CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives EXAM NUMBER: 220-902 About the Exam

Candidates are encouraged to use this document to prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-902. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-902 measures the necessary skills for an entry-level IT professional. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to: • Assemble components based on customer requirements • Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users • Understand the basics of networking and security/forensics • Properly and safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues • Apply troubleshooting skills • Provide appropriate customer support • Understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment These content examples are meant to clarify the test objectives and should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of all the content of this examination.

EXAM ACCREDITATION CompTIA A+ is accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024 standard and, as such, undergoes regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.

EXAM DEVELOPMENT CompTIA exams result from subject-matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey results regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT professional.

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PLEASE NOTE The lists of examples provided in bulleted are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam although not listed or covered in this objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our exams are current and the security of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated exams based on existing exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) TEST DETAILS Required exam 220-902 Number of questions Maximum of 90 Types of questions Multiple and performance-based Length of test 90 minutes Recommended experience Six to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field Passing score 700 (on a scale of 100–900)

EXAM OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS) The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented:

DOMAIN PERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 Windows Operating Systems 29% 2.0 Other Operating Systems & Technologies 12% 3.0 Security 22% 4.0 Software Troubleshooting 24% 5.0 Operational Procedures 13% Total 100%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.1 Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1).

• Features: security center, , • Upgrade paths – differences between - 32-bit vs. 64-bit file structure and paths, in-place upgrades, compatibility - Aero, gadgets, , category view vs. classic view tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor BitLocker, shadow , system - Side-by-side apps, Metro UI, Pinning, restore, ready boost, sidebar, One Drive, Windows store, multimonitor compatibility mode, virtual XP task bars, charms, Screen, mode, easy transfer, administrative PowerShell, Live sign in, tools, defender, ,

1.2 Given a scenario, install Windows PC operating systems using appropriate methods.

• Boot methods - Remote network installation - CDFS - USB - Image deployment - NFS - -ROM - Recovery partition - ext3, ext4 - DVD - Refresh/restore - Quick format vs. full format - PXE • Partitioning • Load alternate third-party - Solid state/flash drives - Dynamic drivers when necessary - Netboot - Basic • Workgroup vs. domain setup - External/hot swappable drive - Primary • Time/date/region/language - Internal hard drive (partition) - Extended • Driver installation, software • Type of installations - Logical and Windows updates - Unattended installation - GPT • Factory recovery partition - Upgrade • types/formatting • Properly formatted boot drive with - Clean install - exFAT the correct partitions/format - Repair installation - FAT32 - Multiboot - NTFS

1.3 Given a scenario, apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools.

• TASKKILL • COPY • • BOOTREC • XCOPY • HELP • • • EXPAND • • • [command name] /? • MD • SFC • Commands available with standard • RD • CHKDSK privileges vs. administrative privileges • CD • GPUPDATE • • GPRESULT • FORMAT •

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft features and tools.

• Administrative - Startup • Other - Computer management - Tools - User State Migration tool (USMT) - • - - Local users and groups - Applications - Windows Upgrade Advisor - Local security policy - Processes • System utilities - - Performance - REGEDIT - Services - Networking - COMMAND - System configuration - Users - SERVICES.MSC - Task scheduler • Disk management - MMC - Component services - Drive status - MSTSC - Data sources - Mounting - NOTEPAD - Print management - Initializing - EXPLORER - Windows memory diagnostics - Extending partitions - MSINFO32 - Windows firewall - Splitting partitions - DXDIAG - Advanced security - Shrink partitions - DEFRAG • MSCONFIG - Assigning/changing drive letters - - General - Adding drives - - Boot - Adding arrays - Services - Storage spaces

1.5 Given a scenario, use Windows utilities.

• Internet options - Hide extensions • Programs and features - Connections - General options • HomeGroup - Security - View options • Devices and printers - General • System • Sound - Privacy - Performance (virtual memory) • Troubleshooting - Programs - Remote settings • Network and Sharing Center - Advanced - System protection • Device Manager • Display/display settings • Windows firewall - Resolution • Power options - Color depth - Hibernate - Refresh rate - Power plans • User accounts - /suspend • Folder options - Standby - View hidden files

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.6 Given a scenario, install and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.

