive - Run appropriate set up utility - Loading drivers.

3.2 - Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade:
Upgrading from DOS to  Win95 - Upgrading from Win 3.x to Win95; Loading drivers.

3.3 - Identify the basic system boot sequences for DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95, and  alternative ways to boot the system software:
Booting a system from  floppy, hard drive Strategies to be used - Safe mode DOS mode - Multi-boot configurations.

3.4 - Identify how Windows 95 uses plug and play, and how it functions:
BIOS/OS  recognizes peripherals and loads appropriate drivers and assigns system resources - When working properly-when not working properly.

3.5 - Interpret  instructions and identify the procedures for loading/adding device drivers and  the necessary software for certain devices:
DOS - Some devices will  contain an install utility which should install drivers automatically. Some devices will only supply a driver file which must be manually installed by editing the Config.sys and/or Autoexec.bat - Windows 3.x, Windows 95  procedures.

3.6 - Identify the procedures for changing options, configuring, and using the Windows  printing subsystem:

3.7 - Identify the procedures for installing and launching typical Windows and non-Windows  applications.

3.8 - Identify the procedures for editing AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.

Domain 4.0 Diagnosing  and Troubleshooting

This domain requires the ability to apply knowledge to diagnose and  troubleshoot common problems relating to DOS, Windows 3.x and Windows 95. This  includes understanding normal operation and symptoms  relating to common problems.

4.1 - Recognize  and interpret the meaning of common error codes, startup messages, and icons  from the boot sequence for DOS, Windows 3.x, and Windows 95.
DOS -  Incorrect DOS version - Error in CONFIG.SYS line XX - Bad or missing Command.com  - Windows 3.x - Himem..sys not loaded - Unable to initialize display adapter - Swapfile corrupt - A device referenced in Win.ini could not be found - Windows  Splash Screen is displayed - Bad or missing - Command.com - Windows 95 - Missing or corrupt Himem.sys - No operating system found - Safe Mode - VFAT initialization failure - Bad or missing Command.com

4.2 - Identify the steps required to correct a startup or boot problem.

4.3 - Identify the steps to create an emergency boot disk with utilities  installed.

4.4 - Recognize  Windows-specific printing problems and identify the procedures for correcting them:
Print spool is stalled - Driver is set for bi-directional printing,  but user is using a unidirectional cable - Incorrect/incompatible driver for  print - Printer port is not set up correctly in device manager (ECP,  EPP, Standard) - Printer not set up to print to correct port.

4.5 - Recognize  and categorize common problems and identify what could cause  them.
General Protection Faults - System lock up - Operating system will not boot - Option will not function, Application will not start or load - Cannot  log on to network.

4.6 - Identify the purpose of and procedures for using various DOS and Windows-based utilities  and commands/switches to diagnose and troubleshoot problems.
DOS - MSDOS  - Scandisk - Defrag.exe - Mem.exe - Edit.com - Fdisk.exe - Attrib.exe - Windows-based tools - Scandisk - Defrag.exe - Device manager - Conflict  troubleshooter - Sysedit.exe - Control Panel

4.7 - Identify the procedures to install and configure DOS applications, and potential problems in Windows 95:
Setting memory - Setting screen size - Identify where to load up in memory - Select whether to run full screen or windowed screen in  Win95 - Determine whether to display the Win95 toolbar - Enable/disable dynamic memory allocation - Illegal operations error - Application may quit and Windows  95 stops functioning.

4.8 - Identify concepts relating to viruses and virus types - their danger, their symptoms, sources of viruses, how they infect, how to protect against them, and how to identify and remove them:
What they are - Sources - How to determine presence - Removal Prevention - Boot sector virus - FAT virus - Memory virus - Macro virus - CMOS virus

Domain 5.0 Networks

This A+ domain requires knowledge of network capabilities of DOS and Windows, and how to connect to network including what the Internet is about,  its capabilities, basic concepts relating to Internet access and generic procedures for system setup.

5.1 - Identify the networking capabilities of DOS and Windows including procedures for  connecting to the network:
Sharing disk drives - Sharing print and file services - Installing software - Network type and network card.

