CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives EXAM NUMBER: 220-901 About the Exam

Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-901. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-901 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 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 format 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: 220-901) TEST DETAILS Required exam 220-901 Number of questions Maximum of 90 Types of questions Multiple choice and performance-based Length of test 90 minutes Recommended experience Six to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field Passing score 675 (on a scale of 900)

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

DOMAIN PERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 Hardware 34% 2.0 Networking 21% 3.0 Mobile Devices 17% 4.0 Hardware & Network Troubleshooting 28% Total 100%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 1.0 Hardware

1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC.

• Firmware upgrades/flash BIOS - Enabling and disabling devices • Monitoring • BIOS component information - Date/time - Temperature monitoring - RAM - Clock speeds - Fan speeds - Hard drive - Virtualization support - Intrusion detection/notification - Optical drive - BIOS security (passwords, drive - Voltage - CPU encryption: TPM, LoJack, secure boot) - Clock • BIOS configurations • Built-in diagnostics - Bus speed - Boot sequence

1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose and properties.

• Form factors/sizes • RAM slots • Front/top panel connectors - ATX • CPU sockets - USB - Micro-ATX • Chipsets - Audio - Mini-ITX - Northbridge - Power button - ITX - Southbridge - Power light • Expansion slots • CMOS battery - Drive activity lights - PCI • Power connections and types • Bus speeds - PCI-X • Fan connectors • Reset button - PCIe - miniPCI

1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.

• Types - ECC vs. non-ECC • RAM compatibility - DDR - RAM configurations - DDR2 - Single channel vs. dual - DDR3 channel vs. triple channel - SODIMM - Single sided vs. double sided - DIMM - Buffered vs. unbuffered - Parity vs. non-parity

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 1.0 Hardware

1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards. • Sound cards • Storage cards • Video cards • Modem cards • Network cards • Wireless/cellular cards • USB cards • TV tuner cards • Firewire cards • Video capture cards • Thunderbolt cards • Riser cards

1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.

• Optical drives - SD • Tape drive - CD-ROM/CD-RW - MicroSD • Media capacity - DVD-ROM/DVD-RW/DVD-RW DL - MiniSD - CD - Blu-ray - xD - CD-RW - BD-R - SSD - DVD-RW - BD-RE - Hybrid - DVD • Magnetic hard disk drives - eMMC - Blu-ray - 5400 rpm • RAID types - Tape - 7200 rpm - 0 - DVD DL - 10,000 rpm - 1 • Hot swappable drives - 5 • Solid state/flash drives - 10 - Compact flash

1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods.

• Socket types - Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) - Intel: 775, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1150, 2011 - Integrated GPU - AMD: AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ - Disable execute bit • Characteristics • Cooling - Speeds - Heat sink - Cores - Fans - Cache size/type - Thermal paste - Hyperthreading - Liquid-based - Virtualization support - Fanless/passive

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 1.0 Hardware

1.7 Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose.

• Physical connections - Audio - IR - USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 - Analog - NFC - Connector types: A, B, mini, micro - Digital (Optical connector) • Characteristics - Firewire 400 vs. Firewire 800 - RJ-45 - Analog - SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA - RJ-11 - Digital - Other connector types - Thunderbolt - Distance limitations - VGA • Wireless connections - Data transfer speeds - HDMI - Bluetooth - Quality - DVI - RF - Frequencies

1.8 Install a power supply based on given specifications. • Connector types and their voltages • Specifications - SATA - Wattage - Molex - Dual rail - 4/8-pin 12v - Size - PCIe 6/8-pin - Number of connectors - 20-pin - ATX - 24-pin - MicroATX - Dual voltage options

1.9 Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.

• Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation - High-end video/specialized GPU • Thin client - Multicore processor - High-definition sound card - Basic applications - High-end video - High-end cooling - Meets minimum requirements - Maximum RAM • Home theater PC for selected OS • Audio/video editing workstation - Surround sound audio - Network connectivity - Specialized audio and video card - HDMI output • Home server PC - Large fast hard drive - HTPC compact form factor - Media streaming - Dual monitors - TV tuner - File sharing • Virtualization workstation • Standard thick client - Print sharing - Maximum RAM and CPU cores - Desktop applications - Gigabit NIC • Gaming PC - Meets recommended - RAID array - Multicore processor requirements for selected OS

