It Pays to Get

Certified
In a digital world, digital
literacy is an essential
survival skill.

Certification proves you

have the knowledge and
skill to solve business
problems in virtually any
business environment.
Certifications are highly-
valued credentials that
qualify you for jobs,
increased compensation
and promotion.

• The CompTIA A+ credential – provides foundation-level knowledge and skills necessary for a career in PC
repair and support.
• Starting Salary – CompTIA A+ Certified individuals can earn as much as $65,000 per year.

• Career Pathway – CompTIA A+ is a building block for other CompTIA certifications such as Network+,
Security+ and vendor specific technologies.
• More than 850,000 – individuals worldwide are CompTIA A+ certified.
• Mandated/Recommended by organizations worldwide – such as Cisco and HP and Ricoh, the U.S. State
Department, and U.S. government contractors such as EDS, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.
Certification
Some of the primary benefits individuals report from becoming A+ certified are:
Helps Your Career • More efficient troubleshooting
• Improved career advancement
• More insightful problem solving

4 Steps to Getting Certified and Staying Certified

1. Review Exam Objectives Review the Certification objectives to make sure you know what is covered in the exam
6

http://www.comptia.org/certifications/testprep/examobjectives.aspx
01

2. Practice for the Exam After you have studied for the certification, take a free assessment and sample test to get an idea what
type of questions might be on the exam.
http://www.comptia.org/certifications/testprep/practicetests.aspx
)2

3. Purchase an Exam Voucher Purchase exam vouchers on the CompTIA Marketplace, which is located at: www.comptiastore.com
(C

4. Take the Test! Select a certification exam provider and schedule a time to take your exam. You can find exam providers at
the following link: http://www.comptia.org/certifications/testprep/testingcenters.aspx
5. Stay Certified! All new CompTIA A+ certifications will be valid for three years from the date the candidate is certified. After
Continuing Education three years, those certifications must be renewed. For more information:
http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/steps_to_certification/stayCertified.aspx

How to obtain more information

• Visit CompTIA online - www.comptia.org to learn more about getting CompTIA certified.
• Contact CompTIA - call 866-835-8020 ext. 5 or email [email protected].
• Join the IT Pro Community – http://itpro.comptia.org to join the IT community to get relevant career information.
• Connect with us :
CompTIA® A+®: A
Comprehensive
Approach (Exams
220-901 and
220-902)
CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive
Approach (Exams 220-901 and
220-902)
Part Number: 093013
Course Edition: 1.0

Acknowledgements
PROJECT TEAM

Authors Media Designer Content Editor

Pamela J. Taylor Brian Sullivan Angie J. French

Gail Sandler Peter Bauer

Logical Operations wishes to thank the members of the Logical Operations Instructor Community, and in particular Andrew
Karaganis, for contributing their technical and instructional expertise during the creation of this course.

Notices
DISCLAIMER
While Logical Operations, Inc. takes care to ensure the accuracy and quality of these materials, we cannot guarantee their
accuracy, and all materials are provided without any warranty whatsoever, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The name used in the data files for this course is that of a fictitious company. Any
resemblance to current or future companies is purely coincidental. We do not believe we have used anyone's name in creating this
course, but if we have, please notify us and we will change the name in the next revision of the course. Logical Operations is an
independent provider of integrated training solutions for individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The use of screenshots, photographs of another entity's products, or another entity's product name or service in this book is for
editorial purposes only. No such use should be construed to imply sponsorship or endorsement of the book by nor any affiliation of
such entity with Logical Operations. This courseware may contain links to sites on the Internet that are owned and operated by third
parties (the "External Sites"). Logical Operations is not responsible for the availability of, or the content located on or through, any
External Site. Please contact Logical Operations if you have any concerns regarding such links or External Sites.

TRADEMARK NOTICES
Logical Operations and the Logical Operations logo are trademarks of Logical Operations, Inc. and its affiliates.
® ®
CompTIA A+ is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. All other product and service names
used may be common law or registered trademarks of their respective proprietors.
Copyright © 2016 Logical Operations, Inc. All rights reserved. Screenshots used for illustrative purposes are the property of the
software proprietor. This publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without
express written permission of Logical Operations, 3535 Winton Place, Rochester, NY 14623, 1-800-456-4677 in the United States
and Canada, 1-585-350-7000 in all other countries. Logical Operations’ World Wide Web site is located at
www.logicaloperations.com.
This book conveys no rights in the software or other products about which it was written; all use or licensing of such software or
other products is the responsibility of the user according to terms and conditions of the owner. Do not make illegal copies of books
or software. If you believe that this book, related materials, or any other Logical Operations materials are being reproduced or
transmitted without permission, please call 1-800-456-4677 in the United States and Canada, 1-585-350-7000 in all other countries.
CompTIA® A+®: A
Comprehensive
Approach (Exams
220-901 and 220-902)

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals..................................1

Topic A: Personal Computer Components.......................................2
Topic B: Storage Devices.............................................................. 14
Topic C: Mobile Digital Devices.................................................... 25
Topic D: Connection Interfaces.....................................................31

Lesson 2: Operating System Fundamentals................... 53

Topic A: PC and Mobile Operating Systems...................................54
Topic B: PC Operating System Tools and Utilities.......................... 68

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals......... 83

Topic A: Network Types................................................................84
Topic B: Network Components..................................................... 90
Topic C: Common Network Services............................................. 96
Topic D: Cloud Concepts.............................................................. 99
Topic E: Security Fundamentals.................................................. 103
| CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

Lesson 4: Safety and Operational Procedures...................... 111

Topic A: Basic Maintenance Tools and Techniques................................112
Topic B: Personal and Electrical Safety.................................................. 120
Topic C: Environmental Safety and Materials Handling.......................... 128
Topic D: Professionalism and Communication...................................... 138
Topic E: Organizational Policies and Procedures................................... 140
Topic F: Troubleshooting Theory.......................................................... 146

Lesson 5: Supporting Display Devices................................. 151

Topic A: Install Display Devices............................................................ 152
Topic B: Configure Display Devices.......................................................162
Topic C: Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices.................................166

Lesson 6: Installing and Configuring Peripheral

Components................................................................ 171
Topic A: Install and Configure Input Devices.........................................172
Topic B: Install and Configure Output Devices...................................... 188
Topic C: Install and Configure Input/Output Devices............................ 192
Topic D: Install and Configure Expansion Cards................................... 197

Lesson 7: Managing System Components........................... 201

Topic A: Identify Motherboard Components and Features.....................202
Topic B: Install and Configure CPUs and Cooling Systems..................... 223
Topic C: Install Power Supplies............................................................. 231
Topic D: Troubleshoot System Components......................................... 239

Lesson 8: Managing Data Storage....................................... 251

Topic A: Identify RAM Types and Features............................................ 252
Topic B: Troubleshoot RAM Issues........................................................ 258
Topic C: Install and Configure Storage Devices..................................... 260
 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

Topic D: Configure the System Firmware.............................................. 268

Topic E: Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays............................. 276

Lesson 9: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows.....285

Topic A: Implement Client-Side Virtualization...................................... 286
Topic B: Install Microsoft Windows........................................................293
Topic C: Use Microsoft Windows .......................................................... 308
Topic D: Configure Microsoft Windows................................................. 318
Topic E: Upgrade Microsoft Windows.................................................... 334

Lesson 10: Optimizing and Maintaining Microsoft Windows 341

Topic A: Optimize Microsoft Windows.................................................. 342
Topic B: Back Up and Restore System Data........................................... 349
Topic C: Perform Disk Maintenance...................................................... 352
Topic D: Update Software..................................................................... 355

Lesson 11: Working With Other Operating Systems............. 361

Topic A: The OS X Operating System.................................................... 362
Topic B: The Linux Operating System................................................... 373

Lesson 12: Customized Client Environments.......................407

Topic A: Types of Common Business Clients.........................................408
Topic B: Custom Client Environments................................................... 411

Lesson 13: Networking Technologies..................................419

Topic A: TCP/IP Properties and Characteristics..................................... 420
Topic B: TCP/IP.................................................................................... 435
Topic C: Internet Connections.............................................................. 445
Topic D: Ports and Protocols................................................................ 449
Topic E: Networking Tools.................................................................... 456

| Table of Contents |
| CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking

Capabilities..................................................................465
Topic A: Configure Basic Windows Networking..................................... 466
Topic B: Configure Network Perimeters................................................ 474
Topic C: Using Windows Networking Features...................................... 479
Topic D: Install and Configure SOHO Networks.....................................484

Lesson 15: Supporting Mobile Digital Devices..................... 495

Topic A: Install and Configure Exterior Laptop Components................. 496
Topic B: Install and Configure Interior Laptop Components.................. 505
Topic C: Other Mobile Devices.............................................................. 511
Topic D: Mobile Device Accessories and Ports...................................... 516
Topic E: Mobile Device Connectivity......................................................519
Topic F: Mobile Device Synchronization................................................ 526
Topic G: Troubleshoot Mobile Device Hardware.................................... 529

Lesson 16: Supporting Printers and Multifunction Devices.. 539

Topic A: Printer and Multifunction Technologies...................................540
Topic B: Install and Configure Printers.................................................. 555
Topic C: Maintain Printers.................................................................... 561
Topic D: Troubleshoot Printers............................................................. 564

Lesson 17: Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Controls.. 575

Topic A: Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities......................... 576
Topic B: General Security Controls........................................................ 586
Topic C: Mobile Security Controls......................................................... 598
Topic D: Data Destruction and Disposal Methods................................. 602

Lesson 18: Implementing Security Controls........................ 607

Topic A: Secure Operating Systems...................................................... 608
 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

Topic B: Secure Workstations................................................................621

Topic C: Secure SOHO Networks........................................................... 627
Topic D: Secure Mobile Devices............................................................ 634

Lesson 19: Troubleshooting System-Wide Issues................641

Topic A: Troubleshoot PC Operating Systems....................................... 642
Topic B: Troubleshoot Mobile Device Operating Systems and
Applications..................................................................................... 661
Topic C: Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks............................ 665
Topic D: Troubleshoot Common Security Issues................................... 671

Appendix A: Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification

Exam 220-901........................................................................... 685

Appendix B: Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification

Exam 220-902........................................................................... 705

Appendix C: A+ Command Reference................................................. 725

Appendix D: A Brief History of Personal Computers............................ 741

Glossary............................................................................................. 749
Index.................................................................................................. 783

| Table of Contents |
About This Course

If you are getting ready for a career as an entry-level information technology (IT)
professional or computer service technician, the CompTIA® A+® course is the first step in
your preparation. The course will build on your existing user-level knowledge and
experience with personal computer (PC) software and hardware to present fundamental
skills and concepts that you will use on the job. In this course, you will acquire the essential
skills and information you will need to install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair,
upgrade, and perform preventive maintenance on PCs, digital devices, and operating
systems.
The CompTIA A+ course can benefit you in two ways. Whether you work or plan to work
in a mobile or corporate environment where you have a high level of face-to-face customer
interaction, where client communication and client training are important, or in an
environment with limited customer interaction and an emphasis on hardware activities, this
course provides the background knowledge and skills you will require to be a successful A+
technician. It can also assist you if you are preparing to take the CompTIA A+ certification
examinations, 2016 objectives (exam numbers 220-901 and 220-902), in order to become a
CompTIA A+ Certified Professional.

Course Description
Target Student
This course is designed for individuals who have basic computer user skills and who are
interested in obtaining a job as an entry-level IT technician. This course is also designed for
students who are seeking the CompTIA A+ certification and who want to prepare for the
CompTIA A+ 220-901 Certification Exam and the CompTIA 220-902 Certification Exam.

Course Prerequisites
To ensure your success in this course, you should have basic computer user skills, be able to
complete tasks in a Microsoft® Windows® environment, be able to search for, browse, and
access information on the Internet, and have basic knowledge of computing concepts. You
can obtain this level of skills and knowledge by taking any introductory computing course
from Logical Operations, such as:
• Using Microsoft ®Windows® 10
Caution: The prerequisites for this course differ significantly from the prerequisites for
the CompTIA certification exams. For the most up-to-date information about the exam
prerequisites, complete the form on this page: http://certification.comptia.org/
Training/testingcenters/examobjectives.aspx
.
| CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

Course Objectives
In this course, you will install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, and perform
preventive maintenance on personal computers, digital devices, and operating systems.
You will:
• Identify the hardware components of personal computers and mobile digital devices.
• Identify the basic components and functions of operating systems.
• Identify networking and security fundamentals.
• Identify the operational procedures that should be followed by professional PC technicians.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot display devices.
• Install and configure peripheral components.
• Manage system components.
• Manage data storage.
• Install and configure Microsoft Windows.
• Optimize and maintain Microsoft Windows.
• Work with other operating systems.
• Identify the hardware and software requirements for client environment configurations.
• Identify network technologies.
• Install and configure networking capabilities.
• Support mobile digital devices.
• Support printers and multifunction devices.
• Identify security threats, vulnerabilities, and controls.
• Implement security controls.
• Troubleshoot system-wide issues.

The CHOICE Home Screen

Logon and access information for your CHOICE environment will be provided with your class
experience. The CHOICE platform is your entry point to the CHOICE learning experience, of
which this course manual is only one part.
On the CHOICE Home screen, you can access the CHOICE Course screens for your specific
courses. Visit the CHOICE Course screen both during and after class to make use of the world of
support and instructional resources that make up the CHOICE experience.
Each CHOICE Course screen will give you access to the following resources:
• Classroom: A link to your training provider's classroom environment.
• eBook: An interactive electronic version of the printed book for your course.
• Files: Any course files available to download.
• Checklists: Step-by-step procedures and general guidelines you can use as a reference during
and after class.
• LearnTOs: Brief animated videos that enhance and extend the classroom learning experience.
• Assessment: A course assessment for your self-assessment of the course content.
• Social media resources that enable you to collaborate with others in the learning community
using professional communications sites such as LinkedIn or microblogging tools such as
Twitter.
Depending on the nature of your course and the components chosen by your learning provider, the
CHOICE Course screen may also include access to elements such as:
• LogicalLABS, a virtual technical environment for your course.
• Various partner resources related to the courseware.
• Related certifications or credentials.
• A link to your training provider's website.
• Notices from the CHOICE administrator.

| About This Course |

 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) |

• Newsletters and other communications from your learning provider.

• Mentoring services.
Visit your CHOICE Home screen often to connect, communicate, and extend your learning
experience!

How to Use This Book

As You Learn
This book is divided into lessons and topics, covering a subject or a set of related subjects. In most
cases, lessons are arranged in order of increasing proficiency.
The results-oriented topics include relevant and supporting information you need to master the
content. Each topic has various types of activities designed to enable you to solidify your
understanding of the informational material presented in the course. Information is provided for
reference and reflection to facilitate understanding and practice.
Data files for various activities as well as other supporting files for the course are available by
download from the CHOICE Course screen. In addition to sample data for the course exercises, the
course files may contain media components to enhance your learning and additional reference
materials for use both during and after the course.
Checklists of procedures and guidelines can be used during class and as after-class references when
you're back on the job and need to refresh your understanding.
At the back of the book, you will find a glossary of the definitions of the terms and concepts used
throughout the course. You will also find an index to assist in locating information within the
instructional components of the book.

As You Review
Any method of instruction is only as effective as the time and effort you, the student, are willing to
invest in it. In addition, some of the information that you learn in class may not be important to you
immediately, but it may become important later. For this reason, we encourage you to spend some
time reviewing the content of the course after your time in the classroom.

As a Reference
The organization and layout of this book make it an easy-to-use resource for future reference.
Taking advantage of the glossary, index, and table of contents, you can use this book as a first
source of definitions, background information, and summaries.

Course Icons
Watch throughout the material for the following visual cues.

Icon Description

A Note provides additional information, guidance, or hints about a topic or task.

A Caution note makes you aware of places where you need to be particularly careful
with your actions, settings, or decisions so that you can be sure to get the desired
results of an activity or task.
LearnTO notes show you where an associated LearnTO is particularly relevant to
the content. Access LearnTOs from your CHOICE Course screen.
Checklists provide job aids you can use after class as a reference to perform skills
back on the job. Access checklists from your CHOICE Course screen.
Social notes remind you to check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to
interact with the CHOICE community using social media.

| About This Course |

1 Hardware Fundamentals

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify the hardware components of personal computers and mobile
digital devices. You will:
• Identify personal computer components.
• Identify storage devices.
• Identify mobile digital devices.
• Compare PC and device connection interfaces and their characteristics.

Lesson Introduction
A very large percentage of the work that most IT technicians do entails working with
hardware, including installing, upgrading, repairing, configuring, maintaining, optimizing,
and troubleshooting computer components. To install and configure computer hardware,
you need to recognize the basic components that constitute most personal computers, along
with the functionality that each component provides to the computing experience. In this
lesson, you will identify hardware components and how they function.
Preparing for a career in computer support and maintenance can be a daunting task. A good
place to start is with the basics: the essential hardware components that you find in most
computers. Identifying hardware components and their roles give you a solid base on which
to build the knowledge and skills you need to install, configure, and troubleshoot computer
hardware.
2 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Personal Computer Components
In this lesson, you will identify the hardware components of a computer. The first step is to identify
the hardware that you will find in virtually all computer systems. In this topic, you will identify
computer system components.
If you are not familiar with the various components that a computer is made up of, it can seem like
a jigsaw puzzle. Like most puzzles, each part of a computer connects to other parts in a specific
place, but generally, you will find that the pieces fit together almost exactly the same way from one
system to another. To help you put the puzzle together, you need to understand what these pieces
look like and what they do.

Common Computer Components

Computing components are the physical devices that are required for a computer to operate
properly. There are four main categories of components in a typical computer.
Common Computer
Components Component Description

The system unit The system unit, also commonly referred to as the CPU, or the tower, is
the main component of a computer, which houses most of the other
Emphasize that early in devices that are necessary for the computer to function. Traditionally, it
this course, you will
focus on desktop
comprises a chassis and internal components, such as the system board,
hardware, and later in the microprocessor, memory modules, disk drives, adapter cards, the
the course, you will power supply, fans and other cooling systems, and ports for connecting
cover laptop and other external components such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and other
mobile hardware devices.
components.
System units are also often referred to as boxes, main units, or base units.

In some newer computer models, the system unit is incorporated with the
display screen and referred to as an all-in-one computer. Similar to
laptops, the system unit is integrated into a smaller configuration, which
may make it harder to manage or replace the system unit components.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 3

Component Description
Display devices A display device is a personal computer component that enables users to
view the text and graphical data output from a computer. Display devices
commonly connect to the system unit via a cable, and they have controls
to adjust the settings for the device. They vary in size and shape, as well
as the technologies used.
Common terms for various types of display devices include display,
monitor, screen, liquid crystal display (LCD), and flat-panel monitors.

Input devices An input device is a personal computer component that enables users to
enter data or instructions into a computer. Common input devices
include keyboards and computer mice. An input device can connect to
the system unit via a cable or a wireless connection.

Peripheral devices You can enhance the functionality of practically any personal computer
by connecting different types of peripheral devices to the system unit.
Also called external devices, peripheral devices can provide alternative input
or output methods or additional data storage. You connect peripheral
devices to the system unit via cable or a wireless connection. Some
devices have their own power source, while others draw power from the
system. Common examples of peripheral devices include microphones,
cameras, speakers, scanners, printers, and external drives. Of these
devices, speakers and printers are output devices; microphones, cameras,
and scanners are input devices; external drives are input/output devices.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

4 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Computer Cases
The computer case is the enclosure that holds all of the components of your computer. Computer
cases come in several sizes and arrangements. Some are designed to hold many internal components
and have a lot of room to work around those components. These are usually tower or desktop cases
and take up a good deal of room. Other cases are designed to use a minimum amount of space. The
trade-off is that the interior of the case is often cramped, with little room for adding additional
components. Because the tower proved to be popular, there are now several versions of the tower
model. These include:
• Full tower, which is usually used for servers or when you will be installing many drives and other
components.
• Mid tower, which is a slightly smaller version of the full-size tower.
• Micro, or mini tower, which is the size that replaces the original desktop case in most modern
systems.
• Slim line, which is a tower case that can be turned on its side to save room.

The Motherboard
The motherboard is the personal computer component that acts as the backbone for the entire
computer system. Sometimes called the system board, it consists of a large, flat circuit board with chips
The Motherboard
and other electrical components on it, with various connectors. Some components are soldered
directly to the board, and some components connect to the board by using slots or sockets.

As you proceed through

this lesson, be sure to
provide a basic
introduction to each
component or device,
and reassure learners
that they will work more
closely with these
components and devices
throughout the rest of
the course.
6

Figure 1-1: A motherboard.

The CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) is a computer chip where most of the computing calculations take
place. On most computers, the CPU is housed in a single microprocessor module that is installed on
CPUs
the system board in a slot or a socket.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 5

Figure 1-2: CPUs.

Memory
Memory is the computer system component that provides a temporary workspace for the processor.
Memory refers to modules of computer chips that store data in a digital electronic format, which is
faster to read from and write to than tape or hard drives. Memory chips each contain millions of Memory
transistors etched on one sliver of a semiconductor. Transistors are nothing more than switches that
can be opened or closed. When a transistor is closed, it conducts electricity, representing the binary
number 1. When it is opened, it does not, representing the binary number 0.

The figure shows a

couple of examples of
RAM. Point out that
different types of RAM
will look similar, but the
notch might be in a
different location.
6

Figure 1-3: Sample memory modules.

There are two types of memory used in computer systems: Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-
Only Memory (ROM). RAM is a computer storage method that functions as a computer's main
memory. This type requires a constant power source to access the data stored within the RAM.
However, data stored on ROM is saved and stored without a constant power source. Once data is
written to ROM, it cannot be modified easily.

Volatile and Non-volatile Memory

Memory is considered to be either volatile or non-volatile:
• Volatile memory stores data temporarily and requires a constant source of electricity to keep
track of the data stored in it. When the power is no longer available, the data stored in volatile

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

6 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

memory is lost. The computer's main RAM is an example of volatile memory. The computer can
both read the data stored in RAM and write different data into the same RAM. Any byte of data
can be accessed without disturbing other data, so the computer has random access to the data in
RAM.
• Non-volatile memory retains the information stored on it whether or not electrical current is
available. ROM is an example of non-volatile memory.

The System Bus

In computer communications, a bus is a group of wires or electronic pathways that connect
components. The system bus is the wires, or traces, on the motherboard that provide the main
The System Bus
communication path between the CPU and memory. The system bus enables data transfer between
the CPU, memory, and the other buses in the computer, which connect other system components
such as hard drives and adapter cards. It is sometimes referred to as the frontside bus or local bus.

Figure 1-4: A system bus.

Storage Devices
A storage device is a computer system component, such as a hard drive, that enables users to save data
for reuse at a later time, even after the personal computer is shut down and restarted. Storage
Storage Devices
devices can save data magnetically, optically, or electronically, depending on their design.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 7

Figure 1-5: Examples of storage devices.

Power Supplies
A power supply is a computer system component that converts line-voltage alternating current (AC)
power from an electrical outlet to the low-voltage direct current (DC) power needed by other system
components. The power supply is often referred to as the power supply unit (PSU). The power Power Supplies
supply is typically a metal box in the rear of the system that is attached to the computer chassis and
to the system board. While the power supply is not itself a component of the system board, it is
required in order for system components to receive power. The power supply contains the power
cord plug and a fan for cooling, because it generates a lot of heat. Some power supplies have a
voltage selector switch that enables you to set them to the voltage configurations that are used in
different countries. AC adapters are generally built in to the power supply for desktop systems and
are external for laptops and other mobile systems.
6

Figure 1-6: A power supply.

Cooling Systems
A cooling system is a computer system component that prevents damage to other computer parts by
dissipating the heat generated inside a computer chassis. The cooling system can consist of one or
more fans and other components such as heat sinks or liquid cooling systems that service the entire Cooling Systems
computer as well as individual components, such as the power supply and CPU.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals | Topic A

8 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Figure 1-7: A typical cooling system for a CPU.

Expansion Cards
An expansion card is a printed circuit board that you install into an expansion slot on the computer’s
system board to expand the functionality of the computer. In standard desktop systems, cards have
Expansion Cards
connectors that fit into an expansion slot on a system board and circuitry to connect a specific
device to the computer. Laptops, on the other hand, typically have slots located on the outside of
the case for inserting expansion cards. These cards are often referred to as laptop expansion cards.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 1-8: An expansion card.

Note: An expansion card is also known as an adapter card, I/O card, add-in, add-on, or simply
as a board.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 9

Riser Cards
A riser card is a board that plugs into the motherboard and provides additional expansion slots for
adapter cards. Because it rises above the motherboard, it enables you to connect additional adapters
to the system in an orientation that is parallel to the motherboard and thus saves space within the Riser Cards
system case. Riser cards are commonly found within rackmount server implementations to provide
additional slots for expanding the features of a server and in low rise smaller cases to fit larger
expansion cards.

Figure 1-9: A riser card.

Note: A riser card expands motherboard capabilities the way a power strip increases the
capabilities of electrical outlets.

Daughter Boards
Daughter board is a general computing and electronics term for any circuit board that plugs into
another circuit board. In personal computing, a daughter board can be used as a more general term
for adapter cards. Sometimes, in casual usage, the term “daughter board” is used interchangeably
with the term “riser card,” but technically they are not the same.

Firmware
Firmware is specialized software stored in memory chips that stores OS-specific information whether
or not power to the computer is on. It is most often written on an electronically reprogrammable
chip so that it can be updated with a special program to fix any errors that might be discovered after Firmware
a computer is purchased, or to support updated hardware components.
Note: Updating firmware electronically is called flashing.

The System BIOS

A Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a set of instructions that is stored in ROM and that is used to
start the most basic services of a computer system. Every computer has a system BIOS, which sets the
computer's configuration and environment when the system is powered on. It is located in ROM The System BIOS
chips on the system board. Computers may also include other devices that have their own BIOS to
control their functions.

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Figure 1-10: The system BIOS resides on ROM chips, and sets the computer's configuration and
environment at startup.

UEFI
The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a standard firmware interface for PCs that was
designed to improve software interoperability and address the limitations in BIOSs. Providing legacy
UEFI
support for BIOS services, UEFI can support remote diagnostics and repair of computers, even
without an operating system being installed.

Figure 1-11: UEFI.

UEFI firmware provides several technical advantages over a traditional BIOS system:

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 11

• Ability to boot from large disks (over 2 TB) with a GUID Partition Table (GPT).
• CPU-independent architecture and drivers.
• Flexible pre-OS environment, including networking capabilities.
• Modular design.
Note: Some systems allow users to select options from BIOS or UEFI in order to support
legacy technologies.

The POST
The Power-On Self Test (POST) is a built-in diagnostic program that runs every time a personal
computer starts up. The POST checks your hardware to ensure that everything is present and
functioning properly, before the system BIOS begins the operating system boot process. If there is The POST
an error, then an audible beep will alert you that something is wrong.
The POST process contains several steps to ensure that the system meets the necessary
requirements to operate properly.
Note: The POST process can vary a great deal from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Hardware Component POST Test Criteria

Power supply Must be turned on, and must supply its power good signal.
CPU Must exit Reset status mode, and must be able to execute instructions.
System firmware Must be readable.
System firmware memory Must be readable.
Memory Must be able to be read by the CPU, and the first 64 KB of memory
must be able to hold the POST code.
Input/output (I/O) bus Must be accessible, and must be able to communicate with the video
or I/O controller subsystem.

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ACTIVITY 1-1
Identifying PC Components

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify personal computer components.

1. Your instructor might provide you with examples of computer components and ask you or other
Consider asking
participants to identify them.
participants to identify
the major components
(system unit, display 2. In this graphic, identify the (A) system unit(s), (B) display device(s), (C) input device(s), and (D) output
device, input devices, device(s).
and peripheral devices)
of their computers. This
can be an opportunity to
generate discussion on
the differences between
the various types of
components and their
uses.

Identifying PC
Components, Step 2
A: Moving clockwise from the far left, the components should be labeled: D, A, B, D, C, C.

3. What are the minimum requirements for a functioning PC?

Identifying PC ☑ Input devices
Components, Step 5
☐ Speakers
☑ System unit
In step 5, you may have ☐ Webcam
to assist students in ☑ Display device
locating exactly where
some of the arrows are
4. Which computer components are part of the system unit?
pointing so that they can
more easily identify the ☑ Chassis
components. In addition, ☑ Internal hard drive
you might want to have
them refer to the eBook ☐ Monitor
or the slide, or a PC via ☐ Portable USB drive
webcam, to complete
this step. ☑ Memory

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 13

5. In this graphic, identify the components listed by placing the corresponding letters into the boxes. A.
Motherboard, B. Power supply, C. Expansion card, D. Storage device, E. Memory, F. CPU.

A: Moving clockwise from the top-left corner, the components should be labeled B, E, D, A, C, F.

6. Where is the system BIOS stored?

○ On the primary hard drive
○ In BIOS memory
◉ On ROM chips
○ In RAM

7. True or False? The GPT is what enables the UEFI to support booting from very large hard disks.
☑ True
☐ False

8. Which hardware components are checked during the POST?

☑ Power supply
☑ CPU
☐ Display
☑ RAM

9. Which system unit components are connected by the system bus?

☑ CPU
☑ Memory
☐ Power supply
☐ System board
☐ Cooling system

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TOPIC B
Storage Devices
In the previous topic, you identified the main components of a personal computer. One of the
primary reasons for using a computer is to electronically store data. In this topic, you will identify
the types of storage devices used in personal computers.
As a computer technician, your responsibilities are likely to include installing and maintaining many
different types of computer components, including storage devices. By identifying the various types
of storage devices that can be found in most personal computers, you will be better prepared to
select, install, and maintain storage devices in personal computers.

Hard Drives
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a storage device that reads data from, and writes data to, a hard disk. A
hard disk consists of several metal or hard plastic platters with a magnetic surface coating. Data is
Hard Drive
stored magnetically and can be accessed directly. Although the HDD and the hard disk are not the
Characteristics same thing, they are packaged together and are often referred to interchangeably. HDDs are also
referred to as hard drives, and they can be internal or external devices. Internal hard drives are
mounted inside the chassis and connect directly to the system board through at least one cable for
data and one for power, while external hard drives generally connect to the system by means of an
expansion card or a port.

Figure 1-12: An HDD.

Disk Controllers
Hard drives require circuitry to communicate with the CPU. This circuitry is known as the disk
controller. Disk controllers can be built into the drive itself, or they can be contained on an expansion
card. In most modern hard drives, the controller is built into the drive.

Hard Drive Speeds

The speed of a hard drive is based on how fast the disk is spun to retrieve the requested data. This is
referred to as revolutions per minute (rpm). Common speeds include:
• 5,400 rpm
• 7,200 rpm
• 10,000 rpm

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Hot Swappable Devices

Hot swapping is a type of hardware replacement procedure where a component can be replaced
while the main power is still on. Also called hot plug or hot insertion, hot swap is a feature of USB
and FireWire devices, enabling you to install an internal or external drive, network adapter, or other
peripheral without having to power down the computer. It is good practice to use the safe removal
option from the System Tray before removing a hot-swappable device or peripheral from the
computer. Hot swapping can also refer to the computer's ability to detect when hardware is added
or removed.
Non-hot-swappable devices require the computer to be shut down and restarted before any device
installation updates or removals are recognized by the operating system.

Types of Hard Drives

Although you might occasionally encounter legacy hard drive technology, the most prevalent types
of hard drives that you are likely to be asked to install or troubleshoot are in the SATA family. Serial
Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) drives have the following characteristics:
• SATA supports one device per channel.
• SATA supports hot swapping of drives, which means that you can replace a SATA drive without
powering down the system.
• Many PCs include external SATA jacks.
Note: You might hear SATA pronounced “Serial ay-tee-ay,” “ESS-ay-tee-ay,” “SAY-tuh,” or
“SAT-uh.”

Solid State Storage

Solid state drives (SSDs) use flash technology to retain data in special types of memory instead of on
disks or tape. Solid state storage uses non-volatile memory to emulate mechanical storage devices,
but solid state storage is much faster and more reliable than mechanical storage because there are no Solid State Storage (4
moving parts. Slides)

Types of Solid State Storage

Solid state storage comes in several formats, many of which are used in external devices such as
digital cameras or mobile devices.

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Solid State Specifications

Storage Device

USB flash drives USB flash drives come in several form factors, including thumb drives and
pen drives. Thumb drives can be small, from 50 to 70 mm long, 17 to 20 mm
wide, and 10 to 12 mm thick. Data storage capacities vary, from 128 MB up to
128 GB. Data transfer rates also vary, from 700 KBps to 28 MBps for read
operations, and from 350 KBps to 15 MBps for write operations.

SSDs Flash-memory-based disks do not need batteries, allowing makers to replicate

standard disk-drive form factors (2.5-inch and 3.5-inch). Flash SSDs are
extremely fast since these devices have no moving parts, eliminating seek time,
latency, and other electromechanical delays inherent in conventional disk
drives. The use of SSDs has been increasing over time due to their speed and
quick data access times.
SSDs can be configured within systems to replace traditional computer
hardware such as disk drives, optical drives, and network security appliances
that include firewall and routing functions.

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Solid State Specifications

Storage Device
CF cards CompactFlash (CF) cards are flash memory cards that are 43 mm long by 36
mm wide. Due to their compact size, they are typically used in portable
devices. Type I is 3.3 mm thick and Type II is 5 mm thick. They hold 100 GB
or more, and have a 50-pin contact. Transfer speeds of up to 66 MBps are
possible.
Newer versions of the CF card offer speeds up to 1 Gbps and can store up to
1 terabyte (TB) of data.
CF cards are commonly used for additional storage in:
• Digital cameras
• Music players
• Personal computing devices
• Photo printers
• Digital camera recorders

SM cards SmartMedia (SM) cards are flash memory cards that are similar in size to the
CF cards, and are 45 mm long by 37 mm wide by 0.76 mm thick. They can
hold up to 128 MB and can transfer data at speeds of up to 8 MBps.
SM cards are commonly used for additional storage in:
• Digital cameras
• Digital camera recorders
• Older models of personal digital assistants (PDAs)

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Solid State Specifications

Storage Device
xD xD-Picture Cards (xD) are flash memory cards that are specifically designed
for use in digital cameras. They are 20 mm long by 25 mm wide by 1.7 mm
thick. They can hold up to 2 GB with plans for up to 8 GB. Data transfer
rates range from 4 to 15 MBps for read operations and from 1.3 to 9 MBps
for write operations.

MSs Memory sticks (MSs) are flash memory cards that are 50 mm long by 21.5 mm
wide by 2.8 mm thick. They can hold up to 16 GB and are used extensively in
Sony products such as VAIO® laptops. Data transfer rates are 2.5 MBps for
read operations and 1.8 MBps for write operations.

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Solid State Specifications

Storage Device
SD cards The original Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card is 32 mm long, 24 mm wide,
and 2.1 mm thick. The miniSD Card measures 21.5 mm by 20 mm by 1.4 mm,
and the microSD/TransFlash Card measures 15 mm by 11 mm by 1 mm. SD
Memory Cards are currently available in several capacities, up to 2 TB. Data
transfer rates range from 10 MBps to 20 MBps.
SD cards are used in many different devices, including:
• Laptops
• Digital cameras
• Smartphones
• Handheld gaming devices
• Audio players

MMCs MultiMediaCards (MMCs) are 32 mm long by 24 mm wide by 1.5 mm thick.

Reduced Size MMCs (RS-MMCs) and MMCmobile cards are 16 mm by 24
mm by 1.5 mm. MMCmini cards are 21.5 mm by 20 mm by 1.4 mm, and
MMCmicro cards are 12 mm by 14 mm by 1.1 mm. These cards can hold up
to 8 GB, and data transfer rates can reach 52 MBps. MMC cards are generally
also compatible with SD card readers and are used in many of the same
devices.
6
01
)2
(C

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Solid State Hybrid Drives

Solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs) combine the best features of solid state and magnetic data storage by
combining the traditional rotating platters of a magnetic HDD and a small amount of high-speed
Solid State Hybrid
flash memory on a single drive.
Drives An SSHD monitors the data being read from the hard drive, and then caches the most frequently
accessed bits to the high-speed flash memory. The data stored on the flash memory will change over
time, but once the most frequently accessed bits of data are stored on the flash memory, they will be
read from the flash, resulting in SSD-like performance for the files that are accessed the most.
Some of the advantages of SSHDs include cost, capacity, and manageability.
• Only a relatively small solid-state volume is required to boost performance through the caching
functionality, so a large investment in a high-capacity SSD isn’t required. Hybrid drives tend to
cost slightly more than traditional hard drives, but far less than comparably sized solid-state
drives.
• Operating systems perceive an SSHD as a single drive, making it easy to manage.
• Because the cache volume is basically hidden from the operating system, users don't need to
select the data that is stored on the SSD. Boot times are also improved.

Optical Discs
An optical disc is a storage device that stores data optically, rather than magnetically. The removable
plastic discs have a reflective coating and require an optical drive to be read. In optical storage, data
Optical Disc
is written by either pressing or burning with a laser to create pits (recessed areas) and lands (raised
Characteristics (2 areas) in the reflective surface of the disc. Common optical discs include compact discs (CDs),
Slides) digital versatile discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs.
Some optical discs, such as DVDs, can be single-sided or double-sided. Double-sided optical discs
have one recordable layer on each side of the disc. For writable and rewritable double-sided discs,
you burn data to one side, then flip the disc over to burn the other side.

Types of Optical Discs

There is a wide variety of optical discs available in the marketplace, each with its own requirements
and specifications.

Optical Disc Type Description

CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. Data is permanently burned onto the
disc during its manufacture. The capacity for CD-ROMs ranges from
700 to 860 MB.
CD-RW CD-Rewritable. Data can be written to the disc multiple times. CD-RW
capacities also range from 700 to 860 MB.
DVD-ROM Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory. Data is permanently burned
onto the disc during its manufacture. Single-sided DVD-ROMs have a
capacity of 4.7 GB, while double-sided DVD-ROMs can hold 9.4 GB.
Single Layer DVD-R Single Layer Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable. Data can be written to a
DVD-R disc once. Single Layer DVD-R discs hold up to 4.7 GB of data.
Single Layer DVD+R Single Layer Digital Versatile Disc+Recordable. Data can be written to a
DVD+R disc once. Single Layer DVD+R discs hold up to 4.7 GB of
Explain that DVD-R and data. DVD+R is faster than DVD-R.
DVD+R are competing Double Sided DVD-R Double-sided DVDs have one layer on each side of the disc. Discs can
formats. and DVD+R store up to 8.75 GB of data.

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Optical Disc Type Description

Dual Layer DVD-R Dual Layer Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable. A DVD-R disc that has
two separate recordable layers on a single-sided disc. Dual Layer DVD-R
discs can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
Dual Layer DVD+R Dual Layer Digital Versatile Disc+Recordable. A DVD+R disc that has
two separate recordable layers on a single-sided disc. Dual Layer DVD
+R discs can hold up to 8.5 GB of data. DVD+R is faster than DVD-R.
Single Layer DVD-RW Single Layer Digital Versatile Disc-Rewritable. Data can be written to the
disc multiple times. Single Layer DVD-RW discs hold up to 4.7 GB of
data.
Dual Layer DVD-RW A DVD-RW disc that has two layers of writable space with a maximum
capacity of 8.7 GB for single-sided DVD-RWs and 17.08 GB for double-
sided DVD-RWs. These discs are not used widely due to the cost and
the release of Blu-ray.
DVD-RAM Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory. A DVD that is
rewritable and erasable. You can erase or rewrite specific sections of the
disc without affecting other parts of the disc. Often used for backup
storage.
BD-ROM Blu-ray Disc-Read Only Memory. Blu-ray discs (BD) are intended for
high-density storage of high-definition video as well as data storage. BD
discs have a capacity of up to 128 GB, depending on the number of
layers. Each layer on the disc has a capacity of 25 GB. Newer discs have
the capability of holding up to four layers of storage.
BD-R Blu-ray Disc-Recordable (BD-R). Data can be written to BD-R once. BD
discs have a capacity of up to 128 GB, depending on the number of
layers.
BD-RE Blu-ray Disc-Recordable Erasable. BD-RE is a disc that can be written to
as well as erased. Data can be written to and erased from the disc many
times without compromising the integrity of the disc or the data stored
on it. BD discs have a capacity of up to 128 GB, depending on the
number of layers.

Optical Drives
An optical drive is an internal or external disc drive that reads data to and writes data from an optical
disc. Internal optical drives generally have a 5.25-inch form factor.
Optical Drives
Types of Optical Drives and Burners
Optical drives include CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives. Some optical drives provide only read
capabilities, while others enable users to write, or burn, data to optical discs. CD, DVD, and Blu-ray
drives have varying characteristics and specifications.

Optical Drive Description

Type

CD CDs are widely used to store music and data. To meet the audio CD standard, the
CD drive on a computer must transfer data at a rate of at least 150 KBps. Most
CD drives deliver higher speeds: at least eight times (8x) or sixteen times (16x) the
audio transfer rate. There are also drives with much higher transfer rates, up to
52x. CD drives use one of two special file systems: Compact Disc File System
(CDFS) or Universal Disc Format (UDF).

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Optical Drive Description

Type
DVD DVD drives access data at speeds from 600 KBps to 1.3 MBps. DVD drives use
UDF as the file system.
If you plan to take advantage of dual-layer technology, you must use a dual-layer-
enabled DVD burner with dual-layer DVD media.
Blu-ray Named for the blue laser it uses to read and write data, Blu-ray drives read and
write data from Blu-ray discs. The wavelength of the blue laser is shorter than that
of the red laser used in previous optical drives, so data can be more tightly packed
on a Blu-ray disc. Blu-ray uses UDF v2.5.
Combination A combination drive, also referred to as a combo drive, can read and write to a
drives and number of different optical disc types. Older combo drives were equipped with
burners the read/write function for CDs only, but could also read DVDs. However, most
combo drives today are primarily DVD-RW burners that also have the ability to
read/write CDs and Blu-ray discs. Depending on your needs, you may require a
combo drive that can also support the use of dual-layer DVD-RW discs.
Depending on the manufacturer, some combination Blu-ray drives and players
can also read/write to CDs and DVDs. It is a best practice to check the specific
manufacturer's drive capabilities to verify which media the device can support.

Tape Drives
A tape drive is a storage device that stores data magnetically on a tape that is enclosed in a removable
tape cartridge. Data on the tape must be read sequentially. Sizes for external tape drives vary, but
Tape Drives
internal drives have a 5.25-inch form factor. Tape drives are most commonly used to store backup
copies of archived, offline data in large data centers and are almost never used with desktop
computers.
Mention that although
some think tape drives
are legacy components,
many companies have
invested heavily in tape
storage and continue to
use it even today.

Figure 1-13: A tape drive.

The capacity for tape cartridges varies, but high-end tapes can store up to 10 TB of uncompressed
digital data.
Relatively recent technological advances made by IBM have allowed for data on tapes to be accessed
and read in a file format method similar to other storage media, such as optical discs and flash
drives. The specification is called Linear Tape File Systems (LTFS). LTFS is a tape format that
determines how data is recorded on tape and how specialized software will read that data. LTFS
works in conjunction with Linear Tape-Open (LTO) tape technology, which is an open-standards
magnetic tape data storage technology.

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eMMC
An embedded Multi-Media Controller (eMMC) is a storage component that contains flash memory and a
flash memory controller integrated onto the same silicon die. The eMMC solution consists of at
least three components: eMMC
• A MMC (multimedia card) interface
• Flash memory
• A flash memory controller
Today’s embedded applications such as digital cameras, smartphones, and tablets almost always
store their content on flash memory. In the past, a dedicated controller managed the reading and
writing of data, driven by the application's CPU. As technology evolved to support increased storage Point out that eMMC is
density, it became inefficient for the controller to manage these functions from outside the flash slower and less
memory die. eMMC was developed as a standardized method for bundling the controller into the expensive than SSD.
flash die. The eMMC standard also supports features such as secure erase and trim and high-priority
interrupt to meet the demand for high performance and security.

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ACTIVITY 1-2
Identifying Storage Devices

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify storage devices.

1. Your instructor might provide you with examples of storage devices and ask you or other participants to
Consider displaying
identify them.
various examples of
storage devices,
including both drives and 2. Which storage device records data magnetically and is most often used for backups?
discs or other media, ○ FDD
and ask participants to
identify them. This can
○ HDD
be an opportunity to ○ Optical disc drive
generate discussion on
the differences between
◉ Tape drive
the various types of ○ SSD
devices and the media
that they use, as well as 3. What is the primary benefit of using solid state storage?
the common practice of
A: Answers will vary, but should include the portability of thumb drives and other smaller solid state
treating the drive and the
devices, and the speed of data access when compared to traditional magnetic storage media.
medium as identical
entities.
4. Which two media types allow you to write to an optical disc only once?
☐ CD-ROM

If you have virtual ☑ CD-R

students attending your ☐ CD+RW
class, be sure that they
can see the devices you ☑ DVD+R
are displaying in class. ☐ DVD-RW

5. True or False? No optical disc can hold more than 50 GB of data.

☐ True
☑ False

6. Which features are characteristic of SSHDs?

☑ Solid state memory used to cache most-accessed data.
☐ Boot speed is diminished.
☑ Faster data access than with magnetic disks.
☑ Lower cost than pure solid state storage.

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TOPIC C
Mobile Digital Devices
In the last topic, you identified storage devices. Another category of hardware that you will
encounter as an IT technician includes portable devices like laptops, tablets, and similar mobile
devices. In this topic, you will identify mobile digital devices.
Not only has mobile technology reached a new level of performance and portability, but also the use
of these devices is on the rise every day. As a certified A+ technician, you will be expected to
understand how these devices work and how they should be deployed within the workplace. A good
place to start is to differentiate between the various mobile devices available today.

Mobile Digital Devices

A mobile digital device is an electronic device that provides computing power in a portable format.
Common characteristics of mobile digital devices include:
• A small form factor. Some sources restrict the size to being hand-held and less than two pounds Mobile Digital Devices
in weight, while others include larger, but still portable items such as laptops and notebook
computers.
• Wireless network connectivity. Mobile digital devices have at least one wireless network
interface, which can use Wi-Fi, cellular networking, or other technologies that connect to the
Internet and other data networks.
• Local nonremovable data storage. In many cases, mobile digital devices use solid state storage,
eMMC, and other variations of flash memory to store data.
There are many types of mobile digital devices, including:
• Laptops and notebook computers
• Tablet computers
• Smartphones
• Phablets
• Wearable technology
• e-Readers
• Smart cameras
• GPS devices

Laptops
A laptop is a complete computer system that is small, compact, lightweight, and portable. All laptops
have specialized hardware designed especially for use in a smaller portable system, use standard
operating systems, can run on battery or AC power, and can connect to other devices. Laptops and Laptops
their components can vary by the following factors:
• Size of the device. Smaller models are referred to as notebooks or sub-notebooks and typically
have fewer features.
• Display size, quality, and technology.
• Keyboard size, number of keys, and additional options.
• Pointing device used.
• Power supply type.
• Battery type used.
• Length of battery support time.
• How long it takes to recharge the battery.

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• Power cord connection and power source options.

• Docking solutions.
• Connections for external peripherals.
• Location of the power button. The power button can be located inside or outside of the closed
case. It is more often located inside so that it is not accidentally turned on when it is in the user's
briefcase or being transported in some other bag.
• Bays or connections for additional drives such as optical drives.

Figure 1-14: A laptop.

Tablets
A tablet is a mobile device that includes a touch screen display, a virtual keyboard, and flash memory
for data storage.
Tablets Tablets can range in size from larger tablets that look like a traditional laptop with a touch screen to
small notebook-sized mobile devices that operate similarly to a smartphone, but are a bit larger and
have more computing power. Just like smartphones, tablets can run different operating systems
depending on the manufacturer:
• iOS® runs on both Apple's iPad® and iPod touch®.

Point out that the Note: Because of its size and functionality, iPod touch is not considered a tablet, even
™ though it includes many features that tablets offer.
Microsoft Surface
devices that use the
® ™
Intel Atom processor
• The Android™ OS is used in several different tablets, including Amazon™ Kindle Fire™,
can only run Windows
® Samsung™ Galaxy tablets, and Toshiba Excite™.
8/8.1 RT, while other • Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 8.1 RT are used on various Windows-based tablets.
Surface devices that use • BlackBerry® OS is used on the BlackBerry PlayBook™.
other Intel processors
run Windows 8/8.1. For a complete list of tablets and operating systems, visit www.tabletpccomparison.net.

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Smartphones
A smartphone is a mobile digital device that combines the functionality of a portable phone with that
of media players, GPS navigation units, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and cameras. Special
mobile operating systems enable the use of apps that extend the base functionality of the smart Smartphones
phone even further. New smartphones are emerging almost every day. The market is expanding, and
demand for powerful mobile devices has never been higher. While Android and iOS dominate the
smartphone marketplace, there are many other technologies and devices available.
As an A+ technician, it can be challenging to keep up with the mobile device market as it is
constantly changing and there are so many different smartphones, all with unique features and
functions. The following are the most popular devices used in the marketplace.

Type of Description
Smartphone

iPhone iPhones are a combination of a phone, an Internet gadget, and a widescreen

iPod, which runs on the iOS operating system. Apart from the more common
features of a telephone, music player, camera, and games, the latest iPhone
includes features such as video conferencing and Siri®—a voice-controlled
software assistant to perform various tasks and run other applications through
a multitouch interface.
iPhone apps use innovative iOS technology to facilitate Wi-Fi Internet
connectivity with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), an intuitive user interface,
GPS, the accelerometer, audio, video and graphic capabilities, and other
advanced features.
Android Android-based smartphones have functions similar to the iPhone, except that
smartphones the Android OS allows multiple applications to run simultaneously without
interruption. Popular Android-based smartphones include:
• Samsung™ Galaxy S® 6 Edge
• MOTOROLA® DROID Turbo
• HTC One™ M9
Windows Windows smartphones run on the Windows Phone OS, which is maintained
smartphone and developed by Microsoft. Features include a suite of Microsoft® Office®
applications, Outlook® Mobile, web browsing, Windows Media® Player, and
other advanced features.

Phablets
A phablet is a mobile digital device that is typically larger than a smartphone and smaller than a tablet.
A phablet's screen generally measures from 5 to 7 inches on the diagonal. This screen size lends
itself to viewing multimedia files and intensive web browsing. Some phablets include a stylus for Phablets
drawing and writing.

The sizes listed here are

not absolute.

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Figure 1-15: Phablets are larger than phones but smaller than tablets.

Note: The term "phablet" is an industry term that was used to describe the Samsung Galaxy
Note®. Some experts believe that the term is being phased out in favor of phone or smartphone.

Wearable Technology
Wearable technology includes small mobile computing devices that are designed to be worn under, with,
or on top of a person's clothing.
Wearable Technology
Common examples of wearable technology include:
• Smart watches, which are multipurpose devices that run computing applications and are worn on a
Poll students to see if person's wrist. Smart watches use wireless communication technology to communicate with a
anyone has tried any of smartphone so that they can alert the wearer to missed messages or calls.
the wearable computing • Fitness monitors, which include activity trackers that record data such as the number of steps
devices discussed in this taken in a day or the heart rate and pulse of the wearer.
section. Ask if they can • Glasses and headsets, which provide access to hands-free, voice activated computing capabilities.
share their experience
with other class
members.
Smart Cameras
A smart camera is a digital camera that includes a processor, memory, cellular and Wi-Fi support, and
®
Some GoPro cameras a mobile operating system. Smart cameras often include apps for editing, organizing, and storing
connect to the Internet photos.
for live streaming and
could also be considered
wearable technology.

Smart Cameras

A GoPro camera would

not be considered a
Smart Camera because
there are no built-in
editing features.

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Figure 1-16: A smart camera.

e-Readers
An e-reader is a mobile digital device designed primarily for reading digital publications such as e-
books and digital periodicals. Most e-readers are similar in size to tablets, but they might not have
the same feature set. They can hold hundreds of digital publications that the reader can access e-Readers
repeatedly. Most e-readers have enhanced readability to support reading in sunlight, as well as a
longer battery life.

GPS Devices
A global positioning system (GPS) device is a mobile digital device that provides navigational directions to
reach specified destinations. Features commonly included on GPS devices include:
• Destination search capabilities. GPS Devices
• Routing and rerouting instructions.
• Hands-free calling.
• Real-time traffic information.
• Integration with contacts and social media.

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ACTIVITY 1-3
Identifying Mobile Digital Devices

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify mobile digital devices.

1. What do you think are the two most popular types of mobile digital devices?
Consider asking
participants if they are A: Responses will vary, but will likely include laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
willing to show any
mobile digital devices 2. What types of wearable technology have you experienced? If possible, share your experience with the
that they have brought to other participants.
class, and ask them to A: Responses will vary, but might include fitness monitors and smart watches.
explain their favorite
features.
3. Which other mobile devices do you have experience with?
A: Responses will vary, but might include smart cameras, e-readers, and GPS devices.

4. Do you have a preference for which mobile OS you use?

A: Responses will vary, but most people do have a distinct preference for either iOS or Android.

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TOPIC D
Connection Interfaces
So far in this course, you have identified the common components that make up a personal
computer (PC), as well as commonly used mobile digital devices. Next, you need to be able to
identify how components are connected together to form a complete computer system. In this
topic, you will compare PC and device connection interfaces and their characteristics.
A PC is made up of many different components. All of these components need to be able to
communicate with each other so that the computer can function properly. As PCs have evolved
over the years, several connection technologies have been implemented to provide communication
among computer components. As a computer technician, identifying the methods used to connect
devices to a computer will enable you to install, upgrade, and replace PC components quickly and
effectively.

Physical Ports
An interface is the point at which two devices connect and communicate with each other. A port is a
hardware interface that you can use to connect devices to a computer. The port can also be referred
to as an endpoint. Physical Ports
The port transfers electronic signals between the device and the system unit. A port is either an
electrically wired socket or plug, or it can be a wireless transmission device. Ports can vary by shape,
by color, by the number and layout of the pins or connectors contained within the port, by the Logical ports are
signals the port carries, and by the port's location. Ports exist for both internal and external devices. discussed later in the
External ports often have a graphical representation of the type of device that should be connected course, in conjunction
to it, such as a small picture of a monitor adjacent to the video port. with networking
concepts.
6

Figure 1-17: Ports.

Genders
Most ports and the cables that connect to them have genders. For example, most computer ports
are jacks, into which you plug in the matching cable. The computer's jacks are most often the female
connectors and the cable's plug is most often the male connector. You can always look directly at

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the innermost electrical connections on the connectors to determine the gender. The one with the
protruding pins is the male and the one with the holes to accept the pins is the female.

Computer Connections
Computer connections are the physical access points that enable a computer to communicate with
internal or external devices. They include the ports on both the computer and the connected
Computer Connections
devices, plus a transmission medium, which is either a cable with connectors at each end or a
wireless technology. Personal computer connections can be categorized by the technology or
standard that was used to develop the device.
Emphasize that the
connection is a
combination of the ports,
connectors, and cables
that establish the link
between the two
computer components.

Characteristics of Figure 1-18: A computer connection.

Connection Interfaces

Characteristics of Connection Interfaces

Briefly introduce these Device connections are often described and distinguished from one another by the following
characteristics, and then characteristics:
as you discuss each of
the specific connection • Whether they carry analog or digital signals.
types, you can go into • Analog transmissions carry information in the form of a continuous wave. Analog signals are
more detail about the most often generated by electrical current, the intensity of which is measured in volts. An
individual
analog signal oscillates over time between maximum and minimum values and can take on
characteristics.
any value between those limits. The size, shape, and other characteristics of that waveform
describe the analog signal and the information it carries.
• Digital transmissions, unlike analog transmissions, which can have many possible values, hold
Poll students to gather just two values—ones and zeroes. These values represent an on and off state, respectively.
other examples of signal Digital data, which is a sequence of ones and zeroes, can be translated into a digital
quality. Responses
waveform. In computer systems and other digital devices, a waveform switches between two
might include poor
performance due to voltage levels representing 0 and 1.
dropped packets when • The distance limitations of the associated media, such as cables.
you are at or beyond the • Their data transfer speeds.
optimal distance from an
access point.

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• Signal quality. This can include the likelihood of dropped connections, garbled transmissions, lag
or latency, slow connections, and susceptibility to interference.
• Their support for digital rights management (DRM) capabilities. DRM is a way to control access to
copyrighted content that is presented in digital format. Used to protect content such as e-books,
digital video and music, and even software programs, DRMs establish a copyright for a piece of
content, manage the distribution of that copyrighted content, and control what the consumer can
do with that content once it has been distributed.
• Their frequencies. For analog signals, frequency is the number of complete cycles per second in a
wave. For digital signals, frequency is often cited for wireless (radio) communication, as different
types of wireless communication operate at distinctly different frequencies.

USB Connections
A universal serial bus (USB) connection is used to connect multiple computer peripherals to a single port
that provides high performance and minimal device configuration. USB standards delineate high-
speed wired communication between a host computer and device peripherals. USB connections USB Connections (2
support two-way communications and hot-plugging, which allows you to install peripherals without Slides)
powering down the computer. All PCs today have multiple USB ports and can, with the use of USB
hubs, support up to 127 devices per port.
A USB interface consists of ports, cables, and connectors. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF)
standardized the interface and the original standard defined two types of connectors: the 4-pin Type
A and Type B. Type A connectors are used only on host devices that provide power, such as the
USB ports on the back of a computer or the side of a laptop. Type B connectors are used for
peripheral devices that receive power, such as printers.
There are several versions of USB connectors. The standard for USB 2.0 defined a smaller, 5-pin
version of the Type B connector called the Mini-B connector, for use with personal electronic
devices such as digital cameras and mobile phones. An update to the specification defined the
Micro-A and Micro-B connectors, which also have five pins and are widely used in thinner
smartphones, GPS units, digital cameras, MP3 players, game controllers, readers, tablets, and other
mobile devices. The Micro-A connector plugs into a computer or AC charger, and the Micro-B
connector connects to the peripheral device.
A supplement extends the USB 2.0 standard to enable point-to-point communication between two
USB devices: one USB On-The-Go (OTG) device and another OTG or standard USB device.
OTG-enabled devices, also called dual role devices, can function either as the host or peripheral
when cabled together or when a device like a flash drive connects directly to another device such as
a smartphone. OTG devices have an AB socket that accepts an OTG micro USB A or B plug.
The USB 3.0 standard boasts high data transfer rates and uses USB 3.0 Type A and Type B
connectors, which have five more connection pins recessed in the connector. The pins consist of
differential transmit and receive pairs and a ground. Also, the pin design allows for backward
compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1. USB 3.0 supports high-performance SSD drives, video, and
audio equipment.

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Figure 1-19: USB connections.

Figure 1-20: USB connection types.

USB connections transfer data serially, but at a much faster throughput than legacy serial
connections. USB devices also incorporate Plug-and-Play technology that allows devices to self-
configure as soon as a connection is made.
There are currently three versions of the USB standard: 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0.
• The original USB 1.0 standard, also called low-speed, has a data transfer speed of 1.5 Mbps,
which was suitable for non-gaming USB mice and keyboards. USB 1.0 is deprecated.
• USB 1.1, also called full-speed, is still commonly found in devices and systems. USB 1.1 uses
half-duplex communication.
• USB 2.0, also called high-speed, was released in April 2000, and is the most commonly
implemented standard. USB 2.0 supports low-bandwidth devices such as keyboards and mice, as
well as high-bandwidth devices such as scanners, multi-function printers, and high-resolution
webcams. A USB 2.0 device connected to a USB 1.1 hub or port will communicate at only USB
1.1 speeds, even though it might be capable of faster speeds. Generally, the operating system will
inform you of this when you connect the device. USB 2.0 uses half-duplex communication.
• The USB 3.0 specification, also called SuperSpeed USB and identified as Gen1 was released in
November 2008. It is 10 times faster than the USB 2.0 standard, has enhanced power efficiency,
and is backward compatible with USB-enabled devices currently in use. USB 3.0 provides full

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duplex communication by using two unidirectional data paths for sending and receiving data
simultaneously.
• The USB 3.1 specification, identified as Gen 2 or SuperSpeed +, was released in July 2013, and
supports speeds up to 10 Gbps with the ability to provide up to 100 watts of power to connected
devices.
Characteristics of each version are described in the following table.

Characteristic USB 1.1 USB 2.0 USB 3.0 USB 3.1

Analog or digital? Digital Digital Digital Digital

Distance Maximum cable Maximum cable Maximum cable Maximum cable
limitations length 3 meters length 5 meters length length
with devices recommended 3 recommended 3
operating at low meters meters
speed (1.5 Mbps);
maximum cable
length of 5 meters
with devices
operating at full
speed (12 Mbps)
Data transfer Up to 12 Mbps Up to 480 Mbps 5.0 Gbps Up to 10 Gbps
speed when connected
to USB 2.0 hubs
or ports
Up to 12 Mbps
when connected
to USB 1.1 hubs
or ports
Quality Low speed mode Poor signal Very short latency Very short latency
is less susceptible integrity at its and brief jitter. and brief jitter.
to highest data
electromagnetic transfer speed due
interference to reflections.
(EMI) half-duplex
communication
Frequencies 48 MHz 48 MHz Uses spread Uses spread
spectrum clocking spectrum clocking
on its signaling, on its signaling,
which produces a which produces a
broad spectrum broad spectrum of
of radio frequency radio frequency
(RF) radiation (RF) radiation
energy over a energy over a
large frequency large frequency
band. This can band. This can
create noise in the create noise in the
2.4 GHz band 2.4 GHz band
used widely for used widely for
wireless wireless peripheral
peripheral devices.
devices.

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Note: For USB 1.1 and 2.0, to work around the distance limitations, you can use up to five hubs
to create a chain to reach the necessary cable length.

IEEE 1394 Connections

An IEEE 1394 connection is a PC connection that provides a high-speed interface for peripheral
devices that are designed to use the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard.
IEEE 1394 Connections
Products that conform to this standard include Apple Inc.'s FireWire®, Texas Instruments' Lynx™,
and Sony Corporation's i.LINK®.
IEEE 1394 can support up to 63 devices on one port, supports Plug-and-Play device discovery,
supports hot plugging, and can provide power to devices. IEEE 1394 is often used to connect
peripherals such as external hard drives, digital cameras, and digital video camcorders.
Like USB, IEEE 1394 encompasses multiple versions of standards.
• The original 1394 standard was released in 1995 and is now more commonly referred to as
FireWire 400. It specified the 6-conductor alpha connector.
• IEEE 1394a was released in 2000. In addition to feature enhancements, it introduced the 4-
conductor alpha connector.
• IEEE 1394b was released in 2002 and is more commonly known as FireWire 800. It introduced
the 9-pin beta connector, which is incompatible with legacy cables. Bilingual cables are available
to overcome this limitation.

E
AT
IC
PL
DU
T
NO
6
DO

Figure 1-21: IEEE 1394 ports and connectors.

Characteristics of each version are described in the following table.

Characteristic IEEE 1394 IEEE 1394B

Analog or digital? Digital Digital

Distance limitations Maximum cable length 4.5 Maximum cable length 100
meters meters

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Characteristic IEEE 1394 IEEE 1394B

Data transfer speed 400 Mbps 800 Mbps
Quality Can use isochronous data Reduced buffering using
transfer to coordinate data flow isochronous data transfer.
rates and application timing.
This reduces buffering in
multimedia applications, video
and audio streams.
Frequencies 33 MHz 25 MHz

Thunderbolt Connections
A Thunderbolt connection is a high-speed I/O technology interface that consists of a host controller
that joins together PCI-Express data and/or DisplayPort video. The combined signal is sent via a
full-duplex pair of differential signals. that supports connecting a wide variety of peripheral devices Thunderbolt
to PCs. Cabling is available in both optical fiber and copper wire. A Thunderbolt connection can Connections
support up to six peripheral devices, including full 4K video displays, audio, external graphics, and
storage devices.

Figure 1-22: Typical Thunderbolt connections.

The following table describes the characteristics of Thunderbolt connections.

Characteristic Value

Analog or digital? Digital

Distance limitations • For copper wire: 3 meters.
• For optical fiber: 60 meters.
Data transfer speed • Version 1: 10 Gbps per channel, for a total of 20 Gbps.
• Version 2: 20 Gbps per channel, for a total of 40 Gbps.
• Version 3: 40 Gbps per channel, for a total of 80 Gbps.
Quality Thunderbolt devices transfer isochronously (steady stream), making
both audio and video very precise in real-time.
Frequency 430 kHz fixed switching frequency

SATA Connections
A SATA connection is a drive connection standard that provides a serial data channel between the
drive controller and the disk drives. SATA transfer speeds are much higher than legacy hard drive
SATA Connections

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connections for the same drive technologies. SATA's physical installation is also easier because the
SATA power and data cables are much smaller, thinner, and more flexible than legacy ribbon cables.
SATA connectors have seven pins.

Figure 1-23: SATA connections.

External SATA (eSATA) is an external interface for SATA connections. Like USB and IEEE 1394,
it provides a connection for external storage devices. eSATA connections provide fast data transfers
If you have an eSATA without having to translate data between the device and the host computer. eSATA interfaces do
connector available, let require an additional power connector to function. You can provide eSATA functionality by
students see what the installing eSATA cards in systems.
connector looks like. Characteristics of SATA connections are described in the following tables.

Characteristic Value

Analog or digital? Digital

Distance limitations 1 meter

Data transfer speeds vary with the version of SATA being used.

Version Characteristics

SATA 1.5Gb/s (SATA I) • Frequency: 37.5 MHz

• Transfer speed: 1.5 Gb/s
• Interface throughput: 150 MB/s
SATA 3Gb/s (SATA II) • Frequency: 75 MHz
• Transfer speed: 3.0 Gb/s
• Interface throughput: 300 MB/s
• Backwards-compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s

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Version Characteristics
SATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) • Frequency: 150 MHz
• Transfer speed: 6.0 Gb/s
• Interface throughput: 600 MB/s
• Backwards-compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s and SATA
3Gb/s
SATA 16Gb/s (version 3.2) • Transfer speed: 16.0 Gb/s
• Interface throughput: 1969 MB/s
eSATA • External SATA connectivity
• Transfer speed: 3.0 Gb/s
• Interface throughput: 30 MB/s

Display Cables and Connector Types

Several types of cables and connectors are used to connect display devices to PCs. Here are the
most common:
• Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a display standard that is implemented with a 15-pin DE-15 Display Cables and
connector. You can find this connector type on many video cards, computer monitors, and high Connector Types
definition television sets. On laptop computers and other small devices, a mini-VGA port is
sometimes used in place of the full-sized VGA connector.
• High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a proprietary audio/video interface for transferring Provide a brief
uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from a display introduction to these
controller to a compatible peripheral device (such as a display monitor, a video projector, digital cables and connectors.
TV, or digital audio device) over a single HDMI cable. You will cover them in
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video standard for transferring both analog and digital video greater depth later in the
course.
signals. You can find this connector type on high-definition TVs, DVD players, home theater
systems, and computer monitors.
Characteristics of these display connections are listed in the following table.

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Characteristic VGA HDMI DVI

Analog or digital? Analog Digital • Analog: DVI-A

• HDMI Video Card • Digital: DVI-D
Connectors: • Both: DVI-I:
• Type A: 19-pin Digital and analog
connector that • DVI-DL: Doubles
supports all High the number of
Definition (HD) transition
modes; electrically minimized
compatible with differential signaling
single-link DVI-D (TMDS) pairs
connectors which doubles
• Type B: A 29-pin video bandwidth.
connector; double TDMS is a high-
video bandwidth of speed serial link.
Type A; supports There are dual-link
very high versions for digital
resolutions DVI-I and DVI-D
• Type C: Mini- • M1-DA (also called
HDMI connector M1): Can support
used in portable digital, analog, and
devices USB control signals
• Type D: Micro-
HDMI is the
smallest connector
and also is used in
portable devices
Distance limitations 30 meters for low 5 meters 15 meters for low
resolutions; 5 meters resolutions; 5 meters
for higher resolutions for higher resolutions
Frequencies Need a frequency of at HDMI 2.0 In single-link mode,
least 60 Hz (refreshing specification (2013) the maximum pixel
the screen 60 times per increases bandwidth to clock frequency is 165
second so the images 18 Gbps; supports MHz that supports a
appear constant to the resolutions up to 4K (4 maximum resolution of
human eye).To make a times the clarity of 2.75 megapixels at 60
full frame of pixels fit 1080 p/60 video Hz refresh
within one sixtieth of resolution; up to 1536
second, the speed at kHz audio sample
which pixels are frequency
transmitted needs to be
adjusted. This speed is
called the pixel clock.
Connector

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Other Connections
In addition to the connectors and cables already discussed in this topic, you are likely to encounter
other types of connectors and cables for attaching peripherals to PCs, the most common of which
are described in the following table. Other Connections

Connector Description

Analog audio connectors Analog audio splits sound into "Left" and "Right" components, or
stereo sound. Analog audio cables are split with red and white RCA-
style connectors at the end.

Note: RCA cables with three connectors, where the third

connector is yellow or black, are used for audio/video
connections.

Characteristics:
• Analog or digital: Analog
• Distance limitations: Depends on cable capacitance and the source
impedance of the device, but a practical maximum cable length is
around 30 meters.
• Data transfer speed: Varies by interface
• Quality: Unless using a well-shielded cable, prone to EMI
interference which can show up as static, popping noises, or hissing
sounds, The voltage-based signal degrades after 30 meters.

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Connector Description
Digital audio connectors Digital audio transmits Dolby® Digital, which can support front
center, right, and left speakers as well as rear right, left, and center
speakers. Digital audio cables and connectors are generally either
coaxial or optical (TOSLINK).

Characteristics:
• Analog or digital: Digital
• Distance limitations: 3 meters for coaxial; 15 meters for optical
• Data transfer speed: Maximum data rate of 125 Mbps
• Quality: TOSLINK optical cables are immune to interference and
optical audio connections do not suffer from distortion or signal
losses from resistance or capacitance unlike copper-based
connections.

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Connector Description
RJ-45 connectors The RJ-45 is an eight-pin connector found on twisted pair cables that
are used in networking.

Characteristics:
• Analog or digital: Digital
• Distance limitations: 100 meters for Category 5 Ethernet cabling
• Data transfer speed: Depends on the type of cabling the connector
is attached to
• Quality: The strip-line flex technology within RJ45 jacks lowers the
impedance path significantly. This virtually eliminates crosstalk
within the connector.
• Connector and cable specifications for frequencies:
• Cat 5: Up to 100 MHz
• Cat 5e: Up to 100 MHz
• Cat 6: up to 250 MHz
RJ-11 connectors The RJ-11 connector is used for telephone system connections.
However, because the RJ-11 connector is similar in appearance to the
RJ-45 connector, they are sometimes confused. RJ-11 connectors are
smaller than RJ-45 connectors, and have either four or six pins.
6

Characteristics:
• Analog or digital: Analog
• Distance limitations: Average of 100 meters
• Data transfer speed: 10 Mbps
• Frequency: supports Transmission speed of 16 MHz
• Quality: Transmission errors if pushed to faster speeds.

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Connector Description
PS/2 connectors The PS/2 connector is a legacy connection technology used primarily
to connect keyboards and mice to system units.
PS/2 connectors are
included here to support
the description of some
of the adapters and
converters that are
discussed later in this
topic.

Characteristics:
• Analog or digital: Digital
• Distance limitations: 7.6 meters
• Data transfer speed: 2 Kbps
• Quality: Lower latencies for keyboards than early USB
(specification 1.0) because USB polls the host controller and ps/2
does not.

SPDIF and TOSLINK

SPDIF works at the Data SPDIF (also written as S/PDIF) stands for Sony Phillips Digital Interconnect Format, also known
Link layer of the OSI as Sony Phillips Digital Interface. SPDIF is a digital format signal used to carry digital audio. It is
Reference Model. used to connect audio devices to output audio signals over a short distance. SPDIF can be used with
TOSlink works at the optical fiber TOSlink (Toshiba Link) cables or with coax cables that have RCA connectors.
Physical layer.
Typically, these connections are found on home audio equipment, but some home theater
computers also include SPDIF connections. It is often used to carry 5.1 or 7.1 signals in a surround
sound home theater setup.

Adapters and Converters

With the various types of connections available for PCs and their peripheral devices, you are very
likely to encounter situations where you might have a cable that is not compatible with the port to
Adapters and
which it needs to connect, or situations where a signal needs to be modified to transfer among
Converters different hardware components. The most common adapters and converters include those described
in the following table.

Make sure students

know the difference
between adapters and
converters. Remind
them that adapters solve
the problem of
incompatible cables,
whereas converters
solve the problem of
incompatible signals.

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Adapter or Converter Description

DVI to HDMI adapter A DVI to HDMI adapter enables you to connect a PC that has a DVI
port to a HD TV that has an HDMI port. You can connect the adapter
to either a DVI cable or an HDMI cable.

DVI to VGA converter A DVI to VGA converter enables you to convert a DVI (digital) video
signal so that it can be displayed on a VGA (analog) monitor.

HDMI to VGA An HDMI to VGA converter enables you to convert an HDMI (digital)
converter video signal so that it can be displayed on a VGA (analog) monitor.

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Adapter or Converter Description

PS/2 to USB adapter A PS/2 to USB adapter enables you to connect a PS/2-type keyboard
or mouse to a computer that has no PS/2 ports. The adapter connects
the PS/2 wires to the approximate USB wires. These adapters do not
use specific software drivers.

PS/2 to USB converter A PS/2 to USB converter uses an integrated circuit (pre-programmed
chip) to actively translate the PS/2 keyboard signal and convert it into a
USB keyboard signal. This allows the PS/2 keyboard to be
automatically recognized by the operating system as if it were a
standard, modern USB keyboard. A well-designed active PS/2 to USB
converter will use the built-in operating system drivers for a USB
keyboard.

Thunderbolt to DVI A Thunderbolt to DVI adapter enables you to connect a digital display
adapter device to a PC with a Thunderbolt port.

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Adapter or Converter Description

USB to Ethernet adapter A USB to Ethernet adapter enables you to connect to a wired network
through a USB port.

Audio to USB adapter An audio to USB adapter enables you to connect a headset and
microphone to a PC through a USB port.

USB A to USB B adapter USB A to USB B adapters come in several configurations to enable you
to connect USB devices that have different connector types. For
instance, you can buy a USB A Female to USB B Male connector, or a
USB A Female to USB B Female connector.
6

Note: Some adapters are implemented as dongles. A dongle is a device that connects to one of
the existing ports and provides additional functionality. Examples include USB to RJ-45 and
USB to Wi-Fi.

Wireless Device Connections

Wireless is rapidly becoming the primary connection method for connecting all sorts of computer
components, as well as for connecting computing devices to each other. Popular connection
methods are described in the following table. Wireless Device
Connections

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Connection Method Description

Radio frequency (RF) Radio networking is a form of wireless communication in which

signals are sent via RF waves, in the 10 KHz to 1 GHz range, to
wireless antennas.
An antenna transmits by converting electrical energy into an RF
wave. When an antenna receives a transmission, it converts the RF
wave into electrical energy.
In wireless communication, low-frequency data or voice signals are
transmitted through high-frequency radio waves by superimposing
data on them.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth® is a wireless technology that facilitates short-range
Reassure students that wireless communication between devices, such as PCs and some of
they will discuss their components, laptops and some of their components, mobile
Bluetooth and other phones, and gaming consoles and other gaming peripherals. Both
wireless technologies in voice and data information are exchanged among these devices at
greater depth later in
2.4 GHz within a range of approximately 30 feet.
the course.
Bluetooth transmits data in low-power radio waves and contains a
tiny chip with a Bluetooth radio and software. Devices need to
"pair" to talk to each other and exchange data. Bluetooth uses
frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology to avoid
interference, and it operates in the frequency range 2.402 to 2.483
GHz.
A maximum of eight Bluetooth devices can be connected to each
other at a time; this connection of two to eight Bluetooth-enabled
devices is known as a piconet. Bluetooth devices operate at very low
power levels of approximately 1 milliwatt (mW).
Near field communication NFC is a wireless communication method that enables wireless
(NFC) devices to establish radio communications by touching them
together or by bringing them into close proximity with each other,
typically within 10 cm or less. NFC operates at 13.5 MHz and is
slower than Bluetooth. However, it consumes less power and does
not require pairing.

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Connection Method Description

Infrared (IR) IR transmission is a form of wireless transmission in which signals
are sent via pulses of infrared light. IR is generally used for short-
range transmission, because receivers need an unobstructed view of
the sender to successfully receive the signal, though the signal can
reflect off hard surfaces to reach the recipient. Typically, IR
communication takes place in the near-infrared frequency range that
is in the visible region of the spectrum. Therefore, in some
instances, wireless IR communication is also referred to as wireless
optical communication.
IR uses electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from 300
GHz to 400 THz. Their wavelengths range from approximately 1
mm to 750 nm. IR waves are classified into sub-bands called far-
infrared, mid-infrared, and near-infrared. The near-infrared
frequencies are visible to the human eye as red or violet light, while
the far-I frequencies are not visible to the human eye but are
radiated in the form of heat.
IR technology is used in several ways in the computing and
telecommunication fields. The primary application is to provide
network connectivity in wireless personal area networks. IR devices
facilitate short-term wireless connections between two computers or
between a computer and a wireless handheld device such as a
mobile phone. An IR-powered network can also be used as an
extension network for a local area network where installing cable
may be difficult. Wireless devices such as wireless mice, keyboards,
television remote controls, and game controllers also use IR waves
for their operation.

Allocation of the RF Spectrum

The RF spectrum is classified based on the frequency range.

Frequency Range Name

3 Hz–30 Hz Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)

30 Hz–300 Hz Super Low Frequency (SLF)
300 HZ–3 KHz Ultra Low Frequency (ULF)
3 KHz–30 KHz Very Low Frequency (VLF)
30 KHz–300 KHz Low Frequency (LF)
300 KHz–3000 KHz Medium Frequency (MF)
3 MHz–30 MHz High Frequency (HF)
30 MHz–300 MHz Very High Frequency (VHF)
300 MHz–3000 MHz Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
3 GHz–30 GHz Super High Frequency (SHF)
30 GHZ–300 GHz Extremely High Frequency (EHF)

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ACTIVITY 1-4
Comparing PC and Device Connection
Interfaces

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify and compare PC and device connection interfaces.

1. Your instructor might provide you with examples of device connections and interfaces and ask you or
Consider displaying
other participants to identify them.
various examples of
device connectors and
interfaces, and ask 2. In this graphic, identify the (A) audio ports, (B) video ports, and (C) USB ports.
participants to identify
them. This can be an
opportunity to generate
discussion on the
differences between the
various types of
connections and where
they might be used.

PC Ports

Encourage participants
to share their
experiences with using
both adapters and
converters. Be sure to
remind them that
adapters change the
physical connection
interface, while
converters also change A: Moving from left to right, the components should be labeled: C, B, C, A.
the signal being carried.
3. Which connection type supports up to 127 peripherals for a single connection?
○ IEEE 1394
○ SATA
○ Parallel
◉ USB

4. Which connection interface is compatible with both copper wire and optical fiber cables?
○ IEEE 1393 connection
○ SATA connection
◉ Thunderbolt connection
○ DVI-D connection

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 51

5. Of the adapters and converters discussed in this topic, which do you think you might use most often?
Be prepared to share your thoughts.
A: Responses will vary depending on the type of equipment being connected. For example, if you will
be connecting PCs to many types of display devices, you might find the DVI to HDMI or DVI to
VGA converters to be most useful.

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Summary
In this lesson, you identified some of the hardware components that make up most personal
computers, along with the types of connections used to allow the devices to communicate properly.
The ability to identify hardware components and how to connect them together enables you to be
more efficient when you are installing, upgrading, repairing, configuring, maintaining, optimizing,
and troubleshooting PC components.

How many of the PC components described in this lesson were familiar to you?
A: Answers will vary, but may include the system unit, display devices, input devices such as the
Encourage students to
use the social keyboard and mouse, and peripheral devices such as printers and cameras.
networking tools
Which device connections have you used? Which are new to you?
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow A: Answers will vary, but may indicate familiarity with USB and wireless, and unfamiliarity with IEEE 1394
up with their peers after and Thunderbolt.
the course is completed
for further discussion Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
and resources to support peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
continued learning. other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 1: Hardware Fundamentals |

2 Operating System
Fundamentals

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify the basic components and functions of operating systems.
You will:
• Identify common PC and mobile operating systems and their features.
• Identify utilities and tools used to manage PC operating systems.

Lesson Introduction
In the previous lesson, you identified the hardware components of standard desktop
personal computers. The other major element of a personal computer is the operating
system, which is the software that provides the user interface and enables you to access and
use the hardware components. In this lesson, you will identify the basic components and
functions of an operating system.
As a professional IT support representative or PC service technician, your job will include
installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting personal computer operating
systems. Before you can perform any of these tasks, you need to understand the basics of
what an operating system is, including the various versions, features, components, and
technical capabilities. With this knowledge, you can provide effective support for all types of
system environments.
54 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
PC and Mobile Operating Systems
In this lesson, you will identify the basic components and functions of personal computer and
mobile device operating systems. The first step is to learn about the various operating systems
available today, and to identify those that are commonly used on personal computers, tablets, and
smartphones. In this topic, you will identify the most common PC and mobile operating systems
and their features.
Aside from hardware, the operating system is the next most important piece of the personal
computer system or mobile device. Without a user-friendly operating system, most people would
not be capable of using their computers or mobile devices to successfully perform the tasks required
of them. As an IT professional, being familiar with the different types of operating systems that can
be installed on personal computers and mobile devices can help you to support a variety of
computer and mobile device environments.

