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
Perform Basic Operating System Maintenance

Perform Basic Operating System Maintenance

Key Concepts

System Updates

System updates are essential for keeping your operating system secure and up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. Regularly check for and install updates to ensure your system runs smoothly and is protected against security vulnerabilities.

Example: Think of system updates as regular health check-ups. Just as health check-ups help you stay healthy and catch issues early, system updates help your computer stay healthy and secure.

Disk Cleanup

Disk cleanup involves removing unnecessary files and data from your hard drive to free up space and improve performance. This includes temporary files, system cache, and unused programs. Regular disk cleanup helps maintain optimal system performance.

Example: Disk cleanup is like spring cleaning your home. Just as spring cleaning removes clutter and makes your home more organized, disk cleanup removes unnecessary files and makes your computer run more efficiently.

Disk Defragmentation

Disk defragmentation is the process of organizing the fragmented data on your hard drive to improve access speed. Over time, files can become scattered across the disk, leading to slower performance. Defragmenting the disk consolidates these files, making the system faster.

Example: Think of disk defragmentation as organizing your bookshelf. Just as organizing books by genre makes it easier to find a specific book, defragmenting your disk makes it easier for the system to access files quickly.

Backup and Restore

Backup and restore involve creating copies of important data and system files to ensure they can be recovered in case of data loss or system failure. Regular backups are crucial for protecting your data and ensuring business continuity.

Example: Backup and restore are like having insurance for your home. Just as insurance protects your home and belongings in case of disaster, backups protect your data and system in case of failure.

Malware Scanning

Malware scanning involves using antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove malicious software from your system. Regular scans help protect your system from viruses, spyware, and other threats that can compromise security and performance.

Example: Malware scanning is like having a security guard at your home. Just as a security guard protects your home from intruders, malware scanning protects your computer from harmful software.

Registry Maintenance

Registry maintenance involves cleaning and optimizing the Windows Registry, which stores configuration settings and options for the operating system. Over time, the registry can accumulate unnecessary entries, leading to system slowdowns. Regular maintenance helps keep the registry clean and the system running smoothly.

Example: Think of the registry as the filing cabinet of your office. Just as organizing your filing cabinet makes it easier to find documents, maintaining the registry makes it easier for the system to find and use configuration settings.