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
9 Operational Procedures

9 Operational Procedures

Key Concepts

Change Management

Change management involves the process of planning, implementing, and controlling changes in an organization's IT environment. This includes assessing the impact of changes, obtaining approval, and ensuring minimal disruption. Effective change management reduces risks and ensures smooth transitions.

Example: Think of change management as renovating a house. Just as you plan and execute renovations to avoid damage and ensure everything works smoothly, change management plans and implements IT changes to minimize disruption.

Incident Management

Incident management involves identifying, analyzing, and resolving incidents to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. This includes responding to system failures, security breaches, and other disruptions. Effective incident management reduces downtime and maintains service quality.

Example: Incident management is like responding to a medical emergency. Just as medical professionals quickly assess and treat patients to restore health, incident management quickly resolves IT issues to restore normal operations.

Problem Management

Problem management involves identifying the root cause of incidents and implementing long-term solutions to prevent recurrence. This includes analyzing trends, identifying patterns, and addressing underlying issues. Effective problem management improves system reliability and reduces incidents.

Example: Problem management is like diagnosing and treating a chronic illness. Just as doctors identify the root cause of a condition and implement long-term treatments, problem management identifies the root cause of IT issues and implements long-term solutions.

Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery involves planning and implementing procedures to restore IT systems and data after a disaster. This includes creating backup plans, establishing recovery time objectives (RTO), and conducting drills. Effective disaster recovery minimizes data loss and downtime.

Example: Disaster recovery is like having a fire escape plan. Just as a fire escape plan ensures everyone can safely exit a building in case of a fire, disaster recovery plans ensure IT systems can be quickly restored after a disaster.

Backup Procedures

Backup procedures involve regularly copying and storing data to protect against data loss. This includes scheduling backups, verifying data integrity, and storing backups in secure locations. Effective backup procedures ensure data can be restored in case of loss or corruption.

Example: Backup procedures are like taking out insurance. Just as insurance protects you in case of an accident, regular backups protect your data in case of loss or corruption.

Documentation

Documentation involves creating and maintaining records of IT systems, processes, and procedures. This includes technical manuals, user guides, and system logs. Effective documentation ensures consistency, improves troubleshooting, and facilitates knowledge transfer.

Example: Documentation is like keeping a travel journal. Just as a travel journal helps you remember your journey, comprehensive documentation helps you recall and share IT processes and procedures.

Compliance

Compliance involves adhering to laws, regulations, and industry standards related to IT operations. This includes data protection laws, security standards, and privacy regulations. Effective compliance reduces legal risks and ensures ethical practices.

Example: Compliance is like following traffic rules. Just as traffic rules ensure safety on the road, adhering to IT regulations ensures legal and ethical operations.

Auditing

Auditing involves systematically reviewing and evaluating IT systems, processes, and controls. This includes assessing compliance, identifying vulnerabilities, and ensuring efficiency. Effective auditing improves security, reduces risks, and enhances performance.

Example: Auditing is like a health check-up. Just as a health check-up assesses your well-being, regular IT audits assess system health and performance.

Training and Development

Training and development involve educating and developing the skills of IT staff. This includes providing technical training, soft skills development, and continuous learning opportunities. Effective training and development improve staff competence and organizational performance.

Example: Training and development are like attending school. Just as education enhances your knowledge and skills, continuous training and development enhance IT staff competence and performance.