Microsoft Windows
Microsoft® Windows® is the single most popular and widely deployed operating system on both
desktop computers and server systems in the world today. The various versions of Windows all
Microsoft Windows
feature a graphical user interface (GUI), support for a wide range of applications and devices, 32-bit
or 64-bit processing, native networking support, and a large suite of built-in applications and
accessories such as the Internet Explorer® browser. Windows currently comes pre-installed on
many commercially sold PCs.
There have been numerous versions of Windows since its inception. The three most current
versions are often deployed on personal and professional computers.
• Windows 8 was released in 2012, with the Windows 8.1 update released in 2013. Windows 8
introduced a new look and feel to the user interface (UI) that is designed to facilitate the use of
touch screen devices as well as mouse and keyboard interaction. You can also use the familiar
desktop used in previous versions of Windows. Microsoft account integration allows you to use
the same settings across all of the Windows 8/8.1 systems you log into.
• Windows 7 was released in 2009. Windows 7 returned to the overall look and feel found in
Windows XP in response to the criticism of the Windows Vista® interface. Rather than
introduce a multitude of new features like Windows Vista, Windows 7 instead offered many
critical upgrades to the system, including application and hardware compatibility, performance
improvements, and a redesigned shell.
• Windows Vista was released in 2007 and included many new features, the most noticeable
change being to the user interface. While it offered many upgrades to the system, specifically to
security features, many were critical of the redesigned interface.
Note: Microsoft released the latest version of Windows, Windows 10, in 2015.

Microsoft Retirement Schedules

To find out when Microsoft products will be retired or how long specific products will be
supported, visit the Microsoft Product Lifecycle Search tool at http://support.microsoft.com/
lifecycle/search/.

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Features of Microsoft Windows

Windows includes several features that distinguish it from other operating systems. Each version of
Windows includes a unique combination of many of these features.
Note: Other features of the Windows operating system will be covered in more detail Microsoft Windows
Features (4 Slides)
throughout this course.

Feature Description

Start Screen The central user interface of Windows 8/8.1 that acts as the hub from which Do not spend a lot of
you can access all of the capabilities of your computer. From the Start Screen, teaching time on this
table, but encourage
you can run programs, check email, add contacts, see the latest news, get
students to review it in
updates on the weather, change the settings on your PC, sign out of your preparation for testing.
computer, go online, and much more. The table is loosely
Modern UI Also known as the Metro UI, this is the user interface for Windows 8/8.1. This organized in reverse
chronological order.
includes the Start Screen and its tiles. Some of the tiles change based on the
content available and are known as Live Tiles.
File structure and Windows has a file structure that, by default, organizes each drive and partition
paths separately. The root of each drive/partition is assigned a letter and is in the
format <letter>:\ where the default installation drive is typically C:\.
Additional drives can be assigned to D:, E:, F:, and so on.
Each directory below this root is separated by the backslash character in the
directory path, but modern versions of Windows can also recognize a standard
slash ("/"). For example, the folder that holds much of the critical operating
system files is in the path C:\Windows\system32\ by default. The maximum
length for a Windows path is 260 characters.
Side by side apps You can tile Windows 8/8.1 Modern apps side by side.
• On most monitors, you can tile two apps side by side if your monitor
resolution is at least 1024 x 768.
• You can tile three apps if you have at least a 1600 x 1200 resolution
monitor.
• On larger monitors with at least 2560 x 1440 resolution, you can tile up to
four apps side by side.
Each monitor connected to the computer can have side by side apps in these
configurations.
Pinning You can pin your most frequently used applications to the Start Screen or to
the desktop taskbar.
Live sign in The email address you registered with Microsoft to use when you sign in to any
Microsoft program or service. This includes Windows 8/8.1 computers,
services such as OneDrive or Outlook.com, Windows phones, and even Xbox.
OneDrive The cloud storage users get with Windows 8/8.1. Saving documents to
OneDrive enables users to access those documents on any device they log into
using the same Live sign in they used to save the documents.
Windows Store The application store for Windows 8/8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows
8 phone. The apps range from free to $999.99. Apps in the store have been
certified to be compatible with Windows 8.

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Feature Description
Multi-monitor If you have multiple monitors, you can choose how you want applications to
taskbars be listed on the taskbar. By default, all of the taskbar buttons from the main
screen taskbar are duplicated on the other monitor. You can change this to
show only the applications open on the second screen in that monitor's
taskbar, and have all taskbar buttons still be shown on the main monitor.
Another option is to only show the taskbar buttons for the applications open
on each monitor.
Charms Hidden on the right side of the screen, the Charms are universal tools that are
available from everywhere in Windows 8/8.1 that give you access to key
system-wide functions such as printing, searching, and sharing. Charms are
dynamic and context sensitive; for instance, using the Search Charm within
the Mail app will search through your email messages for the word or phrase
you enter; using Search from the Start screen is global and will take you to the
All Apps screen, where you can search for apps, files, and PC settings, or
begin a search using an app.
Windows A command line interface where you can run PowerShell cmdlets
PowerShell (commandlets). You can also use cmdlets in scripts.
Aero Windows Aero® is a color scheme available in Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Windows Aero provides a visually rich experience with its glossy and
transparent interface. It also provides dynamic visual and animation effects
such as Live Preview of taskbar buttons and a Flip 3D view of open windows.
You can choose one of the predefined color schemes available in Windows
Aero, or you can create a custom color scheme using the color mixer. Each
color has a default transparency level that you can change for both predefined
and custom color schemes. This feature was not carried over to Windows
8/8.1.
Gadgets The Desktop Gadget Gallery is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature that
displays different gadgets, which are mini applications that can perform
information-display tasks, including displaying the date and time, central
processing unit (CPU) usage, stock information, and user-selected news
headlines. If a gadget for a particular need is not available from Microsoft or
from a third-party developer, users can create their own. Available gadgets are
stored in the Gadget Gallery, which provides a link to download additional
gadgets. This feature was not carried over to Windows 8/8.1.
Sidebar The Sidebar is a designated area of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop
that is displayed vertically along the side of the desktop. Users can add gadgets
to the Sidebar to provide information and access to frequently used tools or
programs.
BitLocker Windows BitLocker® is a security feature introduced with Windows 7 and
Windows Server® 2008. This security feature provides full disk-encryption
protection for your operating system, as well as all the data stored on the
operating system volume. BitLocker encrypts all data stored on the operating
system volume and is configured by default to use a Trusted Platform Module.
This feature ensures the protection of early startup components and locks any
BitLocker-secured volumes in order to prevent access or tampering when the
operating system is not running.
Shadow Copy The Shadow Copy technology is available on Windows Vista and newer versions.
It creates backup copies or "snapshots" of the system's data and stores them
locally or to an external location of the user's choosing. You can perform
Shadow Copy operations manually, or you can set up automatic backups at
scheduled intervals.

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Feature Description
System Restore The System Restore utility is available in Windows Vista and Windows 7. It
monitors the system for changes to core system files, drivers, and the Registry.
It automatically creates a system restore point, which is a snapshot of the system
configuration at a given moment in time that contains information about any
changes to system components. Restore points are stored on the computer's
hard disk, and you can use them to restore system settings to an earlier state
without affecting changes in user data since that time.
ReadyBoost ReadyBoost® is a performance enhancer that is available for Windows Vista and
newer versions that enables the user to supplement the computer's memory
with an external storage device such as a flash drive.
Compatibility Compatibility mode enables older programs or applications to run on a newer
mode version of Windows. You can configure compatibility for specific applications
or programs by using the Properties options for the applications. Windows 7
can accommodate legacy applications dating back through Windows 95.
Windows XP Windows XP mode is a download that is available for Windows 7 versions and
mode that is designed to enable users running Windows 7 to access and use
Windows XP-compatible software and programs directly on their desktops.
Windows Windows Defender is the antispyware software that is included with Windows
Defender Vista and newer versions. You can configure Defender to scan for malicious
materials at scheduled intervals, automatically remove any spyware detected
during a scan, or even alert you in real time if spyware installs or runs on the
computer.
Category view and In Windows Vista and Windows 7, you can configure the Start menu, Control
classic view Panel, and other interface elements by using two options:
• Category view, which is the default setting, displays the options available
divided into high-level categories. For instance, in category view, the
Control Panel displays categories of options such as Appearance and
Themes or Performance and Maintenance.
• Classic view displays a more traditional view from earlier versions of
Windows, in which all of the available options are displayed, either in a list
or icon form.
Windows 8/8.1 does not have the Start menu, but you can still configure the
Control Panel to display in Category view or with Large or Small icons.
Action Center A centralized point of contact for security and maintenance items on your
system that require your attention. It can be accessed through the Control
Panel, or if there are items that currently need your attention, the Action
Center flag will appear in the notification area on the taskbar.

Versions of Microsoft
Versions of Microsoft Windows Windows
Microsoft creates different versions or editions of their operating systems so the end user can
purchase the edition most appropriate to how they will use their computers. To keep costs down for
home users, a basic edition of each Windows operating system is available, but it doesn't have all of Do not spend teaching
the features that the professional or enterprise edition will have. time on these tables, but
encourage students to
Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 is available in several different editions. review them in
preparation for testing.
The point to make here
is that not all editions of
Windows have the same
feature sets.

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Edition Features and Requirements

Windows 8 RT Windows 8 RT is only available pre-installed on devices that use the ARM 32-
bit architecture. It only supports up to 4 GB of RAM. Only Windows Store
apps can be installed on this edition. It comes with the Office 2013 Word,
Excel, PowerPoint®, and OneNote® applications. Drive encryption is
supported.
Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8 and 8.1 is the edition aimed at the home user. It comes pre-
installed on many computers and can also be purchased separately if you need
to perform an upgrade from a previous Windows version or if you are building
a computer from components. It offers basic operating system functions and
features. It does not include Office 2013. You can install Windows Store apps
and traditional desktop-style applications. It can be installed on computers that
use the Intel or AMD 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.
Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8 and 8.1 Pro is the edition aimed at the business user. This edition
Pro enables the system to be part of a Windows Server domain, to use remote
desktop connections, use Hyper-V virtualization features, and use Group
Policy.
Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8 and 8.1 Enterprise edition is for large organizations that use
Enterprise volume licensing. It has the same features and requirements as the Pro edition.

Note: A complete feature comparison between Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro can be
found at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/compare.

Windows 7 is also available in several different editions.

Edition Features and Requirements

Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Starter is a simple, basic edition with very few features and
limited customization. Windows Aero and the majority of the visual
styles included on the higher versions are not included in Starter. Unlike
the other versions of Windows 7, it is only available in a 32-bit version.
Windows 7 Home Windows 7 Home Premium is a low-cost edition for beginners and
Premium home users. This edition offers basic OS functions such as Windows
Explorer and Internet Explorer 8, and support for other productivity
software.
Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Professional enables users to run programs in Windows XP
mode, connect to domains, and back up data to a network location.
Windows 7 Enterprise Windows 7 Enterprise is available for enterprise organizations that need
large volumes of Windows licenses for employee use. Enterprise features
include support for multiple languages through the Multilingual User
Interface (MUI), BitLocker, and compatibility with UNIX applications
that may be present in the corporate environment
Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 7 Ultimate offers the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise,
but is available for individual licensing for personal home use.

Windows Vista is also available in several different editions.

Edition Features and Requirements

Windows Vista Home Windows Vista Home Basic is a lower-budget OS for beginners and
Basic home users who do not require advanced multimedia capabilities and
who do not require networking more advanced than a workgroup.

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Edition Features and Requirements

Windows Vista Home Windows Vista Home Premium adds a media center, High Definition
Premium TV (HDTV) support, backup scheduling, and more support for alternate
displays. It also includes the Windows Aero interface.
Windows Vista Business Windows Vista Business offers the same features as Vista Home Basic,
plus additional business-focused features such as Remote Desktop, an
encrypting files system, and the ability to join a Windows Server domain.
Windows Vista Windows Vista Enterprise adds features to the Vista Business edition,
Enterprise including UNIX application support, BitLocker drive encryption, and
multilingual user interfaces.
Windows Vista Ultimate Windows Vista Ultimate combines all of the features of the other
editions, plus additional features, with support for up to 128 GB of
Random Access Memory (RAM) but only in 64-bit.

Running Windows Compatibility Mode

You can either run the Program Compatibility wizard to automate the process of running
programs in compatibility mode (by selecting Start→Control Panel→Programs→Run programs
made for previous versions of Windows) or you can manually change the compatibility settings
for a specific program. You can do this by right-clicking a program's executable (.exe) file, selecting
Properties, and changing the appropriate settings on the Compatibility tab.

Other PC Operating Systems

There are several other PC operating systems available.

OS Description Other PC Operating

Systems
UNIX UNIX® is a trademark for a family of operating systems originally developed at Bell
Laboratories beginning in the late 1960s. All UNIX systems share a kernel/shell
architecture, with the kernel providing the core functionality and the interchangeable
shells providing the user interface. Unlike many operating systems, UNIX is portable Although UNIX is not on
to different hardware platforms; versions of UNIX can run on everything from the exam objectives, it is
included here because
personal computers to mainframes and on many types of computer processors. UNIX of its relationship to
also incorporates built-in multitasking, multiuser support, networking functions, and a Linux and OS X.
robust platform for software development.

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OS Description
Linux Linux is an open-standards UNIX derivative originally developed and released by a
Finnish computer science student named Linus Torvalds. The Linux source code was
posted publicly on a computing newsgroup, and the code was developed and tested
cooperatively all over the world. Because the source code is open, it can be
downloaded, modified, and installed freely. However, many organizations prefer to
purchase and implement a Linux distribution. A Linux distribution is a complete Linux
implementation, including kernel, shell, applications, utilities, and installation media,
that is packaged, distributed, and supported by a software vendor.
Linux features include:
• Multiple desktops: Also known as virtual desktops, is used in Linux GUI
environments. A workspace switcher is used to switch between the various
desktops.
• Keychain: The keychain feature in Linux is different than the Mac feature of the
same name. In Linux, it is a manager for the ssh agent and is typically run from the
~/.bash_profile.
• iCloud: Support has been added to iCloud so that it can be accessed from a Linux
system.
• Gestures: On most Linux systems, the basic scrolling and tap gestures will work on
touch pads, but you will need to configure multi-touch gestures through
configuration files.
• Remote Disk: To access remote disks from a Linux system, you can use command-
line commands such as rdesktop and ssh.
• Command line and GUI: Linux is often used from the command line, but a variety
of GUI interfaces can also be used with most distributions. You can also configure
your Linux system to use a variety of GUI desktops.
Note: For more information about Linux and its versions, see the Linux home
page at www.linux.org.

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OS Description
OS X OS X® is the operating system developed by Apple® Computing, Inc. OS X is a Linux
derivative, and consists of UNIX-based operating systems and GUIs. This proprietary
operating system is included on all Macintosh® computer systems.
OS X features include:
• Mission Control: A feature that allows users to use multiple Spaces that can be
thought of as multiple desktops.
• Keychain: The keychain feature in OS X is different than the Linux feature of the
same name. In OS X, it is a password management system.
• Spot Light: A feature that enables users to search for apps, documents, images, and
other files. With Mountain Lion or later, you can also search Wikipedia, news sites,
Maps, iTunes, movie listings, and other files and other searchable content.
• iCloud: A cloud storage solution accessed with the user's Apple ID. iCloud can also
be used with non-Apple operating systems.
• Gestures: Using one or more fingers on the Mac Multi-Touch trackpad, Magic
Trackpad, or Magic Mouse, users can scroll, zoom, and navigate desktop,
document, and application content. For a full list of gestures, refer to https://
support.apple.com/en-us/HT204895.
• Finder: The file and folder management app on Mac computers.
• Remote Disc: A remote disk feature that enables users to access external drives or
share disks from another computer. This is especially useful for Macs that don't
have an optical drive built in.
• Dock: A bar along the bottom or side of the screen that contains icons for apps
that come with the Mac. Users can also add apps to or remove apps from the
Dock. Documents and folders can also be added to the Dock.
• Boot Camp: An app that enables users to install Microsoft Windows on their Mac,
then switch between OS X and the Windows operating systems.

Note: With the release of the OS X version Mountain Lion in 2012 and with the increased use
of iOS for mobile devices, Apple officially dropped “Mac” from its operating system's name. It
is now known simply as OS X, pronounced "OS 10."

Popular Linux Distributions

There are many Linux distributions. Some are designed for end users and others are designed more
for servers. Some popular distributions include Red Hat® Linux®, SUSE®, CentOS Linux®,
Mandriva Linux, Debian®, Gentoo Linux™, and Kali Linux®.

Mac OS Versions
You may want to show
There have been several versions of the Macintosh operating system. El Capitan refines and the LearnTO Use OS X
improves features and performance, rather than introducing new features. Yosemite improved Features presentation
integration between iOS and Mac features. Mavericks was a free upgrade to any system with Snow from the CHOICE
Leopard or later and a 64-bit Intel processor. Other previous versions included Mountain Lion, Course screen or have
Lion, Snow Leopard, Leopard, and Tiger. students navigate out to
the Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Use OS X Features presentation in supplement to your
the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen. instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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62 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Popular Mobile Operating Systems

There are three primary operating systems utilized in most mobile devices today: Android™ ,
Apple® iOS, and Microsoft® Windows® Phone 8.1. These mobile OS user interfaces support direct
Popular Mobile
touch, multitouch, and using the accelerometer.
Operating Systems Here are some common features among the three operating systems.
• Interface control elements consist of switches, buttons, and sliders.
• The response to user input is immediate and provides a fluid interface that includes
Common Features of swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching, all of which have specific definitions within the
Mobile OSs context of the mobile operating system and its multitouch interface.
• Screen orientation is facilitated using an accelerometer or gyroscope so that you can use the
device in the portrait or landscape orientation. When the device is tipped to the opposite
orientation, the display is turned so it remains right-side up.
• The mobile devices have GPS capabilities to facilitate geotracking.
• Emergency notification is enabled by default, but can be configured so that only certain types of
notifications are delivered to your device.
• If the mobile device fails to detect your touch, or it thinks you have touched a different area of
the screen, you might need to perform screen calibration. Refer to the documentation for your
mobile device to determine how to perform screen calibration on your device.
• In addition to cellular connections on phones and on some tablets, mobile devices can connect
to Wi-Fi networks to enable you to take advantage of Wi-Fi calling. You can use apps such as
Skype to call so you don't use up the minutes on your plan.
• Mobile payment is available on each of the three mobile OSs. These are:
• Apple Pay for iOS devices.
• Google Wallet for Android devices.
• SoftCard for Windows Phone 8.1 devices.
iOS is the base software that allows all other applications to run on an iPhone®, iPod touch®, or
iPad®. It is a closed source operating system that works only on the devices listed here. The app
iOS
source for iOS devices is the App Store within iTunes. The virtual assistant for iOS is known as Siri.
Apps can be launched from the home screen, the Notification Center, Siri, or Spotlight. You can
also install launcher apps to help make accessing and launching apps more efficient and organized.
Android, on the other hand, is a layered environment built on the Linux® kernel foundation that
Android includes not only the operating system, but middleware, which provides additional software for the
operating system (OS), and additional built-in applications. The Android OS was developed by the
Open Handset Alliance and is owned by Google. It supports open source-developed applications and
Windows Phone 8.1 functions and comes with basic operating system services, message passing, and so on. Apps can be
obtained from Google Play. The virtual assistant on Android devices can be accessed by speaking
the words "Okay Google." The Android user interface is referred to as the Android Launcher; other
launchers can be used to replace the default launcher.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Use Mobile Windows Phone 8.1 is used by several manufacturers, but it is not an open source OS. It includes
OS Devices presentation some built-in applications. It was developed by Microsoft to be as similar to working in Windows
from the CHOICE 8.1 on a computer or tablet as possible. It uses the same WinApp UI with the Start screen and tiles.
Course screen or have Apps can be obtained from the Windows Store. The virtual assistant for Windows Phone 8.1 is
students navigate out to known as Cortana. The Windows Phone user interface is referred to as the Windows Mobile Device
the Course screen and Center Launcher.
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Use Mobile OS Devices
remind students to visit presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 63

Other Mobile OSs

Additional mobile operating systems are available such as the BlackBerry® OS and HP® webOS.
Carputers tend to be a separate category and mainly use either one of Microsoft's operating systems
or an open-source OS, such as Linux.

Mobile OS Differences
One major difference between Android and iOS is that iOS runs on Apple products only, where the
Android OS is used by many different mobile device manufacturers and is more widespread across a
number of different mobile devices. Android also enables manufacturers to overlay a suite of
applications that they support.
For developers of mobile device apps, obtain the appropriate Software Development Kit (SDK) for
your mobile operating system. Apps for iOS devices are built using the iOS SDK and use the
programming language swift. Windows Phone 8.1 apps are built using the Windows SDK and the You might want to ask
programming language is .net. Android devices use a SDK that uses the Java programming language. participants if they are
They can also use the Android Application Package (APK) format to package their apps. An APK aware of any other
file contains all of that program's code, including .dex files), resources, assets, certificates, and differences between the
manifest files. Similar to other file formats, APK files can be named almost anything, as long as the main mobile OSs.
file name ends in ".apk"

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ACTIVITY 2-1
Identifying PC and Mobile Operating Systems

Before You Begin

You have been provided with a computer that has Windows 8.1 installed.
If you have personal mobile devices, your instructor may ask you to share your device with the class.

Scenario
In order to gain experience in identifying and working with various operating systems, you ask your
co-workers and friends if they would be willing to show you some of the features and functions of
their devices.

Note: Activities may vary slightly if the software vendor has issued digital updates. Your
instructor will notify you of any changes.
Notify students of any
changes to activities
based on digital software
updates issued by the 1. Identify the operating system installed on your classroom computer.
software vendor. a) If necessary, turn on the device.
b) If necessary, log in using the credentials provided by your instructor.
c) Swipe in from the right edge of the screen to display the Charms bar.
d) Select Settings.
e) Select PC Info.

Note: If PC Info is not shown on the Settings pane, select Change PC

settings→PC and devices→PC info. Opening PC Info using this method
displays information in the right-hand pane, rather than opening the System
dialog box.
f) Review the information displayed in the System dialog box. Information about the Windows edition is
listed at the top of the dialog box, followed by additional information about the system.
If you are viewing the PC info screen, the Windows edition is displayed after the system information.
g) Close the System dialog box.

Note: If you are viewing the PC info screen, close the PC Settings window.

2. Examine a device that uses OS X.

a) If necessary, turn on the device.
b) If necessary, log in using the credentials provided by your instructor.
c) From the menu bar, select the Apple icon.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 65

d) Select About This Mac.

e) Review the information displayed.

3. Examine a device that uses iOS.

a) If necessary, turn on the device.
b) If necessary, log in using the credentials provided by your instructor.
c) On the Home screen, tap the Settings icon.

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d) Tap General and then tap About.

e) Review the information displayed.

4. Examine a device that uses Android.

a) If necessary, turn on the device.
b) If necessary, log in using the credentials provided by your instructor.
c) From the Home screen, tap the Settings button.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 67

d) Scroll through the Settings until you find a setting that starts with About. If you have a phone, it will
say About Phone and if you have a tablet, it will say About Tablet or similar wording.

e) Review the information displayed. Some devices have more or less information, and on some
devices, you might need to select another option to go a level deeper in the menu structure to view
the Android version.

5. Locate some of the features of the operating system.

a) On your device, determine where you need to go to obtain additional apps. Throughout this step,
b) On your device, change the screen orientation. On most mobile devices, you just need to tip the assist students as
device 90 degrees. On some laptops, this feature also works, but more likely you will need to access needed in locating and
display settings. using features.
c) On a mobile phone device, determine how to turn Wi-Fi on and off.
d) Determine whether your mobile device includes a mobile payment service option.
e) On a mobile device, access the virtual assistant and obtain information about the device using the Be prepared to help
virtual assistant. students locate the
appropriate store to
obtain apps for the
device they have
(iTunes, Windows Store,
Google Play Store).

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TOPIC B
PC Operating System Tools and Utilities
In order to work with your computer, you need to let your computer know who you are. You might
log in with administrative capabilities or standard end user capabilities. You will interact with your
computer through either a graphic user interface (GUI) for some tasks and through a command line
interface for other, often more advanced, set up and configuration tasks. In this topic, you will
examine some of the PC operating system tools and utilities for Windows, Mac, and Linux
computers.
The various operating systems you might encounter use different tools, but the functionality of
those tools is common across all of the operating systems. You will need to access the file and
folders, and add or delete users. These are just a couple of the many tasks you will perform.

User Authentication
User authentication is a security measure in which a computer user proves his or her identity in order
to gain access to resources. There are many possible authentication methods; one of the most
User Authentication
common is a combination of a user name and a password. There are three phases in the user access
process that a person or system must perform in order to gain access to resources:
• Identification: The claim of identity made by the user when entering a user name and password.
• Authentication: The verification of that claim.
• Authorization: The action taken as a result of verifying the claim.
Most authentication schemes are based on the use of one or more authentication factors. You can
combine these authentication factors for multi-factor authentication. The factors include:
• Something you know, such as a password.
• Something you have, such as a key or an ID card.
• Something you are, including physical characteristics, such as fingerprints.
Multi-factor authentication is any authentication scheme that requires validation of two or more
authentication factors. It can be any combination of who you are, what you have, what you know,
where you are or are not, and what you do. Requiring a physical ID card along with a secret
password is an example of multi-factor authentication. A bank ATM card is a common example of
this. Keep in mind that multi-factor authentication requires the factors to be different, not just the
specific objects or methods.

Local Users and Groups

Local users and groups are the user accounts and groups that are configured and stored on your
computer. Local users and Groups are used in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008/2012. If you
Local Users and Groups
go to another computer, these accounts will not be available. Permissions and rights can be assigned
to a local user or group account for the specific computer where they are assigned. Assigning
permissions and rights helps you limit which actions users and groups can perform. The permissions
are rules about how a file, folder, or printer can be used or if it can be seen and used at all. Rights
give the user the ability to take specified actions on the computer, including performing file backups
and shutting the computer down.
Local user and group accounts are stored in the local Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on the
computer where they were created. Users can see their files under the \Users\user_name folder.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 69

Types of User Accounts

The Windows 8 family of operating systems includes three types of accounts, each giving you a
different level of control.
Types of User Accounts
User Account Provides

Administrator These accounts give users the most control over aspects of the computer. This
accounts type of account is typically created when users first set up a computer. This type
of account should only be used when complete control over the computer is
required.
Standard These accounts should be used for day-to-day activities. It is less likely that the
accounts user can accidentally delete crucial files or change settings they should not
change. If the account is compromised through a security attack, it gives the
attacker less access to critical information.
Child accounts These accounts allow parents or other figures of authority to monitor or limit
computer usage. The settings are configured using the Family Safety settings.

Windows 7 includes several built-in user accounts to provide you with initial access to a computer.

User Account Provides

Administrator Complete administrative access to a computer. This is the most powerful

account on a computer and should be protected with a strong password. In
some situations, you might also consider renaming this account.
Standard User Access to use most of the computing software on the computer. However,
higher permission is required to uninstall or install software and hardware. This
account also limits the configuration of security settings, operational settings,
and deletion of necessary system files. This account is sometimes referred to as a
non-privileged user account.
Guest Limited computer access to individuals without a user account. By default, the
Guest account is disabled when you install the operating system. You enable this
account only if you want to permit users to log on as a guest.

Windows User Account Control

User Account Control (UAC) is an enhanced security feature of Windows Vista and later that aims to
limit the privileges of a standard user unless a computer administrator decides otherwise. The intent
is to limit accidental changes to the computer to reduce exposure to malware. Administrators can Windows User Account
control access by managing privilege levels, which are not the same as permissions. A user might Control
have administrator permissions, but still needs to be explicitly granted the privilege of running an
application.

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Figure 2-1: The UAC.

Note: Complaints from end users against Windows Vista's UAC are common because many
tasks that users were able to perform on their own in previous Windows versions require
additional privileges in Vista. However, in Windows 7, this issue has been addressed and UAC is
now less intrusive.

Changing UAC Settings

If the UAC is too restrictive for you or for your users, the settings can be changed. Open the
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) and open the Local Security Policy settings. You must be
logged on to the administrator account to modify:
• Whether the UAC is enabled or disabled.
• What the UAC behavior is for administrator or Standard Users.
• Application-specific behavior.

Tasks Requiring a UAC Prompt

Reassure participants Tasks that are preceded by the Security Shield icon will invoke the UAC.
that the MMC will be
explained in greater
detail later in the course. Group Accounts
Windows includes several built-in group accounts that you can use to control basic system security.
Local Windows groups are stored in the registry.
Group Accounts
Group Account Users in this group can:

Administrators Perform all administrative tasks on the computer.

When an account is created during the installation of Windows, it is
automatically added to this group by default.
Users Run applications and perform other day-to-day computer tasks for which the
group has been granted permissions.
Guests Perform any tasks for which the group has permissions. By default, all that
members of this group can do is access the system.
Event Log Read event logs.
Readers
Remote Log on to the system remotely from another system.
Desktop Users

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 71

Other default groups are also created, and can perform the action indicated by the group name,
including:
• Backup Operators who can back up and restore files on the computer.
• Cryptographic Operators who can perform cryptographic operations.
• Distributed COM Users who can start, activate, and use DCOM objects on the computer.
• IIS_IUSRS used by the Internet Information Services (IIS).
• Network Configuration Operators who can make TCP/IP setting changes as well as release and
renew TCP/IP addresses.
• Performance Log Users who can manage performance counters, logs, and alerts on the computer
without being a member of the Administrators group.
• Performance Monitor Users who can monitor performance counters on the computer without
being a member of the Performance Log Users group.
• Offer Remote Assistance Helpers who can offer Remote Assistance to users of the computer.

System Files and Folders

System files are the files that are required for the operating system to function to its fullest capabilities.
These files are typically hidden because their deletion can prevent the computer from working
properly. For system files, both the file extension and the location of the file in the system hierarchy System Files and
are important, as they help the computer recognize it as a system file. Folders
In the file system hierarchy, the terms folder and directory are used interchangeably to describe a
container that is used to organize files and other folders. System software and applications usually
create standardized directory structures at the time of installation. Users can also create their own
directory structures.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 2-2: System folders on the Windows 7 Desktop.

Note: In Windows, the maximum depth of a folder structure is restricted by the 255-character
limit in the overall file path, including the character representing the drive and any file name and
extension. Otherwise, there is no set limit on the length of a particular file or folder name.

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Windows Explorer and File Explorer

Windows Explorer is a graphical tool in Windows 7 that enables users to manage files and folders
on a computer, including the contents of hard disks, floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, USB devices, and
Windows Explorer
any other storage devices attached to the computer. On the left side of Windows Explorer, the
Explorer bar displays the folder hierarchy tree by default, and the right pane displays the contents
of the selected item.

Figure 2-3: Windows Explorer in Windows 7.

Note: You can run Windows Explorer in Windows Vista and Windows 7 from the Accessories
group on the Start menu. Windows Explorer opens with the object selected in the folder
hierarchy. For example, if you display the pop-up menu for the Start menu and select Explore,
Windows Explorer opens and displays the contents of the Start Menu folder on the disk.
In the Windows 8 family of operating systems, this feature has been renamed to File Explorer. You
can access it from the File Explorer icon on the Desktop taskbar.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 73

File Explorer

Figure 2-4: File Explorer in Windows 8.1.

Computer and This PC

Like Windows Explorer, Computer, or This PC as it is called in the Windows 8 family of operating
systems, is used to manage files and folders on a computer and on any storage devices attached to
the computer. Computer or This PC can be accessed from Windows Explorer or File Explorer, Computer in Windows 7
respectively.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 2-5: Computer in Windows 7.

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74 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

This PC in Windows 8.1

Figure 2-6: This PC in Windows 8.1.

File Extensions
Standard file extensions that follow the names of files in the Microsoft Windows environment can
indicate whether a particular file is a program file or a data file. If it is a data file, the extension can
File Extensions
indicate the application category that might be used to edit the file. Many common file extensions
are three or four characters long, although there is no longer a strict character limit for the file name
or extension in most modern operating systems. A period separates the extension from the file
name itself.
Windows uses the file extension to determine how the system will use a file. If you alter a file name
extension, you might find that a program file will not execute properly or that a data file will not
automatically open in the associated application.
By default, the folder view options in Windows 7, Computer and Windows Explorer, are set so that
common file extensions do not display. You can display the extensions by unchecking Hide
extensions for known file types on the View page in the Folder Options dialog box. To display
file extensions in Windows 8, in File Explorer, from the View menu, in the Show/hide group,
check File name extensions.

File Attributes
File attributes are characteristics that can be associated with a file or folder that provide the operating
system with important information about the file or folder and how it is intended to be used by
File Attributes
system users.
There are several standard attributes that can be enabled for files or folders on Windows systems.

File Attribute Description

Archive (A) Indicates that a file has not been backed up. Windows automatically sets the
Archive attribute on any file you create or modify. When you back up data, you
can choose to back up only the files on which the Archive attribute is set.
Hidden (H) Hides a file from view in file management tools.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 75

File Attribute Description

Read-Only (R) Enables users to read the contents of a file or execute it if it is a program file, but
prevents users from changing the contents of a file.
System (S) Indicates that a file is used by the operating system. Some applications use this
attribute to restrict user access to these files. The System attribute in Windows
automatically hides the file or folder.
Index (I) This Windows-specific attribute enables the Windows Indexing Service to create
an index of the file to speed up the Search function.

Viewing and Changing Attributes

You can view or change most attributes of a file or folder object by opening the properties of the
object in Windows Explorer. You can view and manage the System attribute at the command line by
using the attrib command. For information on the functions and syntax of the attrib command,
see the Windows Help system.

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ACTIVITY 2-2
Viewing File Extensions and Attributes

Scenario
In this activity, you will view the file extensions and attributes for the files that are stored on your
Windows 8.1 system.

1. On your Windows 8 system, open the folder that contains the Windows system files.
a) From the Start screen, select the Desktop tile.
b) On the taskbar, select the File Explorer icon.
c) Double-click This PC.
d) Double-click the C drive.
e) Double-click the Windows folder.

2. On your Windows 8 system, display the file extensions.

a) On the menu bar, select View.
b) Scroll to see the files.
c) In the Show/hide group, check File name extensions.
d) Scroll down to view the files. The first few files in the window have different extensions.

3. Change the display options.

a) To see all of the files in a list format, right-click in an open area and select View→List.
b) To see similar extensions grouped together, right-click in an open area and select Sort by→Type.
c) To further group like extensions together, right-click in an open area and select Group by→Type.
d) To return to the list view, right-click in an open area and select Sort by→Name. Select Group by→
(None).

4. View file and folder attributes.

a) Right-click write.exe and select Properties.
b) Observe the Attributes section of the write.exe Properties dialog box. No attributes have been set for
this file.
c) Select Cancel.
d) View the attributes for the System32 folder.
This folder has the Read-only attribute set.
e) Select Cancel.
f) Close the window.

Types of User Interfaces

All of the modern computer operating systems can be accessed from the GUI interface or from a
command line interface. The GUI interface can be navigated using a mouse or other pointing device
Types of User Interfaces
as well as by keyboard. A command line interface only uses keyboard input.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 77

Figure 2-7: User interfaces.

Windows Tools Windows Tools

Both command line and GUI tools are used to administer, configure, and work with Microsoft
Windows operating systems.
At this time, encourage
• Some of the GUI tools are available from the Start menu or Control Panel, while others are students to take a brief
accessed by opening the Run dialog box and entering the command name. look at the A+ Command
You can open the command line interface from the Run dialog box and entering cmd. You can Reference appendix in
also open it from the Windows 7 Start menu by selecting All their manuals or e-
Programs→Accessories→Command Prompt. In Windows 8, on the Desktop, right-click the Books. You might want
to have students
Start icon and select either Command Prompt or Command Prompt (Admin).
bookmark this appendix
Several of the commonly used GUI tools are grouped together in the Administrative Tools for their reference and
folder (select Start→All Programs→Administrative Tools). assure them that most of
• Some commands, such as sfc, can only be run in a command prompt window that has been these commands will be
used during the course.
opened with elevated administrator privileges, while others are available to users with standard
Do not spend time going
privileges. over the commands at
this time.

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• Another method for opening some tools is through the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
In Windows, the commands are not case sensitive.
• If you know the name of the tool you need, which often will have the .msc extension, you can
also search for and then select the file name to open the tool.
Windows PowerShell is a powerful command line tool designed for scripting as an alternative to
some of the GUI tools. PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment) is a GUI version of
PowerShell in which you can write, run, and test script using tools that aren't available in the
Console (command line) version of PowerShell. Most of the commands that can be used at the
Command Prompt command line can also be used at the PowerShell command line.
Note: If you are interested in learning more about using PowerShell ISE, visit https://
technet.microsoft.com/library/dd819514.aspx.

Common Windows Command Line Tools

Common Windows command line tools include those described in the following table.

Command Description

md The Make Directory command creates a folder with the specified name.
rd The Remove Directory command deletes the specified folder and its contents.
cd The Change Directory command moves the command prompt to the specified
folder.
del The Delete command deletes the specified file.
copy The Copy command copies the specified file(s) to a different location. The other
location can be a different file name in the current folder or the same or a different
name in another folder.
xcopy The Xcopy command copies the specified file(s), and if desired, a directory tree, to
the specified destination.
robocopy The Robust Copy for Windows command offers many more options than either
XCOPY or COPY. With the robocopy command, you specify the source directory,
followed by the destination directory, then the file(s) and any options you want to
use.
dir The Directory command lists the contents of the specified folder.
help The Help command by itself lists the available commands. To get information on a
specific command, enter help command_name.
command /? Displays the same information as help command_name.

Linux Tools
Most of the Linux tools you will use are command-line-based tools. Some tools might also be
available as GUI applications depending on the Linux distribution you have installed and which
Linux Tools
GUI you are using.
The types of Linux tools you will most often encounter as an A+ technician include:
• Backup and restore.
• Image recovery.
• Disk maintenance.
• Screen sharing.
• Application management.
Specific tools and applications will be covered in detail later in this course.

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OS X Tools
Most OS X tools are run from the GUI on a Mac. Some commands are accessed from a command
line terminal user interface. OS X is a UNIX-based operating system, so the command line
commands are UNIX commands. You can enter man command_name to get help on using a specific OS X Tools
command.
As with Linux, the types of OS X tools you will most often encounter as an A+ technician include:
• Backup and restore
• Image recovery The list of categories is
• Disk maintenance the same as the one
included for Linux. This
• Screen sharing parallels the CompTIA
• Application management exam objectives and
Specific tools and applications will be covered in detail later in this course. their treatment of the
Linux and OS X OSs.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Use Linux and OS X Tools
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Use Linux
and OS X Tools
presentation from the
CHOICE Course screen
or have students
navigate out to the
Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

Lesson 2: Operating System Fundamentals | Topic B

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ACTIVITY 2-3
Exploring Windows Tools

Scenario
You have been reading about some of the tools used to manage and configure Windows. You would
like to become familiar with how they are accessed and how to view help about some of the tools.

1. Examine the Control Panel utilities.

a) Right-click the Start menu button and select Control Panel. The Control Panel tools are grouped by
function.
b) Select Appearance and Personalization.
c) Select Taskbar and Navigation. The Taskbar and Navigation properties dialog box opens.
d) Select Cancel to close the dialog box.

e) Select the Back button .

f) Examine the other categories in the Control Panel.

2. Pin items for easy access.

a) In the Search Control Panel box, type administrative tools
b) Right-click the Administrative Tools link, and select Pin to Start.
c) Right-click the Administrative Tools link, and select Pin to Taskbar.
d) Close the Control Panel window.
e)
Pin the Command Prompt to the Taskbar.
f) Pin the Control Panel to the Taskbar.
If necessary, assist
students in pinning the 3. Open the command prompt.
additional items to the a) Right-click the Start menu button and use the Search feature to locate command prompt
Taskbar. b) From the results, select Command Prompt.
c) Maximize the command prompt window.
d) Enter attrib to view file attributes.
Encourage participants e) Enter cls to clear the screen.
to refer to the A+
Command Reference 4. View the available commands.
appendix as they
a) At the C:\Users\username prompt, enter help
complete this activity.
You might also want to b) Scroll through the list of commands.
give them approximately
5 minutes to explore the 5. Get help on an individual command.
command reference a) Enter cd /? and examine the help information.
and/or other commands. b) Display help for the md command.
c) Display help for the copy command.
d) Display help for another command of your choice.

6. Close the command prompt.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 81

Summary
In this lesson, you identified features of various PC and mobile operating systems and some of the
PC operating system tools and utilities. By comparing functions and features of common operating
systems and the tools used in each of them, you have prepared yourself to be more effective in
selecting the operating system that is most appropriate for a specific situation.

With which type of operating system (mobile, desktop, or web-based) do you have the most experience?
Which do you have the least experience using?
Encourage students to
A: Answers will vary but the more common might be Windows 8 and Apple iOS. Linux is not as use the social
commonly used by end users. networking tools
provided on the CHOICE
How will you remember which commands and tools are used with which operating systems? Why do you Course screen to follow
think this is important? up with their peers after
A: Answers will vary. You might create a table listing the functionality on one axis of the table and the the course is completed
operating systems on the other axis, then fill in the table cells with the command or tool used to for further discussion
and resources to support
perform the function for each operating system. When you are supporting computers for other end
continued learning.
users, you need to be able to quickly know which command or tool to use.

Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 2: Operating System Fundamentals |

3 Networking and Security
Fundamentals

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify networking and security fundamentals. You will:
• Identify common network types.
• Identify network components.
• Identify the properties and purpose of services provided over a network.
• Identify basic cloud concepts.
• Identify basic concepts related to security.

Lesson Introduction
So far you have looked at hardware and operating system fundamentals. In this lesson, you
will examine some basic networking and security fundamentals.
Having a basic background in networking and security fundamentals will help you as you
begin installing and working with your computer. In today's computing environment, stand-
alone computing is a rarity. Almost from the moment you begin installing the operating
system, you are connected to a network. Knowing how the computer connects to the
network and making sure it is safe from predators is an important first step in having a
secure and functional computer.
84 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Network Types
In this lesson, you will identify networking and security fundamentals. To start, you will identify
common network types. Recognizing network models and coverage types will help you determine
the best approach to identifying the scope of network issues.

Networks
A network is a group of connected computers that communicate and share resources such as files,
printers, Internet connections, and databases. Whether wired or wireless, most networks will include
Networks
network media, such as a cable to carry network data; network adapter hardware to translate the data
between the computer and the network media; an operating system to enable the computer to
recognize the network; and a network protocol to control the network communication. All these
components work together to enable a fully functioning computer network. Any computing device
that will communicate with a network will also include a network interface card (NIC) that is usually
built into most devices. Older devices may require an adapter card that can be inserted into an
expansion port or slot.
6

Figure 3-1: A network.

Network Models
There are two primary network models, which are design specifications for how the computers and
other nodes on a network can interact.
Network Models

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Network Model Description

Client-server A client/server network is a network in which computer functionality is divided into

two roles: server computers, which provide services and control network
operations, and client computers, which use the services provided by the servers.
Typically, there is at least one server providing central authentication services.
Servers also provide access to shared files, printers, hardware, and applications.
In client/server networks, processing power, management services, and
administrative functions can be concentrated where needed, while clients can still
perform many basic end-user tasks on their own. Microsoft® Windows Servers®
support a client/server network type known as a domain.
Peer-to-peer A peer-to-peer network is a network in which resource sharing, processing, and
communications control are completely decentralized. All clients on the network
are equal in terms of providing and using resources, and users are authenticated
by each individual workstation. Peer-to-peer networks are easy and inexpensive
to implement. However, they are practical only in very small organizations, due
to the lack of central data storage and administration. In a peer-to-peer network,
user accounts must be duplicated on every workstation from which a user
accesses resources. Such distribution of user information makes maintaining
peer-to-peer networks difficult, especially as the network grows. Consequently,
peer-to-peer networks should not exceed 10 computers. A Windows®
workgroup is an example of a peer-to-peer network.

LANs
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a self-contained network that spans a small area, such as a single
building, floor, or room. In a LAN, all parts of the network are directly connected with cables or
short-range wireless media. LANs
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 3-2: LANs within a building.

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WANs
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans multiple geographic locations. WANs typically
connect multiple LANs using long-range transmission media. Such a network scheme facilitates
WANs
communication among users and computers in different locations. WANs can be private, such as
those built and maintained by large, multinational corporations, or they can be public, such as the
Internet.

Figure 3-3: A WAN.

PANs
A Personal Area Network (PAN) connects two to three devices together for use by one person using a
router with cabling; most often seen in small or home offices.
PANs A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is a network that connects wireless devices in very close
proximity but not through a Wireless Access Point (WAP). Infrared and Bluetooth are some
technologies used for connecting devices in a WPAN.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 87

Figure 3-4: A PAN.

MANs
A metropolitan area network (MAN) covers an area equivalent to a city or other municipality. In many
cases, the MAN connects multiple LANs.
MANs

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals | Topic A

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Point out that it is most

likely that you will have
at least one ISP
connection to link the
LANs together.

Figure 3-5: A MAN.

VPNs
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private communications network transmitted across a public,
typically insecure, network connection such as the Internet. With a VPN, a company can extend a
VPNs
virtual LAN segment to employees working from home or other remote locations by transmitting
data securely across the Internet.
6

Figure 3-6: A typical VPN configuration.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 89

ACTIVITY 3-1
Identifying Network Types

Scenario
Your manager wants to make sure that all of the interns are using the same terminology when
discussing network types, so he asked you to prepare a presentation on the various network types.
As a follow up to the presentation, you created some questions to make sure everyone understands
the terminology.

1. What is the one component that any device that connects to a network requires?
A: All devices require a network interface card.

2. Which network model does a Windows workgroup use and which model does a company-wide server
use?
A: A workgroup uses a peer-to-peer network model and a company-wide server uses the client/
server network model.

3. Your company has a global presence where all of the locations can communicate. Within each site,
there is a network, and that network connects to the overall organizational network. In some locations,
there are multiple sites within the city. Identify each type of network described here.
A: The global network is a WAN. The network within each site is a LAN. The sites within the city
compose a MAN.

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals | Topic A

90 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC B
Network Components
Before you start setting up a network, you need to be aware of the devices that you need on a
network. In this topic, you will identify several types of network devices and other components.
Switches and routers are fundamental network connectivity devices, so you are likely to encounter
them in the network environments that you support. In addition, there are other types of
networking devices that you might be asked to support. Understanding the capabilities of these
devices will prepare you to support a wide variety of network environments.

Network Devices
There are many network devices that you can use to connect devices to a network. Typically, you
will find devices such as switches, routers, and access points. Patch panels are often used to
Network Devices
distribute access throughout the building. You might also encounter older technology such as hubs,
bridges, and repeaters.

Legacy Devices
Some of the network devices that you might encounter are older, or legacy devices, such as hubs,
bridges, and repeaters.
Legacy Devices
Device Description

Hub A hub, or multiport repeater, is a networking device used to connect the nodes in
Hubs can boost the a physical star topology network into a logical bus topology. A hub contains
signal. multiple ports that you can connect devices to. When data from the transmitting
device arrives at a port, it is copied and transmitted to all other ports so that all
other nodes receive the data. However, only the specified destination node reads
and processes the data while all other nodes ignore it.
Two common types of hubs used were passive and active.
• A passive hub simply has its ports wired together physically. It connects
devices plugged into it without the use of power. Acting like a patch panel, it
merely makes the electrical connection without repeating or transmitting any
frames.
• An active hub is a true multiport repeater. It receives incoming data and
retransmits it out all ports with a signal boost.
Note: In today's networks, hubs have been replaced by switches.

Bridge A bridge is an older version of a switch. It has the same basic functionality of a
switch, but it has fewer ports and is software-based, rather than hardware-based.
Repeater A repeater, sometimes referred to as a signal extender, is a device that regenerates
a signal to improve signal strength over transmission distances. By using repeaters,
you can exceed the normal limitations on segment lengths imposed by various
networking technologies.

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Switches
A switch is a network hardware device that joins multiple computers together within the same LAN.
Unlike a hub, switches forward data only to the intended destination. Because of this, they are
slightly "smarter" than hubs, and are more common. Switches can also be connected to other Switches
switches, thus increasing the number of devices on a LAN without sacrificing performance.
Troubleshooting a switch is easier because of the status indicator lights on the individual ports.

Figure 3-7: Switches in a network

PoE
Power over Ethernet (PoE) uses the IEEE 802.3af standard for transferring both electrical power
and data to remote devices over twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. This technology allows
you to place devices such as network switches, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and cameras in
locations where it would be inconvenient or impossible to run electrical power for the device. PoE
provides up to 15.4 W of power and requires CAT 5 or higher copper cable.
The updated IEEE 802.3at standard, also known as Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+), provides up to
25.5 W of power per port and is backward compatible with all existing IEEE 802.3af devices. PoE+
allows for a broader range of devices to be powered such as:
• Cameras with pan/tilt/zoom capabilities.
• Door controllers.
• Point of Sale terminals.
Many switches provide PoE directly from their switch ports. This is used to power Voice-over-IP
(VoIP) phones that are plugged into the switch.
Another common implementation is a midspan device that plugs into AC power at the wall, such as
an external PoE injector. A PoE injector enables PoE-compliant devices such as IP cameras and
wireless access points to connect to a non-PoE switch.

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The PoE injector inserts the DC voltage onto the Ethernet cable that leads to the PoE device,
allowing the camera or access point to be mounted on a pole or under the eave of a roof, where
power is not normally available. Typically, the injector itself is located in the wiring closet near the
switch.

Routers
A router is a networking device that connects multiple networks. Traffic from one network to
another does not always have to travel between the same routers. On the Internet, for example,
Routers
traffic is routed according to the best available path at the time. Troubleshooting a router is made
easier by the use of status indicator lights on the various ports.

Figure 3-8: Routers connect different networks.

Access Points
An access point (AP) is a device or software that facilitates communication and provides enhanced
security to wireless devices. It also extends the physical range of a WLAN. The AP functions as a
Access Points
bridge between wireless STAs (stations) and the existing network backbone for network access.
6

Figure 3-9: Access points connect wireless devices.

Repeaters and Extenders

Repeaters are used frequently with coax media, such as cable TV, and were also deployed in
networks that used coax cabling. On today's networks, repeaters are not commonly needed because
Repeaters and
other devices perform that function, but they are sometimes used in Fiber networks. Wireless
Extenders

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 93

network repeaters and bridges are frequently used to extend the range of a WAP. Repeaters are not
needed in twisted pair networks because other devices act as repeaters.

Figure 3-10: A Wi-Fi repeater expands the effective wireless network coverage area.

Modems
A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates digital data to an analog signal that can be sent
over a telephone line. Its name is a combination of modulate and demodulate.
Use a modem to connect to the Internet and to translate digital information to and from your Modems
computer. Depending on the type of connection used, you will use either a cable modem, a DSL
modem, a wireless modem, a voice modem, or a radio modem. A laptop modem can be an internal
device, or you can add it to a system as an external device by using an expansion card.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 3-11: Modems.

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94 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Firewalls
A firewall is a software program or hardware device that protects networks from unauthorized data
by blocking unsolicited traffic. Firewalls allow incoming or outgoing traffic that has specifically been
Firewalls
permitted by a system administrator and incoming traffic that is sent in response to requests from
internal systems.

Patch Panels
A patch panel is connection point for drop and patch cables. Typically, a patch panel has one or
more rows of RJ-45 or other connectors. Drop cables are connected to the connectors. Cables run
Patch Panels
between the connectors to connect drop cables as needed.
Patch cables plug into the patch panel to connect two drop cables. They are most often stranded,
and not solid core cables.
Point out the importance A wiring closet, network closet, or telecommunications closet is a small room in which patch panels
of labeling ports and are installed. Drop cables radiate out from the wiring closet to the components on the network.
cables in patch panels.

E
AT
IC
PL
DU
T
NO
6
DO

Figure 3-12: Patch panels in a wiring closet.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 95

ACTIVITY 3-2
Identifying Network Components

Scenario
You continue to work on the presentation you started earlier and have included some network
components that your manager asked you to include. To wrap up this section of the presentation,
you decide to make sure everyone can identify various network components.

1. Examine the network devices available to you. Provide examples of as

a) Determine which device you are viewing. many of the network
b) Determine whether it is an outdated technology or a current device. devices covered in this
c) Determine whether this is the best choice for connecting devices to the network in your location. topic as possible for
students to examine. If
2. Which network device would you recommend to someone who needs to control surveillance cameras possible, show students
that need to pan, tilt, and zoom? the wiring closet and
patch panel.
A: A standard switch could be used, but more likely, you might use PoE.

3. What situations would be best for wired or wireless networks?

For step 1c, even though
A: Answers will vary, but might include using wireless networks for historic buildings that cannot be
the information is not
opened up to run wiring through; and wired networks are more secure, so sensitive data should be
explicitly included in this
sent over wired connections instead of wireless ones.
topic, this is designed to
stretch students, and get
them to think beyond the
rote data.

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals | Topic B

96 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC C
Common Network Services
So far in this lesson, you have identified common network types and the components that make
them functional. Now it's time to examine what this network can provide to you and other users. In
this topic, you will identify the properties and purposes of services provided over a network.

Server Roles
In most organizations, the network will have several servers, each taking on a different role. In
smaller networks and test environments, one server might perform several roles.
Server Roles The following table includes some of the common server roles you are likely to encounter.

Server Role Description

The important thing in Web server A web server provides access to personal, corporate, or education website content.
this section is to define This service is provided primarily to external users, such as customers or
the roles, not to go into students, who access the Web services from the Internet. Web servers typically
too much detail on each
role. Students can refer
provide Web services to external users, although intranet servers can provide
to this after class if they Web services to internal users.
want more detail. File server File servers are computers that store the programs and data files intended to be
shared by multiple users. Many file servers use high-speed LAN or WAN links
to keep data moving at optimal rates. Simply put, a file server acts like a remote
Point out that you should disk drive.
separate roles onto
A file server might also be combined with a print server. In this case, it provides
multiple servers when
possible to allow more
access to shared files, such as documents, pictures, spreadsheets, and graphics,
flexibility and better as well as access to laser and inkjet printers.
performance. Also point
Print server A print server enables many network users to share the common printers. The
out that some services
will be located between
printers might be directly attached to the network or attached to the server.
firewalls to provide DHCP server A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server runs software that
security. automatically assigns IP addresses to client stations logging on to a TCP/IP
network. It eliminates the need to manually assign permanent IP addresses.
DHCP software typically runs on servers and is also found in network devices
such as firewalls, ISDN routers, and modem routers that allow multiple users
access to the Internet.
DNS server Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol that provides common naming
conventions across the Internet. This distributed database supports a
hierarchical naming system. DNS provides name resolution for IP networks,
including the Internet. The DNS server maintains a database of domain and
host names, and their corresponding IP addresses.
Proxy server A proxy server is a system that isolates internal clients from the servers by
downloading and storing files on behalf of the clients. It intercepts requests for
web-based or other resources that come from the clients, and, if it does not
have the data in its cache, it can generate a completely new request packet using
itself as the source, or simply relay the request. In addition to providing security,
the data cache can also improve client response time and reduce network traffic
by providing frequently used resources to clients from a local source.

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Server Role Description

Mail server A mail server, also called the message server, provides post office facilities by
storing incoming mail or messages for distribution to users and forwarding
outgoing mails or messages through appropriate channels. Many of today’s mail
servers also provide other services such as document collaboration, chat, web
access, and file storage. The term may refer to just the software that performs
this service while residing on a machine with other service functions.
Authentication An authentication server contains an application that has an access list and identifies
server the permitted access credentials. The authentication server can be on a separate
server or it might be part of another server, a switch, or an access point.

Internet Appliances
An Internet appliance is a relatively inexpensive PC that enables Internet access and a specific activity.
Often used by organizations to ease remote management and to cut costs, Internet appliances lack
many of the features of a fully equipped PC, and they provide a complete solution consisting of Internet Appliances
limited hardware and software that is needed to perform a single or specialized set of functions. This
hardware device allows for quick installation, ease-of-use, and low maintenance, and is typically
managed through a Web browser. Common Internet appliances are described in the following table.

Internet Description
Appliance

IDS An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is software or hardware, or a combination of

both, that scans, audits, and monitors the security infrastructure for signs of
attacks in progress and automates the intrusion detection process. It is used to
quickly detect malicious behavior that compromises the integrity of a computer
so that appropriate action can be taken. IDS software can also analyze data and
alert security administrators to potential infrastructure problems. An IDS can
comprise a variety of hardware sensors, intrusion detection software, and IDS
management software. Each implementation is unique, depending on the security
needs and the components chosen.
IPS An Intrusion Protection System (IPS), also referred to as a Network Intrusion
Prevention System (NIPS), is an inline security device that monitors suspicious
network and/or system traffic and reacts in real time to block it. An IPS may
drop packets, reset connections, and sound alerts, and can at times even
quarantine intruders. It can regulate traffic according to specific content because
it examines packets as they travel through the IPS. This is in contrast to the way
a firewall behaves, which blocks IP addresses or entire ports.
UTM A Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliance is a security device that combines
the features of a firewall, gateway antivirus, and IDS/IPS into a single device.

Legacy Systems
You might encounter some older, legacy systems. These are often for specific functions in an
organization. For example, a manufacturing device might only run on a DOS-based system, so the
organization might need to keep this old system running in order to use a device. Legacy Systems

Embedded Systems
Some consumer products, such as the set-top box for a television, often use an operating system
that is contained on a chip or set of chips that is embedded inside the device. Often, this is a Linux-
based system. Embedded Systems

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ACTIVITY 3-3
Discussing Common Network Services

Scenario
Your consulting group has been asked to prepare an overview of the network services you would
configure for a new organization. This organization is a non-profit that will not have a web presence
at the current time, but might in the future. They will be using cloud storage and hosted email
addresses. They will have confidential information they need to store locally and also want to be able
to share a color laser printer between the 25-30 employees they anticipate working out of this office.

1. What are the minimum network services you would recommend for this organization based on the
requirements given in the Scenario?
A: Answers will vary, but at a minimum, they should have file and print services.

2. After some discussion amongst the members of the organization, they have decided that they do need
a web site. However, they have no one in-house that can create and maintain the web site. Will they
need web services on their server? Why or why not?
A: Answers will vary, but at a minimum, if they have a consultant create the web site, chances are
that the consultant can also host the site as well, so no web services are needed at this time. If
later down the line, the organization decides they need to host it internally, they can add web
services at that time.

3. Discuss any other network services you feel the organization should implement at this time, or should
plan for in the future.

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TOPIC D
Cloud Concepts
So far, you've examined network types, components, and services. One of the latest trends in
networking is to outsource part of an organization's IT infrastructure, platforms, storage, or services
to a cloud service provider. In this topic, you will identify basic cloud concepts.

Cloud Services
Cloud computing is a model for providing or purchasing off-premise computing services over the
Internet. In broad terms, cloud computing is a service (that you purchase or set up on your own) by
which you can dynamically expand or contract computation or storage capabilities on an as-needed Cloud Services
basis.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines several components of cloud
computing services. Resource allocation is available through rapid elasticity and resource pooling.
Automated service changes are covered through on-demand self service. The capabilities of cloud
systems and the footprint of the overall service is referred to as broad network access. The
provider's ability to control a customer's use of resources through metering is referred to as
measured service.
6

Figure 3-13: Cloud services.

Types of Cloud Services

There are several common types of services that are normally associated with cloud computing.

Type of Cloud Services

IaaS is good for

organizations with
"pockets" of need or for
small organizations.

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Type Description

IaaS Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is an arrangement where, rather than purchasing

equipment and running your own data center, you rent those resources as an
outsourced service. In an IaaS arrangement, you are typically billed based on the
resources you consume, much like a utility company bills you for the amount of
electricity you use.
Examples of IaaS include Rackspace’s CloudServers offering, in which you rent a
virtual server running an operating system of your choice. You then install the
applications you need onto that virtual server. Other examples include Amazon’s
Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service and Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3).
PaaS Platform as a Service (PaaS) enables you to rent a fully configured system that is set
up for a specific purpose.
An example is Rackspace’s CloudSites offering, in which you rent a virtual Web
server and associated systems (such as a database or email server). Amazon’s
Relational Database Service (RDS) enables you to rent fully configured MySQL and
Oracle database servers.
SaaS Software as a Service (SaaS) enables a service provider to make applications available
over the Internet. This capability eliminates the need to install software on user
computers, and it can be helpful for mobile or transient workforces.
Perhaps the most well-known SaaS example is the Google Apps suite of office
applications. Other notable SaaS examples are the Zoho suite of applications and
Microsoft’s Office Web Apps.

Types of Clouds
Cloud computing can be deployed following a public, private, or mixed model.

Cloud Type Description

Types of Clouds
Private cloud A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure operated solely for a single organization.
It can be managed internally or by a third party, and hosted either internally or
externally. A private cloud project requires a significant degree of engagement to
virtualize the business environment. The OpenStack project
(www.openstack.org) is the key example of a technology you could use to
implement your own cloud computing infrastructure.
Public cloud A public cloud provides its services over a network that is open for public use.
There may be little or no difference between public and private cloud
architecture, however, since the services are made available for a public audience
over a potentially non-trusted network, security consideration may be
substantially different. Rackspace or Amazon are examples of public clouds.
Community A community cloud is where multiple organizations from a specific community
cloud with common interests share the cloud infrastructure. They can be managed
internally or by a third-party, and either hosted internally or externally. The costs
are spread over fewer users than a public cloud, but more than a private cloud.
Hybrid cloud A hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more clouds that remain distinct but
are bound together, offering the benefits of multiple deployment models.
Google’s “Gov Cloud” is an example. This cloud can be used by government
branches within the U.S., but it is not available to consumers or businesses.

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Benefits of Cloud Computing

The following table describes some of the major benefits of cloud computing.

Benefit Description
Benefits of Cloud
Rapid elasticity To end users, cloud storage often appears to be unlimited storage space. This is Computing
due to rapid elasticity. Users request additional space, and the provider allocates
additional resources seamlessly to the end user. This can often be done
dynamically without any need for the user to contact the hosting provider.
On-demand On-demand cloud services enable end users to request and access cloud
resources as they are needed. This type of cloud service is useful for project-
based needs, giving the project members access to the cloud services for the
duration of the project, and then releasing the cloud services back to the hosting
provider when the project is finished. This way, the organization is only paying
for the services for the duration of the project.
Resource Resource pooling enables the cloud services provider to service multiple
pooling customers to suit each customer's needs without any changes made to one
customer affecting any of the other customers. Customers can change their
service dynamically through on-demand self-service of their accounts.
Measured Measured service refers to the cloud provider's ability to monitor and meter the
service customer's use of resources. This supports the customer's ability to dynamically
make changes to the resources they receive. Based on the metered and measured
information, the provider knows what resources the customer has used and can
then bill for those resources during the next billing cycle.

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ACTIVITY 3-4
Discussing Cloud Services

Scenario
There has been a lot of talk around the office recently about cloud services. You have heard some
other people touting this as the only way to go for storage. In order to be sure of yourself before
you join in these conversations, you wrote down some questions and did a little research about them
to make sure you know what you are talking about.

Consider having 1. How do the five components of cloud computing defined by the NIST work together to provide users
students connect to a with cloud computing services?
free cloud storage site A: Resource allocation is provided through rapid elasticity and resource pooling. Resource allocation
and view the available is requested through on-demand self-service. Broad network access makes the resources
space and any other available to the user. Measured service enables the provider to meter customer usage and bill the
information available customer accordingly.
about the service.
2. Which types of services would your organization be likely to use?
A: Answers will vary. You might use IaaS if your organization doesn't have the resources or
knowledge to support its own data center. SaaS can be helpful for mobile or transient workforces.
You might use PaaS if you want to rent a fully configured system that is set up for a specific
purpose.

3. Which type of cloud would your organization be likely to use?

A: Answers will vary. Depending on how much control you need over the storage or services
provided through the cloud, you might select a private cloud solution as the most secure, and a
community cloud solution as the least secure.

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TOPIC E
Security Fundamentals
This lesson has introduced you to the basics of networking. Any time that users are sharing files and
resources, there is a chance that a security incident can occur. In this topic, you will identify basic
concepts related to security.

Corporate Security Policies

A corporate security policy is a formalized statement that defines how security will be implemented and
managed within a particular organization. It describes the tasks the organization will undertake to
protect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive data and resources, including the Corporate Security
network infrastructure, physical and electronic data, applications, hardware, computing devices, and Policies
the overall physical environment of an organization. It often consists of multiple individual policies
that relate to separate security issues, such as password requirements and acceptable use of hardware
guidelines. All security measures and controls should conform with all of the security policies
enforced by an organization.
6

Figure 3-14: A security policy.

Security Compliance
Security compliance refers to an organization's efforts to enforce its security policies. To ensure data
sensitivity and security, many organizations will include the following guidelines in a security policy:
• Patch management guidelines.
• User account and group management.
• Access Control List (ACL) verification.
• Auditing of both systems and data.

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• Security testing.
• User education materials, such as documentation, resources, and training schedules.

Strong Passwords
A strong password is a password that meets the complexity requirements that are set forth by a system
administrator and documented in a security policy or password policy. Strong passwords increase
Strong Passwords
the security of systems that use password-based authentication by protecting against password
guessing and other password attacks.
Strong password requirements should meet the security needs of an individual organization, and can
Explain to students that
specify:
there is risk involved • The minimum length of the password.
when requiring a strong • Required characters, such as a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
password. Users can
easily forget passwords
• Forbidden character strings, such as the user account name, personal identification information,
if they are too complex, or words found in a dictionary.
but security breaches
can occur if passwords
are too weak.

Figure 3-15: Strong password requirements.

User Education
The best protection against malicious software or any other security threat is user awareness and
education. Providing end users with information about common threats, hoaxes, and security
User Education
warning signs will enable them to recognize and delete hoax email messages, avoid unauthorized
software, and keep antivirus definitions updated. You must support and encourage users to follow
security trends and use the organization's resources to stay up-to-date on all recent security incidents
and preventative actions. User education is the best defense against data compromise or system
damage.

The Principle of Least Privilege

The principle of least privilege dictates that users and software should only have the minimal level of
access that is necessary for them to perform the duties required of them. This level of minimal
The Principle of Least
access includes facilities, computing hardware, software, and information. Where a user or system is
Privilege given access, that access should still be only at the level required to perform the necessary task.

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Figure 3-16: Least privilege.

Common User Security Practices

Most security incidents are a result of a user error or unauthorized user action. User errors do not
always happen on purpose; sometimes they happen by accident or users are fooled by an attacker.
Users need to be aware of their specific security responsibilities and habits. As an A+ technician, Common User Security
you will need to be aware of common security practices used to prevent both types of user security Practices
incidents so that you can make sure that all hardware and software implementations support
common goals.

Security Area Employee Responsibilities

Physical security Employees should not allow anyone in the building without an ID badge.
Employees should not allow other individuals to tailgate on a single ID badge.
Employees should be comfortable approaching and challenging unknown or
unidentified individuals in a work area. Access within the building should be
restricted to only those areas an employee needs to access for job purposes.
Data handling procedures of confidential files must be followed. Employees
must also follow clean desk policies to ensure that confidential documents and
private corporate information are secured and filed away from plain sight.
System security Proper password behaviors can be crucial in keeping systems resources secure
from unauthorized users. Employees must use their user IDs and passwords
properly and comply with the ID and password requirements set forth by
management. Password information should never be shared or written down
where it is accessible to others. All confidential files should be saved to an
appropriate location on the network where they can be secured and backed up,
not on a hard drive or removable media device.
Device security Employees must follow the correct procedures to log off all systems and shut
down computers when not in use. Wireless communication and personally
owned devices must (or at least should) be approved by the IT department and
installed properly. Policies might be in place to specify how and when personal
devices can be used. These devices can be a gateway for attackers to access
corporate information and sensitive data. Portable devices, such as laptops and
mobile devices, must be properly stored and secured when not in use.
Social networking Employees must be made aware of the potential threats and attacks that target
security social networking applications and websites. The use of these applications can
lead to potential breaches in security on an organization's network. Security
policies should include guidelines and restrictions for users of any social
networking application or website.

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Authentication Methods
Most organizations will employ a variety of authentication methods in order to prevent
unauthorized access to the physical building, infrastructure, and resources. Common authentication
Authentication Methods
methods include the following.

Authentication Description
Method

User name and In this system, a user or computer must have a valid user name and an
password associated secret password. The user submits the user name/password
combination to an authenticating system such as a network directory server,
which validates the credentials against a database and verifies the user's
identity. The security of the system can be breached if the authentication
database is altered or compromised, whether accidentally or maliciously, or if
the credentials, particularly the password, are lost, stolen, or guessed by a third
party.
Biometrics Biometrics are authentication schemes based on individuals' physical
characteristics, such as fingerprints or vocal patterns. Biometrics require
specialized equipment and software to store, access, and verify the physical
information. As biometric authentication becomes less expensive to
implement, it is becoming more widely adopted.
Tokens Tokens are physical or virtual objects, such as RSA tokens, smart cards, and ID
badges that store authentication information. Tokens can store personal
identification numbers (PINs), information about the user, or passwords. For
example, a smart card is a plastic card containing an embedded computer chip
that can store different types of electronic information. The contents of the
card are read with a special device called a smart card reader, which can be
attached to a PC. When used for authentication, the smart card will store user
credentials or private information such as a password or PIN. The user must
present the smart card as a token of the user's identity, and so smart cards are
sometimes classified as a form of token-based authentication.
Multi-factor An authentication scheme with just one factor can be called single-factor
authentication authentication, while a two- or three-factor authentication scheme can simply
be called multi-factor authentication. It can be any combination of what you are,
what you have, and what you know. System designers determine what specific
factors are required during the design phase.
If a user is required to pass a fingerprint scan as well as to enter a password to
gain access to a secure facility, this would combine the "who you are" and
"what you know" factors. Multi-factor authentication enhances the security of
using any single factor alone. Token-based or biometric-based authentication
are rarely deployed alone; more frequently, they are used in addition to user
name and password authentication.
Mutual Mutual authentication is a security mechanism that requires that each party in a
authentication communication verify its identity. First, a service or resource verifies the
client’s credentials, and then the client verifies the resource’s credentials.
Mutual authentication prevents a client from inadvertently submitting
confidential information to a non-secure server. Any type or combination of
authentication mechanisms can be used.

Biometric Authentication Methods

Biometrics are used often in high security areas where there is a restricted security clearance, such as
in government offices and financial institutions. There are several categories of biometric
authentication.

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Biometric Description
Authentication
Method

Fingerprint scanner A user's fingerprint pattern is scanned and stored. To authenticate, the user
scans a finger again and the print is compared to the stored image in the
authentication database. The fingerprint scanner can be a small separate
hardware device, and is even built into some laptops, mice, and universal
serial bus (USB) flash drives.
Hand geometry An individual's hand geometry can also be used for authentication. Hand
scanner scanners have pegs between which users insert their fingers. Once the
initial scan is stored, and then used to authenticate, subsequent scans are
compared to the stored scan in the authentication database.
Retinal scanner The pattern on a user's retina is scanned and stored. To authenticate, the
user scans an eye again and the pattern is compared to the authentication
database.
Voice recognition The user provides a speech sample that is analyzed with voice-recognition
software and stored. To authenticate, the user speaks again and the speech
patterns are analyzed by the software and compared against the stored
sample in the authentication database.
Face recognition A digital image of the user's face is analyzed with face-recognition software
and stored. To authenticate, the user's face is scanned digitally again and
the facial appearance is compared against the stored image in the
authentication database.
Biometric Biometric user data can be scanned and encoded once and then stored on a
authentication tokens chip on some form of portable electronic security token, such as a smart
card or a digital key fob. To authenticate, the user presents the token
instead of submitting to another biometric scan. Because the token could
be lost or stolen, it is best to combine this type of authentication with a
password or PIN, or at least to include a user photograph on the card for
visual confirmation of the user's identity.

Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting data into a form that is not easily recognized or understood
by anyone who is not authorized to access the data. Only authorized parties with the necessary
decryption information can decode and read the data. Encryption can be one-way, which means the Encryption
encryption is designed to hide only the cleartext and is never decrypted, or it can be two-way, in
which the encryption can be decrypted back to cleartext and read.

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Figure 3-17: Encryption.

Malware
Malware is any unwanted software that has the potential to damage a system, impede performance,
or create a nuisance condition. The software might be introduced deliberately or inadvertently and
Malware
might or might not be able to propagate itself to other systems.

Figure 3-18: Malware.

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ACTIVITY 3-5
Identifying Security Concepts

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify common security concepts.

1. Katie works in a high-security government facility. When she comes to work in the morning, she places
her hand on a scanning device in her building's lobby, which reads her hand print and compares it to a
master record of her hand print in a database to verify her identity. This is an example of:
◉ Biometric authentication
○ Multi-factor authentication
○ Data encryption
○ Tokens

2. How does multi-factor authentication enhance security?

A: Requiring two or more authentication factors to gain access to a resource or physical location
enhances the security of the resource or location, because more than one password, token, or
biometric attribute is needed to gain access. Multi-factor authentication can be particularly secure
with biometric, or "who you are," authentication where at least one of the factors is a unique
physical characteristic of an individual.

3. While assigning privileges to the accounting department in your organization, Cindy, a human resource
administrative assistant, insists that she needs access to the employee records database in order to
fulfill change of address requests from employees. After checking with her manager and referring to the
organization's access control security policy, Cindy's job role does not fall into the authorized category
for access to that database. What security concept is being practiced in this scenario?
○ The use of strong passwords.
○ User education.
◉ The principle of least privilege.
○ Common user security practices.

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Summary
In this lesson, you got a brief introduction to network and security concepts and features. Every
organization will implement these features and concepts in one way or another, depending on their
needs.

Which of the network features presented in this lesson does your organization currently use and support?
Which ones do you think they should use if they are not currently using them?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary. Depending on the size of the organization, different features will be implemented.
networking tools For example, a small organization might use more vendor-based or subscription services, while a
provided on the CHOICE larger organization will be more likely to implement services on their own servers.
Course screen to follow
up with their peers after How do the security fundamentals presented in this lesson support the network components and services
the course is completed and cloud features presented in this lesson?
for further discussion A: Answers will vary. Defining the corporate security policies for network components and services as
and resources to support
well as cloud services should include items such as strong passwords, principle of least privilege, the
continued learning.
authentication and encryption methods to be used, and security best practices. These policies all
support keeping the components and services secure.

Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals |

4 Safety and Operational
Procedures

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify the operational procedures that should be followed by
professional PC technicians. You will:
• Identify basic tools and techniques for maintaining PCs, mobile devices, and printing
devices.
• Identify best practices to follow to ensure personal and electrical safety.
• Identify best practices to follow to ensure environmental safety and the proper handling
of potentially harmful materials.
• Identify best practices for entry-level IT professionals to use for appropriate
communication with clients and colleagues.
• Identify common organizational policies and procedures that deal with computer use.
• Explain troubleshooting theory.

Lesson Introduction
In the previous lessons, you gained fundamental knowledge about personal computer
hardware components and operating systems. In addition to that information, every PC
technician also needs a working knowledge of tools, safety and environmental precautions,
and when professional conduct is important in the workplace. In this lesson, you will
identify the operational procedures that you should follow to ensure a safe working
environment.
As an A+ technician, you will be asked to install, configure, maintain, and correct problems
with a variety of PC components. To work with these components without damaging them
or causing physical injury to yourself or others, there are several tools to use and operational
procedures to follow in order to get the job done quickly, safely, and correctly.
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TOPIC A
Basic Maintenance Tools and Techniques
In this lesson, you will identify the operational procedures that can help ensure your success as an A
+ certified professional. To begin, it's critical to select the right tool or technique for the job. In this
topic, you will identify common hardware and software tools, maintenance techniques, and
resources that are used by professional PC technicians.
When it comes to computer maintenance, having the right tool will save time, trouble, and money.
Having a good collection of software and hardware tools at your disposal, a foundational knowledge
of maintenance techniques, and access to documentation or resources when you need assistance is
essential to help you perform your job tasks efficiently.

Types of Hardware Toolkits

Because of the complexity of personal computers, there are several types of hardware toolkits that
are commonly used in PC maintenance and repair.
Types of Hardware • A basic toolkit should contain the tools necessary to remove and install computer components.
Toolkits Each tool should be demagnetized, and the tools should be stored in a case to protect and
organize them. Basic toolkits should include:
• Pen and/or pencil.
• Phillips screwdrivers (small and large, #0 and #1).
• Flat-blade screwdrivers (small and large, 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch).
• Flashlight.
• Container for screws.
• Nut driver.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 4-1: A basic toolkit.

• An extended toolkit builds on the basic toolkit by including additional items such as:
• Additional sizes of drivers and screwdrivers.
• Torx driver (size T8, T10, and T15).
• Tweezers.

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• Three-prong retriever.
• Ratchets.
• Allen wrenches.
• Cotton swabs.
• Batteries.
• Anti-static cleaning wipes.
• Anti-static wrist band.
• Compressed air canister.
• Mini vacuum.
• Pen knife.
• Clamp.
• Chip extractor.
• Chip inserter.
• Multimeter.
• Soldering iron and related supplies.
• Spare parts container.
• Circuit tester.
• Drive adapters (USB to IDE/SATA and SATA/PATA/IDE to USB).

Figure 4-2: An extended toolkit.

• A network toolkit contains specialized tools to make and install network cables. Prices for these
toolkits can vary widely depending on the number and quality of the tools included. Network
toolkits typically include:
• Cable crimper with dies for a variety of cable styles.
• Wire stripper for flat and coax cable.
• Precision wire cutters.
• Cable tester.
• Punch down tool.
• Curved forceps.
• Multi-network Local Area Network (LAN) cable tester.
• Digital multimeter.

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Figure 4-3: A network toolkit.

Software Diagnostic Tools

A software diagnostic tool or utility is a computer repair program that can analyze hardware and software
components and test them for problems. Some software diagnostic tools can repair software
Software Diagnostic
problems and optimize settings. Most operating systems include several software diagnostic tools
Tools integrated into them. In addition, most computer stores have at least one aisle dedicated to utility
software that has been developed by other software manufacturers.
Microsoft® Windows® provides a few different software diagnostic tests that you can use to identify
The figure is from and repair computer hardware and software issues. For example, you can automatically fix file
Windows 7. The same system errors on any disk in the PC by using the Disk Management tool.
options are available in
Windows 8. Because
student machines are
configured with Windows
8.1, the choice was
made to illustrate
Windows 7 in some
screenshots so that
students can gain some
familiarity with that
interface.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 4-4: Software diagnostic tools.

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Hard Drive Self Tests

Most hard disk drive manufacturers provide a diagnostic tool that enables the drive to test itself
when you start up a PC. Some of these hard drive self-tests are built into the firmware for the hard
disk drive, while others are separate utilities that are available for download from the drive Hard Drive Self-Tests
manufacturer's website. Make sure that you download the test utility that was designed to be used
with your hard disk drive.

Software Diagnostic Tests

Software diagnostic tests are available from many different manufacturers, and they vary widely in
their capabilities, but they can all assist you in detecting, repairing, and preventing hardware and
software problems. The Windows operating systems also come with their own sets of diagnostic Software Diagnostic
tools that can help you detect problems. Tests
There are many applicable software diagnostic tests that you can use to troubleshoot computer
problems.

Hardware Examples of Software Diagnostics Test

Component

Entire system PC-Doctor Service Center, PC-Diag, Norton™ SystemWorks, QuickTech

Pro, McAfee® System Mechanic, CheckIt Diagnostics, DirectX Diagnostic
Tool, Windows Device Manager, Windows Performance Monitor
There are many additional antivirus and anti-malware software solutions
provided that detect and remove viruses, malware, and spyware.
Motherboard Motherboard Diagnostic Toolkit, Power-On Self Test (POST), Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup
Central processing x86test, POST, BIOS setup
unit (CPU)
Memory Memtest86+, DocMemory Diagnostics, POST, BIOS setup
Fan SpeedFan, BIOS setup
Video adapter card Video Card Stability Test, DirectX Diagnostic Tool, POST, BIOS setup
Network adapter card 3Com Dynamic Access Managed PC Boot Agent (MBA), Intel® PROset II
Utility, DirectX Diagnostic Tool
Modem Modem Doctor Diagnostics, DirectX Diagnostic Tool, Windows Device
Manager, Windows Performance Monitor
Optical drive CDRoller, Windows Device Manager, Windows Performance Monitor Maintenance
Techniques for
Computer Components
Maintenance Techniques for Computer Components
You can choose from several maintenance techniques to maintain PC components. Ask students if they
have come across
Maintenance Technique Description computer components
that were in bad
Use proper power Use a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect the condition due to dust
devices. computer from power surges, spikes, brownouts, and power failures. and debris. Mention that
Clean peripheral Use to prevent problems with the computer's peripherals resulting in different
components. from dust buildup. environments, the dust
and debris may be more
Clean internal system Use to prevent problems with internal computer components resulting intense depending on
components. from dust buildup. the location of the
computers.