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 1.0 Hardware

1.10 Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features. • Types • Refresh/frame rates • Aspect ratios - LCD • Resolution - 16:9 - TN vs. IPS • Native resolution - 16:10 - Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting • Brightness/lumens - 4:3 - Plasma • Analog vs. digital - Projector • Privacy/antiglare filters - OLED • Multiple displays

1.11 Identify common PC connector types and associated cables. • Display connector types • Device cables and connectors - DVI-D - SATA - DVI-I - eSATA - DVI-A - USB - DisplayPort - Firewire (IEEE1394) - RCA - PS/2 - HD15 (i.e., DE15 or DB15) - Audio - BNC • Adapters and convertors - miniHDMI - DVI to HDMI - miniDin-6 - USB A to USB B • Display cable types - USB to Ethernet - HDMI - DVI to VGA - DVI - Thunderbolt to DVI - VGA - PS/2 to USB - Component - HDMI to VGA - Composite - Coaxial

1.12 Install and configure common peripheral devices. • Input devices - Touchpads • Input & output devices - Mouse - Smart card readers - Touch screen - Keyboard - Digital cameras - KVM - Scanner - Microphone - Smart TV - Barcode reader - Webcam - Set-top box - Biometric devices - Camcorder - MIDI-enabled devices - Game pads • Output devices - Joysticks - Printers - Digitizer - Speakers - Motion sensor - Display devices

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 1.0 Hardware

1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings. • Use appropriate drivers for a - USB • Public/shared devices given - Serial - Sharing local/networked device - Configuration settings - Ethernet via operating system settings - Duplex - Wireless - TCP/Bonjour/AirPrint - Collate - Bluetooth - Data privacy - Orientation - 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - User authentication on the device - Quality - Infrastructure vs. ad hoc - Hard drive caching • Device sharing - Integrated print server (hardware) - Wired - Cloud printing/remote printing

1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process.

• Laser • Thermal - Imaging drum, fuser assembly, - Feed assembly, heating element transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup - Special thermal paper rollers, separate pads, • Impact duplexing assembly - Print head, ribbon, tractor feed - Imaging process: processing, - Impact paper charging, exposing, developing, • Virtual transferring, fusing and cleaning - Print to file • Inkjet - Print to PDF - Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, - Print to XPS duplexing assembly, carriage and belt - Print to image - Calibration

1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

• Laser • Impact - Replacing toner, applying - Replace ribbon, replace maintenance kit, calibration, cleaning print head, replace paper • Thermal • Inkjet - Replace paper, clean heating - Clean heads, replace cartridges, element, remove debris calibration, clear jams

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 2.0 Networking

2.1 Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.

• Fiber • Coaxial - Connectors: SC, ST and LC - Connectors: BNC, F-connector • Twisted Pair - Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45 - Wiring standards: T568A, T568B

2.2 Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling.

• Fiber • Twisted pair • Coaxial - Types (single-mode vs. multi-mode) - Types: STP, UTP, Cat 3, Cat 5, Cat 5e, - Types: RG-6, RG-59 - Speed and transmission limitations Cat 6, Cat 6e, Cat 7, plenum, PVC - Speed and transmission limitations - Speed and transmission limitations - Splitters and effects on signal quality - Splitters and effects on signal quality

2.3 Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.

• IPv4 vs. IPv6 • Client-side DHCP • Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local • Subnet mask vs. CIDR • Static vs. dynamic • Gateway • Client-side DNS settings

2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose. • Ports - 443 – HTTPS - LDAP - 21 – FTP - 3389 – RDP - SNMP - 22 – SSH - 137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBT - SMB - 23 – TELNET - 445 – SMB/CIFS - CIFS - 25 – SMTP - 427 – SLP - SSH - 53 – DNS - 548 – AFP - AFP - 80 – HTTP • Protocols • TCP vs. UDP - 110 – POP3 - DHCP - 143 – IMAP - DNS

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 2.0 Networking

2.5 Compare and contrast various WiFi networking standards and encryption types.

• Standards • Encryption types - 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES - Speeds, distances and frequencies

2.6 Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/ wired router and apply appropriate settings.

• Channels • NAT/DNAT • Port forwarding, port triggering • Basic QoS • DHCP (on/off) • Firmware • DMZ • UPnP

2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types and their features. • Internet connection types - ISDN • Network Types - Cable - Cellular - LAN - DSL - Tethering - WAN - Dial-up - Mobile hotspot - PAN - Fiber - Line-of-sight wireless Internet service - MAN - Satellite

2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features.

