Certification Synergy IT Training Course

Jul 17, 2024

IT Training Course by Certification Synergy

Welcome to Certification Synergy's CompTIA A+ Core 1 Complete Training Course! Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the lecture contents:

Introduction

  • Target Audience: IT enthusiasts looking to pass the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam.
  • Course Cost: 100% free, no hidden fees.
  • Course Structure: Self-paced resource tailored to teach everything needed for the exam.

What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

  • Target Audience: Entry-level problem solvers and innovative thinkers with basic IT knowledge.
  • Prerequisite Skills: IT basics from CompTIA ITF+ certification or similar experience.
  • Career Path: Bridges the gap between users and tech, suitable for roles in tech support and those aiming to craft IT solutions.

Certification Details

  • Exams: Two separate exams: Core 1 and Core 2.
    • Core 1: Focuses on hardware and networking.
    • Core 2: Covers operating systems, security, and operational procedures.
  • Current Core 1 Exam: Designation 220-1001, launched in April 2022.
    • Format: 90 questions (multiple-choice and PBQs), 90 minutes, passing score 675/900.
  • Domain Breakdown for Core 1:
    • Mobile Devices: 1.1 - install and configure laptop hardware and components.

Exam Objectives Importance

  • Objectives Document: Outlines study parameters, topics, and format.
  • Domains in Core 1 Exam:
    • Mobile Devices: Install and configure, device replacement.
  • Preparation Tip: Exam objectives are a roadmap to success. Use them for focused study and as a final checklist.

Course Breakdown

CompTIA A+ Core 1 – Mobile Devices (Exam Objective 1.1)

Hardware and Device Replacement

  • Mobile Devices: Defined as portable, battery-powered computing gadgets (smartphones, tablets, and laptops).
  • Safety Precautions: Disconnect power source and remove battery before working inside a mobile device.
  • Components:
    • Battery: Maintenance varies by type (easily swappable vs. built-in).
    • Keyboards: Prone to wear and tear, periodic cleaning necessary.
    • RAM: Laptops use SODIMM (compact, lower power consumption), soldered in smartphones/tablets.
    • Storage: HDD (cost-effective, larger capacity) and SSD (faster data access, no moving parts).
    • Wireless Cards: For connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular).
    • Security: Fingerprint sensors (biometric), NFC for data exchange and security.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 – Display Components (Exam Objective 1.2)

Display Types

  • LCD and LED Screens:
    • Construction: LCD uses backlight, LED generates light from each pixel.
    • Color and Display Qualities: OLED offers superior color contrast and true blacks. LCD Types
  • IPS: Bright, true colors, wide viewing angles.
  • TN: Fast response time, not the best color accuracy.
  • VA: Better colors than TN, good dark blacks but not as good as IPS. OLED Screens
  • Higher cost, prone to burn-in, but superior color accuracy and flexible.

Display Components

  • Wi-Fi Antenna: Proper placement crucial for signal reception.
  • Webcam and Microphone: Placement for both functionality and minimal noise interference.
  • Touchscreens: Combination of display and digitizer.
  • Inverters: Found in older laptops, convert low voltage DC to high voltage AC for non-LED backlights.

Connectivity and Accessories (Exam Objective 1.3)

Mobile Devices Accessories and Connectivity Common Accessories

  • Touch Pens: Passive (no battery), Active (battery required, advanced features).
  • Audio Accessories: Enhance built-in audio, important to select correct device settings.
  • External Webcams: Should be placed on a stable surface, careful management of access needed.
  • Drawing Pads and Trackpads: Provide control and comfort surpassing traditional mice.
  • FN Keys: Shortcuts for specific tasks (volume, brightness, toggling trackpad).

Connection Types

  • Wired: USB (Type C, Micro, Mini), Lightning connector (Apple devices), Serial interfaces (primarily for networking).
  • Wireless: NFC (short-range, secure transactions), Bluetooth (short-range, wireless peripherals), Hotspot (mobile device as wireless access point).