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Cleaning Materials
Cleaning materials for computers range from standard household cleaning supplies to supplies
specifically designed for computers and electronics.
Cleaning Materials
Cleaning Supply Description

Wipes and cloths There are several types of wipes and cloths that you can use to clean
displays, keyboards, and other equipment.
• Monitor cleaning wipes are alcohol-based, lint-free, pre-moistened wipes
for cleaning monitor screens. Use these only on cathode ray tube (CRT)
or TV monitors and not on plastic-coated liquid crystal display LCD
screens.
• Keyboard cleaning wipes are pre-moistened wipes for cleaning
keyboards.
• You can use microfiber cloths to lightly remove dust and smudges from
LCD displays. You can also use an LCD cleaning solution with the cloth
to remove particles and smudges that are stuck to the screen.
• If you choose not to use pre-moistened wipes, you can use rubbing
alcohol applied to a lint-free cloth to wipe down screens and keyboards.
You can also use this to clean other components.
• A toner cloth is a special cloth that you stretch that picks up toner
particles that are either in the printer or around the printer. Be careful if
you are using it inside the printer so that the cloth does not get caught
on any components and leave fibers behind.
Cleaning solutions There are a variety of cleaning solutions that you can use to clean displays,
keyboards, and other equipment.
• You can use rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs or lint-free cloths to clean
many components.
• You can use mild household cleaner to keep the exterior of computer
components clean. This helps prevent dirt and debris from getting inside
the equipment. Never spray the cleaner directly on the equipment. Avoid
using ammonia-based cleaners around laser printers; the ammonia may
react chemically with the toner.
• For older monitors, especially plastic monitors, read the device's manual
to determine the cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer.
While some recommend water or isopropyl alcohol (IPA), others claim it
is acceptable to use volatile chemicals such as hexane or petroleum
benzene, a soft detergent such as Palmolive and water, no suds, or
nothing but a dry soft cloth. While some recommend a top-down
motion, others subscribe to the circular method.
• For flat screens such as LCDs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and
plasmas, you can use distilled water, or an equal ratio of water and
vinegar on a microfiber or lint-free cloth. There are also specialized
cleaners available for flat screens, but make sure to check the
manufacturer's instructions before use.
• In some cases, you can use standard household window cleaner on
components if you spray it on a lint-free cloth first. You can use this to
clean smudges from optical discs. Never use window cleaner on plastic
monitor screens, and even on glass screens; this cleaner might strip off
the anti-glare protection. The best option is a damp, clean, soft cloth
with water or a cleaner specifically made for monitors (or one that states
it is safe for use with monitors) and will not damage anti-glare finishes.

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Cleaning Supply Description

Cleaning tools Several tools are optimal for cleaning computer components.
• Tightly wound cotton swabs are useful in getting cleaning solution into
tight places. They are also useful when used dry to get dust and debris
out from between keys and around buttons or other tight areas.
• Toothpicks come in handy in getting dirt out from around keys, buttons,
and other tight spaces. They are also useful for removing the debris that
builds up on the rollers inside of a mouse.
• You can use a small paint brush to remove dust from between keys on a
keyboard. If the brush has long bristles, they can reach under the keys
where other cleaning objects would not be able to reach.
Compressed air A canister with a nozzle that can be aimed at components to blow dust out.
canister This is often used when removing dust from the interior of a computer or
laptop. Be sure to blow the dust away from the power supply and drives.
You can also use it to blow dust out of the power supply fan area, from
keyboards, and from the ventilation holes on various components.
Use caution when working with compressed air. Read the instructions on
the can and follow them carefully. Tipping the can too much, which is easy
to do when you are trying to maneuver the can into place, can cause the
propellant to leave the can in liquid form and at sub-freezing temperatures.
The freezing could easily damage components, particularly those that may
still be hot from use. There is also the issue of the corrosiveness of the
chemical damaging components later on. Also, some delicate components
on the motherboard can be damaged (literally blown off the board) if
compressed air is used too close to a component.
If you use compressed air, take the equipment to a different location,
preferably outside, so that the dust does not simply disperse into the air in
the work area and settle back on the computer equipment or other devices.
Computer or A non-static vacuum that you can use on system components such as the
electronics vacuum power supply, fans, and in printers. (Regular vacuum cleaners can create
static, which will damage computer equipment.) The vacuum should have a
filter and bag fine enough to contain toner particles so that you can use it to
clean up toner spills from laser printers or photocopiers. These vacuums
can often be used to blow air as well as for suction, so they can replace the You may want to show
the LearnTO Clean a
need for compressed air canisters for blowing dust out of machines. Sucking
Desktop Computer
the dust up is usually better, though, since blowing the dust can cause it to presentation from the
get onto or into other components. Sucking it up into a vacuum cleaner bag CHOICE Course screen
gets it out of the system without the chance of it getting into something else. or have students
navigate out to the
Mask and gloves A mask that fits over your mouth and nose should be worn when you are
Course screen and
using a compressed air canister or working around toner spills. This will watch it themselves as a
keep the particles out of your body. You should also wear latex gloves when supplement to your
cleaning up a toner spill. instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Clean a Desktop Computer course on their CHOICE
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen. Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.
Documentation and Resources
There are several types of documentation and resources that you might find helpful when you are
dealing with common hardware and operating system problems. You can also share documentation Documentation and
and resources with users as a means of assisting and educating them. Resources

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Resource Description

User/installation manuals User and installation manuals can provide you with basic guidance
for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting hardware and
software.
By providing users with various user and installation manuals, users
can fix minor issues and problems before requesting additional
assistance from a technician. Examples include installing company-
specific applications, installing network printers, and mapping
drives.
Internet/web-based Internet and web-based resources can provide a wealth of
resources information on installing, configuring, and troubleshooting
hardware and software. Many hardware and software manufacturers
maintain knowledge bases and wikis to share information about
both common and unusual issues that can arise with PC hardware
and software.
Internet and web-based materials can also provide users with quick
reference materials for dealing with everyday issues on their own.
Some organizations provide a web page or wiki with user-specific
information and reference materials.
Training materials Most major hardware and software manufacturers provide training
materials on how to install and use their products. These materials
can be helpful for both new and experienced technicians.
You can provide training materials for various tasks that users may
need to complete on their own, such as virus scans, computer
maintenance tasks, and PC clean-up tasks. By providing training
materials, you empower users to be proactive in maintaining their
systems.

Compliance and Governmental Regulations

In the United States and many other nations, your employer is obligated to comply with
governmental regulations that apply to its specific business. The most common regulations are those
Compliance and
issued by the federal government, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Governmental (OSHA), and state standards regarding employee safety. OSHA-compliant employers must provide:
Regulations • A workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause serious physical harm.
• Personal protective equipment designed to protect employees from certain hazards.
• Communication—in the form of labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), and training
about hazardous materials.
Your responsibility—to yourself, your employer, your coworkers, and your customers—is to be
informed of potential hazards and to always use safe practices.
Protection of the environment is another area that is regulated by the federal and local governments
in the United States and many other nations. Many municipalities have regulations that control the
disposal of certain types of computer equipment. Your responsibility is to be aware of any
environmental controls that are applicable to your workplace, and to be in compliance with those
regulations.

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ACTIVITY 4-1
Discussing Basic Maintenance Tools and
Techniques

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine the various tools and techniques used to maintain computer
equipment and the workplace environment.

1. You are asked to correct a network cabling problem at a customer site. Which set of tools would be best
suited for the task?
○ Phillips screwdriver (#0), torx driver (size T8, T10, and T15), tweezers, and a three-prong retriever
◉ Wire strippers, precision wire cutters, digital cable tester, and cable crimper with dies
○ Chip extractor, chip inserter, ratchet, and Allen wrench
○ Anti-static cleaning wipes, anti-static wrist band, flashlight, and cotton swabs

2. You suspect that contaminants from the environment have prevented the fan on a PC from working
optimally. Which set of tools would be best suited to fix the problem?
○ Phillips screwdriver (#0), torx driver (size T8, T10, and T15), tweezers, and a three-prong retriever
○ Wire strippers, precision wire cutters, digital multimeter, and cable crimper with dies
○ Chip extractor, chip inserter, ratchet, and Allen wrench
◉ Anti-static cleaning wipes, anti-static wrist band, flashlight, and cotton swabs

3. True or False? Windows includes software diagnostic tests that help you find and correct hardware
problems.
☑ True
☐ False

4. Examine the tools that are available to you in class. Discuss how and when they may be used to repair,
fix, or maintain computer equipment.

Facilitate a discussion of
the tools that you have
provided, and ask
participants to suggest
other tools that might be
helpful and that they
would want to include in
a "Dream Toolkit."

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TOPIC B
Personal and Electrical Safety
In the previous topic, you identified basic maintenance tools and techniques that you will use as a
PC technician. In addition to these basic maintenance practices, you need to be aware of specific
tools and techniques that are available to promote electrical safety. In this topic, you will identify the
best practices for PC technicians to follow to promote electrical safety.
The most prevalent physical hazards that computer technicians face are electrical hazards. Electricity
is necessary to run a computer, but it can also damage sensitive computer equipment, and in some
cases, pose a danger to humans. Following established best practices for promoting electrical safety
will protect not only the computer equipment that you work on, but also your personal safety and
the safety of others.

Static Electricity
Static electricity is a build-up of electrical potential energy that is caused by bringing two different
materials into contact. Rubbing those materials together increases the frequency of the contact, and
Static Electricity
this produces static electricity through triboelectric generation. When two materials are in contact, one
can attract more electrons than the other. Separate the materials, and some electrons can transfer to
the material that attracts them most strongly. That leaves one material with extra electrons (and
negatively charged) and the other material with fewer electrons (and positively charged). This
Point out that static accumulated imbalance of charges on an object is static electricity.
electricity is an
imbalance of electrons. Note: Static charges can be as small as the sparks that come off a dry blanket in the wintertime
or as massive as a lightning strike, with its millions of volts.

ESD
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when a path is created that allows electrons to rush from a
statically charged body to another with an unequal charge. The electricity is released with a spark.
ESD
The charge follows the path of least resistance, so it can occur between an electrical ground, such as
a doorknob or a computer chassis, and a charged body, such as a human hand. ESD can damage
sensitive computer equipment.
Point out that you can
Because air has very high resistance, a static electric discharge usually requires contact with the
see a spark at 8,000 V, statically charged object. For a static discharge to arc through the air, it requires a very high voltage,
but a circuit can be and no other path to the ground with lower resistance. You can feel a static discharge starting at
damaged by as little as around 3,000 volts (V). The drier the air, the greater the resistance, which is why static shocks on dry
10 to 100 V. winter days can fall within the range of 10,000 to 20,000 V. Keeping a room humidified is one way
to reduce the risk of static electricity.
If 120 V from a household electrical outlet can kill you, why does a static spark of 20,000 V just
startle you? Because, while the voltage might be high, the current is very low; very few total
electrons are transferred in a static spark. All the energy of all the electrons in a spark added together
cannot hurt you, even though it may surprise you. Each electron in a static discharge has extremely
high energy, but the human body is just too big for the very small number of electrons involved in
the spark to cause widespread damage. A few cells in your fingertip may be damaged, but they easily
grow back.

ESD Prevention Techniques

ESD Prevention Charges as low as 10 to 100 V can damage or destroy sensitive electronic circuits and components.
Techniques This is why ESD is such an enemy of integrated circuits. Static charges can build up on both

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conductors and insulators, as well as in the human body. When you work with computer equipment,
you must take steps to protect against ESD.
There are several prevention techniques that you can use to protect yourself and equipment when
you are working with computer components.

Prevention Technique Description

Eliminate activities and By eliminating unnecessary activities that create static charges and by
tasks removing unnecessary materials that are known charge generators, you
can protect against ESD-related damage and injuries.
Use self-grounding Use grounding conductive materials and self-grounding methods before
methods touching electronic equipment. You can prevent ESD injuries by using
ESD straps that can be attached to your ankle or wrist.
Use equipment Grounding equipment made up of dissipative material can also be used to
grounding methods avoid a static shock. A dissipative material is a conductor, but with high
resistance. It loses its electrical charge slowly, so when you touch it, the
electron flow is spread over time and you do not feel a shock. Prevent
ESD damage to equipment by:
• Using anti-static vacuums for cleaning computer components (such
as system units, power supplies, and fans).
• Using ESD mats and materials such as electric grounded flooring,
work benches, or surfaces.
• Using anti-static bags to store computer components that are
particularly sensitive to ESD, such as RAM and power supplies.
Maintain air quality You can maintain air quality and prevent a high-ESD work environment
by:
• Using an air ionizer, which releases negative ions into the air. They
attract positively charged particles and form neutrally charged
particles.
• Humidifying the air to speed up the static discharge from
components. When the air is extremely dry, more static is likely. A
higher humidity is best for ESD prevention. A rate of 50 to 60
percent is comfortable for both computers and technicians.

Anti-static Bags
Anti-static bags that are used for shipping components actually conduct electricity, so keep them
away from equipment that is powered on.

ESD Tools
Some people who work on computer equipment never use a single piece of ESD safety equipment.
They discharge themselves by touching an unpainted metal part of the computer case before
touching any components. In other instances, a company policy might require that you use a ESD Tools
properly equipped ESD-free work area. The minimum equipment in this case would be a grounded
wrist ESD strap. Other ESD-protection equipment includes leg ESD straps, anti-static pads to
cover the work surface, and grounded floor ESD mats to stand on. The mats contain a snap that
you connect to the wrist or leg strap. Anti-static bags for storing components might also be included
in an ESD toolkit. If the technician's clothing has the potential to produce static charges, an ESD
smock, which covers from the waist up, can be helpful.
To ensure that the ESD equipment remains effective, you should test it frequently. A minor shock
that you cannot feel can compromise ESD-sensitive equipment.

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Figure 4-5: An ESD-free workspace.

EMI
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) occurs when a magnetic field builds up around one electrical circuit
and interferes with the signal being carried on an adjacent circuit, causing network communication
EMI
interference issues. All current-carrying devices generate magnetic fields, and fluctuating magnetic
fields generate electrical current in nearby wires. While ESD is the primary electrical danger to
computer equipment, EMI also causes problems with microcomputer circuitry and data
transmissions between computing devices.
EMI-related issues can also be a result of magnets being placed too close to computer systems.
Magnets can be harmful to computer components, and components should not be placed in close
proximity to any magnets or items that contain magnets. It's important that you inform users to
keep magnets away from their computer equipment.

Electrical Hazards
Because computers are powered by electricity, there are some common potential electrical hazards
that you should be aware of when you are servicing them.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazard Description

Electric shock If you touch a high-voltage source, and if you are either grounded or in
contact with another electrical circuit, your body may complete an electrical
circuit, permitting electrons to flow through you. Water is a better
conductor than air or dry skin, so touching an electrical contact with wet
hands reduces resistance and increases the current flow even more.
Depending on the conditions, this may cause pain, burns, or even death.

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Electrical Hazard Description

Electrocution (fatal Electrocution results when the body is exposed to a lethal amount of
shock) electrical energy. For death to occur, the body must become part of an
active electrical circuit with a current capable of overstimulating the
nervous system or damaging internal organs. The extent of injuries received
depends on the current’s magnitude (measured in amperes), the pathway
through the body, and the duration of flow. The resulting damage to the
human body and the emergency medical treatment determine the outcome.
Burns Contact with a source of electrical energy can cause external and internal
burns. Exposure to higher voltages will normally result in burns at the sites
where the electrical current entered and exited the body. High-voltage
contact burns may display only small superficial injuries; however, the
danger of these deep burns is destruction of internal tissues.
Electricity can hurt you even if you are careful and avoid becoming part of
an electrical ground circuit. The heat generated by an electric arc or
electrical equipment can burn your skin or set your clothes on fire.
Collateral injuries Collateral injuries occur when involuntary muscle contractions caused by
the shock cause the body to fall or come in contact with sharp edges or
electrically live parts. You instinctively pull your hand back from the
doorknob when you get a static shock. Electricity flowing through your
body can also cause your muscles to twitch uncontrollably. These motions
can cause you to hurt yourself on objects around you.

Power Supplies and Electrical Hazards

Most of the internal circuitry in a computer is low voltage (12 V or less) and low current, so there is
not much of a threat to your personal safety. However, there are exceptions to this, and these
exceptions can be very dangerous. The main exceptions that you need to be aware of are power
supplies. The computer’s power supply outputs a relatively low voltage, but the high-voltage input
can be hazardous. PC technicians who have diagnosed a bad power supply should simply replace it,
rather than open it to troubleshoot the internal components.

Laser Printer Electrical Safety

Laser printers contain high-voltage electronic components inside the case, and these components
can be harmful if not handled properly. Components such as the rollers and wires can hold a charge,
and you should avoid contact with them. Follow proper cleanup and safety guidelines to prevent
electrical shock when you are working with laser printers.

ESD and Electrical Hazards

All of the precautions that you use to prevent ESD increase your danger when you work near high Laser printer
voltages. An anti-static wrist band is specifically designed to provide a low-resistance path for maintenance guidelines
electricity to a ground. If there were ground problems or shorts, your body and your static will be covered in detail
protection equipment could provide a path from the problem device to ground—the circuit would later in the course.
be completed through your body, causing electrocution.
This is precisely why you must unplug devices that you are servicing. Even when devices are turned
off, the power supplies in most devices continue to produce voltage if the device is plugged into an
outlet. You and your anti-static devices could provide a better path to ground than the device’s
wiring, leading to your electrocution. If there is a chance of coming in contact with a high-voltage
source, you are advised to insulate yourself from ground by wearing rubber-soled shoes or standing
on a rubber mat, and avoiding contact with any other grounded mass.

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Power Inverter Electrical Safety

A power inverter converts direct current (DC) voltage to AC voltage. For example, you can use a
power inverter in a car to provide a normal wall-style outlet for a laptop. The power inverter unit
has no user-serviceable parts within it, so after you determine that the inverter is a problem, there is
no need for further diagnosis and troubleshooting; the unit must be replaced.

Equipment Grounding
Grounding is the connection of a shield or conductor to an electrical ground point, such as a pipe or
wire that is in contact with the ground. Grounding at one point in a segment helps prevent noise on
Equipment Grounding
the data conductor by shunting noise signals to ground. Connecting to ground at multiple points can
introduce noise onto the line, degrading network performance.

As you discuss the

concept of grounding,
consider describing the
path that electrons take
as they make their way
to the Earth.

Figure 4-6: Grounding using a shelf frame.

Electrical devices often must be connected to a ground point for safety. In these situations, the
ground connection serves as a way to direct high voltages safely away from humans and other
devices, sending them instead into the ground.
You should ground networking and other sensitive electronic equipment to dedicated ground points
rather than to pipes and conduits. Electricians refer to this sort of ground connection as an isolated
ground and will use an orange socket for such circuits.

Personal and Electrical Safety Precautions

Working on a computer can be safe and enjoyable if you protect yourself from electrical hazards by
using some common sense and by taking appropriate precautions.
Personal and Electrical
Safety Precautions

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Category Guidelines

Personal safety • Make sure that you disconnect the power before repairing computer
equipment.
• Do not attempt repair work when you are tired; you may make careless
mistakes, and your primary diagnostic tool, deductive reasoning, will not be
operating at full capacity.
• Do not assume anything without checking it out for yourself.
• Remove jewelry or other articles that could accidentally contact circuitry
and conduct current.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes to insulate yourself from ground.
• After turning off the device and removing the power source, press the
power button again to drain any residual power.
Environment • Suspend work during an electrical storm.
conditions • Do not handle electrical equipment when your hands or feet are wet or
when you are standing on a wet surface. Perform as many tests as possible
with the power off.
Anti-static • Prevent static electricity from damaging components by standing on a
equipment totally insulated rubber mat to increase the resistance of the path to
ground. In some cases, workstations are located in areas with grounded
floors and workbenches, so static electricity has a low-resistance, non-
destructive path to ground.
• When removing circuit boards, place them on a dissipative ground mat or
put them in an anti-static bag.
• Use an anti-static wrist strap when you are handling static-sensitive
components such as system boards, sound cards, and memory chips.
Disassembly safety • After cleaning a component, be completely sure it is dry before powering it
up.
• Label wires and connectors as you detach them, and make sure that you
plug them back into the proper sockets in the proper order.
• When you replace the computer's case, make sure that all of the wires are
inside. The case may have sharp edges that can cut through exposed
cables.
Power supply • Power supplies have a high voltage in them any time the computer is
safety plugged in, even if the computer power is turned off. Before you start
working inside the computer case, disconnect the power cord and press
the power button to dissipate any remaining power in the system circuitry.
Leave the power off until you are done servicing the system unit.
• Never stick anything into the power supply fan to get it to rotate. This
approach does not work, and it is dangerous.

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Category Guidelines
Electrical fire Electrical fires in computer facilities are especially dangerous. The damage
safety done to computers is extremely expensive, and the chemicals used in the
machines may emit toxic substances. It is not practical to fight these fires with
small extinguishers or to douse fires with water. Special gases should be used
to extinguish fires in computer facilities. To prevent electrical fires:
• Check the electrical wiring of computer systems and components regularly.
• Implement a strategy to make sure any old, worn, or damaged cables,
network appliances, and computer systems are checked and replaced
regularly.
• Verify that smoke detectors are installed to sense the presence of smoke.
• Use heat sensors that are triggered either when a target temperature is
reached or when there is a high rate of increase in temperature.
• Use flame detectors with optical sensors to record incoming radiation at
selected wavelengths.
Commercial fire detection systems should be connected to a central reporting
station where the location of the suspected fire is indicated. In some cases, the
detection system or monitoring station is connected directly to a fire
department.

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ACTIVITY 4-2
Discussing Personal and Electrical Safety Issues

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify electrical safety issues.

1. True or False? If you are using an anti-static ESD floor mat, you do not need any other ESD safety
equipment.
☐ True
☑ False

2. Electrical injuries include electrocution, shock, and collateral injury. Would you be injured if you are not
part of the electrical ground current?
A: Yes, you could receive a thermal burn from the head of an electric arc or electric equipment. Your
clothes can catch on fire, or your skin can be burned.

3. Which computer component presents the most danger from electrical shock?
○ System boards
○ Hard drives
◉ Power supplies
○ System unit

4. Have you had any personal experience with any of the electrical hazards covered in this topic? What
safety precautions could have prevented the incident?
A: Answers will vary depending on individual experiences. Common precautions include
disconnecting a computer from the electrical outlet or power strip before servicing it, using anti-
static equipment to protect computer components, and implementing smoke and flame detectors
to alert you of electrical fires.

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TOPIC C
Environmental Safety and Materials Handling
In the previous topic, you identified best practices for safely dealing with electricity. Electrical safety
is just one factor that you need to consider to ensure a safe work area. In this topic, you will identify
best practices for promoting environmental safety and proper materials handling.
In addition to electrical issues, there are other environmental issues that computer technicians must
deal with on a regular basis. The health and safety of you and those around you should always be
your highest priority. Recognizing potential environmental hazards and properly dealing with them
in a safe manner is a critical responsibility for an A+ technician.

Environmental Considerations
Certain environmental conditions can be extremely dangerous to you and those around you.

Consideration Description and Controls

Environmental
Considerations Ozone gas Laser printers produce ozone gas, usually when the corona wire produces an
electrical discharge during printing. Depending on the levels, ozone can be a
mild-to-severe irritant. Regulatory agencies have established limits regarding
the amount of ozone that employees can be exposed to. Be sure that your
laser printers operate in a well-ventilated area. Some laser printers have a
filter to control ozone emissions.
Temperature and Computer equipment and performance are both affected by temperatures
humidity and humidity levels.
• Too much moisture can be problematic and cause physical damage to
equipment. On the other hand, low humidity can contribute to more
electrostatic charge into the air. High humidity levels can also have an
effect on tapes and paper media.
• Extreme temperatures can also be an issue. Low temperatures can cause
condensation on computer system components that generate heat while
turned on, while high temperatures can cause the components to
overheat. Proper ventilation systems must be used to help prevent
overheating of computer systems.
Be aware of the humidity level and temperatures of the environment where
devices will be installed and running to prevent these types of issues.
Dust and debris Dust can be a more subtle hazard. The buildup of dust particles over time
can cause problems with different types of equipment. Dust buildup causes
resistance in moving parts, such as fans, drives, and printer motors. Dust
buildup on circuit boards, heat sinks, and vents creates insulation that
reduces heat dissipation. Dusting equipment often with compressed air and
vacuums can prevent these types of issues. Make sure that printers and paper
products are kept in a separate area from computer equipment to prevent
paper dust from getting into the equipment.

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Consideration Description and Controls

Airborne particles The conditions surrounding computer equipment can be an issue when there
is a large number of airborne particles flowing in and around various devices.
Contaminants can be either gaseous, such as ozone; particles, such as dust; or
organic, which comes from industrial processing of fossil fuels, plastics, etc.
All these contaminants can cause damage to computer equipment, such as
corrosion and overheating. To protect your computing environment and
yourself from airborne particles, you can:
• Install computer equipment enclosures that will prevent contaminants
from entering the devices.
• Install air filters throughout the facility to catch excess particles as the air
flows through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
system.
• Consider using safety goggles and an air filter mask to prevent particles
from entering your eyes and lungs.

Workplace Safety Issues

Various workplace situations can be a hazard to you and your coworkers.

Safety Issue Description

Workplace Safety Issues
Falling and Within your work area alone, a number of things can cause you to fall or trip. (2 Slides)
tripping While working with computer equipment, you need to keep in mind the
location of hardware, cables, and devices. If cords and cables must traverse a
floor area where people need to walk, it is recommended that cord protectors
be used to shield the cords and cables from being damaged by pedestrian
traffic, as well as to minimize the chance of someone tripping on the cords
and cables.
You can also use cable management techniques and tools to group and
organize cables together to keep them out of the way and hidden from the
general working space.
Equipment storage CPUs and other hardware should not be stacked on top of one another. Make
sure the equipment is secure, whether it is on the floor or on a desk or shelf.
Component Whenever you are handling computer equipment, you must follow the proper
handling and handling guidelines. Use an anti-static bag to store any computer component
protection that can carry ESD. For example, when you are removing or replacing RAM,
motherboards, or CPUs from inside a computer, immediately place the
component in an anti-static bag until it is either replaced or disposed of.

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Safety Issue Description

Lasers Lasers are used in printers, CD drives, DVD drives, and Blu-ray drives and
players. Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission
of Radiation. A laser produces an intense, directional beam of light by
stimulating electronic or molecular transitions to lower energy levels. This
powerful beam can cause damage to the human eye or skin. Lasers have many
uses and, like other tools, are capable of causing injury if improperly used. The
most likely injury is a thermal burn that will destroy retinal tissue in the eye.
Because retinal tissue does not regenerate, the injury is permanent.
Precautions include the following:
• Never point a laser beam in someone’s eyes.
• Never look directly at a laser beam.
• Never disable safety mechanisms when servicing a device with an
embedded laser.
Repetitive strain Repetitive strain injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves
injury (RSI) caused by overuse or misuse. Any or all of the following symptoms may
appear in any order and at any stage in the development of an injury of RSI:
• Aching, tenderness, and swelling
Point out that thumb • Pain, crackling, and tingling
problems have become
a problem with people
• Numbness and loss of strength
who spend a lot of time • Loss of joint movement and decreased coordination
creating text messages If an individual has even mild RSI symptoms, action should be taken. Rest,
on cell phones. medication, therapy, or even surgery might be prescribed to RSI sufferers. The
best treatment for RSI, of course, is prevention through proper arrangement
of computer workstations and reasonable project design.
Eye strain Many computer tasks are done at a close working distance, requiring the eyes
to maintain active focusing. This can cause stress and strain on the eyes and
the muscles that control them. A very common health problem reported by
users of computer monitors is eye strain. Symptoms include blurred vision,
difficulty focusing, double vision, tiredness, headaches, and burning, sore, or
itchy eyes.
A vision examination is recommended. A specific eyeglass prescription for
computer use may help compensate for the strain involved in looking at a
close and fixed point for periods of time.
Dry eyes can also be a concern for computer operators. The eye surface
becomes dry because computer users tend to blink less and tears evaporate
faster during monitor use. Symptoms associated with dry eyes are redness,
burning, and excess tearing.
Artificial tears—used to supplement the eye’s natural tear film and lubricate
the dry surface—alleviate dry-eye symptoms for some computer users.
Noise Noise levels produced by computers and most printers are well below those
that cause adverse health effects. The equipment has minor noise sources such
as the hum of cooling fans and the clicking of keys. Excessive noise from a
computer may indicate an internal malfunction. Certain industrial high-speed
line printers may produce noise at a level which is uncomfortable for
prolonged exposure; in these cases, sound-deadening covers are often used, or
the printers are placed in areas well away from operators.

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Safety Issue Description

Hot components Hot computer components within the system unit can be problematic. For
example, any component carrying a high electrical voltage can get very hot and
could cause burns. High-speed processors are also known heat generators;
heat sinks and fans keep them cool enough to prevent a burnout, but they
may still be uncomfortably hot to touch. You must exercise caution when
working with any part of a computer or printer that may be hot to the touch,
or that might be holding an electrical charge.
Food and drink Eating and drinking around computer equipment can be problematic. Food
particles and liquids can get inside and harm the inner mechanics of the
hardware. Your employer may have policies in place that prohibit eating and
drinking around computer equipment for these reasons.
Moving equipment Lifting and moving computer equipment can be one of the more strenuous
parts of your job. For example, when you need to work on a CPU, you may
have to lift and relocate the machine to your work area. Always assess the
situation first to determine if you can lift or move items safely.
Before lifting anything:
• Know your own strengths and weaknesses. You need to be aware of what
your weight limitations are, as well as any weight limitations set forth in
your job description.
• When you lift, use proper lifting techniques. Bend at your knees and not at
your waist. This will prevent strain on your back muscles and pressure on
your spine.
• Assess the equipment you are moving. If you feel that physically the
equipment is too heavy or awkward for you to move alone, then get help
from a coworker, or use a cart to relocate the equipment. If you use a cart,
make sure the equipment is tightly secured during transport.
• The equipment may be unstable for lifting. You may need to take special
precautions and may require help moving it to a cart.
• Equipment should never be stacked too high while moving to avoid
hardware falling and breaking on the floor. This can cause damage to other
devices or to you.
• Plan ahead. While moving equipment from one area to another, be aware
of narrow doorways or columns that you will encounter on the way. Also,
make sure to prep the space before delivering the equipment so that you
are not trying to reconfigure the space with all the equipment in the way.

Laser Safety Standards

To provide a basis for laser safety, standards are established for Maximum Permissible Exposure
(MPE). Lasers and laser systems and devices are grouped into four classes:
• Class 1 lasers do not emit harmful levels of radiation and are exempt from control measures.
• Class 2 lasers are capable of creating eye damage if viewed directly for extended periods of time;
this class includes bar code readers.
• Class 3 lasers pose severe eye hazards when viewed through optical instruments (for example,
microscopes) or with the naked eye.
• Class 4 lasers pose danger to eyes and skin, and are fire hazards.
Frequently, lasers are embedded in laser products or systems with a lower hazard rating. For
example, laser printers, CD drives, and DVD drives are Class 1 laser products; however, they
contain Class 3 or Class 4 lasers. When the printer or drive is used as intended, the controls for the
device’s class (Class 1) apply. When the system is opened—for example, for service—and the

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embedded laser beam is accessible, precautions must be based on the classification of the embedded
laser (Class 3 or 4).
Precautions include the following:
• Never point a laser beam in someone’s eyes.
• Never look directly at a laser beam.
• Never disable safety mechanisms when servicing a device with an embedded laser.

General Power Issues

Power issues can cause a number of problems for computer equipment and the working
environment. Computer equipment, printers, network devices, and other resources require power,
General Power Issues
so any disruption in electricity will present a number of issues. There are several power problems
that can occur.

Power Problem Description

Another term students
might encounter is in- Blackout A blackout involves a complete loss of power.
rush, which is a surge or
spike caused when
Brownout A brownout is a temporary power reduction that is often used by electrical
devices that use a large power companies to deal with high power demands. It is called a brownout
amount of current are because the lights dim during the event.
started.
Sag A sag is a momentary low-voltage power failure.
Spike A spike is a very short increase in the electrical supply voltage or current
carried on any wire such as a power line, phone lines, and network lines.
Usually lasts only a few milliseconds.
Surge A surge is a sudden sharp increase in voltage or current that can last up to 50
microseconds.

Power Protection Systems

There are several protection systems that can restore power to some operational capacity, decrease
failures, or monitor power sources.
Power Protection
Systems Power Protection Description
System

UPS or battery An uninterruptible power supply (UPS), also referred to as a battery backup, is a
backup device that continues to provide power to connected circuits when the main
source of power becomes unavailable. Depending on the design, UPSs can
be battery operated, AC powered, or both. They are meant for temporary use
and are intended to support computer systems until they can be powered off
normally. Power is likely to be interrupted when the batteries or other power
sources are discharged.
Generators A generator creates its own electricity through the use of motors. Generators
provide long-term power and are often started while a UPS system supports
equipment through the initial power loss. Generators can fail when motor
fuel runs out or when a mechanical failure occurs.
Surge suppressor A surge suppressor is a device that provides power protection circuits that can
reduce or eliminate the impact of surges and spikes.

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UPS Types
Depending on the needs of an organization, different types of UPSs might be used. Common types
include:
• A standby UPS, which is primarily AC-powered, until the power source fails. When the power
source fails, it switches to the backup power source or battery. This UPS is used most often with
personal computers.
• A line interactive UPS is commonly used in smaller business settings to provide power through a
constant AC connection. When the AC power fails, the inverter switches to battery power. This
UPS is unique in that while the AC power is available, it is used to also charge the battery.

Liquid Hazards
There are many different professional situations when you may come in contact with a hazardous
liquid. Some such compounds are used to clean or condition equipment, including the computer’s
case, adapter card contacts and connections, and glass surfaces. They may present safety or Liquid Hazards
environmental problems. Make sure you read the labels and follow the instructions carefully when
you are disposing of hazardous materials.

Chemical Hazards
Working with personal computers can cause you to come in contact with some chemical hazards.

Chemical Hazard Description

Chemical Hazards
Laser printer toner Made of fine particles of iron and plastic, toner presents its own set of
problems due to its reactions with heat. If you spill toner, do not clean it up
with a regular vacuum; the particles will get into the motor and melt. Do not
use warm water to wash toner off your hands or arms; the toner could fuse to
your skin. Instead, brush off as much as you can with a dry paper towel, rinse
with cold water, and then wash with cold water and soap. In addition, do not
use ammonia-based cleaners on or around laser printers, as the ammonia may
react chemically with the toner.
Batteries Batteries maintain the data in complementary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) chips and supply power to remote controls, portable computers, and
other devices. These batteries may contain mercury, cadmium, and lithium, as
well as other dangerous chemicals.
Capacitors Capacitors store electricity by using two or more conducting plates separated
by an insulator. There are capacitors in various personal computer
components, including microprocessors. The electrolytes in capacitors are
very caustic; treat them as you would any hazardous chemical. Thoroughly
wash your hands after handling ruptured capacitors.

Caution: The capacitors in power supplies and monitors do not discharge when they are turned
off or unplugged, and contain enough charge to kill you. Do not open or attempt to service
internal components of power supplies or monitors.

MSDS Documentation
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a technical bulletin that is designed to give users and
emergency personnel information about the proper procedures for the storage and handling of a
hazardous substance. This applies to any situation in which an employee is exposed to a chemical MSDS Documentation
under normal use conditions or in the event of an emergency. The manufacturers supply MSDSs
with the first shipment to a new customer and with any shipment after the MSDS is updated with

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significant and new information about safety hazards. You can get MSDSs online; the Internet has a
wide range of free resources. OSHA regulations govern the use of MSDSs and the information an
MSDS must contain.

Figure 4-7: An MSDS.

Required Information in an MSDS

Every MSDS is required to include information about the following items:
• Physical data
• Toxicity
• Health effects
• First aid
• Reactivity
• Storage
• Safe-handling and use precautions
• Disposal
• Protective equipment
• Spill/leak procedures

Incident Reports
An incident report is a record of any instance where a person is injured or computer equipment is
Incident Reports damaged due to environmental issues. The report is also used for accidents involving hazardous

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materials, such as chemical spills, that could have an impact on the environment. Any time an
accident occurs at a work site, you should submit an incident report. Reporting these occurrences is
often part of company policy and can help provide protection against liability.

Figure 4-8: Sample incident report.

Hazardous Materials Handling and Disposal

Proper disposal of hazardous materials is an essential part of maintaining a safe work environment.

Hazardous Material Disposal Recommendations

Hazardous Materials
Liquid cleaning Follow your company's guidelines for disposing of liquid cleaning Handling and Disposal
materials and empty materials and their containers. Each municipality has its own disposal
containers regulations that you must learn and follow. You can find out about these
regulations by contacting your local government's environmental office or
department for trash disposal and recycling.
Toner Empty toner cartridges should not be discarded in the trash because of
the damage that the residual chemicals can do to the environment. Used
toner cartridges should be refilled or returned to the manufacturer for
recycling and/or disposal. Follow your company's guidelines for disposal
procedures.
Display devices The CRTs in older computer monitors contain lead, which is considered a
hazardous material. Follow your company's guidelines for disposing of
display devices. Many municipalities have regulations for disposal and
recycling of old monitors and television sets; contact your local
government's environmental office or department for trash disposal and
recycling to determine if there are specific rules you need to follow.

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Hazardous Material Disposal Recommendations

Ozone filter Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement and disposal
of a laser printer's ozone filter.
Batteries Used batteries should not be discarded in the trash; they should be
recycled or disposed of following your company's guidelines.

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ACTIVITY 4-3
Discussing Environmental Safety and Materials
Handling

Scenario
In this activity, you will identify the best practices for promoting environmental safety and proper
handling of materials.

1. You are on a service call, and you accidentally spill some liquid cleaner on the user's work surface.
What actions should you take?
☑ Refer to the MSDS for procedures to follow when the material is spilled.
☐ Wipe it up with a paper towel and dispose of the paper towel in the user's trash container.
☑ Report the incident.

2. Ozone is classified as an environmental hazard. Which device produces ozone gas?

◉ Laser printer
○ CPU
○ Laptop
○ Power supply

3. What item reacts with heat and ammonia-based cleaners to present a workplace hazard?
○ Capacitor
○ Laser
◉ Toner
○ Battery

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TOPIC D
Professionalism and Communication
So far in this lesson, you have identified best practices for working directly with computer
equipment. On almost every service call, you will also need to interact with users who are
experiencing problems. In this topic, you will identify best practices for PC technicians to use to
communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues and to conduct business in a professional
manner.
You are a representative of your profession, as well as your company. Working with customers is a
fundamental job duty for every A+ technician. How you conduct yourself will have a direct and
significant impact on the satisfaction of your customers, and your level of professionalism and
communication skills can directly affect whether or not you will do business with them again.

Communication Skills
Using the proper communication skills when dealing with clients and colleagues creates a
professional environment that is conducive to solving the problem at hand. Some of the
Communication Skills
communication techniques you should master include:
• Use proper language. Avoid the use of jargon, acronyms, and slang when applicable.
• Maintain a positive attitude and project confidence.
• Actively listen to the customer. This might include taking notes and avoiding interrupting the
customer.
• Be culturally sensitive to the customer. In some cases this can include the use of appropriate
professional titles. Also, different cultures define personal space differently, so be aware of how
close or far you are from the customer.
• Be on time. If you are unavoidably detained, contact the customer to let them know you will be
late. In some cases you will need to reschedule your appointment with the customer.
• Avoid distractions. This includes not taking personal calls, texting, or visiting social media sites
while with a customer. Also, avoid talking to co-workers while interacting with customers or
letting personal interruptions affect the client interaction.
• Deal appropriately with a customer's confidential and private materials. This includes items
located on their computer, on their desk, on a printer, or elsewhere.
When you meet with a customer, be sure that the expectations and timeline are set and met. If
resolution of the issue is going to take a considerable amount of time, be sure to communicate the
status of the issue with the customer. You might need to offer different repair or replacement
options if the user is going to be without their device for awhile. Always provide the proper
documentation on the services you provide to the customer. Be sure to follow up with the customer
at a later date to verify their satisfaction with your work and that the issue has been successfully
resolved.
Some customers or situations are more intense than others. A customer might become difficult if
you cannot instantly resolve their problem. When dealing with a difficult customer or situation:
• Do not argue with the customer or be defensive.
• Avoid dismissing customer problems.
• Clarify customer statements by asking open ended questions to help narrow the scope of the
problem. You should consider restating the issue or question back to the customer to verify
understanding.
• Do not disclose experiences via social media sites.

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ACTIVITY 4-4
Discussing Professionalism and Communication
Techniques

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine different professionalism and communication techniques.

1. Select the correct response.

Which is a good example of listening skills?

○ Maintain a neat and clean appearance.
○ Keep sensitive customer information to yourself.
○ Interrupt the customer to ask for more details.
○ Let your eyes wander around the room as the customer is speaking.
◉ Allow the customer to complete statements without interrupting.

2. You have received an off-site service call to service a network printer at a customer location. When you
arrive, the user is at the printer and starts talking about how the printer is not working properly, and he
cannot get his reports handed in on time. As a result, you start asking more clarifying questions to
gather more information, so you can identify the specific issue with the printer. What type of technique
are you using to gather information?
○ Passive listening
○ Non-verbal communication
◉ Active listening

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TOPIC E
Organizational Policies and Procedures
In the last topic, you identified best practices for communicating appropriately with customers.
You'll also need to deal appropriately with management, particularly when it comes to established
protocols for the use and care of computing devices. In this topic, you will identify common
organizational policies and procedures that deal with computer use.
By identifying common organizational policies and procedures that deal with computer use, you will
be more capable of dealing with compliance issues as they arise and protecting organizational
resources.

Organizational Policies and Procedures of Appropriate Use

Organizational policies are documents that convey the corporate guidelines and philosophy to
employees. Policies can be either high-level corporate documents distributed to the entire
AUP
organization, or lower-level operational documents that affect only certain departments, divisions,
individuals, or roles in an organization. For example, most organizations will have an acceptable use
policy (AUP) that includes practices and guidelines that management expects all employees to follow
when they are using and accessing company-owned computer equipment and information-related
resources.

E
AT
IC
PL
DU
T
NO
6
DO

Figure 4-9: An AUP.

Prohibited Content and Activities

As an A+ technician, you may come across situations when you may encounter prohibited activities,
Prohibited Content and such as viewing pornography on work-issued devices by users either within your organization or by
Activities

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a customer. There are different levels of prohibited content, which can be described as distasteful,
inappropriate, or illegal.
Every organization will have different guidelines and restrictions based on the type of content. For
example, some organizations will discourage access to social networking sites, or websites that
contain questionable words or phrases, but will not explicitly forbid it. On the other hand,
restrictions on content or data that can be categorized as inappropriate or illegal, such as
pornography, will be enforced heavily, and accessing such content will have immediate
consequences.
In each of these cases, it is your responsibility to follow organizational procedure to report the
incident. When reporting potentially illegal activities, you must follow the organization's policy on
reporting, collecting, and documenting the specifics of the situation and what evidence was found.

Guidelines for Dealing with Prohibited Content and Activities

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for Dealing
Follow these guidelines to deal with prohibited content and activities. with Prohibited Content
and Activities
Identifying and Reporting Prohibited Content
The process of identifying and reporting prohibited content or activities can be complicated,
especially when an organization does not have sufficient policies and documented guidelines. There
are some fundamental methods that can be applied to help properly report, document, and resolve
issues.

Phase Description

First response First response refers to the immediate actions that follow an incident, as well as
the individual or individuals who perform these actions. There are a few
actions that take place during the first response to an incident:
• Identifying the data and/or hardware.
• Reporting the details of the discovery and evidence through the proper
channels. This will vary depending on the specific organization's policies
and reporting instructions.
• Preserving the data and/or device as evidence. This is also called computer
forensics.
Chain of custody The chain of custody is the record of tracking evidence from collection through
presentation in court. The evidence can be hardware components, electronic
data, or telephone systems. The chain of evidence reinforces the integrity and
proper custody of evidence from collection, to analysis, to storage, and
presentation in a court of law. Every person in the chain who handles evidence
must log and document the process, methods, and tools they used.
Documentation In the process of identifying and reporting incidents with prohibited content,
you should follow the organization's documented procedures to ensure that
you are carrying out the correct response tasks and guidelines. You must also
be aware of any changes made to the documentation so that you are always
following the right procedures in handling incidents, managing evidence, and
reporting findings to the appropriate individuals.

Removing Computers
When computer crimes are reported, one of the first response activities is removing computers from
the crime location. They are tagged with a chain of custody record to begin the process of making
the evidence secure for future presentation in court.

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Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is the practice of collecting and analyzing data from storage devices, computer
systems, networks, and wireless communications and presenting this information as a form of
Computer Forensics
evidence in a court of law. Primarily, forensics deals with the recovery and investigation of potential
evidence. Computer forensics is a fairly new field, so there is little standardization or consistency in
practicing it across organizations and courts. Basically, computer forensics is a blend of the elements
of law with computer science in analyzing evidence in a way that is permissible in the court of law.
Forensic response procedures for IT help security professionals collect data evidence in a form that
is admissible in a court of law.

Forensic Response Description

Procedure

Capture system image One of the most important steps in computer forensic evidence procedures
is to capture exact duplicates of the evidence, also known as forensic
images. This is accomplished by making a bit-for-bit copy of a piece of
media as an image file with high accuracy.
Examine network Attackers always leave behind traces; you just need to know how and where
traffic and logs to look. Logs record everything that happens in an intrusion prevention
system (IPS) or intrusion detection system (IDS), and in routers, firewalls,
servers, desktops, mainframes, applications, databases, antivirus software,
and virtual private networks (VPNs). With these logs, it is possible to
extract the identity of hackers and provide necessary evidence.
Capture video Video forensics is the method by which video is scrutinized for clues.
Tools for computer forensics are used in reassembling video to be used as
evidence in a court of law.
Record time offset The format in which time is recorded against a file activity, such as file
creation, deletion, last modified, and last accessed, has developed to
incorporate a local time zone offset against GMT. This makes it easier for
forensic examiners to determine the exact time the activity took place, even
if the computer is moved from one time zone to another or if the time
zone has deliberately been changed on a system.
Take hashes Federal law enforcement agencies and federal governments maintain a list
of files such as files relating to components of Microsoft® Windows® and
other application software. The hash codes generated by a file or software
can be compared to the list of known file hashes and hacker tools if any are
flagged or marked as unknown.
Take screenshots You should capture screenshots of each and every step of a forensic
procedure, especially when you are retrieving evidence by using a forensic
tool. This will ensure that data present on a compromised system is not
tampered with and also provides the court with proof of your use of valid
computer forensic methods while extracting the evidence.
Identify witnesses Courts generally accept evidence if it is seconded by the testimony of a
witness who observed the procedure by which the evidence was acquired.
A computer forensics expert witness is someone who has experience in
handling computer forensics tools and is able to establish the validity of
evidence.

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Forensic Response Description

Procedure
Track man hours and When the first incidents of computer crimes occurred, it would usually take
expense less than 40 man hours to complete a forensic investigation because
incidents usually involved single, standalone computers. Now, with
advances in technology and the advent of new digital media such as voice
recorders, cameras, laptop computers, and mobile devices, computer
forensics procedures can require a much greater amount of time and
expense. Also, the increase in storage device capacities and encryption
affect the amount of man hours that it can take to assess any damage, and
consequently increase the expenses incurred in any computer forensics
investigation. Capturing this expense is part of the overall damage
assessment for the incident.

Privacy
All organizations must consider their legal obligations, rights, liabilities, and limitations when
creating policies. Because incidents can potentially be prosecuted as technology crimes,
organizations must be prepared to work with civil authorities when investigating, reporting, and Privacy
resolving each incident. Information security practices must comply with legal requirements that are
documented in other departmental policies, such as human resources. A company's response to any
incident must conform to the company's legal limitations as well as the civil rights of individuals
involved.
Legal issues can affect different parties within each organization.

Affected Party Legal Considerations

Employees • Who is liable for misuse of email and Internet resources—the

organization, the employee, or both?
• What is the extent of liability for an organization for criminal acts
committed by its employees?
• What rights to privacy do employees have regarding electronic
communications?
Customers • What customer data is considered private and what is considered public?
• How will a company protect the privacy and confidentiality of customer
information?
Business partners • Who is liable if the data resides in one location and processing takes
place in another location?
• Who is responsible for the security and privacy of the information
transmitted between an organization and a business partner—the sender
or the receiver?

PII
One of the more common types of information that is protected by organizational policies is
personally identifiable information (PII). Personally identifiable information (PII) is any information that
can be used by itself or in combination with additional information as a way to identify, contact, or
find a single person, or to identify a particular individual by using the various pieces of information
together to determine the person's identity. The definition of what PII is can differ by legal
jurisdiction.

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Note: Although the abbreviation PII is widely accepted in the U.S., the phrase it abbreviates can
have four variations depending on the chosen forms of the words personal (or personally) and
identifiable (or identifying). These variants are not identical from a legal standpoint. Each term's
definition can change depending on the jurisdiction and the reason the term is being used.

PII can include a user's full name, fingerprints, license plate number, phone numbers, street address,
driver's license number, and so on.

Software Licensing
Most software has a software license agreement that allows the user to install and use the software
on a single computer. Unless the license explicitly states that the software can be used on more than
Software Licensing
one computer, installing it on additional computers is illegal. Also, be sure that you are buying
legitimate copies of the software and not bootlegged copies.
Two terms you often encounter when discussing licensing are Digital Rights Management (DRM)
and End User License Agreement (EULA). DRM is a copy protection method used for digital
content and devices. EULA is a legal contract specifying what the purchaser is allowed to do with
the software. Many users acknowledge the DRM and EULA as part of software installation without
actually reading the content of those two legally binding documents. Be sure you know what you are
agreeing to when you acknowledge those items.
Open source software is free to use, can be modified, and can be shared. Open source software
licenses approved by the Open Source Initiative state that the software meets the requirements of
being free, open to modification, and being shared. Many open source applications use the GNU
General Public License. The full content of the GNU GPL can be found at opensource.org/
licenses/GPL-3.0.
Commercial licenses can be found in both proprietary closed-source and open-source software.
Some software may be free to use for personal use, but if you want the software to be used in a
business, you might need to purchase the application or contact the publisher or author of the
software to make arrangements for its use.
A personal license for an application means that you can use the software for your own use, but not
for any commercial application of the software.
An Enterprise license might be available for applications and closed-source operating systems for
large organizations. These are often sold in increments of 50-100 users, 100-500 users, 1000-5000
users, and so forth. Enterprise licensing makes it easier for large organizations to make sure they are
in compliance with having enough licenses for all of their users without needing to purchase and
track individual licenses for each user.

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ACTIVITY 4-5
Discussing Organizational Policies and
Procedures

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine organizational policies and procedures as they relate to computers
and data.

1. Thinking about your organization's acceptable use policy, based on the information covered in this
course, do you feel any changes need to be made? Discuss your thoughts with the class.

2. Share any experiences you have had (or read about) where computer forensics was employed to deal
with prohibited content or activities.

3. Share with the class your experience with ensuring that software licensing policies are adhered to.

4. While answering a service call on a computer that is located in a common area of the office, you come
across information showing that some unauthorized websites have been viewed. The activity has been
linked to a particular user account. What is the appropriate action to take?
A: Answers will vary, but will most likely include referring to procedures and guidelines documented
by your specific organization and following the best practices used when responding to an
incident, such as first response procedures, chain of custody guidelines, and documenting the
entire incident.

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TOPIC F
Troubleshooting Theory
Often, computer technicians spend a large percentage of their time troubleshooting various software
and hardware components used in computers and printers. Before you can even begin to
troubleshoot a physical problem with a piece of hardware, you need to understand the basics of
troubleshooting and some best practices used. In this topic, you will apply troubleshooting theory.
The most elaborate toolkit and expensive diagnostic software can be useless if you do not have a
consistent plan of attack for solving problems. Even experienced technicians can sometimes
overlook obvious problems or solutions. Troubleshooting can be extremely challenging and not
always easy, but if you follow common best practices and basic troubleshooting procedures, you will
often be able to determine the specific cause of a problem, as well as possible solutions to the
problem.

The CompTIA Troubleshooting Theory

A logical, methodical approach to troubleshooting usually leads to quicker solutions, so there are
certain general factors that will apply in any troubleshooting situation.
Troubleshooting Theory
Factor Description

Identify the Identify the issue or problem. Ask questions and try to extrapolate key
Let students know that problem information that will help you identify any anomalies.
recreating an issue can Make sure to perform backups before making any changes. This will allow you
be one of the most
useful tools used by
to restore any information that may be lost during the troubleshooting process.
experienced Use open-ended questions when working with users to help identify the issue
troubleshooters. behind the symptoms. For example, instead of asking if the user can start the
computer, try asking what happens when the user tries to start the computer.
Use following questions to help identify the problem:
As you discuss the • Were you able to complete this task before? If not, maybe the system is simply
factors in this table, ask unable to perform the task without additional hardware or software.
participants to share any
experiences they have
• If you could do the task before, when did you notice there was an issue? If you can
with help desk identify what happened immediately before the problem, then it could lead
personnel, both as a you right to the issue.
user and as a • What types of changes have you noticed since the last time you completed this task? If
technician. Use the you cannot get a specific answer from the user, then you may need to
responses to generate follow up with a few more targeted questions such as "Did something get
discussion about basic added to the computer?" or "Did you follow the exact same procedure or
troubleshooting theory.
did you do this task differently?"
• Were error messages displayed? If you can get the exact text of any error
messages displayed, you can try searching the manufacturer’s website (or
just a general Internet search) to get an explanation of the message and to
see if any problem reports have been logged related to this message.

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Factor Description
Establish a theory Establish a theory. Verify anything that may seem too obvious. Make no
assumptions and check everything that may seem too simple and easy. Always
verify that components are plugged in, connected, and powered on.
Oftentimes, problems are the result of simple things.
• If applicable, try to re-create the issue so that you can experience it for
yourself and can see exactly what the results are. If you can, observe the
user as they complete the steps to verify that they are following the proper
procedures.
• Depending on the issue, develop a theory and determine how the problem
may be corrected. Use your personal experiences, refer to support websites
and online forums, and discuss theories with your colleagues to build
possible resolutions and how they may be implemented.
Test the theory Test the theory to determine the cause by testing related components;
inspecting connections, hardware and software configurations; and consulting
vendor documentation, to solve the problem or identify a likely solution.
Once the theory is confirmed, if the problem is not resolved, then determine
what the next steps will be. If the theory is not confirmed, then determine what
the next steps are to resolve the problem. In some cases, you may need to
escalate the issue to a designated party or individual.
Establish a plan Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
You may need to conduct further research and establish new ideas and
determine priorities. Research and planning may result in using a different
approach that may need detailed planning. You may also end up with more
than one plan depending on what the possible causes are, so prioritize and
execute each plan carefully. During this process, you need to make sure that
productivity does not suffer and that any downtime is limited.
Verify When the issue is resolved, verify full system functionality and, if applicable,
implement preventative measures. This part of the process may also involve
consulting with colleagues or vendors to communicate known issues, solutions,
and preventative measures. Preventative measures might include applying
system updates and installing antivirus software.
Once the issue has been resolved, make sure that the solution implemented is
actually working the way you intended and did not cause any additional or new
issues. Always make sure that the user or customer is completely satisfied with
the results.
Document Document your findings, actions, and outcomes. Documentation of computer
problems and their solutions can be a helpful part of the overall
documentation plan for your company’s computers. Not only will this provide
you with an ever-growing database of information specific to the computers
you are responsible for, but it also will be valuable reference material for use in
future troubleshooting instances. In addition, documenting as you troubleshoot
enables you to capture each step of the troubleshooting routine, as well as the
outcome, for future reference.

Troubleshooting Software Tools

In addition to tools such as screwdrivers, ESD wrist straps, and wire crimpers, your tool kit should
also include some software tools. Typically this includes a media source with the operating system
Troubleshooting
Software Tools

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available so you can reinstall it if needed, software for removing viruses or other malware, drivers
for the common hardware used in your organization, and other software specific to your needs.
Another piece of software that can be considered part of your toolkit is a tracking database where
incidents that occur can be documented with the information about the call, including the hardware
or software affected, who performed the troubleshooting and resolved the issue, and what the
resolution was. This might be a simple spreadsheet or database, or it might be a complex help desk
management tracking application; it all depends on the needs of your organization.

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ACTIVITY 4-6
Examining Troubleshooting Tracking Software

Before You Begin

You will need a functional computer with Internet access for this activity.

Scenario
Your organization has come a long way in tracking help desk calls. Originally there was no tracking,
then paper forms were used and placed in 3-ring binders based on the type of call. Then, one of the
technicians created a simple Access database in which the information could be recorded. As your
organization has continued to grow, you have found that you need a better solution, so your
manager has asked you to research what help desk tracking software is available.

1. Search for comparison charts and reviews of help desk software. Allow 5 to 10 minutes for
a) Log in to your computer. learners to complete
b) Verify that you are connected to the Internet. their research.
c) Open a web browser and open your preferred search site.
d) Search for help desk software.
e) Locate reviews and comparison charts for help desk software.

2. Determine which help desk software best follows the troubleshooting method described in this topic.
Encourage students to
share their results. See if
the class can come to a
consensus on which
help desk tracking
software they would
recommend. Try to get
students to give pros
and cons for the
software they found.

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Summary
In this lesson, you identified best practices that are followed by professional PC technicians. With
the proper tools, awareness of safety and environmental issues, basic communication skills, and a
solid method to use when troubleshooting, you are prepared to do your job in a safe, effective, and
professional manner.

Which of the best practices discussed in this lesson apply in your workplace?
A: Answers will vary, but may include silencing phones and pagers, using active listening techniques, and
Encourage students to
use the social treating clients with respect.
networking tools
Have you ever been in a situation where you uncovered inappropriate conduct or prohibited activity?
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow A: Answers will vary, but may include finding inappropriate content on a user's machine while you are
up with their peers after performing general maintenance on the machine.
the course is completed
for further discussion Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
and resources to support peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
continued learning. other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 4: Safety and Operational Procedures |

5 Supporting Display
Devices

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will install, configure, and troubleshoot display devices. You will:
• Install display devices.
• Configure display devices.
• Troubleshoot common video, projector, and display issues.

Lesson Introduction
So far in this course, you have identified the hardware and software that makes up a
personal computer system and examined some general best practices for working with
them. Now that you have a solid base of background information, it is time to roll up your
sleeves and start working with some of those hardware components. In this lesson, you will
install, configure, and troubleshoot display devices.
Much of the work that you will perform as a PC technician will involve installing and
configuring various hardware and software components. As an IT professional, you will
often find yourself setting up end-user workstations or helping those end users with the
hardware they need to make their daily lives easier. Installing and configuring display devices
is one of the more common tasks that you will perform.
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TOPIC A
Install Display Devices
Generally, one of the most common peripherals that you will be asked to install is the display device.
In this topic, you will install display devices.
The display device provides visual output from the computer system. Without the display device,
you can't see any images on screen to guide your interactions with programs or see the results of
your input. Correctly installing the display device enables you to meet the basic user need to see
what you are working on.

Display Device Types

There are several different types of display devices that you might be asked to install or configure.
Note: Depending on available space and user preferences, users might select larger or smaller
Display Device Types monitors. Technical needs might also affect the choice of which monitor to purchase.

Display Device Description

Let students know that
more information about LCD Liquid crystal display (LCD) flat-panel displays are compact and lightweight,
touch screens will be energy efficient displays. They are composed of millions of liquid crystals
provided later in this arranged in a grid pattern. When electricity is applied to the grid, the crystals
lesson.
twist or realign themselves in a manner that allows backlight to pass through to
create the images shown on screen.
LCD monitors use either cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or strips of LEDs
as the backlight source. CCFLs use electrodes and mercury vapor to create
ultraviolet light that is used as the light source. CCFL backlights are thicker,
heavier, more expensive, use more power, have a lower brightness, and a shorter
lifespan than LED backlights.
LCD monitors typically use either Twisted Nematic (TN) or In-Plane Switching
(IPS) technology. TN has fast response times, high brightness, less power draw,
and are inexpensive to manufacture in comparison to IPS. TN tends to have
more color shift and distortion when viewed at an angle compared to IPS. IPS
provides better color reproduction and better viewing angles. Originally, TN
offered better contrast and better blacks than IPS, but newer IPS monitors
have overcome these limitations.
Touch screen monitors enable input by touching images on the screen. This
technology is used in bank ATMs, some point-of-sale terminals at fast food
restaurants, and other situations where a separate keyboard for input is not
appropriate. Touch screens are also found on many smartphones, tablets, and
laptops sold for general public use.
Virtual reality games and special-purpose imaging needs led to the
development of glasses/goggles that substitute for a monitor. The glasses or
goggles are composed of one (for both eyes) or two (one for each eye) LCD
displays inside a head mounted display. These newer devices tend to be quite
expensive; over time, the prices are likely to drop.

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Display Device Description

OLED Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays utilize the same technology as LED
displays, but use organic compounds such as carbon and hydrogen that emit
light when subjected to an electric current as the light source.
OLED screens can be used in a larger variety of dimensions than LED
screens, and are currently utilized in computer monitors, television screens,
tablets, and mobile phones. OLED is considered a green technology.
Plasma Plasma displays use xenon and neon rays and a flat panel of glass to provide
visuals with high contrast, brightness, and vibrant colors that can be viewed
from a multitude of angles.
However, plasma displays are currently only available in very large dimensions,
typically 40 inches or more, and are mostly marketed and utilized as television
displays. They can also be incredibly heavy and cumbersome due to the
technology. For these reasons, plasma displays are typically not practical for
workstations.
Early plasma displays were susceptible to image burn-in, caused by phosphors
aging unevenly and creating a permanent outline of an image. This is less likely
now because phosphors are faster and more efficient. However, burn-in is not
impossible even with advances in plasma displays.
Projector Video projectors are often used to display the video output onto a whiteboard
or other surface so that a larger audience can see it.
Video display systems can be used to display one image to several monitors
(often used in training situations) or to display an image covering a huge screen
(often used at trade shows).

Legacy Display Technology

Legacy display technology includes CRT and LED displays, Information about legacy
display technologies is
• Cathode ray tube (CRT) displays use electron beams within a vacuum tube to create images on a included to provide
fluorescent screen. The intensity of three electron beams, one for each primary color (red, blue, background for the
and green), are manipulated to display the image on the screen. display technologies that
CRT monitors are larger, heavier, and boxier than their more modern counterparts due to the are cited in the exam
components used to build them, especially the thick glass used for the screen. The screen may be objectives.
curved or flat, but CRTs are not considered flat-panel monitors.
CRT monitors have for the most part been replaced by more modern and efficient displays like
LCD, LED, or plasma screens, though they may still be in use in organizations that have yet to
upgrade their devices.
• Light emitting diode (LED) displays use the same screen as an LCD display, but use a different
backlighting technique/technology. Instead of the CCFLs used in LCD, LED screens use one of
two types of light emitting diodes as a backlighting source: dynamic RGB LEDs, which are
located behind the panel; or white edge-LEDs, which are located around the edge of the screen
and use a diffusion panel to evenly distribute the light source.
LED displays consume even less power than LCD displays. However, LED displays can be
more expensive to purchase.

Display Device Connections

Display devices can use several different types of cables and connectors.
Display Device
Connections (3 Slides)

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
As you talk through the
different connector Video Graphics The DB-15 high-density VGA connector is the most common cable used for
types, ask students if Array (VGA) LCD monitors. It contains three rows of five pins. You might also see the
they have used any of
terms HD15 or DE15 used to describe this cable and connector type.
the connector types and
when and how they used
them.

Mention that the

connection types
presented here will be
important later in the
Customized Client
Environments lesson.

Mention that some

display devices such as Mini-VGA is used on smaller devices, such as laptops, in place of the
the Apple Thunderbolt standard full-sized cables.
display include an
Ethernet port for
connection directly to a
network.

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
Digital Video The DVI specification was developed to enable both analog and digital
Interface (DVI) display devices to use a single connector.
DVI cables use a technology called Transition Minimized Differential
Signaling (TMDS) to transmit large amounts of digital data from the
computer to a digital display such as a flat-panel LCD monitor. Show examples of the
three types of DVI so
Single-link cables use one TMDS link to carry data. Each link has three data students can see the
channels for RGB information, with a maximum bandwidth of 165 MHz. difference between the
Bandwidth for a single-link connection supports resolutions up to 1920 x connectors. Consider
1010 at 60 Hz. DVI dual-link cables use two TDMS links at 330 MHz each. using a camera so
Dual-link connections can support resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. remote students can
also see.
DVI cables come in three configurations:
• DVI-analog (DVI-A) is an analog-only format. It requires a DVI-A
supported interface. The connector does not support dual link technology.
It is commonly used to connect VGA devices to a computer using a DVI-
A adapter.
• DVI-digital (DVI-D) is a digital-only format. It requires a video adapter
with a DVI-D connection and a monitor with a DVI-D interface. For
DVI-D dual link, the connector contains 24 pins, arranged in three
horizontal rows of 8 pins. To the side of the 24-pin grouping is a flat pin
called a ground bar. For DVI-D single link, the connector has 18 pins
arranged in two groups of nine pins and a flat-pin ground bar is off to one
side. This cable type is used with DVI-to-HDMI adapters.
• DVI-integrated (DVI-I) supports both digital and analog transmissions.
This gives you the option to connect a monitor that accepts digital input
or analog input. In addition to the pins/receptacles found on the DVI-D
connector for digital support, a DVI-I connector has four additional pins/
receptacles to carry an analog signal. For single-link support, the
connector contains 18 pins/receptacles, and four additional pins for
analog transmissions.
6

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
High Definition HDMI is the first industry-supported uncompressed, all-digital audio/video
Multimedia Interface interface. HDMI uses a single cable composed of copper wires to provide an
(HDMI) interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD
player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital
television (DTV). The connector is made up of 19 pins and can support a
number of modes such as High Definition TV (HDTV), Standard Definition
TV (SDTV), and Enhanced Digital TV (EDTV), and can run to 50 feet or
more in length.
HDMI has largely superseded DVI and is compatible with the DVI standard.
It can be used with PC systems that support DVI.

Mini-High Definition Mini-HDMI is similar to the full size Type C HDMI connector, except that it
Multimedia Interface is specified for use with portable devices. The connector is a smaller version
(Mini-HDMI) of the full size with the same number of pins. The difference between the full
size and the mini is that some of pins have different transmission functions.
A micro-HDMI cable is also available for portable devices such as the
original Microsoft Surface RT tablet and some smartphones.
6

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
DisplayPort DisplayPort is a digital display standard that aims to replace DVI and VGA
standards. DisplayPort is not backward compatible with DVI and HDMI and
is a royalty-free standard. However, by using special dual-mode ports and
suitable adapters, it may be possible to use DVI and HDMI signals with
DisplayPort. Like HDMI and DVI, DisplayPort uses TMDS link technology
to send high bandwidth audio and video signals. DisplayPort uses a 20-pin
connector. Similar to Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe),
DisplayPort also supports high-quality gaming and other applications that use
high-end graphics.

Component Component video is a color video analog format that separates video signals
in three or more channels. The wires are identified as Y, Pb, and Pr. Y
consists of luminance and represents the brightness of the image; Pr consists
of Red minus luminance; and Pb consists of Blue minus luminance.
Sometimes component video refers to RGB signals, and the three wire analog
RGB cable is often used for high-end video cameras.

Composite video Composite video is an analog video format that combines video information
on one single channel.

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
Radio Corporation of RCA cables and connectors are used to carry audio and video transmissions
America (RCA) to and from a variety of devices such as TVs, digital cameras, and gaming
systems. In some cases, the RCA cable may also be used as a power cable, a
loud speaker cable, and to carry digital audio. The female jacks on the devices
are colored to provide a guide as to what type of connector can be attached.
Common colors found are:
• Yellow for various composite connections.
• Red for the right channel of the audio transmission.
• White or black for the left channel of audio transmission.

Coaxial cable A coaxial cable, or coax, is a type of copper cable that features a central
conducting copper core surrounded by an insulator and braided or foil
shielding. An insulator separates the conductor and shield, and the entire
package is wrapped in an insulating layer called a jacket. The data signal is
transmitted over the central conductor. The outer shielding serves to reduce
electromagnetic interference.

Bayonet Neill- The BNC connector is used with coaxial cable to carry radio frequencies to
Concelman (BNC) and from devices. The BNC cable can be used to connect radio equipment,
aviation electronics, and to carry video signals. The actual BNC connectors
come in two versions.

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Cable and Description

Connector Type
miniDin-5 MiniDIN-5 connectors are used for S-Video connections. S-Video is an
analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate signals
(brightness and color). S-Video works in 480i or 576i resolution. Older Point out that the exam
systems from the 1980s used different sized DIN connectors for various objectives list MiniDIN-6
connections including video connections. as a display connector,
but they should refer to
MiniDIN-5.

Video Adapters and Converters

Computers with built-in video or video cards and monitors need to have a common connector type
in order to connect a monitor to the system. Not every monitor has every type of connector and not
every computer comes with every type of connector port. You can add a new video card that has the Video Adapters and
appropriate connector type, but you might be able to save some money using a converter or adapter. Converters
Some of the adapters are just a small plastic housing with both types of connections on it. Others
are cables with one connector type on one end and the other end has the other connector type.
Some of the adapters or converters you might use include: If available, show
• DVI to HDMI. examples of video
adapters and converters
• DVI to VGA.
to students.
• Thunderbolt to DVI.
• HDMI to VGA.

Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio is the ratio of width to height of a display. The aspect ratio is found by determining
the proportion of the number of pixels across the screen to the number of pixels down the screen.
For example, a resolution of 640 x 480 has a 4:3 aspect ratio. Aspect Ratios

Resolution Number of Pixels Aspect Ratio

320 x 200 64,000 8:5 The aspect ratios

covered on the exam are
640 x 480 307,200 4:3 16:9, 4:3, and 16:10;
800 x 600 480,000 4:3 however, students are
likely to encounter the
1,024 x 768 786,432 4:3 other resolutions listed.

1,280 x 1,024 1,310,720 5:4

1,600 x 1,200 1,920,000 4:3
1,600 x 900 1,440,000 16:9
1,920 x 1,080 2,073,600 16:9
1,680 x 1,050 1,764,000 16:10

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Resolution Number of Pixels Aspect Ratio

1,920 x 1,200 2,304,000 16:10

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install Display Devices.

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ACTIVITY 5-1
Installing Display Devices

Before You Begin

You have a working monitor that uses a 15-pin VGA-style connector, the 29-pin DVI connector,
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, or a universal serial bus (USB) display.
The computer is turned off and the monitor is unplugged.

Scenario
The marketing department of your company is moving to new offices, and you have been assigned To prepare student
the task of setting up the computers in their new offices. The computers and monitors have been computers for this
delivered to each office. Employees want to begin using their computers as soon as possible. activity, power off the
computers, disconnect
the monitors from the
system units, and unplug
1. Install the monitor.
the monitors from the
a) Verify that the power is off at the computer. electrical source.
b) Locate the monitor cable and examine the connector.
c) Locate the VGA, 29-pin DVI, HDMI, or the USB port on the computer.
d) Insert the monitor connector into the appropriate port, being sure to align the pins carefully.
e) Tighten the screws if the connector is equipped with screws. Do not over-tighten them.
f) Plug in the monitor power cord to a power source.
Remind students that it
2. Verify that the monitor is functional. is easy to bend the pins.
a) Turn on the computer power.
b) Turn on the monitor power.
c) After the system has started to boot, verify that the power light on the monitor is green and is not
flashing.
d) Watch the monitor and verify that the display is clear.

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TOPIC B
Configure Display Devices
You have installed a display device. It might work just fine using the default configuration, but you
may need to configure it. Correctly configuring the display device enables you to meet users'
requirements for their particular usage. In this topic, you will configure display devices.

Display Device Settings and Features

You can configure several features and settings for a display device, either through the Control
Panel utility in the Windows® system or through controls on the physical device.
Display Device Settings
and Features Display Setting or Description
Feature

Resolution The number of pixels that make up the dimensions of a display. The
Traditional wide-screen resolution value is given as the number of horizontal pixels by vertical
monitors were 16:10, but
16:9 is becoming more
pixels, or width by height, traditionally in the ratio of 4:3. For wide screen
popular due to sharing displays, the ratio is 16:10. Common resolutions are 640 x 480, 800 x 600,
manufacturing with TVs. 1024 x 768, and 1600 x 1200. The higher the resolution, the more objects
or information you can fit on the screen at once. Just as widescreen
televisions have become popular, video monitors with higher aspect ratio
are also becoming more common.
Native resolution A fixed resolution for LCD or other flat panel display devices. Display
devices with native resolution will only display the best quality image when
the input signal and the native resolution are the same. Other resolutions
may display on a device where that signal input is not the same as the
native resolution, but it will result in image quality loss.
Refresh rate The number of times per second that a CRT monitor is “refreshed,” or the
screen redrawn, expressed in hertz (Hz). A refresh rate of 60 Hz (a common
value) means that the monitor will redraw the screen 60 times per second.
Adjusting the refresh rates for laptop LCD screens or flat-panel LCD
monitors is not necessary. Sometimes referred to as "frame rate."
Brightness The amount of light that is being emitted from a display device. Brightness
is measured in lumens, which is the unit of measurement for visible light
that is being emitted from a light source. On a display device, brightness
can be increased or decreased for the display. If the brightness is set too
high, you might get an aura effect displayed on the screen. If it is set too
low, you might not see anything on the screen.
Analog vs. digital Depending on the type and make of the display device, it may support
either analog or digital inputs. Most devices providing the input signals (like
a computer) are inherently digital. Display devices such as LCD or LED
Point out CRT monitors can innately support digital input signals, and do so via Digital Video
were analog devices. Interface (DVI) connections between the input device and the display
device.

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Display Setting or Description

Feature
Privacy/antiglare Privacy or antiglare filters are physical accessory screens that can be
filters attached onto or over a display device and provide a number of benefits:
• Reduces glare from the screen for the user sitting in front of the display
device.
• Protects the display device screen from scratches or dust.
• Prohibits others not sitting in the front of the device from viewing
information being displayed, protecting confidentiality and providing
privacy.
Color depth (quality) The number of bits used to store the color of a pixel: the more bits per
pixel, the more colors can be displayed.

Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is a metric of a display system, defined as the difference (in luminance) as
expressed as a ratio: the "white" brightness divided by the "black." For example, a contrast ratio of
500:1 means the "white" areas are 500 times the brightness of the "black." High contrast ratio is a
desired aspect of any display.

Multiple Displays
Many users choose to use more than one display device to increase the amount of display space. The
typical setup is two displays, though more than two displays can be configured with the appropriate
expansion card that can support that setup. Multiple displays are most commonly used for either a Multiple Displays
professional computer workstation or for gaming environments, where an extended desktop is
useful.
Within the monitor's display properties, you can designate one of the two monitors as the primary
monitor, which controls where the desktop administrative features (Start menu, taskbar, and so on)
appear. The other monitor would contain extra desktop space. While it is far more common to have
the desktop span both monitors and contain a different window in each, it is also possible to have
the two monitors display the same image, which is useful for presentations.

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Figure 5-1: Control Panel settings for dual monitors.

Windows Display Configuration Tools

You can configure the display device settings and features using the Windows display configuration
tools. For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8, you can configure display properties using
Windows Display
the Control Panel. In Windows 8 you can also configure display settings through the PC Settings
Configuration Tools (2 option from the Charms bar.
Slides)

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Display Devices.
Consider demonstrating
use of Control Panel and
Charms methods of
changing display
settings.

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ACTIVITY 5-2
Configuring Display Devices

Before You Begin

You have a display device installed.

Scenario
You want to try out some of the settings and features you recently learned about. You know that
customers will be asking you to adjust their displays, so you want to become familiar with how the
settings are changed and the results of making those changes.

1. View the current display settings. Consider having

a) Open Control Panel. students install a second
b) From the View by menu, select Small icons. monitor so that they can
c) Select Display. use the multiple monitor
features.
d) Select Adjust resolution and record the current settings.
e) Select the Back button.
f) Select Change display settings and record the current settings. Return to the Display settings in
Control Panel.
g) Select Adjust ClearType text and work through the wizard to adjust the display. Return to the
Display settings in Control Panel.

2. Adjust the display device configuration settings

a) Change the size of text and items on the screen then select Apply.
b) Try out different resolutions supported by your monitor to see how they look.
c) Accept the new resolution or return to the previous setting as needed.
d) Try out different brightness settings.

Note: Depending on your system, this might be done through buttons and
menus on the monitor, or through Control Panel settings, or even through an
application that is installed from the monitor manufacturer.
e) Accept the new settings or return to the previous setting as needed.

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TOPIC C
Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices
In this lesson, you have installed and configured display devices. The final major task in supporting
display devices is to identify and resolve issues related to display devices. In this topic, you will
troubleshoot display devices.

Common Video and Display Issues

When it comes to display devices, you will encounter a number of issues that are fairly common and
can be resolved quickly. Common issues and solutions include the following.
Common Video and
Display Issues Issue Possible Problems and Solutions

Dark screen A dark screen, or an indicator light that is not lit, can indicate general power
problems, such as the power is not turned on, the power cable is
disconnected, or the power is on but the display is plugged into a power strip,
surge protector, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that is not turned on.
To correct the problem, turn on the power or power strip and reconnect the
cables and cords at both ends. If a circuit breaker has tripped, reset it. Press
or jiggle the power button on the monitor itself.
Dim image or no If there is no power light, check for and correct power problems.
image in screen
The data cable to the Video Graphics Array (VGA), Digital Video Interface
(DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), or display port on the
PC may be disconnected. Except on very old displays, you will see an On
Screen Display (OSD) message in this case, indicating a signal problem.
Connect or re-seat the cables and connectors. If the cable is disconnected,
and you do not see an OSD message, the display may be bad.
Brightness or contrast may be adjusted improperly. Adjust the settings using
the display controls. (The OSD message is not affected by brightness or
contrast.)
The display may be in power saving mode. The power light will typically
change from green to solid or blinking orange. Press a key or move the
mouse to wake up the monitor.

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Issue Possible Problems and Solutions

Flickering or The display cable may need to be adjusted so that is it more securely
distortion on CRT connected to the video port. This might also imply that there are bent or
monitors broken pins. Try to straighten any bent pins and re-connect the cable. Use
caution; a severely bent pin may break, in which case you will need to replace
the monitor. Sometimes the cable is removable, in which case you can replace
it.
This could also be an incorrect display adapter used with incorrect device
drivers. If you can see the Power-On Self Test (POST), but the image goes
black when the system starts up, try booting the device into VGA Mode and
verify that the correct adapter and device drivers are being used.
The refresh rate may be too low or too high. The refresh rate should be set to
as high as the display and the adapter card can support. If the rate is set too
high, then you risk damaging the display.
If the display is placed in close proximity to other electronic or magnetic
equipment, then interference may cause damage. In this case, move the
equipment so that there is adequate space between devices.
Check the color depth setting on the display device. The settings may be
incorrect. If needed, make the necessary adjustments to the color depth
settings for the display.
Display turns itself In this case, power management may be enabled. You can adjust this in
off complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings or in the
operating system's display properties.
Another reason might be that the display's video card is overheating, causing
it to shut down. You can replace the card with one that has a better cooling
system, or you can install additional fans to cool the entire system.
Application If the screen goes blank, flickers, or acts erratically when a specific application
problems is active, the application may require different color depth or screen
resolution. Right-click in a free area on the desktop and select Screen
Resolution. Adjust the settings on this page to suit the user's requirements.
Defective pixels The pixels that make up a liquid crystal display (LCD) output sometimes to
do not display as they should. There are generally two types of pixels issues:
• Dead pixels are pixels that do not display the light as expected. This is
shown visually when the LCD is displaying a picture, and there are black
spots shown with no light.
• Stuck pixels are pixels that only show light, so they appear out of place
when the display is on. Light colors can vary from red, to blue or green.
Fixing defective pixels can be difficult to accomplish. It is recommended that
you contact the display manufacturer to check for warranty information. If
the monitor is an older one, you can attempt to fix the pixels by:
• Using pressure against the screen using the blunt end of an object.
• Using heat to apply pressure to the defective pixels. You must protect
yourself with gloves and protect the screen by placing a hot, wet cloth
within a plastic bag before placing it on the screen.
• Using a defective pixel software utility, such as JScreenFix, Dead Pixel
Tester 3, and PixelRepairer.
Color issues If the color patterns are incorrect on the display, then you may need to adjust
the tint in the display settings. If you notice discoloration of a CRT display,
then that could be a sign that you need to degauss the monitor.

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Issue Possible Problems and Solutions

Physical damage If there is noticeable physical damage to the display device or you know of
internal physical damage, you may not be able to repair it. In general, most
damaged display devices will need to be replaced, rather than repaired.
Distorted geometry Running at resolutions that are not in the monitor's memory will cause
geometric distortion; however, you should be able to use the monitor
controls to address this issue. Magnetic interference can also cause distortion
or tilted images.
Burn-in Image burn-in (also known as image persistence) can happen with any type of
display, but it is less prevalent with LCD displays than with CRTs and
plasma-based monitors. In addition, burn-in on an LCD display is more likely
to be correctable (and preventable) by using a screensaver that changes
constantly.
Oversized images When screen items are too large, it is likely that the screen resolution needs to
and icons be adjusted.
Video card issues There are some specific problems that can cause a number of specific
symptoms:
• If the computer will boot only to VGA Mode (a legacy mode that uses
minimal video drivers and a screen resolution of 640 x 480), it is possible
that the drivers for the video card are missing or corrupted.
• Visual artifacts are errors or anomalies in the visual display of a picture.
• A Windows® system stop error (known as the Blue Screen of Death, or
BSOD) can be a indicator that there is an issue with your graphics card.
• Distortions, such as curves, waves, or other patterns show in the video
image.
Additional troubleshooting steps to take in the case of a video card issue
include:
• Check to make sure that the actual video card is seated correctly on the
motherboard.
• Always verify that you are running the latest drivers for the video card and
the chipsets on the motherboard.
• Check for interference with other devices within a close proximity. Try
removing devices that you suspect may be causing issues.
• Check to make sure you are not overclocking the system beyond the
capabilities of the card.
• Check the power supply and make sure that all connections are secure.
• Check to make sure that the fans are operating.
Note: You will work with adapter cards in the next lesson.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices.