• Hub • Bridge • Repeaters/extenders • Switch • Modem • Ethernet over Power • Router • Firewall • Power over Ethernet injector • Access point • Patch panel

2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools. • Crimper • Cable tester • Cable stripper • Loopback plug • Multimeter • Punchdown tool • Tone generator and probe • WiFi analyzer

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 3.0 Mobile Devices

3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components.

• Expansion options - USB to Bluetooth - Wireless card - Expresscard /34 - USB optical drive - Mini-PCIe - Expresscard /54 • Hardware/device replacement - Screen - SODIMM - Keyboard - DC jack - Flash - Hard drive - Battery - Ports/Adapters - SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk - Touchpad - Thunderbolt - 1.8in vs. 2.5in - Plastics/frames - DisplayPort - Memory - Speaker - USB to RJ-45 dongle - Smart card reader - System board - USB to WiFi dongle - Optical drive - CPU

3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop.

• Types • WiFi antenna connector/placement - LCD • Webcam - TN vs. IPS • Microphone - Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting • Inverter - OLED • Digitizer

3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

• Special function keys - Keyboard backlight • Docking station - Dual displays - Touchpad (on/off) • Physical laptop lock and cable lock - Wireless (on/off) - Screen orientation • Rotating/removable screens - Cellular (on/off) - Media options (fast forward/rewind) - Volume settings - GPS (on/off) - Screen brightness - Airplane mode - Bluetooth (on/off)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 2.0 Mobile Devices

3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.

• Tablets - Fitness monitors • Smart camera • Smartphones - Glasses and headsets • GPS • Wearable technology devices • Phablets - Smart watches • e-readers

3.5 Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices.

• Connection types - IR - Extra battery packs/battery chargers - NFC - Hotspot/tethering - Protective covers/water proofing - Proprietary vendor-specific ports • Accessories - Credit card readers (communication/power) - Headsets - Memory/MicroSD - MicroUSB/miniUSB - Speakers - Lightning - Game pads - Bluetooth - Docking stations

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools. • Common symptoms - No power - Proprietary crash screens - Unexpected shutdowns - Overheating (BSOD/pin wheel) - System lockups - Loud noise - Distended capacitors - POST code beeps - Intermittent device failure • Tools - Blank screen on bootup - Fans spin – no power to other devices - Multimeter - BIOS time and settings resets - Indicator lights - Power supply tester - Attempts to boot to incorrect device - Smoke - Loopback plugs - Continuous reboots - Burning smell - POST card/USB

4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms - RAID stops working - FORMAT - Read/write failure - Proprietary crash screens - File recovery software - Slow performance (BSOD/pin wheel) - Bootrec - Loud clicking noise - S.M.A.R.T. errors - DiskPart - Failure to boot • Tools - Defragmentation tool - Drive not recognized - Screwdriver - OS not found - External enclosures - RAID not found - CHKDSK

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues.

• Common symptoms - Artifacts - Distorted geometry - VGA mode - Color patterns incorrect - Burn-in - No image on screen - Dim image - Oversized images and icons - Overheat shutdown - Flickering image - Dead pixels - Distorted image

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms • Hardware tools • Command line tools - No connectivity - Cable tester - PING - APIPA/link local address - Loopback plug - IPCONFIG/IFCONFIG - Limited connectivity - Punchdown tools - TRACERT - Local connectivity - Tone generator and probe - NETSTAT - Intermittent connectivity - Wire strippers - NBTSTAT - IP conflict - Crimper - NET - Slow transfer speeds - Wireless locator - NETDOM - Low RF signal - NSLOOKUP - SSID not found

4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.

• Common symptoms - No wireless connectivity - No sound from speakers - No display - No Bluetooth connectivity - GPS not functioning - Dim display - Cannot display to external monitor - Swollen battery - Flickering display - Touchscreen non-responsive • Disassembling processes - Sticking keys - Apps not loading for proper re-assembly - Intermittent wireless - Slow performance - Document and label cable - Battery not charging - Unable to decrypt email and screw locations - Ghost cursor/pointer drift - Extremely short battery life - Organize parts - No power - Overheating - Refer to manufacturer resources - Num lock indicator lights - Frozen system - Use appropriate hand tools