• HomeGroup vs. WorkGroup • Proxy settings - DNS • Domain setup • Remote Desktop Connection - Gateway • Network shares/administrative • Remote Assistance • Network card properties shares/mapping drives • Home vs. work vs. public network settings - Half duplex/full duplex/auto • Printer sharing vs. network • Firewall settings - Speed printer mapping - Exceptions - Wake-on-LAN • Establish networking connections - Configuration - QoS - VPN - Enabling/disabling Windows firewall - BIOS (on-board NIC) - Dial-ups • Configuring an alternative - Wireless IP address in Windows - Wired - IP addressing - WWAN (Cellular) - Subnet mask

1.7 Perform common preventive maintenance procedures using the appropriate Windows OS tools.

• Best practices • Tools - Scheduled backups - Backup - Scheduled disk maintenance - System restore - Windows updates - Recovery image - Patch management - Disk maintenance utilities - Driver/firmware updates - Antivirus/Anti-malware updates

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies

2.1 Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and operating systems.

• Best practices - Force Quit - cd - Scheduled backups • Features - shutdown - Scheduled disk maintenance - Multiple desktops/Mission Control - pwd vs. passwd - System updates/App Store - Key Chain - mv - Patch management - Spot Light - cp - Driver/firmware updates - iCloud - rm - Antivirus/anti-malware updates - Gestures - chmod • Tools - Finder - chown - Backup/Time Machine - Remote Disc - iwconfig/ifconfig - Restore/snapshot - Dock - ps - Image recovery - Boot Camp - su/sudo - Disk maintenance utilities • Basic Linux commands - apt-get - Shell/Terminal - ls - vi - Screen sharing - grep - dd

2.2 Given a scenario, set up and use client-side virtualization.

• Purpose of virtual machines • Security requirements • Resource requirements • Network requirements • Emulator requirements • Hypervisor

2.3 Identify basic cloud concepts.

• SaaS • Rapid elasticity • IaaS • On-demand • PaaS • Resource pooling • Public vs. private vs. hybrid vs. community • Measured service

2.4 Summarize the properties and purpose of services provided by networked hosts.

• roles - DNS server - UTM - Web server - Proxy server - IDS - File server - server - IPS - Print server - Authentication server • Legacy/embedded systems - DHCP server • Internet appliance

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 2.0 Other Operating Systems & Technologies

2.5 Identify basic features of mobile operating systems.

• Android vs. iOS vs. Windows - Screen orientation - Launcher/GUI - Open source vs. closed (accelerometer/gyroscope) - Virtual assistant source/vendor specific - Screen calibration - SDK/APK - App source (Google Play Store, - GPS and geotracking - Emergency notification App Store, and Store) - WiFi calling - Mobile payment service

2.6 Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email.

• Wireless/cellular data - Enter appropriate pin code - Google/Inbox network (enable/disable) - Test connectivity - Yahoo - Hotspot • Corporate and ISP email configuration - Outlook.com - Tethering - POP3 - iCloud - Airplane mode - IMAP • PRI updates/PRL updates/ • Bluetooth - Port and SSL settings Baseband updates - Enable Bluetooth - Exchange, S/MIME • Radio firmware - Enable pairing • Integrated commercial provider • IMEI vs. IMSI - device for pairing email configuration • VPN

2.7 Summarize methods and data related to mobile device synchronization. • Types of data to synchronize - Documents • Software requirements to install - Contacts - Location data the application on the PC - Programs - Social media data • Connection types to enable - Email - eBooks synchronization - Pictures • Synchronization methods - Music - Synchronize to the cloud - Videos - Synchronize to the desktop - • Mutual authentication for - Bookmarks multiple services (SSO)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 3.0 Security

3.1 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.

• Malware • Social engineering - Spyware • Shoulder surfing - Viruses • Zero-day attack - Worms • Zombie/botnet - Trojans • Brute forcing - Rootkits • Dictionary attacks - Ransomware • Non-compliant systems • Phishing • Violations of security best practices • Spear phishing • Tailgating • Spoofing • Man-in-the-middle

3.2 Compare and contrast common prevention methods.

• Physical security - Smart card - VPN - Lock doors - Tokens - DLP - Mantrap - Privacy filters - Disabling ports - Cable locks - Entry control roster - Access control lists - Securing physical documents/ • Digital security - Smart card passwords/shredding - Antivirus/Anti-malware - Email filtering - Biometrics - Firewalls - Trusted/untrusted software sources - ID badges - User authentication/strong passwords • User education/AUP - Key fobs - Multifactor authentication • Principle of least privilege - RFID badge - Directory permissions

3.3 Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS security settings.