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ACTIVITY 5-3
Troubleshooting Video and Display Devices

Before You Begin

Your instructor has altered the display settings for your monitor. The computer is running and the
Welcome screen is displayed.

Scenario
An employee recently had to move the location of his workstation. The employee reports that, since Before having students
the move, the display does not appear in the center of the monitor. The images are too dark, making begin this activity, adjust
them difficult to see, and he cannot see as much on the screen as he would like. The employee needs the following settings on
you to resolve these issues so that he can get back to work. their monitors so they
are not correct:
• Brightness
1. Adjust the monitor display. • Contrast
a) Referring to the monitor's documentation as necessary, locate the physical controls to adjust the • Vertical and
brightness of the display image. horizontal display
position
b) Adjust the brightness so that the monitor is comfortable to view.
• Height and width of
c) Adjust the contrast so that you can view all the screen elements easily.
image
• Screen resolution
2. Change the resolution.
Then, restart the
a) To open the Screen Resolution window, right-click the desktop and select Screen resolution.
computers.
b) In the Resolution section, select the current resolution to display the drop-down list.
c) In the Screen Resolution window, drag the slider or click to select the appropriate resolution.
d) Select OK.
e) In the Display Settings message box, select Keep changes to set the new resolution.

3. Adjust the horizontal and vertical positions of the image.

a) Referring to the documentation as necessary, locate the controls to adjust the size and centering of
the display image.
b) Adjust the vertical display position so that the display is centered top-to-bottom on the screen.
c) Adjust the horizontal display position so that the display is centered side-to-side on the screen.
d) Adjust the height and width of the image so that there is either no border or the smallest border
allowed.

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Summary
In this lesson, you supported display devices by installing, configuring, and troubleshooting them. It
is likely that you will be called upon to support display devices often as a computer technician.

What types of monitors do you have experience with? What types of connections have you used to connect
those monitors to computers?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary, but are likely to include LCD monitors with VGA, HDMI, or DVI connectors.
networking tools
In your current job role, have you had to troubleshoot display device problems? If so, what did you do and
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow how did you resolve the issues?
up with their peers after A: Answers will vary but may include fixing a display output issue, adjusting display settings to resolve
the course is completed picture issues, or fixing some basic problems with connections, cables, or ports.
for further discussion
and resources to support Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
continued learning. peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 5: Supporting Display Devices |

6 Installing and
Configuring Peripheral
Components

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will install and configure peripheral components. You will:
• Install and configure input devices.
• Install and configure output devices.
• Install and configure input/output devices.
• Install and configure PC expansion cards.

Lesson Introduction
So far in this course, you have identified the hardware and software that makes up a
personal computer system and examined some general best practices for working with
them. Now that you have a solid base of background information, it is time to roll up your
sleeves and start working with some of those hardware components. In this lesson, you will
install and configure peripheral computer components.
Much of the work that you will perform as a PC technician will involve installing and
configuring various hardware and software components. As an IT professional, you will
often find yourself setting up end-user workstations or helping those end users with the
hardware they need to make their daily lives easier. Installing and configuring peripheral
components—like display devices, keyboards, and mice, or even more specialized devices—
are some of the more common tasks that you will perform.
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TOPIC A
Install and Configure Input Devices
In the previous lesson, you examined display devices and how to install and configure them so that
users can see the computer system's output. Users also need to be able to interact with the computer
system by using input devices. In this topic, you will install and configure input devices.
Computers need user input such as directions or commands and user interaction with the programs
that are included in order to produce something of use. Keyboards and pointing devices are the
standard input devices for personal computers these days, but there is an ever-growing number of
input devices available for the user to interact with in a variety of ways. As an A+ technician, part of
your responsibilities will include installing and configuring all types of input devices.

Keyboards
Keyboards are a standard input device. They include letters, numbers, and special characters on
dedicated keys. Keys can also be used in combination to create additional characters. Special keys
Keyboards
such as the Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Esc, and Windows keys can be combined with other keys on the
keyboard to issue special commands to the operating system or application.
When selecting a keyboard for a user, in addition to considering its ergonomics, you should also
Poll students to find out
consider whether the keyboard offers additional features (such as customizable hot keys and
what types of keyboards scrolling) as well as wireless connectivity. Many users now prefer to use a wireless keyboard as it
they are experienced in gives them the freedom to locate the keyboard anywhere on their desks. In some cases, users might
using. be able to use a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard to communicate with both their desktop computers
and a mobile device such as a tablet or a smartphone. Be sure to determine the potential keyboard's
connector requirements; if the keyboard uses USB, you will need to make sure the user's computer
has an available USB port.

Input Device Description

Standard keyboard Standard keyboards have varying numbers of keys

depending on the manufacturer, whether it is a
compact keyboard or regular sized keyboard, or if it
is a keyboard with specialized keys. Other ways that
standard keyboards might vary include:
• Being wired or wireless. Wireless keyboards
typically use a USB transceiver to connect with
the keyboard. Others might use Bluetooth
connections which might or might not require an
adapter.
• Wireless keyboards might be powered by
standard AA or AAA batteries, rechargeable
batteries, or via solar power.
• Some of the specialized keys might include
programmable keys for engineers, graphic
designers, or gamers.
• Some might include security features such as
fingerprint scanners.
• Some might include integrated pointing devices
such as track pads.

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Input Device Description

Ergonomic keyboard Natural or ergonomic keyboards usually split the
keyboard in half so each hand can comfortably use
its own set of keys. Built-in wrist rests are common,
and some ergonomic keyboards also have an
integrated pointing device such as a trackball or
touch pad.

Dvorak keyboard Dvorak keyboards rearrange the keys into a more

efficient arrangement that makes faster typing
possible for users who have become familiar with it.

Pointing Devices
A wide variety of pointing devices are available to accommodate the comfort and space needs of
users. The most common pointing device is the mouse. Other pointing devices include game pads,
joysticks, and touch pads. Most users prefer wireless mice over wired mice because of the freedom it Pointing Devices
gives them to move around while working. Choosing between a mouse, a trackball, and a touch pad
usually comes down to the personal preference of the user.
Again, ask students
which types of pointing
devices they are
experienced in using.

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Input Device Description

Mouse A mouse is a small object that runs across a flat surface

and has buttons that send electronic signals to the
graphical user interface (GUI). The name is derived from
its original appearance: a small rounded rectangle shape
with a single cord attached at one end. Most mice today
are optical; a laser detects the mouse’s movement.
Optical mice have no mechanical moving parts, and they
respond more quickly and precisely than mechanical
types of mice.
Wired mice typically connect to a USB port and wireless
mice connect to a transceiver connected to a USB port.
Wireless mice can alternatively use a Bluetooth
connection.
Mice have varying numbers of buttons depending on
their manufacturer and purpose. The mouse that comes
with a Mac computer has only one button, while most
mice that come packaged with other computers typically
have two buttons. Specialized mice for gaming might
have anywhere from 4 to as many as 24 buttons that can
be programmed for specific functions. Some mice
include two buttons on the top and buttons on the side
dedicated to things like moving back or forward one
page on screen.
Trackball mouse A trackball is basically an upside down mouse. The ball is
mounted on the top of the case instead of the bottom
and signals are sent to the computer by moving the ball
with your thumb, fingers, or palm instead of by rolling
the ball across a flat surface. Like a mouse, a trackball has
at least one button that is used to send electronic signals
to the computer.

Touch pad A touch pad is a small, touch-sensitive pad where you

run your finger across the surface to send electronic
signals to the computer to control the pointer on the
screen. Touch pads can have buttons like a mouse or
trackball, or the touch pad can be configured to detect
finger taps on its surface and process those signals like
6

button clicks.

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Input Device Description

Trackpoint A trackpoint, or pointing stick, is most commonly found
on laptops. Located in the center of the keyboard, the
trackpoint is a small joystick-like button that responds to
user force in all directions in order to move the mouse
pointer on screen.

Gamepad A gamepad is a game controller used to interact with a

video game console or program, typically held and
manipulated with two hands. It uses a number of buttons
and toggles, each of which controls a different action Point out that in addition
within the program. to use in video games,
The latest versions of many gamepads also include gamepads are also
used in some
sensors and pointing devices that sense directions of
simulators and for some
movement and rotation, and use a combination of these automated
movements to control actions within the game program. manufacturing
Gamepads typically connect to a device via a USB solutions.
connection. The latest technology in gamepads is unique
in its wireless capabilities: many gamepads do not attach
to a device via a connector, but rather transmit inputs
wirelessly to the receiving device or console.
Joystick A joystick is a pivoting stick or lever attached to a base
that is used to control movement on a device. It typically
also includes push buttons, toggles, or switches that
control other actions associated with the program or
device that the input is controlling. The joystick inputs
the angle and direction of a desired movement.
Joysticks are most commonly used to control video
games or other computer programs, but are also used to
control machines and devices such as cranes and
unmanned vehicles.
Legacy joysticks connected to a computer via a game
port, a device port designed specifically for connecting
this input device. However, most modern joysticks
connect to the device via a USB connection.

Optical Input Devices

Optical Input Devices
Optical input devices provide a method of getting information from a paper source into a digital
format the computer can work with. Some of the optical input devices you might encounter are
listed in the following table.
If you have examples of
optical input devices,
demonstrate their use to
students.

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Optical Input Description

Device

Scanner A scanner is used to take a photo-identical copy (scan) of a physical hard copy of
any kind of document, such as a piece of paper or a photo, and create a digital-
format copy of the document.
A scanner is similar to a photocopy machine or copier, but with a much smaller
footprint. Scanners can be attached directly to a personal computer to import
scanned copies of documents. With the proper software or program installed,
scanned versions can be manipulated and edited once they have been imported.
A scanner typically uses a USB or high-speed USB connection to connect
between devices.
Note: Many printers are multi-function devices and include a built-in
scanner. Printers and scanners are covered in depth later in the course.

Barcode reader Barcodes provide a simple and inexpensive method of encoding text information
that is easily read by inexpensive electronic readers. A barcode reader decodes a
barcode by scanning a light source across the barcode and converting the pattern
of reflected light to an electronic signal that is decoded back to the original data
by electronic circuits. There are currently four different types of barcode readers
available: pen-type readers (or barcode wands), laser scanners, Charge Coupled
Device (CCD) readers, and camera-based readers.
Barcode scanners or readers connect to a device via a USB connection or are
wireless.

Multimedia Input Devices

A multimedia device is a computer peripheral or internal component that transfers sound, images or a
combination of both to or from a personal computer. Multimedia devices can be input devices or
Multimedia Input
output devices.
Devices Common multimedia input devices include different types of cameras and sound devices.

Multimedia Input Device Description

Digital camera A digital camera uses electronic signals to capture and store
photographic images or video images. The resulting files are often
stored on embedded memory cards, removable memory cards, or
optical discs. Connecting the digital camera or its removable memory
card to a PC enables you to save, transfer, print, and otherwise work
with the images.
If the digital camera has a removable memory card, the card itself may
need to be connected to a computer through a media reader. Most
digital cameras also offer USB and FireWire cables and connections.

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Multimedia Input Device Description

Camcorder A video recording camera captures and stores visual images and sounds
in the form of either analog or digital signals. Video files are stored
either on an internal storage device or on removable memory cards.
Most digital camcorders available for personal (commercial) use also
offer USB and FireWire cables and connections. If the camcorder has a
removable memory card, the card itself may need to be connected to a
computer through a media reader. Professional-grade cameras are more
likely to use tapes or disks that will need an alternate transfer method,
often including digitizing.
Webcam A web camera, or webcam, is used to send periodic images or
continuous frames to a website for display. Webcam software usually
captures the images as JPEG or MPEG files and uploads them to a
web server. Webcam images can also be accessed using some instant
messaging software and by some video applications. Some
corporations use webcams as a security measure.
Webcams commonly use USB or FireWire cables and connectors.

Microphone A computer microphone is used to input audio into the device, either
for recording the audio as data or for use in real-time, such as the audio
input that accompanies a webcam or video conferencing chat.
Microphones can be connected to the microphone port or jack of any
sound card. If the card is color-coded, it will be pink. Otherwise, it will
be labeled MIC or have a picture of a microphone. Many microphones
have a 1/8-inch phono plug built into the attached cable.

Security Input Devices

Security input devices provide protection against unauthorized access to computing devices and
resources. Commonly implemented security input devices include biometric devices and other
security devices. Security Input Devices
Biometrics is an automated method of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral
characteristic unique to the individual, such as a retina pattern, fingerprint, or voice pattern.
Biometric technologies are becoming the foundation of an extensive array of highly secure
identification and personal verification solutions. Biometric input devices can add an additional layer
of physical security or information security by verifying the identity of the person attempting to gain
access to a location or device.
Biometric devices will need to be installed and configured, and then initialized for the specific end
user who will be using the device. The initial biometric authentication “object” for the user (be it a
fingerprint, retina scan, pass phrase, etc.) must first be captured and stored. Then the user will have

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to test the device to make sure that it accurately verifies his or her identity against the authentication
object, permitting them access to the location or device.
Whether or not a biometric device is being deployed will likely be a decision made based on an
organizational security policy or standard. If biometric devices will be deployed at individual
workstations, you will need to determine the specific biometric device's connector requirements; as
most use a USB connection, you will need to make sure that the user's computer has an available
USB port to connect the device.
Several types of security input devices might be used in an organization.

Security Input Device Description

Fingerprint scanner/reader Scans a person's fingerprint(s) and matches it

against a database of fingerprints to verify that
person's identity. Once verified, that person will
be able to access a building, location, or device
or can be used with point-of-sale applications to
complete a transaction.
If not hard-wired into a system (such as a
security system), fingerprint scanners/readers
used with smaller devices like a personal
computer typically connect via a USB
connection.
Some laptops have a fingerprint scanner
integrated into the system as well, which is
usually placed near the keyboard area of the
laptop. The scanner is used to verify the identity
of the user and grant them the ability to use the
laptop.
Retina scanner Scans a person's retina or iris and matches it
against a database of retina scans to verify the
person's identity. Once verified, that person will
be able to access a building, location, or device.
If not hard-wired into a system (such as a
security system), a retina scanner used with a
smaller device like a personal computer typically
connects via a USB connection.

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Security Input Device Description

Voice recognition Uses a spoken phrase called the "pass phrase"
and compares it against a person's voice print, a
recorded and stored version of that person
saying the pass phrase, to verify identity. Once
verified, that person will be able to access a
building, location, or device.
If not hard-wired into a system (such as a
security system), a voice recognition system used
with a smaller device like a personal computer
typically connects via a USB connection.

Signature recognition Uses a signature pad and a database of approved

signatures. A user signs the signature pad, and
the recognition system analyzes the individual
behavior of the person signing, such as the
strokes used and the pressure applied while
signing, to verify the identity of the user.
If not hard-wired into a system (such as a
security system), a signature capture pad used
with a smaller device like a personal computer
typically connects via a USB connection.

Keyboard Using a biometric keyboard, only authorized

users would be able to use the keyboard, and
only once their identity was verified through the
verification program.
The keyboard and a special program monitor
the individual's typing behaviors, such as key
press duration or pressure, key strokes, and so
forth, to create a baseline for normal typing for
the individual. The program can challenge a user
to verify identity by typing, and compares the
keystroke behavior of the typist to that stored in
a database for the user.
Most biometric keyboards connect via a USB
connection.

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Security Input Device Description

Mouse Using a biometric mouse, only authorized users
would be able to use the mouse and access or
navigate the computer system, and only once
their identity was verified through the
verification program.
A biometric mouse uses biometric
authentication, typically a built-in fingerprint
reader, to verify the identity of the user and
provide them control over the mouse.
Most biometric mice connect via a USB
connection.

Storage devices Using a biometric storage device, such as a flash

drive or hard drive, only authorized users would
be able to access files or data stored on the
storage device.
Biometric flash drives or hard drives use another
kind of biometric authentication, typically a
built-in fingerprint reader, to verify the identity
of the user and provide them access to the flash
drive files.
Most biometric storage devices connect via a
USB connection.
Motion sensor Motion sensor peripherals can be used as either
a security device or as an input device. In either
case, infrared sensors built into the device detect
Point out that the changes in heat as a body, hand, or fingers move
Microsoft Kinect and the in front of it.
Leap Motion Controller
can be used as input
devices.

Smart card reader Smart card readers read the information stored
in a microprocessor on a smart card. It is used as
a physical authentication token for accessing
computers, rooms, or buildings. The smart card
is often an employee ID card with the
microprocessor embedded in the card.

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Guidelines for Installing Input Devices

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for Installing
Before you attempt to install an input device, you should consider certain factors: Input Devices
• Be sure that you have the most current drivers for the input device for the operating system of
the computer on which you plan to install it.
• Either let the PC find the right driver, or restart the computer and see if the device is recognized.
If that does not work, you will need to find a driver for the device.
• Review the manual or quick start guide that came with the device. In some cases, the
manufacturer might require you to install the device drivers before connecting the device to the
computer.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install Input Devices.

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ACTIVITY 6-1
Installing Input Devices

Before You Begin

For this activity, you will need a replacement keyboard and mouse or other pointing device.

Scenario
Provide replacement You have received a service call to replace a user's mouse and keyboard. The user doesn't like the
keyboards and mice to style of their current keyboard, so they would like to try an alternative keyboard style. The user
the students. If no would also like to try a different style of pointing device than what they are currently using.
replacements are
available, you can have
students swap
1. Replace the keyboard.
components with one
another. a) Determine the connection type used by the replacement keyboard.
b) Unplug the old keyboard from the system unit.
c) If you are using a wireless keyboard, insert batteries and move the switch to the ON position.
d) Plug the new keyboard or transceiver into the appropriate port.

2. Replace the pointing device.

a) Determine the connection type used by the replacement pointing device.
b) Unplug the old pointing device from the system unit.
c) If you are using a wireless mouse, insert batteries or make sure it is charged, and move the switch
to the ON position.
d) Plug the new mouse or transceiver into the appropriate port.
e) Start the computer.

3. Test the installed devices.

a) On the keyboard, press the Windows key to access the Start page.
b) Move the pointing device around to verify that it is working properly.
c) Use both the left and right pointing device buttons to verify that their functionality is appropriately
configured.

Windows Input Device Configuration Tools

Depending on which operating system you are using, and what you need to configure, you can use
the Windows Control Panel or Windows 8 PC Settings to configure input devices. You can adjust
Windows Input Device
settings for the mouse, touch screen, touch pad, keyboard, and Bluetooth devices.
Configuration Tools Some of the configurations you can perform includes:
• Specifying which mouse button is the primary mouse button.
• How fast a double-click is.
• How fast the user types.
• Whether to delay input from the touch pad so that while typing, the touch pad isn't accidentally
invoked.
• Calibrate the screen for pen or touch input.
• Configure the meaning of gestures on a touch screen or touch pad.
• Turn Bluetooth on, which allows Bluetooth input devices to find and connect to your system.
Turn it off to prevent others from accessing your system through Bluetooth connections.

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Third-Party Configuration Utilities for Input Devices

Input devices often come with their own configuration utilities. These additional third-party device
configuration utilities enable users to configure the device beyond the capabilities built into the
drivers available through the operating system. You might need to install the third-party utilities Third-Party
before connecting the device. Refer to the documentation for details on when and how to install any Configuration Utilities for
configuration utilities that come with the device. Input Devices

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Input Devices. If you have any input
devices that use third-
party configuration
utilities, consider
demonstrating the utility
interface.

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ACTIVITY 6-2
Configuring Input Devices

Scenario
You just replaced a user's mouse and keyboard. The user is left-handed and prefers a slow-blinking
cursor. She also has a hard time distinguishing the mouse pointer from other screen elements, and
asks if you can adjust the pointer to something more easily discernible.

1. Configure the keyboard settings.

a) Open Control Panel.
b) In the Control Panel window, in the Adjust your computer's settings section, from the View by drop-
down list, select Large icons.
c) Select the Keyboard link.
d) In the Keyboard Properties dialog box, on the Speed tab, reduce the cursor blink rate by dragging
the Cursor blink rate slider to the left.

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e) Select Apply.
f) Select OK.

2. Configure the mouse settings.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 185

a) In the Control Panel window, select the Mouse link.

b) In the Mouse Properties dialog box, on the Buttons tab, if the options shown in the following image
are displayed, check the Switch primary and secondary buttons check box.

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c) In the Mouse Properties dialog box, on the Buttons tab, if the options shown in the following image
are displayed, select the Left-handed radio button.

d) To verify that the right mouse button is now the primary button, right-click the Pointers tab.
e) Right-click the Buttons tab.
f) Select the Pointers tab.

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g) From the Scheme drop-down list, select Magnified (system scheme).

h) Select OK.

3. Reconfigure the mouse settings to suit your personal preferences, and close the Control Panel.

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TOPIC B
Install and Configure Output Devices
Earlier in the course, you worked with display devices, which are the most prevalent type of output
device. However, you will be responsible for supporting different types of output devices as part of
your duties as an A+ technician. In this topic, you will install and configure other output devices.
Although being able to view the user interface and documents is essential to working with a PC,
there are other types of output in addition to simple visual display output. By installing and
configuring all sorts of output devices, you can be sure that you are appropriately supporting your
users' needs.

Output Devices
Output devices take information stored in the computer and make it available in a visual, audio, or
tactile format.
Output Devices • Probably the most common type of output device is the display device, which you worked with
in the last lesson. As you saw, there are a wide variety of device types and associated connection
interfaces.
If available, show • Another common output device type is the printer, which you will work with in greater depth
students examples of later in the course. As with display devices, there are many types of printers and related output
output devices besides devices that provide physical output from a PC.
speakers, printers, and • Another common output device is a pair of speakers, or a set of speakers that you can configure
monitors. Examples for surround sound effects. Speakers are connected to the Line Out port or jack on the sound
might include plotters, card or motherboard. Some speaker sets are permanently connected to each other, while other
Braille printers, screen
readers, or other
speaker sets are connected by the user to each other or to a subwoofer. A cable runs from one of
devices. the speakers to the Line Out port to connect both speakers to the computer. If the card or
motherboard is color-coded, the speaker port will be lime green. The port might be labeled as
Line Out, Out, Spkr, or Speaker, or it may have an image with an arrow indicating the
direction of the audio (out). Speakers typically have a 1/8-inch phono plug built into the attached
cable.
• Headphones are another output device. They might connect to a port on an external speaker, or
be connected directly to the speaker port, a Line Out port, or a dedicated headphone port.
• For blind or visually impaired users, using a standard monitor display device is not possible. One
method for a blind person to access what would usually be displayed on a monitor is to use a
screen reader application. This application reads any text on screen and uses information
available about graphics and images that are displayed. For example, a well-designed website will
have alternate text available for the screen reader to read that describes the image displayed. The
information is provided to the user through audio devices such as speakers or headphones.
• Another output device for the blind or visually impaired user is an alternative to a standard
printer. Instead of printing with standard ink, raised tactile output is created for Braille reading or
raised-line drawing images.

Surround Sound
Surround Sound
Most home audio systems are set up with either 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. The 5.1 configuration
places one speaker at the front center, a pair of speakers to the front side of the listener and another
pair to the rear or even with the listener, and a subwoofer speaker anywhere in the room. A 7.1
If students are not configuration adds another pair of speakers to the sides, between the front and rear speakers.
familiar with 5.1 or 7.1
surround sound, explain
the typical configuration
to them.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 189

Figure 6-1: Surround sound configuration for a home theater.

Computers can be connected to more than just a standard pair of PC speakers or a headphone.
Some computers include connections for all of the speakers used in a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound
system. Even if the computer doesn't have all of the ports needed to connect the speakers to an
audio receiver and its connected speakers, you can use a variety of methods to connect a computer
to a home audio system.

Connection Description
Method

Analog cable In this method, an analog cable with a mini stereo plug on one end plugs into
the Audio Out or headphone jack on the computer. The other end of the
analog cable is equipped with RCA plugs that can be connected to a port on
the audio receiver, typically the auxiliary ports.
USB cable • Using a cable that has a USB port on one end and RCA plugs on the other
end allows the computer to send audio and visual information to the home
audio system.
• An external digital-to-audio converter (DAC) is often connected to the
computer via USB cable and to the home audio system using RCA cables.
Digital audio • Some computers have an S/PDIF port. With this port, you can use a
cable coaxial cable with RCA connectors or a TOSLINK cable to connect the
computer and the home audio system.
• Other computers, such as Mac computers, have a digital port for the
headphone jack. When a standard pair of headphones or speakers is
connected, the port works in analog mode. When a digital cable is
connected, the information is sent digitally to the home audio system.

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Connection Description
Method
HDMI If your computer is equipped with an HDMI port, and your home audio
system also has HDMI ports, you can send audio and visual data over the
HDMI cable.

You will also need to configure the surround sound through Control Panel. You can specify how
many speakers there are, what types of speakers each one is, and balance the system for the type of
room.

Device Manager
You can use Device Manager to manage and configure hardware devices. In Windows 7, there are
several ways to access Device Manager:
Device Manager • Open Control Panel and then select System and Security→Device Manager.
• At a command prompt or in the Run dialog box, enter the devmgmt.msc command.
• In the navigation pane of Computer Management, select Device Manager.
You can use the same methods in Windows 8 to open Device Manager. You can also use the
Charms Search to search for Device Manager, or from the Desktop, right-click the Windows
button and select Device Manager.
You can use Device Manager to:
• View a list of all devices attached to the system.
• See the status of a device. An exclamation point means there is a problem with a device; a yellow
question mark means the device has been detected but a driver is not installed, or there is a
resource conflict.
• Enable or disable a device. A disabled device appears with a red X.
• Determine the device driver a device is using; upgrade a device driver; roll a device driver back to
a previous version.
• Determine any system resources that the device is using, such as interrupt request lines (IRQs) or
Direct Memory Access (DMA) ports.
• Uninstall or reinstall devices.

Device Manager Log On Options

If you are logged on as a standard user, you are notified that you are restricted from changing device
settings, and Device Manager opens in read-only mode. If you select an option to make a change,
you are prompted to log in using administrator credentials to make the change. If you are logged on
as an administrator, you can make the desired changes.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure Output Devices.

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ACTIVITY 6-3
Installing and Configuring Output Devices

Before You Begin

Your instructor will provide you with a pair of speakers, or a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system
designed for computers if your sound card supports it.

Scenario
You are working with the team that is presenting a slide show that includes audio portions. You Provide any
need to verify that the speakers work with the computer. documentation available
with surround sound
systems if you choose to
use that option rather
1. If you were given a pair of speakers, perform this step. If you were given a surround sound system,
than standard PC
perform the next step instead.
speakers.
a) Connect the speakers to each other.
b) Connect the speakers to the Spkr, Speaker, or Line out port on the computer.
c) If necessary, connect the speakers to a power source.

2. If you were given a surround sound system, perform this step.

a) Refer to the documentation to see how the speakers should be placed.
b) Connect the speakers to each other, to the computer, or both, as indicated in the documentation.
c) Connect the surround sound system to a power source.

3. Test the speakers.

a) In Control Panel, select Sound. If time permits, after
b) In the Sound dialog box, select the Playback tab. students complete this
c) Select Speakers and then select Configure. activity, you can
d) In the Audio channels section, select the speakers you want to test, then select Test. introduce a problem into
the speaker setup and
You can also select individual speakers at the right of the window to play a test sound from the
have students use the
selected speaker.
Troubleshooter to find
e) Select Next. and fix the problem.
f) On the Select full-range speakers page, select the check box for your setup. Select each speaker to
test it.
g) Select Next.
h) Perform any additional tests if offered.
i) When the Configuration complete page is displayed, select Finish.

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TOPIC C
Install and Configure Input/Output Devices
Some devices function as both input devices and as output devices. In this topic, you will install and
configure input/output devices.

Input/Output Devices
An input/output device contains components that enable one device to perform both input and
output functions.
Input/Output Devices
Device Description

MIDI-enabled The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) connection enables you to
If you have a MIDI device connect and control musical devices such as electric keyboards, synthesizers,
instrument, MIDI cables, guitars, drum kits, and mixers. Sound cards usually include built-in synthesizers
and a MIDI connection as well, to produce MIDI sounds. MIDI devices can be connected to each other
device available, and then to the computer.
consider demonstrating
how they work together. MIDI devices can connect to the computer using a number of ports. MIDI to
If you have MIDI USB interface, MIDI to serial, or MIDI to FireWire connections are most
recording software commonly used, allowing for faster communication between the musical
available, consider instrument and the computer or controller device.
briefly demonstrating
how the song data can Multi-function Multi-function printers combine input and output features in one device. They
be shown on screen as printers typically include printer (output), scanner (input), and fax (input/output or send/
notes, as wave forms, as receive) capabilities.
discrete data points, and
any other methods of Headset A headset combines headphones (audio output) with a microphone (audio
showing the data your input). You can use headsets to participate in online meetings, to participate in
software includes. gaming with other players, and to use with communication applications such as
Skype.

KVM Switches
A keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch is a device that enables a computer user to control multiple
computers with a single keyboard and mouse, with the display sent to a single monitor. This feature
KVM Switches
is particularly useful in managing multiple test environments, or in accessing multiple servers that
have no need for dedicated display or input devices. KVM switches are available with PS/2 or USB
connections, and come in desktop, inline, or rack-mount varieties. Higher-end rack-mount models
can be uplinked to connect dozens of computers.
Ask students why this is
considered an input/
output device. Also point
out that many KVM
switches, particularly for
servers using KVM over
IP, still include PS/2
ports.

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Figure 6-2: A KVM switch.

Touch Screens
Touch screen monitors enable input by touching images on the screen. This technology is used in
bank ATMs, some point-of-sale terminals at fast food restaurants, and other situations where a
separate keyboard for input is not appropriate. Touch screens are also found on many smartphones, Touch Screens
tablets, and laptops sold for general public use.
Touch screens enable users to enter inputs by touching areas on a monitor screen. They can be
activated by a finger touch or a stylus touch.
Touch screens are composed of:
• Touch sensors. The sensors can be a panel that lays over a standard monitor or can be built into
a special touch screen monitor where the user actually touches the surface of the monitor.
• A controller. If using an overlay panel, the controller connects to the panel and then to a PC
port. Many use a COM or USB port, although there are special instances where the controller
connects to a drive or other device or port. For touch screens with built-in touch sensors, the
controller is built into the monitor. In this case, the monitor contains two cables—one to the
monitor port and one to the COM or USB port (or other port).
• A device driver or specialized software. This enables the operating system to receive and
interpret information from the touch screen device.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs
A smart TV is a hybrid device. This is a television set with web and Internet features built into it.
Ask students if they
You can access the Internet using voice commands or the remote without the need to connect other have heard of any of the
devices to the TV. It seems like a good idea, but some devices are not being updated as new features potential problems with
from content providers are made available, while other manufacturers are providing updates for these devices such as
apps and firmware. third parties listening in
Another drawback for some smart TVs is that the voice commands are sent to a third party without on voice menus and new
features not being added
any security measures in place to protect the information you request. Some manufacturers use the
to existing sets.
information you send to add additional advertising to your viewing experience. Consult the
documentation that came with your smart TV to see if there is a TV privacy policy.

Set-Top Boxes
Set-Top Boxes
A set-top box is a device that takes video content and converts it to a format that can be viewed on a
television. Set-top boxes are also known as streaming players (streaming TV) or media players. Ask if anyone has
experience with these
devices.

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Traditionally, set-top boxes were used by cable companies to descramble the broadcast signal so that
only authorized customers could view the programming offered. Satellite television providers also
have a set-top box that acts as a converter to allow over-the-air content to be viewed on televisions.
You can also purchase set-top boxes that are not tied to a cable or satellite television provider.
Examples include the Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV set-top boxes. These devices
use Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections to connect the television to the Internet so that you can view
content from providers such as Netflix, Hulu, or other content sites. Some also have built-in
Internet browsers.
These devices connect to the television through coaxial or HDMI connections.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure Input/Output Devices.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 195

ACTIVITY 6-4
Installing and Configuring Input/Output
Devices

Before You Begin

Your instructor will provide you with one or more input/output devices, appropriate
documentation, and cables.

Scenario
You have installed input and output devices. Now you want to try installing a device which can be Input/output devices
both an input and an output device. might include KVM
switches with cables,
set-top boxes and TVs,
devices such as a
1. If you have a MIDI device, connect it through the USB-to-MIDI device or a MIDI expansion card.
Google Chromecast or
a) Locate the appropriate port and connect the MIDI adapter to it. Amazon Fire stick, MIDI
b) If necessary, connect MIDI cables to the MIDI adapter. instruments and cables,
c) Connect the MIDI cable to the MIDI instrument. headsets, or touch
d) If necessary, install drivers for the MIDI instrument. screens.
e) If necessary, install software to work with the MIDI instrument.
f) Test the MIDI device by playing a few notes to ensure that it is working properly.

2. If you have a KVM switch, working with a partner, connect one set of peripherals to multiple computers.
a) Identify the ports on your computer that will connect to the KVM switch so that you can determine
the type of KVM switch you need. There are two types of KVM switches available: PS/2 and USB.
b) Obtain the appropriate type of KVM switch you need.
c) Turn off all the computers that are to be connected.
d) Insert the KVM connectors into the appropriate ports on the computer.
Due to the variety of set-
e) Connect all the computers to the KVM switch in the same way. top box devices and the
f) Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse in the appropriate ports of the KVM switch. possible devices to
which they can be
Note: Some KVM switches also have speaker or headphone ports. connected, it is
impractical to step out
the directions in the
g) Turn on all the computers and monitors.
activity. Be prepared to
assist students as
Note: Some KVM switches require a power source and might have a power
needed to install and
switch.
configure these devices.
h) Toggle the KVM device through all the connected PCs to check whether it is functioning correctly.

3. Disconnect the devices connected through the KVM switch and connect the devices directly to the You can have students
computers again. test headsets by using
the Desktop Sound
4. If you have a set-top box, refer to the documentation provided to determine how to connect and Record application and
configure the device to work with the television or computer. then save the recording
to the Desktop. Double-
Note: Some set-top boxes provide the ability to access the Internet, using your click the sound file to
television as the display device. Other set-top boxes allow a computer to receive open it in the default
television signals. application. Or have
students use another
app you are familiar
5. Connect a headset to the computer. with.

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a) Examine the connections on the headset.

b) Connect the appropriate plug into the headphone jack.
c) Connect the appropriate plug into the mic jack.
d) Test the functionality of the microphone and headphones.
Your instructor will guide you through selecting an app or application to use to test the headset.

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TOPIC D
Install and Configure Expansion Cards
In the previous topics, you installed input, output, and input/output devices. These devices typically
connect using standard ports that are available on most machines, such as a USB port. You can
expand the functionality of your computer by adding expansion cards that provide additional ports
for a variety of peripheral devices. In this topic, you will install and configure expansion cards.
Display devices, keyboards, and other pointing devices are the most common devices you are likely
to install and configure; these devices are typically included in a standard workstation environment
when a PC is requested. When a user needs to connect a peripheral component that doesn't have an
existing interface, like a multimedia device, you will need to install an expansion card. As an A+
technician, your responsibilities are likely to include upgrading users' computers by installing a
variety of components, including expansion cards.

Expansion Card Types

Expansion cards extend the capabilities of a computer. There are many different types of expansion
cards, each of which provides different capabilities.
Expansion Card Types
Expansion Card Type Description

Sound cards A sound card or audio card provides the interface necessary for the input
of audio signals to, and output from, the computer. Serial and parallel are
no longer covered on the
Video cards A video card, sometimes called a display card or graphics card, provides
exam, but if students
the interface necessary to generate the visual output that is sent to the need to use older
display device. devices that use these
Network cards A network card, sometimes called a network interface card (NIC), connection types, most
systems don't include
provides the interface necessary for network communications, whether
these ports, so they
for wired or wireless connectivity. could add the ports
USB cards A USB card provides the interface necessary for the computer to through expansion
recognize and interact with all devices that connect to the computer via a cards.
USB connection. Devices that utilize USB connections include
keyboards, flash drives, cameras, and more.
FireWire cards A FireWire card provides the interface necessary for the computer to
recognize and interact with all devices that connect to the computer via a
FireWire connection. FireWire is mainly used for high-speed data
transfer. Devices that use FireWire connections include external hard
drives, video and audio recording devices, and more.
Thunderbolt cards A Thunderbolt expansion card can be added to systems whose
motherboard has a Thunderbolt header. The header needs to match the
version of Thunderbolt the card uses. After installing a Thunderbolt
card, you can daisy chain up to 9 devices from the port on the card.
Storage cards A storage card provides the interface for the computer to recognize and
interact with a storage device such as a disk. Systems with multiple disk
drives, especially of different types, may require multiple storage cards to
manage the communication between the disks and the system board.
Modem cards A modem card provides the interface necessary for remote
communications over phone or data lines that have been provided by a
cable or Internet service provider.

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Expansion Card Type Description

Wireless/cellular cards A wireless or cellular card provides the interface necessary for remote
communications, such as Internet over mobile phone or wireless data
lines such as Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G Internet that have been provided by a
cellular service provider.
TV tuner cards A TV tuner card provides the interface necessary for the computer to
receive television signals and display the output on a display device.
Video capture cards A video capture card provides the interface necessary for the computer
to input video feeds, including digital video, and interact with the
software necessary to process and edit video.
Riser cards A riser card provides the interface necessary for adding expansion cards
to a system board while saving space within the system case. A riser card
allows the cards to stack horizontally rather than vertically within the
system.
Expansion Card
Configuration
Expansion Card Configuration
Once the expansion card is installed, there are a number of means for configuring it. Depending on
You may want to show the type and manufacturer, you may need to use one or a combination of these methods.
the LearnTO Install
Expansion Cards Configuration Method Description
presentation from the
CHOICE Course screen PnP installation If the expansion card, the device, the BIOS, and the operating system
or have students are all PnP compatible, the expansion card will be automatically
navigate out to the configured and the system will automatically assign resources to the card
Course screen and when the system starts.
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your You can use the Add Hardware wizard to install and configure PnP
instruction. If not, please devices, although to install most unrecognized devices, you will typically
remind students to visit just run a setup program provided by the manufacturer. When using the
the LearnTOs for this wizard, you should initially let Windows try to scan for new hardware
course on their CHOICE (this is the default selection). If Windows cannot find the device, you can
Course screen after then choose the device from a list of devices offered by Windows and
class for supplemental
Windows will install the appropriate driver.
information and
additional resources. Manufacturer driver If Windows does not automatically detect an expansion card, you can
manually install a driver from the manufacturer.

If students ask about Note: Read the installation instructions for the expansion card to determine if any software is
troubleshooting content
required prior to the installation. Failure to do so could cause the installation to fail or the card
6

for peripheral devices,

explain that the and system to behave erratically.
CompTIA A+ exam
objectives did not Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Install Expansion Cards
include any references presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
to troubleshooting
peripheral devices. In
addition, troubleshooting
peripheral devices is Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
relatively job aids on How to Install and Configure Expansion Cards.
straightforward, as in
most instances you can
swap out a bad
peripheral device with a
replacement to restore
the required
functionality.

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ACTIVITY 6-5
Installing Expansion Cards

Before You Begin

You have open expansion slots on the system board. You have been given one or more expansion
card types and device drivers.

Scenario
You have been asked to install several expansion cards on a user's system. The appropriate drivers Encourage students to
for the cards are also available to you should you need them. practice the electrostatic
discharge (ESD)
techniques they learned
earlier in the course
1. Open the system cover and access the slots.
whenever they open a
a) Turn off the system power. computer case.
b) Unplug the computer from the electrical outlet.
c) Unplug peripherals from the system.
d) Remove the cover. If possible, have a
e) Determine if you need to move or remove any components in order to access the slots. container full of different
card types and have
2. Insert the card in an available slot. students pick several
card types from the
Caution: Some manufacturers require installing a driver prior to inserting the container to install in this
adapter card. It is therefore important to read the manufacturer’s instructions activity. Be sure to
before installing the card. provide enough cards for
each student to install at
a) Locate an open slot. least one expansion
b) Remove the slot cover. card, access to drivers
c) Firmly press the card into the slot. for the card, and, if
necessary, a device to
Caution: Do not rock the card side to side when installing or removing it. connect to the card to
test its functionality.

d) Secure the card to the chassis with the screw from the slot cover. Normally, you would now secure
the cover back on to the system, but because you will be doing more work inside the system, leave
it off.

3. Configure the card for the computer.

a) Reconnect the peripherals and cables that you disconnected in step 1.
b) Power on the system.
c) Install any required drivers.

4. Check whether the card is functioning properly.

a) Connect any devices to the card that are required for testing the card functionality.
b) Access or use the device connected to the card.
c) In Device Manager, verify that the device's properties show that the device is working properly and
that there are no conflicts, and then select Cancel.

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Summary
In this lesson, you installed and configured various types of peripheral computer components,
including input and output devices and the expansion cards that may be necessary to connect them.
As an IT professional, having the ability to successfully install and configure these components is an
integral part of your daily work life, as you will be expected to set up workstations or assist users in
installing anything that they may need to perform their job duties effectively.

What types of peripheral components do you anticipate having to install and configure most often in your
current job role?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary, but might include multimedia, storage, display devices, or expansion cards.
networking tools Depending on how data is input into a company's databases, input devices could include a stylus,
provided on the CHOICE mobile device, or touch pad.
Course screen to follow
up with their peers after Will there be any specialty input devices that you will need to install or configure at your workplace? How
the course is completed might this affect your day-to-day activities as an IT professional?
for further discussion A: Answers will vary according to the type of business where the individual works or expects to work. If
and resources to support
the company has a great need for security, biometric devices may be incorporated at many key levels
continued learning.
of entry, including computers. Specialty input devices might include touch screens, bar code readers,
gamepads, or interactive whiteboards. Having knowledge of various types of devices, how they work,
and how they are installed and configured will be necessary. Keeping up with evolving technology will
likely be necessary as well.

Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 6: Installing and Configuring Peripheral Components |

7 Managing System
Components

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will manage system components. You will:
• Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose, and properties.
• Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods.
• Install a power supply.
• Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, CPU, and power.

Lesson Introduction
In the previous lesson, you worked with peripheral components such as display devices,
input devices, expansion cards, and multimedia devices. As an A+ technician, you are not
only responsible for the components outside the system unit, but all the internal
components as well. On the job, you may be asked to connect peripheral components for a
user, or you may be asked to swap out a motherboard.
A large part of your time as an A+ technician will be spent helping users to install and
configure new software and hardware components. Having the knowledge and skills to
properly install and configure the internal system components is crucial because, in most
cases, users will not have the knowledge or the experience to install the components
themselves. It will be your professional responsibility to know the technical specifications
for these components and how to manage them appropriately.
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TOPIC A
Identify Motherboard Components and Features
In this lesson, you will dive inside the computer system and take a closer look at the internal
components that enable the computer to run successfully. In this topic, you will start by examining
motherboards.
The most important system component in a computer system is the motherboard. Although you
can argue a case for almost any system component as being most important, without the
motherboard, the computer simply cannot run. As an A+ technician, you must be knowledgeable
about motherboards and their purpose within the computer system.

Motherboards
As you learned earlier in the course, a motherboard or system board is a circuit board that contains the
basic electronic components that form the backbone of a PC.
Motherboards

Throughout this lesson,

if you have access to a
document camera to
project from inside the
system case, this would
be a good use of it,
especially for remote
students.

Figure 7-1: A motherboard.

Motherboard Sizes and Form Factors

Motherboards come in several different sizes. This is often referred to as the board's form factor. The
form factor describes the size, shape, and configuration of the motherboard.
Motherboard Sizes/Form
Factors (4 Slides)

Mini-ATX is not covered

on the exam, but it is still
found in some systems,
so it is included here.

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Motherboard Description
Form Factor

ATX Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) boards are an older motherboard

standard that was introduced by Intel® in 1995 to provide better I/O support,
lower cost, easier use, and better processor support than even earlier form factors.
ATX has undergone several revisions. Some of the features of the original ATX
form factor are as follows:
• Power supply with a single, keyed 20-pin connector called the P1 connector.
The main power connector to the motherboard provided +3.3 volts (V), +5
V, +5 V, +12 V, and -12 V.
• The central processing unit (CPU) is closer to the cooling fan on the power
supply. Also, the cooling circulation blows air into the case instead of blowing
air out of the case. (Later revisions had fans blowing air out of the case.)
• You can access the entire motherboard without reaching around drives. This
was accomplished by rotating the board 90 degrees.
• This board cannot be used in Baby AT or LPX cases.
• This board is typically described as having a maximum size of 12 inches by 9.6
inches or 12 inches by 10 inches, but the actual item dimensions can vary, as
long as the mounting holes are in the specified locations.

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Motherboard Description
Form Factor
Mini-ATX The mini-ATX board has a maximum size of 11.2 inches by 8.2 inches. The main
difference between the mini board and the full-size ATX board is its smaller size.
For example, it uses the same power supply form factor and case mounting holes
as the full-size board.

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Motherboard Description
Form Factor
microATX The microATX board, introduced in late 1997, is often written as μATX, and has
a maximum size of 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches. MicroATX boards with integrated
graphics are often used by system board manufacturers as a basis for small form
factor and home entertainment PCs. MicroATX boards are backward compatible
with the full size ATX boards and often use the same chipsets, so they can usually
use the same components. However, because the cases are generally smaller, there
are fewer I/O ports available than in ATX systems, so it might be necessary to
use external USB hard drives, CD burners, and so forth.

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Motherboard Description
Form Factor
ITX and mini- ITX, also known as Embedded Platform Innovative Architecture (EPIA), is a
ITX small motherboard originally designed for industrial applications. They are also
used in firewalls, home theater PCs, and embedded car computers. The mini-ITX
and Pico-ITX motherboards are the most popular versions of ITX motherboards.
The mini-ITX motherboards are small, compact boards that fit the same form
factor as the ATX and the micro-ATX boards. They have a maximum size of 6.7
inches by 6.7 inches. ITX boards were developed by a company named VIA
technologies in 2001 to provide a compact board that does not drain system
power. The boards are unique in that they are uniquely designed to consume less
power while providing adequate processing power. Because of this, the board
itself does not demand excessive cooling components. Due to their small size and
low power consumption, the boards can be implemented in a number of cases
and electronics and are popular among the industries that purchase motherboards
in bulk to be incorporated into a number of different products.

ATX Power Revisions

ATX has undergone several revisions. The following table highlights the power revisions included in
the various versions of the specifications.

ATX Version Description

ATX 1.0 20-pin P1 motherboard power connector.

ATX 12V 1.0 to 1.3 • An extra 4-pin, 12V connector, commonly called the P4 connector,
was first needed to support the Pentium 4 processor.
• Added a supplemental 6-pin AUX connector, which provided
additional 3.3V and 5V supplies to the motherboard if needed.
• Increased power on the 12V rail.
• Both connectors were of Molex Mini-fit Jr. type.
ATX 12V 1.2 -5V rail no longer required (optional).
ATX 12V 1.3 • Introduction of Serial ATA power connector (defined as optional).
• -5V rail prohibited.

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ATX Version Description

ATX 12V 2.x • 24-pin P1 connector. The additional pins provide +12V, +5V, and
+3.3V pins. This connector is backward compatible with the 20-pin
connector.
• The 6-pin AUX connection was no longer necessary because the
extra 3.3V and 5V circuits were incorporated in the 24-pin connector.
• The most power was provided on the 12V rails.
• Power on the 3.3V and 5V rails was reduced.
• The power supply was required to include a serial ATA power cable.
ATX 12V 2.1 Added a 6-pin connector for PCI Express (PCIe) graphics cards that
delivers 75 watts (W). PCIe version 1 defined the 6-pin connector. The
connector can also be located on the motherboard.
ATX 12V 2.2 Added an 8-pin connector for PCIe graphics cards that delivers
additional 150W. PCIe version 2 defined the 8-pin connector. The
connector can also be located on the motherboard.
ATX 12V 2.3 Included efficiency recommendations to align with Energy Star 4.0
mandates.

Note: For processor voltage regulators that have been designed for 12V input, an additional
12V power connector was added. ATX power supplies with the 12V connector are designated as
ATX 12V.

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ACTIVITY 7-1
Identifying Motherboards

Scenario
In this activity, you will analyze and identify some of the more common motherboards in use today.

This activity is designed 1. Examine the graphic and answer the following question.
to be an introduction to
common motherboard
types. If you have
sample motherboards
available during class,
have students identify
them as a group activity.
If no boards are
available, you can use
the images presented in
this activity.

Make sure that remote

students can see your
work area so they can
see the sample
motherboards.

Identifying
Motherboards, Step 1

What type of motherboard is displayed here, and what characteristics did you use to help you identify
the board type?
A: Based on its small size dimensions and compact component design, this motherboard is a mini-
ITX.

Identifying
Motherboards, Step 2

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2. Examine the graphic and answer the following question.

What type of motherboard is displayed here, and what characteristics did you use to help you identify
the board type?
A: You can tell by the large size and vast number of available components and slots that this
motherboard is an ATX.

3. Take the case off the PC you are using for this course to identify the type of motherboard installed in the
PC. Use the descriptions presented in this topic to help you.

Expansion Slots Assist participants in

identifying their
Expansion slots allow you to add expansion cards to your motherboard in order to extend the motherboards.
capabilities of a computer system. Motherboards generally include several of these slots so that the
adapters can transfer data to and from the different computer components that have been installed
in a system.
You might want to poll
participants to identify
the different types of
motherboards being
used in the class.

After step 3, have

students keep the case
covers off their PCs.
They will be looking at
the expansion slots in
the next activity.

Expansion Slots

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Expansion Slot Type Description

If possible, show PCI The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion slot is the most common
students examples of expansion slot used on system motherboards. The specifications include:
the different expansion
card slots and what the • Physical characteristics of cards: operates at 33 or 66 MHz. Up to eight
cards look like. functions can be integrated on one board.
• A 32-bit PCI card that operates at 33 MHz has a throughput of 133
MBps.
• A 32-bit PCI card that operates at 66 MHz has a throughput of 266
MBps.
• A 64-bit PCI card that operates at 33 MHz has a throughput of 266
MBps.
• A 64-bit PCI card that operates at 66 MHz has a throughput of 533
MBps.
• Configuration: Supports up to five cards per bus and a system can have
two PCI buses for a total of 10 devices per system. Can share interrupt
requests (IRQs). Uses Plug and Play (PnP).
• Number of data lines: 64-bit bus often implemented as a 32-bit bus.
• Communication method: Local bus standard; 32-bit bus mastering. Each
bus uses 10 loads. A load refers to the amount of power consumed by a
device. The PCI chipset uses three loads, while integrated PCI controllers
use one load. Controllers installed in a slot use 1.5 loads.
6

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Expansion Slot Type Description

PCI-X PCI-eXtended (PCI-X) is a motherboard expansion slot that improves upon
some of the PCI expansion capabilities and is the latest version of PCI
technology. PCI-X uses a parallel interconnect along a 64-bit bus shared with
other PCI-X devices. The specifications include:
• Provides increased bandwidth and faster speeds by doubling the bus
width from 32 bits to 64 bits.
• For PCI-X 1.0, the clock rate ranges from 66 megahertz (MHz) to 133
MHz, depending on the card. A 64-bit PCI-X card that operates at 66
MHz has a throughput of 533 MBps, whereas a card that operates at 133
MHz has a throughput of 1.06 GBps.
• PCI-X 2.0 clock rates are 266 MHz and 533 MHz. Cards that operate at
266 MHz have a throughput of 2.13 GBps due to double-data-rate
technology, where data is transferred on the rising and falling edges of
the clock cycle. Cards that operate at 533 MHz have a throughput of 4.26
GBps and use quad-data-rate technology.
• Commonly found in server machines to provide faster transfer rates
required.

Note: Conventional PCI and PCI-X are sometimes called "parallel

PCI" to distinguish them from PCI Express, which uses a serial, lane-
based architecture.

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Expansion Slot Type Description

PCIe PCI Express (PCIe) uses a different architectural design than PCI and PCI-X
and is not backward compatible with either one. PCIe provides full-duplex,
high speed communication. PCIe is based on the concept of “lanes.” Lanes
can be grouped to increase bandwidth, so when two devices use eight lanes
for their connection, it’s an x8 connection. Each device uses two lanes, one
to transmit and one to receive (full duplex).
PCI and PCI-X use a 32-bit or 64-bit parallel bus, and PCIe uses a serial bus,
which is faster than a parallel bus.
There are four versions of the PCIe standard—1.x, 2.x, 3.x, and 4.x. PCIe
1.0 and 2.0 use the 8b/10b encoding system (which is the same encoding
used by Fast Ethernet for a 100 Mbps network throughput). PCIe version
3.x is the current standard, which will eventually be replaced by version 4.x.
• Used for high-speed graphics cards and high-speed network cards.
• Number of data lines: Each device has a serial connection consisting of
one or more lanes. The data rate depends on the PCIe version.
• PCIe version 1.x: Clock speed is 2.5 GHz, and each lane offers up to
250 MBps of throughput. An x16 slot (16 lanes) can handle 4 GBps
of bandwidth in one direction.
• PCIe version 2.x: Clock speed is 5 GHz, and each lane offers up to
500 MBps of throughput. An x16 slot (16 lanes) can handle 8 GBps
of bandwidth in one direction.
• PCIe version 3.x: Clock speed is 8 GHz, and each lane offers up to 1
GBps of throughput. An x16 slot (16 lanes) can handle 16 GBps of
bandwidth in one direction.
• PCIe version 4x: Specifications are not yet released, but the transfer
rates are targeted to reach 16 gigatransfers per second (GT/s). An x16
slot (16 lanes) will be able to handle 64 GBps in one direction.
• Communication method: Local serial interconnection.

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Expansion Slot Type Description

MiniPCI The PCI industry standard for desktop computer expansion cards applied to
the small form factor for notebook expansion cards. Types of Mini PCI
devices developed include Bluetooth, modems, Fast Ethernet, sound card,
SATA controllers and so on. The cards are attached to the motherboard and
are not accessible from the outside of the laptop. There are three card form
factors available:
• Type I: Uses a 100-pin stacking connector
• Type II: Uses a 100-pin stacking connector
• Type III: Uses a 124-pin edge connector

Features include:
• Upgradeable; Mini PCI cards are removable and easy to upgrade to newer
technologies.
• Flexibility: A single Mini PCI card interface can accommodate different
types of communication devices.
• High Performance: uses 32-bit, 33MHz bus and support for bus
mastering and DMA.
• 2 W maximum power consumption.
• Mini PCI cards can be used with PCI using a Mini PCI-to-PCI converter.
Mini PCI is an older technology; it has been superseded by PCI Express
Mini Card.

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ACTIVITY 7-2
Identifying Expansion Slots

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine and identify the expansion slots on your PC's motherboard.

You may have to help 1. With the case removed from your PC, examine the expansion slots on your motherboard.
students identify the
slots on their system 2. Try to identify the different types of expansion slots.
boards, because it may
be difficult to identify
them with all the RAM Slots
connections made.
RAM slots come in several form factors, and each module will connect to the system board through
a RAM slot of a compatible type.
Have students keep the
case cover off their PCs RAM Form Factor Description
in preparation for the
DIMM Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs) are found in many systems, and
next activity.
they have a 64-bit data path. The development of the DIMM solved the
issue of having to install memory modules in matched pairs. DIMMs also
have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module, whereas the
RAM Slots contacts on older RAM on both sides are redundant. DIMMs have a 168-
pin connector, and they generally have 16 or 32 random access memory
chips mounted on a small circuit board.
Show examples if RIMM Rambus Inline Memory Modules (RIMMs) have a metal cover that acts as
available, and if students a heat sink. Although they have the same number of pins, RIMMs have
are interested, provide a
brief description of other
different pin settings and are not interchangeable with DIMMs. RIMMs
RAM types, such as can be installed only in RIMM slots on a system board.
SIMMs, that are not
mentioned in the exam
objectives.

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ACTIVITY 7-3
Identifying RAM Slots

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine and identify the RAM slots on your PC's motherboard.

1. With the case removed from your PC, examine the available RAM slots on your motherboard. Have students keep the
case covers off their
2. How many RAM slots are on your motherboard? Are they all being used? PCs in preparation for
A: Answers will vary depending on the individual PCs. the next activity.

Chipsets Assist participants in

identifying the number of
The chipset is the collection of chips and integrated circuits that support basic functions of the RAM slots in their PCs.
computer. PC chipsets are housed on one to four chips and include built-in controllers for the
system board’s buses and all the integrated peripherals.
Chipsets
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 7-2: A motherboard with a single-chip chipset.

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The chipset architecture, including the number, function, name, and placement of the various chips
in a chipset, will vary depending on the type and manufacturer of the system board. For example, on
many Intel Pentium computers, the two main chips in the chipset are known as the Northbridge and
the Southbridge.
• The Northbridge controls the system memory and the AGP video ports, and it may also control
cache memory. The Northbridge is closer to the processor and communicates directly with it
using a 64-bit front side bus.
• The Southbridge controls input/output functions, the system clock, drives and buses, advanced
power management (APM), and various other devices. The Southbridge is further from the CPU
and uses the PCI bus to communicate with the Northbridge.
Newer Intel systems employ the Intel Hub Architecture (IHA) chipset. This also has two main
chips, now named the Graphics and AGP Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) and the I/O
Controller Hub (ICH), which perform functions roughly analogous to the Northbridge and
Southbridge, but the communication between the two new chips is designed to be faster.

Figure 7-3: A multichip chipset on a system board.

CPU Sockets
CPUs use either sockets or slots to connect to the motherboard. Older slot-based processors
plugged into a system board in much the same way as an expansion board, whereas socketed
CPU Sockets
processors plug into a system board using a pin grid array (PGA). Modern CPUs usually fall into
either the AMD or Intel category. Although there are other CPU manufacturer brands available,
Intel and AMD technologies tend to dominate in the marketplace.

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Figure 7-4: CPU sockets.

Bus Speeds
The motherboard bus speed determines how fast circuits will carry data simultaneously from one
area of the motherboard to another. Speed can vary based on the capacity of the specific bus. The
bus speed will depend on what components are installed in the computer. Bus Speeds

CMOS Batteries
The complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) battery is a small battery on the motherboard that
provides power to the real-time system clock when the computer is turned off. You may find cases
when the CMOS battery fails, which will result in a CMOS Battery Failure message (or possibly a CMOS Batteries
CMOS Read Error). Replacing a CMOS battery is not difficult, but it is not always necessary. Start
by leaving the computer on for a day, and see if this helps the battery recharge. If this does not
work, and you need to replace the battery, immediately write down all of your CMOS settings, as
you will need to re-enter them later after replacing the battery. Note that not all motherboards can
have their CMOS batteries replaced; in these cases you can add a new CMOS battery, but not
remove the old one. Consult the documentation for your motherboard.

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Figure 7-5: CMOS batteries.

CMOS Settings
CMOS settings can be changed if needed in the system setup program that is loaded from the
system firmware setup utility. The CMOS battery supports the BIOS or UEFI utility by providing
enough power to save critical system settings.

CMOS Setup Setting Description

System date and You can set the system's real-time clock using DOS date and time
time commands, or by setting the clock in Windows, which will adjust the real-
time clock.
Password You can specify whether a user or administrator password is required to start
up the system.
Boot sequence You can specify the order that Power-On Self Test (POST) checks drives for
an operating system.
Memory Some systems require you to specify in CMOS how much RAM is installed
on the system. You might also be able to specify whether the system uses
parity memory or non-parity memory. Most modern systems automatically
detect and report the installed RAM.
Hard drive You can specify the number, type, and size of the hard drives attached to the
system.
Display You can specify the monitor type and port.
Power management In most modern computers, you can specify settings such as powering down
components (such as the monitor, video card, and hard drives) when the
components have not been used for a specified time period, as well as
options and time limits for standby and suspend modes. You can also disable
or enable global power management.

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Power Connections
Every component in a PC requires electrical power, and most components get that power from the
PC's power supply. Because all of the components, including the power supply, are connected to the
motherboard, you will find several different power connectors on a typical motherboard. Power Connections
• Main power connector (24 pins)
• CPU power connector (4/8-pin 12V). Lower-end boards supporting CPUs with lower thermal
design power (TDP) will likely have a four-pin connector, and boards that support higher-end Use this section to
processors will have an eight-pin connector. introduce the power
• CPU fan connector (3 or 4 pins). Three-wire connectors are typically used for small chassis fans connections on the
with low power consumption. The four-wire connectors are for processor fans with higher motherboard. Students
consumption. Four-pin connectors can control fan speed via pulse width modulation (PWM). will install power
supplies later in the
• Legacy ATA ATX P4 or 4-pin connector. lesson.
• SATA power connector. SATA power connectors have 15-pins. A difference between a SATA
power connector and the four-pin connector is a pin that provides 3.3V of power. Some SATA
drives have specific power requirements. SATA drives don't always include a SATA power
connector. In that instance, you can attach the legacy ATA four-pin power connector to the
drive. However, do not connect a four-pin power connector and a SATA power connector to
the drive. This will likely cause the drive to malfunction.
• PCIe 6/8-pin.

Fan Connectors
There are several uses for fans within a computer. The components installed and how much heat
they produce will determine what type of fans you should install. Full-size desktop systems will
generally have a case fan that will pull the hot air out, letting cooler air circulate through the chassis. Fan Connectors
There is no current standard that dictates the size and form factor of the fan connector. Common
connectors include:
• A 3-pin Molex KK connector, commonly used to connect a fan directly to the motherboard.
• A 4-pin Molex KK connector that is similar in function to the 3-pin KK connector, except that
it has an extra pin to provide the ability to control the speed of the fan.
• A 4-pin Molex connector that connects directly to the system's power supply.
In some systems, the system firmware monitors the fan speed. In order for this to happen, the
power supply requires an external fan connector that is attached to the motherboard. The fan does
not draw power from the connector; it only is used to provide information to the system firmware.
Based on the information received, the system can increase the fan speed for improved cooling or
decrease the fan speed when less cooling is needed so that the system operates more quietly.

Front and Top Panel Connectors

Many different components connect to the motherboard. It is important to understand where each
component is supposed to be attached. Always check the manufacturer's information for your
motherboard before you disconnect or reconnect a component to the pins on the various panels of Front and Top Panel
the board. Connectors

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Motherboard Description
Headers

USB header The USB header contains the pins that the USB cable connects to. This
connects the USB drive installed in the computer case directly to the
motherboard. USB headers will have one pin missing from the second row on
the end. This can be a visual guide when identifying the different headers.

Front panel The front panel header of the motherboard contains many system connection
header pins that are used to connect components installed in the computer case to the
motherboard. Most front and top panel headers will include:
• Power switch
• Power light emitting diode (LED)
• Reset switch
• Hard drive LED
• Speaker
6

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Motherboard Description
Headers
Audio header The audio header contains the pins to connect the system audio cable to the
motherboard.

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ACTIVITY 7-4
Identifying Motherboard Components

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine various motherboard components.

1. Locate and identify various components on the motherboard of your PC.

a) On the motherboard, identify the chipset. How is it configured? Can you see the Northbridge and
Southbridge chips? Or does this computer have the newer GMCH/ICH chipset?
As participants attempt b) Try to find the CMOS battery on the motherboard.
to find the chipset,
discuss the differences 2. Identify fan and power connectors.
between the a) Locate the power supply within your PC.
Northbridge/Southbridge b) Trace the connections from the power supply to the motherboard and identify the type of
configuration and the connections made.
GMCH/ICH
c) Check for any fans installed within the PC. Locate the case fan and see how it is connected to the
configuration.
motherboard. Also check for any fans connected directly to the motherboard, and identify where the
connections are made.

3. Identify the front and top panel connectors.

a) On the motherboard, try to identify the USB headers.
b) Identify the front panel header.
c) Identify the audio header.

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TOPIC B
Install and Configure CPUs and Cooling Systems
In the last topic, you identified the various types of motherboards used in computer systems. Now
that you understand the purpose of the motherboard, you can take a closer look at the components
that make up the board. Two of these components are the central processing unit, or CPU, and the
cooling systems that service it. In this topic, you will examine CPUs and cooling systems.
Much like the motherboard, the CPU is another important component of the computer system that
actually carries out all the tasks requested by the applications installed in the computer. The CPU is a
heat generator, so part of understanding the CPU includes understanding how to manage heat inside
the computer case by managing the airflow and temperature. Keeping the system cool is an easy but
important way to maintain or even increase its productivity. A computer that runs too hot risks
damaging its own components. As an A+ technician, you need to be familiar with these essential
components of the computer system.

Intel CPU Socket Types

Although you may encounter older socket types on the job, most computers will use more recent
socket types and processors. Common Intel CPU sockets include the following.
Intel CPU Socket Types
Socket Type Description

LGA 775 The land grid array (LGA) 775 CPU is also referred to as Socket T.
• Supports Intel CPUs from 1.8 to 3.8 GHz with front-side bus frequencies Point out that even
ranging from 533 MHz to 1600 MHz. though the exam
objectives do not include
• Uses 775 copper pins with no socket holes to attach to the motherboard's "LGA" with the socket
pins. The CPU is connected via a load plate that the CPU attaches to and types, you will almost
is lowered onto the board by the load lever. always see LGA in front
• Has 775 contacts in a 33x30 grid array with a 15x14 grid depopulation in of the number in
the center of the array, and with one corner contact and four contacts on documentation and
two sides of the socket removed. catalogs.
• Base metal for the contacts is high strength copper alloy, and the areas on
the socket contacts that mate with the processor are gold-plated.
• Proper cooling is accomplished by the design of the CPU connection to
the motherboard. By using the load plate to connect, the CPU is properly
seated into place and is perfectly level. This ensures that the CPU is
making full contact with the heat sink or liquid cooling method.
• Commonly used in consumer desktop computers.
• Used for Pentium 4, Celeron D, Pentium Extreme Edition, Core 2 Duo,
Core 2 Extreme, and Core2Quad processors.

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Socket Type Description

LGA 1156 The LGA 1156 is also referred to as Socket H or H1.
• Works with processors with frequencies from 1.86 to 3.46 GHz.
• Uses 1,156 copper pins to attach to the processor pads on the
motherboard.
• Has 1,156 contacts arranged as a 40x40 grid of contacts with a 24x16
section de-populated, and with 60 land contacts removed mainly from the
socket corners and socket edges.
• Uses the Independent Loading Mechanism (ILM) to keep the processor
in place and distribute even force across all socket contacts.
• Commonly used in consumer desktop computers.
• Designed to replace the LGA 775 socket type.
• Used for Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, 3400 series Xeon, dual-core Celeron,
and dual-core Pentium processors.
LGA 1155 The LGA 1155 is also referred to as Socket H2.
• Uses 1,155 copper pins to attach to the processor pads on the
motherboard.
• Contacts arranged in two opposing L-shaped patterns within the grid
array. The grid array is 40x40 with a 24x16 grid depopulation in the center
of the array.
• Base material for the contacts is high strength copper alloy and with
minimum gold plating where process lands meet.
• Designed to replace the LGA 1156 socket type.
• Used for Intel's Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge microprocessors.
• Used for Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Xeon, Celeron, and Pentium
processors.
LGA 1150 The LGA 1150 is also referred to as Socket H3.
• Supports Haswell and Broadwell-based processors with 2 or 4 CPU
cores.
• Uses 1,150 copper pins to attach to the processor pads on the
motherboard.
• Has 1,150 contacts arranged as a 40x40 grid with a 24x16 section de-
populated in the center as well as areas from the socket corners and
edges.
• Designed to replace LGA 1155 socket type.
• Backwards compatible with LGA 1155 and 1156 cooling systems.
LGA 1366 The LGA 1366 is also referred to as Socket B.
• Uses 1,366 copper pins that connect to the bottom of the processor.
• Has 1,366 contacts arranged as a grid of 43x41 contacts with a 21x17
section de-populated in the center, and with 40 contacts in the socket
corners and socket edges removed.
• Commonly used in higher-end desktop systems that require high
performance.
• Used for Intel's Core i7 processor.

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Socket Type Description

LGA 2011 The LGA 2011 is also referred to as Socket R, and was designed to replace
LGA 1366.
• Uses 2,011 copper pins that connect to the bottom of the processor.
• Commonly used in higher-end desktop computers and servers.
• Used for Intel's Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge microprocessors.

AMD CPU Socket Types

Similarly to the Intel socket types, there will be, on occasion, an older socket and processor used,
but in more cases, you will be supporting computers that contain newer-model AMD sockets and
processors. AMD CPU Socket Types

Socket Type Description

AM3 The AM3 was designed to replace AM2+. The socket is not compatible with
the previous versions AM2 and AM2+ because of the pin layout being
slightly different than the older models. The AM3 has 941 pins, while the
AM2+ has 940.
AM3+ The AM3+, also referred to as AM3b, is designed to be more efficient and
use less power.
FM1 FMI is AMD's next generation socket type that is designed to be used with
the Fusion and Athlon II processors.
FM2 FM2 works with Athlon X2 and X4 processors. It has 904 pins.
FM2+ FM2+ is not compatible with FM2 motherboards. It has 906 pins.

CPU Characteristics
There are many different characteristics and technologies that can affect a CPU's performance.

CPU Characteristic Description

CPU Characteristics (2
or Technology Slides)
Architecture The CPU architecture is a description of the width of its front-side bus. A
CPU's front-side bus width is either 32 or 64 bits.
You may want to focus
Note: Starting in 2008, the Intel front-side bus has been replaced with on the more relevant
the QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) communication path. QPI is a high CPU characteristics from
6

speed, packetized, point-to-point interconnect that offers higher the table.

bandwidth with low latency compared to wide front-side buses.

Clock speed The number of processing cycles that a microprocessor can perform in a
given second. Some CPUs require several cycles to assemble and perform a
single instruction, whereas others require fewer cycles. The clock speed is a
technical rating; actual performance speeds can vary from the published
clock speed rating. The clock speed is typically referred to as the processor
performance.

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CPU Characteristic Description

or Technology
Overclocking Overclocking is configuring your CPU to run at a speed greater than it is
rated to handle. Overclocking can be performed on an unlocked processor
by adjusting the multiplier of the processor core in the BIOS. Intel, for
example, allows you to enable overclocking on some of its processors so you
can tune the system for maximum performance. However, in general,
overclocking can create problems when pushing a processor beyond
frequency tolerances. Overclocking problems include causing the CPU to
overheat, to produce random results, or to be damaged or destroyed.
CPU speed CPU speed is an umbrella term for the overall rate at which instructions are
processed. There are two factors that affect the CPU speed. One is the core
clock speed, which is the internal speed at which instructions are processed
within the CPU. The other is the bus clock speed, which is the actual speed
at which instructions are transferred to the system board.
Throttling Used to adjust CPU speed. A CPU throttle is typically used to slow down the
machine during idle times to conserve the battery or to keep the system
running at a lower performance level when hardware problems have been
encountered.
Hyperthreading A feature of certain Intel chips that makes one physical CPU appear as two
(HT) logical CPUs. It uses additional registers to overlap two instruction streams
to increase the CPU's performance by about 30 percent.
Integrated GPU The graphics processing unit (GPU) is integrated within the die of the CPU
to provide an alternative to having a dedicated graphics card.
Virtualization Most modern CPUs are virtualization compatible, meaning that they have
support virtualization software built into the chipset of the CPU. Both Intel and
AMD have CPU virtualization built into their chips. This allows the CPU to
process instructions from multiple operating systems quickly and efficiently.
Cores CPU cores read and execute instruction data sent from computer
applications. Two or more individual cores can process the workload more
efficiently than a single core. A single chip that contains two or more distinct
CPU cores that process simultaneously is called a multicore. Options include
dual-core (two CPUs), triple-core (three CPUs), and quad-core (four CPUs),
though hexa- and octo-core chips are becoming more common. Once you
start combining tens or hundreds of cores, the terminology changes from
"multicore" and becomes "many-core."
Cache Dedicated high-speed memory for storing recently used instructions and
data.
VRM A voltage regulator module (VRM) is a replaceable module used to regulate
the voltage fed to the CPU.
MMX Multimedia Extensions (MMX) is a set of additional instructions, called
microcode, to support sound, video, and graphics multimedia functions.

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CPU Characteristic Description

or Technology
Execute Disable bit The EDB is a hardware-based security feature. It allows the processor to
(EDB) classify and separate memory areas where application code can and cannot
execute. Malware programs and worms, when treated as trustworthy data,
can exploit and overrun a memory buffer, and the computer may interpret
the extra bits as instructions and execute them. The action could range from
damaging files to disclosing confidential information and creating an access
point. Intel refers to this as the XD bit and AMD refers to it as Enhanced
Virus Protection. The operating system must support the NX (no-execute)
bit to use this security feature.

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit

A 32-bit operating system supports applications that use data units up to 32 bits wide, but no larger.
A 64-bit operating system can support applications that use data units up to 64 bits wide, making
64-bit operating systems backwards-compatible (in other words, they are able to support 32-bit
programs). A 64-bit operating system requires a 64-bit processor and 64-bit software. A 64-bit
processor uses memory more efficiently; since it can use more memory, it can increase the use of
RAM and decrease the amount of time spent using the hard disk. A 32-bit processor cannot use
more than 4 GB of physical memory, while 64-bit registers (which store memory addresses) can
address up to 16 terabytes (TB) of physical memory. Except for Windows 7 Starter, all other
versions of Windows come in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

x86 and x64

x86 is the most common and successful instruction set architecture, which supports 32-bit
processors. If something is referred to as x86, it supports 32-bit software, and it might support 64-bit
software. To clarify things, the term "x86-64" (also written as "x64") explicitly refers to a 64-bit x86
architecture.

Multi-CPU Motherboards
Prior to the development of multicore processors, some hardware manufacturers offered additional
processing power by designing motherboards that could hold more than one CPU. With the advent
of the multicore processors, these are less common in PCs, but they are still widely used in servers.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure CPUs.

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ACTIVITY 7-5
Planning for a CPU Upgrade

Before You Begin

You will need a working computer with an Internet connection for this activity, or a hardcopy
catalog that contains CPUs.

Scenario
A user has asked you to upgrade the CPU in her PC. You need to make sure that the CPU you are
installing will perform better than the one currently installed, and that it will work with the existing
motherboard and other components.

1. Determine which CPU is currently installed in the PC.

a) Locate the CPU on the motherboard.
b) Look for any markings that indicate which CPU is currently installed.
c) Open the System Information window on your PC.
d) Record the information under System next to Processor.

2. Determine which CPUs would provide better performance in the PC.

a) Using the Internet or a hardcopy catalog, locate CPUs that are compatible with the PC.
b) If available, review installation instructions for the replacement CPU.

CPU Cooling Methods

Having the right cooling method can be crucial to reach the optimal performance of a PC's CPU.
Many cooling systems will be directly attached to the CPU.
CPU Cooling Methods
Cooling System Description

Fans Computer fans provide cooling by simply blowing regular air across heated
Point out the various components. It is common to see case fans, power supply fans, adapter card
cooling methods used fans, and CPU fans.
on PCs in the
classroom. Point out that
Vents Computer cases are designed with vents to facilitate airflow through the case
liquid-based cooling and across all components. A common implementation is to include air vents
systems are much near the bottom of the front of the case and to place a fan near the top of
quieter than fans. the rear of the case to pull cooler air through the system.
Heat sinks A heat sink is designed to provide direct cooling to a system's CPU. Modern
CPUs have enormous processing power that requires instant cooling that is
attached right to the CPU itself. Heat sinks have metal fins to increase their
surface area to aid in heat dissipation. Cool air is blown past it by a fan,
removing the heat from the processor.
Thermal paste Thermal paste is used to connect a heat sink to a CPU. At the microscopic
level, when two solids touch, there are actually air gaps between them that
act as insulation; the liquid thermally conductive compound gel fills these
gaps to permit a more efficient transference of heat from the processor to
the heat sink.

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Cooling System Description

Fanless/passive A fanless CPU cooler passively transfers heat through convection to the area
surrounding the CPU. This ensures that hot air can move out of the CPU
chassis without the assistance of loud, dust-accumulating fans. The fanless
cooler is therefore more silent and efficient than traditional heat sinks.
Liquid-based CPUs can also be kept cool using a device to circulate a liquid or liquefied
gas, such as water or freon, past the CPU. Like an air conditioner, heat from
the CPU is absorbed by the cooler liquid, and then the heated liquid is
circulated away from the CPU so it can disperse the heat into the air outside
the computer.
Another benefit of liquid-based cooling is that it can be significantly quieter
than fan-based cooling.
Liquid cooling systems are not as prevalent as heat sinks in most desktop
systems or low-end servers; however, you will probably encounter them if
your organization has deployed computers with hexa-core or octa-core
processors.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure Cooling Systems.

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ACTIVITY 7-6
Discussing Cooling Systems

Scenario
In this activity, you will discuss cooling systems.

Use the questions in this 1. When might you need more than one cooling system in a computer?
activity to generate A: Answers will vary, but should include instances such as high processing levels that generate
discussion about the excessive heat.
cooling systems
presented in this topic. 2. When would liquid cooling systems be more appropriate than adding a fan?
A: Answers will vary, but might include when there is not much room inside the computer case or
when an externally mounted fan is not appropriate.

3. Locate all of the cooling methods used in your PC.

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TOPIC C
Install Power Supplies
In the previous topic, you examined CPUs and cooling systems. The next logical step is to select and
install a compatible power supply in the system unit. In this topic, you will take a closer look at the
computer's power supply and its connections to the other system components.
The computer's power supply is the main source of power for all components installed within the
system unit. Understanding the power requirements of all the components and the maximum power
supplied is crucial in managing the overall computer system power needs. Whether you are
upgrading or replacing faulty components, you need to effectively manage the capacity of the
current power supply.

Power Supply Specifications

Each component in a personal computer has different power requirements that are required from
the power supply, or power supply unit (PSU). The specifications provided will help in determining
the right levels of power supplied to all internal computer components. Power Supply
Specifications
Specification Description

Size Hardware manufacturers across the globe strive to standardize the power
supply unit specifications in terms of dimensions and layout to make
computer users' lives simpler. This has resulted in a range of power supply
unit types that are accepted worldwide. The key to replacing and installing a
power supply is to make sure that the form factor matches the case and the
motherboard it will connect to. Form factors available today are:
• ATX, which can be used in ATX and NLX cases and with ATX and NLX
motherboards. Dimensions are 150 mm x 140 mm x 86 mm. Found in
desktops and towers. ATX power supplies do not have a pass-through
outlet, but instead usually have a physical on-off switch.
• Micro ATX is essentially the same form factor as ATX, only with fewer
expansion slots, which reduces the power supplied to the motherboard,
and physical size.
• Proprietary, which includes motherboards that do not conform to
standards. It is likely that these proprietary system boards will require
nonstandard power supply form factors as well, although you might be
able to use an ATX power supply.
• The number of connectors (pins) is also an important form factor. For
example, a 4-pin male connector will not work properly with a 24-pin
female connector.
Connector style There are generally three types of connectors used to connect different
devices in a computer to the power supply:
• Berg, a square-shaped connector used to supply power to floppy disk
drives and some tape drives.
• Molex, a round-shaped connector used to supply power to Parallel ATA
drives, optical drives, and SCSI drives.
• SATA, used to supply power to Serial ATA drives.

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Specification Description
Voltage All system components require specific voltages. Some devices have different
voltage requirements depending on use. This is particularly true of some
memory chips, which vary in voltage requirements from 1.8 volts (V) to 3.3 V,
and some can actually function at different voltages (voltage range). You must
verify that the power supply used can provide the volts demanded by the
system.
Some power supplies are dual-voltage. They can contain multiple channels
that provide discrete voltages, with 5 V, 12 V, 15 V, and 24 V being the most
common.
In order to calculate whether your power supply meets your power needs, you
will need to add up the maximum power you might use at one time. A range
of maximum power consumption for various components has been
established. Most components use much less than the maximum, so by using
the published requirements as a guide, you are overestimating the power
usage, and therefore making it more likely that you never test the capacity of
the power supply. You can check the documentation for the component to
determine how much power it actually will use.
Even some of the most powerful current CPUs only use 1.1 to 1.3 V. The
necessary voltage for CPU and RAM is usually detected by the motherboard
(system firmware) and configured appropriately, but sometimes you have to
manually configure it by accessing the system firmware utility and entering the
appropriate values. The power supply will supply 3.3 V for the CPU, RAM,
and other devices, but the motherboard regulates how much they actually get.
Most power supplies have a voltage selector switch that gives you the option
to specify the input voltage to the power supply as 115 V (as used in the US)
or as 230 V(as used in other countries).
Wattage Power supply specifications are given in watts. Watts are volts times amps
(voltage x current). Older systems typically had power supplies under 200
watts (W) and often even under 100 W. Newer power supplies typically have
wattages ranging from 200 to 500 W. Because of their increased power
demands, high-powered servers or computers designed for gaming can have
power supplies with wattages from 500 W up to 1 kilowatt (kW).