4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms - Garbled characters on paper - Printing blank pages - Streaks - Vertical lines on page - No image on printer display - Faded prints - Backed up print queue • Tools - Ghost images - Low memory errors - Maintenance kit - Toner not fused to the paper - Access denied - Toner vacuum - Creased paper - Printer will not print - Compressed air - Paper not feeding - Color prints in wrong print color - Printer spooler - Paper jam - Unable to install printer - No connectivity - Error codes

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 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 CFS Central or Common File System or ACL Access Control List Command File System ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface CGA Computer Graphics and Applications ACT Activity CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line CIFS Common Internet File System AES Advanced Encryption Standard CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor AGP Accelerated Graphics Port CNR Communications and Networking Riser AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface COMx Communication Port (x=Port Number) AP Access Point CPU Central Processing Unit APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing CRT Cathode Ray Tube APM Advanced Power Management DAC Discretionary Access Control ARP Address Resolution Protocol DB-25 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 Pins ASR Automated System Recovery DB-9 9 Pin D Shell Connector ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DC Direct Current ATAPI Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface DDoS Distributed Denial of Service ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DDR Double Data Rate ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee DDR RAM Double Data Rate Random-Access Memory ATX Advanced Technology Extended DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic AUP Acceptable Use Policy Random-Access Memory A/V Audio Video DFS Distributed File System BD-R Blu-ray Disk Recordable DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol BIOS Basic Input/Output System DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm British Naval Connector DLT BSOD Blue Screen of Death 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 CAS Column Access Strobe DNS Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server CCFL Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp DoS Denial of Service CD DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory DRM Digital Rights Management CD-RW Compact Disc-Rewritable DSL Digital Subscriber Line CDFS DVD Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc CERT Computer Emergency Response Team DVD-RAM Digital Video Disc-Random-Access Memory

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT DVD-ROM Digital Video Disc-Read-Only Memory GSM Global System for Mobile Communications DVD-R Digital Video Disc-Recordable HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer DVD-RW Digital Video Disc-Rewritable HAV Hardware-Assisted Virtualization DVI Digital Visual Interface HCL Hardware Compatibility List DVR Digital Video Recorder HDCP High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection ECC Error Correcting Code or HDD Error Checking and Correction HDMI High-Definition Media Interface ECP Extended Capabilities Port HIPS Host Intrusion Prevention System EDO Extended Data Out (RAM) HPFS High-Performance File System EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable HSF Heat Sink and Fan Read-Only Memory HTML Hypertext Markup Language EFS HTPC Home Theater PC EIDE Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol ELP Electroluminescence Panel HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Over Secure Sockets Layer EMI Electromagnetic Interference I/O Input/Output EMP Electromagnetic Pulse ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ICR Intelligent Character Recognition EPP Enhanced Parallel Port ICS Internet Connection Sharing ERD Emergency Repair Disk IDE Integrated Drive Electronics eSATA External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment IDF Intermediate Distribution Frame ESD Electrostatic Discharge IDS Intrusion Detection System IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers EULA End-User License Agreement IIS Internet Information Services EVGA Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array IMAP Internet Access Protocol EVDO Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity Second IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity exFAT Extended IP Internet Protocol FAT File Allocation Table IPCONFIG Internet Protocol Configuration IPP Internet Printing Protocol FAT12 12-Bit File Allocation Table IPS In- Switching FAT16 16-Bit File Allocation Table IPSec Internet Protocol Security FAT32 32-Bit File Allocation Table IR Infrared FDD Drive IrDA Infrared Data Association Fn Function (referring to the function key on a laptop) IRP Incident Response Plan FPM Fast Page Mode IRQ Interrupt Request 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 GDDR Graphics Double Data Rate KVM Kernel-based Virtual Machine LAN Local Area Network GDI Graphics Device Interface LBA Logical Block Addressing GHz Gigahertz LC Lucent Connector GUI Graphical User Interface LCD Liquid Crystal Display GPS Global Positioning System LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol GPT GUID Partition Table LED Light Emitting Diode GPU Graphics Processing Unit LI-ON Lithium-Ion LPD/LPR Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT LPT Line Printer Terminal PAT Port Address Translation LVD Low Voltage Differential PATA Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signaling PC Personal Computer MAC Media Access Control or Mandatory Access Control PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect MAN Metropolitan Area Network PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect express MAPI Messaging Application Programming Interface PCI-X Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended MAU Media Access Unit or Media Attachment Unit PCL Printer Control Language mATX Micro Advanced Technology Extended PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card Mb Megabit International Association MB Megabyte PE Preinstallation Environment MBR PGA Pin Grid Array MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer PGA2 Pin Grid Array 2 MDM Master Data Management PGP Pretty Good Protection MFA Multifactor Authentication PII Personally Identifiable Information MFD Multi-Function Device PIN Personal Identification Number MFP Multi-Function Product PKI Public Key Infrastructure MHz Megahertz PnP Plug and Play MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module POP3 Post Office Protocol 3 MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface PoS Point of Sale MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension POST Power On Self Test MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output POTS Plain Old Telephone Service MMC Microsoft Management Console PPM Pages Per Minute MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio PPP Point-to-Point Protocol MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4 PPTP Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group PRI Primary Rate Interface MSCONFIG Microsoft Configuration PRL Preferred Roaming List MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory MT-RJ Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack PS/2 Personal System/2 Connector MUI Multilingual User Interface PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network NAC Network Access Control PSU Power Supply Unit NAS Network Attached Storage PVA Patterned Vertical Alignment NAT Network Address Translation PVC Permanent Virtual Circuit NetBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System PXE Preboot Execution Environment NetBEUI Networked Basic input/output system QoS Quality of Service Extended User Interface RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial-In User Server NFC Near Field Communication RAID Redundant Array of Independent NFS (or Inexpensive) Discs NIC Network Interface Card RAM Random Access Memory NiCd Nickel Cadmium RAMBUS Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride RAS Remote Access Service NLX New Low profile Extended RDP Remote Desktop Protocol NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol RF Radio Frequency NTFS New Technology File System RFI Radio Frequency Interference NTLDR New Technology Loader RGB Red Green Blue NTP Network Time Protocol RIP Routing Information Protocol NTSC National Transmission Standards Committee RIS Remote Installation Service NVM HCI Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer OCR Optical Character Recognition RJ-11 Registered Jack Function 11 OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer RJ-45 Registered Jack Function 45 OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode RMA Returned Materials Authorization OS Operating System ROM Read-Only Memory PAL Phase Alternating Line RPO Recovery Point Objective PAN Personal Area Network RTC Real-Time Clock