• User and groups - Moving vs. copying folders and files • User authentication - Administrator - File attributes - Single sign-on - Power user • Shared files and folders • Run as administrator vs. standard user - Guest - Administrative shares vs. local shares • BitLocker - Standard user - Permission propagation • BitLocker-To-Go • NTFS vs. Share permissions - Inheritance • EFS - Allow vs. deny • System files and folders

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 3.0 Security

3.4 Given a scenario, deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation.

• Password best practices - Requiring passwords - /screen lock - Setting strong passwords • Account management • Disable - Password expiration - Restricting user permissions • Data encryption - Changing default usernames/passwords - Login restrictions • Patch/update management - Screensaver required password - Disabling guest account - BIOS/UEFI passwords - Failed attempts lockout

3.5 Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices.

• Screen locks • Remote backup applications • Authenticator applications - Fingerprint lock • Failed login attempt restrictions • Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources - Face lock • Antivirus/anti-malware • Firewalls - Swipe lock • Patching/OS updates • Policies and procedures - Passcode lock • Biometric authentication - BYOD vs. corporate owned • Remote wipes • Full device encryption - Profile security requirements • Locator applications • Multifactor authentication

3.6 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.

• Physical destruction • Recycling or repurposing best practices - Shredder - Low-level format vs. standard format - Drill/hammer - Overwrite - Electromagnetic (Degaussing) - Drive wipe - Incineration - Certificate of destruction

3.7 Given a scenario, secure SOHO wireless and wired networks.

• Wireless specific • Change default usernames and passwords • Update firmware - Changing default SSID • Enable MAC filtering • Physical security - Setting encryption • Assign static IP addresses - Disabling SSID broadcast • Firewall settings - Antenna and access point placement • Port forwarding/mapping - Radio power levels • Disabling ports - WPS • Content filtering/parental controls

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 4.0 Software Troubleshooting

4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools. • Common symptoms - Missing NTLDR - System recovery options - Proprietary crash screens - Missing boot configuration data - Repair disks (BSOD/pinwheel) - Missing operating system - Pre-installation environments - Failure to boot - Missing graphical interface - MSCONFIG - Improper shutdown - Missing GRUB/LILO - DEFRAG - Spontaneous shutdown/restart - Kernel panic - Regsvr32 - Device fails to start/detected - Graphical Interface fails to load - REGEDIT - Missing DLL message - Multiple monitor - Event viewer - Services fails to start misalignment/orientation - Safe mode - Compatibility error • Tools - Command prompt - Slow system performance - BIOS/UEFI - Uninstall/reinstall/repair - Boots to safe mode - SFC - File fails to open - Logs

4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common PC security issues with appropriate tools and best practices.

• Common symptoms • Tools • Best practice procedure - Pop-ups - Antivirus software for malware removal - Browser redirection - Anti-malware software 1. Identify malware symptoms - Security alerts - 2. Quarantine infected system - Slow performance - Terminal 3. Disable System Restore (in Windows) - Internet connectivity issues - System Restore/Snapshot 4. Remediate infected systems - PC/OS lock up - Pre-installation environments a. Update anti-malware software - Application crash - Event Viewer b. Scan and removal techniques (safe - OS updates failures - Refresh/restore mode, pre-installation environment) - Rogue antivirus - MSCONFIG/Safe boot 5. Schedule scans and run updates - Spam 6. Enable System Restore and create - Renamed system files restore point (in Windows) - Files disappearing 7. Educate end user - File permission changes - Hijacked email - Responses from users regarding email . - Automated replies from unknown sent email - Access denied - Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 4.0 Software Troubleshooting

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms - Extremely short battery life - Reset to factory default - Dim display - Overheating - Adjust configurations/settings - Intermittent wireless - Frozen system - Uninstall/reinstall apps - No wireless connectivity - No sound from speakers - Force stop - No Bluetooth connectivity - Inaccurate touch screen response - Cannot broadcast to external monitor - System lockout - Touchscreen non-responsive • Tools - Apps not loading - Hard reset - Slow performance - Soft reset - Unable to decrypt email - Close running applications

4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms - Unauthorized location tracking - Force stop - Signal drop/weak signal - Unauthorized camera/ - Cell tower analyzer - Power drain microphone activation - Backup/restore - Slow data speeds - High resource utilization - iTunes/iCloud/Apple Configurator - Unintended WiFi connection • Tools - Google Sync - Unintended Bluetooth pairing - Anti-malware - One Drive - Leaked personal files/data - App scanner - Data transmission overlimit - Factory reset/clean install - Unauthorized account access - Uninstall/reinstall apps - Unauthorized root access - WiFi analyzer

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 5.0 Operational Procedures

5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.