Note: Although most devices require specific voltages, some devices have different voltage
requirements depending on use. This is particularly true of some memory chips, which vary in
voltage requirements from 1.8 V to 3.3 V, and some can actually function at different voltages,
or in a voltage range.

Power Connector Types

One of the first things you will notice about a power supply is the cable that connects it to the
components within a computer because there are so many different colored wires and connectors.
Power Connector Types
Every device uses one of several types of connectors to connect to the computer's power supply.

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Connector Type Description

SATA The 15-pin Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connector

connects peripheral components to the power supply and has a maximum
wattage of 54. The SATA connector provides power at three voltages:
• +3.3
• +5
• +12

Molex Molex connectors are most commonly used to connect hard drives (4-pin)
and power supplies (20/24-pin) to a motherboard. The voltage and color
configuration of a 4-pin molex connector is as follows:
• +12 V (yellow)
• Ground (black)
• Ground (black)
• +5 V (red)

4/8–pin 12 V The 4-pin and 8-pin connectors are similar in that they both provide 12
volts of power to the CPU on the motherboard. The 8-pin was designed to
provide power to multiple CPUs in the system. The 4-pin has a maximum
wattage of 192, and the 8-pin has a maximum wattage of 336.

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Connector Type Description

PCIe 6/8–pin The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) 6-pin and 8-pin
connectors provide power to PCIe slots on the motherboard. Both
connectors provide power at 12 V. The 6-pin has a maximum wattage of 75,
whereas the 8-pin has a maximum wattage of 150.

Main power The main power connector to the motherboard is either a 20-pin or 24-pin
connectors ATX connector. The 24-pin connector contains four additional pins to
support the requirements for PCI Express slots on the motherboard. The
20-pin connector has a maximum wattage of 72, while the 24-pin has 144.
Both connectors provide power at three voltages:
• +3.3
• +5
• +12

Power Supply Safety Recommendations

Power supplies can be very dangerous to work with. You should take careful security measures
when working with power supplies.
Power Supply Safety
Recommendations

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Safety Precaution Explanation

Check for certification Be sure to purchase power supplies that are certified by the Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. (UL). UL standard #1950, the Standard for Safety of
Information Technology Equipment, Including Electrical Business
Equipment, Third Edition, regulates computer power supplies (along with
other components). When it comes to electricity, you do not want to take
a chance with a non-certified power supply. The risk of electrocution or
fire from a malfunctioning power supply is simply not worth saving a few
dollars by purchasing a low-quality power supply.
Replace instead of You run the risk of electrocution if you open a power supply to attempt to
repair the power repair it. Even when you unplug a computer, the power supply can retain
supply dangerous voltage that you must discharge before servicing it. Because
power supplies are relatively inexpensive, it is easier (and safer) to simply
replace a failed power supply rather than attempting to repair it.
Keep the computer Make sure that you run computers with their cases on. The fans inside
case on power supplies are designed to draw air through the computer. When you
remove the cover, these fans simply cool the power supplies and not the
computer's components. Leaving the case open puts the computer at risk
of overheating.
Protect the power Use a power protection system such as an uninterruptible power supply
supply (UPS) or surge suppressor to protect each computer's power supply (and
thus the computer) from power failures, brownouts, surges, and spikes.
You should also make sure that the computer's power cord is plugged into
a properly grounded electrical outlet. (Three-pronged outlets include
grounding; never use an adapter to plug a computer's power cord into a
two-pronged electrical outlet.) You can buy a socket tester (available at
hardware stores) to test your outlets if you suspect that they are not
properly grounded.

Note: You should also make sure to cover empty slots in the system board with filler brackets.
If you do not install a filler bracket, you reduce the efficiency of the power supply's fan and
increase the chances of the computer overheating.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Install a Power Supply presentation
in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Install a
Power Supply
Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and presentation from the
job aids on How to Install Power Supplies. CHOICE Course screen
6

or have students
navigate out to the
Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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ACTIVITY 7-7
Calculating Power Requirements

Scenario
In this activity, you will calculate the power required by the computer you are using for this course.
As a guide, you can refer to the following table that includes common component types, example
specifications, and required wattages.

Component Type Example Specification Example Wattage Required

CPU Intel Core i7-970, 3.2 GHz 130

Memory 4GB DDR3-1600 8
Video card NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 220
Motherboard ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 36
Hard drive 1 TB SATAII 7200 RPM 6
Optical drive 6x Blu-ray 32
NIC 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI-Express 14
Sound card SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium 23
USB wired keyboard Yes/No 4
USB wired mouse Yes/No 4
USB flash drive Yes/No 5
Other external devices External DVD+R drive 5

1. Examine your PC, and complete the Specifications column of the following table. If you have different or
additional components in your PC, revise the table accordingly.

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Component Type Specification Wattage Required

CPU There are several free

power-supply calculators
Memory available on the web,
such as the calculator at
Video card http://
powersupplycalculator.n
Motherboard et. You can have
participants access this
Hard drive calculator, or another
Optical drive online power-supply
calculator that you might
NIC be familiar with, to help
them complete this
Sound card activity.

USB wired keyboard

USB wired mouse
USB flash drive
Other external devices

2. If you can, determine the power required by each component, and complete the table. Again, example
values have been provided for your reference.

3. Calculate the total wattage required for your PC. Compare this value with the maximum wattage output
listed on the power supply. Does this power supply need to be upgraded?

4. Add a buffer of 30 percent to the total wattage required for your PC. Will the existing power supply
continue to supply enough power if additional components are added to the system?

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ACTIVITY 7-8
Installing a Power Supply

Scenario
After calculating the power needed for all the components added to a user's system, you have
determined that it exceeds the capacity of the installed power supply. You have ordered and received
a replacement power supply and now you need to install it.

In most cases, you will 1. Remove the existing power supply.

not have extra power a) Shut down and turn off the system.
supplies for students to b) Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
install in their systems, c) On ATX systems, to discharge any remaining electricity stored in the computer's capacitors, toggle
so you can just have the power switch on the computer on and off.
them uninstall and
d) Remove any components necessary in order to access the power supply and its connection to the
reinstall the one they
system board.
have. If there are
restrictions on students e) Unplug all power connections from devices, marking where each connection went to as you go.
working within their own f) Unplug the power supply from the system board.
systems, you should g) Unscrew the power supply from the case.
have at least one or two h) Remove the power supply from the case.
extra systems to
demonstrate with. 2. Install the replacement power supply.

Note: If you don't have another power supply, reinstall the power supply you just
removed.

a) Insert the power supply into the case. Align the guides on the base of the supply with the base.
b) Secure the power supply to the case.
c) Plug all power connections into the devices.
d) Plug the power supply into the system board.
e) Reinstall any components you removed to access the power supply.
f) Plug the power cord from the power supply to the electrical outlet.

3. Test the power supply.

a) Turn on the system.
b) Test all components.

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TOPIC D
Troubleshoot System Components
So far in this lesson, you have worked with several crucial components that are found inside a
computer case. As an A+ technician, it is essential for you to be comfortable working with these
components, whether you are installing them, configuring them, or trying to figure out how to
resolve issues with them. In this topic, you will troubleshoot system hardware components.
It is only a matter of time before a personal computer's internal system hardware components
experience problems, and generally these are problems users themselves cannot fix. As an A+
technician, many of the service calls that you respond to will involve troubleshooting system
hardware components, and your ability to quickly and effectively diagnose and solve the problems
will be essential in maintaining the satisfaction level of the users you support.

Common System Troubleshooting Tools

Troubleshooting system devices can be challenging when the problem is not visually detected or
obvious. To help you determine where the problem stems from within a computer, you can use a
few different tools each with a unique function that will enable you to fix the defective hardware Common System
component: Troubleshooting Tools
• A power supply tester is a tool that connects to the power supply's 24-pin connector that tests the
functionality of the unit. These testers can be used to test various power connectors including
Berg, Molex, AT, and ATX. You can also use them to test the power supply under load. Some If you have the tools
advanced testers can even test the functionality of other drives such as hard drives, optical drives, listed here available,
and floppy drives. show them to students.
• A multimeter can be used to verify correct voltage ranges for a system's power supply. Consider demonstrating
• A loopback plug can be used to test port functionality. their use.
• A POST card is a card that can be plugged directly into the motherboard in an available expansion
card slot, or connected to an available USB port, that can read and display any error codes that
get generated during the POST process of a computer. This tool can be extremely useful for
determining why a computer will not boot up. The specific error codes will differ depending on
the BIOS version and the specific manufacturer. You may need to refer to the manufacturer for
an updated error code list before you start using the card in the computer.

Common CPU Issues

When troubleshooting central processing units (CPUs), you must be aware of common issues and
how to manage them effectively.
Common CPU Issues
Problem Description

Overheating and Most problems with CPUs can be attributed to overheating or outright failure.
failure The main solution to CPU problems is to replace the CPU. In some cases, Rather than presenting
you may be able to add additional cooling units to prevent the CPU from every item in the table,
overheating and prevent further damage from occurring. Other times, it may consider giving a brief
be possible to simply pro-actively optimize the existing cooling system, such overview of the table
as by clearing dust from chips, heat sinks, and fans. contents and having
students read it in depth
as homework.

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Problem Description
Slot and socket Before you replace a processor, you need to make sure you select a processor
compatibility that matches the type of socket on the system board.
• Some sockets use a pin grid array (PGA) that enables the chip to drop in
and ensures that Pin 1 on the processor is properly aligned with Pin 1 on
the socket. This method prevents you from bending the pins when
removing or inserting the processor. The chip fits easily into the socket
and does not need to be forced. Once the chip is in place, the retaining clip
is secured.
• The land grid array (LGA) is another type of socket that contains pins that
connect to pads located on the bottom of the processor package.
When examining CPU issues, confirming the socket type may help you to
identify any possible CPU connection issues.
Not all processors that use a particular socket will be compatible with your
system; this is just one of several items you will need to check for
compatibility.
Cooling system Because CPUs are prone to damage from overheating, you should always
issues consider the cooling system components when you are troubleshooting CPU
issues. For instance, if a user is experiencing intermittent problems during
operation, there could be inadequate airflow within the computer chassis that
can be corrected by providing space in front of the vents and fans. Also, dust
can often accumulate on the CPU's heatsink, and can reduce the efficiency of
the heatsink, possibly causing the CPU to overheat.
When thermal problems cause a system to shut down or fail to boot, it could
be that the overall system cooling is inadequate, a cooling device has failed, or
the processor is overclocked, whether intentionally or not.
• If you suspect the cooling system is a problem, you can add more cooling
devices, upgrade to more efficient devices, or clean or replace failed
devices.
• If you suspect the CPU is overclocked, check the manufacturer's
specifications to determine the supported clock speed, Then, use firmware
settings to reduce the CPU speed. If you have an advanced system BIOS,
then you may be able to see the actual CPU temperature readings.
Excess power Power consumption is a major factor for manufacturers when designing
consumption CPUs. When troubleshooting possible CPU issues, keep in mind that because
some CPUs operate at higher clock frequencies, they require more power. If
not properly cooled, this can result in the CPU overheating. In this case, you
may need to either reduce the clock frequency of the processor using Power
Management, or install additional cooling devices.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot CPU Problems.

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ACTIVITY 7-9
Troubleshooting CPU Issues

Scenario
You are attempting to resolve problems for a user who has been reporting intermittent but severe If you have a PC that
system errors, such as frequent unexpected shutdowns. The problems have been getting more has CPU issues that you
frequent, and you have been unable to pinpoint a cause within the system software, power supply, can have students
memory, or any adapter cards. You are starting to suspect that there is a bad CPU, and you need to diagnose and fix, have
proceed accordingly to get the user back to work with as little downtime and cost as possible. students work as a team
to repair the system.

1. What initial steps should you take to identify and resolve a potential CPU problem?
☐ Replace the CPU with a known-good processor.
☑ Verify that the CPU fan and other cooling systems are installed and functional.
☐ Replace the motherboard.
☑ If the CPU is overclocked, throttle it down to the manufacturer-rated clock speed.

2. All other diagnostic and corrective steps have failed. You need to verify that it is the CPU itself that is
defective. What should you do?
◉ Replace the CPU with a known-good chip.
○ Remove all the adapter cards.
○ Reinstall the operating system.
○ Replace the motherboard.

Common Cooling System Issues

There are a few issues common to computer cooling systems.

Issue Solution
Common Cooling
Dust buildup Over time, dust will build up on components inside the computer. Dust can act System Issues
as a thermal insulator once it has gathered on a system's heat sinks and fans. In
this case, the dust can act as an insulator and keep heat from escaping from the
components, and can inhibit proper airflow within the system. As a result,
system components will not perform to capacity and can burn out quicker than
expected. Make sure to keep system components clean and free of dust.
Poor airflow When system components are not properly placed inside the computer's case,
the result can be reduced airflow within the system. This can happen when
system board components are placed too close together and create too much
heat. Another cause for concern is when there is more than one fan used in the
cooling system. Both of these examples can create irregular airflow and can also
create small pockets of hot air inside the case. Always check the manufacturer
information for your system before adding additional components, including
core cooling devices such as CPUs and case fans.

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Issue Solution
Poor heat Thermal compounds are used to aid in the cooling of computer devices.
transfer Thermal compounds are often used in conjunction with a heat sink to maximize
the cooling effect. In cases when the thermal compound is not applied properly,
heat transfer may not be effective and can result in heat damage to the
components instead of the heat being properly dissipated.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Cooling System Issues.

Common Motherboard Issues

Motherboard problems can be among the most difficult to recognize and diagnose. Typically, the
computer will not boot, or the computer will display erratic behavior, or there may be intermittent
Common Motherboard
device failures that cannot be resolved otherwise. If you have eliminated all other hardware
Issues components, applications, and the operating system as the source of the problem, then you should
check to see if the system board is the cause.
Common sources of system-board-related problems include:
• Computer viruses infecting the system, including the system firmware.
• Loose connections between system components and the system board. For example, front panel
connectors may not be secure.
• Out-of-date system firmware. Check the system firmware and the advanced system firmware
settings for your system board.
• System firmware memory is not holding configuration information.
• System time and settings reset automatically. This is caused by either a bad CMOS battery, or a
faulty motherboard.
• System attempts to boot to incorrect device. This is typically a sign that the system firmware has
been set up improperly.
• The CMOS battery is not functioning to keep the system clock information.
• Electrical shorts on the system board due to improperly seated components or power surges.
This is the most common cause of system board problems.
• Physical damage to the system board. Physical damage can lead to many issues. If the bus circuits
on the board are affected, for example, the result could be slower information transfers by the
system bus, and ultimately slower overall system performance.
• Distended capacitors on the system board that can break their casings and leak electrolytes,
causing the board to fail.
• Damage to memory and expansion slots when replacing memory and adapter cards.
• Damage to the processor socket when installing a new CPU. This is common when the pins
inside the socket get bent or broken when inserting the processor chip in the socket.

Preventing System Board Problems

When you have to touch the system board, you can prevent damage by handling it with care. When
you install components into the system board, be sure not to bend or break any of the pins. This
includes the pins on the cards as well as the system board. Also, the system board can crack if you
push down too hard on the board itself or the expansion cards. When you secure the system board
to the case, be sure not to over-tighten the screws as this could also crack or damage the system
board. ESD damage from handling or from electrical surges such as lightening strikes can ruin the
system board electronics. Be sure to use proper surge protection as well as ESD-prevention
techniques to help prevent such problems.

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Repair vs. Replace

Today's system boards are highly integrated and generally not repairable. When you examine a
system board, you will find that there are very few components on the board that are individually
repairable. For example, if a built-in input/output (I/O) port fails, you will have to install an Repair vs. Replace
expansion card that provides that port's functionality. If the chipset or another integrated circuit
fails, you will have to replace the entire system board. Even if you are highly skilled in the use of a
soldering iron, in most cases, when a system board fails, you will replace it. Other than replacing the
battery, there is virtually nothing on it you can repair.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Motherboard Problems.

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ACTIVITY 7-10
Troubleshooting Motherboards

Scenario
Several trouble tickets related to motherboards have been assigned to you.

If you have a PC with 1. Problem #1 When the user turns on the computer, he sees a message stating that the computer's date
motherboard problems, and time are incorrect. He must reset this information in the computer's system firmware each time he
consider having students starts the computer.
work as a team to What should you do to resolve this issue?
troubleshoot and fix the
problem. A: This problem indicates that the CMOS memory on the motherboard has failed. Replace the CMOS
memory.

2. Problem #2 When the user turns on the PC, it does not always come on and sometimes it just shuts
itself down abruptly, with no warning. When she turns on the PC again, there is no fan noise. Her data is
becoming corrupted from the frequent reboots.

What should you do to resolve this issue?

A: This problem indicates that the cooling fan on either the CPU or the motherboard is bad. Open the
case to verify which cooling fan has failed. If it is the cooling fan on the CPU, replace the CPU. If it
is the power supply's cooling fan, replace the power supply.

3. Problem #3 One of the other hardware technicians has been trying to troubleshoot a power problem.
The computer periodically and randomly reboots. The other technician has determined that the user has
an ATX motherboard and power supply. You have been assigned to take over this trouble ticket.

What should you do to resolve this issue?

A: This problem indicates either the power supply or the motherboard has failed, or there is an
overheating problem. First, if you have an available replacement, try replacing the computer's
power supply to see if that resolves the problem. Next, check to see if all cooling systems are
functioning properly, and replace any cooling systems that are not functioning. If neither of these
actions solve the issue, perform tasks such as scanning for viruses, verifying that all motherboard
components are seated properly, updating the computer's system firmware, and, finally, replacing
the motherboard.

Common External Power Source Problems

Problems with external power sources can result in data loss, erratic behavior, system crashes, and
hardware damage.
Common External
Power Source Problems Power Problem Possible Causes

Line noise Line noise occurs when there is a fluctuation in the electrical current. Causes
include:
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
• Radio frequency interference (RFI)
• Lightning
• Defective power supply.

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Power Problem Possible Causes

Power sag A power sag is when the power level drops suddenly below expected power
levels. Causes include:
• Many electrical systems starting up at once.
• Switching loads at the electric company utility.
• Electric company equipment failure.
• Inadequate power source.
Power This symptom can last from several minutes to several days and can be caused
undervoltage or by any of the following:
brownout • Decreased line voltage.
• Demand exceeds power company supply.
• Utility company reduced voltage to conserve energy.
A variation on this is switching transient or instantaneous undervoltage that
lasts only a matter of nanoseconds.
Frequency Usually occurs when using a small power generator. As loads increase or
variation decrease, the power frequency varies. Generators are not recommended for
supplying direct power to computers and other sensitive equipment. The
variance in frequency (square wave instead of sinusoidal wave) and the
instability of the voltage will cause severe instability in computers, leading to
crashes, data loss, and possible equipment damage. Using a power conditioner
or an inverter with a generator will prevent these issues by stabilizing the voltage
and frequency.
Overvoltage Overvoltage occurs when power levels exceed acceptable levels. This can be
caused by any of the following:
• Suddenly reduced loads.
• Equipment with heavy power consumption is turned off.
• Power company switches loads between equipment.
• Lightning strikes.
Power failure Power failures can be caused by any of the following:
• Lightning strikes.
• Electrical power lines down.
• Overload of electrical power needs.

Common Power Supply Problems

Power supply damage from overheating, lightning strikes, or short circuits can produce a number of
symptoms.
Note: POST error codes from 020 and 029 are related to the power supply. Common Power Supply
Problems

Symptom Possible Causes and Solutions

Fan will not work. The fan and openings around the power supply bring in air to cool system
components, but they also allow dirt and dust to gather around the power
supply. This can cause the fan bearings to wear and the fan to turn more
slowly. You can use compressed air to remove this debris from the system. If
the fan becomes damaged due to dust, replace the power supply or have
qualified personnel replace the fan.

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Symptom Possible Causes and Solutions

No power. If the computer will not boot, then the first thing to check is that the power
supply cable is securely connected at the supply and at the power source.
Check to make sure there is power coming from the outlet or power strip. If
the connection is secure, then you will need to open the computer case and
verify that the motherboard status indicator light is on. The status indicator
light is shown when the power is sufficiently supplied to the board. If the light
is not on, then you should check the physical power connection from the
board to the power supply. Depending on the manufacturer, the power supply
itself may also have a small LED light that indicates whether or not the power
supply is functioning.
Fans spin but no This symptom is a sure sign of a power connection issue. Check all
power to other connections from the power supply to the internal components. Verify that the
devices. motherboard is properly connected to the power supply. Look for the
indicator light on the motherboard to confirm the connection is successful and
there is power supplied to the board.
Computer will not • If the computer does not start at all, make sure that there is power to the
start or reboots outlet. You can check by plugging in a lamp or other device that you know
after startup. works. If that does not turn on, you know that you have a bad outlet and
not necessarily a bad power supply.
• Check that the connections from the power supply to the system board are
secure, especially on ATX systems. Make sure the master switch to the
power supply, at the rear of the system, is on before pressing the
computer's power button. Also on ATX systems, check the voltage of the
power being supplied using a multimeter.
• A loose power supply drive connector landing on exposed metal can short-
circuit the power supply. The power supply can detect this problem and
disable itself. If you fix the short (by putting the power cable onto the drive
correctly), the power supply should start working again. Unused drive
connectors should be either covered (some technicians bring rubber end
caps) or tie-wrapped to a safe location (not too tight to avoid damaging the
wire). Also check for loose screws or foreign metallic objects that can cause
shorts.
• Check power supply output voltages with a digital multimeter to verify that
the necessary voltages are being provided to the board. This will not
measure voltage under load, but will allow you to determine whether the
output is within the correct range. Most motherboards also provide a
voltage reading within the BIOS. If the system boots, access this BIOS
option to obtain readings as detected by the motherboard.
An odor or An odor coming from the power supply can be the first sign that there is
burning smell is something wrong. Start by turning off the power, and then visually inspecting
coming from the the system and looking for any damaged parts or cables.
power supply.
To verify the smell is in fact coming from the power supply, you may need to
remove some of the system components. This may include hard drives, the
CD-ROM drive, or a DVD burner. Reboot the system from an external drive,
and check for the smell once again.
Once you confirm that the odor is indeed coming from the power supply,
contact the manufacturer first. Some newer systems may have a smell initially,
but will eventually fade away. However, in other cases, an odor can be a sign
that the power supply is failing, the fan is damaged, or there is a problem with
the electricity source going to the system.

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Symptom Possible Causes and Solutions

Smoke coming Smoke coming from the computer means there is something seriously wrong
from computer. with the power supply. Typically, the only component that can generate smoke
is a failing power supply. When the wrong power supply is installed in a
computer, it can cause issues with not only the supply itself, but it can literally
fry the motherboard and connected components. If you see smoke, in most
cases you will need to replace the power supply, and possibly the motherboard
if there are any other damaged components.
Loud noise is Other components, especially drives, also can sometimes make a lot of noise.
coming from the Make sure this is not where the noise is coming from.
power supply.
A loud whine or squeal from the power supply area is usually from the fan. A
damaged fan with worn bearings will cause a grinding whine that worsens with
time. Sometimes, when the bearings begin to fail, the fan blade assembly will
shift, rubbing against the fan grill or the case, and produce a high-pitched
noise. Also possible, after cleaning with compressed air, a wire inside the
power supply unit could be shifted by the forced air and end up touching the
fan, causing the very loud grinding noise, possibly stopping the fan altogether.
With the power supply off, you can attempt to carefully shift the wire away
from the fan by using a plastic tool (metal is not recommended so as to avoid
damaging any components).
If the noise is not from the fan, but from another power supply component,
replace the power supply or take it out and send it for service.

Power Supply Troubleshooting Considerations

When troubleshooting power supplies, there are a few things you must consider in order to properly
identify the issues.
Power Supply
Consideration Additional Information Troubleshooting
Wattages and You should always verify how much power each system component requires, Considerations
capacity before installing or replacing a power supply. If you are having issues with a
power supply, then verify that the system component usage does not exceed
the power supply's capacity. Ideally, you want a power supply that provides
more, but not much more, power than the components require. Use proper
power calculations to determine the power requirements of the system.
Connector types Consider the power supply's connection type when replacing the unit. You
must verify that the connection type on the system board matches the
connection interface on the power supply unit. Also, verify that there are
enough of each type of drive connector for the type and number of drives the
system will be using.
Output voltage The output voltage in a power supply is controlled by a feedback circuit
inside the unit. Verify that the output voltages are within the range of what is
expected.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Power Supply Problems.

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ACTIVITY 7-11
Troubleshooting Power Supplies

Scenario
You have been assigned several power problems to solve.

1. Problem #1 When the user turns on the PC, it does not always come on and sometimes it just shuts
itself down abruptly, with no warning. When she turns on the system again, there is no fan noise. She is
using a legacy database application and the data is being corrupted during the improper shutdowns.

What would you do to resolve this problem?

A: Unplug the power cord. Remove the system cover. Using compressed air, remove the dust from
around the fan spindle. Verify that there is no obvious reason the fan is not spinning. Replace the
power cord and restart the computer. Verify that the computer starts properly. If these actions did
not fix the problem, you would need to replace the power supply. Leaving the problem alone
would allow heat to build up to dangerous levels, causing serious damage to the system.

2. Problem #2 A user is reporting an odor coming out of his computer. You have serviced this machine
recently and replaced the computer's power supply unit.

What would you do to resolve this problem?

A: An odor coming from the power supply could be a sign that there is something wrong. Because
you have just replaced the unit, verify that all the connections are secure and that the fan is
functioning. Restart the machine and verify that the power supply is running as it should. Once the
functionality of the unit is verified, then odor is probably a result of installing a new power supply
unit. If the odor does not go away in a few days, then contact the power supply manufacturer.

3. Problem #3 One of the other hardware technicians has been trying to troubleshoot a power problem.
The system will not come on when the user turns on the power switch. He determined that the user has
an ATX motherboard and power supply. You have been assigned to take over this trouble ticket.
a) Set the multimeter for DC volts over 12 V.
b) Locate an available internal power supply connector. If none are free, power off the system and
If you have power supply unplug it, then remove one from a CD drive, and then power on the system again.
testers available, you c) Insert the black probe from the multimeter into one of the two center holes on the internal power
can have students use supply connector.
them instead of d) Insert the red probe from the multimeter into the hole for the red wire.
multimeters. You will e) Verify that the multimeter reading is +5 V DC.
need to lead them
f) Move the red probe into the hole for the yellow wire.
through the testing
process. g) Verify that the multimeter reading is +12 V DC.
h) Check the documentation for the ATX motherboard to see if there is a logic circuit switch that signals
power to be turned on or off, that it is properly connected, and how it should be set.
i) Verify that the motherboard, processor, memory, and video card are all correctly installed and
As an alternative to this working.
step, if you have a PC
with a power supply
problem, have the
students work as a team
to troubleshoot and
resolve the issue.

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4. Problem #4 The user turns on the power switch, but the PC does not come on. He does not hear the
fan, there is no power light on, and he hears no beeps or other sounds coming from the system. His
system is plugged into a surge protector.

What would you do to resolve this problem?

A: Verify that the power cord is securely connected to the power supply and to the electrical outlet on
the surge protector. Verify that the surge protector is turned on and plugged in. Verify that the
surge protector is working by plugging in a known good electrical device and turning it on. If the
device did not turn on, check to see whether any reset buttons need to be reset on the surge
protector, or check the electric outlet's circuit breaker. Restart the computer. If these actions did
not solve the problem, you would need to replace the power supply.

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Summary
In this lesson, you installed and configured internal system components. In your role as an A+
technician, you will be responsible for helping users with installing and troubleshooting
motherboards, CPUs, cooling systems, and power supplies, so having the skills to install and
troubleshoot them will be crucial to assisting users.

In your current job role, what system components have you worked with the most? In future job roles as an
A+ technician, what system components do you think you will be working with the most?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary, but may include upgrading CPUs, replacing power supplies, and troubleshooting
networking tools internal system components.
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow What types of cooling systems have you worked with? What would you recommend for the average user?
up with their peers after A: Answers will vary, but all systems have vents, fans, and heat sinks at a minimum. Some systems
the course is completed might include liquid cooling and external or case fans. The average user typically just needs the
for further discussion vents, fans, and heat sinks included with their systems. A case fan might be added if the system
and resources to support
overheats.
continued learning.
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 7: Managing System Components |

8 Managing Data Storage

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will manage data storage. You will:
• Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.
• Troubleshoot RAM issues.
• Install and configure storage devices.
• Configure settings through BIOS or UEFI tools on a PC.
• Troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays using appropriate tools.

Lesson Introduction
Data storage comes in a variety of types and sizes and for different purposes. Temporary
data storage in RAM, long term battery powered storage in CMOS, and permanent storage
on disks, in flash memory, and on tape are the main types of storage you will encounter.
252 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Identify RAM Types and Features
In this lesson, you will manage data storage. All PCs have both long-term and short-term data
storage. In this topic, you will examine RAM.
Just as some people say you can never be too rich or too thin, you can never have too much
memory. Adding memory is one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to increase a
computer's performance, whether it is on a brand-new system loaded with high-performance
applications or an older system that performs a few basic tasks. Upgrading the memory is a common
task for any PC technician.

RAM Modules
A RAM module, or memory module, is a printed circuit board that holds a group of memory chips that
act as a single unit. Memory modules reside in slots on the motherboard, and they are removable
RAM Modules
and replaceable. Memory modules are defined by their design and by the number and type of chips
they contain.

Figure 8-1: A memory module.

RAM Types
Static RAM (SRAM) is used for cache memory, which is high-speed memory that is directly accessible
by the CPU. It does not need to be refreshed to retain information. It does not use assigned
RAM Types
memory addresses. It is faster than Dynamic RAM, but it is also more expensive. Cache is used for
active program instructions that software refers to on a frequent basis. Cache is divided into levels
based on how close it is to the CPU. Level 1, or L1, cache is embedded on the CPU chip. L2 cache
is memory that resides within the processor package but is not on the processor chip itself. L3 cache
To provide context, is specialized memory designed to improve L1 and L2 cache performance; it is further from the
consider a brief processor core but still within the processor package.
discussion of the history
of RAM from DRAM to Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is used on single and dual in-line memory modules (SIMMs and DIMMs).
SDRAM. It needs to be refreshed every few milliseconds. It uses assigned memory addresses and is used in
the memory modules installed in the RAM slots on the motherboard. It uses an asynchronous

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interface that operates independently from the CPU. This outdated technology was replaced with
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), which is synchronized with the system bus, making it less likely
that information is lost during transfer and processing by the CPU.
There are several types of RAM modules used for system memory. These all use SDRAM.

Type of RAM Description

DDR Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM) transfers data twice
per clock cycle, which means it processes data on the rising side and falling
side of the system clock. It is a replacement for SDRAM. DDR uses
additional power and ground lines and is packaged on a 184-pin DIMM
module.
DDR2 DDR2 chips increase data rates over those of DDR chips. DDR2 modules
require 240-pin DIMM slots. Although DDR2 chips are the same length as
DDR, they will not fit into DDR slots.
DDR3 DDR3 chips transfer data at twice the rate of DDR2, and use 30 percent less
power in the process, Like DDR2, DDR3 chips use 240-pin connections, but
cannot be used interchangeably because of differences in notch location and
electrical requirements.

Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Memory

Single-sided RAM does not refer to the literal number of sides that a RAM module has, but rather it
means an expansion bank of RAM has all of its available memory accessible by the computer.
Double-sided RAM might have two banks of memory, but only one can be accessed at a time by the Single-Sided vs. Double-
computer. Sided Memory
Note: Be sure not to confuse this with single-sided and double-sided media such as CDs and
DVDs, which can be written to one side or both sides of the media.

ECC vs. Non-ECC

Error Correcting Code (ECC) is an error correction method that uses several bits in a data string for
error checking. A special algorithm is used to detect and then correct any errors it finds.
A DIMM has an even number of chips on the memory module, but a DIMM that supports ECC ECC vs. Non-ECC
has an odd number of chips, and the extra chip is the ECC chip. The data path width for DIMMs is
64 bits, but ECC uses an extra 8 bits for error checking, so the data path width is 72 bits. All
memory modules must support ECC.
ECC is used only in upper-end systems such as high-end workstations and servers; other desktop
systems use non-ECC memory. Non-ECC memory usually employs parity to ensure that errors are
detected within the data, but does not have the functionality to correct them.

RAM Configurations
Different chipset configurations used in RAM will determine how fast data can be transferred
between the chips on the board. In this context, the number of channels correlate to how many
DIMM slots the memory controller can address at one time. RAM Configurations
• The slowest configuration is the single channel because the memory controller can access only
one DIMM at a time.
• In a dual-channel configuration, the memory controller can access two DIMMs at one time,
which doubles the speed of memory access.

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• In a triple-channel configuration, the memory controller can access three DIMMs at the same
time.
• In a quad-channel configuration, the memory controller can access four DIMMs at the same
time.
Consider mentioning
that some high-end
computers use quad Parity vs. Non-Parity
channel memory.
Parity is an older error-checking method that is sometimes used in RAM modules to detect errors
that may occur during data transmission. When parity is used, a data transmission contains 8 bits of
data with the ninth bit being the parity bit. The parity bit is used to determine whether a piece of
Parity vs. Non-Parity data is equal to another piece of data. The parity bit value can be either true, or a 1, or it can be false,
or 0. An error is detected if the parity bit values of two data strings do not match.
The controller can detect that an error has occurred, but it cannot correct it. When an error is
detected, the system simply tries again after discarding the data. Or, a parity error might cause the
system to stop and the screen displays an error message such as: Parity Error 1 (parity error on the
motherboard).
Parity memory is rarely used; however, there are usually other system components that are relied on
to verify that the data contained in memory is accurate when non-parity memory is used. You will
typically find this type of memory used in servers.

Buffered vs. Non-Buffered

Buffered RAM contains a control chip to assist the memory controller when there is a large amount
of memory installed in a system. Buffered memory is typically used in servers to ensure that data is
Buffered vs. Non-
handled correctly. Unbuffered RAM communicates directly with the memory controller. Unbuffered
Buffered RAM is more appropriate for workstations and computers used for gaming. Buffered RAM
introduces some degree of latency due to the extra control chip it contains, making it less than ideal
for gaming systems.
Point out that buffered Buffered RAM often also contains ECC circuitry. This helps find and correct any errors. These
RAM is also referred to features make buffered RAM more expensive than non-buffered RAM.
as Registered RAM. You can only use the type of RAM your system is designed to use. The connectors between
buffered and non-buffered RAM are not the same.

RAM Compatibility
If you want to add additional memory or you need to replace the existing memory in your system,
the RAM modules you install must be compatible with your motherboard. The technology for each
RAM Compatibility
type of memory module (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and so forth) is not compatible with each other. In
addition to the technology, another way memory manufacturers prevent you from accidentally
installing the wrong memory modules is by the placement of the notches on the edge of the RAM
modules. Even though the modules might be the same physical size, the location of the notches will
Point out that timings are be different.
indicated on packages
and in descriptions by Most memory manufacturers have tools on their website to help you identify the RAM you will need
four numbers separated for your system. Typically, you need to specify the manufacturer of the computer, the product line,
by dashes such as and the model of the system. Some sites will scan your system to see what is currently installed and
7-8-7-24. make recommendations based on the results of the scan.
The best results when installing additional RAM is to install the exact same modules as what is
already installed. If that isn't possible, make sure that the new modules have the same specifications.
Memory modules of different speeds will cause the faster modules to run at the speed of the slowest
module.

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Specification Description

CAS latency Column address strobe (CAS) is a signal the processor sends to a memory
circuit to activate a column address. The latency indicates how many clock
cycles it will take for the memory module to read or write a column of data
from a memory module and return the data requested by the CPU. Make sure This refers to the
that additional modules have the same CAS latency. latency between
Timing In addition to the CAS latency timing, the other timings you need to match memory and the
memory controller.
include:
• Row Access Strobe (RAS): After sending the memory controller a row
address, this is the number of cycles that must pass before the system can
access one of the row's columns.
• Row Precharge Time (RP): If a row is already selected, this indicates how
many cycles must pass before another row can be selected.
• Row Active Time: This specifies the minimum number of clock cycles a
row needs to be active to make sure there is enough time to access the
information stored in the row.
Voltage The voltage should be the same as the existing memory modules.

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ACTIVITY 8-1
Comparing RAM Types and Features

Scenario
In order to choose the right type of RAM for a computer system, you typically will compare the
various types and features.

1. You have a typical system with RAM that runs at 10 ns, and you add a 12 ns memory module. How fast
will the RAM run? Explain your reasoning.
A: 12 ns, because RAM runs at the speed of the slowest DIMM.

2. When selecting a RAM module, when would you choose RAM enabled with ECC as opposed to RAM
with only parity?
A: The difference between ECC and parity is that ECC can detect errors and correct them, while
parity can only detect errors. If you are adding or replacing RAM in a high-end system or a server
where errors can have a critical impact on data integrity, you should consider choosing ECC RAM.

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ACTIVITY 8-2
Install RAM (Optional)

Before You Begin

You will need a working computer with access to the Internet for this activity.

Scenario
A user has asked you to install additional memory in their PC. You will need to figure out what type
of memory is currently installed, then determine which memory modules would be compatible with
the existing modules already installed.

1. Determine the specifications for the memory currently installed in the PC.
a) Open a web browser and access a search site.
b) Search for RAM finder
c) Select the manufacturer of your choice and access their web page.
d) Enter the required information about your PC to find out what memory works in the system.
This typically includes the computer manufacturer name and the model name or number.
e) Determine the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed in the PC.
This information should be shown in the results from your search.
f) View System information to see how much RAM is currently installed.

2. Install memory in the PC.

Note: If your instructor has additional memory available for you to install in the
PC, they will give it to you now. If not, you can remove the existing memory
module and reinstall it. Be sure to follow ESD best practices when you work with Be prepared to provide
6

RAM modules to
RAM modules.
students or assist them
a) Shut down the PC and prepare to work inside the system. in removing the existing
b) Locate an empty RAM slot on the motherboard. module so they can
reinstall it. Also, remind
Note: Refer to any documentation you have about whether modules must be students about using
installed in certain slots if multiple slots are available. ESD protection when
working with RAM
c) Open the retaining clips for the selected RAM slot. modules.
d) Holding the RAM by the edges, line up the RAM with the RAM slot, then press down on it until the
clips lock the module in place.
e) Restart your PC.
f) Log in, then view System information to see how much RAM is installed.

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TOPIC B
Troubleshoot RAM Issues
You have identified RAM types and features. Fully functional RAM is essential to the system and to
creating a working system. In this topic, you will examine some of the common RAM issues you
might encounter and how to resolve those issues.

Common RAM Issues

RAM problems typically show themselves as memory-specific errors, erratic system behavior, or
frequent crashes.
Common RAM Issues
Symptom Possible Causes

Computer crashes, • ESD, overheating, or other power-related problems that can affect
Point out you can use system lockups, and memory.
system firmware unexpected shutdowns.
configuration to hide the
• Registry writing to bad memory, General Protection Faults (GPFs),
manufacturer splash and exception errors caused by software and operating system.
screen that covers the
Memory errors appear on • Memory address errors at boot time.
memory test at boot
time.
screen. • Applications that require large amounts of memory or that do not
properly release memory.
Blank screen on bootup. • Memory is not correct for the system. For instance, the computer is
expecting memory that uses error checking and you installed non-
parity memory.
• Memory module is not fully inserted into the slot.
Computer does not boot. • CPU cannot communicate with memory due to the memory being
POST beep codes sound. improperly installed or the BIOS not recognizing the memory. Beep
codes are specific to the BIOS manufacturer and the ones for
memory can be found in the manufacturer's beep codes list.
• For additional information on specific beep codes, visit
www.computerhope.com/beep.htm.
Some or all newly • You exceeded the maximum amount of RAM that can be addressed
installed RAM is not by the system. Even though the slots can accept Dual In-line
recognized. Memory Modules (DIMMs) containing more memory, the system
can only recognize a certain amount of memory on most systems.
• The wrong memory type was installed.
• The memory was not installed in the proper sequence.
• You might need to leave empty slots between multiple modules, or
you might need to install modules containing more memory in
lower-numbered slots than smaller modules.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot RAM Problems.

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ACTIVITY 8-3
Troubleshooting RAM Issues

Scenario
You have been assigned some trouble tickets that deal with memory issues.

1. Problem #1 The user is experiencing corrupted data in his database application. The hard drive has If you have a system
been checked and no problems were found with it. The application was reinstalled and the database available that has RAM
was re-indexed and all data problems have been corrected. No other users are experiencing this issues, consider having
problem when they enter data. He has been successfully entering data until just recently. students work as a team
After troubleshooting this trouble ticket, you have discovered symptoms of a memory problem. What to troubleshoot and
factors could cause sudden memory problems in this situation? resolve the issue.

☑ New virus
☑ Power spike
☐ New memory not compatible
☑ Power surge

2. Problem #2 Additional memory was installed in a user's system, and now it will not boot.

What steps would you take to resolve this trouble ticket?

A: First, verify that the correct memory was installed on the system, then check to see if the BIOS
manufacturer has released any upgrades that would resolve the problem. Try swapping memory
around in the memory banks, and finally, verify that memory was installed and configured
correctly.

3. Problem #3 The user is complaining of application crashes. He is fine if he is running only his email and
word processing programs. If he also opens his graphics program at the same time, then the
applications are crashing.

Why is the user experiencing the problem only when additional applications are opened?
○ There is not enough memory in the system.
◉ Memory errors are occurring in one of the higher memory modules.
○ The memory modules are incompatible with one another.

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TOPIC C
Install and Configure Storage Devices
So far in this lesson, you have worked with RAM, which is short-term data storage. Now it's time to
look at long-term storage solutions. Storage devices such as hard disks are one of the most common
system components you will install. In this topic, you will install and configure storage devices.
Users rely on local storage devices to keep their applications and data current and available. As an A
+ technician, your responsibilities are likely to include installing and configuring different types of
storage devices to provide your users with the data-storage capabilities that they need to perform
their jobs.

Storage Devices
As you have seen previously in the course, there are several types of storage devices. These include
internal and external devices. The data is stored on optical discs, magnetic media, solid state devices,
Storage Devices
and using RAID.

Internal Storage Device Considerations

Briefly review the types
of storage devices. There are several things to consider when you are installing an internal storage device in a computer
system. It is not as simple as just plugging the device into the slot inside the case. Make sure you
consider each factor before installation.
Internal Storage Device Consideration Details
Considerations
Does the computer have Do you need to plan for the addition of another controller for an
existing internal storage additional device? You might need to purchase an additional SATA
devices? controller before you can add another SATA device. In addition,
make sure that the computer has an available slot for the controller.
Does the device need Make sure that you have the appropriate operating system device
additional drivers installed? drivers to install the new storage device on the computer. If
necessary, download the device drivers from the device
manufacturer's website.
Does the computer have an If not, you can purchase splitters to enable two (or more) devices to
available power supply be connected to a single power connection, but be aware of power
cable to supply power to consumption. The number of connectors approximates the available
the device? power, so make sure that the storage device will not cause the
computer to exceed the capacity of its power supply.
Does the computer have an Most hard drives require a 3.5-inch drive bay; most tape drives and
available drive bay for the optical drives require a 5.25-inch drive bay. If you want to install a
storage device? hard drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay, you will need drive rails.
Make sure you place the storage device where it will get good air flow
to avoid overheating the device. Consider the placement of the drives
inside the bays with the cable configurations. You may need to adjust
the placement of the drives to match the order of cable connectors.
Do you have the necessary You will need a SATA data cable for each hard drive in the PC.
data cables to connect the Other types of storage devices might require different types of data
storage device to the cables,
controller?

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Consideration Details
Does the placement of the Make sure there is enough total air flow to handle whatever heat the
device interrupt the air new storage device will add to the computer.
flow of the case?

External Storage Device Considerations

External storage devices have a whole set of different considerations than internal devices. Make
sure to verify all the factors before selecting and installing a new device.
External Storage Device
Consideration Details Considerations
What interface does • If the external storage device uses USB 3.0, does the computer
the external storage support it?
device require (USB, • If the external storage device uses FireWire, is there an available
FireWire, or eSATA)? FireWire port in the computer? Does the device use FireWire 400 or
FireWire 800? If there is no FireWire port, or it is not the right size,
you must buy and install an appropriate FireWire controller. Make
sure the computer has an available slot for the FireWire controller
before purchasing one.
• If the external storage device uses eSATA, does the computer have an
eSATA port?
Do you need a cable to Depending on the type of interface used, you will need to make sure that
connect the external you have a compatible cable to connect to the computer. Common cable
storage device to the connections include:
computer? • USB
• FireWire
• eSATA
• Ethernet
Do you have an Some external storage devices will require an additional power source You may want to show
the LearnTO Install
available source of from the computer. For example, eSATA requires an additional power Storage Devices
power for the storage connection to function. presentation from the
device? CHOICE Course screen
or have students
USB Performance Factors navigate out to the
Course screen and
To get the best possible performance from a storage device that uses USB as a connection method, watch it themselves as a
connect it to a port or hub that supports USB 3.0. Keep in mind that many hubs drop all ports supplement to your
down to the slower USB 1.1 speed if you connect any USB 1.1 devices. Try not to connect a slower- instruction. If not, please
speed device to the same hub in which you plan to connect a USB 3.0 storage device. remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Install Storage Devices course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.
Disk Management
Disk Management is a snap-in utility for the MMC that you can use to manage all of the drives
installed on the system, including hard disk drives, optical disc drives, flash drives, and storage Disk Management
spaces.
The following figure shows a system with a BIOS configuration that uses MBR. GPT is only used
on UEFI systems. For GPT drives, you use diskpart to work with the drives. Storage Spaces is
discussed later in the
topic.

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Figure 8-2: The Disk Management utility in Windows 7.

Note: Although any user can access Disk Management and view information about their
drives, only an administrator can use the other disk management tools available through this
utility.

Action Description

Views Displays all of the drives on the system, the drive letter assigned, the total
capacity of the drive and how much free space is available, and the current
status of the drive. It also displays the partitions for each drive.
Assign a drive Can be used to assign or change a drive letter for any hard drives, optical
letter drives, or flash drives being used by the system. The drive letter for the
partition that Windows is installed on cannot be changed.
Mount a drive Can be used to create a mounted drive or partition, in which the drive is
mapped to an NTFS-formatted folder on the hard drive and is assigned a
folder path name rather than a drive letter.
Extend partitions Can be used to create a container for logical partitions in order to extend the
volume of an existing partition, if more than four partitions are desired.
Split partitions Can be used to shrink or divide a partition on the drive to make room for
another partition to be created. You can reduce the partition volume to a
desired size to make free space for a new partition to be created.
Add a drive Can be used to add a drive/disk to the machine. Once the drive has been
installed and depending on the history of the drive (already partitioned, never
been used, etc.), you can use this utility to initialize the disk or set an offline
disk to online.
Add an array Can be used to create and add an array to the system, including assigning the
drive a drive letter, mounting it to a folder, and formatting the volume. An
array is more than one physical drive on the machine that is combined and
managed as a single logical drive in the Disk Management utility.

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Accessing Disk Management Directly

You can access Disk Management by using an MMC snap-in, but you can also access it directly by
using the Run dialog box and entering the diskmgmt.msc command.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure Storage Devices.

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ACTIVITY 8-4
Installing an Internal Storage Device

Before You Begin

To complete this activity, you will need the following hardware components. If you do not have
these available, you can remove and reinstall the existing hardware:
• A second hard drive and an empty drive bay.
• An available power connection for the device you are adding to the system.
• Optionally, rails to allow smaller drives to fit into larger drive bays.

Scenario
Try to supply students You have been assigned the task of refurbishing a computer for a client. This computer has a single
with SATA drives. If you functioning hard drive, and the user needs a significant amount of local storage space.
must use older drives
such as PATA or SCSI,
make sure a PATA cable
1. Locate the available bay and the power and data connections for the new hard disk drive.
or a SCSI HBA is
available. a) Power off the system, unplug all the peripherals and power cord, and open the computer case.
b) Locate an available drive bay and determine if the bay is the same form factor as the drive. If you
are using a 5.25-inch drive bay and a 3.5-inch drive, you will need to install the drive using rails to
adapt the drive to the larger bay.
c) Locate an available data connection on the data cable.
d) Locate an available power connector.
If students are installing
PATA or SCSI drives, 2. Install the hard disk drive into the system.
assist them in making a) If necessary, attach rails to the drive to fit in the bay.
the appropriate data and b) Slide the drive into the bay.
power connections.
c) Connect the data cable to the drive.
d) Connect the power cable to the drive.
e) Secure the drive to the bay chassis with screws.

3. Check whether the drive is accessible.

a) Plug all the peripherals back into the system.

Note: You can leave the case open until the end of the activity.
6

b) Restart the computer.

c) If necessary, access CMOS, enable the disk, and then exit CMOS and save your settings.

4. Partition and format the new drive as an NTFS drive.

If for any reason some a) Log on to Windows with your assigned user name and password.
students did not install a b) On the Desktop, right-click the Start menu button and select Computer Management.
second independent c) In the left pane, select Disk Management.
drive, they can practice d) If the Initialize Disk window is displayed, select MBR if the new drive is smaller than 2 TB or GPT if
partitioning and the drive is larger than 2 TB. Select OK.
formatting the existing
e) If necessary, maximize the Disk Management window to view the new drive. It may be labeled Disk
unallocated space on
1 Unallocated.
Drive 0.
f) Right-click the unallocated space for the new disk.
g) Select New Simple Volume. The New Simple Volume wizard starts.

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h) Select Next.
i) In the Simple volume size in MB text box, type 20000
j) Select Next.
k) From the Assign the following drive letter drop-down list, select S.
l) Select Next.
m) On the Format Partition page, verify that NTFS is selected and select Next.

Note: To save time during class, you can check the Perform a Quick Format
option.
n) Select Finish.
o) Close the new drive window.
p) Close Computer Management.
q) In the Auto Play dialog window, click Open folder to view files.
r) Close the New Volume (s:) window.

RAID
The Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) standards are a set of vendor-independent
specifications for improvements in performance and/or fault-tolerant configurations on multiple-
disk systems. In a fault-tolerant configuration, if one or more of the disks fails, data may be RAID
recovered from the remaining disks.
Note: The original RAID specifications were titled Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. As
the disk cost of RAID implementations has become less of a factor, the term "Independent" Point out that RAID is
disks has been widely adopted instead. typically used in servers,
but that some off-the-
shelf big-box store PCs
now come with RAID
RAID Standards capabilities built in.
RAID can be implemented through operating system software, but hardware-based RAID
implementations are more efficient and are more widely deployed.
Hardware-based RAID requires a card, or controller, to show the different disks to the computer as RAID Standards
a single drive. These cards are usually a PCI or PCIe card, but can also be already built into the
motherboard.
In the Windows 8 family of operating systems, RAID is known as Storage Spaces. Point out that RAID
traditionally used SCSI
drives and controllers.
Common RAID Levels
There are several RAID levels, each of which provides a different combination of features and
efficiencies. RAID levels are identified by number; RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 are the
most common implementations. Common RAID Levels

RAID Level Description

RAID 0 RAID level 0 implements striping, which is the process of spreading data across
multiple drives. Striping can dramatically improve read and write performance.
Striping provides no fault tolerance, however; because the data is spread across
multiple drives, if any one of the drives fails, you will lose all of your data. You
must have at least two physical disk drives to implement striping, and the largest
size RAID-0 partition that can be created is equal to the smallest available
individual partition times the number of drives in the set. For instance, combining
a 37 GB drive and a 100 MB drive in a RAID 0 set would result in a 200 MB
partition; the balance of the 37 GB drive could not be included in the set (although
it would remain available for use in other partitions).

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RAID Level Description

RAID 1 In RAID level 1, data from an entire partition is duplicated on two identical drives
by either mirroring or duplexing. In mirroring, the two disks share a drive controller.
In disk duplexing, each disk has its own drive controller, so the controller card is not
a single point of failure. Data is written to both halves of the mirror
simultaneously. This redundancy provides fault tolerance and provides for quick
failure recovery, but the storage overhead consumes half the available space. The
work of reading the data can be split between both drives, improving performance.
However, with the increased read speed, a RAID 1 implementation loses some
write speed.
RAID 5 RAID level 5 spreads data byte by byte across multiple drives, with parity
information also spread across multiple drives. You need at least three physical
disk drives that have the same capacity and are the same type. If one drive fails, the
parity information on the remaining drives can be used to reconstruct the lost data.
In the event of a drive failure, data recovery is not instantaneous (as it is in RAID
1); the bad drive needs to be replaced, and then the missing data needs to be
reconstructed. With RAID 5, disk performance is enhanced because more than
one read and write can occur simultaneously. However, the parity calculations
create some write-performance overhead. Storage overhead is at a ratio of one to
the number of drives in the set (for example, 1/3 overhead in a three-drive set or
1/10 overhead in a 10-drive set), so the more drives that are in the set, the less
overhead, and the better performance. In the event of multiple drive failures, all
data will be irrecoverable.
RAID 10 RAID 10, or RAID 1+0, combines two RAID levels into one. It uses RAID 1 and
RAID 0 to provide both mirroring from level 1 and striping from level 0. RAID
10 uses a minimum of four disks, in two disk mirrored blocks. This configuration
gives you better performance and system redundancy.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Select the Appropriate RAID
Level presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Select the
Appropriate RAID Level
presentation from the Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
CHOICE Course screen job aids on How to Install and Configure RAID.
or have students
navigate out to the
Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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ACTIVITY 8-5
Installing and Configuring RAID

Before You Begin

You have installed a second drive in your Windows 8 computer.

Scenario
You have had a request from a user to configure RAID 1 on his PC. You already installed a second
hard drive for this purpose.

1. Access the Storage Spaces utility.

a) Display the Charms bar.
b) Using the Search charm, search for storage spaces
c) From the results, select Storage Spaces.

2. Create a new pool and storage space.

a) In the Storage Spaces window, select Create a new pool and storage space.
b) In the User Account Control dialog box, select Yes.
c) Check the available formatted drive.
d) Select Create Pool.

3. Specify a name, resiliency type, and size for the storage space.
a) In the Create a storage space dialog box, under Name and drive letter, in the Name text box, type
My RAID Storage Space
b) Accept the default drive letter. Based on the size of the
c) Verify that the File system is set to NTFS. drives and other factors
d) Set the size as needed, based on information provided by your instructor. in the course
e) Select Create storage space. environment, let
students know what
sizes they should
4. Open File Explorer and examine the drive.
specify.

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TOPIC D
Configure the System Firmware
In the previous topics, you focused on the basic internal storage devices that enable a computer to
run, but what about how the computer communicates with all these devices? In this topic, you will
configure settings in the system firmware.
How does the computer know when to start devices within the computer? Without the system
firmware managing the system components within the computer system, the devices simply would
not be accessible. As an A+ technician, you must fully understand how the system firmware
operates and how to configure it to enable a customized computing environment for users.

System Firmware
Firmware straddles a gray area between hardware and software. Firmware is specialized software
stored in memory chips that store information whether or not power to the computer is on. It is
System Firmware
most often written on an electronically reprogrammable chip so that it can be updated with a special
program to fix any errors that might be discovered after a computer is purchased, or to support
updated hardware components.
Point out that firmware
Traditionally, systems booted up using BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) system firmware.
might be referred to as However, the limitations such as lack of support for large drives and a plain text non-mouseable
BIOS or UEFI. interface, meant a new approach to system firmware was needed. UEFI (Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface) allows support for larger hard drives, provides a GUI interface, supports
remote diagnostic and repair, and paves the way for a more secure system boot.
Most of the functions available in system firmware are available in both BIOS and UEFI. They are
implemented differently and may have limitations. They are both interpreters between system
hardware and the operating system that run at system startup to initialize hardware and launch the
operating system.
• BIOS memory stores information about the computer setup that the system firmware refers to
each time the computer starts. The BIOS information is stored in non-volatile Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), or flash memory chips. Because you can write new
information to BIOS memory, you can store information about system changes, such as new
components that you add to your system. The computer will look for the component each time
it is turned on.
• When a system boots using BIOS, the first sector of the boot drive is read. This sector of the
drive contains information about the initialization address. The boot device is initialized based
on BIOS settings, and then operation is handed off from the system BIOS firmware to the
operating system code.
• BIOS uses the Master Boot Record (MBR), which is a table of 32-bit entries. MBR supports
up to 4 physical disk partitions, each with a maximum size of 2 TB. The MBR can use only
one bootloader.
• UEFI stores information in a .efi file on the hard drive in the EFI System Partition (ESP). This
partition also contains the bootloader for the OS. UEFI uses a GUID partition table (GPT),
which is a table of 64-bit entries. It supports unlimited partitions (although in practice this is
limited to 128 partitions), each with a maximum size of about 8 to 9 ZB (Microsoft Windows
limits the size to 256 TB). ESP can store multiple bootloaders. This is useful if you have multiple
operating systems that use different bootloaders.
• Many functions are available in the pre-boot environment, including video and storage
services.
• Another advantage UEFI has over BIOS is secure boot. UEFI uses a private key created by
the motherboard manufacturer. This secure boot feature is designed to prevent boot-time

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viruses from running. Secure boot also helps ensure that the computer boots using only
trusted firmware.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Work with System Firmware
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Work with
Types of ROM System Firmware
presentation from the
ROM is memory that is non-volatile. The original ROM chips could not be altered after the
CHOICE Course screen
program code was placed on the ROM chip. As time went on, though, users needed the ability to or have students
update the information stored on ROM chips. Over the years, various chips have been created that navigate out to the
perform the function of ROM, but can be updated one way or another. These are referred to as Course screen and
programmable ROM (PROM). watch it themselves as a
EEPROM (electronically erasable PROM) is a chip that can be reprogrammed using software from supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
the BIOS or chip manufacturer using a process called flashing. It is also known as Flash ROM. remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Firmware Upgrades Course screen after
class for supplemental
Updating firmware electronically is called flashing. There are a few reasons why you should consider
information and
upgrading the system firmware, including: additional resources.
• To provide support for new hardware, such as a large hard drive or removable storage device.
• To fix bugs that prevent the operating system from installing or running properly.
• To enable advanced Plug-and-Play or advanced power management features Firmware Upgrades
• To be eligible for vendor support.
The temptation to upgrade the system firmware simply because a newer revision is available should
be avoided. Upgrading the system firmware or other firmware can be damaging to the PC if it is not
done correctly. If you improperly flash the system firmware, or if the flash process is interrupted by
a power failure, or even if you use the wrong BIOS image to flash the system BIOS, you can corrupt
the BIOS chip so that the system will no longer boot. Often, your recovery options will be limited,
but they should be listed on the manufacturer’s support website.
UEFI is updated through package updates. The updates, along with the appropriate updater tool, are
downloaded from the manufacturer.

System Firmware Components

When the system firmware is activated on startup, it determines which components are present and
when they are accessed during the boot process. Any time you change a hardware component, you
should check the system firmware settings to see if they also need to be changed for the system to System Firmware
recognize the new hardware. Also, you can configure system firmware without needing to open the Components
chassis. Several system components can be configured through the system firmware:
• RAM
• Hard drives
• Optical drives
• CPU System Firmware
Configuration Options (2
Slides)
System Firmware Configuration Options
System firmware configuration options can be altered at any time by changing the settings within the
system firmware configuration utility. Many times when you replace or change a hardware Ask students if they
have used a BIOS or
component, the system firmware configuration will need to be changed so that the system firmware
UEFI system firmware
can recognize the newly installed hardware. System firmware settings can be configured without configuration utility
having to physically open the system case of the computer. The extent to which you can use system before and how they
firmware to configure a computer depends heavily on the manufacturer of the particular system used it.

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firmware; however, in most cases, you should be able to configure at least the following—and
possibly much more—by using the system firmware configuration utility.

Configuration Description
Option

General General settings include:

• Motherboard information, including the manufacturer, brand, and CPU
vendor.
• System date and time. You can use the system firmware Setup program to
set the PC’s real-time clock. (You can also use command prompt date and
time commands to reset the real-time clock.)
• Boot sequence. You can specify the order that drives are checked for the
operating system.
• System firmware version. This can be used when looking for firmware
updates for the system firmware chip.
Security settings You can specify a number of security functions:
• Manage passwords, including both administrator and system passwords.
• Configuring support for full drive encryption.
• Enable and disable the trusted platform module (TPM) security feature.
When enabled, the system firmware will load the TPM and make it
available within the operating system.
• In some laptop computers, laptop-tracking software such as LoJack® for
Laptops can be configured to help recover lost or stolen laptops.
• The Secure Boot feature is part of UEFI. It is designed to ensure that the
firmware is authentic and to prevent pre-boot viruses from being launched.
Enabling and Many devices can be configured by modifying the system firmware settings.
disabling devices You can::
• Specify the type and size of the hard disk drives attached to the system.
• Enable and disable advanced drive settings, such as RAID settings.
• Specify the preferred default monitor.
• Specify settings such as powering down components (like the display
device, video card, and hard drives) when the components have not been
used for a specified time period, as well as options and time limits for
standby and suspend modes. You can also disable or enable global power
management.
Clock speed The clock speed for the CPU can be adjusted in the system firmware. In some
modern systems, the CPU type and speed is automatically adjusted, but in
older systems, you will verify that the clock speed is optimized for the CPU
installed on the motherboard.
System Allows you to configure various system components such as integrated
configuration network interface cards (NICs), USB controllers, parallel ports, and serial
ports.
Video Allows you to change the video controller settings when more than one video
card is installed.
Performance Allows you to change CPU settings such as enabling or disabling multicore
support and changing processor modes.

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Configuration Description
Option
Virtualization If the CPU supports virtualization, then you can use the system firmware
support setup utility to enable or disable the various virtualization settings available.
Virtualization support within the system firmware is dependent on the OEM
model. Most modern systems will support virtualization.
Power Allows you to configure different power options available, such as how the
management system will recover from a power loss and other advanced power options.
Maintenance Allows you to verify and set service and asset tags used when a computer
needs further maintenance from an outside vendor. The asset tag is used to
identify the computer within the system firmware. It is usually a four or five
digit number.

Secure Boot
The UEFI 2.2 feature Secure Boot prevents drivers from loading that haven't been signed with an
appropriate key. This feature is enabled by default and should not be disabled unless absolutely
required. Windows 8 and some Linux distributions make use of the Secure Boot feature. Secure Boot
On Windows 8.1 systems, you might need to disable the Secure Boot feature in order for some
hardware to work, or if you are using another operating system such as a previous version of
Windows or some Linux distributions. Secure Boot cannot be disabled on Windows RT.

Built-in System Firmware Diagnostics

Most BIOS and UEFI systems come with a built-in diagnostics utility that can be used to
troubleshoot issues and verify proper functionality. Most diagnostic tools allow you to test the
system memory and the entire system. The tool will thoroughly test each system component and Built-In System
display test results which are usually a pass or fail. This will help you to identify which component is Firmware Diagnostics
having issues. Most utilities will run tests on the following components:
• Video cards
• System memory
• Hard drives
• Optical drives

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Figure 8-3: Built-in diagnostics testing the primary hard disk.

System Firmware Monitoring Capabilities

Most system firmware has monitoring capabilities built in and can allow you to check a number of
system activities for issues. To access the monitoring options, you must enter the system firmware
System Firmware
during start up, by pressing one of the function keys. The specific function key will depend on the
Monitoring Capabilities type of motherboard installed, so verify the key you need to press on startup to access the BIOS or
UEFI configuration utility.

Monitoring Capability Description

Temperature The temperature of the CPU, motherboard, and overall system can
usually be checked within the system BIOS. You can use this option to
check for overheating and to verify that the CPU is running within its
safe temperature range.
Fan speeds Within the BIOS, you can verify the fan speed for your CPU, and any
system fans installed in the computer. Keep in mind that you must
balance the rotations per minute (RPM) speed of the fans with the
temperature of the CPU and motherboard.
Intrusion detection/ Most modern BIOS will have some security functions built in. This
notification includes system intrusion detection. The intrusion detection is
implemented using a sensor that alerts the system BIOS when the case
cover of the system has been removed.
Voltage The system voltage settings are strictly based on the specific hardware you
have installed in the system, such as type of motherboard and CPU. The
BIOS allows you to change the voltage configuration for each device
installed. Once in the BIOS, you will look for:
• Vcore, or VCC, which is the CPU voltage reading.
• Memory voltage, which displays the RAM voltage settings.
• VDD voltage, which displays the motherboard's voltage. This rating is
driven by the Northbridge chip of the board.
• If there is a graphics card installed, then you will see the AGP voltage
setting displayed.

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Monitoring Capability Description

Clock You can verify that the BIOS clock is accurate by verifying the time
within the system BIOS.
Bus speed In some cases, you may find the need to monitor the bus speed, and to
make sure that the overall CPU speed is in line with the bus speed. Bus
speeds are usually set by the manufacturer at a natural clock rate or an
enhanced clock rate.
For example, when you have a processor with a CPU speed of 1.82 GHz
clock speed, you would need to set the bus speed to 166 MHz with the
multiplier of 11. (166 MHz x 11 = 1.826 GHz).

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure System Firmware Settings.

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ACTIVITY 8-6
Exploring and Configuring the System Firmware
Depending on the type
of PCs used, students
may not have all the Scenario
options mentioned in this
topic, or the steps in this In this activity, you will explore the configuration options available to you in the system BIOS or
activity might not reflect UEFI utility.
the order in which the
information appears on
computer screens.
Provide assistance when 1. Explore the system firmware utility.
accessing the system a) Restart your computer system.
firmware on startup, and b) As the computer restarts, press the system firmware access key. You might want to record this key
explain that any for later use.
differences are based on c) Navigate to the System Setup menu option.
what BIOS or UEFI is
installed. Depending on the system firmware installed on your computer, this menu might have a different
name.
d) Browse through the available configuration options.
e) Locate the motherboard settings and record the firmware version.
In step 1b, if participants
cannot press the access This information can be helpful if you ever have to update the system firmware to solve a hardware
key quickly enough, issue.
have them restart the
computer and try again 2. Change the boot order.
until they can access the a) Navigate to the Boot Sequence setting.
system firmware utility.
Depending on the system firmware installed on your computer, this setting might have a slightly
different name.
b) Examine the current boot order.
Before you proceed with In older systems, the floppy drive was often configured as the primary boot device. In newer
each step in the rest of systems, a USB storage device or the internal hard disk might be configured as the primary boot
this activity, ensure that device.
all participants have c) Change the boot order to the following:
successfully completed
step 1. • Optical drive
• Internal hard disk 1
• Internal hard disk 2
• USB storage device
If participants did not
add a second hard drive d) Save the change.
to their computers, only
one hard disk will display 3. Update the system date and time.
in the boot sequence list. a) Navigate to the Date and Time setting.
Assist participants in Depending on the system firmware installed on your computer, this setting might have a slightly
changing the boot order, different name.
if necessary.
b) Examine the current setting. If the date and time appear to be correct, you can skip this and the next
substep. If the date and time are not correct, adjust them to match the current date and time.
c) Save your changes.
If temperature
monitoring is not 4. Examine system monitoring options.
available through the
system firmware, skip a) Navigate to the Hardware Monitoring menu option.
step 4. If it is available, Depending on the BIOS or UEFI installed on your computer, this setting might have a different
assist participants in name, such as PC Health, CPU Temperature, or some other name.
locating the settings in b) Examine the CPU temperature reading.
their system firmware Normal CPU temperatures range from 30 to 60 degrees Celsius.
utilities.

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5. Verify the BIOS or UEFI changes.

a) Exit the BIOS or UEFI utility.
b) Log on to Windows.
Before you proceed to
c) If you changed the date and time, verify that the system date and time has been updated in the the next topic, ensure
taskbar. that all participants have
successfully restarted
their computers without
errors.

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TOPIC E
Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays
So far in this lesson, you've examined the various forms of data storage found in most PCs, and
you've performed troubleshooting on RAM. You'll also need to be well versed in troubleshooting
other types of data storage options. In this topic, you will troubleshoot hard drives and Redundant
Array of Independent Disks (RAID) arrays.
End users rely on the hard drives in their PCs to store important system information and personal
or professional data and files. Without a hard drive that works properly, the computer system is
essentially worthless. As an A+ technician, you will likely be called upon to fix or troubleshoot
common problems with hard drives. In this topic, you will troubleshoot hard drives and RAID
arrays.

Drive and Array Troubleshooting Tools

To resolve hard drive and RAID array problems, there is a variety of different physical tools and
software utility tools available.
Drive and Array
Troubleshooting Tools Tool Description

Screwdriver In order to repair a faulty hard drive, you will need a screwdriver to remove the
drive from the drive bay within the computer case.
External External enclosures protect the hard drive by providing a strong barrier typically
enclosures made of plastic all the way around the disk. Most enclosures also provide
power to the drive through an external connection, typically through a
universal serial bus (USB) port.
CHKDSK This utility is also referred to as Check Disk. It is used to verify the logical
integrity of a file system. With the /f switch, chkdsk.exe can repair the file
system data. Enter chkdsk "drive letter" /f in the Run dialog box or at
the command line. With the /r switch, chkdsk can locate bad sectors on the
disk and recover any readable information. Entering chkdsk /? displays a list
of all available switches.
BOOTREC Bootrec.exe is run from within the Windows RE. This is the system recovery
done from the Windows Vista or Windows 7 DVD. After booting from the
installation media in the DVD drive, selecting Repair your computer, and
selecting the operating system to repair, you can open a command prompt and
run bootrec.exe. It can be used to fix the master boot record and the boot
sector, to rebuild the BCD store, and to scan for items not in the BCD store.
DISKPART DISKPART is a superset of the commands available in the GUI tool Disk
Management. It should be used with extreme caution as you can easily remove
a partition that contains data.
FORMAT The format utility can be used to format partitions to a selected file system.
You can run the format command right from the command line, or right-click
any drive letter in Windows® Explorer and select the Format option.
FDISK Use to create and manage partitions on a hard disk. You can run the fdisk
command at the command line to open the utility. The tool can be used to not
only create partitions, but also to change, delete, and view current partitions.

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Tool Description
File recovery File recovery software is used to recover deleted files from your computer system.
software In many cases, files that were moved to the recycle bin, then emptied, can still
be recovered. Some files may still live on the hard disk. There are a number of
free software programs that will provide recovery functions:
• Recuva
• Glary Undelete
• Pandora Recovery

Common Hard Drive Symptoms

When you are troubleshooting hard drives, you will run into a number of different issues with
numerous potential solutions.
Common Hard Drive
Hard Drive Possible Problems and Solutions Symptoms
Symptom

Failure to boot If you receive an error that says "Not Ready—System Halted," then the drive is
damaged or a data cable is not connected properly. You should check the drive Consider mentioning
for physical damage and verify that the connections are properly attached to the that if you have an older
drive. PATA drive you will
need to verify that it is
POST error POST errors in the 17xx range could indicate several different issues, including: configured to be a
• 1701: Drive not found master or Cable Select
as needed for the
• 1702: Hard drive adapter not found system. You might also
• 1703: Hard drive failure briefly discuss SCSI IDs
• 1704: Hard drive or adapter failure and termination if
• 1780, 1790: Hard drive 0 failed students ask about
configuring or
• 1781, 1791: Hard drive 1 failed troubleshooting SCSI
• 1782: Hard drive controller failed drives.
You should check for damage to the connections and reconnect the drive. You
may need to replace any component that has failed.
Drive not If your hard drive is not recognized by the system when it boots up, then verify
recognized that the system has been set to boot from the hard drive in the system firmware
settings in the boot priority list. You may also need to verify that the correct
drivers for the hard drive are installed.
Drive read/write The drive might have been infected with a virus. Run an antivirus utility to find
failure and remove any infections.
If you suspect that the drive is not writing and reading data properly, then it
could mean that there are bad sectors on the drive, the drive has failed, or the
drive has been infected by a virus. Sometimes, issues that seem to be device-
specific are actually virus infections that can cause physical damage as well, but
in most cases, the damage is limited to the data stored on the device.
Start by running CHKDSK to attempt to recover data from any damaged
sectors of the drive. Use Device Manager to resolve any resource conflicts and
indications of drive failure.
Computer will If the computer will not boot up, then it could be a sign that the drive is
not boot disconnected, is damaged, is not recognized by the system firmware, or is not
configured properly by the system firmware. Start by enabling the drive in the
BIOS or UEFI setup utility and check the startup settings, then visually inspect
the drive for damage and reconnect it to the system.

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Hard Drive Possible Problems and Solutions

Symptom
Grinding noises If you hear grinding noises coming from the system, then it could be a sign that
the drive is physically damaged. If there is data that needs to be recovered, then
power down the system immediately because powering the drive at all will make
the damage worse. Next, remove the damaged drive and send it to a suitable
recovery facility, where it will be rebuilt in a cleanroom, and the data can be
extracted.
Loud clicking Loud clicking noises can be a sign that the drive is trying to park the drive head
noises but cannot park the head. You can try turning off power management to the
drive. This will allow the drive to only park its head when the device is shut
down.
Possible data If you suspect that the data is corrupted, then the system may not have been
corruption shut down properly or the drive is either in the process of failing or has been
infected with a virus. In this case, all you can really do is educate users to be
aware of this and make sure that they are shutting the system down properly
every time. In the event that it may be a virus, run antivirus software to clean the
computer of all infected files.
Slow Slow hard drive performance can mean that the drive is too full or fragmented,
performance the controller is too slow, or the wrong cable type was used to connect the drive.
To resolve these issues:
• Delete all unneeded files.
• Defragment the drive.
• Verify and replace the hard drive cable, if necessary.
External drive External drives come with their own types of issues, including:
issues • The cable connecting the hard drive to the PC may be bad, so check it for
physical damage.
• The USB port may not be functioning, so try connecting to another USB
port and make sure the connection is successful.
• If the drive requires an external power supply, then supply an external power
source to the drive.
Removable drive Removable drives can be problematic if the drive is not configured properly, or
issues the hard drive bay cable is not connected securely to the system board. In some
cases, issues can arise due to a power issue.
OS not found An “Operating system not found” or “Missing Operating System” error can be
common after an operating system is either reinstalled or has been reconfigured.
In this case, the system BIOS does not detect the hard drive or the hard drive
may be damaged or corrupted.
Verify that the system BIOS settings are correct and that the hard disk is
recognized within the system, or replace the defective hard drive.
This may also be a symptom of a Master Boot Record (MBR) problem. The
MBR is specific to each operating system, so you will need to check the
manufacturer's documentation and website for possible solutions.
BSOD BSOD, or often referred to as the “Blue Screen of Death,” is a system stop error
that is severe enough to stop all processes and shut the system down without
warning. BSOD errors can be a sign that the hard drive is damaged or is not
working properly.

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SATA Troubleshooting Tips

There are several points to keep in mind when troubleshooting Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment (SATA) drive problems.

SATA Issue Description

Controller card Not all SATA controller cards are supported on all operating systems. Check
the vendor specifications for the operating system or software you are using.
Controller driver SATA drives themselves do not require drivers, but the SATA controller does.
Ensure that you are using the latest version.
Drive not If you install a fresh copy of your operating system and the SATA drive is not
detected detected, then restart the setup process and press F6 when prompted to install
the driver.
Drive size If the SATA controller drivers are not loaded during the operating system
limitation installation, then the drive will only report the 137 GB capacity supported
natively by the operating system.
Speed limitation 1.5 gigabytes per second (GBps) SATA cards do not always auto negotiate with
newer 3.0 GBps drives. Use jumper settings on the drive to limit the transfer
rate to 1.5 GBps.

Common Solid State Device Issues

Solid state storage device issues can include:
• Limited and slower erase-write cycles. Flash memory devices do not last as long as traditional
hard drives and often performance will suffer because of this. Usually at around 100,000 cycles,
the devices will begin to break down.
• Power consumption. Solid State Drive (SSD) devices do not have their own power source and
will consume power from the system, so if the main device or system cannot provide the right
amount of power, then the SSD will not be accessible.

Common Array Issues

When configuring RAID arrays, you may come across a number of issues that prevent proper
functioning of the drives.
Common Array Issues
RAID Array Possible Problems and Solutions
Symptom

RAID not found If RAID is not found when the computer boots up, it could be a sign that
either RAID is not configured within the system firmware or that the
motherboard does not recognize RAID. You must verify that the
motherboard installed in the system does in fact support RAID. You may
want to refer to the manufacturer's documentation.
RAID stops If RAID stops working suddenly, then that could mean that the settings
working have changed within the system firmware. If you have made other
configurations or replaced a component in the computer, then those
configurations may have conflicted with the RAID settings.
In the system firmware configuration utility, verify that the drive
configuration is set to RAID. Also check the motherboard documentation to
see if RAID is fully supported by the board installed in the computer.
If there is a non-system board RAID controller used, then check the
controller's firmware, and verify that the settings are properly configured.

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SMART
Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) is a monitoring system that can help
anticipate storage drive failures. Indicators of failure that SMART monitors for include excess heat,
SMART
excess noise, damaged sectors, or read/write errors. Modern SMART systems also include
functionality for repairing damaged sectors, and can maintain monitoring functionality even when
the drive is not in use.
Most hard drives today run SMART by default. There is no robust program in Windows that allows
you to review your drive’s SMART data, so you’ll need to download a third party program like HD
Tune, CrystalDiskInfo, and SpeedFan in order to see detailed information. This information is
dependent on the drive manufacturer, but often includes:
• Number of reallocated sectors.
• Number of uncorrectable errors.
• Spin up time.
• Throughput performance.
• Temperature in Celsius.
• Numbered of canceled operations due to drive timeout.
The manufacturer specifies a certain threshold for these statistics, and when the threshold is met,
the SMART system will produce an error. If you receive a SMART error, back up your data as soon
as possible. Depending on the nature of the error, you may be able to fix the problem. For example,
if SMART detects excessive heat, you can try and resolve the issue by improving ventilation around
the drive. However, many errors are not easily fixable and will require you to replace the drive.

E
AT
IC
PL
DU
T
NO
6
01
DO
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Figure 8-4: A report of SMART data.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays.

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ACTIVITY 8-7
Troubleshooting Hard Drive Problems

Before You Begin

Your instructor will introduce a drive problem on your system.

Scenario
In this activity, you will troubleshoot different issues relating to hard drives. For this activity, you will
need to dismiss students
from the room so that
1. Problem #1: Grinding Noises you can introduce the
issue in step 2 to all of
A user has reported that there are grinding noises coming from her computer case. Once you take a their PCs. To engage
closer look, you suspect that it is the hard drive. What is the possible cause and solution to this type of remote participants,
issue? consider demonstrating
◉ The hard drive is physically damaged, probably due to a head crash, so the drive must be
the step. Alternatively, if
you have a system with
replaced.
a hard drive problem,
○ A virus has attacked the hard drive, so use antivirus software to mitigate the issues. you can have students
○ Data is corrupt on the drive, and has not been shut down correctly. work as a group to
troubleshoot and resolve
the problem.
2. Problem #2: A Computer Won't Start A user has reported that her computer cannot boot and is getting
an error message at POST. Diagnose and correct the issue.
a) Perform a cold boot.
b) Verify that BIOS lists the correct drive settings.
c) Listen to the drive or touch the drive to determine if it is spinning during POST. To create the issue in
d) Using your multimeter, verify that power connection readings are +12 V for Pin 1 and +5 V for Pin 4. Step 2, you could
Pins 2 and 3 should be grounded. replace the drive with a
e) Verify that the data cable is correctly oriented. non-functioning one or
loosen the cables on the
f) Check the drive settings
drive. If you introduce
g) If nothing else corrects the problem, replace the drive. different causes to
different PCs, you can
3. Problem #3: A Second Hard Drive is Not Recognized have participants
observe as each
You recently installed a second hard drive into a user's system. He is now reporting that the drive is not
symptom is resolved.
showing up or is not recognized. You know that one of the things you forgot to check when you first
performed the installation was system firmware settings for the drive. What in particular do you need to
check in system firmware for this problem?
A: You need to verify that drive is enabled in the BIOS or UEFI, and that the correct device settings
for the hard drive are listed.

4. Problem #3: A Second Hard Drive is Not Recognized (Continued)

Another thing you should check when a second hard drive is not recognized is that the drive was
installed correctly. What exactly should you be checking?
A: Verify that the power cable is connected to the drive, that the power cable voltages are correct,
and that the data cable is connected correctly to the drive and to the controller or host bus adapter
(HBA). For a SATA drive, restart the setup process and press F6 when prompted to install the
driver.

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5. Problem #4: The Drive Letter for a Second Hard Drive is Not Accessible

A second hard drive was properly installed, but you cannot access it by its drive letter. What should be
your next step?
A: Use command line or Windows disk utilities to verify that the drive has been properly partitioned
and formatted.

6. Problem #5: Hard Drive Data Access Issues

A user is encountering the following problem: Her computer boots fine and everything works until the
user tries to access data on the second hard drive, the D drive. The message "Can't Access This Drive"
is displayed when she tries to access the D drive. The user would also like an explanation about what
the error message means. List some of the steps you might take to resolve this problem.
A: You see the "Can't Access This Drive" message when you attempt to access a drive that is not
readable, or if the drive does not exist. Troubleshooting steps you should take include: determine
if the user actually has a D drive; attempt to copy a file from the D drive to C or from C to D; run
the Windows error-checking option. Open This PC, display the pop-up menu for the drive you
want to check, and select Properties. On the Tools tab, in the Error-checking section, select
Check and then select Start to determine if there are errors; if none of the earlier steps fixed the
problem, verify that there is a recent backup and try reformatting the drive; and if the previous step
does not fix the problem, replace the drive.

