CompTIA A+
1 Mobile Devices
1-1 Explain the basic components and functionality of mobile devices
1-2 Identify common mobile device connectivity issues
1-3 Troubleshoot mobile device hardware and network issues
1-4 Perform basic mobile device synchronization
1-5 Configure and secure mobile devices
1-6 Explain mobile device application management
1-7 Identify common mobile device security threats
1-8 Implement mobile device security best practices
2 Networking
2-1 Explain basic networking concepts
2-2 Identify common networking hardware
2-3 Troubleshoot common networking issues
2-4 Configure and secure wired and wireless networks
2-5 Implement network addressing and name resolution
2-6 Explain network protocols and services
2-7 Identify common network security threats
2-8 Implement network security best practices
3 Hardware
3-1 Explain the basic components of a computer system
3-2 Identify common hardware components and their functions
3-3 Troubleshoot hardware issues
3-4 Install and configure hardware components
3-5 Perform basic hardware maintenance
3-6 Explain power supply and cooling systems
3-7 Identify common hardware security threats
3-8 Implement hardware security best practices
4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing
4-1 Explain virtualization and cloud computing concepts
4-2 Identify common virtualization and cloud computing technologies
4-3 Troubleshoot virtualization and cloud computing issues
4-4 Configure and secure virtualization and cloud computing environments
4-5 Implement virtualization and cloud computing best practices
5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
5-1 Explain the troubleshooting process
5-2 Identify common hardware and network troubleshooting tools
5-3 Troubleshoot hardware and network issues
5-4 Implement hardware and network troubleshooting best practices
6 Operating Systems
6-1 Explain the basic components of an operating system
6-2 Identify common operating system components and their functions
6-3 Troubleshoot operating system issues
6-4 Install and configure operating systems
6-5 Perform basic operating system maintenance
6-6 Explain operating system security concepts
6-7 Implement operating system security best practices
7 Security
7-1 Explain basic security concepts
7-2 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities
7-3 Troubleshoot security issues
7-4 Configure and secure systems and networks
7-5 Implement security best practices
7-6 Explain data destruction and disposal methods
8 Software Troubleshooting
8-1 Explain the software troubleshooting process
8-2 Identify common software troubleshooting tools
8-3 Troubleshoot software issues
8-4 Implement software troubleshooting best practices
9 Operational Procedures
9-1 Explain the importance of operational procedures
9-2 Identify common operational procedures
9-3 Implement operational procedures
9-4 Explain the importance of documentation and training
9-5 Implement documentation and training best practices
9-6 Explain the importance of environmental controls
9-7 Implement environmental controls best practices
9-8 Explain the importance of safety procedures
9-9 Implement safety procedures best practices
3. Hardware - CompTIA A+

3. Hardware

Key Concepts

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer, serving as the central hub that connects all the components. It provides the necessary pathways for data and power to flow between the CPU, memory, storage, and other peripherals. The motherboard includes various slots and connectors for expansion cards, memory modules, and external devices.

Example: Think of the motherboard as the backbone of a human body. Just as the backbone supports and connects all the organs, the motherboard supports and connects all the components of a computer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU, often referred to as the brain of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions of computer programs. It performs basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. The CPU's performance is determined by factors such as clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.

Example: Imagine the CPU as the conductor of an orchestra. Just as the conductor directs the musicians to play in harmony, the CPU directs the computer's components to work together efficiently.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a type of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store data and machine code currently in use. It is a volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the computer is powered off. RAM allows the CPU to access data quickly, significantly improving the computer's performance.

Example: Think of RAM as a workbench in a workshop. Just as a workbench holds the tools and materials needed for a project, RAM holds the data and instructions needed for the CPU to perform tasks quickly and efficiently.