• Equipment grounding • Personal safety • Compliance with local • Proper component handling and storage - Disconnect power before repairing PC government regulations - Antistatic bags - Remove jewelry - ESD straps - Lifting techniques - ESD mats - Weight limitations - Self-grounding - Electrical fire safety • Toxic waste handling - Cable management - Batteries - Safety goggles - Toner - Air filter mask - CRT

5.2 Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts, apply the appropriate controls.

• MSDS documentation for • Protection from airborne particles • Compliance to local handling and disposal - Enclosures government regulations • Temperature, humidity level - Air filters/mask awareness and proper ventilation • Dust and debris • Power surges, brownouts, blackouts - Compressed air - Battery backup - Vacuums - Surge suppressor

5.3 Summarize the process of addressing prohibited content/ activity, and explain privacy, licensing and policy concepts.

• Incident response • Licensing/DRM/EULA - First response - Open source vs. commercial license - Identify - Personal license vs. enterprise licenses - Report through proper channels • Personally identifiable information - Data/device preservation • Follow corporate end-user policies - Use of documentation/ and security best practices documentation changes - Chain of custody - Tracking of evidence/ documenting process

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) 5.0 Operational Procedures

5.4 Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism.

• Use proper language – avoid jargon, • Dealing with difficult customer or situation - Provide proper documentation acronyms and slang when applicable - Do not argue with customers on the services provided • Maintain a positive attitude/ and/or be defensive - Follow up with customer/user at project confidence - Avoid dismissing customer problems a later date to verify satisfaction • Actively listen (taking notes) and - Avoid being judgmental • Deal appropriately with customers avoid interrupting the customer - Clarify customer statements (ask confidential and private materials • Be culturally sensitive open-ended questions to narrow the - Located on a computer, - Use appropriate professional scope of the problem, restate the issue desktop, printer, etc titles, when applicable or question to verify understanding) • Be on time (if late contact the customer) - Do not disclose experiences • Avoid distractions via social media outlets - Personal calls • Set and meet expectations/timeline and - Texting/social media sites communicate status with the customer - Talking to co-workers while - Offer different repair/ interacting with customers replacement options if applicable - Personal interruptions

5.5 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.

• Always consider corporate 3. Test the theory to determine cause policies, procedures and impacts - Once theory is confirmed, determine before implementing changes. next steps to resolve problem 1. Identify the problem - If theory is not confirmed, - Question the user and identify re-establish new theory or escalate user changes to computer and 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the perform backups before problem and implement the solution making changes 5. Verify full system functionality and if 2. Establish a theory of probable applicable implement preventive measures cause (question the obvious) 6. Document findings, actions and outcomes - If necessary, conduct external or internal research based on symptoms

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) CompTIA A+ Acronyms

The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA A+ exams. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a part of a comprehensive exam preparation program.

ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT AC Alternating Current CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing ACL Access Control List CIFS Common Internet File System ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface CLI Command Line Interface ACT Activity CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line CNR Communications and Networking Riser AES Advanced Encryption Standard COMx Communication Port (x=Port Number) AGP Accelerated Graphics Port CPU Central Processing Unit AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface CRT Cathode Ray Tube AP Access Point DAC Discretionary Access Control APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing DB-25 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 Pins APM Advanced Power Management DB-9 9 Pin D Shell Connector ARP Address Resolution Protocol DC Direct Current ASR Automated System Recovery DDoS Distributed Denial of Service ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DDR Double Data Rate ATAPI Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface DDR RAM Double Data Rate Random-Access Memory ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee Random-Access Memory ATX Advanced Technology Extended DFS Distributed File System AUP Acceptable Use Policy DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol A/V Audio Video DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module BD-R Blu-ray Disk Recordable DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm BIOS Basic Input/Output System DLL Dynamic Link Library BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or DLT Digital Linear Tape British Naval Connector DLP Digital Light Processing or BTX Balanced Technology Extended Data Loss Prevention CAD Computer Aided Design DMA Direct Memory Access CAPTCHA Completely Automated Public Turing Test DMZ Demilitarized Zone to tell Computers and Humans Apart DNAT Destination Network Address Translation CCFL Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp DNS Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server CD Compact Disc DoS Denial of Service CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory CD-RW Compact Disc-Rewritable DRM Digital Rights Management CDFS Compact Disc File System DSL Digital Subscriber Line CERT Computer Emergency Response Team DVD Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc CFS Central File System or Common File System or DVD-RAM Digital Video Disc-Random-Access Memory Command File System DVD-ROM Digital Video Disc-Read-Only Memory