Network Connectivity (Exam Objective 1.4)

Mobile Device Network Connectivity Cellular Connectivity

  • Generations: 2G (basic texting), 3G (boggling speeds), 4G (HD streaming), 5G (game-changing speed, capacity).
  • Delegate Charge when needed: Disable to save battery life or avoid charges.

GSM vs. CDMA

  • GSM: SIM card-based, widely used internationally. Facilitates easy device switching.
  • CDMA: Device-specific identity, robust coverage, more common in some North American networks.

Preferred Roaming List (Cycle 1-3)

  • Current and well-managed PRL ensures connectivity even while traveling abroad.
  • Updating PRL: Connect to the carrier’s network and search for updates.

Hotspot

  • Setup: Enable feature on a smartphone, connect other devices via Wi-Fi.
  • Battery and Data Usage: Keep it connected to a charger to save battery and monitor data usage.

Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network)

  • Pairing Devices: Enable antenna, initiate pairing mode, enter pin code if required.

Location Services

  • Working Mechanism: GPS and Cellular signals.
  • Security Settings: Control which apps can access location data.

Enterprise Mobility Management (Exam Objective 1.4)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM)

  • Centralized control: Administer policies, app distribution, data security.
  • Protects data: Wipe, encrypted protocols, enforces compliance.

Mobile Device Synchronization Data Consistency: Ensures the same data across devices.

  • Setup: Account creation and selecting data for synchronization.
  • Usage: Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Photos synchronized across devices.
  • Data Transfer: Wi-Fi preferable, can lead to significant charges if using mobile data.

Networking Basics (Exam Objective 2.1)

Network Protocols and Ports Network Protocols

  • Definition: Rules and standards governing data exchange.
  • Common Protocols:
  • FTP: File transfers (Port 20, 21).
  • SSH: Secure remote access (Port 22).
  • Telnet: Insecure remote access (Port 23).
  • SMTP: Email transfer (Port 25).
  • DNS: Domain-to-IP resolutions (Port 53).
  • DHCP: Dynamic IP addressing (Ports 67, 68).
  • HTTP/HTTPS: Web content transfer (Port 80/443).
  • POP3/IMAP: Email retrieval (Ports 110/143).
  • SNMP: Network management (Ports 161, 162).
  • LDAP: Network resources directory (Port 389).
  • SMB: File and printer sharing (Port 445).
  • RDP: Remote desktop (Port 3389). TCP vs UDP
  • TCP: Reliable, ordered and error-checked delivery.
  • UDP: Faster but no guarantee of delivery.

Network Hardware (Exam Objective 2.2)

  • Network Devices:
    • Hubs: Broadcasts data to all devices on a LAN.
    • Switches: Directs data to the correct device on a LAN.
    • Routers: Directs data between networks.
    • Access Points: Provides wireless connectivity on a LAN.
    • Soo Routers: Combines router, switch, and access points.
    • Patch Panel: Manages and organizes cable connections.
    • Power over Ethernet (POE): Transmits power and data over a single network cable.
    • Network Firewall: Controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
    • Modems: Converts digital data to analog signals and vice versa.
    • Nicks: Network Interface Cards, connecting devices to networks.
    • Software Defined Networking (SDN): Allows network changes via software.

Wireless Networking (Exam Objective 2.3)

Frequencies

  • 2.4 GHz:
    • Better range, penetrates walls.
  • 5 GHz:
    • Faster, less crowded, but shorter range.

Channels

  • Non-overlapping channels in 2.4 GHz: 1, 6, 11 for reduced interference.
  • 5 GHz: Provides more non-overlapping channels, better for high-bandwidth tasks.

