CompTIA A+ Cram Sheet Notes

Overview

This compendium covers essential information for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams. It serves as a quick reference guide for last-minute preparations before the exams.

220-1101: Core 1 Exam

Hardware

• Laptops: Portable desktops with replaceable components (keyboards, touchpads, etc.). Common parts include 2.5”/1.8” HDDs/SSDs, M.2 and Mini PCIe cards, SODIMM RAM.
• Smartphones/Tablets: ARM-based CPUs, flash memory, multi-touch displays, Li-ion batteries. Ports: USB-C/microUSB (Android), Lightning/USB-C (iOS).

Networking

• Network Types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, SAN, WMN, WLAN.
• Devices: Switches (LAN), Routers (connect LANs, Internet), Firewalls, IDS.
• Connectors: Twisted pair (RJ45, RJ11), Fiber optic (SC, ST, LC), Coaxial.
• Cabling Standards: T568B (common), T568A (reversed).
• Protocols and Ports: FTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, POP3, IMAP, SNMP, LDAP, RDP.
• Wireless Ethernet: 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth classes.

Network Services

• NAT: IP address modification.
• Port Forwarding: External to internal network mapping.

Peripherals

• Video Cards: PCIe slots, various connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.).
• USB/Thunderbolt: Various speeds and connectors.

Storage

• Drives: HDD, SSD, SATA, RAID configurations.
• BIOS/UEFI: System boot and configuration settings.

CPUs and Printing

• CPU: Speed and cache details.
• Laser Printing: Process and configuration settings.

Cloud and Virtualization

• Cloud Types: SaaS, IaaS, PaaS.
• Virtualization: Types of hypervisors and network connectivity.

Troubleshooting Methodology

1. Identify the problem.
2. Establish theory of probable cause.
3. Test theory.
4. Plan and implement solution.
5. Verify functionality and implement preventive measures.
6. Document actions and outcomes.

220-1102: Core 2 Exam

Operating Systems

• Windows 10/11 Requirements: Minimum specifications.
• Common Tools: Device Manager, System Info, Task Manager.

Networking and Remote Access

• Workgroups vs Domains: Small vs large network organization.
• Remote Desktop: Connection and control.

Command Line Tools

• File and Disk Commands: chkdsk, sfc, diskpart.
• Networking Commands: ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup.

Troubleshooting

• Windows repair tools and methods.
• macOS: Tools and functionalities.
• Linux: Common commands and filesystem details.

Security

• Malware Types: Virus, Trojan, Spyware.
• Network Attacks: Understanding and prevention.
• Authentication: MFA, UAC, and security techniques.
• Encryption: File and drive encryption (EFS, BitLocker).

Best Practices

• Malware Removal: Steps for effective remediation.
• Social Engineering Awareness: Phishing, vishing, etc.
• Incident Response: Initial steps and chain of custody.

Data Management

• Regulated Data: Types and handling.
• Storage Disposal: Clearing, purging, destruction methods.

Professionalism

• Customer Service: Communication, expectations, and cultural sensitivity.

Scripting and Automation

• Scripting Types: PowerShell, batch, Python, etc.
• Remote Access Protocols: RDP, SSH, VNC.

Final Advice

• Stay confident and prepared.
• Good luck with your exam!