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT DVD-R Digital Video Disc-Recordable HCL Hardware Compatibility List DVD-RW Digital Video Disc-Rewritable HDD Hard Disk Drive DVI Digital Visual Interface HDMI High-Definition Media Interface ECC Error Correcting Code or HFS Hierarchical File System Error Checking and Correction HPFS High-Performance File System ECP Extended Capabilities Port HSF Heat Sink and Fan EDO Extended Data Out (RAM) HTML Hypertext Markup Language EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable HTPC Home Theater PC Read-Only Memory HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol EFS HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Over Secure Sockets Layer EIDE Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics I/O Input/Output EMI Electromagnetic Interference ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol EMP Electromagnetic Pulse ICR Intelligent Character Recognition EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ICS Internet Connection Sharing EPP Enhanced Parallel Port IDE Integrated Drive Electronics ERD Emergency Repair Disk IDF Intermediate Distribution Frame eSATA External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment IDS Intrusion Detection System IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ESD Electrostatic Discharge IIS Internet Information Services EULA End-User License Agreement IMAP Internet Mail Access Protocol EVGA Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity EVDO Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity Ext2 Second Extended File System IOPS Input/Output Per Second exFAT Extended IP Internet Protocol Internet Protocol Configuration FAT File Allocation Table IPP Internet Printing Protocol FAT12 12-Bit File Allocation Table IPS In-Plane Switching or Intrusion Prevention System FAT16 16-Bit File Allocation Table IPSec Internet Protocol Security FAT32 32-Bit File Allocation Table IR Infrared FDD Floppy Disk Drive IrDA Infrared Data Association Fn Function (referring to the function key on a laptop) IRP Incident Response Plan IRQ Interrupt Request FPM Fast Page Mode ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network FRU Field Replaceable Unit ISO International Organization for Standardization/ FSB Front Side Bus Industry Standards Organization FTP File Transfer Protocol ISP Internet Service Provider FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name JBOD Just a Bunch Of Disks Gb Gigabit Kb Kilobit GB Gigabyte KB Kilobyte or Knowledge Base KVM Kernel-based Virtual Machine GDI Graphics Device Interface LAN Local Area Network GHz Gigahertz LBA Logical Block Addressing GUI Graphical User Interface LC Lucent Connector GPO Object LCD Liquid Crystal Display GPS Global Positioning System LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol GPT GUID Partition Table LED Light Emitting Diode LI-ON Lithium-Ion GPU Graphics Processing Unit LPD/LPR Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote GSM Global System for Mobile Communications LPT Line Printer Terminal HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer LVD Low Voltage Differential HAV Hardware-Assisted Virtualization LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signaling

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT MAC Media Access Control or Mandatory Access Control PCL Printer Control Language MAPI Messaging Application Programming Interface PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card MAU Media Access Unit or Media Attachment Unit International Association Mb Megabit PE Preinstallation Environment MB Megabyte PGA Pin Grid Array MBR Master Boot Record PGA2 Pin Grid Array 2 MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer PII Personally Identifiable Information MDM Master Data Management PIN Personal Identification Number MFA Multifactor Authentication PKI Public Key Infrastructure MFD Multi-Function Device PnP Plug and Play MFP Multi-Function Product POP3 Post Office Protocol 3 MHz Megahertz PoS Point of Sale MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module POST Power On Self Test MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface POTS Plain Old Telephone Service MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension PPM Pages Per Minute MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output PPP Point-to-Point Protocol MMC Microsoft Management Console PPTP Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio PRI Primary Rate Interface MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4 PRL Preferred Roaming List MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory MSCONFIG Microsoft Configuration PS/2 Personal System/2 Connector MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network MSRA Microsoft Remote Assistance PSU Power Supply Unit MSTSC Microsoft Terminal Services Client PVA Patterned Vertical Alignment MT-RJ Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack PVC Permanent Virtual Circuit MUI Multilingual User Interface PXE Preboot Execution Environment NAC Network Access Control QoS Quality of Service NAS Network Attached Storage RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial-In User Server NAT Network Address Translation RAID Redundant Array of Independent NetBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System (or Inexpensive) Discs NetBEUI Networked Basic input/output system RAM Random Access Memory Extended User Interface RAS Remote Access Service NFC Near Field Communication RDP Remote Desktop Protocol NFS Network File System RF Radio Frequency NIC Network Interface Card RFI Radio Frequency Interference NiCd Nickel Cadmium RGB Red Green Blue NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride RIP Routing Information Protocol NLX New Low profile Extended RIS Remote Installation Service NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer NTFS New Technology File System RJ-11 Registered Jack Function 11 NTLDR New Technology Loader RJ-45 Registered Jack Function 45 NTP Network Time Protocol RMA Returned Materials Authorization NVM HCI Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface ROM Read-Only Memory OCR Optical Character Recognition RPO Recovery Point Objective OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer RTC Real-Time Clock OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode RTO Recovery Time Objective OS Operating System SAN Storage Area Network PAN Personal Area Network SAS Serial Attached SCSI PATA Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment PC Personal Computer SC Subscription Channel PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect SCP Secure Copy Protection PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect express SCSI Small Computer System Interface PCI-X Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended SCSI ID Small Computer System Interface Identifier

