CompTIA® A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Practice Questions Exam Publisher Cram, Fourth Edition Paul Boger Copyright © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. Associate Publisher All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys- David Dusthimer tem, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is Acquisitions Editor assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every Betsy Brown precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for dam- Senior Development ages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Editor ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-4791-4 Andrew Cupp ISBN-10: 0-7897-4791-X Managing Editor Trademarks Sandra Schroeder All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Pearson Education, Inc. cannot attest to the accu- Technical Editor racy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting Chris Crayton the validity of any trademark or service mark. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA. Project Editor Mandie Frank Warning and Disclaimer Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possi- Copy Editor ble, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” Apostrophe Editing basis. The author and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any Services person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information con- tained in this book or from the use of the CD or programs accompanying it. Proofreader Bulk Sales Sarah Kearns Pearson Education, Inc. offers excellent discounts on this book when ordered in quan- Publishing tity for bulk purchases or special sales. For more information, please contact Coordinator U.S. Corporate and Government Sales Vanessa Evans 1-800-382-3419 [email protected] Multimedia For sales outside the United States, please contact Developer International Sales Dan Scherf [email protected] Book Designer Gary Adair Compositor Tricia Bronkella Contents at a Glance Introduction 1 Part I A+ Essentials 220-701 CHAPTER 1 Hardware 3 CHAPTER 2 Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance 57 CHAPTER 3 Operating System and Software 95 CHAPTER 4 Networking 147 CHAPTER 5 Security 185 CHAPTER 6 Operational Procedure 211 Part II A+ 220-702 CHAPTER 7 Hardware 241 CHAPTER 8 Operating Systems 285 CHAPTER 9 Networking 339 CHAPTER 10 Security 375 Table of Contents Introduction.........................................................1 Part I A+ Essentials 220-701 Chapter 1: Hardware...........................................................3 1.1 Categorize storage devices and backup media ...................3 1.2 Explain motherboard components, types, and features............6 1.3 Classify power supplies types and characteristics................16 1.4 Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features.....................................................18 1.5 Explain cooling methods and devices .........................21 1.6 Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics, and their purpose.....................................................22 1.7 Distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics ...............................................25 1.8 Install and configure peripherals and input devices..............27 1.9 Summarize the function and types of adapter cards .............29 1.10 Install, configure, and optimize laptop components and features.....................................................32 1.11 Install and configure printers ...............................35 Quick-Check Answer Key ......................................40 Answers and Explanations .....................................41 Chapter 2: Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance ..............................57 2.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory............57 2.2 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes .....................60 2.3 Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers..................................................64 v Table of Contents 2.4 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the appropriate basic troubleshooting method ..........67 2.5 Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques ..................................................71 Quick-Check Answer Key ......................................81 Answers and Explanations .....................................82 Chapter 3: Operating System and Software .......................................95 3.1 Compare and contrast the different Windows Operating Systems and their features.....................................95 3.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate proper use of user interfaces .....107 3.3 Explain the process and steps to install and configure the Windows OS...............................................113 3.4 Explain the basics of boot sequences, methods, and startup utilities ....................................................123 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................127 Answers and Explanations ....................................129 Chapter 4: Networking .......................................................147 4.1 Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices, and protocols ...........................147 4.2 Categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations ............................................159 4.3 Compare and contrast the different network types .............164 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................169 Answers and Explanations ....................................170 Chapter 5: Security ..........................................................185 5.1 Explain the basic principles of security concepts and echnologies ................................................185 5.2 Summarize the following security features....................193 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................199 Answers and Explanations ....................................200 vi Table of Contents Chapter 6: Operational Procedure..............................................211 6.1 Outline the purpose of appropriate safety and environmental procedures and, given a scenario, apply them ...................211 6.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace .......221 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................229 Answers and Explanations ....................................230 Part II A+ 220-702 Chapter 7: Hardware.........................................................241 1.1 Given a scenario, install, configure, and maintain personal computer components .......................................241 1.2 Given a scenario, detect problems, troubleshoot, and repair/replace personal computer components ..................252 1.3 Given a scenario, install, configure, detect problems, troubleshoot, and repair/replace laptop components .............260 1.4 Given a scenario, select and use the following tools ............261 1.5 Given a scenario, detect and resolve common printer issues .....263 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................270 Answers and Explanations ....................................271 Chapter 8: Operating Systems .................................................285 2.1 Select the appropriate commands and options to troubleshoot and resolve problems ........................................285 2.2 Differentiate between Windows Operating System directory structures (Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7) ...........296 2.3 Given a scenario, select and use system utilities/tools and evaluate the results ..........................................299 2.4 Evaluate and resolve common issues .........................310 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................319 Answers and Explanations ....................................321 vii Table of Contents Chapter 9: Networking .......................................................339 3.1 Troubleshoot client-side connectivity issues using appropriate tools ......................................................339 3.2 Install and configure a small office home office (SOHO) network ...................................................352 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................361 Answers and Explanations ....................................362 Chapter 10: Security ..........................................................375 4.1 Given a scenario, prevent, troubleshoot, and remove viruses and malware ...............................................375 4.2 Implement security and troubleshoot common issues ..........379 Quick-Check Answer Key .....................................395 Answers and Explanations ....................................396 About the Author Patrick Regan has been a PC technician, network administrator/engineer, design architect, and security analyst for the past 16 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Akron. He has taught many computer and net- work classes at Sacramento local colleges (Heald Colleges and MTI Colleges) and has