7. Problem #5: Hard Drive Data Access Issues (Continued)

When a user tries to access the hard drive containing his data, the system locks up and makes a
clicking sound. From the command prompt, he can change to drive D, but when he tries to access a file
or list the files on the drive, it locks up and begins clicking again. What steps might you take to attempt
to resolve this problem? What is the most likely cause of the problem?
A: You could try running the Windows error-checking option in the Tools pane of the Local Disk
Properties dialog box. You could also try an older version of Scandisk from a removable disk to try
to identify and repair the errors it encounters. Definitely back up the data if you can get to any of it.
You can try using other software utilities to recover the data or take the drive to a data recovery
facility. You will probably need to replace the hard drive. The most likely cause of this problem is a
bad hard drive—some of the sectors on the hard drive are probably damaged.

8. Problem #5: Hard Drive Data Access Issues (Continued)

A user reports that some of his folders have begun disappearing and some folder and file names are
scrambled with strange characters in their names. What steps might you take to attempt to resolve this
problem? What is the most likely cause of the problem?
A: You could try running the Windows error-checking option in the Tools pane of the Local Disk
Properties dialog box. Definitely back up the data if you can get to any of it. You can try using
other software utilities to recover the data or take the drive to a data recovery facility. You will
probably need to replace the hard drive. You should also check the system for viruses because
the result of some infections looks like this problem. If it is not caused by a virus, the most likely
cause of this problem is a bad hard drive.

9. Problem #5: Hard Drive Data Access Issues (Continued)

A user is questioning the difference between the sizes in GB and bytes. Why is there such a big
difference? The disk reports in some places as 9.33 GB and in others as 10,025,000,960 bytes. Why is
it not 10 GB?
A: Hard drive manufacturers usually round 1,024 bytes to 1,000 because it is easier to work with
round numbers. By the time you get up to billions of bytes, those extra 24 bytes really add up.

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Summary
In this lesson, you managed a variety of data storage methods. You looked at the temporary storage
provided by RAM as well as the long-term storage provided by storage devices and the various
issues that might arise with these storage solutions. The ability to identify the cause of data storage
issues and quickly resolve them will be an important part of an A+ technician's duties.

Which types of storage devices have you worked with? Have you installed additional hard drives or
replaced hard drives?
Encourage students to
A: Answers will vary. Most systems today use SATA or solid state drives. Additional drives can be use the social
installed to provide more storage space or as part of a RAID array. networking tools
provided on the CHOICE
Which system firmware have you worked with, if any? What types of configuration did you perform? Course screen to follow
A: Answers will vary. BIOS is the traditional system firmware, but current computers are more apt to have up with their peers after
UEFI. Some of the configuration that might be performed includes setting the boot device, performing the course is completed
diagnostics, and flashing the firmware. for further discussion
and resources to support
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates, continued learning.
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 8: Managing Data Storage |

9 Installing and
Configuring Microsoft
Windows

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will install and configure Microsoft Windows. You will:
• Implement client-side virtualization.
• Install the Microsoft Windows operating system.
• Use features of the Windows operating system.
• Configure Microsoft Windows.
• Perform a Windows upgrade.

Lesson Introduction
So far in this course, you have learned in general about hardware and software, and have
installed and configured many of the hardware components required for a computer system.
Now it is time to install the most important software component—the operating system—
so that all the hardware you've assembled so far can function together.
Since so many computers today come with operating system software installed by the
vendor, an ordinary user might never need to install an operating system. As an IT
professional, however, you might be called upon to install and configure operating systems
for a variety of reasons: if the original installation does not meet a user's needs; if the system
needs to be upgraded; if you are redeploying a system from one user to another; or even if
you need to complete a brand new build and construct a computer entirely from scratch. In
all of these cases, you will need to be able to install, configure, and optimize the computer's
operating system.
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TOPIC A
Implement Client-Side Virtualization
In this lesson, you will install and configure the Windows® operating system. One or more of those
operating systems can be leveraged using virtualization to improve performance or increase
productivity for one or more computers. In this topic, you will implement client-side virtualization.
As organizations grow in size and scope, there is an increased need for more resources, especially
when it comes to computing. Virtualization can help ease the growing pains of an organization by
providing the opportunity to leverage one computer and one operating system for use over many
systems, and save valuable time and resources when it comes to hardware, software, and personnel.
As an A+ technician, you may need to know what is needed to set up a virtualized environment.

Virtualization
Virtualization is the technological process of creating a virtual version of a computing environment
by separating the elements of the computing environment―the applications, operating system,
Virtualization
programs, documents, and more―from each other and from any physical hardware by using an
additional software application. Virtualization can provide flexibility and scalability for organizations
where the costs for hardware and software and the IT infrastructure needed to maintain them both
continue to increase. It can increase resource utilization by allowing those resources to be pooled
and leveraged as part of a virtual infrastructure, and it can provide for centralized administration and
management of all the resources being used throughout the organization.

Figure 9-1: Virtualization.

Although you can virtualize a stand-alone computer, you will reap the greatest benefits by
integrating virtualization into a networked environment.
• Client-side virtualization takes place at the endpoints, the desktop environments themselves. Client-
side virtualization separates the elements of a user's logical desktop environment―the
applications, operating system, configuration settings, and more―and divides them from each
other and from the physical hardware or a physical machine. With desktop virtualization, a single
user can run multiple operating systems on one machine simultaneously and seamlessly; a single
user can interact with their computer and all of their applications remotely from a mobile device;
or numerous users can access and maintain their own individual desktop environments via a
single and centrally managed physical device which can either be co-located to the virtualized
environments or operate from a remote location. This type of virtualization environment allows
multiple virtualized machines to run on a single device with no impact on the host's file system,
registry, and OS.
• Server (or server-side) virtualization takes place centrally at the server or data center. Server
virtualization utilizes one logical device, typically the server, to act as the host machine for the

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guest machines that virtually use the applications and programs provided by the host. A software
application is used to divide the single physical device into multiple isolated virtual devices.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Identify Server-Side vs. Client-Side
Virtualization presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Identify
Server-Side vs. Client-
Purposes of Virtualization Side Virtualization
presentation from the
Virtualization is a technology through which one or more simulated computers run within a physical CHOICE Course screen
computer. Virtualization offers a range of benefits and is a suitable solution largely because many or have students
user and system functions typically consume far less than the full power of a modern computer. For navigate out to the
example, if a user’s activities on her PC use just 30% of the computer’s capabilities, 70% is being Course screen and
wasted. Through virtualization, potentially three VMs could be run on a single system at this level of watch it themselves as a
utilization, giving similar performance levels. Full resource utilization takes full advantage of the supplement to your
resources you have available. instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
Some of the reasons you might use virtualization include: the LearnTOs for this
• Test a new operating system or software application. course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
• Run software in isolation from the host operating system. class for supplemental
• Create a snapshot of the image, allowing you to restore the image to the virtual machine. information and
• Create test labs. additional resources.
• Configure and deploy multiple computing environments.
• Set up and deploy systems for training classrooms.
Purposes of
Virtualization
Hypervisors
Currently, the most popular virtualization products fall into two general categories:
• Bare metal hypervisors
• Host-based hypervisors Hypervisors
A hypervisor, or virtual machine manager, is the core virtualization software that enables multiple
virtual computers to run on a single physical host. A bare metal hypervisor is one you install directly
on the server’s hardware—you don’t install an operating system first. Bare-metal hypervisors are Industry documentation
also known as native or Type-1 hypervisors. usually refers to Type 1
and Type 2 hypervisors,
A host-based hypervisor is one that runs within an operating system—you install the OS first and rather than bare metal
then install the hypervisor. This is also known as a Type-2 hypervisor. and host-based.
Linux-based virtualization typically uses either Xen or Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM). These
are both free hypervisors. Xen is a bare-metal hypervisor with built-in management tools. KVM is
embedded in the Linux kernel.
Host-based hypervisors such as VirtualBox, Microsoft Virtual PC, and VMWare Workstation, run
on top of an existing OS.

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Figure 9-2: Hypervisors.

Virtualization Resource Requirements

Before planning to migrate a system from a physical environment to a virtual environment, it is
essential to ensure that the hardware intended to be virtualized meets the requirements of all virtual
Virtualization Resource
machines that are intended to be run on it. Also, the operating system running on the host hardware
Requirements should be capable of supporting the guest operating systems running on each virtual machine. The
resource requirements for virtualization will depend on what virtualization components will be
supported within the environment. You should verify that the host computer has the required
hardware and software components installed. This can include having enough RAM and hard drive
capabilities and CPU power to run the virtualization software.
Early virtualization products required modifications to the guest OS, particularly hardware drivers.
Modern CPUs include virtualization support features that enable the host to run unmodified guest
operating systems. Intel’s Virtualization Technology (VT or VT-x, which stands for Virtualization
Technology for x86) and AMD’s AMD-V (the V stands for virtualization) are the primary examples
of CPU virtualization features.
Intel VT and AMD-V are not compatible, though they provide essentially the same features. Current
host OS options typically support both of these virtualization technologies. Citrix XenServer,
Oracle's VirtualBox, and Microsoft’s Hyper-V are examples of host operating systems (or operating
system components) that take advantage of CPU virtualization features and enable virtualization.
You will need to check the documentation for your system to see whether it has support for
hardware virtualization. Virtualization support might need to be enabled in the system BIOS in
order for it to be used.

Emulator Requirements
In a client-side virtualization environment, the emulator is the software installed that allows the
computer to virtually run another operating system or another instance of the same operating
Emulator Requirements
system. Each emulator manufacturer will have specific hardware and processor requirements that
the client machine must have in order to be able to run the emulation software.

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Client-side virtualization capabilities are still growing to meet consumer needs. Recent advances
include mobile device hypervisors that give the devices the ability to access corporate resources
without having to manage each device individually.

Virtualization Security Requirements

Security requirements will primarily be based on an organization's security policy. There are,
however, general security guidelines that should be followed when configuring a VM:
• Ensure that the VM has been equipped with appropriate antivirus software that is designed to Virtualization Security
protect both the physical client computer and the VM. Not all antivirus software packages can Requirements
properly protect against malware on a VM. Always check with the manufacturer of the software
before you install any program files on a VM. Issues can arise when the client machine running
VM gets infected and there is no control in place to prevent the virus from propagating to the
VM.
• Restrict users from copying files and applications from a traditional desktop machine to a VM.
This vulnerability can lead to issues if infected files are copied, or sensitive data is copied to a
shared VM.
• Regularly update and manage the security patches for both the physical client and the VM
running on it.
• Enforce proper management of all VMs installed in client machines to prevent data leakage.
• Ensure that security measures are in place to isolate the VMs from the hypervisor. This prevents
any viruses or infections from being spread between VMs and the hypervisor and vice versa.

Virtualization Network Requirements

Generally for client computers running VMs, the normal network activity load will also suffice for
running any VM-initiated network functions. You can create virtual switches to enable the virtual
machines to communicate with the host computer, with other virtual machines, or with systems Virtualization Network
outside the virtualized environment. In Hyper-V, the three types of virtual switches are private, Requirements
internal, and external.

Switch Type Description

Private VMs can communicate with other VMs on the same physical host.
Internal In addition to communicating between VMs on the same physical host, the VM
can also communicate with the host system.
External In addition to the communication allowed on internal switches, the VMs can also
communicate with external systems, outside of the physical host.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Implement Client-Side Virtualization.

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ACTIVITY 9-1
Installing a Hypervisor

Before You Begin

Installing Hyper-V on Windows 8 requires that you have the Pro or Enterprise edition.

Scenario
If students have the Part of your job duties include testing new software, updates to operating systems, and other tasks
standard edition of that you don't want to do on your production system. Your usual test computer no longer works, so
Windows 8, rather than before you request a new computer, you decide to see if using Hyper-V might meet your needs. So,
Pro or Enterprise, they you decide to install Hyper-V on your Windows 8 Pro (or Enterprise) system. You want to be able
won't be able to perform
to connect to the Internet from the virtual environment, so you will also create an external virtual
this activity as written. If
desired, you can have
switch.
them download and
install VirtualBox
instead. 1. Verify that your computer can run Hyper-V.
a) From the Start screen, type pc info then from the results, select PC info.
b) Under Windows, verify that the Edition is Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
c) Close the PC Settings window.
d) Open a web browser to your preferred search page.
e) Search for and download coreinfo.exe
f) Extract the files from coreinfo.exe to the root of the C drive.
g) Open a command prompt window with administrative privileges, then run C:\coreinfo -v
Verify that SLAT support is available.
h) Shut down Windows.
If coreinfo.exe returns i) Restart the computer and access the system firmware configuration.
unexpected results, you j) Verify that virtualization support has been enabled.
can have students use
the built-in systeminfo Note: If your computer does not meet all of the requirements, you will not be
command (at the able to install Hyper-V on your computer. If you want to use virtualization, you
command prompt) to can use another product such as VirtualBox.
check for system type,
k) If necessary, save your changes and exit, or simply exit the system firmware configuration utility if
installed memory, SLAT
no changes were made.
support, and other
prerequisites for l) When the system reboots, log in as username
Windows 8 Hyper-V.
2. Install Hyper-V.
a) Using the Search charm, search for and select turn windows features on or off
b) In the Windows Features dialog box, check Hyper-V. Expand Hyper-V and verify that Hyper-V
Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform are also checked, then select OK.
c) When the message Windows completed the requested changes is displayed, select Restart now to
reboot the computer.
d) After the computer boots, log in.
e) From the Start screen or using the Search charm, type hyper-v and from the search results, select
Hyper-V Manager.

3. Create an external virtual switch.

a) In the left pane of Hyper-V Manager, select your computer.
b) In the Actions pane, select Virtual Switch Manager.
c) Under What type of virtual switch do you want to create, select External.

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d) Select Create Virtual Switch.

e) Type Stu##-ExtSwitch as the name for the virtual switch
f) If multiple network cards are installed, select the desired network card.
g) Select OK.
h) In the Apply Networking Changes dialog box, select Yes to acknowledge that pending changes may
disrupt network connectivity.

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ACTIVITY 9-2
Creating Virtual Machines

Before You Begin

If students installed a • You have installed Hyper-V (or another virtualization hypervisor) and created a virtual switch.
hypervisor other than • Hyper-V Manager (or the hypervisor manager for an alternative hypervisor) is open.
Hyper-V, the steps in
this activity will not work
as written, so be
Scenario
prepared to guide Now that you have a hypervisor installed, you are ready to set up the virtual machine workspaces for
students through the various operating systems you will install. You anticipate needing virtual machines for Windows
creating the virtual 7 and for Linux. You still have some users that use Windows 7, so you want to be able to test
machine environment for software on that environment. Members of the Engineering department have requested that they be
the installed hypervisor.
allowed to use Linux for some of their work, so you need to test that as well.

1. Create a Windows 7 virtual machine environment using the pre-configured settings.

a) In the Actions pane, select New→Virtual Machine.
b) On the Before You Begin page of the New Virtual Machine Wizard, select Finish.
A virtual machine with 512 MB of RAM and no network connection is created.
c) In the center pane, under Virtual Machines, right-click New Virtual Machine and select Rename.
d) Enter Win7Test##

2. Connect the Windows 7 virtual machine to the virtual switch.

a) Select Win7Test##, then in the Action pane, select Settings.
b) Select Network Adapter.
c) Under Virtual switch, select Stu##-ExtSwitch and select OK.

3. Enable Dynamic Memory for the virtual machine.

a) Select Win7Test##, then in the Action pane, select Settings.
b) Select Memory.
c) Change the Startup RAM value to 2048
d) In the right pane, under Dynamic Memory, check Enable Dynamic Memory.
e) Select OK.

4. Create a Linux virtual machine environment with customized settings.

a) In the Actions pane, select New→Virtual Machine.
b) On the Before You Begin page of the New Virtual Machine Wizard, select Next.
c) On the Specify Name and Location page, type Stu##-Linux and then select Next.
d) On the Specify Generation page, select Generation 2 and then select Next.
e) On the Assign Memory page, type 2048 to specify the machine has 2 GB of RAM. Select Next.
f) On the Configure Networking page, connect the network adapter to Stu##-ExtSwitch. Select Next.
g) On the Connect Virtual Hard Disk page, accept the default name, location, and size to create a
virtual hard disk so you can install an operating system on it. Select Next.
h) On the Installation Options page, select Install an operating system later.
i) Select Next.
j) Select Finish.

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TOPIC B
Install Microsoft Windows
In this topic, you will install Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. The fundamental
installation method is to install the operating system from scratch. In this topic, you will perform a
fresh installation of Microsoft® Windows®.
Being able to perform a fresh installation of Windows can be important if you have built a custom
computer system from scratch, if the system you purchased from a vendor did not have the correct
system installed, or if you are completely redeploying existing hardware from one system to another.
The skills and information in this topic will help you plan and perform a fresh installation properly,
for whatever your technical and business requirements might be.

Windows System Requirements

Before installation, you must make sure that your hardware meets or exceeds the minimum
requirements for the version of Windows you will install.
Note: If you will need to install Service Packs or updates as part of the installation process, you Windows System
will need more available hard drive space to accommodate those files. Requirements

Operating System Requirements

Windows® 8.1, • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.

Professional, or Enterprise • 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).
• 40 GB hard disk with a minimum of 20 GB of available space.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics; some programs may require
support for DirectX 10 graphics or higher to provide optimal
performance.
Windows® 7 Home • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
Premium, Professional, or • 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit).
Ultimate • 40 GB hard disk with a minimum of 20 GB of available space.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics; some programs may require
support for DirectX 10 graphics or higher to provide optimal
performance.
Windows Vista® Home • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
Premium, Business, or • 1 GB of RAM.
Ultimate • 40 GB hard disk with a minimum of 15 GB of available space.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 128 MB of graphics memory
available.
Windows Vista® Home • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
Basic • 512 MB of RAM.
• 20 GB hard disk with a minimum of 15 GB of available space.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
available.

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Hardware Compatibility
Prior to installing any versions of Windows, you should check to make sure that your system meets
the system requirements and that all your hardware is compatible with the version of Windows you
Hardware Compatibility
plan to install. You can refer to the retail packaging to determine compatibility or search
microsoft.com for information about hardware compatibility for the version of Windows you are
installing.
The CompTIA A+ exam
does not cover Windows Boot Methods
10 and most of the
compatibility tools at The operating system comes loaded onto a boot device, which is connected to the computer and
microsoft.com are can be used to either launch the OS or, in some cases, install the OS files onto the computer. There
targeted for Windows 10 are a number of boot methods that can be used to install the operating system.
upgrades. It might take a
bit of searching and Boot Method Description
research to locate the
older tools and hardware USB The operating system files and all necessary support files are loaded onto a
compatibility lists for USB device, such as a flash drive. The USB is connected to the computer
Windows Vista, 7, and and the operating system is booted and launched via the files on the USB.
8/8.1.
CD-ROM/DVD The operating system files and all necessary support files are loaded onto an
optical disc, such as a CD-ROM or DVD. The disk type used will be
dependent upon the size of the files on the disk: DVDs can hold more files
Boot Methods
and larger files than a CD-ROM. Regardless of the type, the disk is inserted
into the optical drive of the computer and the operating system is booted
and launched via the files on the disk.
ISO An ISO file contains all of the contents from an optical disc in a single file.
ISO files stored on removable media or a host system are often used to
install virtual machine operating systems.
Internal storage An internal HDD or SSD can hold all of the operating system's installation
drive files and can be used to install the OS onto a different drive or a different
partition on the same drive. You can use a dedicated drive or partition for
the purpose of creating multiple operating environments on the same device.
External storage An external HDD or SSD can also be used for OS installation, most
drive commonly over a USB interface. Using an external drive for this purpose
makes it easier to physically install an OS on several different computers.
PXE The operating system files and all necessary support files can be accessed
from a Preboot Execution Environment, or PXE (pronounce as "pixie").
With PXE, the operating system and all necessary supporting files are loaded
onto a server. The operating system is then booted and launched over a
network interface, accessing the operating system files on the server, instead
of using a local drive. This method is often used for booting multiple
computers that are being managed centrally and accessed by more than one
user, such as public computers at a library or school. The network booting
technology used by Apple Macs is called NetBoot.

Factory Configuration
Most computers are factory-configured to boot from CD-ROM or DVD-ROM first, and changing
them to boot from hard disk speeds up the startup process. It also reduces the risk of contracting
viruses by accidentally booting from an infected disk.

Device Priority
The BIOS allows a user to specify disk boot order and to provide device priority. By default, the
computer might look to boot from the hard disk or a DVD-ROM first. If you prefer to boot from

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an operating system contained on a USB device, you can instruct the computer to look to that
device first. To change the settings, wait until the computer has performed its POST, press the key
(usually a function key, such as F12) indicated onscreen, and follow the instructions.

Installation Types
There are several methods available for installing a Windows operating system.

Installation Method Description Installation Types

Clean install A clean install is used to install the operating system on a brand new
computer or to replace the operating system on an older computer in
which the hard drive has been completely wiped. Upgrades are briefly
mentioned here as a
If the computer is new or once the old hard drive has been wiped, you can method of installation;
install the operating system using the boot method of your choice. however, upgrades are
Typically a clean installation will be performed with a local source, likely covered in more detail in
an installation disk. the Upgrade Microsoft
Windows topic.
A clean install on an old system is particularly helpful if the system has
been plagued by problems; erasing the hard drive and starting with a clean
install can eliminate viruses and corrupted files and allow the computer to
work more efficiently. However, it is important to remember that all the
settings, preferences, and files will be lost with a clean install to replace an
existing system. Some of these settings or files can be migrated after the
install using a migration tool.
Unattended An unattended installation is an automated installation method that is
installation most often used to roll out an installation or upgrade of the operating
system to multiple systems and with minimal user interaction. An
administrator is needed to start the installation, but then tasks that would
usually require user input during installation are carried out automatically
using an answer file. An answer file is a simple text file that contains all of
the instructions that the Windows Setup file will need to install and
configure the OS without any administrator intervention, including the
product key.
Using unattended installation allows for multiple installations to occur
simultaneously, can prevent errors during installation, and create more
consistency between installations in a large-scale rollout, all while lowering
overhead costs and decreasing installation time and effort.
Repair installation A repair installation is used to fix or repair the operating system that is
currently installed on the computer and is experiencing issues. A repair
install will replace the system files currently on the system with a fresh set
of system files, essentially overwriting the existing system files. A repair
install will only work if you are replacing the same version of the operating
system; you cannot upgrade in this manner.
With a repair installation you can install the operating system using the
boot method of your choice.
It is important to back up any data that you do not want to lose during the
repair install to another disk partition, separate hard drive, or to an external
storage device.

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Installation Method Description

Upgrade An upgrade is used when an operating system is already installed, but the
user needs or wants a newer version of the operating system. Upgrades
are often provided on a disk or via a download from a vendor's website.
It is recommended that you back up any data that you do not want to lose
during the upgrade to another disk partition, separate hard drive, or to an
external storage device. It is also recommended that files for the upgraded
system are placed in a separate directory folder, preserving the current OS
files, to ensure that everything is working properly.
Multiboot Multiboot or dual boot refers to installing more than one operating system
on a machine. This may mean more than one type of OS made by
different vendors (such as Windows and Unix or Linux OS) installed on a
single machine, or could mean having a newer and an older version of the
same OS (such as Windows Vista and Windows 8) on a single machine.
Multiboot installation requires that the machine either has multiple hard
disks or that the hard disk has been partitioned, with a separate partition
available for each operating system.
Multiboot installations can be completed using the boot method of your
choice.
Remote network With remote network installation, copies of the necessary operating
installation system installation files are placed on a server that supports remote
installations, and an administrator can remotely initiate the installation
over the network onto one or more client computers.
Installing an operating system remotely requires the use of PXE as the
boot method.
Image deployment Image deployment provides a rapid way to install a standardized version
of an operating system on one or many target computers. The operating
system is first installed and configured with any additional software,
security settings, or general user settings on a reference computer. A
computer image is made of the reference computer's hard disk, including
the operating system and all associated files, and then replicated onto the
specified target computers.
More than likely, the image will be too large to be placed on a CD or
standard DVD, and it will need to be saved to a dual-layer DVD or a large
flash drive. This installation will likely be completed using a USB drive as
the boot method.

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Installation Method Description

Recovery With a non-destructive refresh, you can repair an installation without
disrupting any of the settings, data files, or installed software. This can be
performed on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8/8.1 systems.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7, use the Upgrade option from the
installation media. For Windows 8 or 8.1, from the Update and recovery
page, select Recovery and then specify the recovery method to use.
Windows 8 offers three types of recovery:
• Refresh your PC without affecting your files, a non-destructive
refresh.
• Remove everything and reinstall Windows, useful for systems that
are being decommissioned. It resets the system to the factory settings.
• Advanced startup, allows you to selectively change or restore
firmware settings, Windows startup settings, or restore Windows from
a system image.

Note: If your network environment supports Microsoft Active Directory®, you can use
Microsoft's Windows Deployment Services (WDS) to deploy Windows automatically on multiple
computers. WDS uses disk imaging (the Windows Imaging format). It will now fully automate
the installation of Windows Vista and newer operating systems. WDS is a replacement of the old
Remote Installation Services (RIS).

Third Party Drivers

The installation files for your operating system should include the necessary drivers for the hardware
components of the system. However, if you have hardware that has been released more recently
than the operating system or have added hardware components to the system that are not Third Party Drivers
traditionally part of the environment, such as a wireless card or printer, then you may need to load
alternate third party drivers for these devices during the installation process.

Partitioning
Partitioning is the process of dividing a single hard disk into multiple isolated sections that function
like separate physical hard drives, known as disk partitions. Partitions enable you to create a logical
disk structure to organize hard drives. You can set up and format one or more disk partitions during Partitioning
installation. If you make an entire disk one partition, you cannot re-partition the disk later without
either reinstalling the operating system or using a third-party disk utility. After you create a partition,
you must format it to be able to store data on that partition.

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Figure 9-3: Disk partitioning in Windows 7.

Partition information has traditionally been stored in a Master Boot Record (MBR). This technology
has several limitations including the inability to work with disks over 2 TB or to have more than
four primary partitions. The newer GUID Partition Table (GPT) enables you to work with drives
greater than 2 TB and to have up to 128 partitions.
There are several types of partitions and disks used to create sections on a hard disk.

Partition Type Description

Logical A part of a physical disk drive that has been partitioned and allocated as an
independent unit and functions as a separate drive.
Primary A partition that contains only one file system or logical drive.
Extended An extended partition can be subdivided into several file systems or logical
disks/drives. Extended drives can be assigned a new drive letter.

Disk Type Description

Basic A basic disk contains a primary partition, logical drives, and possibly an
extended partition. These partitions have been formatted with a file system
and are used as a volume for storage. Up to four partitions can be made on a
basic disk. Basic disks are the most commonly used storage type in a
Windows environment.
Dynamic A dynamic disk contains dynamic volumes, which are volumes that can span
multiple disks. On a dynamic disk, up to 2,000 volumes can be created,
though a maximum of 32 volumes is recommended.

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File System Types

During installation, you can choose to format the hard disk with the appropriate file system. There
are several types of file systems you might encounter on different systems.
File System Types
Type Description

NTFS For a typical Windows setup, it is recommended that you choose the NTFS file
system. This file system is used in newer Windows operating systems and can
handle partitions greater than 32 GB. Compared to FAT32, it is more efficient,
provides better security controls, and offers file and folder compression.
FAT32 The FAT file system is a legacy formatting option that should only be used if
running an older operating system such as Windows 95 or 98. The FAT file
system is less secure and has a limit to size of partition it can support. If FAT32 is
chosen, the size of the partition being formatted will determine the FAT file type
used. If the partition is larger than 2 gigabytes, Windows automatically uses the
FAT32 file system; smaller than 2 GB, FAT16 is used. If the partition is larger
than 32 GB, FAT is not an option
exFAT exFAT is useful if you are sharing external drives between Windows and Mac
computers. NTFS partitions are typically read-only on a Mac. When the drive is
formatted on a Windows system with exFAT, it will be read/write when accessed
from a Mac.
CDFS Compact Disc File System (CDFS) CDFS is a very limited file system that was
developed for optical disc media, typically for open source operating systems.
Multiple operating systems support CDFS, including Windows, Apple® OS, and
Unix-based systems. By supporting multiple platforms, CDFS allows for data and
files to be exchanged without compatibility issues between the various operating
systems.
ext2, ext3, ext4 The ext2 file system used to be the native Linux filesystem of some of the
previous releases. It is still supported in the current releases of Linux. ext3 is an
improved version of ext2. In case of an abrupt system shutdown, ext3 is much
faster in recovering data and better ensures data integrity. You can easily upgrade
your filesystem from ext2 to ext3. The newest default filesystem for Linux
distributions is ext4. It is backwards-compatible with the ext2 and ext3
filesystems. Among ext4’s improvements over ext3 are journaling, support of
volumes of up to one exbibyte (EiB), and files up to 16 tebibytes (TiB) in size.
ext4 is the default filesystem for CentOS/RHEL 7 and Ubuntu installations.
NFS NFS file systems are hosted on a server and enable the clients to access
directories and files over the network as if they were stored locally.

Quick and Full Format

Whether your needs are to support older operating systems with FAT, or newer systems with
NTFS, there are two options available for formatting during setup: full format and quick format.
During a full format, any existing files on the partition being formatted are removed and the disk is
scanned for any potential bad sectors. This scan can be time consuming, which is why the quick
format option is available. During a quick format, the existing files on the partition are removed, but
the hard disk is not scanned for bad sectors. While the quick format may indeed be quicker, it is
suggested that quick format is used only if the hard disk was previously formatted and you are sure
there are no damaged sectors.
The quick format only removes entries from the index from the drive, and not all of the content on
the drive. If there are no entries in the index, then the space is available for use in writing files. A full
format replaces all of the content on the drive with zeros. This will clear the index on the drive as
well, indicating that the drive space is available for writing files.

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Note: Even though a full format replaces all of the content, with the right tools, data is still
recoverable. So, if you need to make sure that the drive content is inaccessible, do a full format
multiple times, or use a third-party disk wipe utility (or physically destroy the drive).

Workgroups vs. Domains

A workgroup is a Microsoft peer-to-peer network model in which computers are grouped together
with access to shared resources for organizational purposes. Members of a workgroup can access
Workgroups vs.
folders, files, printers, or other connections over the network. The computers that make up a
Domains (2 Slides) workgroup appear together when you browse the list of networked devices in either the Network
folder or My Network Places. Each computer in the workgroup maintains its own user account
database. This means that if a user wants to log on at any computer within the workgroup, you must
create an account for the user on each computer in the workgroup.
This content might
appear to students to be
coming out of left field,
but this is the next item
they will be asked about
during the OS
installation.

Figure 9-4: A workgroup.

A domain is a Microsoft client/server network model that groups computers together for security
and to centralize administration. Computers that are members of a domain have access to a shared
central user account database, which means that an individual can use a single user account to log on
at any computer within the domain. Administration is centralized because you need to create the
user accounts only once in the domain, not on each computer. Domains require a specially
configured server computer called a domain controller, where the centralized user account database is
stored. Like a workgroup, computers that are members of a domain appear together when you
browse the network.

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Figure 9-5: A domain.

Homegroup vs. Workgroups

In Windows 7 and Windows 8, a homegroup is a peer-to-peer networking scheme where computers
on a home network are grouped together for the purpose of sharing files and other resources such
as printers. Computers on a home network must belong to a workgroup, but they can also belong to Homegroup vs.
a homegroup. Workgroups
When you install Windows 7, a homegroup is created automatically, if one does not already exist on
your home network. The homegroup is automatically assigned a password by Windows. If you want
to add computers to the homegroup, you will need to enter the password to join. Windows 8 does
not automatically create a homegroup.
The homegroup provides easy resource sharing with security options such as:
• Excluding files and folders from being shared.
• Specifying whether or not others can change the files that you share.
The HomeGroup Control Panel contains options to manage your homegroup.

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Figure 9-6: The HomeGroup Control Panel.

Custom System Settings

There are several options that you can customize as you are installing a Windows operating system.
Note: These options can be set during or after installation. They do not have to be configured
Custom System Settings during installation; if they are not set up during the installation, they can be changed at any time,
typically through a Control Panel utility.

Option Description

Regional and language The default for a Windows system is the English language, with the
settings location set to the United States. However, these settings can be
customized to reflect region- or language-specific options. You can select
the date and time for a specific location and choose appropriate regional
settings, such as the manner in which numbers or currencies are
displayed.
Computer name During installation, you can provide the computer with a descriptive
name and the organization to which you or the computer belongs.
Date and time If you are within the United States and did not customize the regional and
language settings, you can set the correct date and time, and choose the
appropriate time zone for your region. If desired, you can choose to have
Windows automatically adjust the time for Daylight Savings Time.
Network configuration If Windows detects a network adapter during installation, you can decide
how you want to configure networking settings for the computer. You
can accept a Typical configuration or you can configure Custom settings
that are appropriate to your environment. Otherwise, you can install your
network adapter settings after the installation.

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Option Description
Workgroup vs. domain During installation, you can decide if you want the computer to be a
setup member of a domain or a member of a workgroup. If the computer is not
on a network or on a network without a domain, you can select or create
a workgroup for the computer to belong to. If the computer is part of a
network with a domain, you can select the domain to which the computer
will be added as a member.

Note: If you are installing Windows 7 on a computer that is connected to a home network, the
homegroup will be created when you configure the network settings.

Software and Windows Updates

Both software applications and operating systems typically get updated on a regular basis. The
updates might add new features, patch problems, or fix security holes. At a certain point in time, the
application no longer receives updates after new versions of the applications or operating systems Software and Windows
are released. It would be impractical for the software creator or manufacturer to continue to issue Updates
updates to old software.
As operating systems constantly evolve with the many changes in the technological world, there is
always the possibility that you may need to update your operating system immediately after installing
it. You will also need to maintain the system over time as changes and improvements are made.
Updates fall into one of three categories: critical updates, including Service Packs and security-
related system patches; optional software updates that provide new tools and functionality; and
optional hardware updates such as new device drivers.
Updates to the Windows operating systems are available through the Windows Update Control
Panel utility, a centralized location where you can check to see if your system is up to date and if
there are any updates available, and configure the settings for updating your system. Regardless of
the version you are running, the Microsoft Update website can provide updates for other Microsoft
products that may have updates available.

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Figure 9-7: Windows Update Control Panel.

Cabinet Files
Windows updates are typically delivered as Cabinet (CAB) files. These files use compression
technology to minimize space, and they can be embedded with security certificates to verify the
integrity of the compressed files. You can use the EXPAND command to expand the files stored
within CAB files.

Service Packs and Patches

Patches are targeted operating system updates that Microsoft releases on an as-needed basis to
provide enhancements to the operating system or to address security or performance issues. Service
Packs are comprehensive updates that generally include all prior patches and updates, but which can
also include important new features and functions. Windows XP SP2, for instance, included firewall
changes; SP3 included support for Statements of Health and Digital Rights Management.

Windows Genuine Advantage

Every time you access the Microsoft Update website, it goes through a process of validating your
installation. If Microsoft deems the install to be invalid, you will not be able to proceed with updates
and will be instructed to contact Microsoft.

Microsoft Product Activation

Microsoft Product Activation or Volume Activation for Windows operating systems is an anti-
piracy technology that verifies that software products are legitimately purchased. Product activation
Microsoft Product
reduces a form of piracy known as casual copying. For example, you must activate the Windows
Activation operating systems within a given number of days after installation. After the grace period, users
cannot access the system until they activate Windows. Volume Activation automates the activation
process.

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Figure 9-8: Microsoft Product Activation.

For individual installations of Windows, you can activate the installation over the Internet. If you do
not have an Internet connection, you can activate over the phone, although this takes a little longer.
If you wish, you can postpone product activation and activate later in the activation grace period.
In large organizations, you can use a Volume License Product Key, which eliminates the need to
individually activate each installation of Windows. You can also activate Windows as part of an
automated installation.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install Microsoft Windows.

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ACTIVITY 9-3
Installing Microsoft Windows 7

Before You Begin

There is a VM named Win7test## installed on your computer that you can use to install Windows
7 Professional or Enterprise, and your instructor has provided you with installation DVDs or the
instructions to use another installation method, as well as a valid product key (if needed).

Scenario
One of the operating systems you support is Windows 7. You need a test environment in which you
can test software and OS updates. You decide to install Windows 7 on the VM you set up
previously.

1. Configure the VM to access the Windows 7 Professional setup program.

a) If you have a physical installation DVD, insert the Windows 7 Professional installation DVD into the
optical drive of the computer.
b) In the Virtual Machines window, display the pop-up menu for Win7test## and select Settings.
c) In the left pane, select DVD Drive.
The DVD Drive settings enable you to specify a physical drive, such as an optical drive, or you can
browse for and select an ISO image to access.
d) If you have a physical installation DVD, verify that Access a physical drive is selected.
e) If you have an ISO image of the installation DVD, browse to the location of the ISO image and select
Assist participants in Open.
selecting the proper f) Select OK.
location of the
installation files. 2. Run the Windows 7 Professional setup program in the Win7test## VM.
a) Right-click the Win7test## VM and select Start.
b) In the Actions pane under Win7test## select Connect.
c) If you are prompted, press Spacebar to boot from the DVD drive or ISO image.
The Setup program starts, and begins loading the files needed for setup.

3. Run the Installation wizard for Windows 7 Professional.

a) In the Install Windows dialog box, examine the selections for Language to install, Time and currency
format, and Keyboard or input method. If necessary, adjust the selections for your locale. Select
Next.
b) If prompted, click OK in the Mouse pointer will be captured by the Virtual machine dialog box.
c) Select Next.
d) Select Install now.
e) When the license terms are displayed, review them, check I accept the license terms, and select
Next.
f) On the Which type of installation do you want screen, select Custom (advanced).
g) On the Where do you want to install Windows screen, select Drive options (advanced).
h) Select Disk 0 Unallocated Space, and select Next.
The VM will automatically restart after a few minutes.
i) Observe as the VM restarts, Registry settings are updated, services are started, and the installation
is completed.
When the installation is completed, Windows restarts, prepares the computer for first use, and
checks video performance.

4. Configure Windows.

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a) In the Set Up Windows dialog box, type Admin## for the user name and VMWin7-## for the
computer name. Select Next.
You are prompted to set a password for the new account.
b) Type and confirm !Pass1234 as the password and as the password hint, and then click Next.
c) Type the product key provided by your instructor, and select Next.
d) On the Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically screen, select Use
recommended settings.
e) On the Review your date and time settings screen, select the correct Time zone, Date, and Time for
your locale. Select Next.
f) Select Work network.
Windows prepares the desktop.

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TOPIC C
Use Microsoft Windows
In the last topic, you installed the Windows operating system. In this topic, you will delve a bit
deeper into using it. You will examine how you can use some of the common features. You will also
use Task Manager to examine processes and performance of the operating system and applications.

Common Windows Features

There have been a lot of versions and editions of Windows operating systems over the years. Many
features are common between the OSs. Sometimes between versions, Microsoft changes the name
Common Windows
of a feature slightly, but the functionality remains the same.
Features
Feature Description

File Explorer Up until Windows 8, the utility used to access and manage files and folders
Remind students that was known as Windows Explorer. Windows 8 changed the name to File
Windows Explorer
they discussed many of Explorer.
these features earlier in
the course. UAC User Account Control (UAC) is an enhanced security feature of Windows
Vista and later that limits the privileges of a standard user unless a computer
administrator decides otherwise.
System restore This feature enables you to either non-destructively restore the operating
system without affecting files and applications, or to restore the system to
the factory defaults.
Administrative tools The Administrative Tools are grouped together under Control
Panel→System and Security→Administrative Tools. In some
installations, this is an entry from the Start menu. The tools include
Component Services, Computer Management, Data Sources or ODBC
Data Sources, Disk Cleanup, Event Viewer, iSCSI Initiator,
Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor, Services, System
Configuration, Task Scheduler, Windows Firewall, Windows Memory
Diagnostic, and Windows PowerShell.
Note: More information about each of these Administrative Tools is
covered where the tools are used throughout the course.

Windows Defender Windows Defender is the antispyware software that is included with Windows
Vista and Windows 7 installations. You can configure Defender to scan for
malicious materials at scheduled intervals, automatically remove any spyware
detected during a scan, or even alert you in real time if spyware installs or
runs on the computer.
Windows Firewall A firewall is a device or program that blocks unauthorized data transmissions
and protects the computer from unauthorized access. Windows Firewall is
a software-based firewall, included with almost all Windows installations, that
protects the computer against attacks through the Internet or the network.
Note: In the corporate environment, this utility is usually not
accessible to individual users, as the Windows Firewall settings are
configured and controlled by an administrator in the IT department,
or Windows Firewall is superseded by a dedicated enterprise-level
firewall system.

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Feature Description
Action Center and The Action Center Control Panel utility provides information about any
Security Center security software currently deployed on or missing from the system, and
provides access to helpful resources about current security threats, including
a check for the latest Windows Update. Action Center also provides links to
the Backup and Restore, Windows Update, and Windows Program
Compatibility Troubleshooter utilities, where you can manage specific
settings regarding system security and troubleshooting.
In Windows Vista, the Security Center Control Panel included some of the
same information as the Action Center does in Windows 7, but in the
Security Center, links to the Internet Options, Automatic Updates, and
Windows Firewall Control Panels are included.
Event Viewer You can use the Event Viewer to view the contents of event logs, which
contain information about significant incidents that occur on your computer.
Examples of events that might be contained in an event log include a
program starting or stopping and security errors.
Control Panel The Control Panel is a graphical interface that provides access to utilities
that you can use to configure the Windows OS or a computer's hardware.
The specific Control Panel utilities that are available will vary depending on
the version of Windows that you are using.
Control Panel can be displayed in category view or classic view. As the name
implies, category view groups the Control Panel utilities into categories. The
classic view shows each utility separately as its own entry on the Control
Panel window.
In Windows 7, the Control Panel is available from the Start menu, and as a
link in various My Computer views. You can open the Control Panel by
selecting the Open Control Panel button located below the address bar of
the Computer window.
In Windows 8, you can access Control Panel through the Charms bar or by
right-clicking the Start menu button from the Desktop.
Gadgets The Desktop Gadget Gallery is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature that
displays different gadgets, which are mini applications that perform different
information-display tasks, including displaying the date and time, CPU usage,
stock information, and user-selected news headlines.

File Structure and Paths

While not really a feature, all Windows versions also share a hierarchical organization of files and
folders. However depending on the version and whether you are using the 32-bit or 64-bit version,
the placement of files and folders might vary, as well as the paths you use to access those files and
folders.

Windows Vista Features

Windows Vista, released in 2007, introduced some new features. Many of the features have been
Windows Vista Features
carried into the more recent versions of Windows. Other features have been phased out due to
security concerns or for sleeker, faster interfaces.
• Windows Aero® is a color scheme available in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Windows Aero
Try not to spend much
introduced a glossy and transparent interface, Live Preview of taskbar buttons, and a Flip 3D
time on this content. In a
view of open windows. corporate environment, it
• The Desktop Gadget Gallery is available in Windows Vista and Windows 7, and it displays will be rare that Vista will
different gadgets or mini applications that can perform various information-display tasks. still be in use.

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Different editions offer different feature sets. For example, Vista Home Basic does not include
advanced multimedia capabilities or support networking beyond a workgroup, while Home
Premium adds Media Center, HDTV support, and the Windows Aero interface. Vista Business adds
features such as Remote Desktop, the ability to encrypt the file system, and the ability to join a
Windows domain. Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate add even more features such as UNIX
application support, BitLocker, and multilingual user interfaces.

Windows 7 Features
Many of the features of previous Windows versions were carried over into Windows 7, including
Aero and gadgets.
Windows 7 Features • Support for multi-touch devices is added, as well as support for Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) file
format.
• The default disk is partitioned into a partition that contains boot files, BitLocker files, and the
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) environment files; a second partition is created for
the operating system and for storing user created files.
• Action Center replaces the Windows Security Center.
• The snap feature allows you to drag a window to the edge of the screen and have it snap to take
up half of the screen; snap another window to the other side of the screen to view the two
windows side by side.
• Virtual XP mode is useful if you are still using applications written to take advantage of Windows
XP features. Support for this feature has been discontinued, so if you use it, you are doing so at
your own risk.
• Another feature you can use for older programs that don't run properly under Windows 7 is
Compatibility Mode. You can configure settings to try to make the operating system appear, to
the application, that it is running under the Windows OS version that it expects to run in.
• The Readyboost feature enables you to use a flash memory device to add RAM to your system.
This feature was also available in Windows Vista, but you could only have up to 4 GB of
additional RAM. The device must be at least 256 MB with at least 64 KB of free space. When the
flash memory device is attached to the computer, Windows tests it to see whether it meets the
requirements to use it for Readyboost.
• Shadow Copy is a feature that helps with making sure that files that are in use are backed up. A
snapshot of the data at a particular point in time is created. The snapshot can then be included in
your regular backup of the system.
• Easy Transfer is a utility to help migrate a user's email, data files, and settings from one computer
to another. You will need to install the appropriate version of Easy Transfer on each system
(Windows Vista or Windows 7) to create the backup, then using Easy Transfer on the Windows
7 computer, bring the email, data files, and settings onto the new computer.
Windows 7 is available in several different editions. Windows 7 Home Premium offers basic
functions. Windows 7 Professional adds features that enable users to run programs in XP mode,
connect to domains, and back up data to networks. Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate add even
more features such as multilingual support, BitLocker, and compatibility with UNIX applications.

Windows 8/8.1 Features

Windows 8 and 8.1 are the biggest change Microsoft has made to the look and feel of an OS in a
Windows 8/8.1 Features long time.
• The Start screen uses tiles the user can select using touch, mouse, or keyboard to access
applications.
Consider demonstrating • Applications can be traditional Windows-style applications or Windows Store apps. Windows
some of the new Store apps are approved to meet specifications required to be included in the Windows Store.
features if students have Apps and applications can be pinned to the Start screen, to the taskbar on the Desktop, or both.
not previously used
Windows 8 or 8.1.
The computer can be configured to boot to the Desktop or to the Start screen. If users use

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mostly Windows Store apps, it makes sense to boot to the Start screen, and if they use mostly
traditional Windows applications, it makes sense to boot to the Desktop.
Note: You might see some literature and articles refer to the Windows 8 interface as the
Metro UI. This is not an official Microsoft designation for the Windows 8 interface. You
might also see it referred to as the modern interface and modern apps; these also are not
official Microsoft terms.
• Like in Windows 7, you can snap windows side by side. Windows Store apps run in full screen,
and those apps can also be positioned side by side. The Desktop can be side by side with a
Windows Store app. All of the open apps and windows can be viewed as thumbnails down the
left side of the screen. Drag one of the thumbnails onto the screen to either replace the current
app you are viewing, or drag it so that a border appears between the windows and view them
side by side. Depending on the size of the screen you are viewing Windows 8/8.1 on, you can
have up to four apps side by side. Most screens accommodate two or three apps. Items running
on the Desktop can also run side by side on the Desktop, then the Desktop can run side by side
with a Windows Store app.
• Windows Store apps require that you are logged in using a Live ID sign in. This is any email
address registered with Microsoft as your login credentials. Other benefits of using the Live sign
in include being able to obtain updates from Microsoft as they are available. Also, OneDrive, the Point out that OneDrive
Microsoft cloud storage solution, uses your Live sign in. By default, you are given 5 GB of was originally called
storage space on OneDrive. SkyDrive. If they see the
• Booting the OS is faster than in previous versions of Windows. Only the required components SkyDrive on a system's
are loaded into memory when the system is started; additional components are loaded when they Start screen, they will
know that the system
are needed.
needs to be updated.
• The Charms bar is available on the right side of the Start screen or the Desktop. From the They might see
Charms bar, you can use the Search feature, access devices such as printers, share content SkyDrive in the file
through email or social media, or access PC Settings. system even after the
• If you are using multiple monitors, you can have the task bar display on both screens, or just on update has been
the main screen. In addition, you can show just the applications open on each screen on the task performed.
bar for that screen.

Task Manager
Windows Task Manager is a basic system diagnostic and performance monitoring tool included
with Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. You can use Task Manager to monitor or
terminate applications and processes, view current CPU and memory usage statistics, monitor Windows Vista and
network connection utilization, set the priority of various processes if programs share resources, and Windows 7 Task
manage logged-on local users. Manager
You can manage the following tasks in Windows Vista and Windows 7 Task Manager.

Task Description and Purpose

Applications Displays all of the applications currently running on the system and their
status (running, not responding, etc.). Users can use the Task Manager to
end an application that is running, switch to a different open application, or
start a new application.
Processes Displays all of the processes currently running on the system, including the
CPU and memory usage for all processes. Users can choose to end a process
from the Task Manager.
Performance Displays the current CPU and physical memory usage statistics for the system
in a graphical format and numerical format for an overall view of the current
system performance.

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Task Description and Purpose

Networking Displays the networks that the system is currently connected to, and
graphically displays current connection utilization for all network connections.
Users The Users tab was added in Windows Vista and is still available in Windows
7. It displays all of the users currently logged on to the system. Users can
select another user's account and connect to that user's session, send them a
message, or disconnect or log off the user via the Task Manager.

You can manage the following tasks in Windows 8 Task Manager.

Task Description and Purpose

Windows 8 Task
Manager Processes Displays all of the apps currently running on the system and their status
(running, not responding, etc.). Users can use the Task Manager to end an
application that is running, switch to a different open application, or start a
new application.
Displays all of the background processes currently running on the system.
Users can choose to end a process from the Task Manager.
For both apps and background processes, the current status and the statistics
are shown. The overall utilization as a percentage is shown at the top of each
column. The table rows show the utilization of each app or background
process.
• CPU—total processor utilization across all cores as a percentage of the
total CPU capacity.
• Memory—total physical memory reserved by individual processes. The
overall statistic is listed as a percentage of the available memory that is in
use. Each process lists the number of MB of RAM it has reserved.
• Disk—total utilization across all physical drives. The overall statistic is
listed as a percentage of the total utilization. Each process lists the number
of MB per second.
• Network—total utilization on the current primary network. The overall
statistic is listed as a percentage of the available bandwidth. Each process
lists the number of Mbps.
Note: In previous versions of Task Manager, Network was listed
on a separate tab.

Performance Displays the current CPU, physical memory, disk, and network usage statistics
for the system in a graphical format and numerical format for an overall view
of the current system performance.
App history Displays resource usage for Windows Store apps for the current user account.
Statistics for each app include:
• CPU time—the amount of time the CPU spent processing instructions.
App history is designed • Network—the amount of network activity used by the app, including
to assist tablet users on downloads and updates.
cellular networks
manage data usage. It • Metered network—the amount of network activity over a metered network
also can help users see connection.
which apps are using • Tile updates—total network usage for tile updates and notifications.
the most battery by
looking at the CPU
statistics.

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Task Description and Purpose

Startup The apps that run when the computer starts are listed on this tab. You can
manage these apps by right-clicking an app and selecting one of the following
choices:
• Disable—toggle between enabling and disabling the app to run at startup.
• Open file location—open File Explorer to the folder that contains the
executable file for the app.
• Search online—open the default browser to view results of a search for
information about the app.
• Properties—open the Windows Property dialog box for the executable file
for the app.
Note: In previous versions of Windows, the functionality found on the
Startup tab was found in the System Configuration tool.

Users The Users tab displays all of the users currently logged on to the system.
Users can select another user's account and connect to that user's session,
send them a message, or disconnect or log off the user via the Task
Manager. You can see which processes each user is running, which can be
useful to identify whether a process is hogging resources.
Details For all of the processes running on the computer, the following information is
listed:
• PID—the process ID for the file.
• Status—the status, such as Running, for the process. Point out that this tab
• User name—the user that "owns" the process. has similar data to the
Processes tab, but
• CPU usage—the percentage of CPU utilization used by the process. shows more
• Memory usage—the amount of memory reserved for the process. information.
• Description—a short description to help you identify the process since it
isn't always clear from the executable name which program the process is
associated with.
Right-clicking a process provides you with a range of actions you can take
regarding the process. One of the most useful is setting the priority for the
process, which can be used to reduce the priority of a CPU-hungry
background process to give more CPU priority to foreground apps, making
the foreground app function better.
Services This is a duplicate of the services found in the Control Panel Services. This
is just another way of accessing and managing those services.

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ACTIVITY 9-4
Using Task Manager

Before You Begin

Perform this activity on your physical Windows 8.1 computer.

Scenario
In this activity, you will use the Task Manager utility to examine your system's status.

Point out that you can 1. Display the pop-up menu for the taskbar, and select Start Task Manager.
also press Ctrl+Alt+Del
to start Task Manager. 2. Examine the currently running processes.
a) Select More details.
b) Examine any apps and background processes listed on the Processes tab.
c) Select the various column headings to sort the list by each of the categories.
Notice that the list changes order when various items are consuming more resources.
d) Select the Details tab.
e) Compare the information displayed on the Details tab with the information displayed on the
Processes tab for the Task Manager process.

3. Use Task Manager to review the system's performance.

a) Select the Performance tab.
b) Observe the information displayed for the CPU.
Information about the CPU utilization, speed, number of processes and threads, and uptime are
displayed. Additional information about the CPU is also displayed including maximum speed,
sockets, cores, and other details.
c) In the left pane, select Memory. Notice that the information displayed is now statistics regarding
memory rather than CPU.
d) Select Disk # in the left pane to view statistics regarding the disk(s).
e) Select any network connection in the left pane to view statistics regarding the network(s).

4. Manage an application from within Task Manager

a) From the taskbar, select Internet Explorer.
b) Open a second tab in Internet Explorer.
c) In Task Manager, on the Processes tab, expand Internet Explorer (2).
Select one or two of the A separate process for each of the open tabs is listed.
services and briefly d) Right-click New tab - Internet Explorer.
explain their purpose. e) Select End task. Notice that you are not prompted to confirm your selection.
f) Open another tab in Internet Explorer.
g) In Task Manager, right-click Internet Explorer (2) and select End task.
Point out that even
though the Details tab
5. Select the Services tab, and examine the services that are running independently on the system.
shows other User names
such as SYSTEM,
6. Select the Users tab.
LOCAL SERVICE, and
NETWORK SERVICE, This tab lets you see the other users who may be logged on to Windows 8. You can expand the tree
only the users who under the user name to see what apps and processes are being used by this user.
actually logged in to the
system are listed on the
Users tab.

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ACTIVITY 9-5
Working with Microsoft Windows Features

Before You Begin

You have a Windows 7 VM and a physical Windows 8.1 computer.

Scenario
To be sure you know how to work with Windows features from both Windows 7 and Windows 8,
you decide to try out some of the features you've read about.

Students installed 1. Change from the Aero theme to a classic theme on Windows 7.
Windows 7 in a virtual a) Log in to your Windows 7 computer.
machine in an earlier b) Select the Start menu.
activity. If necessary, c) In the Search text box, type aero
assist students in
d) In the results list, select Change the theme. The Control Panel Personalization window opens.
accessing their Windows
7 computers. e) Observe the look of the Start menu and the window borders. The Start menu is a round button and
the window borders are rounded with subtle shading.
f) Under Change the visuals and sounds on your computer, scroll down and under Basic and High
Contrast Themes, select Windows Classic.
g) Observe that the Start menu is now a square button and that the window borders are square.
h) Under Aero Themes, select Windows 7.
i) Verify that the round Start menu and rounded window borders have been restored.
j) Close all open windows on the Windows 7 VM.

2. Add gadgets to the Windows 7 desktop.

a) Right-click the Windows 7 desktop and select Gadgets.
b) Drag the Clock gadget onto the right side of the desktop.
c) Drag another Clock gadget onto the right side of the desktop, below the first clock.
d) Close the window from which you selected the gadgets.
e) Point to the second clock, and from the toolbar that appears, select the Options button.
f) Using the right and left arrow buttons in the Clock dialog box, change the style of the clock to any
other style.
g) In the Clock name text box, type Houston
h) From the Time zone drop-down list, select (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
i) Select OK.
j) Set the other clock to Eastern Time time zone and label the clock New York

3. Place two Windows 7 windows side by side.

a) Open Notepad.
b) Drag the Notepad window to the right side of the screen until the window snaps to half the size of
the screen.
c) Open Word Pad and drag the window to the left side of the screen until the window snaps to the left
half of the screen.

If necessary, assist
4. Access the Windows 8 Charms bar.
students in switching to
their Windows 8.1 a) Switch to your Windows 8.1 computer and verify that you are logged in with Live sign in.
computers and Your Live sign in is tied to the email address assigned to you for the class.
identifying the active
user account.

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b) Press the Windows key on your keyboard to switch to the Start screen. You can toggle back and
forth between the Desktop and the Start screen by using the Windows key.
c) Move the mouse to the right side of the screen and move it up or down until the Charms bar is
displayed.
d) Select Search and in the Search text box, type notepad
e) From the results list, select Notepad.
Notepad opens on the Desktop because it is a traditional Windows style application.
f) Display the Charms bar again and select Settings→Change PC settings→Personalization.
g) Observe the theme choices. Notice that there are no longer Aero themes.

5. Open Windows Store apps and snap them side by side.

a) Select the Start menu in the left corner of the taskbar to switch to the Start page. Time permitting, have
b) Observe that some of the tiles change. These are live tiles that update based on available content. students use other
c) Select the Internet Explorer tile. features covered in this
d) Point to the lower-left corner of the screen until the Windows Start button appears, then select it. topic if you feel they
need additional
e) Select the Weather tile.
experience in working
f) Point to the upper-left corner of the screen, then drag down slightly to view the open windows. with the operating
g) Select one of the open windows and drag it right. A separator bar with three dots is displayed. Drop system features.
the selected window to the left of the currently displayed window.
h) Drag the bar to resize the windows.
i) Drag the bar until one of the windows closes.
j) Point to the upper-left corner to see that the window is still open, just not displayed.
k) Right-click the thumbnail of the window, and select Close to close the app.
You can confirm that the app was closed by looking at the list of apps in Task Manager.
l) Close the Internet Explorer and Weather app windows.

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TOPIC D
Configure Microsoft Windows
There are many tools you will use to configure Windows. Some of these are GUI and some are
command-line based. You have already seen a little bit of this in configuring display devices and
other hardware where you used the Control Panel. In this topic, you will use the Control Panel as
well as other GUI and command line tools to further configure the Windows operating system
features and functions.

Windows Control Panel

The Control Panel is a graphical interface that provides access to a number of utilities that you can
use to configure the Windows operating system or a computer's hardware. The specific Control
Panel utilities that are available will vary depending on the version of Windows that you are using.

c.
Windows Control Panel

, In
Throughout this section,
Windows 7 screenshots

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students are more likely
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Figure 9-9: The Control Panel in Windows 7.

Internet Options
Note: The Control Panel is available from the Start menu, and as a link in various My
Computer views. In Windows 7, you can open the Control Panel by selecting the Open
You might want to Control Panel button located below the address bar of the Computer window.
display the Internet
Options Control Panel
and briefly demonstrate Internet Options
the various settings as The Internet Options Control Panel utility has many settings that can be customized.
you discuss them.

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Setting Description

General • Home page: Defines which web page the browser opens to by default.
• History: Defines how many days the browser will keep a record of visited
pages.
• Colors: Defines the user's preferred colors for text, page backgrounds, and
hyperlinks.
• Fonts: Defines the user's preferred fonts for viewing pages.
• Languages: Defines the user's preferred default language for viewing
pages.
• Accessibility: Defines settings that enable visually impaired or hearing-
impaired users to access web pages.
Security Defines levels of security for different groups of websites, known as zones. By
placing sites in zones and then configuring zone settings, users can enable or
disable features such as the blocking or acceptance of web pages, or whether
web scripts or controls can run automatically, based upon user preference.
Privacy Defines the level of access that third-party cookies have to the browser.
Content Contains various content-related configuration settings, including settings that
relate to using content ratings on websites, implementing Internet security
certificates, and the AutoComplete function in web-based forms.
Connections Determines how Internet Explorer will use the computer’s network
connections to access Internet content.
Programs Determines which programs Internet Explorer will launch by default when the
user selects links that are associated with other types of Internet content, such
as email or newsgroups.
Advanced Defines a wide variety of settings, including how the browser handles external
scripts, whether or not hyperlinks are always underlined, and whether or not
videos can be played within web pages.

Display and Display Settings

The Display Control Panel utility allows the user to configure the display properties for the Display Control Panel
system, including the physical appearance of the environment, such as the wallpaper, screen saver,
color scheme, and font size used. The user can also configure the display settings for the monitor or
monitors being used, including setting the primary monitor and the arrangement of additional
monitors, extending the desktop onto another monitor, and determining the screen resolution and
color quality for the monitors.
Common screen resolutions include 800 by 600, 1024 by 768, and 1280 by 1024, measured in pixels.

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Figure 9-10: The Display utility in Windows 7.

User Accounts
User Accounts Control A user account is a collection of credentials and important information about a person who has access
Panel to the system. Most importantly, it defines the rights and privileges assigned to the user, determining
what kinds of actions they can perform on the system. There can be more than one user account
added to a specific system. There may be users with the same permissions or different permissions
assigned to the same computer.
Note: There will typically be at least two user accounts per system: the administrator and the
user who owns or has been assigned the machine.

The User Accounts Control Panel utility lets you view and manage your own account, including
changing your user name and password. If your account has been assigned administrator privileges,
you may also be able to add, remove, or modify other user accounts to allow other users access to
the system.

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Figure 9-11: The User Accounts utility in Windows 7.

Folder Options
The Folder Options Control Panel utility lets you configure settings for how files and folders are Folder Options Control
displayed when they are accessed. Folder Options also lets you configure more general settings Panel
such as whether new folders will open in a new window or the existing window, what the layout of
folders opened in the navigation pane will be, what action is used to open a file in a folder, and
which program is the default for opening specific file types.
Using Folder Options, you can also configure the Advanced Settings for files and folders,
including:
• Whether simple file sharing, the feature in Windows that allows users to share files and folders
with other computers on the network without permissions, is enabled or disabled. The default
for the system is that simple file sharing is enabled.
• If you can view hidden files and folders, including protected operating system files. The default is
that hidden files and folders, including the protected operating system files, are not displayed
when accessing a folder that contains the files to protect them from being accidentally deleted or
modified.
• Whether to hide or display extensions for known file types within the folder structure. The
default is to hide file extensions for known file types.

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Figure 9-12: The Folder Options utility in Windows 7.

System
System Control Panel The System Control Panel utility lets you view and configure settings for the system.

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Figure 9-13: The System window.

System Section Description

Windows edition Identifies the edition of Windows installed on the system. If it is not the Pro
or Enterprise edition, a Get more features with a new edition of
Windows link is displayed. Select the link to purchase a license for another
edition or enter the product key if you already purchased a new license.
System Provides information about the system, including:
• Manufacturer
• Model
• Processor
• Installed Memory (RAM)
• System type
• Pen and Touch
Support There might be a support section for the manufacturer, or that information
might be provided through a link in the System section.
Computer name, This section lists the current settings for
domain, and • Computer name
workgroup settings
• Full computer name
• Optional Computer description
• Workgroup or Domain name
The Change settings link in this section is used to change these settings.
Windows Identifies whether Windows is activated and lists the Product ID. There are
activation links to Read the Microsoft Software License Terms and to Change
product key.

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Links to other tools are also available in the left pane, including:
• Device Manager
• Remote settings
• System protection
• Advanced system settings
• Action Center
• Windows Update

Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall A firewall is a device or program that blocks unauthorized data transmissions and protects the
computer from unauthorized access. Windows Firewall is a software-based firewall, included with
almost all Windows installations, that protects the computer against attacks through the Internet or
the network. The Windows Firewall utility enables you to:
• Enable or disable Windows Firewall.
• View active networks.
• Configure notifications concerning blocked activity.
• Open blocked ports.
• Add exceptions to blocking rules.
• Configure other firewall settings for both private (home or work) and public networks that the
computer may access.

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Figure 9-14: The Windows Firewall utility in Windows 7.

Note: In the corporate environment, this utility is usually not accessible to individual users, as
the Windows Firewall settings are configured and controlled by an administrator in the IT
department, or Windows Firewall is superseded by a dedicated enterprise-level firewall system.

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Power Options
Using the Power Options Control Panel utility, there are a number of power settings that can be Power Options Control
configured for the computer. Panel

Power Option Description

Hibernate In Hibernate mode, the computer will store whatever is currently in memory
on the hard disk and shut down; when the computer comes out of
hibernation, it will return to the state it was in upon hibernation.
In the Power Options utility, you can enable or disable hibernation, and you
can view how much disk space is needed and available for hibernation. Once
hibernation is enabled, you can configure the settings for when hibernation
occurs using the Power Plans settings.
Power Plans Power Plans are a set of built-in power configurations that you can use to
manage how the computer uses power. For each Power Plan, there are
default settings for when to turn off the monitor, when to turn off hard
disks, and when to enter system standby, depending on whether the
computer is plugged in or, if it is a laptop, is running on batteries. You can
modify and save these settings for the selected power plan, or you can create
and save a new power plan.
Sleep/Suspend/ The user can determine the amount of time of inactivity after which the
Standby computer is switched into sleep mode. In sleep mode, the computer
conserves as much energy as possible by cutting off power to the parts of the
machine that are not necessary to function, excluding RAM, which is needed
to restore the system to its state once it is woken from sleep mode. These
settings can be configured for when the computer is plugged in or, if it is a
laptop, if it is running on batteries.
Depending on the operating system and version, sleep mode can be called a
variety of things:
• Sleep mode in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and
Apple OSs.
• Suspend mode in Linux.
Standby is another mode that uses less power. In standby mode, the computer
reduces power to the hard drive and peripherals, while storing data in RAM.
Because the data is in RAM, recovery from this mode is quicker than from
sleep mode.

Programs and Features

The Programs and Features utility enables you to enable or disable Windows features. You can Programs and Features
also view installed updates or uninstall a previously installed program. In Windows 8, this utility only Control Panel
applies to traditional Windows applications and not to Windows Store apps; those are uninstalled
from the Start screen tile associated with the app.
Note: Prior to Windows 7, to turn off a feature you had to uninstall it. In Windows 7 and
beyond, the features remain stored on the hard disk, so you enable (and load) them or disable
(and unload) them as needed. Programs and Features is where you would install IIS or
uninstall features such as telnet, PowerShell, Internet Explorer, and media features.

The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is also found in this utility, by selecting the link Run
programs made for previous versions of Windows. This is a wizard-based tool that will attempt

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to find and fix problems related to running older programs with the version of Windows that is
installed.

HomeGroup
HomeGroup Control Found in the Network and Internet category of Control Panel in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1,
Panel the HomeGroup utility is, as the name implies, designed to create a network between home
computers. This is not recommended for corporate use. A peer-to-peer network is created as a
homegroup on the network, through which users who join the homegroup can share files and
printers, and stream media to networked devices.

Devices and Printers

Devices and Printers In the Hardware and Sound category of Control Panel, the Devices and Printers utility provides
Control Panel a single location where you can manage the external devices, and some internal devices such as SSD
drives. Devices you typically find in this utility besides printers are monitors, external drives, wireless
receivers for wireless mice and keyboards, network gateway device, smartphones that have been
connected to the computer, other computers that might be available for sharing multimedia content,
and Blue-ray disc players.
Depending on how the manufacturer wrote the drivers and software for the device, you might be
able to manage all aspects of the device from this utility, or you might need to use separate utilities
to manage some aspects of the device. At the very least, you can view the device's status, share it
with other network users, change basic settings, and access troubleshooting tools.

Sound
Sound Control Panel The Sound utility provides an interface for you to configure various sound related aspects of your
system. There are four tabs in this utility.

Tab Description

Playback Configure the playback device, typically speakers, connected to the system. If
there are multiple speaker sets available, you can specify which is the default.
Recording Select the default recording device to use, and configure its settings and
properties.
Sounds Select a Sound Scheme to specify what sounds are created for Windows events
and programs. You can select from preconfigured sound schemes, or modify the
sounds associated with program events. You can also specify whether a sound is
played when Windows starts up.
Communicati This is designed for automatically adjusting the volume of various Windows event
ons sounds when the computer is used to make or receive phone calls. You can have it
automatically reduce the volume of other sounds by 50 or 80 percent, do nothing,
or mute all other sounds.

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Control The Troubleshooting utility is used to assist with identifying and automatically fixing common
Panel issues with programs, devices, network and Internet, and system and security.

Device Manager
Device Manager Device Manager displays all devices currently installed on the computer, and you can use it to
modify the properties for these devices. You can use Device Manager to manage and configure
hardware devices.
In Windows, there are several ways to access Device Manager:

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• Select Start→Control Panel→System and Security→System→Device Manager.

• At a command prompt, enter the mmc devmgmt.msc command.
• In the navigation pane of Computer Management, select Device Manager.
In Windows 8, you can also access Device Manager from the Charms Settings option. It is found
at the top of the Charms bar or, if viewing PC settings, it is at the bottom of the left pane.
You can use Device Manager to:
• View a list of all devices attached to the system.
• See the status of a device. An exclamation point means there is a problem with a device; a yellow
question mark means the device has been detected but a driver is not installed, or there is a
resource conflict.
• Enable or disable a device. A disabled device appears with a red X.
• Determine the device driver a device is using; upgrade a device driver; roll a device driver back to
a previous version.
• Determine any system resources that the device is using, such as interrupt request lines (IRQs) or
Direct Memory Access (DMA) ports.
• Uninstall or reinstall devices.

Network and Sharing Center

Simple file sharing is disabled by default. To enable it, log on as a user with administrative privileges, Network and Sharing
open the Control Panel, and select Network and File Sharing Center. From the left pane, select Center
the Change advanced sharing settings link, and then select Turn on file and printer sharing
and Turn off password protected sharing and select Save changes.
The Network and Sharing Center is also where you can view active networks, access type (such as
Internet), set up a new connection or network, troubleshoot network problems, change adapter
settings, and configure or change advanced sharing settings.

Windows Command Line Tools

You have already seen some of the command-line commands often used with Windows computers,
including the CD, MD, RD, and DIR commands. These can be considered end-user commands.
Some other commands are aimed more at administrative users. Windows Command
Prompt
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 9-15: The Windows command prompt.

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Note: The default path in Windows 7 for the prompt is the user profile folder for the current
user (C:\Users\username). In Windows 8, the default path is the same as for Windows 7 unless
you open Command Prompt (Admin), in which case the default path is C:\Windows\System32.

Note: Because you can run DOS-type commands at the command prompt, it is sometimes
casually called the "DOS prompt."

Some command-line commands complete their work in the text-based command window; others
launch a GUI component. An example is MSCONFIG, which opens the System Configuration
Windows Command
window in the GUI environment. You can run commands from the Run dialog box, but in some
Line Tools cases, the command prompt window closes as soon as the command finishes, so you don't see the
results. In most cases, you will want to open an elevated Command Prompt window to run
command-line commands.

Command Description

TASKKILL Typically used to end a task or process identified by PID or image name.
BOOTREC If the Startup Repair option in System Recovery Options cannot repair
system startup problems, use BOOTREC.exe to manually troubleshoot the
problem. This command writes a new boot sector, compatible with the installed
operating system, to the system partition.
In Windows 7, you can access bootrec through the System Recovery Options or
the installation disk. In Windows 8/8.1, you will need to run bootrec at a Safe
mode command prompt.
SHUTDOWN This command is used to shut down, restart, log off, or hibernate a computer.
Specify which state you would like to put the computer in by using options and
parameters with the command. You can also use options to specify whether (and
how long) to wait until the command does what you specified. For example,
shutdown -r -t 0 specifies that you want to restart without waiting (restart 0
seconds from now).
TASKLIST Creates a list of applications and services currently running on the local
computer (or a specified remote computer). The image name, PID, session name
and number, and memory usage are displayed in the task list.
DISKPART The DISKPART command opens the DiskPart command interpreter. DiskPart
can be used to manage computer drives including disks, partitions, volumes, and
virtual hard disks.
SFC The System File Checker (SFC.exe) scans for corrupted Windows system files
and restores those files.
CHKDSK Used to check disk integrity. Adding the /F option fixes any errors that are
found on the disk.
GPUPDATE Updates local and Active Directory group policy settings. Using the /Force
option, you can specify that all policy settings, even those not changed, are
reapplied. You can also specify that only User or Computer group policy settings
are updated by using the /Target option.
GPRESULT Displays group policy settings and Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP) for the
specified user or computer. GPRESULT /R shows a summary of RSOP data for
the current user on the local computer.
EXIT Used to close the Command Prompt window. If you are running another
command interpreter inside the Command Prompt window, it closes the
command prompt interpreter and returns you to the command prompt.

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Command Interpreters
Windows provides several different command interpreters. The typical command prompt interface Point out that you can
is the standard Windows command interpreter, available in Windows 7 and Windows 8. To access begin typing a command
the command prompt interface, you can either run cmd.exe or select the Command Prompt at the command prompt
shortcut from the Accessories menu in Windows 7. In Windows 8, from the Desktop, right-click or PowerShell prompt,
the Start button and select Command Prompt or Command Prompt (Admin) if you need then press Tab to
complete the command;
administrator access.
if no other commands
PowerShell is another command interpreter. It is designed as an administrative management and are identical to the part
configuration environment. It is also used to create automated scripts. PowerShell uses cmdlets you typed, the rest of the
(pronounced as command lets). You can use the built-in cmdlets or create your own. PowerShell command is written. You
connects to the .NET Framework-connected environment, accepting and returning .NET might need to finish
Framework objects. typing the command
yourself if there are
other commands that
Windows Administrative Tools are the same except for
the last character or two.
The Administrative Tools folder includes several tools that advanced users and system
administrators can use to help manage the system. You can access the Administrative Tools folder
by opening Control Panel and selecting System and Maintenance (Windows Vista and Windows Windows Administrative
7) or System and Security (Windows 8/8.1). Tools

Tool Description

Computer Computer Management is the primary administrative tool you will use to manage Assure students these
Management and configure a Windows computer. Computer Management combines tools will be used
several administrative utilities into a single console to provide easy access to throughout the course.
the most common system tools, including Event Viewer, Performance They are presented here
Monitor, Disk Management, and more. as a study aid for those
taking the A+ exams.
Local Users and You can use Local Users and Groups to create and manage user and group
Groups accounts on the local system. To access Local Users and Groups, open
Computer Management, and expand System Tools.
Local Security You can use the Local Security Policy to view and edit the security settings for the
Policy local computer.
Performance Performance Monitor is a software tool that monitors the state of services or
Monitor daemons, processes, and resources on a system. Performance Monitor tracks
one or more counters, which are individual statistics about the operation of
different objects on the system, such as software processes or hardware
components.
System You can use System Configuration to identify and manage issues that may be
Configuration causing the system to run improperly at startup.
Task Scheduler You can use theTask Scheduler to create and manage certain system tasks that
will be automatically carried out by your computer at predetermined times.
Component Component Services is the GUI that developers and administrators can use to
Services configure and administer Component Object Model (COM) components.
Data Sources Data Sources uses Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) to move data between
different databases on the system.
Print Management You can use Print Management to view and manage all of the printers and print
servers installed on a network.
Windows Memory You can use theWindows Memory Diagnostic tool to check the RAM on the
Diagnostic system and verify that it is functioning appropriately and efficiently.

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Tool Description
Windows Firewall You can use Windows Firewall with Advanced Security to manage advanced firewall
with Advanced settings for the computer and any remote computers that are connected to the
Security network.

Run Line Utilities

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, the Search function in the Start menu can be used in the same
manner as the Run line, or the Run line can be added to the Start menu by customizing the
Run Line Utilities
properties. In Windows 8, from the Desktop, right-click the Start button and select Run. In all
versions, you can also access the Run line via the keyboard shortcut Windows key + R.
You can use the Run line to access various system components and utilities by entering specific
commands. These commands and their outcomes are the same for Windows Vista, Windows 7, and
Windows 8.

Run Command Description and function

command Opens a new instance of the command interpreter/command prompt
interface.
dxdiag Opens and runs the DirectX Diagnostic tool, which displays
hardware specifications and can be used to test that hardware’s
suitability for use with DirectX software, which handles multimedia
tasks on Windows platforms. The report generated by running
dxdiag can be used to view a list of all hardware, drivers, codecs, and
system information for a computer, and can be a useful diagnostic
tool.
explorer Opens Windows Explorer in whatever the default view is for the
system.
mmc Opens the MMC.
[command].msc Opens the management console for that entry (if one is available)
when the .msc extension is added to the command. For example,
diskmgmt.msc opens the Disk Management console, and
services.msc opens the Services Control Panel.
msconfig Opens the System Configuration utility.
msinfo32 Opens the System Information utility, which displays a summary of
the hardware, software, and other system components in the
environment.
mstsc Opens the Remote Desktop Connection utility.
notepad Opens an instance of Notepad.
regedit Opens the Registry Editor, where the user can view or modify the
contents of the Registry.
services.msc Opens the Services console, where the user can manage all of the
services and installed software on the system. Must be used with
the .msc extension to open the management console.

Note: You can use the Run line to open programs, folders, documents, Internet resources, or
any other system component if there is an appropriate command to use.

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.msc Extensions and the Run Line

There are several management consoles that you can access via the Run line by using the .msc
extension. When you enter [command].msc in the Run line, it will open the management console
for that utility if one is available. For example:
• devmgmt.msc opens the Device Manager console.
• diskmgmt.msc opens the Disk Management console.
• compmgmt.msc opens the Computer Management console.

MSConfig
MSConfig is a system utility that is specifically used to troubleshoot issues that can arise during
system startup. You can use it to view and manage which files or programs are processed on startup,
including temporarily disabling and re-enabling software, programs, device drivers, or services that
run automatically upon startup.
Note: MSConfig.exe is called System Configuration in Windows Vista and Windows 7, but
was called the Microsoft System Configuration Utility in earlier versions.

Within the MSConfig utility, there are five areas that can be accessed and modified.

Option Description

General Provides the options to choose from for startup configuration modes:
• Normal startup. Windows will start in the normal manner. This is the default
configuration or is selected once the other two modes have been used to
troubleshoot an issue.
• Diagnostic startup. Use this mode to troubleshoot issues by ruling out
potential problem files. Windows will start running only basic services and
drivers.
• Selective startup. Use this mode to troubleshoot issues by running only the
basic services and drivers at startup, but allowing the user to launch selected
programs after startup. This enables you to begin to rule out each program as
the potential cause of the problem.

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Option Description
Boot Provides configuration settings for the boot process and advanced debugging
configurations.
Basic Boot options include:
• Safe boot mode, including Minimal, Alternate shell, Active Directory repair,
or Network modes.
• No GUI boot.
• Boot log.
• Base video.
• OS boot information.
• Make all boot settings permanent.
Advanced options include:
• Number of processors.
• Maximum memory.
• PCI lock.
• Debug.
• Global debug settings.
• Debug port.
• Baud rate.
• Channel.
• USB target name.
Services Displays all of the services that begin running at startup and their current status
(running or stopped) and can be used to temporarily disable or re-enable specific
programs or services to begin to determine which are potentially causing the
problem at startup.
Startup Displays all of the applications that begin running at startup, including the
publisher of the application, the path to the .exe for the application, and the
location of the shortcut or registry key for the application. You can temporarily
disable or re-enable applications upon startup to begin to determine which
application may be causing the startup issue.
Tools Displays all of the diagnostic and advanced troubleshooting tools that are
available on the system to help identify and fix the problem.

The MSConfig tool is frequently used to test various configurations for diagnostic purposes, rather
than to permanently make configuration changes. Following diagnostic testing, permanent changes
would typically be made with more appropriate tools, such as Services, to change the startup
settings of various system services.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Microsoft Windows.

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ACTIVITY 9-6
Configuring Microsoft Windows

Before You Begin

You will perform this activity on your Windows 8.1 system.

Scenario
In order to be more proficient in your role as a PC technician, you decide to practice using some of
the configuration tools you recently learned about. It can be difficult to remember the names of
commands to run, so you are excited to see that System Configuration, started by running
MSCONFIG, provides access to many of the tools you will need as a technician.

1. Examine the system information with msinfo32.

Ask students when they
a) Press Windows + R, and in the Run text box, enter msinfo32 might use msinfo32
b) In the System Information dialog box, in the right pane, verify that the system is running Microsoft instead of a tool that
Windows 8.1 Enterprise (or Pro). enables them to make
c) In the left pane, expand Hardware Resources. changes. Answers might
d) To view the assigned interrupts, select IRQs. include the ability to
export information to
e) Collapse Hardware Resources.
send to someone when
f) Expand Components and select CD-ROM to view information about your CD-ROM drive. you need assistance
troubleshooting a
Note: If there is no CD-ROM drive, select another device. problem.

g) Collapse Components.
h) Expand Software Environment and select System Drivers to view all the drivers installed on your
computer.
i) Select File→Export and save the file to the default location as my_sys_info
j) From the folder where you saved my_sys_info.txt, open the file in Notepad, review the information,
then close Notepad.
k) Collapse Software Environment.
l) Close System Information.

2. Examine the system configuration settings with MSConfig.

a) Press Windows + R and in the Run text box, enter msconfig and if prompted, select Yes.
System Configuration is a diagnostic and troubleshooting utility that can help automate routine
troubleshooting steps. The General page controls overall startup behavior.
b) Select the Boot tab.
System Configuration provides another way to define how you want to boot the computer.
c) Select the Services tab.
You can use System Configuration to enable or disable services that start when your computer
boots.
d) Select the Startup tab.
On a Windows 7 system you can view and manage items that are configured to load at system
startup. For Windows 8 you are provided with a link to Task Manager, which is where startup items
are located for Windows 8.
e) Select the Tools tab.
f) Select each of the tools and observe the executable command associated with each tool. If time permits, have
students select and run
g) To close System Configuration, select Cancel.
several of the tools.