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT SD Card Secure Digital Card VFAT Virtual File Allocation Table SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory VGA Video Graphics Array SEC Single Edge Connector VHD Virtual Hard DIsk SFC VM Virtual Machine SFF Small Form Factor VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol SFTP Secured File Transfer Protocol VPN Virtual Private Network SLI Scalable Link Interface or System Level Integration VRAM Video Random-Access Memory or Scanline Interleave Mode WAN Wide Area Network S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology WAP Wireless Access Protocol or Wireless Access Point SMB or Small To Midsize Business WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol WiFi Wireless Fidelity SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol WINS Windows Internet Name Service SoDIMM Small outline Dual Inline Memory Module WLAN Wireless Local Area Network SOHO Small Office, Home Office WOL Wake-on-LAN SP Service Pack WPA WiFi Protected Access SPDIF Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format WPA2 WiFi Protected Access 2 SPGA Staggered Pin Grid Array WPS WiFi Protected Setup SRAM Static Random-Access Memory WUXGA Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array SSD Solid State Drive XFS Extended File System SSH Secure Shell XGA Extended Graphics Array SSID Service Set Identifier ZIF Zero Insertion Force SSL Secure Sockets Layer ZIP Zig-zag Inline Package SSO Single Sign-On ST Straight Tip STP Shielded Twisted Pair SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array TB Terabyte TCP Transmission Control Protocol TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TDR Time Domain Reflectometer TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol TN Twisted Nematic TPM Trusted Platform Module UAC User Account Control UDF User Defined Functions or or Universal Data Format UDP User Datagram Protocol UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface UNC Universal Naming Convention UPnP Universal Plug and Play UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply URL Uniform Resource Locator USB Universal Serial Bus USMT User State Migration Tool UTM Unified Threat Management UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair UUID Universally Unique Identifier UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array VDI Virtual Desktop Infrastructure VESA Video Electronics Standards Association

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-902) A+ Proposed Hardware and Software List

CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist candidates as they prepare for the A+ exam. This list may also be helpful for training companies that wish to create a lab component to their training offering. The bulleted lists below each topic are sample lists and not exhaustive.

EQUIPMENT • Adapters • Apple tablet/smartphone • Network cables • Android tablet/smartphone • Unterminated network cable/connectors • Windows tablet/smartphone • AC adapters • Windowslaptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop • Optical drives • Windows desktop/Mac desktop/ • Screws/stand-offs Linux desktop • Cases • Monitors • Maintenance kit • Projectors • Mice/keyboards • SOHO router/switch • Access point TOOLS • VoIP phone • Screw drivers • Printer • Multimeter - Laser/inkjet • Wire cutters - Wireless • Punchdown tool • Surge suppressor • Crimper • UPS • Power supply tester • Cable stripper SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE • POST cards • Motherboards • Standard technician toolkit • RAM • ESD strap • Hard drives • Thermal paste • Power supplies • Cable tester • Video cards • WiFi analyzer • Sounds cards • SATA to USB connectors • Network cards • Wireless NICs SOFTWARE • Fans/cooling devices/heat sink • Operating system disks • CPUs • Antivirus software • Assorted connectors/cables • Virtualization software - USB • Anti-malware - HDMI • Driver software - etc

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