Wi-Fi Standards (IEEE 802.11)

  • 802.11a: Short range but fast (54 Mbps, 5 GHz).
  • 802.11b: Better range, slower (11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz).
  • 802.11g: Like 802.11b in range, 802.11a in speed (54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz).
  • 802.11n: Dual-band, superior throughputs (600 Mbps, 2.4/5 GHz).
  • 802.11ac: Enables 6.9 Gbps theoretical speed (5 GHz).
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): Even faster and higher range (9.6 Gbps).

Long Range Fixed Wireless

  • Licensed vs. Unlicensed connections:
    • Licensed: Reserved frequencies, fewer interferences.
    • Unlicensed: More prone to interference.
  • Transmission Power: Measured in dbm, permission and route regulations.

Bluetooth

  • Evolution: Versions 1.2 to 5.0, faster and longer ranges.
  • Pairing: Enable antenna, search, and connect.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

  • Use Cases: Secure transactions and quick data transfer.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)

  • Use Cases: Inventory control, security access, and real-time tracking.

Computer Networking Services (Exam Objective 2.4)

Server Roles

  • DNS Servers: Translate domain names into IP addresses.
  • DHCP Servers: Automatic IP address assignment.
  • File Servers: Centralized files and resource sharing.
  • Print Servers: Manage print requests and route them to printers.
  • Mail Servers: Handling the sending and receiving of emails.
  • CIS Log Servers: Collect logs/diagnostic data for monitoring and troubleshooting.
  • Web Servers: Store and serve website contents.
  • AAA Servers: Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting.

Internet Appliances

  • Spam Gateways: Filter out unsolicited emails or spam.
  • Unified Threat Management (UTM): All-in-one security device.
  • Load Balancer: Distribute network/application traffic across multiple servers.
  • Proxy Servers: Monitors/provides managed internet access.

Legacy and Embedded Systems (Exam Objective 2.4)

Legacy Systems

  • Older technology remaining in use as it is critical for specific business operations. Embedded Systems
  • Single-purpose computing systems embedded in devices like microwaves, thermostats.
  • SCADA Systems: Combination of legacy and embedded systems to monitor/control industrial environments.

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices (Exam Objective 2.4)

  • Devices networked embedded, and networked in everyday objects (e.g., IP cameras, smart home devices).
  • Applications: Efficiency, convenience, improved quality of life.

Basic Network Connectivity (Exam Objective 2.5)

IP Addresses

  • IPv4 and IPv6: Differences and usage.
  • Dynamic vs. Static: Automatic vs. manually assigned.
  • Private IP Ranges: Used internally within networks.
  • Public IP: Globally unique, for internet communication.

OPIPA

  • Automatic Private IP Addressing, 169.254.x.x, indicates inability to reach DHCP.

Default Gateway

  • Connects local network to the internet/other networks. DNS
  • Domain Name System User-friendly domain names into numerical IP addresses. DNS Records
  • A and AAA records: Map domain names to IP addresses.
  • MX records: Map email domains to mail servers.
  • TXT records: Text-based application-specific information.

DHCP

  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Automatic IP address assignment, DORA process (Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge). VLANs
    • Virtual LANs: Segmenting network traffic for security, efficiency, flexibility. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
    • Secure encrypted connection between devices/remote server. Networking Tools:
  • Cable Strippers, Crimpers, Cable testers, Punchdown Tools, etc.: For setting up and troubleshooting networks. Peripheral Cables
  • USB, Serial, Thunderbolt: For connecting various peripherals. Video Cables
  • VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort Hard Drive Cables
  • SCSI, IDE, SATA, ESATA Connectors & Adapters
  • RJ11, RJ45, F-Type, ST/SC/LC, USB and Lightning connectors, etc. Expansion Cards
  • Sound, Video, Capture, NICs Cooling
  • Heat Sinks, Fans, Liquid Cooling, Thermal Paste BIOS/UEFI
  • Firmware Interface, access with setup key, security, device settings. Replacing Power Supplies:
  • Wattage, Voltage, modular supplies, UPS for emergency power. Printer Troubleshooting:
  • Recognizing and resolving printing and connectivity issues.