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TOPIC E
Upgrade Microsoft Windows
Previously, you installed Microsoft Windows on a PC. Upgrades are one method for installing
Windows, but they are more commonly used to migrate from one version of Windows to a different
or newer version. In this topic, you will perform a Windows upgrade.
Software vendors such as Microsoft are constantly coming out with new operating system versions,
and it can sometimes be more economical to upgrade existing systems when possible, rather than to
purchase new computer hardware with the new version pre-installed. Whether you are upgrading for
an individual user or as part of a company-wide migration plan, the skills in this topic should help
you upgrade from older versions of Windows to the current version successfully.

In-Place Upgrades
An in-place upgrade is the process of installing a newer version of an operating system without first
removing the existing operating system that is currently installed on the computer. In-place upgrades
In-Place Upgrades
also eliminate the need to perform the most tedious tasks involved with a clean install of an
operating system: saving or backing up data that has been saved on the computer, wiping the hard
drive, migrating or transferring saved data back to the machine, and reinstalling any programs that
had been added to the system. In essence, an in-place upgrade can overwrite the existing, older
operating system with the new version without disruption to the end user's environment.
In-place upgrades have been known to cause problems when upgrading to a version of the
operating system that is significantly different from the existing version. In-place upgrades are only
recommended when moving between operating systems that are one version apart, such as from
Windows Vista to Windows 7. When there is a larger gap in the differences between the systems,
such as migrating from Windows Vista to Windows 8, a clean install is recommended instead of an
in-place upgrade.

Supported Upgrade Paths

Existing Windows operating systems that are installed on a machine can be upgraded to another
version of Windows, but these upgrades can only follow specific and supported upgrade paths.
Supported Upgrade
Paths Current Operating System Can Be Upgraded To

Windows Vista with SP1 • Any higher level of Windows Vista

• The same level of Windows 7 or higher
Windows 7 • Any higher level of Windows 7
• Any level of Windows 8
• Any level of Windows 8.1
Windows 8 • Any higher level of Windows 8
• Any level of Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 Any higher level of Windows 8.1

Compatibility Tools
When upgrading to a different version of Windows, you will need to check to ensure that the
existing hardware is compatible with the new operating system and that your existing software
Compatibility Tools

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applications will run properly on the new version of Windows. Applications written for earlier
versions of Windows might not always work with your new OS version, but you may be able to
select an appropriate application compatibility mode for the application after you have upgraded the
operating system.
Note: To access the Upgrade Advisor to see if your system can run Windows 7, you can visit
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor.

For Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, download and run the Upgrade Assistant from http://
windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-assistant-download-online-faq. After
the assistant analyzes the computer, a compatibility report lists the apps and devices that are
compatible with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, any items that need to be reviewed, and information
about reinstalling compatible apps and devices.

Application Compatibility Modes

The Windows 7 application compatibility modes are Windows 95, Windows 98/Windows Me,
Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5), Windows 2000, Windows XP (Service Pack 2), and Windows
Server® 2003 (Service Pack 1). You can set the appropriate mode for a particular application by
right-clicking the program's executable, choosing Properties, selecting the Compatibility tab, and
then choosing the desired OS from the drop-down list.
In Windows 8, use the Program Compatibility Assistant to have Windows 8 automatically make
the required changes to allow older applications to run under Windows 8/8.1. If the assistant is
unable to allow the older application to run, you can try manually adjusting the settings. If that still
doesn't work, you should upgrade the application to a current version that is compatible with
Windows 8.
Note: The Windows Compatibility Center was a central location where you could find out if
your hardware or software was compatible with the latest version of Windows. However, this
feature has been retired and is no longer available on the Microsoft website.

Migration Tools
There are some tools available through the Windows operating system to assist in migrating user
information between systems, including files and settings.
Migration Tools
Migration Tool Description

User State The User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a command line utility that copies
Migration Tool files and settings from one Microsoft Windows computer to another,
including user accounts, files, folders, Windows settings, email messages,
and more. USMT can support the transfer of files and settings for Windows
2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. Not all
versions of the USMT can support all source or destination operating
systems.
Easy Transfer Easy Transfer is a built-in data-migration utility in Windows Vista and above
that helps transfer files, data, and settings from one personal computer to
another. If the computer isn't running Windows 7 or Windows 8, the user
will need to download and install a version of Easy Transfer for Windows
Vista or Windows XP before beginning the migration process.
Easy Transfer replaced the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard from
Windows XP. It was upgraded with Windows 7 to include a file explorer for
easy selection of files to transfer and provides a report of any files that were
not migrated to the new system.

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Windows Upgrade OS Advisor

The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can be a useful tool in determining whether a system
meets the requirements for Windows 7. For single systems or for home computers, you can
Windows Upgrade OS
download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, available at http://
Advisor windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor. The Upgrade Advisor
will scan your hardware and any connected devices to determine if you can upgrade to Windows 7
with your current hardware configuration. A similar tool was available for Windows Vista as well.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Perform a Windows Upgrade.

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ACTIVITY 9-7
Upgrading a Windows System

Before You Begin

You have Windows 7 installed in a VM that is capable of being upgraded to Windows 8.1.
Your instructor will provide you with installation media or the location of the Windows 8.1 ISO.
You will use the Microsoft Live ID email address you have been assigned for the class.

Scenario
Your organization is no longer supporting Windows 7 systems. In preparation for upgrading those
users still using Windows 7, you use your VM installation of Windows 7 to upgrade to Windows 8.1.

1. Verify that the Windows 7 system meets the requirements for Windows 8.1.
a) Log in to the Windows 7 system.
b) Open a web browser and access http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=261871.
c) Select Run when prompted as to what action to take on the downloaded file.
The Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant starts analyzing your system.
d) Review the information on the Here's what we found page and then select Next.
e) On the Choose what to keep page, examine the choices, and then, with Windows settings, personal
files, and apps selected, select Next.
f) If No compatible offers are available is displayed, select Back and select Just personal files and
select Next.
g) On the Windows 8.1 is for you page, select Close.
You could purchase Windows 8.1 from this page.
Provide students with
2. Begin the Windows 8.1 upgrade. media containing
Windows 8.1 or let them
a) Insert the media containing Windows 8.1 or point your system to the ISO location. know the location of the
ISO for Windows 8.1.
Note: To insert the ISO file in Hyper-V, in the Virtual Machine Connection
window, select Media→DVD Drive→Insert Disk then specify the path to the ISO
image file.
If necessary, assist
b) students in accessing
From the DVD or ISO, run setup.exe.
the setup.exe file.
You might need to navigate a folder structure or perform additional steps to access the setup.exe
file.
c) If prompted to Get important updates select No, thanks and then select Next.
d) If necessary, provide the product key and then select Next. If you have not already
done so, provide
e) On the License terms page, check I accept the license terms and then select Accept.
students with their
f) Confirm what items to keep. Microsoft account
g) On the Ready to install page, select Install. information.
The system will reboot several times as it is analyzed, files are copied, and the installation process
begins.
If a wireless network is
3. Continue the installation
available at your
a) On the Region and language page, make any needed changes, then select Next. location, tell students the
b) On the Personalize page, select a color. name of the wireless
network and the
c) In the PC name text box, type UpGrd## where ## is your student number.
password to use to
d) Select Next. connect to the network.

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e) If necessary, on the Wireless page, follow your instructor's directions to select and connect to an
available wireless network, and then select Next.
f) On the Settings page, select Use express settings, and then select Next. You will configure
Windows settings in upcoming activities, so you can accept the default settings for now.
g) On the Sign in to your Microsoft Account page, type the email address associated with your
assigned Microsoft account, and then select Next.
h) On the Help us protect your info page, select I can't do this right now.
i) On the OneDrive is your cloud storage page, select Next. Windows uses your Microsoft account
If you have codes or information to create a computer account and applies any personalized settings to that account.
have an email address j)
When the system reboots, log in.
or cell phone where the
k) Observe the screen as Windows installs apps. Several messages are displayed that are intended to
code could be sent, you
help you use the Windows 8.1 interface. When the Desktop screen is displayed, the Windows
can have students enter
installation process is complete.
the code.
4. Update the name of the VM.
a) In Hyper-V Manager, select the Windows 7 VM.
If students get a b) In the Actions pane, select Rename.
resource error message
after doing the upgrade, c) Rename the VM to Upgrd##
go into the VM settings
for the virtual switch and
change to the desired
NIC.

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Summary
In this lesson, you installed and configured operating systems. Whether you are upgrading, installing
from scratch, or redeploying a system, you will need the skills that enable you to install, configure,
and optimize computer operating systems to meet your business needs.

Do you have experience installing operating systems? Do you feel you will be able to perform installations
more efficiently as a result of the information presented in this lesson?
Encourage students to
A: Answers will vary, but might include upgrading an OS on a home PC, or installing an OS on a spare use the social
PC or notebook, or upgrading a work computer. networking tools
provided on the CHOICE
How often do you expect to be able to perform in-place upgrades instead of clean installs at your Course screen to follow
workplace? up with their peers after
A: Answers will vary depending on the operating systems involved. If an environment has a propensity of the course is completed
Windows XP or Windows Vista computers that need to be upgraded to Windows 7 or Windows 8, for further discussion
and resources to support
more clean installs will be required, but if the environment has many Windows Vista computers that
continued learning.
need to be upgraded to Windows 7, or Windows 7 computers that need to be upgraded to Windows
8, more in-place upgrades might be possible.

Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 9: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows |

10 Optimizing and
Maintaining Microsoft
Windows

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will optimize and maintain Microsoft Windows. You will:
• Optimize the Windows operating system.
• Back up and restore system data.
• Perform disk maintenance tasks.
• Update operating system and other system software.

Lesson Introduction
In the last lesson, you installed, configured, and upgraded Microsoft® Windows®. Once you
have installed the OS, you need to maintain it on an ongoing basis and set up some basic
preventive maintenance procedures to keep the device running. You will also want to make
sure it is running the best it possibly can, so being able to optimize the OS is also important.
Maintaining an OS might not seem as exciting or interesting as performing a new
installation or replacing a hard disk, but it is actually one of the most crucial tasks for a
support technician. System maintenance is important for two reasons; first, proper
maintenance can prevent system problems from arising. Second, proper maintenance of the
system, including the creation of appropriate backups, can make recovery or
troubleshooting operations much easier in the event that problems do arise. As an A+
technician, you can use the skills and information in this lesson to perform preventive
maintenance as part of your ongoing job tasks.
342 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Optimize Microsoft Windows
Once you've installed an OS and performed the initial configuration, you've provided a basic level of
functionality. Over time, you might find that performance is lagging or that your specific
requirements are not being met. Just installing and configuring is not the end of the job for an A+
technician. You will also want and need to optimize Windows so that you and your users can get the
most out of the OS.

The Registry
The Registry is the central configuration database where Windows stores and retrieves startup
settings, hardware and software configuration information, and information for local user accounts.
The Registry
Logically, the Registry is divided into five sections called subtrees; each subtree is further divided
into keys that contain individual data items called value entries. The Registry is stored on the disk as
a group of files.
6

You may want to show

the LearnTO Use the
Registry presentation Figure 10-1: The Registry.
from the CHOICE
Course screen or have The Registry consists of five files stored in the \Windows\System32\Config folder: Default, SAM,
students navigate out to Security, Software, and System. Plus, there is a Registry file named Ntuser.dat, which is unique for
the Course screen and each user who logs on to the computer. This file is stored in each user's profile folder.
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your An individual Registry value entry consists of a name, a data type, and the actual data stored in the
instruction. If not, please value. The data types can be various types of alphanumeric strings, binary data, or hexadecimal data.
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Use the Registry presentation in the
course on their CHOICE LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 343

Registry Subtrees
The Registry consists of five subtrees, which are sometimes called hives. Some of the subtrees are
temporary pointers to information stored permanently in another Registry location. The following
table lists and describes the subtrees. Registry Subtrees
Note: HKEY is an abbreviation for "handle to Registry key."

Subtree Contains

HKEY_CURRENT_USER The user-specific configuration information for the user currently

logged on to Windows. For example, information about the user's
selected color scheme and wallpaper is stored in this subtree. These
settings take precedence over the default settings for the local
machine.
HKEY_USERS User-specific configuration information for all the users who have
ever logged onto Windows.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHIN All the configuration information for the computer's hardware. For
E example, this subtree contains information about any modems
installed in the computer, any defined hardware profiles, and the
networking configuration. These settings will be used when there
are no settings specified in HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONF Information about the current configuration of the computer's
IG hardware. Windows operating systems support Plug and Play (PnP),
a set of industry-standard device specifications, originally developed
by Intel Corporation, which enables computers to automatically
detect and install various types of devices without user intervention.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT All the file association information. Windows uses this information
to determine which application it should open whenever you
double-click a file with a specific extension. For example, Windows
automatically opens Notepad whenever you double-click a file with
the extension .txt.
In Windows 95 and later, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT displays
merged information from other hives such as
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER. To
gain accurate configuration information, refer to those hives.

Registry Editing
You can view and edit the contents of the Registry directly using the Registry Editor tool,
regedit.exe. However, most changes to the Registry are made automatically by the system, by
hardware devices, and by applications. It is rarely necessary to edit the Registry directly. If you ever Registry Editing
need to do so, use extreme caution and back up the Registry files first, because incorrect changes
can cause irrecoverable problems with Windows.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to View and Edit the Registry.

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ACTIVITY 10-1
Viewing and Editing the Registry

Scenario
You have heard that making changes to settings on your computer changes values in the registry file.
You want to experiment with making changes and see if the value changes in the registry.

1. View the current value for MouseTrails registry settings.

a) Open the Run dialog box and enter regedit
b) If prompted for Administrative access, select Yes.
c) In the Registry Editor window, select Edit→Find. In the Find dialog box, enter mousetrails
d) Observe the current value for MouseTrails. It should currently have a 0 in the Data column.

2. Back up the Mouse registry entry.

a) In the left pane, select Mouse.
b) Select File→Export.
c) In the Export Registry File dialog box, in the default location, save the file as MouseBkup.reg

3. Change the Mouse Trail setting in Control Panel.

a) Open Control Panel.
b) Select Mouse.
c) On the Pointer Options tab, check Display pointer trails and then select OK.

4. View the value in Registry Editor.

a) In the left pane of Registry Editor, collapse Control Panel then expand it again.
b) Select Mouse.
Point out that instead of c) Observe the value for MouseTrails. The value has changed to 7.
collapsing and
expanding to refresh, 5. Set Mouse Trails to your preferred setting in Control Panel.
you can also press F5 to
refresh the values.
Virtual Memory
Using virtual memory is a way for the computer to accomplish more than the limits of what its
physical memory can perform. The computer system uses a portion of the hard disk as if it was
Virtual Memory
physical RAM. When all physical memory is filled, the OS can transfer some of the least-recently
used data from memory to a file on the hard disk called the pagefile, thereby freeing up an equivalent
amount of space in main RAM for other purposes. When the original data is needed again, the next
least-recently used data is moved out of RAM onto the hard drive to make room to reimport the
needed data. In Windows systems, the Virtual Memory Manager (VMM) manages the memory
mappings and assignments.

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Figure 10-2: Virtual memory.

Virtual memory is not nearly as fast as actual memory. Modern SDRAM DIMMs read/write speeds
are measured in nanoseconds, whereas hard drive seek, read, and write times are measured in
milliseconds. If your computer is frequently exceeding its physical RAM and having to resort to
using a pagefile on disk, adding more physical RAM may be the most economic way of effecting a
noticeable change in performance.

The Virtual Memory Process

When data is stored in virtual memory:
1. An application loads and requests memory from the system.
2. The VMM assigns it a page of memory addresses from within the virtual memory space. The Virtual Memory
3. The application stores information in one or more of the virtual memory locations. Process (2 Slides)
4. The VMM maps the virtual address the application uses to a physical location in RAM.
5. As physical RAM becomes full, the VMM moves inactive data from memory to the pagefile in a
process called paging or swapping.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 10-3: Storing virtual memory data.

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When data is retrieved from virtual memory:

1. An application requests data from its virtual memory location.
2. The VMM determines which physical RAM location was mapped to this virtual memory address.
3. If the VMM finds that the data is not present in the RAM location, it generates an interrupt
called a page fault.
4. The VMM locates the data in the pagefile, retrieves the data from the hard disk, loads it back into
RAM, and updates the virtual-to-physical address mapping for the application. If necessary, the
VMM swaps other data out of RAM to release space.
5. The application retrieves the data from RAM.

Figure 10-4: Retrieving data from virtual memory.

Pagefile Optimization
When you install Windows, the system automatically creates a pagefile named Pagefile.sys at the root
of the drive. The size of the pagefile varies within a range determined by the pagefile's initial size
value and maximum size value. The system sets the size values of the pagefile using an algorithm
that takes into account the amount of physical memory and the space available on the disk. When
the system starts, the pagefile is set to the initial size; if more virtual memory space is needed, the
system adds it to the pagefile until it reaches the maximum size. An administrator can alter the initial
and maximum size values to optimize the pagefile and virtual memory performance. In modern
systems, there is rarely a severe shortage of either physical RAM or disk space, so optimizing the
pagefile might not be an issue, but you can consider the following tips:
• Although Microsoft recommends an initial pagefile size of 1.5 times the amount of RAM, the
more RAM you have, the smaller a pagefile you need.
• If the initial size of the pagefile is too low, the system will waste time as it adds more space to the
pagefile. Adding space to the pagefile after startup also increases disk fragmentation.
Consequently, it is often a good idea to set the initial size to the same value as the maximum size.
If the initial size is too high, however, the pagefile will be mostly empty, which wastes disk space.
• If you get a lot of "low virtual memory" errors, increase the maximum size of the pagefile.
• If you have multiple drives, you can move the pagefile off the drive that contains the Windows
system files, so that the computer can access system files and pagefile information
simultaneously. Put the pagefile on the fastest drive that does not contain Windows.
• If there is not a noticeable speed difference between drives, create additional pagefiles on
multiple drives. This speeds access time because the system can read and write from multiple

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 347

drives simultaneously. However, there is no performance advantage to putting the pagefile on

different partitions on the same disk.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Optimize Virtual Memory.

Lesson 10: Optimizing and Maintaining Microsoft Windows | Topic A

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ACTIVITY 10-2
Optimizing Virtual Memory

Before You Begin

You have installed a second drive in your computer.

Scenario
If students did not install Some users have complained that their systems seem to frequently display messages that there is not
a second physical drive, enough memory available. You want to try adding a paging file to a second hard drive you recently
they can add a second installed to see if this might resolve the issue.
drive to one of their VM
systems.
1. View the current Virtual Memory settings.
a) Open Control Panel, select System, and then in the left pane, select Advanced system settings.
b) On the Advanced tab, in the Performance section, select Settings.
c) In the Performance Options dialog box, select the Advanced tab.
d) In the Virtual memory section, select Change to open the Virtual Memory dialog box. You can see
the current size of the pagefile in the Currently Allocated area at the bottom of the dialog box. By
default, Windows automatically allocates the pagefile size for the primary C drive created at the time
of installation.

2. Add a page file to the second hard drive.

If time permits, have a) Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box to manually set the
students examine the pagefile size.
Memory performance b) Select Drive D.
statistics in Task c) Select System managed size and then select Set.
Manager before and d) Select OK four times.
after changing the
e) Select Restart Now.
settings.
f) Log in when the system has restarted.

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TOPIC B
Back Up and Restore System Data
One of the important tasks you will need to perform as an A+ technician is making sure that users'
data and system settings are being backed up in case things go awry. In this topic, you will examine
some of the ways you can back up and restore system data.

Data Backup and Restoration

Data backup is a system maintenance task that enables you to store copies of critical data for
safekeeping. Backups protect against loss of data due to disasters such as file corruption or hardware
failure. Data restoration is a system recovery task that enables you to access the backed-up data. Data Backup and
Restored data does not include any changes made to the data after the backup operation. Data Restoration
backups can be accomplished simply by copying individual files and folders to a local or network
location or by using dedicated software and hardware to back up large amounts of data.

Recovery Images
A recovery image is used when you request Windows to refresh your computer. Windows 8 and 8.1
computers come with a recovery image, but if you make changes and receive updates, refreshing the
computer will eliminate those changes. You can create a custom recovery image using Recovery Images
RECIMG.EXE from an elevated command prompt. This custom recovery image contains all of the
desktop applications installed on the computer and the current state of Windows system files.
Make sure to point out to
students that a custom
recovery image can only
be used to refresh a
computer, not to reset a
computer.

Figure 10-5: Creating a custom recovery image in the C:\recovery2 folder.

The file created is named CustomRefresh.wim. When you create a custom recovery image, you
specify which directory to store it in. If you have multiple custom recovery images, they all have the
name CustomRefresh.wim, each under a different directory or folder.
Recovery images aren't used to store or refresh Windows Store apps, your documents, user profiles,
or your personal settings. This information is preserved when you refresh your computer.
You can have multiple recovery images. When you are ready to refresh your computer, you can
specify which custom recovery image to use as the active recovery image.

System Restore
Windows Vista and Windows 7 use System Restore to assist in restoring system files on your
computer to the way those files were at an earlier point in time. The system image is an exact
duplicate of a drive. The system protection feature is used to create and save restore points that System Restore
contain Registry settings and system information. A restore point represents a stored state of system

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files. Windows creates restore points automatically each week or when a new driver or program is
installed. You can also manually create restore points.

System Image
A system image is a copy of Windows, applications, system settings, and data files that is stored in a
separate location from where the originals of these items are stored. The system image can be used
to restore your system if the hard disk or computer fails. The default when creating a system image
is to only include the drives required to run Windows. A system image can only be created from
drives formatted with the NTFS file system. Windows Backup can be used to create a backup of the
files as well as the system image. Although backups can be saved to USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs,
or hard drives, the system image can only be saved to a hard drive.

Scheduled Tasks
Many of the preventive maintenance tools included with the Windows environment also provide
you with the option of scheduling and automating the tasks they perform. Scheduling preventive
Scheduled Tasks
maintenance tasks ensures that your data is safe and your computer is performing optimally.
Different organizations and even different administrators within an organization may have differing
opinions on what preventive tasks should be performed automatically and how often. There are best
practices for any organization or individual user when it comes to performing scheduled tasks.
Backups should be performed systematically and on a regular basis for the best protection against
data loss. For large organizations that have important business data, scheduled backups are likely to
be performed nightly for all users or for specific data housed in specific locations, and will be
planned and scheduled by IT administrators. For smaller businesses or even individual users,
backups can be scheduled to run automatically via the backup utility provided with the version of
Windows. Users can choose what information will be saved, how it is saved (full or incremental),
where it is saved to, and how often the backup will occur.

Backup Schemes
Most large organizations will implement a structured backup scheme that includes a backup
schedule and specifications for which files are backed up, where the backup is stored, and how it can
be retrieved. The backup scheme will specify the backup rotation method, which determines how many
backup tapes or other media sets are needed, and the sequence in which they are used and reused.
Designated administrators will have the responsibility for designing and managing the backup
scheme and for restoring data when needed.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Back Up and Restore System Data.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 351

ACTIVITY 10-3
Scheduling System Backup

Scenario
You do a lot of testing, and sometimes that testing can result in loss of data or in a system that
doesn't work properly any more. You need to set up recurring system backups for your computer.

1. Turn on File History.

a) From the Charms bar, select Settings→Change PC Settings.
b) Select Update and recovery.
c) Select File History then select On.
Backup should begin immediately.

2. Check the schedule for backups.

a) Open Control Panel. If time permits, show
b) Select System and Security→File History and then in the left pane, select Advanced settings. students other methods
c) Verify that the settings are configured to save copies of files every hour. of scheduling backups.
d) Close open windows, leaving only Hyper-V Manager and any VM windows open. This might include other
operating systems and
their backup routines or
third-party solutions.

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TOPIC C
Perform Disk Maintenance
In the last topic, you backed up system data to keep it safe. Another way to keep data safe is to
ensure that a PC's disk drives are functioning properly. In this topic, you will perform disk
maintenance tasks.

Disk Maintenance
Disk maintenance is the process of monitoring and adjusting the configuration of HDDs and the file
systems contained on those HDDs. Typically, disks work just fine without a great deal of
Disk Maintenance
maintenance. However, there are some actions and practices that can affect disk health and
performance. By performing some relatively simple disk maintenance tasks, you can avoid or even
solve problems such as:
• File system errors
• Bad sectors on the disk platters
• Corrupted files
• Disk fragmentation

Disk Maintenance Tools

There are a number of tools within the Windows environment that can be used to perform
preventive maintenance tasks.
Disk Maintenance Tools
Maintenance Tool Description

Check Disk You can run a Check Disk (or chkdsk if using a command prompt) to scan
Mention to students that the hard disk for any potential file system errors or bad sectors on the disk.
there are some tools that Using Check Disk, you can:
are used more often
than others. Give some • Scan only for file system errors and view a report of any drive errors.
context to when they are • Scan for file system errors and attempt to automatically fix them.
commonly used.
• Scan for bad sectors and attempt recovery of them.
• Scan for both file system errors and bad sectors, and attempt to
automatically fix both types of problems.
In addition, Check Disk will run if the OS detects changes in the file system,
storage configuration, or volume incompatibility in a multiboot configuration.
See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2854570 for more
information.
Disk Cleanup Disk Cleanup is a system utility available in all versions of Windows that frees
up space on the hard disk that is being used to store unnecessary temporary
files, such as Temporary Internet Files. Disk Cleanup scans the hard disk for
these temporary files and will remove them with minimal user input.

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Maintenance Tool Description

Disk DEFRAG (Disk Defragmenter) is a system utility available in all versions of
Defragmenter Windows that scans and analyzes how file fragments are arranged and accessed
on the hard disk. The tool arranges stored data on a disk into contiguous
blocks to improve access speed, system startup, and overall system
performance. Because individual files are stored on disks in multiple separate
blocks, the used and empty storage areas on a disk can become fragmented
and scattered. In Windows 8 and 8.1, this utility is called Defragment and
Optimize Drives.

Scheduled Disk Maintenance

You can schedule to perform check disk and disk defragmentation on a regular basis.

Scheduled Task Description

Scheduled Disk
Scheduled check disk Over time, the errors on the hard disk can build up and cause a Maintenance
computer to perform slowly or poorly. Scheduling a check disk to run
regularly will keep these errors from accumulating on the hard disk. As
with all scheduled tasks, you can choose when and how often the check
disk will be performed, but it is recommended that you run the Check
Disk utility weekly to scan and resolve any disk errors.
Scheduled disk Your computer automatically breaks large files into fragments and stores
defragmentation them in various locations, only piecing them together when the file is
accessed. The more large files you access and are fragmented by
Windows, the more fragments accumulate on the hard disk; the more
fragments that accumulate on the hard disk, the slower your computer
accesses files and processes commands. Scheduling Disk Defragmenter
to run automatically and regularly can keep fragmenting to a minimum,
optimize the space on the hard disk, and improve the overall
performance of your computer. Like all scheduled tasks, you can choose
when and how often to defragment the hard disk, but it is
recommended that you schedule Disk Defragmenter to run once a
week.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Perform Disk Maintenance.

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ACTIVITY 10-4
Performing Disk Maintenance

Scenario
Some computers in your organization are already configured with scheduled disk optimization. You
want to verify that your computer has been configured to run disk optimization on a weekly basis.
You also want to see if you can regain any disk space through Disk Cleanup.

1. Run Disk Cleanup.

a) From Control Panel→System and Security→Administrative Tools, select Disk Cleanup.
b) In the Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box, select your C: drive. Select OK.
c) Examine the list of Files to delete that is created.
d) Select Temporary Internet Files by clicking on the words, then select View files. A File Explorer
window opens listing the temporary Internet files.
e) Close the File Explorer window.
f) Examine any other items that are checked.
g) Select OK.
h) When prompted Are you sure you want to permanently delete these files?, select Delete Files.
i) Close all open windows, leaving only Hyper-V Manager and any VM windows open.

2. Configure your system to perform Defragment and Optimize Drives tasks on a weekly basis.
a) Open Control Panel then navigate to System and Security→Administrative Tools→Defragment and
Optimize Drives.
b)
In the Optimize Drives dialog box, select Change settings.
c) Verify that Run on a schedule (recommended) is checked, and that the Frequency is set to Weekly.
If necessary, have d) Select the Choose button and verify that all drives are checked, then select OK or Cancel as
students repeat steps 2a needed.
and 2b until the settings e) Select OK or Cancel as needed.
screen is displayed. f) Select any drive, then select Analyze. If any of the drives show greater than 10% fragmented, select
Optimize.
g) Select Close.

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TOPIC D
Update Software
Another facet of optimizing and maintaining your OS is to ensure that its software and any other
software that it uses remains as up-to-date as possible. In this topic, you will update software.

Patch Management
Patch management is the practice of monitoring for, obtaining, evaluating, testing, and deploying
integral fixes and updates for programs or applications, known as patches. As the number of
computer systems in use has grown over recent years, so has the volume of vulnerabilities and Patch Management
corresponding patches and updates intended to address those vulnerabilities. However, not every
computer within an organization will necessarily be compatible with a certain patch, whether it be
because of outdated hardware, different software versions, application dependencies, and so on.
Because of the inconsistencies that may be present within the various systems, the task of managing
and applying patches can become very time-consuming and inefficient without an organized patch
management system. In typical patch management, software updates are evaluated for their
applicability to an environment and then tested in a safe way on non-production systems. If the
patch is validated on all possible configurations without causing more problems, only then will the
valid patch be rolled out to all computers throughout the entire organization.
A patch management program might include:
• An individual responsible for subscribing to and reviewing vendor and security patches and
updating newsletters.
• A review and triage of the updates into urgent, important, and non-critical categories.
• An offline patch-test environment where urgent and important patches can be installed and
tested for functionality and impact.
• Immediate administrative push delivery of approved urgent patches.
• Weekly administrative push delivery of approved important patches.
• A periodic evaluation phase and full rollout for non-critical patches.
Many organizations have taken to creating official patch management policies that define the who,
what, where, when, why, and how of patch management for that organization.

Driver and Firmware Updates

Managing updates is an important part of preventive maintenance, to ensure that all computers
under your care are up to date with the most current software or applications available. Having a
plan in place for how you will manage updates will help to make sure that your computers are Driver and Firmware
protected against all of the possible threats, vulnerabilities, and functionality issues that arise as the Updates
technologies evolve and change.
Driver and firmware manufacturers often develop updates to address known functionality issues. By
updating device drivers and firmware, you can avoid many potential operational problems.
Most modern motherboards have a number of chips that contain the system firmware that runs the
system BIOS or UEFI. This firmware may need an upgrade from time to time depending on the
manufacturer. When the manufacturer issues an update, then the firmware will need to be updated.
These updates contain security patches, updates to the performance, and updates to address any
known issues. The updates can be installed in a number of ways, but most commonly can be
downloaded from the manufacturer's website and then either burned to CD or copied to a flash
drive.

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Windows Updates
As you saw earlier in the course, the Windows Update Control Panel enables you to configure
options for checking for and installing Windows updates. There are several types of updates
Windows Updates
Microsoft might offer you when your system is updated. You should always install Important
updates as soon as possible. Other, optional updates can be installed if they seem like they would
enhance or improve user experience and productivity.

Update Type Description

Security updates These important updates are installed automatically by default. Even if you have
configured your system to not install updates automatically, you should test and
install them as soon as possible to fix problems attackers might exploit. These
are listed as Important updates in the Windows Update tool.
Optional These recommended updates typically apply fixes to Windows features or add
updates features. You can look through the list of updates listed as Recommended in
the Windows Update tool and decide if they would make sense to be installed.
Service Packs Service Packs roll up all of the above update types and are installed as a single
update. The service packs bring the operating system fixes to a level playing field
for everyone involved: from Microsoft to app developers to help desk and
administrators to end users.
Language Packs The optional language packs can be installed if you need to use the system in
another language. Usually you won't want to install these as they take up time
and space. You can hide them so you aren't continually prompted to install
them.

Antivirus and Antimalware Software

Antivirus software is an application that scans files for executable code that matches patterns, known
as signatures or definitions, that are known to be common to viruses. The antivirus software also
Antivirus and
monitors systems for activity that is associated with viruses, such as accessing the boot sector.
Antimalware Software Antivirus software should be deployed on various network systems as well as on individual
computers, and the signature database and program updates should be downloaded and installed on
a regular basis as well as whenever a new threat is active.
Windows Defender is
the replacement for
Microsoft Security
Essentials. It is included
with Windows 7 and
Windows 8. It can be
downloaded for
Windows Vista.

Antivirus software does

not usually protect
against spam, but it can
identify malware
symptoms and can
provide protection from
adware and spyware.
This will be covered in
more detail in the
security lesson.

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Figure 10-6: Windows Defender in Windows 8.1.

Windows Defender is built into Windows 8/8.1. It contains an Antimalware Service Executable.
Using the Administrative Tool, Task Scheduler, you can schedule when this runs. Other Microsoft
tools to deal with malware include the Microsoft Safety Scanner and the Microsoft Malicious
Software Removal Tool. These can be used to check your computer for specific malware and
remove it from your system.
Anti-spyware software is specifically designed to protect systems against spyware attacks. Some
antivirus software packages include protection against adware and spyware, but in most cases, it is
necessary to maintain anti-spyware protection in addition to antivirus protection.
Note: If you install another antivirus or antimalware application on your computer, it might
automatically turn off and disable Windows Defender. If no other antivirus or antimalware
software has been installed, then Windows Defender should be running on your Windows
computer.

Antivirus and Antimalware Updates

Antivirus and antimalware updates must be managed as they are made available. Antivirus engine
updates can include enhancements, bug fixes, or new features being added to the software engine,
improving the manner in which the software operates. Updates can be implemented automatically Antivirus and
or manually depending on the software. Automatic updating refers to software that periodically Antimalware Updates
downloads and applies updates without any user intervention, whereas manual updating means that
a user must be involved to either initiate the update, download the update, or at least approve
installation of the update.
Microsoft antivirus and antimalware software updates are received as part of the Windows Update
process. You can also download updates from the Download Center if you know updates are
available, but have not yet received them on your computer.

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Guidelines for Managing Software Updates

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for Managing
Software Updates Follow these general guidelines to manage software updates:
• Consider developing a formal patch management process and identifying an update manager.
• Always test software updates before rolling them out to all users. If no test lab is available, select
a few trusted users or use VMs as a sandbox. There are even cloud-based sandboxes you can use
to test software updates.
• It's strongly recommended that you use another antimalware solution in addition to Windows
Defender to provide adequate protection against malicious software.

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ACTIVITY 10-5
Checking for Updates

Before You Begin

This activity assumes you are using Windows Defender. If you are using a different antimalware
application, your instructor will guide you through updating it.

Scenario
You have received several help desk tickets related to a new virus infecting users' computers. You
are using Windows Defender on most of the systems in your organization and want to make sure
that the software has the latest updates.

1. Open Windows Defender.

a) Press Windows+W to open the Search tool.
b) Type defender
c) From the results, select Scan for malware and other potentially unwanted software.
d) If the scan starts automatically, select Cancel scan.

2. Check for updates.

a) In the Windows Defender window, select the Update tab.
b) Select the Update button.
The latest virus and spyware definitions are downloaded and installed.

3. Verify the settings are performing real-time protection.

a) Select the Settings tab.
b) Verify that Turn on real-time protection (recommended) is checked.
c) In the left pane, select Administrator.
d) Verify that Turn on this app is checked.

4. Run a quick scan.

a) Select the Home tab.
b) Under Scan options, with Quick selected, select Scan now.
c) When the scan is completed, review the information shown, then close Windows Defender.

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Summary
In this lesson, you used various tools to optimize and maintain the Windows operating system.
Ensuring that users' computers are working at optimum operating abilities will reduce the number
of dissatisfied users and provide a more secure environment in which users can work.

Which of the tools and concepts presented in this lesson have you used to optimize and maintain Windows
operating systems? Which ones do you think you will use most often in the future?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary. At a minimum, technicians should be backing up data and system settings as well
networking tools as making sure that software, both OS and apps, is up to date. Using the other tools presented in this
provided on the CHOICE lesson can improve user experience by optimizing computer performance.
Course screen to follow
up with their peers after Have you ever needed to restore settings from a restore point? If so, what happened that caused you to
the course is completed need to do a restore? Were you able to successfully restore the settings?
for further discussion A: Answers will vary. Restoration might be needed if a setting is corrupted by a virus or other malware.
and resources to support
continued learning. Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 10: Optimizing and Maintaining Microsoft Windows |

11 Working With Other
Operating Systems

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will work with other operating systems. You will:
• Identify features and functions of the OS X operating system.
• Identify features and functions of the Linux operating system.

Lesson Introduction
In the last two lessons, you worked with Microsoft Windows. As you know, an A+
technician will probably also be responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting
computers and devices that have other operating systems installed. Familiarity with OS X
and Linux will enable you to support more of your user base.
362 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
The OS X Operating System
Mac computers from Apple use the OS X operating system. Mac users tend to be found in art,
music, graphic design, and education because OS X includes apps geared to those audiences. In this
topic, you will examine some of the important features and functions of OS X.

OS X
OS X® is the computer operating system developed by Apple® Inc. OS X is a Linux® derivative,
and consists of UNIX-based operating systems and GUIs. This proprietary operating system is
OS X
included on all Macintosh® computer systems.
El Capitan is the current Mac operating system as of fall 2015. If you need to upgrade from a
previous version, the system requirements for El Capitan are:
If you have one or more • Mac hardware.
Mac systems available, • 2 GB of RAM.
you can demonstrate or
• At least 8 GB of available hard disk space.
have students
experiment with the • Snow Leopard version 10.6.8 or later and the Mac® App Store installed.
systems throughout this • An Apple ID.
topic. • Internet access.
• If you don't have Internet access, some features may be unavailable. You can have your Mac
upgraded at an Apple Retail Store.
Refer to https://
support.apple.com/en- Note: If your Mac is running Leopard, you first need to upgrade to Snow Leopard, then update
us/HT201475 for the to its latest version. Then, you can upgrade to El Capitan.
exact hardware models
required. OS X features include:
• Multiple user support.
• Integrated Mac, Windows, and UNIX server, file, and printer browsing in the Finder.
• The Safari® web browser.
• Native TCP/IP networking.
• Many file- and network-level security features.
• Comprehensive hardware device support with a unique Macintosh computer system design.

Macintosh Hardware Compatibility

If your Macintosh® computer meets the minimum requirements for OS X installation, the hardware
should all be compatible with the operating system. You can verify that your hardware is supported
by examining the technical specifications, by product, at http://support.apple.com/specs/.
Note: You might hear the term "Hackintosh," which refers to installing OS X on non-Mac
hardware, usually as a virtual machine.

Macintosh Software Compatibility

Applications that ran in previous releases of Mac OS X should be supported when you upgrade to
any current release.
If you need to use Mac OS 9 applications on a Mac OS X system, you can do so in the Classic
environment in Mac OS X. To use the Classic environment, you must have a Mac OS 9 System
Folder installed on your computer, either on the same hard disk as Mac OS X, or on another disk or

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disk partition. For more information on Mac OS X technical specifications, see http://
support.apple.com/specs/macos.

OS X User Interface
The OS X GUI user interface is navigated using a mouse or trackpad. You can also use keyboard
equivalences for many tasks. The one-button mouse that comes with a Mac can be configured to
function as a two-button mouse. The trackpad on Mac laptops uses gestures to click, drag, scroll, OS X User Interface
zoom, open, and close items.
Some of the features you use to interact with the content on your Mac are the Finder, Dock, and
Terminal. For users familiar with
Windows, they can think
Feature Description of Finder as the
equivalent of File
Finder Finder is displayed when you turn on your Mac (or when you log in if log in is Explorer and Dock as
enabled). Through Finder, you manage the folders and files on your computer. Icons the equivalent of the
represent the computer, the folders, the files, and a trash can is available for throwing task bar.
away files or ejecting disks. Some people refer to Finder as the desktop.
Dock The row of icons at the bottom of most screens. All open windows and programs are
represented by an icon in the dock. You can also secure items to the dock so that they
are always available from the dock.
Terminal Terminal is the command-line interpreter for OS X. From here, you can enter the
Unix-like commands used in OS X at the command line.

One-Button Mouse Configuration

The default one-button mouse that comes with a Mac can be configured to behave as if it has
multiple buttons. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences and then Keyboard &
Mouse. On the Mouse tab you can configure the Secondary Button. An alternative to configuring
the secondary button is to use the Control button on the keyboard along with the mouse button to
simulate "right-clicking" the mouse.

Trackpad Gestures
The trackpad on a Mac laptop can do more than just help you click and drag items. Using
multitouch gestures, you can do much more.
Trackpad Gestures
Gesture Description

Tap to Click When Tap to Click is enabled in the trackpad settings, this allows you to tap the
trackpad rather than the button below the trackpad to click.
Dragging Tap the trackpad twice, then right after the second tap, drag your finger. For
longer dragging movements, slide your finger again after lifting it for no more
than one second.
Drag Lock When Drag Lock is enabled in the trackpad settings, this allows you to lift your
finger for more than one second when dragging.
Secondary click Specify where on the trackpad the secondary click is activated. Usually this is the
lower right corner of the trackpad.
If you have a button below the trackpad, you can use two fingers on the trackpad
and click the button.
Two finger Scrolls like you are using the scrollbar. You can also access the Scrolling Speed
scroll slider using this method.

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Gesture Description
Pinch Open/ Using two fingers, spread them apart to enlarge the screen content. Using two
Pinch Close fingers, bring them closer together to reduce the size of screen content.
Screen zoom While pressing the Control key, drag two fingers on the track pad to zoom in the
entire screen.
Three-finger Drag three fingers horizontally on the trackpad to move to the next or previous
swipe to page.
navigate
Four finger • Drag four fingers up to activate the Show desktop feature.
swipe • Drag four fingers down to activate the Show all windows feature.
• Drag four fingers left or right to activate the Program switcher feature.

OS X Features
OS X includes features that make it an easy operating system to work with. Some features will be
new to Windows users and might take a little while to get used to.
OS X Features
Feature Description

Mission Control Mission Control enables you to see all open windows and spaces. The
If you have a Mac desktop area you see is referred to as a space. You can create multiple spaces,
available, demonstrate and switch between the spaces using Mission Control. All of the available
the use of these spaces are shown at the top of the screen when you access Mission Control.
features. Point out the You can access Mission Control by:
equivalent feature in
Windows or Linux as • Using either three or four fingers, swipe up on the trackpad.
appropriate. • Double tap a Magic Mouse surface with two fingers.
• From the Dock or Launchpad, select the Mission Control icon.
• For Apple keyboards with a dedicated key, press the Mission Control
key.
Apps can be dragged from one space to another. Open the space containing
the app you want to move, then in Mission Control, drag it to the desired
space. Apps opened in Full Screen mode become their own space. You can
switch between spaces by:
• Selecting the space in the Mission Control window.
• Using three or four fingers, swipe right or left on the trackpad to move to
the next or previous space.
• On the keyboard, press Control+Left Arrow or Control+Right Arrow
to move to the previous or next space.
You can create spaces through Mission Control. You can either point to the
upper-right corner of the screen after opening Mission Control and select
Add Space or drag the icon for an app to the Add Space button. If you
want to close a space, press Option and select the Close button next to the
space you want to close. If any windows are still in the space that is closed,
they are moved to another open space.
Note: Spaces is the same idea as virtual desktops in Linux.

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Feature Description
Keychain Keychain is a password management system built into OS X. It stores
passwords and account information for users. When you access any
password protected resource such as a website, email, or server, you are
provided with the option to save the password. The password is saved in the
keychain.
Keychain Access is the app you use to manage your passwords and account
information. It can also be used to manage digital certificates. You can export
your keychain and import it on another Mac.
Spotlight Spotlight is the OS X search feature. When you perform a search in
Spotlight, the words you enter in the search are searched for in files, websites,
app names, web content, and other locations. Select the magnifying glass icon
to access Spotlight, then enter the words to search for. Spotlight uses auto-
complete, so you don't have to type the full word or phrase if the desired
results are found with the characters you already typed.
iCloud iCloud is a cloud computing service offered by Apple. Mac and iOS users can
use the iWork suite apps Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Users of other
operating systems can also use iCloud to store and share files, music, and
photos. By default, users are provided with 5 GB of free storage. Additional
storage can be purchased.
To access iCloud, you need to sign up for an Apple ID. This is the same ID
used to purchase items from iTunes, the App Store, and FaceTime.
Gestures Multi-touch gestures can be performed on a Mac multi-touch trackpad, a
Magic Trackpad, or a Magic Mouse. These gestures are performed using one
or more fingers and tapping or swiping the surface of the input device. In the
System Preferences Trackpad or Mouse pane, you can view animations for
each of the available gestures.
Remote Disc Not all Mac computers have an optical drive. This keeps the price as well as
the weight of the device down. If you need to access a CD or DVD, you can
do so using Remote Disc. On a Mac or PC that has an optical drive,
configure it so that the Drive is set up to be shared. On the Mac without the
optical drive, in the Finder sidebar, select the computer on which sharing of
CDs and DVDs has been enabled and then select Connect. If the Mac you
are using has an optical drive, Remote Disc will not appear in Finder.
Not all CDs and DVDs can be shared. The following types of optical discs
cannot be shared:
• Audio CDs or DVDs
• Movies on DVD or Blu-ray
• Copy protected discs
• Windows installation discs
Note: If you are setting up Windows using Boot Camp on a Mac
without an optical drive, create a disk image of the Windows
installation disc and copy it to a flash drive.

Boot Camp Boot Camp is a boot manager for OS X systems that enables users to install
Microsoft Windows in a separate partition. The Boot Camp utility guides
users through repartitioning the drive and installing Windows device drivers.
At system boot, you can select whether to boot to OS X or Windows.

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Note: Remember, if an app is not responding, you can use Force Quit from the Apple menu to
open the Force Quit Applications window, then select the non-responsive app and select the
Force Quit button.

OS X Management Tools
OS X includes several tools to help you manage backup and restoration of files, folders, and
settings. It also includes tools for disk maintenance and screen sharing.
OS X Management The following table includes some of the tools you will use most often.
Tools (2 Slides)
Tool/Function Description Accessed From

For Windows users,

Time Machine A backup utility that backs files From the Apple menu, select System
point out the equivalent and folders up to a separate Preferences→Time Machine.
tools between the hard drive (not removable
Windows and Mac media) that has been formatted
environments. as a Mac file system. Files and
folders can be restored from
the Time Machine drive.
If you have a Mac Snapshot On Mac notebooks that don't From the Apple menu, select System
available, demonstrate currently have access to the Preferences→Time Machine. The timeline is
using these commands
Time Machine drive, local displayed on the right side of the Time
and opening a terminal
window and entering
copies of files that are created, Machine window.
commands, including modified, or deleted are stored
man man for help on on the startup drive. They are
using man pages. copied to the Time Machine
drive when it becomes
available. Files and folders can
be restored from the local
snapshot.
Image recovery Using the Disk Utility To access the Disk Utility, press Command
Restore application or the +Space to open Spotlight search, type Disk
asr(8) tool, you can create a Utility, and press Return. You can also select
pre-configured copy of OS X the Launchpad icon on your dock, select the
from a computer on which OS Other folder, and select Disk Utility. Or, open
X has been installed and a Finder window, select Applications in the
configured. sidebar, double-click the Utilities folder, and
double-click Disk Utility. Once you are in the
Disk Utility application, select the Restore tab.
For the asr(8) tool, open a Terminal window by
selecting Applications→Utilities→Terminal,
or from Finder, select
Finder→Services→New Terminal at Folder
or New Terminal Tab at Folder.

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Tool/Function Description Accessed From

Disk The Disk Utility application To access the Disk Utility, press Command +
maintenance can be used to verify or repair Space to open Spotlight search, type Disk
utilities a disk. If you are unable to use Utility, and press Return. You can also select
this application, you can use the Launchpad icon on your dock, select the
the command line command Other folder, and select Disk Utility. Or, open
fsck. a Finder window, select Applications in the
sidebar, double-click the Utilities folder, and
double-click Disk Utility.
For the fsck tool, open a Terminal window by
selecting Applications→Utilities→Terminal,
or from Finder, select
Finder→Services→New Terminal at Folder
or New Terminal Tab at Folder.
Shell/Terminal A Terminal window is where You can open a Terminal window by selecting
you can access the shell or Applications→Utilities→Terminal, or from
command line in OS X. Finder, select Finder→Services→New
Terminal at Folder or New Terminal Tab at
Folder.
Screen sharing You can share your screen or You can use iCloud to share your screen by
share the screen of another selecting Apple menu→System
Mac. Preferences→Sharing→Screen Sharing. You
can also use Finder to connect to a remote Mac
by selecting Finder→Preferences, then in the
sidebar, in the Shared section, select Back to
My Mac.
Force Quit If an app is not responding, From the Apple menu, select Force Quit to
you can open the Force Quit open the Force Quit Applications window.
Applications window, then You can also access this window by pressing
select the non-responsive app Command+Option+Esc.
and select the Force Quit
button.

Backup and Restore Tools

Time Machine is an application built into OS X that automatically performs backups of your files. The
backup destination must be an external hard drive, an AirPort Time Capsule, or an OS X Server.
The external drive can be connected using a USB, FireWire, or ThunderBolt port. When a blank
external drive is connected to your Mac, you are prompted whether you would like to use it for
backups. The drive must be formatted with the Mac OS X Extended (Journaled) file system; if
another file system is currently in use, you are prompted to reformat the drive. By default, Time
Machine maintains hourly backups for the past 24 hours. It also retains daily backups for the past
month as well as weekly backups. If the drive to which you are backing up becomes full, the oldest
backups are deleted.
If your computer isn't connected to your Time Machine drive, and you modify, delete, or create
files, Time Machine creates copies of the files and stores the copies on the startup drive. These
copies are referred to as local snapshots. The local snapshot is then copied to the Time Machine
backup drive when it becomes available.
The Time Machine application displays a timeline. Backups are indicated on the timeline as color
coded, dated tick marks.
• If you are using OS X Yosemite or later:

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• Bright red tick marks indicate backups that can be restored right now from either the backup
drive or a local snapshot.
• Dimmed red tick marks indicate backups that can be restored when the backup drive is
available.
• If you are using OS X Mavericks or earlier:
• Gray tick marks indicate backups that can be restored right now from a local snapshot.
• Bright pink tick marks indicate backups that can be restored right now from your backup
drive.
• Dimmed pink tick marks indicate backups that can be restored when the backup drive is
available.

Disk Maintenance Utilities

The OS X built-in Disk Utility is a disk management tool and partition manager. There are several
methods of accessing this disk maintenance utility:
• From Recovery Mode (press Command+R as the system boots).
• Using Spotlight Search and entering Disk Utility.
• From the docked Launchpad icon, select Other folder, then select Disk Utility
• In any Finder window, on the sidebar, select Applications→Utilities→Disk Utility.
Disk Utility includes many partition and disk management functions.

Feature or Description
Function

Partition You can create, rename, reformat, resize, and delete partitions on internal or
drives and external drives, and DMG image files that can be mounted and accessed as if they
format were drives.
partitions
First Aid Assists with fixing disk problems. The Verify Disk button checks for problems
and the Repair Disk button fixes the problems that are found. In addition, there
are buttons to fix permissions issues—Verify Disk Permissions and Repair Disk
Permissions.
Secure Erase This feature should only be used on mechanical drives and can be used to erase an
entire hard disk or partition, or just erase the free space. The Fastest option is the
most secure and writes over the entire disk with zeroes one time.
Note: Do not use Secure Erase on solid state drives as it just wears down
the drive to no security purpose.

Create and Create a new blank disk image or create a disk image from a folder. This
Manage Disk creates .DMG files, which can be mounted as drives. You can write files to the
Images disk image file. The .DMG file can be encrypted and saved to cloud storage or a
removable drive. You can also convert an image file from read/write to read-only.
In addition, you can resize the disk image, making it larger or smaller as needed.
Restore Enables you to copy a volume to another volume, a partition to another partition,
or create a disk image as an exact duplicate of a partition. When you use a disk
image to restore a partition, the contents of the partition are erased and the data
from the disk image is copied on to the partition.
RAID Enables creation of RAID 1 and RAID 0 drives. You can also use concatenation
to combine RAID types to receive the benefits of each type of RAID.

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Screen Sharing
Screen sharing can be configured between Macs on the same network, between a Mac and a PC, or
between Macs on two different networks. To share screens between two Macs on the same network,
use the Sharing option from the Apple→System Preferences menu. Here, you can unselect
Remote Management then check Screen Sharing. You can specify whether only specific users or
all users can share your screen.
If you need to control a Mac from a PC, you need to join the Mac to the Windows workgroup.
Request the name of the workgroup from the person with whom you will be sharing your screen.
To share a Mac from a remote location, use Back to My Mac. You need an iCloud Apple ID
account in order to use this feature.

Force Quit
Normally, to close an app, you just select Quit from the app menu. However, if the app is
unresponsive, you might need to use Force Quit. There are several methods of accessing Force
Quit:
• Press Control+Option+Esc.
• From the Apple menu, select Force Quit.
Finder is always open, so there isn't a Quit option for this app. If Finder becomes unresponsive, use
Force Quit and select Relaunch.

OS X Best Practices
There are several tasks you should perform on a regular basis to make sure that the OS X computers
you support remain functional and working their best.
OS X Best Practices
Task Description

Scheduled Using built-in features such as Time Machine, you can perform scheduled
backups backups. You can also use third-party backup utilities to perform scheduled
backups if your backup solution comes with its own applications for scheduling
backups. Even if you have scheduled backups set up, you should manually perform
a backup before making any big changes such as system OS updates or installing or
removing apps.
Scheduled Consider running Disk Utility First Aid monthly or bi-monthly if you often
disk install or uninstall applications. Use the Repair Disk Permissions feature to make
maintenance sure that permissions are set correctly. You should also run Repair Disk to check
for bad blocks or a corrupted drive.
System By default, Software update checks for updates once a week. Running Software
updates Update manually from the Apple menu can be done at any time to check the App
store for any updates.
Patch Checking for system updates is the first part of patch management. You should
management also check for updates for apps that you use. Updates might include bug and
security fixes, and enhanced features. If you are supporting multiple users, be sure
to test the patches first before deploying them to all users.
Driver and Drivers and firmware are typically updated when system updates are received.
firmware However, if you find that for some reason you need to update the drivers or
updates firmware manually, you can access System Information to check the current
information, including model Identifier, boot ROM version, and SMC version. If
you try to install an update that isn't designed for your system, the software will not
be installed and you will see an alert message.

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Task Description
Antivirus and Mac systems aren't attacked as often as Windows systems, but you should still be
antimalware running antivirus and antimalware on Macs. Be sure to configure the application to
updates automatically check for updates as they become available. If the app isn't updated,
you are not being fully protected.

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ACTIVITY 11-1
Identifying Features and Functions of OS X

Scenario
You are new to supporting Macs, but do have some experience supporting Windows systems. You
want to identify the OS X equivalent of some of the Windows features and functions you are used
to using.

1. What Windows and OS X features enable you to back up data and restore data from a backup? You might suggest to
A: In Windows, you would use the Backup feature, and in OS X, you would use Time Machine. students that they
consider making a chart
2. What Windows and OS X features enable you to manage storage devices? or other job aid from the
results of this activity.
A: In Windows, you would use Disk Management, and in OS X, you would use Disk Utility.

3. What Windows and OS X features enable you to identify which apps are running?
A: In Windows, you would use the taskbar or Task Manager, and in OS X, you would use the Dock.

4. What Windows and OS X features enable you to end the running of a non-responsive program?
A: In Windows Task Manager, select the non-responsive program and select End Process, and in OS
X, you would use the Force Quit feature.

5. What Windows and OS X features provide you with cloud storage?

A: In Windows, you would use OneDrive, and in OS X, you would use iCloud.

6. What Windows and OS X features enable you to search for items?

A: In Windows, you can use the Search Charm, or in File Explorer, you can use the Search box. In
OS X, you would use the Spotlight feature.

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ACTIVITY 11-2
Using OS X (Optional)

Before You Begin

If you have access to a Mac running OS X Leopard or newer, you can perform this activity.

Scenario
You want to try out some of the OS X features you recently learned about. You want to make sure
that you can support any Mac users within your organization.

1. Examine Finder.
a) Locate the Dock.
b) Open an app.
c) Examine the file system.

2. Examine Spotlight.
If time permits, have a) In Finder, select the magnifying glass icon.
students use additional b) Type spot
features covered in this Notice that the results auto-completes what it thinks you want to type next.
topic. c) If necessary, continue typing until the results show Spotlight.
d) Observe the various locations and results of the search.

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TOPIC B
The Linux Operating System
Operating systems vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Over the past few years, Linux
has rapidly gained ground in the competitive operating system marketplace. For example, Linux is
now widely preferred for web servers and Internet systems. Many individuals and organizations have
accepted it as a desktop and server alternative because of its high security, low cost, and ease of
licensing. In this topic, you will examine the basics of Linux, so that you can begin to understand
and appreciate its benefits.

Linux Distributions
Linux is a UNIX-like operating system originally developed by Linus Torvalds, starting in 1991
while he was a student at the University of Helsinki. Like all operating systems, Linux enables the
most basic common system operations, such as file management, user account management, and so Linux Distributions
forth. It provides a means for users to interact with their computer’s hardware and software.
Linux is perhaps most notable because it is free and open source. Programmers have made versions
of Linux available for nearly every computer hardware platform in current use. Linux is available for:
• Network servers and enterprise-class computing environments.
• Desktop and end-user computers.
• "Non-computer" devices such as cell phones, automobile control systems, network routers, and
alarm system controllers.
Linus Torvalds wrote the original Linux kernel. The kernel is the software component that provides
the core set of operating system functions. These include features for managing system hardware
and for communicating between software and hardware. Ask students if they
have used Linux, and if
Since its creation, Linux has evolved into hundreds of distributions, also called distros, each tailored so, which distributions
to their designers' needs. If you are a beginner, you will find it easier to choose one of the they have used. Point
mainstream distributions depending on the installations. Some common distributions are: out that the table in this
• CentOS topic includes only the
most popular
• Red Hat® Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distributions and that
• Fedora others are available.
• SUSE Linux Enterprise
• openSUSE
• Debian
• Ubuntu
• Mandriva
• Mint

Internet Reference for Common Linux Distributions

You can refer to common Linux distributions in the following Internet sites:
• CentOS Linux: www.centos.org
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): www.redhat.com
• Fedora: http://fedoraproject.org
• SUSE Linux Enterprise: www.suse.com
• openSUSE: www.opensuse.org
• Debian: www.debian.org
• Ubuntu: www.ubuntu.com
• Mandriva: www.mandriva.com

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• Mint: www.linuxmint.com
Note: The site linux.com has a yearly comparison of Linux distributions and commentary on
what they feel are the best distributions to use for various purposes.

The CentOS Linux Distribution

The CentOS Linux distribution is a stable, predictable, manageable, and reproducible platform
derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS is maintained by The
CentOS Project, a community-driven free software effort that is modelled on the structure of the
Apache Foundation and has its own governing board. CentOS benefits from Red Hat's ongoing
contributions and investment.
This course uses CentOS Linux because it provides a free enterprise class computing platform that
aims to be functionally compatible with the upstream product (RHEL) that it derives from. CentOS
Linux does not contain Red Hat, Inc.'s product or certifications, although it is built from the same
sources as the upstream enterprise products. More details about this may be found in the CentOS
FAQ here: http://wiki.centos.org/FAQ/General.
For production environments, the licensed and fully supported Red Hat Enterprise Linux product is
recommended.

Note: To learn more, check out the LearnTO Transition to Linux presentation from the
LearnTO tile on the CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Transition
to Linux presentation
from the CHOICE Linux User Interfaces
Course screen or have
students navigate out to There are a number of ways users interact with Linux. These include using a GUI interface or a shell
the Course screen and interface. There are a variety of GUI interfaces that can be used with each of the Linux
watch it for themselves distributions. The shell interface, also referred to as the command line interface (CLI), is a plain text
as a supplement to your terminal that is used to enter commands. A variety of shells are available and can be used with each
instruction. If not, please Linux distribution.
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this GUI
course on their CHOICE
course screen after The Linux Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a collection of icons, windows, and other screen graphical
class for supplemental elements that help users interact with the operating system. The desktop menu provides access to
information and the GUI applications available on the Linux desktop. There are different GUI implementations such
additional resources. as K Desktop Environment (KDE) and GNU Object Model Environment (GNOME).

Linux GUIs (2 Slides)

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Figure 11-1: A GNOME desktop in CentOS 7.

The following table lists the uses of some common Applications menu categories in the GNOME
GUI.

Applications Menu Used To

Category

Accessories Access applications for performing work-related tasks such as creating text
documents and presentations, or using a calculator.
Internet Access applications for performing tasks on the Internet such as web
browsers, email clients, instant messengers, or web editors.
Sound & Video Access applications for viewing movies and listening to sound files or CDs.
System Tools Access options for changing the settings on the Linux system.
Documentation Access help on Linux.

CLI
The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based interface for the operating system, where a user The Linux CLI
typically enters commands at the command prompt to instruct the computer to perform a specific task.
A command line interpreter, or command line shell, is a program that implements the commands
entered in the text interface. The command line interpreter analyzes the input text provided by the
user, interprets the text in the concept given, and then provides the output.

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Figure 11-2: A CLI screen.

Superuser
The root user, also known as the superuser, is the administrative account on a Linux system. This
user can do anything on the system. You should only use this account when absolutely necessary.
Superuser
For most Linux distributions, you create a regular user when you are installing Linux. This is the
user you should use. Even when you are performing administrative tasks, many of these can be
performed as your regular user. For those instances where more power is needed, you can often use
the su or sudo command to temporarily access the system with administrative privileges.

Linux Features
There are several Linux features that make it appealing to a variety of users. Many websites and
networks are based on a Linux server. End users who want to take advantage of the efficient use of
Linux Features
resources can breathe life back into systems that Microsoft Windows can't run efficiently any longer
by installing one of the Linux distributions. Linux systems can interact with both Windows and Mac
computers on a network or through cloud services.
There is no specific Linux control panel for iCloud, but you can use the web-based access to iCloud
from a Linux system. You can also configure your email client on Linux for an iCloud Mail account.
Refer to the Apple support site for specific mail server settings.
Support for gestures such as those used on Windows touchscreen systems and Mac touchpads is
available in some distributions of Linux. You can also install additional applications that provide
support for touch devices on a Linux system. Refer to the online documentation for your
distribution of Linux to see if gestures are supported.

Virtual Desktops
Virtual Desktops There will be times when a user needs to have multiple windows open on their desktop. Typically,
to help manage the need to go between many different programs running simultaneously, users
would do one of three things:
• Leave all windows open, which may result in a cluttered desktop.

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• Minimize those windows that are not needed and use the taskbar or press Alt+Tab to switch
between them. This approach could still be a bit confusing.
• Use virtual desktops.
Using multiple desktops helps keep a user's workspace organized and uncluttered. The default
configuration provides two or four desktops depending on the distribution. For example, Ubuntu®
provides two desktops by default and CentOS provides four. Users can switch between the virtual
desktops by clicking one of the desktop buttons on the panel at the bottom of the desktop screen.

GRUB
Figure 11-3: Virtual desktop buttons on the panel.

GRUB GRUB is a bootloader.

GRUB 2 is the newest version of the GRand Unified Bootloader (GRUB). The original version of
GRUB is now referred to as GRUB Legacy and is no longer actively developed. Both versions are in
use in Linux distributions. GRUB is the program that loads operating system kernels. Remote Access/Screen
Sharing

Remote Access
Often, Linux administration is done from a computer other than the machine on which the network For users who have
or web services are running. Remote access can be from another Linux computer, from a Windows experience with older
computer, or from a Mac. Remote access is a type of screen sharing functionality. Depending on systems and Telnet, the
what you need to do and from which platform you are remotely accessing the Linux system, you use Secure Shell (SSH) has
different tools. replaced Telnet (which
sent its authentication
• SSH and session content
• OpenSSH over the network in
• sftp plaintext format) in most
• rdesktop production systems.
SSH allows for fully
Note: Refer to the man pages for the above commands for more details. encrypted sessions with
remote systems,
maintaining privacy for
authentication and
session data.

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X forwarding is a mechanism by which programs are run on one machine and the X window output is
displayed on another machine. X forwarding can be enabled or disabled by setting the
X11Forwarding option to yes or no in the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file. This allows X11 tunnelling
over an SSH connection.
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a platform-independent system through which a user can
control a remote system. The virtual network is made up of the VNC client, the VNC server, and
the VNC protocol. The client views the output that is displayed by the server through the VNC
protocol. The user can run multiple VNC sessions at any given time. However, the display for each
VNC client may differ from the display of the VNC server.
The vncserver command is used to start a system with VNC. The $HOME/.vnc/xstartup file
allows a user to control applications running on a remote system. You can specify the display
number that the VNC server will use when it is started.
The vncviewer command is used to view the VNC client. Various options are available for
specifying vncviewer parameters.

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ACTIVITY 11-3
Identifying Features and Functions of Linux

Scenario
Your organization is considering moving some of the website and network services from Windows
servers to Linux. You want to compare the features and functions of some Linux distributions to
see which ones might best meet your needs. You also have some systems that are no longer capable
of fully supporting the current Windows operating systems, but you have heard that Linux can
possibly take advantage of these older systems and work well on minimal hardware resources.

1. Browse the web for comparisons of Linux distributions. A site that works well for
a) Open a web browser and go to your preferred search website. this is linux.com. They
b) Search for the phrase linux distribution comparison have a yearly
c) Briefly review the information you find. comparison of the Linux
distributions and what
2. Browse the web for comparison of Linux distribution features. they feel are the best
distributions for various
purposes.
3. Based on your research, which distribution would you recommend testing for use as a web and network
services server?
A: Answers will vary, but any of the distributions that are targeted for business use as a server would
work.

4. Based on your research, which distribution would you recommend testing for use on older computers
with limited resources?
A: Answers will vary, but any of the distributions that are targeted for end users could be tested to
see how well they perform.

Linux Installation
The hardware requirements for installing Linux will depend upon the distribution of Linux you
choose. Linux is a portable operating system, which means it can run on a variety of hardware
platforms. There are versions available for many different processor types, including Intel x86 and Linux Installation
Pentium, Itanium, DEC Alpha, Sun Sparc, Motorola, and others. In general, a basic installation of
Linux on a workstation might require as little as 16 or 32 MB of memory and 250 MB of disk space,
but you might need several gigabytes of disk space for a complete installation, including all utilities.

Installation Methods
There are several installation methods you can use to perform a Linux installation. These include
installation:
• From a DVD or CD.
• Via a network.
• By accessing a network installation server.
• From boot media such as an ISO file or a boot USB device.

Linux Hardware Compatibility

Because Linux is a portable operating system, it is compatible with a wide range of hardware. You
will need to check with the vendor or provider of your Linux distribution to verify if your particular
system hardware is supported by that distribution.

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Some web resources you can use to research general Linux hardware support include:
• The Linux Hardware Compatibility HOWTO website at http://tldp.org/HOWTO/
Hardware-HOWTO/index.html.
• The Linux Questions website's hardware compatibility list at www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/.
• Linux hardware and driver support lists at www.linux-drivers.org.

Linux Software Compatibility

Check your Linux vendor's website and read the technical documentation for the distribution of
Linux you plan to install or upgrade to in order to determine if your existing applications will be
supported under the new version. You can also check the resources at www.linux.org/apps for
lists of Linux-compatible applications in various categories from a number of vendors. You can also
register as a user at www.linux.org/user and post questions about particular applications in the
online user forums.

Linux Filesystem Types

A filesystem is a method that is used by an operating system to store, retrieve, organize, and manage
files and directories on mass storage devices. A filesystem maintains information, such as the date of
Linux Filesystem Types
creation and modification of individual files, their file size, file type, and permissions. It also
provides a structured form for data storage. A filesystem by itself does not interpret the data
contained in files because this task is handled by specific applications. Filesystems vary depending
on several parameters, such as the purpose of the filesystems, the information they store about
Remind students about individual files, the way they store data, and data security.
the two most common
ways to express orders Filesystem labels are assigned to filesystems for easy identification. The labels may be up to 16
of magnitude of data characters long and can be displayed or changed using the e2label command.
storage sizes (Decimal Linux allows you to access other filesystems, such as NTFS and FAT, and mount them when
and Binary), and
specifically the
required. However, you cannot install Linux on these filesystems.
differences between the Linux supports many common filesystem types. Some are described in the following table.
Decimal Terabyte (TB),
which equals 1000^4 Filesystem Type Description
Bytes, and the Binary
Tebibyte (TiB), which ext3 This is an improved version of ext2, which was the native filesystem in
equals 1024^4 Bytes. many Linux releases. In case of an abrupt system shutdown, ext3 is much
These terms are often faster in recovering data and better ensures data integrity. You can easily
used interchangeably, upgrade your filesystem from ext2 to ext3.
but there is a difference
in their absolute values ext4 The newest default filesystem for Linux distributions. It is backwards-
that can affect allocation compatible with the ext2 and ext3 filesystems. Among ext4’s
of data storage. improvements over ext3 are journaling, support of volumes of up to one
exbibyte (EiB), and files up to 16 TiB in size. Ext4 is the default filesystem
for CentOS/RHEL 7 and Ubuntu installations.
Some other file system ReiserFS This filesystem can handle small files efficiently. It handles files smaller
types not covered on the
exam include ext2, XFS,
than 1K and is faster than ext2 and ext3. If appropriately configured, it can
vfat, JFS, and ISO 9660. store more data than ext2.
swap This is not a true filesystem, but rather is a portion of the hard disk that is
used in situations when Linux runs out of physical memory and needs
more of it. Linux pushes some of the unused files from RAM to swap to
free up memory.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install Linux.

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ACTIVITY 11-4
Installing Linux

Before You Begin

• Ensure you have the latest version of the CentOS Linux 7 x86_64 Installation DVD or ISO file.
(The ISO file must include the GUI.)
• You will install on the virtual machine you set up previously unless your instructor specifies
otherwise.

Scenario
A Linux system needs to be allocated for certain tasks. So, you'll install the latest version of the
CentOS distribution and configure it so it's ready to be put to use.

1. Configure the Linux VM to boot from the CentOS7 installation source.

a) In Hyper-V Manager, configure the Stu##-Linux VM to access to CentOS7 DVD or ISO.
b) Configure the Firmware setting so that Enable Secure Boot is not checked.
c) Move CD or DVD to the top of the Boot Order list.
d) Select OK to save the settings.
e) Start and connect to the Stu##-Linux VM. The installation process should begin when the system
starts.

2. Upon starting the installation process, the following CentOS 7 installation menu should appear. Press
Enter to select the default option Test this media & install CentOS 7 and continue with installation.
6
01
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3. The CentOS Installer screen loads as follows and initiates a check of the installation media (DVD). To
save time during this activity, you can press the Esc key to skip this step, although it is wise to check
your media at least once when setting up production Linux servers.

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4. After the installer has run, a Welcome screen should appear. Select English (United States) as your
Language, and select Continue.
6

5. The next screen prompt is Installation Summary, which contains many options to fully customize your
system. Select Date & Time then change the settings to your local timezone. Select Done to close the
DATE & TIME screen.

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6. Select Software Selection to choose which type of environment you want to set up.
6

7. Select Server with GUI, then in the Add-Ons for Selected Environment section, check the KDE option
and select Done.

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8. Select Installation Destination to choose where you want to install.

6
01
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(C

9. Select the first disk (sda), and select Done. Your installation disk options may differ, but appear similar
to the following.

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10. To configure networking options, select Network & Hostname.

a) In the Hostname text box, type srv##.aplusclass.com where ## is the same student number you've
used in prior lessons.
The Linux VMs are
b) If Ethernet (eth0) is set to OFF, click OFF to switch it to ON. installed on a different
c) To edit network settings, verify that the correct network device is selected and select Configure. network to facilitate ease
d) On the Editing eth0 screen, configure network parameters. On the IPv4 Settings tab, in the Method of installation. This will
selector, select the Manual option. not affect any of the
e) In the IPv4 Settings section, in the Addresses list, select the Add button. subsequent activities.

f) In the IP Address text box, type 192.168.0.## (where ## is the same student number you've used in
prior lessons). In the Netmask text box, type 255.255.255.0 and in the Gateway text box, type
192.168.0.1
If your classroom uses
Note: Your instructor might provide you with different addresses than those different addresses,
provide the appropriate
listed in these steps.
6

IP address, Netmask,
Gateway, and DNS
addresses.

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g) In the DNS servers text box, type 192.168.0.1 or enter the appropriate IP address for your
classroom network DNS server. The resulting screen should look similar to the following.

h) To save your changes, select Save.

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i) In the upper-right corner, verify that the enabled switch is set to ON.

j) Select the Done button to continue with the process.

11. Select Begin Installation at the bottom of the prompt. While the installation proceeds in the background,
select Root Password. On the Root Password page, in the Root Password text box, type !Pass1234 and
press Tab.

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12. Enter and confirm !Pass1234 as the root password, and select Done. Select Done a second time to
confirm this password, acknowledging the warning that CentOS considers it a weak password.
Point out to students that
this is a useful
enhancement to the
CentOS installation
process recently
introduced, and it allows
you to configure the root
password and create
system users while the
installation progresses in
the background.
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13. Next, select User Creation to create a new, non-root user for your system.

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14. For the new user, in the Full name text box, type Joyce Smith. Verify that the Username jsmith is
automatically filled in. Enter and confirm my!Pass1234 as the password, and then select Done.
6
01
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(C

15. When installation has completed, the progress bar will be all blue and a Complete status will display
(this may take 10-15 minutes). Select Reboot to reboot the Linux machine.

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16. Verify that the following Initial Setup screen is displayed on boot.
The remainder of the
installation process may
take 10-15 minutes
depending on system
capabilities. Now would
be a good time to take a
break or continue on to
the next topic.
6

17. Verify that the following Initial Setup screen is now displayed after your new installation completes the
boot process. Select License Information to accept the license.

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18. Under the License Agreement, check the check box labeled I accept the license agreement and select
Done.
6

Linux Management
19. Select Finish Configuration.
Tools

Linux Management Tools

Due to the number of
There are a variety of Linux management tools, often many different tools that perform essentially Linux distros and GUIs,
the same function. By default, the Linux distribution you are using might have all, some, or none of ways to access Linux
the tools listed in this section. You can always install additional tools if the ones you have don't meet tools are not included in
the table, but you might
your needs or if you find a tool that would be more efficient to use in your environment.
want to offer some
The following table identifies some of the tools you are likely to use frequently. examples if students are
interested.

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Tool/Function Description

Backup and There are several commands that are used for performing backup of files and
Restore directory structures.
Image recovery Use dd to create a byte-level copy of a disk. You can then use a compression
utility such as tar or gzip to compress the file for storage.
Disk The main tool you will use is fsck and its variants. Different Linux filesystems
maintenance use different fsck commands.
utilities
Screen sharing The main tools used in Linux for screen sharing are vnc and ssh
Your GUI might have additional tools and applications that can be used for
screen sharing.
Force Quit When an application stops responding, you can use the command-line command
kill -9 to force it to stop.

Backup and Restore

Backup and Restore Most Linux distributions include several utilities that can be used as part of an overall backup
Tools solution. For example, you can use utilities that are built into the operating system, or you can use a
third-party solution such as Amanda, Afbackup, or Arkeia. Some of the built-in utilities you might
use include:
• cpio
• rsync
• grsync
• dd
• dump
• restore
• tar
• gzip
• xz

Image Recovery
Creating an image of a hard disk can be a time saver if you need to restore the full contents of a
disk. You can use third-party utilities or the built-in dd command. An example of creating the image
using dd is:
dd if=/dev/hda of=~/hdadisk.img
If something goes wrong with your disk, you can restore the disk using the .img file. Using the
previous example, the dd command would be:
dd if=hdadisk.img of=/dev/hdb
This would restore the image to another hard disk (hdb).

Disk Maintenance
If you are using a GUI Linux interface, there are often tools included for performing disk
maintenance tasks. The tools vary based on the distribution of Linux you are using, the GUI you are
working with, and what applications have been installed. Usually though, you can select the disk, and
options for managing the disk are displayed. You might also be able to access them from an
Applications menu or through system settings.
Partition management is the process of creating, destroying, and manipulating partitions to optimize
system performance. Effective partition management enables you to keep track of the data in the

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partitions and avoid data overflow. Various utilities, such as sfdisk, GNU parted, gdisk, and
partprobe, are available for partition management.
If you are working from the command line, you will use several different disk maintenance
commands depending on what you need to do.
• Depending on the partition type you need to manage, you will use different tools. Some files and
commands for partition management include:
• fdisk
• mkfs
• sfdisk
• GNU parted
• gdisk
Note: Refer to the man page for command usage, including options, arguments, and
complete syntax details.
• The fstab file is a configuration file that stores information about storage devices and partitions
and where and how the partitions should be mounted. The fstab file is located in the /etc
directory. It can be edited only by a root user. The fstab file consists of a number of lines—one
for each filesystem.
• The partprobe program is used to update the kernel with changes in the partition tables. The
program first checks the partition table, and if there are any changes, it automatically updates the
kernel with the changes. The syntax of the partprobe utility is partprobe [options]
[device].
• In Linux, a filesystem cannot be accessed directly. It has to be associated with a directory to
make it accessible to users. This association is brought about by loading, or mounting, the
filesystem in a directory by using the mount command. After using the filesystem, it needs to be
disassociated from the directory by unloading, or unmounting, the filesystem using the umount
command.
• The fsck command is used to check the integrity of a filesystem. Filesystem integrity refers to the
correctness and validity of a filesystem. Most systems automatically run the fsck command at
boot time so that errors, if any, are detected and corrected before the system is used. Filesystem
errors are usually caused by power failures, hardware failures, or improper shutdown of the
system.
Note: The fsck command is similar in concept to the chkdsk and scandisk commands
you may be familiar with from DOS and Windows-based systems.
• The dumpe2fs utility is used for managing ext2, ext3, and ext4 (extended) filesystems. It dumps the
status of the extended filesystem onto the standard output device and prints the block group
information for the selected device.
• The debugfs utility allows you to examine and modify ext2, ext3, and ext4 filesystems. When
executed, the debugfs utility opens an interactive shell that can be used to examine and modify
the extended filesystem.
• There are many xfs tools that allow you to work with the XFS filesystem.
• xfs_info: Display details about the XFS filesystem.
• xfs_metadump: Copy the metadata information of the XFS filesystem to a file.
• xfs_grow: Expand the XFS filesystem to fill the disk size.
• xfs_repair: Repair and recover a corrupt XFS filesystem.
• xfs_db: Debug the XFS filesystem.

Shells and Terminal Windows

A shell is a component that interacts directly with users. It also functions as the command interpreter
for the Linux system. The shell accepts user commands and ensures that the kernel carries them out. Shells and Terminal
Windows

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The shell also contains an interpretive programming language. A terminal window is a shell with a
graphical user interface.
The various shells available in Linux are described in the following table.

Shell Description

Bash This is the default Linux shell. It provides the flexibility of the C shell in a Bourne
shell-type environment. Use the command bash to open the Bash shell.
Bourne This is the original UNIX shell developed by Steve Bourne at Bell Labs and is
available on all Linux systems. Use the command sh to open the Bourne shell.
C shell This was developed by Bill Joy at Berkeley and was designed to support C
language development environments. It was also designed for more interactive
use, providing several ways to reduce the amount of typing needed to complete a
job. Use the command csh to open the C shell.
Korn This shell is a combination of the C and Bourne shells. It uses the features of the
C shell but the syntax of the Bourne shell. Use the command ksh to open the
Korn shell.

Note: To learn more, check out the LearnTO Select a Linux Shell presentation from the
LearnTO tile on the CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Select a
Linux Shell presentation
from the CHOICE
Course screen or have
students navigate out to
the Course screen and
watch it for themselves
as a supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this Figure 11-4: A blank shell prompt.
course on their CHOICE
course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

Shell Prompts

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Figure 11-5: The shell prompt in the GUI terminal window.

Linux Commands
The generic format for a shell command is command -option argument. After typing your
command, the shell responds by performing a specific action that is associated with that command.
Linux is case sensitive, so you must enter commands in the required case. Linux Commands
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 11-6: The ls command displays the list of files in the usr directory.