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) ACRONYM SPELLED OUT RTO Recovery Time Objective UPnP Universal Plug and Play SAN Storage Area Network UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply SAS Serial Attached SCSI URL Uniform Resource Locator SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment USB Universal Serial Bus SC Subscription Channel USMT User State Migration Tool SCP Secure Copy Protection UTM Unified Threat Management SCSI Small Computer System Interface UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair SCSI ID Small Computer System Interface Identifier UUID Universally Unique Identifier SD Card Secure Digital Card UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory VA Vertical Alignment SEC Single Edge Connector VDC Volts DC SFC VDI Virtual Desktop Infrastructure SFF Small Form Factor VESA Video Electronics Standards Association SFTP Secured File Transfer Protocol VFAT Virtual File Allocation Table SIMM Single In-line Memory Module VGA Video Graphics Array SLI Scalable Link Interface or System Level Integration VM Virtual Machine or Scanline Interleave Mode VNC Virtual Network Computer S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol SMB or Small To Midsize Business VPN Virtual Private Network SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol VRAM Video Random-Access Memory SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol WAN Wide Area Network SoDIMM Small outline Dual Inline Memory Module WAP Wireless Access Protocol or Wireless Access Point SOHO Small Office, Home Office WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy SP Service Pack WiFi Wireless Fidelity SPDIF Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format WINS Windows Internet Name Service SPGA Staggered Pin Grid Array WLAN Wireless Local Area Network SRAM Static Random-Access Memory WPA WiFi Protected Access SSH Secure Shell WPA2 WiFi Protected Access 2 SSID Service Set Identifier WPS WiFi Protected Setup SSL Secure Sockets Layer WUXGA Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array SSO Single Sign-On WWAN Wireless Wide Area Network ST Straight Tip XGA Extended Graphics Array STP Shielded Twisted Pair ZIF Zero Insertion Force SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array ZIP Zig-zag Inline Package TB Terabyte TCP Transmission Control Protocol TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TDR Time Domain Reflectometer TFT Thin Film Transistor TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol TLS Transport Layer Security TN Twisted Nematic TPM Trusted Platform Module UAC UDF User Defined Functions or or Universal Data Format UDP User Datagram Protocol UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface UNC Universal Naming Convention

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 4.0 (Exam Number: 220-901) 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 • Windows laptop/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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