Lecture Notes: CompTIA A+ Exam Preparation

Introduction

• Start immediately: 95-question quiz.
• Focus on key concepts and common exam questions.

Key Topics & Questions

Thunderbolt Cable Use

• Most often used with: Apple laptops

Limited Connectivity Issue

• Symptoms: IPv4 address 169.254.x.x
• Likely cause: DHCP failure

Remote Access Protocols

• Unsecure protocol: Telnet

Printer Cable Types

• Standard connector: USB

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• Maximum power PoE+ provides: 30 Watts

Smartphone Screen Issues

• Non-responsive touch screen fix: Replace digitizer

Safest Way to Replace RAM

• Use a grounding strap

SMTP Traffic in Firewall

• Enable port 25 for SMTP

Cost-effective Traffic Monitoring

• Solution: Network tap

Application Error Resolution

• Next step: Write a KB article

Laptop Data Access

• Fastest solution: M.2 NVMe SSD

Cloud Deployment Model

• Complete control: Private cloud

Printer Settings

• Double paper usage: Configure duplex setting

Remote Work IT Implementation

• Maintain control: Implement VDI

Virtual Machines as Sandboxes

• Reason: Testing new software safely

Router Functionality

• Reconnect devices: Use a router

Security Concern with VMs

• Primary concern: Compromising the hypervisor

Cable Purchase with F-Type Connectors

• Buy: Coaxial cables

Server Room Network Address

• Likely configured address: 192.168.x.x

Workstation Shutdown Issue

• Likely cause: Overheating

Printer Repair (Laser Printer)

• Text not adhering: Replace fuser

Conference Room Audio Issue

• Cause: Not using TV’s HDMI ARC port

Projector Connection Error

• Solution: Check display settings

Secure Remote Connection

• Method: VPN

Projector Image Fuzziness

• Solution: Adjust lens

Windows Device Touchscreen Issue

• Check: Tablet PC settings

Static IP Assignment

• Network service: DHCP

Sluggish PC Issue

• Cause: No free space on HDD

Calendar Sync Issue

• Action: Ensure corporate password is saved

Software Compatibility Issue

• Best option: Virtual environment

Serial Port Replacement

• Use port: USB

Network Type for Virtual Servers

• Network: SAN (Storage Area Network)

Cursor Drifting on Tablet

• Likely solution: Recalibrate screen

Smartphone Touch Issue

• Likely cause: Digitizer issues

Laptop RAM Upgrade

• First step: Verify motherboard requirements

Raid Level for Workstation

• Best level: RAID 10

Data Center Expansion

• Solution: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Mobile Payment Device Issue

• Cause: NFC not working

Second Monitor Configuration

• Solution: Adjust monitor display settings

VM Memory Allocation

• Practice: Resource pooling

Wi-Fi Standards

• Support 5 GHz & 2.4 GHz: 802.11ac

Corporate Network Connection Issue

• Cause: DNS

Computer Processing Upgrade

• First upgrade: RAM

VM Isolation Requirement

• Requirement: Isolation

Smartphone Network

• Created network: PAN (Personal Area Network)

Printer Vertical Lines Issue

• Solution: Drum cleaning procedure

Virtual Machine Uptime

• Implement: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Storage Device for Fast Access

• Install: M.2 SSD

Two-factor Authentication

• Example: Password + Thumbprint

Laptop Keyboard Issue

• Solution: Clean the keyboard

Remote Device Management

• Tool: Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Printer Smudge Issue

• Cause: Print head too hot

Developer Virtualization Environment

• Best solution: Sandbox environment

Fingerprint Reader Security

• Restriction: Only assigned user access

Webcam Issue

• Solution: Reseat the webcam

Unexpected Reboots

• Power supply issue: Insufficient watts

Network Traversal

• Technology: VLAN

Date & Time Reset Issue

• Solution: Replace CMOS battery

Computer Boot Issue

• Initial action: Try to extract data

Motherboard Upgrade Issue

• Step: Verify socket type

Connectivity Issue Resolution

• Fast solution: Mobile hotspot

Developer Desktop Control

• Best method: VDI

FTP Protocol

• Ports used: 20 and 21

Smartphone Charging Issue

• Likely cause: Defective battery

Data Protection Compliance

• Solution: BitLocker to Go

Network Device for Domain Separation

• Device: Router

Smartphone Charging Port Issue

• Cause: Foreign objects (lint)

Network Access Issue

• Check first: DHCP

Computer Clicking Sound

• Likely cause: HDD issue

Mac OS with Windows Software

• Solution: Crossplatform virtualization

Internet Outage & POTS Lines

• Technology likely used: DSL

Client-side Virtualization Support

• Best configuration: Multiple cores & sufficient RAM

Printer Paper Jam Error

• Step: Check paper path

New Computer Beeping Issue

• Solution: Reseat RAM

Printing Waste Management

• Solution: Require code/badge release

Cloud Computing Elasticity

• Term: Rapid elasticity

Office Network Connectivity Issue

• Cost-effective cable: Shielded Cat 6

Cloud Environment for Secure Records

• Likely use: Private cloud

Laptop Bulge Issue

• Component: Battery replacement

Automatic Duplex Printing Issue

• Solution: Configure duplex settings

Wireless Connection Drops

• Likely cause: Device interference

Cloud Model During Internet Outage

• Model: Private cloud

Laptop Screen Image Issue

• Step: Ensure backlight functioning

Hard Drive Error

• Likely cause: SMART failure

RAM Type for Desktop

• Type: DDR3

Non-carrier Grade Wireless Backhaul

• Issue: Reserved channel for licensed use

Patch Panel Port Identification

• Tool: Toner probe

Projector Audio Issue

• Solution: Use HDMI connection

Network Cable Limiting Speed

• Category: Cat 5

Webcam Software Issue

• Solution: Close other video software

Mobile Device Authentication

• Technology: NFC

MIMO Technology Support

• Standard: 802.11n

Monitor Error Message

• Solution: Change connector setting

Touchscreen Component

• Component: Digitizer

Conclusion

• Review of key solutions and concepts for A+ certification.
• Encourage further review for mastery of material.