5.2 - Identify concepts and capabilities relating to the Internet and basic procedures for  setting up a system for Internet access:
Downloading - E-mail - HTML -  HTTP - FTP - Domain Names (Web-sites) - ISP - Dial-up access - Configuring modem  - Configuring browser - E-mail set up.
The straightforward, compact nature of this series addresses all of the CompTIA objectives and will give you the  understanding you need to prepare for A+ Certification. It is filled with demonstrations highlighting PC techniques that will teach you how to properly  maintain and upgrade computers. Our course includes computer based  training!

Meet the Expert!
Frank Jewett is one of our most dynamic instructors who  brings years of experience to his upbeat training style. As a certified A+  Instructor, Microsoft MCSE and MCT, Frank is one of the  most sought after instructors in North and South America. He is a recognized  industry expert with  years of computer sales, support and training experience.

With Free  Upgrade Course Kit for Windows 98 and 2000 training for New A+ Certification Exams Starting 1/31/01 (Expected release 2/28/01)

Diagnostic Hardware and Software
Your training continues  with our PC Sentry Diagnostic Hardware and ExpertCheck Diagnostic Software, the preferred choice of PC repair shops throughout the U.S.

PC Sentry Check Kit
Debugs Dead  PC's FAST!

This kit is the perfect tool for the novice, beginner technician or engineer, for PC  Diagnostics and troubleshooting hardware. Comes complete with PC Sentry Board,  ExpertCheck Software and Loopback Plugs Set.

• PC Sentry Board
• Loopback Plugs Set

and ExpertCheck Diagnostic Software. Used by many PC Repair Shops.  ( A  $149.00 value Free)

Provides access to system drive tables!

• Self-booting diskette!
• Built-in-low level disk formatting!
• Drive-controller diagnostics!
• Technical system data! Diskette read/write/seek tests!
• Extensive I/O-Port analysis!
• Extensive bade-and extended-Ram testing!
• CMOS configuration!
• Video-display test!

EXPERTCHECK is an easy to use computer software package that will quickly test and certify your computer for  proper operation. It gives you information about what is inside your computer.  EXPERTCHECK is ideal for end  users, computer retailers, service organizations, and professional technicians, and it is the perfect diagnostic to bundle with computer systems before sale to  customers.

Anyone servicing personal computers in the multivendor environment can now become an expert in the their field, simply by using EXPERTCHECK.  EXPERTCHECK was designed by maintenance professionals for maintenance professionals, and has been  field-tested on thousands of PCs. It gets right to the origin of your hardware problem and give you pertinent configuration information-fast.

THE PERFECT  COMBINATION

EXPERTCHECK contains exactly  the right mix of testing and information gathering for you to do a good general checkouts of your computer. The end result: you get your testing done fast and you get the confidence that your system is or is not working okay.

FEATURE-RICH DIAGNOSTICS

The diagnostic test  diskette contains basic certification software for testing your computer. The  tests run under DOS 2.x and later, and require 128K or less memory. Easy-to-use menu system operates as follows:

Utilizes less than 64K RAM (allows for complete relocation of diagnostic during memory  testing).

Operating system independent (DOS, OS/2 and UNIX machines).

Extensive memory testing (Tests both base and extended RAM Complete and thorough testing of memory is critical in RAM intensive application such as OS/2 and Windows).

CMOS setup for AT-type machines (Only one program is needed to perform system setup in the multivendor environment).

Multivendor  capability (Technicians need only one diagnostic to troubleshoot a multitude of machines).

Consistent menu and  display methodology(EXPERTCHECK is easy to  learn).

Developed internally for IT customer Engineers.

Continually enhanced (State of the art diagnostic field tested daily by our own CEs).

Supports PCs, XTs  and ATs

EXPERTCHECK is part of the  Uptime Edge from ITs collection of tools, services, and resources designed to  help keep your computer systems up and running. IT has been maintaining computer  systems for over 25 years -- from simple, stand-alone systems to complex, open architecture networks at multiple locations.

EXPERTCHECK is a diagnostic tool that can give your entry-level technicians the capabilities of senior service engineers. Its comprehensive software micro diagnostics are among the  most powerful troubleshooting tools available today. EXPERTCHECK goes directly to  the hardware level for the system information it needs -- not the BIOS data area  -- avoiding misleading or inaccurate data.

Simply put, EXPERTCHECK is a technical  level diagnostic designed to diagnose and resolve PC hardware problems in multi vendor environments. The system summary provides you with detailed information  on system configuration. You'll know you're getting reliable information too, because over the years hundreds of IT systems engineers have depend on these diagnostic tools.

A+ Certification Training

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