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Some additional characteristics of shell commands include:

• An argument, also called command line argument, is usually a file name or directory name that
If you are familiar with indicates the files on which the command will operate. It is used as an input by some commands
some of the stories in Linux. Arguments can be files, directories, commands, or even a command switch. For
behind the names of example, ls {file name}, ls {directory name}, and ls -l.
commands or • Sometimes commands can become quite long. You can access previously entered commands
arguments, consider
that are stored in the History file by using the Up Arrow and the Down Arrow keys.
sharing them with
students. For example, • There are two ways of invoking a command located outside a path.
the biff command (mail • You can specify the path in which the command is located and then invoke the command.
notification) is named For example, assume that a command is located in the /{user-defined directory} directory.
after a UC Berkeley dog
To invoke this command, you need to enter /{user-defined directory}/{command
named Biff who barked
name}.
at the mail carrier. More
of the sources of • You can also navigate to the directory that contains the command and then invoke it. For
command names can be example, assume that a command is located in the /{user-defined directory} directory. You
found at https:// need to change to that directory with the cd /{user-defined directory} command and
kb.iu.edu/d/abnd. then enter./{command name}.
• Some commands have long names containing version number information, weird spellings, or
capitalizations. This can make it difficult to correctly enter the commands on the first try. In such
a case, you can make use of the tab-completion feature. To use this feature, enter the first few
characters of the command and then press Tab. If there is only one match, the rest of the file
name is displayed. If you press the next letter of the file name you want and press Tab again, the
complete file name should come up. If the system still cannot differentiate between the
commands, it will beep again, and you have to enter additional characters or press Tab two times
to view all available options.
• You can send or redirect the results of one command to another command. Pipes are used to
combine Linux tools on a single command line, enabling you to use the output of one command
as the input to another. The pipe symbol is a vertical bar ( | ), which you type between two
commands. For example, ls|more enables you to look at a large directory listing one screen at a
time.
• You can issue more than one command before pressing Enter. Place a semicolon ( ; ) between
the commands and they will be issued one after the other.
• If you enter a command, it runs as a child process to Bash, which is the parent process. If you
enter exec {command}, the exec command will kill the parent processes and the bash process,
and {command} starts to run as the parent process. For example, when a user has a limit applied
on the number of process, the user can use the exec command to run an additional process by
killing the parent process. Once the exec {command} is executed, you will be automatically
logged out because the bash process has been terminated.

Common Linux Commands

Common Linux There are thousands of Linux commands that you might use, but the ones you should become
Commands (3 Slides) familiar with and comfortable using for now are listed in the following table. As you continue to
learn more about Linux, you will discover additional commands. You can always use the man pages
to learn more about any command you encounter on a Linux system.

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Command Description

ls Displays file listing. You can add options, preceding the list of options with the -
character. Some of the options you will often use include:
• l for a long list format
• a to include hidden files and directories
• d to list directories in the current directory (rather than the content of the
directories)
• r to list entries in reverse order while sorting
• R to list subdirectory content recursively
• S to sort by file size
cd Changes the working directory to the specified directory.
pwd Shows the name of the current directory.
passwd Changes the password for the current user. When logged in with administrative
access, you can also change the password for another user; for example, passwd
ralph would change the password for the user ralph.

mv Moves or renames files. When you specify the destination, if the path to the file is
the same as the current directory (no path is included), then the file will remain in
the current directory, just with a new name. If you specify a path in the destination,
then the file will be moved to the new directory.
cp Copies specified files and/or directories. You can copy a specific file to a specific
destination, or you can copy multiple sources to a directory. There are many options
for this command, but you should at least become familiar with the following:
• i to be prompted before overwriting the destination
• l to link files rather than copy them
• p to preserve attributes if possible
• P to append the source path to the specified directory
• r or R to recursively copy files and directories
• u to copy only if the Source file is newer than the destination file
mkdir Creates the specified directory if it does not already exist.
rm Removes the specified files. By default it does not remove directories, but if you use
the -r or -R option, it will recursively remove directories and their contents, or the -d
option to remove empty directories.

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Command Description
chmod The chmod command enables you to modify default permissions of a file or
directory. Only the owner of the file or the system administrator can change the
permissions of the file or directory.
Show an example of
using chmod with
numbers and with
letters. chmod 0755 is
commonly used and
gives the file owner all
permissions, and group
and others read and
execute.

Figure 11-7: Modifying permissions using the chmod command.

The syntax of the chmod command is chmod [options] {mode} {file name}.
Note: For more details on the chmod command, see The chmod Command
section following this table.

chown The chown command can be used to change the owner, the group, or both for a file
or directory.
6

Figure 11-8: File ownership changed using the chown command.

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Command Description
ifconfig and The ifconfig command is used for configuring network interfaces for Linux servers
iwconfig and workstations. It is also used to view the current TCP/IP configuration of a
system, including the IP address and the netmask address.
The iwconfig command is used for configuring wireless network interfaces for Linux
servers and workstations. It is similar to the ifconfig command, except that it is
used to set up and view the parameters of wireless network interfaces.
ps The ps command invokes the process table. When the command is run without any
option, it displays the processes run by the current shell with details such as the
PID, the terminal associated with the process, the accumulated CPU time, and the
command that started the process. However, different options may be used along
with the command to filter the displayed fields or processes.
q The q command is used to exit from many commands including more, less, vi, and
man.
su and sudo The su command is used to change the ownership of a login session without logging
out. It is generally used to switch ownership between an ordinary user and a root
user, to change access permissions for administrative work.
The super user do (sudo) command allows users to run programs with the security
privileges of the root user. It prompts you for your password and confirms your
request to execute a command by checking the /etc/sudoers file, which is
configured by the system administrator. The sudo command allows system
administrators to give certain users or groups access to some or all commands
without users knowing the root password. It also creates a log of all commands and
arguments used, to maintain a record.
apt-get The apt-get command is used to install or upgrade packages through the Internet
or from the distribution CD on Debian, Ubuntu, or related Linux distribution.
While installing or upgrading packages, the apt-get command accesses the website
or the CD-ROM listed in the /etc/apt/sources.list file.
vi The vi command invokes a text editor. Traditionally, this was simply the vi editor.
The vim command invokes the Vim editor. However, the vi command may also be
used for this purpose because it automatically redirects the user to Vim. When
entered without a file name as an argument, the vim command opens a welcome
screen by default. To open a file, the syntax vim {file name} is used. If the file
does not exist, Vim creates a file by the name specified and opens the file for
editing. Vim supports multiple files being opened simultaneously.
dd The dd command copies and converts files to enable them to be transferred from
one type of media to another. The dd command has various options.
• if={file name}
specifies the file from which data will be read.
• of={file name}
specifies the file to which data will be written.
• bs={number of bytes per block}
specifies the number of bytes at which data is read from an input file and written
to an output file.
• count={number of blocks}
specifies the number of blocks to be written to the output file from the input
file.

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Command Description
shutdown The command that is used to shutdown or restart a system. This closes files and
performs other tasks necessary to safely shutdown a system.
grep In its simplest form, grep is a search tool. It allows you to perform search actions,
such as finding any instance you are searching for, in a file. For example, entering
grep foo test returns all the lines that have a string matching “foo” in the file
The awk and sed “test.” The grep command can also be used to search a directory for a certain file.
commands are other The ls -l | grep audit command returns a long listing of any files in the
popular Linux current directory whose name contains “audit.”
commands, but they are
not on the exam. Note: The term grep is derived from “Globally search a Regular Expression
and Print”

man The Linux manual pages, or man pages, contain the complete documentation that is
specific to every Linux command; they are presented in simple ASCII text format.
The man page for a specific command is displayed using the man command. The
man pages are available on the system by default. They usually include information
such as the name of the command, its syntax, a description of its purpose, the
options it supports, examples of common usage of the command, and a list of
related commands.

apropos The apropos command is generally used when a user does not know which
command to use to perform a certain action. It can be used with a keyword to
display a list of the manual pages containing the keyword along with their man page
sections. The apropos command searches a regularly updated database called the
whatis database for the specified string and returns all matching entries.
date The date command displays the current date and time set on a system. You can use
the hyphen (-) or the colon (:) between the different fields of the date for a clear
output.
whoami The whoami command is used to display the user name with which you are currently
logged in to the system. Sometimes, you may need to log in to a system and switch
among different users, and you may not be sure with which user you are currently
logged in. In such instances, you can use the whoami command to know your
current user name.

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Command Description
rpm The Red Hat Package Manager (RPM), developed by Red Hat®, is a tool for
maintaining packages. By providing a standard software packaging format, RPM
enables easy administration and maintenance of Linux systems and servers. RPM
provides a standard installation mechanism, information about installed packages,
and a method for uninstalling and upgrading existing packages.

Figure 11-9: Various options of the RPM tool are displayed.

Note: RPM is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and
can be used with many distributions of Linux and even with other UNIX
implementations.

The chmod Command

The chmod command supports two modes: the character mode and the numeric mode. The The chmod Command
character mode allows you to set permissions using three components: access categories such as
u/g/o/a; operators such as +/-/=; and permission attributes such as r/w/x. The numeric mode is
represented by three-digit numbers. Cover at the level
appropriate for the
students in the class. All
students should be
aware that chmod can
be used in character or
numeric mode.

Figure 11-10: Components of the character mode.

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Operators decide whether a permission is to be granted or removed. Common operators associated

with Linux permissions are listed in the following table.

Operator Description

+ Grants permissions.
- Denies permissions.
= Causes the permissions assigned to overwrite other existing
permissions. Assigns permissions similar to those of the reference
file.

Permission attributes define exactly what a user is allowed to do with a particular file. The three
permission attributes are listed in the table.

Permission Attribute Allows You To

r (read) View file content.

w (write) Modify file content.
x (execute) Run a file (if it is an executable program and is combined with the
read attribute).

The permissions of a file or directory can be changed using the character method. The syntax of the
chmod command when using this method is chmod [options] {access categories}
{operators}{permission levels} {file name or directory name}.
Linux systems use octal (base-8) numbers to specify permissions. Each permission (r, w, and x) has
an associated number.

Octal Number Attribute Letter

4 read r
2 write w
1 execute x

By adding the octal numbers for the permissions you want to grant, you get the overall permission
number to assign to a directory or file. Full permissions (read, write, and execute) are equivalent to 4
+ 2 + 1, or 7. Read and write permissions are equivalent to 4 + 2, or 6. Complete permissions are
expressed as a three-digit number, where each digit corresponds to the user, the group, and other
permissions, respectively.
The syntax of the number method to change permissions is chmod {number} {file name}.
Commonly used octal permission numbers are listed in the table.

Octal Permission Permission Attribute Equivalent

755 u=rwx,g=rx,o=rx

700 u=rwx,g=,o=

644 u=rw,g=r,o=r

600 u=rw,g=,o=

The Kill Command

The process table is a record that summarizes the current running processes on a system. It enables the
administrator to keep track of all processes run by different users. Some of the details displayed in

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the process table include the PID, the size of the program in memory, the name of the user who
owns the process, and time.
Sometimes you might need to end one of the running processes. It might be because someone left a
process running and you need to perform system maintenance or it might be because the process is
no longer responding.
Different commands are used to send signals to processes to end or kill them.

Command Description

kill Sends any specified signal, or by default the termination signal, to

one or more processes. The PID must be specified as the argument.
The syntax of this command is kill [options] {PID}.
pkill Signals processes based on the name and other identifiers as in the
pgrep command. The syntax of this command is pkill
[options] {command}.

killall Kills all processes by the name specified. The syntax of this
command is killall [options] {command}.

Note: The kill command accepts either the PID or the job number as an argument. So, this
command can also be used as a job control tool.

You can either use the kill signal option or its corresponding numerical value to send a signal to
terminate a process. The following table lists the most frequently used kill signal options and their
description.

Option Used To

SIGKILL or 9 Send the kill signal to a process.

SIGTERM or 15 Send the termination signal to a process.
SIGSTOP or 19 Stop a process.

Note: Sometimes, even after closing an X session, some of the X applications may not get
terminated properly. In such cases, you need to use the ps command to identify the PID of that
application and then kill the process.

You can use the kill command with the process table to end processes. By entering kill followed
by the PID, you can terminate specific processes.
When you use the kill command with the jobs table, you are working only with the jobs that you
started. However, the process table may display processes that do not belong to you. As a user, you
can use the kill command only with processes that you own. As root, you can kill anyone’s
processes.
There are many options available with the kill command. These options are referred to as kill
signals. Some processes cannot be eliminated by the kill command. To terminate these processes,
use the kill command with the -9 signal. This terminates the processes immediately.

Linux Best Practices

Just like with other operating systems, there are a few things you should do on a regular basis to
make sure that the system is running its best. Also, make sure that you have planned ahead so that if
anything should go wrong with the system, you have the resources and ability to repair or restore Linux Best Practices
functionality and services as quickly as possible.
Among the tasks you should include are:

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• Scheduling regular backups. Using the backup method best suited to your organization, and on a
schedule best suited to user and administrative needs, perform automated backups of data and
system settings.
• Scheduling disk maintenance. On a regular basis, you should check the integrity of the hard
drives. You also need to keep track of how much space is available, and who is using the space.
If you have specific users that are hogging more than their fair share of disk space, consider
instituting disk quotas and having those users move unneeded files to secondary storage such as
DVD or tape.
• Using the app installation command for your Linux distribution, check for any available updates.
This should be done at least weekly, if not more often depending on your organizational needs.
• Test all patches before deploying the patches throughout the organization.
• If devices are not performing as they should after an OS update, you might need to update
drivers or firmware. Check documentation online to see if there is any indication that driver or
firmware updates are warranted, and if so, download and install the appropriate files using the
method used by your distribution of Linux.
• Linux systems are not often prone to virus or malware attacks, but you should be running some
type of antivirus and antimalware application. Be sure that it is configured to check for updates
as they become available.

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ACTIVITY 11-5
Using Linux

Before You Begin

You have installed Linux as a virtual machine.

Scenario
You have just installed a Linux system. You want to try out some of the commands and features you
have learned about recently.
Note: Whenever the instruction states “enter command”, you are required to type the command
and press Enter. In Linux, commands, command-line options, and file names are case-sensitive.

Note: Activities may vary slightly if the software vendor has issued digital updates. Your
instructor will notify you of any changes.
You may note to
students new to Linux
that the CLI login
1. Log in to the GUI as jsmith and perform the initial system configuration since this is a new system. process typically does
a) To log in to the system, select user Joyce Smith on the GUI login screen. not echo asterisks (*) or
other characters for
b) In the Password text box, type my!Pass1234 and press Enter.
each password
c) On the Welcome screen, verify that English (United States) is selected, and select the Next button. character typed at the
d) On the Select input sources screen, verify that English (US) is selected, and select the Next button. keyboard.
e) On the Connect to your existing data in the cloud screen, select the Next button to continue.
f) On the Thank You screen, verify that the Your computer is ready to use message is displayed, and
select the Start using CentOS Linux button to continue. Notify students of any
g) Note that the GNOME Help application is displayed by default, and select the X button in the upper- changes to activities
right corner to close the window. based on digital software
updates issued by the
2. Switch to the first CLI terminal (the second terminal) and log in as jsmith. software vendor.
a) To switch to the second terminal, press Ctrl+Alt+F2.
b) To log in to the terminal, type jsmith at the login prompt and press Enter.
c) Type my!Pass1234 when prompted for your Password and press Enter.
d) To view the current date and time of the system, at the command line, enter date
Verify that the current date and time of the system is displayed.

3. Examine the directory structure.

a) Enter pwd to view the present working directory. If time permits, have
b) Enter ls -la to view the contents of the current directory, including all hidden files and details students use other
about those files and folders. features and commands
c) Enter ls -laR / | more to view all of the files and folders from the root of the system down on the Linux system.
through the directory structure. Piping it to the more command enables you to see one screen at a
time.
d) Enter q to stop the more command and return to the command prompt.

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Summary
In this lesson, you examined some of the features and functions of the OS X and Linux operating
systems. Being able to support these operating systems is as important in many organizations as
being able to support Windows operating systems. Most of the features and functions in one
operating system are available in the other operating systems, just with different names and
sometimes implemented a little differently. With experience, these will become second nature as to
where they are located and how to use them.

Have you used OS X previously? If so, which edition? Does your organization use OS X?
A: Answers will vary. The editions most commonly seen are Snow Leopard or newer editions. Some
Encourage students to
use the social organizations might use OS X in their media or marketing departments even if the rest of the
networking tools organization uses Linux or Windows systems.
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow Have you used Linux previously? If so, which distribution? Does your organization use Linux?
up with their peers after A: Answers will vary. Some of the more popular distributions include Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, and
the course is completed CentOS. Even if your organization uses Windows systems, Linux is often used for web servers or by
for further discussion engineering departments.
and resources to support
continued learning. Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 11: Working With Other Operating Systems |

12 Customized Client
Environments

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify the hardware and software requirements for client
environment configurations. You will:
• Define requirements for thick clients, thin clients, and virtualization clients.
• Define requirements for graphic and CAD/CAM design workstations, audio/video
editing workstations, gaming PCs, home theater PCs, and home server PCs.

Lesson Introduction
At this point in the course, you have identified the different components that make up a
standard workstation, and the operating systems available for installation. With this
information, you are ready to take a look at the hardware needs and requirements for
different client configurations.
As an A+ technician, you must be knowledgeable in many different areas of information
technology. This may include supporting a wide variety of client configurations, such as
gaming or audio and video workstations. You must be prepared to fully support any type of
environment, including more specialized hardware and software configurations based on job
roles and tasks.
408 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Types of Common Business Clients
Now that you have identified the main components of a personal computer, you can start to take a
look at what requirements are needed to install and configure a standard client. In this topic, you will
identify the hardware and software needs to install a thin client, a thick client, or virtualization
workstation.
When installing and configuring user workstations, it is important to identify what the specific needs
are of the user that will be using the workstation to perform job tasks. Standard clients are a good
starting point for any installation and must be examined to verify that they fit the requirements of
the job function.

Thick Clients
Standard business client computers are end-user computers that are administered and managed
centrally by a server. Clients will typically include various hardware features and applications that suit
Thick Clients
the specific needs of the user. Client machines are generally referred to as either thin or thick,
depending on the requirements. A thick client, also referred to as a fat client, performs most or all
computing functions on its own.
Thick client requirements include:
• The computer must meet the standard requirements for running the selected operating system.
• Full application versions are installed and run directly from the client computer using its own
resources. The applications are installed using traditional methods and are stored on the hard
drive.
• If data is stored locally, then access to storage locations is required with a consistent pathway to
data.
• If data is stored on the network, then a consistent path should be established to the storage
location with proper security implementations.
• Hardware should be robust enough to run all required applications.

Thin Clients
A thin client is a computer that relies heavily on another system, typically a server, to run most of its
programs, processes, and services. Client setup requirements will be specific to a user's needs and
Thin Clients
will most likely be based on a job role.
The system requirements for thin clients include:
• The computer must meet the minimum requirements to run the selected operating system.
• The computer uses basic applications that can be accessed over the Internet. The applications do
not get installed on the computer and do not use up any hard drive space. RAM is used to run
the application from the server.
• The computer must have a fast network connection to access the server that is hosting the
applications.
• The computer might require specialized software in order to access the applications hosted by
the server.
• The computer may require a specific browser in order to run any web-based applications.

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Virtualization Workstations
A virtualization workstation is a computer that uses both hardware virtualization and client
virtualization resources to provide a comprehensive virtual environment for users. The virtualized
workstation is configured to use the system's hardware functions such as access to the graphics card, Virtualization
Random Access Memory (RAM), and Network Interface Cards (NICs), as well as run the software Workstations
that provides multiple virtual machines (VMs). Organizations may use virtualization workstations to
reduce the use and cost of hardware and to provide employees with a wide variety of OS specific
applications from a single workstation. Virtualization provides users with a variety of applications
and resources by offering multiple platforms within a single system.

Figure 12-1: Virtualization workstations.

Common virtualization workstation software offerings include:

• VMWare®: http://www.vmware.com
• Oracle®'s VirtualBox: https://www.virtualbox.org
• Microsoft's Hyper-V® hypervisor (running on the server)
Virtualization software vendors will all have specific hardware and system requirements based on
their actual software needs, but in most cases will require a virtualization workstation to have:
• The maximum RAM the motherboard can support.
• Maximum central processing unit (CPU) cores.
• Virtualization operating system (OS) if the local personal computer (PC) will be the VM host or
virtualization client software installed on the PC if the VM is hosted on a server.
• Fast network connection for server-side VM hosting.

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ACTIVITY 12-1
Selecting Components for Common Business
Clients

Scenario
You have been asked by your manager to evaluate the hardware and software needs for all the
clients within the Human Resources (HR) department of your organization. There was a recent
reorganization of the department and some of the job roles and functions have changed. Based on
the recent changes, you need to review the job functions and identify what type of client
workstation will meet those needs.

1. A user needs to be able to access the central employee data repository to run reports, but does not
need access to any local applications used to create, edit, and manage the employee data. The
employee data is managed on a server that can be accessed with a log in. What type of client is best in
this case?
◉ Thin client
○ Virtualization workstation
○ Thick client

2. June has recently been put in charge of making updates to the Human Resource employee benefits
website. She will be publishing a monthly newsletter and posting company wide announcements,
among other small updates and changes, on a regular basis. All changes to the website must be tested
on a number of platforms and web browsers to verify that the changes are correct regardless of the
operating system and browser. What type of client setup would you suggest for her?
A: Answers will vary, but will most likely include a virtualization workstation so that she can switch
from different operating systems and test any website changes quickly.

3. In order to properly support the HR employee benefits website, a new server running client VMs has
been installed so that the environment that the application requires can be strictly administered by IT
staff. Current PCs will be used to access the Client VM environment that is configured on the VM
Server. What needs to be present at all PCs that will be accessing this new server and application?
☑ Appropriately configured VM Client.
☑ Fast network connection to server hosting the VM environment.
☐ Upgrade to video cards.

4. True or False? The HR manager's client computer must meet the recommended requirements to run
Windows 8.1 so that she can access and use all of the HR-related applications used by the
organization. In this case, the best client option is a thick client.
☑ True
☐ False

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TOPIC B
Custom Client Environments
The next logical step in examining custom computing environments is to take a closer look at some
of the more specialized environments based on a specific function. In this topic, you will identify the
hardware and software needs for various custom computing environments.
There are a wide variety of job functions within the job force, and you may find yourself having to
support more specialized computer hardware and software installations. This may include media,
audio, and even home entertainment systems. As an A+ technician, you must have the knowledge to
provide support in any computing environment.

Graphic Design and CAD/CAM Workstations

Media design workstations are configured to support the needs of graphic designers, engineers,
architects, 3D media developers, and other design-driven job roles. The workstation's hardware and
software needs will be dependent on the specific programs and computing tasks required by the job Graphic Design and
role. CAD/CAM Workstations

If you have examples of

other graphic design or
CAD/CAM workstations,
either via photo or as
actual setups, consider
sharing them with
students.

Figure 12-2: Graphic design and CAD/CAM workstations.

Media design workstations require a specific set of requirements. Actual hardware and software
requirements will depend on the user's specific job role and function, but most media design
workstations will require a similar set of tools and components.
Common hardware components include:
• A multicore processor.
• A high-end video/graphics card with integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Mention to students that
• Large flat panel display, or multiple monitors. the power needed to run
these computers will not
• Maximum RAM supported by the motherboard and CPU. only come from AC
Common software applications include: power, but from digital
power as well, so it's
• Adobe's Creative Cloud. important to check the
• 3D Studio Max. requirements of all the
• Computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) programs. computing components
within the environment.
GPUs
The GPU (graphics processing unit) is an electronic circuitry unit that alters and controls the
memory of a computer to meet the immediate needs of rapidly changing computer graphics and
detailed visual images displayed on the display device. There are a number of ways GPUs are
implemented within a computing device depending on the specific needs of the user and

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applications. Most modern PCs, laptops, and some mobile devices come with a GPU already
installed on either the motherboard or the CPU. The most powerful GPUs are considered to be
high-end specialized units that come already installed on the video card and have various output
methods and capturing devices.

CAD Workstations
CAD workstations are unique in that they require both the hardware and the software on a system
to meet certain requirements to produce complex 3D designs. CAD workstations require a high-end
graphics card and monitor, and specialized input devices such as a digitizing tablet and light pen.
Industries that use CAD created design specifications include automotive companies, aerospace, and
architectural firms.

CAM Workstations
Computer aided manufacturing workstations are a type of workstation that is set up with specific
hardware and software that can control machine tools found in manufacturing environments.
Specialized controller cards may be required as well as specialized connections and software. CAM
machines may be installed in harsh environments—such as manufacturing buildings and automotive
factories—so the workstations may need to be hardened machines that will not be aversely affected
by their working environments.

Audio/Video Editing Workstations

An audio/video editing workstation is a powerful computer setup that supports editing of audio and
video recordings. These computers must be able to support the demanding editing programs that
Audio/Video Editing
audio/video technicians use in post production editing functions. Most professional videos taken
Workstations today include special effects and CGI (computer generated imagery) that is all applied after the
digital video is taken. Common applications found on an audio/video editing workstation include:
• Sony's Vegas Pro.
• Apple's iMovie.
• WavePad.
• Corel's VideoStudio Pro X5.
• Adobe's Premiere Elements.
• AVS Audio Editor.
• MAGIX Movie Edit Pro and Music Maker.
• CyberLink's PowerDirector.
• Avid's ProTools and Motion Graphics

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Figure 12-3: An audio/video editing workstation.

The hardware and software requirements for each individual audio/video editing workstation will
differ depending on what specific tasks the job role will need to do. Most stations will require the
following hardware components:
• A specialized audio and video card to support CGI and 3D post production effects.
• A large fast hard drive.
• A high-end GPU.
• Large flat panel or multiple displays.

Gaming PCs
A gaming PC is a computer that comes equipped with powerful graphics capabilities, fast processing
capabilities, and a large amount of memory. The main difference between a gaming PC and other
consumer workstations is that they are specifically designed and built to support the demanding Gaming PCs
computing requirements by gaming software applications. All gaming PCs will require a high-end
GPU to support the detailed 3D graphics and realistic imagery presented in PC games today.
Gaming platforms are also popular today and provide gamers with a number of application options,
message boards, and file sharing via an online portal, such as SteamTM and OriginTM.

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Figure 12-4: A gaming PC.

Popular gaming software applications include:

• League of Legends.
• Diablo® III.
• World of Warcraft.
• StarCraft® II: Heart of the Swarm.
• Dota™ 2.
• Guild Wars® II.
There is such a wide variety of gaming software applications that each gaming PC will have specific
requirements based on the needs of the user and the applications used. Gaming PCs require very
specific components in order to support the demands of gaming software. Common requirements
include:
• A multicore processor.
• A high-end video/specialized GPU unit.
• A high definition sound card.
• High-end cooling such as a water cooling system.
• Maximum RAM that is supported by the motherboard.
• Fast Internet connection for interactive gaming needs.
• Real-time video and audio input/output capabilities.
• In some cases, HDMI output.
Note: Game systems such as the XBox One and PS4 are embedded systems, not PCs, but they
do include many of the same components as listed above.

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Gaming Peripherals
There are many different peripherals used within the gaming world. The most common ones include
the mouse and keyboard, but there are others that may be used depending on the type of game
played:
• Gaming mice that are wireless and include many buttons and different ergonomic form factors.
• Customized keypads, with moveable keys.
• Steering wheels used for auto racing games.
• 3D glasses.
• Specialized gaming mouse pads.
• Specialized audio system.
• PC video camera.

Home Theater PCs

A home theater PC (HTPC) is a computer system that is dedicated and configured to store and stream
digital movies, either from the local hard drive or through an online subscription such as Netflix.
Other capabilities include connecting and managing surround sound audio and speakers and DVR, Home Theater PCs
or digital recording functions. The HTPC is usually equipped with specific entertainment software
that can be used to manage the music and video files stored on the computer. The PCs are generally
located near the TV and other home entertainment devices and have a HTPC form factor, which is
aesthetically appealing and designed to look similar to other home entertainment devices. They are
also designed to be less noisy than a traditional PC, with more compact quieter cooling methods and
the addition of sound dampening foam or padding to limit excessive noise generated by the fan and
hard drive.
6

Figure 12-5: A home theater PC.

Note: While you can purchase specialized home theater PCs, it is more likely that you will
purchase a standard PC and add components such as a TV tuner card to make it into a home
theater PC.

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HTPCs are built specifically for home theater purposes, so most of the required elements are built
right into the actual system. They generally include:
• A TV tuner card that allows the computer to display high-definition (HD) digital output and
attach the cable provider's cable TV wire directly to the system.
• A cable card that provides authentication and encryption services to connect with the cable set
top box provided by the cable company.
• Optical disc player that supports both DVD and Blu-ray.
• HDMI output for high-definition video and audio.
• Maximum RAM supported by the motherboard.
• Video card with both GPU and HD capabilities.
• Bluetooth® or wireless capabilities when using specialized remotes or input devices.

Movie Players
There are a number of software applications available for playing HD movies on a HTPC, including:
• VLC media player.
• Cyberlink PowerDVD.
• Kodi (formerly known as XBMC).
• Windows Media Center for Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Home Server PCs

A home server PC is a server for your house that is connected to multiple computing devices within
the home to store videos, music, and pictures. It also provides central access to all stored files and is
Home Server PCs
often used for file and print sharing with other computing devices in the home. The home setup
generally includes a wireless network that all devices can connect to provided by a home wireless
router. This allows any device to access the server within the home.
Poll students to see who
Each home server PC will have a variety of features and functions, but they all have common
has experience with any requirements for providing a home with necessary functions:
of the custom clients • Media streaming capabilities to access and play digital movies.
presented in this topic.
• File sharing for all home users to access the file system on the server.
Ask how they have used
them and what they • Print sharing.
expect to be doing with • A gigabit NIC to provide the speeds necessary to perform large file transfers over the wireless
them in the future. network.
• Router that is compatible with the gigabit speed required by the NIC in the server.
• Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) array to provide redundancy.

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ACTIVITY 12-2
Selecting Components for Custom Client
Systems

Scenario
You are a support technician for a local business that specializes in consulting, purchasing, and
installing home computing solutions for consumers. You are responsible for fulfilling all the orders
that have come in overnight through the business' website.

1. Customer 1 is using a desktop PC to play home movies and to set up slide shows to show his family
their vacation photos and is having difficulty with the computer freezing during the movies. He is looking
for a solution that will allow him to store and play his movies seamlessly through a computer. He also
wants his wife to be able to access the pictures and movies from her laptop within the house. What type
of computer setup would you suggest for this customer? What specific questions might you ask this
customer about additional component needs?
A: Answers may vary, but will most likely include setting up a home server PC for easy file sharing
among the household computing devices and to provide more speed to play movies from the PC.
You may ask if they are in need of additional storage space and if they are looking for redundancy
through a RAID array in the PC.

2. Customer 2 is from a small real estate office who has recently hired a graphic designer to produce
informational pamphlets and other marketing materials for the agency, such as property drop sheets
and circular layout designs. The office manager has asked your company to determine the hardware
and software needs for the designer's workstation so that it can be ordered and set up before their
scheduled start date in two weeks. What hardware and software requirements would you suggest for
the graphic designer's workstation?
A: Answers may vary, but will most likely include a PC with a high-end, multicore processor, a high
end video card, and the maximum RAM that the motherboard can handle. In addition, the
motherboard should contain multiple high-speed ports for peripherals such as external hard drives
or additional video cards. The applications will most likely include Adobe's Creative Cloud or
similar graphic-design software.

3. Customer 3 is looking to make the switch from a traditional TV cable box and DVD player to a home
theater PC, so that she can stream Netflix and record shows and movies from her TV. She already
purchased a computer from a local home entertainment store but cannot figure out why she cannot
connect the cable TV wire into the computer. What would you check for first?
A: She needs to have a TV tuner card installed in the computer. The tuner card provides the port to
connect the cable from the provider to the computer. You would also want to verify that the tuner
card is correctly configured, and that all device drivers are installed and up-to-date.

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Summary
In this lesson, you identified all the different components needed to provide a custom computer
setup that is based on specific user needs. There is a wide variety of job functions within the
corporate world today, so identifying specific hardware and software needs based on a user's job
role will only help you in providing the right level of support within your organization.

Have you had any experience with any of the workstation or server setups presented in this lesson?
A: Answers will vary, but may include a thick or thin client setup and configuration, or a home theater PC.
Encourage students to
use the social
What types of custom client setups do you think you will encounter the most in your role as an A+
networking tools
technician?
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow A: Answers will vary, but may include gaming PCs due to the rise in the gaming systems sold to
up with their peers after consumers in the last few years, and also home theater PCs and home server PCs.
the course is completed
for further discussion Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
and resources to support peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
continued learning. other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 12: Customized Client Environments |

13 Networking
Technologies

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify network technologies. You will:
• Identify the physical network connections commonly used to connect PCs and mobile
devices to networks.
• Identify the characteristics and properties of TCP/IP.
• Identify resources needed to connect client PCs and devices to the Internet.
• List ports and protocols commonly used in network communications.
• Identify tools commonly used to install, configure, and maintain networks.

Lesson Introduction
In this course, you are learning to support a wide range of computing device features and
functions. A key factor in device communication is how they are connected and how they
transfer data to one another.
Just about every digital device on the planet today is connected to external resources via
some kind of network, whether it is a small office/home office network, a corporate wide
area network (WAN), or directly to the Internet itself. The ability to connect, share, and
communicate using a network is crucial for running a business and staying connected to
everything in the world, so as an A+ support technician, you will need to understand the
technologies that underlie both local and global network communications to ensure that the
organization you support stays connected.
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TOPIC A
TCP/IP Properties and Characteristics
In this lesson, you will identify various networking technologies. In order to do so, you will need to
understand a few basic concepts and the connections used to implement computer networks and
their components. In this topic, you will identify the physical network connections that make up
most computer networks.
No matter what types of networks you support in your professional career, they will all share some
fundamental characteristics as well as basic physical components. As a computer support technician,
dealing with these components will need to be as natural to you as handling a scalpel is to a surgeon.
The information in this topic will familiarize you with the physical network connections and
components that you will deal with on a daily basis as a support technician.

Network Interface Card Characteristics

Network interface cards have some special characteristics that distinguish them from other types of
adapter cards.
Network Interface Card
Characteristics (2
Slides)

Pass around network

cards so students can
identify various features
of different network
cards.

Mention that most NICs

today are onboard, so
the adapters are less
common. If time permits,
have students locate
onboard network
components in their
systems.
6

Figure 13-1: A network interface card.

Network interface card characteristics are described in the following table.

Characteristic Description

Network Network adapter cards will have one or more ports that are configured to
connection port connect specifically to a given type of network cable. Some older cards had
several types of ports so that they could connect to several different types of
network cable. Network connections today are standardized and almost all
use one port type.

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Characteristic Description
Physical network Each network adapter has a globally unique physical address burned onto the
address card by the card manufacturer. The physical address uniquely identifies every
individual card that connects to the network cable or media. For this reason,
the physical address is also called the Media Access Control (MAC) address.
MAC addresses are six bytes long. A typical MAC address might appear as
00-00-86-47-F6-65, where the first three bytes are the vendor's unique ID
and the next three uniquely identify that card for its vendor.
Status indicator Network adapters, including those built into most network devices, typically
lights have one or more light emitting diode (LED) status lights that can provide
information on the state of the network connection.
• Most adapters have a link light that indicates if there is a signal from the
network. If the link light is not lit, there is generally a problem with the
cable or the physical connection.
• Most adapters also have an activity light that flickers when packets are
received or sent. If the light flickers constantly, the network might be
overused or there might be a device generating network noise.
• Some multi-speed adapters have a speed light to show whether the adapter
is operating at 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), or 1000
Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet).
• Some types of equipment combine the functions of more than one light
into dual-color LEDs. For example, a green flickering light might indicate
normal activity, while an orange flickering light indicates network traffic
collisions.

Ethernet
An Ethernet network is a popular LAN implementation that uses Ethernet network adapters,
contention-based media access, and twisted pair, coax, or fiber media. Xerox® corporation first
developed Ethernet in the 1970s. Later, the IEEE used Ethernet as the basis of the 802.3 Ethernet
specification, which standardized Ethernet and expanded it to include a wide range of cable media.
The 802.3 family of specifications also determines transmission speed (10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000
Mbps) and signal method (baseband or broadband).

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Figure 13-2: Ethernet.

Ethernet over Power Lines

An example of this is The IEEE 1905-2013, more accurately, the IEEE 1905.1-2013 standard, provides a common
Vonage Internet phone interface for home networking technologies. The Standard for a Convergent Digital Home Network
service. The additional for Heterogeneous Technologies is designed to reduce network complexity for consumers and helps
handsets are using operators manage various networks throughout homes. There are various wired connections that
Ethernet over power
can be used, but the most common under this standard are Ethernet over HDMI and Ethernet over
lines.
power line. A device with built-in HDMI 1.4 capabilities allows audio, video, and data
communication over an HDMI 1.4 cable. Devices that comply with the nVoy hybrid home
networking standard can use Ethernet over power line.
Another name for Ethernet over power lines is Powerline. Powerline is a bridging technology used
in home networks to provide network coverage in areas where wireless coverage is poor or non-
existent. It's also used to connect older devices, such as TVs and game consoles that have an
Ethernet port but no Wi-Fi connectivity. If you have a wireless hub or router, you can deploy a
Powerline network solution. A Powerline kit contains two adapters and two Ethernet cables. To
implement a Powerline kit:
1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your wireless router and the other end to the adapter,
and then plug the adapter into the wall.
2. Connect the second Ethernet cable to the device and to the adapter, and plug the adapter into a
wall socket.
The two adapters auto-detect, and packets can be sent from the router into the first adapter, across
the electrical wiring in the walls, to the second adapter, out across the Ethernet cable to the device.
There are kits that provide connection speeds faster than some 5 GHz Wi-Fi routers. Ethernet over
Power networking kits typically provide security options such as encryption.

Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair is a type of cable in which four pairs of insulated conductors are twisted around each
Twisted Pair Cables other in pairs and clad in a protective and insulating outer jacket. There may be multiple pairs

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depending on the type and size of cabling. Twisted pair cabling is typically less expensive and more
flexible than other cable types, but it is susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Shielding can be
added around the bundle of twisted pairs to reduce interference. Another transmission limitation of
twisted pair cabling is that it has low bandwidth compared to other cabling types. Twisted pair is
also susceptible to attenuation, or a reduction in signal strength. Attenuation may intensify when
using a splitter to split the signal, potentially reducing signal quality.

Figure 13-3: Twisted pair cable.

Types of Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cable comes in two basic types: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair
(STP). As the name implies, STP encloses signal-carrying wires in a conducting shield to reduce the
potential for electromagnetic interference. Some cables use a braided shield, which makes them
heavier and more difficult to install than UDP. Other cables use an outer foil shield, known as
screened twisted-pair cables.
UTP cable comes in different grades, called categories, which support different network speeds and
technologies. A cable's category is typically printed on the cable itself, making identification easy.
Twisted Pair Categories
Category Characteristics

CAT 3 • Network Type: Telephone or Ethernet

• Maximum speed: 10 Mbps
• Maximum frequency: 16 MHz
CAT 3 is currently used for telephone wiring
CAT 5 • Network Type: Fast Ethernet
• Maximum speed: Up to 100 Mbps
• Maximum frequency: 100 MHz
CAT 5 has, for the most part, been replaced by CAT 5e.
CAT 5e • Network Type: Gigabit Ethernet
• Maximum speed: Up to 1 Gbps
• Maximum frequency: 100 MHz
Note: CAT 5e is also available with a frequency of 350 MHz. When
possible, it is recommended that you use the 350-MHz cable.

CAT 5e is the most common implementation of twisted pair cable today.

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Category Characteristics
CAT 6 • Network Type: Gigabit Ethernet
• Maximum speed: 10 Gbps
• Maximum frequency: 250 MHz
CAT 6 is commonly used for back-end, high capacity networking.
Extended CAT 6 or CAT 6e cables perform better than CAT 6 when they are
installed in an environment with high noise or RF interference.
CAT 6a or • Network Type: Gigabit Ethernet
CAT 6 • Maximum speed: 10 Gbps
Augmented • Maximum frequency: 500 MHz
CAT 6a is expected to replace HDMI for video transmission.
CAT 7 • Network Type: Gigabit Ethernet
• Maximum speed: 10 Gbps+
• Maximum frequency: 600 MHz
CAT 7 supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet over a full 100 meters and offers
improved crosstalk noise reduction.

Twisted Pair Connectors

Twisted Pair Connectors The RJ-45 is an eight-pin connector used by twisted pair cables in networking. All four pairs of
wires in the twisted pair cable use this connector.

Pass around phone and

Ethernet cables and
connectors so students
can see the difference.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 13-4: Twisted pair connectors

Note: The RJ in RJ-11 and RJ-45 is an abbreviation for “registered jack.” An RJ-45 connector is
also referred to as an 8P8C connector.

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PVC Cables and Plenum Cables

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is an inexpensive and flexible rubber-like plastic used to surround some
twisted pair cabling. However, when PVC burns, it gives off noxious or poisonous gases.
Plenum cable jacketing does not give off noxious or poisonous gases when it burns. Fire codes require PVC Cables and Plenum
that you install this special grade cabling in the plenum, which is a building's air handling space Cables
between the structural ceiling and any suspended ceiling, under raised floors, and in firebreak walls.

Emphasize that PVC

cable and plenum cable
are not the same thing.

Figure 13-5: PVC and plenum cables.

Twisted Pair Wiring Standards

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) developed
the 568 Commercial Building Telecommunication Cabling standard. This standard defines the
regulations on designing, building, and managing a cabling system that uses structured cabling Twisted Pair Wiring
according to specified performance characteristics to create a system of unified communications. Standards
TIA/EIA releases recommendations for how network media may best be installed to optimize
network performance:
• T568A is a legacy standard that was used in commercial buildings and cabling systems that
support data networks, voice, and video. It further defines cable performance and technical
requirements.
• T568B defines the standards for preferred cable types that provide the minimum acceptable
performance levels for home-based networks, including:
• 100-ohm twisted pair cable.
• Shielded twisted pair cable.
• Optical fiber cable.
• T568C is the latest standard released by TIA/EIA that is designed to be used in both home and
commercial buildings and in multiple locations and to provide full support for all modern and
future communications needs.

Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cable, or coax, is a type of copper cable that features a central conductor surrounded by
braided or foil shielding. An insulator separates the conductor and shield, and the entire package is
wrapped in an insulating layer called a jacket. The data signal is transmitted over the central Coaxial Cables
conductor. The outer shielding serves to reduce electromagnetic interference.

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Figure 13-6: Coaxial cable.

Note: Coaxial cable is so named because the conductor and shield share the central COmmon
AXis, or are co-axial. This arrangement helps prevent electromagnetic interference from
reaching the conductor.
Like twisted pair cable, coax is susceptible to signal loss or degradation when splitters are used.

Types of Coaxial Cables and Connectors

Coaxial Cable and The different types of coaxial cable are described in the following table.
Connector Types

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Coaxial Cable Description

Type

RG-58 RG-58/U and RG-58A/U, also known as thinnet, are older types of media used
for networking. The specifications include a maximum transmission speed of 10
Mbps using baseband transmission up to 185 meters in length.
Thinnet connections are made with a twist-lock connector called a Bayonet
Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector. Devices connect to the network with T-
connectors. Each end of the cable must be terminated with a 50-ohm resistor.

Another coax connector type is the F-connector, which is used to connect cable
TV and FM antenna cables. Today, F-connectors are also used to connect cable
modems to the CATV network.

RG-59 RG-59 is used for cable television transmission. It also uses BNC and F
connectors. Transmission distances are:
• Up to 250 meters for 10 Mbps
• Up to 150 meters for 100 Mbps
RG-6 RG-6 and RG-6/U has been replacing RG-59 in recent years as the preferred
cable for CATV networks. Like RG-59, F-connectors are used to connect cable
modems to the CATV network. Transmission distances are:
• Up to 300 meters for 10 Mbps
• Up to 200 meters for 100 Mbps

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Coaxial Cable Description

Type
RG-8 RG-8 is a thicker type of coaxial cable often referred to as thicknet. It is seldom
seen today due to its expense and stiffness, but was popular at one time as a
backbone cable in coaxial network installations. The specifications include a
maximum transmission speed of 10 Mbps using baseband transmission up to
500 meters in length.

Connections between Thicknet segments are made with a screw-type connector

called an N-connector. Thicknet segments must be terminated with a 50-ohm
resistor.
A legacy method used to quickly connect a computer to a thicknet wire is called
a vampire tap.

Termination
Coax network segments typically must be terminated to prevent signal reflections off the end of the
cable. Cables are terminated by installing a resistor of an appropriate rating, typically 50 ohms, on
the end of the cable.

Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cable is a type of network cable in which the core is one or more glass or plastic strands.
The core is between 5 and 100 microns thick and is surrounded by cladding, which reflects light
Fiber Optic Cables (2
back to the core in patterns determined by the transmission mode. A buffer, often made of plastic,
Slides) surrounds the cladding and core. To add strength (or pull strength) to the cable, strands of Kevlar®
surround the buffer. An outer jacket, sometimes called armor, wraps and protects the whole
assembly. Light pulses from a laser or high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are passed
through the core to carry the signal. The cladding reflects the light back into the core, increasing the
distance the signal can travel without being regenerated.
Fiber optic cables are expensive, fragile, and difficult to install. However, fiber optic transmissions
are fast and reliable over extremely long distances, so they are used frequently in backbone wiring
solutions. The theoretical throughput of fiber optic cables is in excess of 100 terabits per second,
but more practical applications provide speeds of around 1 to 10 gigabits per second. Also, fiber
optic cables are impervious to electromagnetic interference.
Despite their advantages, there are some transmission limitations of fiber optic cables. Many fiber
optic cables, when bent, will start to leak some of their signal. This might enable an attacker to
tamper with the signal. Fiber optic cables also need to be very well-shielded when installed outdoors
in order to prevent extreme weather from causing damage.

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Fiber optic cores are uni-directional. For this reason, they are installed in pairs, one for sending data
and one for receiving data.

Figure 13-7: A single-core fiber optic cable.

6

Figure 13-8: A dual-core fiber optic cable.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

There are two types of fiber optic cables: single-mode or multimode fiber.
• Single-mode has a small core that allows only one mode of light to propagate, so the number of
light reflections created as it travels through the core decreases. This lowers attenuation and Types of Fiber Optic
enables the signal to travel faster. Cables

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• Multimode has a large core that supports multiple modes of light to propagate. This allows the
number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core to increase. More data can
pass through. This cable is typically used for short distances.

Mode Type Description

Single-mode fiber Carries a single optical signal and has a small core that allows only a single
beam of light to pass. A laser, usually operating in the infrared portion of
the spectrum, is modulated in amplitude (intensity) to transmit the signal
through the fiber.

Step index multimode Contains a core surrounded by cladding, each with its own uniform index
fiber of refraction. When light from the core enters the cladding, a step down
occurs due to the difference in the refractive indices. Step-index fiber uses
total internal reflection to trap light.

Graded index Possesses variations in the core glass to compensate for mode path length
multimode fiber differences. It provides up to 2 GHz of bandwidth, which is significantly
more than step-index fiber.

Fiber Optic Connectors

Fiber Optic Connectors
There are various connector types used with fiber optic cable.
If you have samples of
the various fiber optic Note: Connections are unidirectional, and each core has its own connector.
connectors that can be
passed around, consider
doing so. Explain that
there are other types of
fiber optic connectors,
but this table focuses on
those that are most
commonly encountered.
Only SC, ST, and LC
connectors are listed in
the 220-901 exam
objectives.

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Connector Description

Straight Tip (ST) Used to connect multimode fiber, ST connectors look like BNC
connectors. They have a straight, ceramic center pin and bayonet lug
lockdown. They are often used in network patch panels. ST connectors are
perhaps the most popular type of fiber connector.

Subscriber Connector or Box-shaped connectors that snap into a receptacle. SC connectors are often
Standard Connector used in a duplex configuration where two fibers are terminated into two SC
(SC) connectors that are molded together. SC is used with single-mode fiber.

Face Contact (FC) Similar to SMA connectors, FC connectors use a heavy duty ferrule in the
center for more mechanical stability than SMA or ST connectors. These
connectors are more popular in industrial settings where greater strength is
required.

Local Connector (LC) The LC is a small form factor ceramic ferrule connector for both single-
mode and multimode fiber. It is about half the size of the SC or ST. The
LC uses an RJ45-type latching and can be used to transition installations
from twisted pair copper cabling to fiber.

Sub Multi Assembly or Similar to ST connectors, SMA connectors use a threaded ferrule on the
Sub Miniature type A outside to lock the connector in place. These are typically used where water
(SMA) or other environmental factors necessitate a waterproof connection, which
is not possible with a bayonet-style connector.

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Connector Description
Mechanical Transfer The MT-RJ connector, sometimes called a Fiber Jack connector, is a
Registered Jack (MT- compact snap-to-lock connector used with multimode fiber. The MT-RJ is
RJ) easy to use and similar in size to the RJ45 connector. Two strands of fiber
are attached with one connector.

Wireless Connections
Wireless connections are network connections that transmit signals without using physical network
media. Instead, signals are transmitted as electromagnetic energy, such as radio waves or satellite
Wireless Connections
microwave. Most general office wireless implementations use radio. Wireless communication
enables users to move around while remaining connected to the network.
Note: Wireless communication permits connections between areas where it would be difficult or
As you introduce impossible to install wires, such as in hazardous areas, across long distances, or inside historic
wireless connections, buildings. It is also extremely popular in standard business and home installations because of the
explain that although mobility and flexibility it provides, as well as the simplicity of media-free installation.
infrared is also a
wireless connection
medium, it is less suited
for networking than radio
and satellite are.

Figure 13-9: Wireless connections.

Wireless Signal Strength

The ability to communicate via wireless network is highly dependent upon the local signal strength.
Signal strength can vary in relation to a number of factors, including interference and distance from
the Wireless Access Point (WAP). Most wireless devices will provide some kind of indicator
regarding the strength of the current wireless signal. For example, in Windows, a wireless network
card will display a message on screen when signal strength is low and connectivity is limited as a
result.

Wi-Fi
Wireless radio communications following the IEEE 802.11g Wi-Fi standard are the most common
choice for ordinary wireless LAN connectivity for portable computers inside homes, offices, and,
increasingly, public buildings. Choose Wi-Fi when you need to connect portable computer systems
to a wired or wireless Ethernet LAN and enable users to move from place to place freely without a
line of sight to the WAP. Wi-Fi provides good performance within the WAP coverage area, barring
any signal interference.

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Other Network Connection Methods

In addition to coax, twisted pair, and fiber optic, you can use other types of cables and methods to
make network connections, including USB, FireWire®, and RS-232 null-modem cable. You can also
make wireless connections using radio, infrared, or satellite transmissions. Physical network cable Other Network
connections are often referred to as a group as bounded media. Wireless connection types that Connection Methods
transmit signals through the air without a cable are collectively called unbounded media.

RS-232 Null-Modem Connections

Ask students which of
RS-232 is a standard serial interface that was used to connect serial devices, particularly modems. the network connection
These connections have been primarily replaced by the faster Ethernet, but can be found in some methods covered so far
cases to connect devices for debugging and to connect devices in close proximity of one another. in this topic they have
When you use an RS-232 null-modem cable to create network connections between computers, it used and which ones
mimics the presence of a modem connection between the two systems. There are some types of they might consider
network connections, such as a dial-up Internet connection, that use telephone media. So, with an using in the future.
RS-232 null-modem cable connected to two computers' serial ports, you can, in effect, create a
simulated dial-up connection directly between the two systems.

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ACTIVITY 13-1
Identifying Network Cables and Connectors

Scenario
You are working with the rest of the PC technicians team in cleaning up the storage bins and closets
in your area. You have found a variety of cables and connectors thrown all together without any
indication of what they are or what they are used for. You suggest to the team that the items be
sorted and placed in labeled bins before storing in the closets.

Provide students with a 1. Sort the connectors by type.

variety of cables and a) In one container, place all of the Ethernet twisted pair connectors.
connectors in addition to b) In another container, place all of the fiber optic connectors.
the cables used to You can break these down into specific fiber optic connector types if you have a large assortment.
connect their computers
c) Place other connectors in their own containers.
and devices. Also
provide containers
students can use to 2. Sort the cables by type.
organize the cables and a) Place all of the Ethernet cable of the same category, for example Cat 5, in its own containers.
connectors. Be sure not to coil the cable too tightly so as not to break the wires.
b) Place all of the fiber optic cable in their own containers.
c) Place any other cable types in their own containers.
Walk the students
through each step of the 3. Look at the cables and connectors on the back of your computer, and identify what cables are used and
activity. what their purpose is.

4. What type of cable is used to connect your computer to the network?

A: Answers will vary depending on the location of the participant and the type of network interface in
the computer, and could range from twisted pair to wireless to virtual.

5. Are there any LED lights on the cable ports indicating activity?
A: Answers will vary depending on the location of the participant and the level of network activity.
Some participants might see the LED lights lit or blinking, while others might not.

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TOPIC B
TCP/IP
Now that you are familiar with the basic components that make up a network, you can start to take
a closer look into how Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) addressing and
data delivery methods are used to implement TCP/IP on a network. In this lesson, you will identify
the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
As an A+ technician, you must be able to identify the components of a system in order to provide
the right level of support to your organization. Because all networks are different, you still need to
be able to identify the components and how they are connected. Understanding how everything is
connected and functioning within the network will allow you to properly support TCP/IP within
the network.

TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a non-proprietary, routable network protocol
that enables computers to communicate over all types of networks. TCP/IP is the native protocol
of the Internet and is required for Internet connectivity. TCP/IP is a suite of related protocols that TCP/IP
work together to provide network addressing and naming, and data delivery. In this suite, IP
provides addressing, TCP provides connection-oriented message transmission, and User Datagram
Protocol (UDP) provides connectionless, best-effort message transmission.
6

You may want to show

the LearnTO Interpret IP
Addresses presentation
from the CHOICE
Course screen or have
students navigate out to
the Course screen and
Figure 13-10: TCP/IP. watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Interpret IP Addresses presentation
remind students to visit
in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen. the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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Non-proprietary, Routable Protocols

Non-proprietary means that no one group or organization owns or controls the protocol. You do
not have to purchase software from a particular vendor or pay any kind of licensing fee to use
TCP/IP.
Routable means the protocol can be used to communicate between different network sections.
Thus, TCP/IP communications are not confined to a single network segment. To be routable, a
protocol must provide addresses that identify individual network segments as well as network hosts.

Broadcast, Unicast, and Multicast

Broadcasts are network communications that are sent to all the computers on the network at once.
Compare this to unicast transmissions, which are sent to a specific address, or multicast
transmissions, which use a single address to transmit to a group of systems.

IPv4 Addresses
An IPv4 address is a 32-bit number assigned to a computer on a TCP/IP network. Some of the bits in
the address represent the network segment; the other bits represent the computer, or node, itself.
IPv4 Addresses
For readability, the 32-bit IPv4 address is separated into four 8-bit octets, and each octet is
converted to a single decimal value. Each decimal number can range from 0 to 255, but the first
number cannot be 0. In addition, all four numbers in a host address cannot be 0 (0.0.0.0) or 255
(255.255.255.255).

Figure 13-11: An IPv4 address.

Network Names
Systems on a network are typically assigned a host name, in addition to the numeric address. The
host name is the descriptive name you see assigned to computers on the Internet, but systems on
local networks have them as well. On the Internet, these host names appear to the left of the
domain name. Host names can be up to 63 characters long.

Binary and Dotted Decimal Notation

TCP/IP uses binary numbering. Binary is a base 2 numbering system in which any bit in the number
is either a zero or one. An IP address might appear in binary as
11001011.01111011.00101101.00010010.
Although the underlying IPv4 addresses are binary numbers, for readability, TCP/IP addresses are
usually displayed in dotted decimal notation. Dotted decimal notation consists of four decimal
numbers separated by three dots. Each decimal number is called an octet because it represents eight
binary bits. When pronouncing a dotted decimal number, include the separator dots. For example,
the IPv4 address 192.168.1.18 is pronounced one ninety-two dot one sixty-eight dot one dot
eighteen.

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Subnet Masks
A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that is assigned to each system to divide the 32-bit binary IP
address into network and node portions. This makes TCP/IP routable. A subnet mask uses a binary
operation to remove the node ID from the IP address, leaving just the network portion. Subnet Subnet Masks
masks use the value of eight 1s in binary, or 255 in decimal, to mask an entire octet of the IP
address.

Figure 13-12: The subnet mask.

Gateways and the Default Gateway

A gateway is a device, software, or a system that has the ability to convert data between incompatible
systems or devices. Gateways can translate data between different operating systems, or email
formats, or between totally different networks. A gateway can be implemented as hardware, Gateways
software, or both. You can also install gateways as software within a router, allowing the router to
act as a gateway when required, and eliminating the need for separate hardware.
When TCP/IP communications need to be routed to systems on other networks, the protocol
directs the packets to a special address known as the default gateway. The default gateway is different
from a typical gateway in that the address is typically that of a network router that connects the local
network to other external networks. A default gateway address is not a required component of a
TCP/IP address assignment, but without a default gateway, the computer will only be able to
communicate on the local network segment.

IP Address Classes and Classless Addressing

The designers of the TCP/IP suite defined five ranges of addresses, called address classes, for
specific network uses and sizes. Changes in the Internet since the early 90s have rendered classful
addresses all but obsolete. One of the final remnants of classful addressing is the use of the terms IP Address Classes
"Class A," "Class B," and "Class C" to describe common subnet masks.

Class and Subnet Description

Mask Briefly present this
6

section, and tell students

Class A Class A subnet masks provide a small number of network addresses for that knowing the details
networks with a large number of nodes per network: of these address classes
255.0.0.0 is not necessary for the
• Number of nodes per network: 16,777,214 A+ exam. This content is
• Network ID portion: First octet included as background
• Node ID portion: Last three octets information for CIDR,
which is on the
Used only by extremely large networks, Class A addresses are far too big for certification exam.
most companies. Large telephone companies and ISPs leased most Class A
network addresses early in the development of the Internet.

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Class and Subnet Description

Mask

Class B Class B subnet masks offer a larger number of network addresses, each with
255.255.0.0 fewer nodes per network:
• Number of nodes per network: 65,534
• Network ID portion: First two octets
• Node ID portion: Last two octets
Most companies leased Class B addresses for use on Internet-connected
networks. In the beginning, there were plenty of Class B addresses to go
around, but soon they were depleted.
Class C Class C subnet masks offer a large number of network addresses for
255.255.255.0 networks with a small number of nodes per network:
• Number of nodes per network: 254
• Network ID portion: First three octets
• Node ID portion: Last octet
Because there can be more Class C networks than any other type, they are
the only addresses still generally available.

Classless Addressing and CIDR

CIDR Because the traditional IP address classes have limitations on the number of available addresses in
each class, there are now various implementations that utilize classless addressing. In these schemes,
there is no strict dividing line between groups of addresses, and the network address/node address
division is determined entirely by the number of 1 bits in the subnet mask.
Classless inter-domain routing (CIDR) is a classless addressing method that considers a custom subnet
mask as a 32-bit binary word. Mask bits can move in one-bit increments to provide the exact
number of nodes and networks required. The CIDR notation combines a network address with a
number to represent the number of 1 bits in the mask. With CIDR, multiple class-based networks
can be represented as a single block.
6

Figure 13-13: CIDR.

Note: CIDR can also be referred to as classless routing or supernetting. Because of its
efficiencies, CIDR has been rapidly adopted, and the Internet today is largely a classless address
space.

CIDR Subnet Mask Values

There are different values possible for each CIDR subnet mask. The /24, /16, and /8 CIDR masks
correspond with the classful ranges of Class C, Class B, and Class A, respectively.

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IPv6 Addresses
IP version 6, or IPv6, is an Internet standard that increases the available pool of IP addresses by
implementing a 128-bit binary address space. IPv6 also includes new efficiency features, such as
simplified address headers, hierarchical addressing, support for time-sensitive network traffic, and a IPv6 Addresses
new structure for unicast addressing. One of the goals of IPv6 is to keep the IP headers as small as
possible to make access to the address more efficient and quicker. Non-essential information in
IPv6 headers is moved to optional extension headers. In IPv6, address blocks are automatically
assigned hierarchically by routers. Top-level routers have top-level address blocks, which are
automatically divided and assigned as routers and segments are added. This divides the address space
logically instead of randomly, making it easier to manage.
IPv6 is not compatible with IPv4, so now, it is narrowly deployed on a limited number of test and
production networks. Full adoption of the IPv6 standard will require a general conversion of IP
routers to support interoperability. IPv6 makes use of an Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) standard called Extended Unique Identifier (EUI). A host computer implemented
with EUI-64 can assign itself a 64-bit IPv6 interface identifier automatically.
Note: For more information on IPv6, see the IETF's IP Version 6 Working Group charter at
www.ietf.org/html.charters/ipv6-charter.html.

IPv6 Address Format

An IPv6 address has 128 bits or 16 bytes and is denoted as eight hexadecimal blocks separated by Point out that
colons. The byte on the left has the highest order, and the byte on the right has the lowest order. hexadecimal numbering
goes from 0 to F.

Figure 13-14: An IPv6 address.

To make the representation easier, some abbreviation techniques are used. For example, one
abbreviation technique used replaces all zero hexadecimal values with a single zero and removes the
leading zeros of all nonzero values.
For example, in the IPv6 address 2001:DB8:0000:0056:0000:ABCD:EF12:1234, the third, fourth,
and fifth bytes contain consecutive zeros and, therefore, they can also be represented as
2001:DB8:0:56:0:ABCD:EF12:1234 without the unnecessary zeros.
Another technique used replaces all consecutive zero values or consecutive leading zeros with a
double colon. However, the double colon can be used only once in an address. This is because when
a computer comes across a simplified address, it replaces the double colon symbol with as many
zeros as required to make it 128 bits long. If an address contains more than one double colon, the
computer cannot determine the number of zeros for each place.
For example, the IPv6 address 2001:DB8:0000:0056:0000:ABCD:EF12:1234 can also be
represented as 2001:DB8::56:0:ABCD:EF12:1234 or 2001:DB8:0:56::ABCD:EF12:1234 after
replacing any one of the consecutive zeros with a double colon.

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Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 addresses use 32 bits as opposed to the 128 bits used in IPv6 addressing. While implementing
IPv4 addresses, IPSec is optional. However, the IPSec security feature is not optional in IPv6
Comparing IPv4 and
addresses. The header information structure is different between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. IPv6 is
IPv6 not compatible with IPv4, so now, it is narrowly deployed on a limited number of test and
production networks. Full adoption of the IPv6 standard will require a general conversion of IP
routers to support interoperability.
Note: IPSec will be covered in greater detail later in the course.

Addressing Schemes
When assigning addresses to hosts on your network, you must assign an address in the appropriate
scheme based on the type of network and access is given to that host.
Addressing Schemes
Scheme Description

Private Private IP addresses are addresses that organizations use for nodes requiring IP
Ask students which connectivity within enterprise networks, but not requiring external
address scheme they connections to the global Internet. IP addresses in each of the Classes A, B,
use in their organization. and C are reserved as private IPv4 addresses. Because they are not routable,
Also, ask whether they private IP addresses do not cause duplicate IP address conflicts on the
have encountered Internet.
APIPA addresses and if
they know what that In IPv6, these are referred to as site-local addresses.
indicates.
Public Public IP addresses are addresses that get shared on the Internet. To ensure the
uniqueness of each public address, they are distributed in blocks by ICANN.
APIPA/Link Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) is a feature of Windows that enables a
NAT will be covered in Local DHCP client computer to configure itself automatically with a random IPv4
the next lesson. address in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254 if there is no DHCP
server available. A computer with an APIPA-range address is usually nothing
more than a symptom, to the technician, of a DHCP problem that requires
Point out that a 169.264 resolution.
address can indicate a
connection problem.
In IPv6, link local addresses are required, and always begin with FE80.
Loopback address The block of addresses in the IPv4 127.0.0.0/8 or IPv6 ::1 range are reserved
block for loopback. Information sent out from the device is routed back to the
source without any processing or change. This is designed mainly to use for
testing purposes.

Static and Dynamic Addressing

On a TCP/IP network, you can assign IP address information statically to nodes by manually
entering IP addressing information on each individual network node. Or, dynamic addressing can be
Static and Dynamic
used to assign IP addresses using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service.
Addressing Static addressing involves configuring TCP/IP statically on a network and requires that an
administrator visit each node to manually enter IP address information for that node. If the node
moves to a different subnet, the administrator must manually reconfigure the node's TCP/IP
information for its new network location. In a large network, configuring TCP/IP statically on each
node can be very time consuming and prone to errors that can potentially disrupt communication
on the network. Static addresses are typically only assigned to systems with a dedicated functionality,
such as router interfaces, network-attached printers, or servers that host applications on a network.

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DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network service that provides automatic assignment
of IP addresses and other TCP/IP configuration information on network systems that are
configured as DHCP clients. DHCP requires a DHCP server computer configured with at least one DHCP
active DHCP scope. The scope contains a range of IP addresses and a subnet mask, and can contain
other options, such as a default gateway address or Domain Name Server (DNS) server address. When
the service is enabled, it automatically leases TCP/IP configuration information to DHCP clients for
a defined lease period.

Figure 13-15: DHCP.

Client-Side DHCP Settings

If you need to use a static IP address, you will need to specify the address, the subnet mask, the
default gateway, and at least one DNS server. If you decide to get the IP address automatically from
a DHCP server, those values will be provided for you when you lease the IP address. Client-Side DHCP
Settings

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Figure 13-16: The IPv4 DHCP network connection details.

DNS
Computers on TCP/IP networks are assigned both a host name and an IP address. Users generally
access systems by their descriptive names, and the network needs to translate, or resolve, those
DNS
names into the relevant systems' IP addresses. The Domain Name System (DNS) is the primary name
resolution service on the Internet as well as private IP networks.
DNS is a hierarchical system of databases that map computer names to their associated IP
addresses. DNS servers store, maintain, and update the databases and respond to DNS client name
resolution requests to translate host names to IP addresses. The DNS servers on the Internet work
together to provide global name resolution for all Internet hosts. For example, the IP address
209.85.165.99 might map to www.google.com.

Client-Side DNS
Client-side DNS can be implemented by running a DNS service on a client computer. The client
can quickly use the client resolver cache to lookup host names for resolution. This enables the client
Client-Side DNS
to perform basic DNS lookups without having to connect to a DNS server. In cases where the
lookup is out of scope for the client resolver, the DNS servers that store, maintain, and update
databases will respond to any resolution requests that may be out of scope for client-side DNS
services to handle. In this case, the client-side DNS service will communicate directly with multiple
DNS servers to resolve name requests made from the client machine.

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Figure 13-17: Client-side DNS.

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ACTIVITY 13-2
Examining TCP/IP Information
If time permits and
students are interested,
you can have them
repeat this activity from
within the Windows 8.1
VM. Point out that the
Scenario
protocols and TCP/IP In this activity, you will examine the configuration settings on your host computer that enables it to
information for the VM connect to the network.
mirror the host machine.

1. Determine the protocol in use on your Windows 8.1 host computer.

Assist participants in
determining which a) Open Control Panel. In the Search Control Panel text box, type network connections
connection they should b) Under Network and Sharing Center, select View network connections.
examine during this c) Examine the contents of the Network Connections window.
activity. One of the connections that is displayed in this window is the connection to the class network.
d) Display the pop-up menu for the network connection, and select Properties.
e) In the This connection uses the following items list, verify that Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Briefly describe the other is listed.
items in the This f) Close the Properties dialog box without making any changes.
connection uses the
following items list, but
2. View the TCP/IP information assigned to your network adapter.
do not go into too much
depth at this point. a) Display the pop-up menu for the network connection, and select Status.
b) Select Details.
c) In the Network Connection Details dialog box, examine the information for the IPv4 address, subnet
Briefly describe how the mask, and default gateway.
IPv4 address, subnet
mask, and default 3. In the Network Connection Details dialog box, examine the information for DHCP.
gateway provide network
connectivity. 4. If DHCP is enabled on your computer, when does the lease expire?
A: Answers will vary depending on the last time the computer was restarted.

Briefly describe the 5. In the Network Connection Details dialog box, examine the information for DNS.
DHCP lease process.
6. How many DNS servers are listed?
A: Answers will vary depending on the configuration of the network.
Briefly explain the
significance of the 7. Return to the network connection properties, and examine the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
information on the properties.
General tab of the a) Select Close.
Internet Protocol Version b) Select Properties to return to the network connection properties.
4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties
dialog box. c) In the This connection uses the following items list, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),
and then select Properties.
d) Select Advanced.
Briefly explain the e) Select the DNS tab.
information displayed on f) Select Cancel three times, and then select Close.
the IP Settings tab. g) Close the Network Connections window.

Briefly explain the

information displayed on
the DNS tab.

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TOPIC C
Internet Connections
In the previous topics, you identified network communication technologies and the components of
TCP/IP. To complete your understanding of network concepts, you will need to examine the
technologies that connect multiple nodes and networks together. In this topic, you will identify
network connectivity technologies.
Putting together a network is like putting together a huge puzzle. There are physical pieces, such as
network adapters and network clients, and conceptual pieces, such as protocols and addresses.
However, to understand how the pieces all fit together you need to be able to see the overall picture.
Examining the large structures and techniques that provide network connectivity between and
within network locations will help you see the big picture of network implementation and support.

ISPs
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides Internet access to individuals and to
businesses. Most ISPs charge a fee for this connection. Customers receive logon information, access
to servers that provide name resolution and email services, dynamic or static IP configurations, and ISPs
a method for connecting to the ISP. Once connected to the ISP, the customer can access the
Internet.

Figure 13-18: An ISP.

Internet Connection Types and Features

Internet connections can be accomplished in a wide variety of ways today. Each method has unique
connection technology that is used to connect computing devices to the Internet.
Internet Connection
Method Description Types and Features
Cable Cable or cable modem transmissions use a cable television connection and a
specialized interface device known as a cable modem to provide high-speed
Internet access to homes and small businesses. Cable access arranges users in
groups around nodes that split the television and data signals at the cable
provider's end.
The speed of the network varies depending on how populated the group on
each node is. Download speeds can vary by more than 1 Mbps in different areas.
Most cable companies try to guarantee at least a 768-Kbps download speed;
however, speeds of 3.0 to 7.0 Mbps are common, and speeds of 20 Mbps or
more are possible.

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Method Description
DSL Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transmits digital signals over existing phone lines. It
has become a popular way to connect small businesses and households to the
Internet because it is affordable and provides a relatively high download speed—
a typical maximum is 1.5 Mbps for basic DSL and 7 Mbps for high-end DSL.
However, distance from the phone company's switching station and the quality
of the lines affect the total bandwidth available to a customer.
Dial-up Dial-up lines are local loop Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connections
that use modems, existing phone lines, and existing long-distance carrier services
to provide low cost, low bandwidth WAN connectivity, and remote network
access. Dial-up lines are generally limited to 56 Kbps and are sometimes used as
backups for higher bandwidth WAN services.
Fiber Fiber is a method used to connect devices to the Internet using fiber optic cable.
Fiber is mostly used in smaller areas to connect computing devices to a router. It
provides a fast data exchange rate over distances of several kilometers.
Satellite Geostationary satellites orbit 22,236 miles above the Earth's equator, or zero
latitude. They orbit in the same direction the Earth rotates (west to east) at the
same speed of the rotation.. One orbit takes 24 hours, the same length of time
the Earth rotates once on its axis, so the satellite appears stationary. This
positioning eliminates the need for satellite antennas, or dishes, to track satellites,
which simplifies data exchange and reduces costs. Set up the satellite dish once,
and barring extreme weather conditions, the dish maintains constant contact
with the satellite. Satellites are used for a variety of purposes, such as television
broadcasts, radio communication, mapping, weather
forecasting,telecommunication, Internet access in rural and remote regions not
serviced by cable broadband or DSL and wide area network connections.
Older satellite Internet providers required people to have a telephone line to use
the Internet. Data downloads were sent through the satellite to a receiver dish,
However, requests for data such as web page, were transmitted over telephone
wires. Most providers now provide the ability to send and receive data using a
satellite Internet dish. Unlike a TV dish that only receives data, an Internet dish
contains a transmitter so it also can send data. A satellite Internet connection
requires a satellite receiver/transmitter dish, a satellite modem and coaxial cable
that connects the modem to the dish. Satellite Internet access speeds depend on
the service package purchased
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital transmission technology that
carries both voice and data over digital phone lines or PSTN wires. Connections
are made on demand by dialing another ISDN circuit's telephone number.
ISDN and DSL are very similar technologies because they both use existing
phone lines to transmit digital signals. However, ISDN technology predates DSL
and has largely been superseded by DSL for the home and small business
market. ISDN requires a specialized client adapter called a Terminal Adapter,
which DSL does not. ISDN is also slower than DSL, being limited to a data rate
of approximately 128 Kbps for basic rate ISDN, and thus barely qualifies as
high-speed. (Primary rate ISDN, which was commonly used for network
backbone communications before fiber optic cable, provides more bandwidth
and has higher speeds.)

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Method Description
Cellular Cellular technology uses radio signals to transmit network data over the cellular
telephone system. Cellular-enabled computers have a cellular radio built in.
Coverage can be regional, national, or global, depending on the service chosen
and the capabilities of the cellular service provider. Signal fidelity will vary
depending on interference and the distance from a cell tower.
Some of the cellular transmission technologies and standards in use include
Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and the Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM). CDMA is a spread-spectrum implementation that uses
the full frequency spectrum for each channel rather than assigning specific
frequencies to particular users. It separates the calls using digital encoding. GSM
uses time-division multiplexing (TDM), which transmits multiple calls on the
same frequency by dividing each call into separate time slices.
Use a cellular Wireless WAN (WWAN) when you have users that have no other
way to connect to the Internet, your company's VPN, or both. Cellular WWANs
are typically more expensive than Ethernet WANs. You can also turn mobile
devices into cellular hotspots, or tether them to other devices, in order to
propagate network access.
LOS Line of sight is a wireless connection method in which endpoints can transmit
signals to one another as long as they are unobstructed by physical objects. A
wireless antenna at one endpoint is directly pointed at a wireless endpoint farther
away, without trees, buildings, or other tall structures interfering with the signal.
The antennas themselves are typically affixed to the top of tall buildings in order
to reduce this interference. A line of sight service can cover great distances that
typical wireless signals cannot, while at the same time saving the service provider
from having to install cabling infrastructure. Additionally, the connection in an
LOS service is often low latency.
A disadvantage of LOS is that the actual unobstructed sight line can be difficult
to maintain, especially if the area between the two endpoints is not owned by the
client or the provider. Likewise, LOS services are usually more expensive than
other methods.

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ACTIVITY 13-3
Discussing Internet Connections

Scenario
Use these questions as You are moving to a new neighborhood which is closer to your new job. You need to be able to
a basis for guiding the connect to the Internet from your new home. The real estate agent who is helping you locate your
discussion. Encourage new home has provided you with information on the available providers and the types of Internet
participants to share connections they offer. You want to make sure to select one within your budget that is fast enough
their experiences with to watch streaming movies and manage your email, among other online activities.
various connectivity
methods.
1. Which communication method uses existing telephone lines to transmit digital signals?
○ Cable modem
If time permits, have
students compare ISPs
◉ DSL
in your area, including ○ ISDN
their speed, cost,
connection type, and
○ Fiber
any other details you ○ Satellite
feel are important.
2. Which communication method uses the same physical media to provide high-speed transmission of
data and television signals?
◉ Cable modem
○ DSL
○ ISDN
○ Fiber
○ Satellite

3. Which communication method uses light to carry signals?

○ Cable modem
○ DSL
○ ISDN
◉ Fiber
○ Satellite

4. If you have remote employees that need to connect to the corporate network but they are located in a
remote area with no access to high-speed Internet service, what do you think is the best Internet
connection method to use in this situation?
A: Answers will vary, but will most likely include using either dial-up or satellite. However, because
these employees need to access the corporate network through a VPN connection, satellite will
probably provide the faster connection. In some cases, tethering to a cell phone or connecting to a
wireless network device is an option, but this will all depend on how remote the employees'
location is and whether they can get a strong cellular signal.

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TOPIC D
Ports and Protocols
In the previous topics, you explored different network connections, including high-speed Internet
connections. Now you are ready to examine the various ports and protocols that are used to ensure
data transmission is successful and secure. In this topic, you will examine common TCP and UDP
ports and protocols.
Properly configuring the ports of a network device and selecting the right protocol will ensure that
data gets transmitted over the network. As an A+ technician, you must understand how ports and
protocols are implemented within a network and how they function to provide the right level of
data transmission while keeping data secure.

TCP and UDP

The TCP/IP protocol suite includes two protocols: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User
Datagram Protocol (UDP). TCP is a connection-oriented, guaranteed-delivery protocol used to send
data packets between computers over a network such as the Internet. It is part of the Internet TCP and UDP
protocol suite along with the Internet Protocol (IP). TCP is responsible for breaking up data into
datagrams, reassembling them at the other end, resending data lost in transit, and resequencing data.
It sends data, waits for an acknowledgement, and fixes erroneous data. IP is responsible for routing
individual datagrams and addressing.
The User Datagram Protocol (UDP), also known as the Universal Datagram Protocol, is a
connectionless protocol in the Internet protocol suite. A connectionless, best-effort delivery
protocol, UDP is used with IP like TCP. It transmits data and ensures data integrity as TCP does.
UDP, however, lacks reliability, flow-control, and error-recovery functions. It is less complex than
TCP, and since it is a connectionless protocol, it provides faster service.

Network Ports
In TCP/IP networks, a port is the endpoint of a logical connection. Client computers connect to
specific server programs through a designated port. All ports are assigned a number in a range from
0 to 65,535. An international agency, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), separates port Network Ports
numbers into three blocks:
• Well-known ports, which are preassigned to system processes by the IANA.
• Registered ports, which are available to user processes and are listed as a convenience by the
IANA.
• Dynamic ports, which are assigned by a client operating system as needed when there is a request
for service.

Port Ranges
There are three recognized blocks of port numbers.

Block Range Description

Port Ranges
Well-known Port range: 0 to 1,023. Well-known ports are pre-assigned for use by
ports common, or well-known, services. Often the services
that run on these ports must be started by a
privileged user. Services in this range include HTTP
on TCP port 80, IMAP on TCP port 143, and DNS
on UDP port 53.

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Block Range Description

Registered ports Port range: 1,024 to These ports are registered by software makers for use
49,151. by specific applications and services that are not as
well known as the services in the well-known range.
Services in the registered port range include SOCKS
proxy on TCP port 1080, QuickTime® Streaming
Server administration on TCP port 1220, and Xbox®
Live on TCP and UDP port 3074.
Dynamic or Port range: 49,152 to These ports are set aside for use by unregistered
private ports 65,535. services and by services needing a temporary
connection.

Common Ports
This table lists some of the most common well-known TCP and UDP port numbers. Additional
well-known ports and other port number assignments are available online at www.iana.org/
Common Ports
assignments/port-numbers.

Port Type Service Name Purpose

For students updating 21 TCP FTP File transfers

their A+ certification, the
additional ports covered
22 TCP/UDP SSH Secure shell for secure data transmission
are 137-139, 427, 445, 23 TCP/UDP TELNET Telnet services
and 548.
25 TCP SMTP Simple mail transfers
53 TCP/UDP DNS Domain name system
80 TCP HTTP Hypertext transfer protocol
110 TCP POP3 Post office protocol
137 UDP SMB Server Message Block (SMB)
NetBIOS Network Basic Input/Output System
(NetBIOS) naming service
138 UDP SMB Server Message Block (SMB)
NetBIOS NetBIOS datagram distribution service
139 TCP SMB Server Message Block (SMB)
NetBIOS NetBIOS session service
143 TCP/UDP IMAP Internet message access protocol
427 TCP/UDP SLP Service Location Protocol used by svrloc
service in network browser.
443 TCP HTTPS HTTP secure combines HTTP with SSL/TLS
protocols.
445 TCP SMB Server Message Block (SMB)
TCP/UDP CIFS Common Internet File System (CIFS)
548 TCP AFP Apple Filing Protocol over TCP used by
AppleShare, Personal File Sharing, Apple File
Service

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Port Type Service Name Purpose

3389 TCP/UDP RDP Remote desktop protocol

LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a directory service protocol that defines how a client can
access information, perform operations, and share directory data on a directory server. It was
designed for use specifically over TCP/IP networks and on the Internet in particular. In most LDAP
implementations, LDAP relies on the DNS service. First, DNS enables clients to find the servers
that host the LDAP directory, and then the LDAP servers enable clients to find directory objects.
Most common network directories are LDAP-compliant.
Note: LDAP uses port 389.

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ns
tio
ra
pe
lO
ca
gi
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Figure 13-19: LDAP.

SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol used to collect information from network
devices for diagnostic and maintenance purposes. SNMP includes two components, management
systems and agent software, which are installed on network devices such as servers, routers, and SNMP
printers. The agents send information to an SNMP manager. The SNMP manager can then notify
an administrator of problems, run a corrective program or script, store the information for later
review, or query the agent about a specific network device.
Port 161 is the main
Note: SNMP uses ports 161 and 162. SNMP port and port 162
is used for traps.

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Figure 13-20: SNMP collects information from network devices for diagnostic purposes.

SMB
The Server Message Block (SMB) is a protocol that helps share resources such as files, printers, and
serial ports among computers. In a TCP/IP network, NetBIOS clients, such as Windows systems,
SMB
use NetBIOS over TCP/IP to connect to servers, and then issue SMB commands to complete tasks
such as accessing shared files and printers.
Note: SMB uses port 445.

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Figure 13-21: Resource sharing using SMB.

CIFS
The Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol enables users on various computing platforms to
share files without the need to install additional software to do so. CIFS replaces the SMB protocol
to provide Windows users with file and printer access. Using CIFS enables users to open and share CIFS
files over the Internet in native applications rather than just in web browsers. If a user changes a file
opened through CIFS, the changes are saved to both the server and client side simultaneously.
Note: CIFS uses port 445 or 3020. Compare SMB and
CIFS.

Microsoft revised CIFS and named the revision SMB 2.0 or SMB2. SMB2 was introduced with
Windows Vista and has been further revised and enhanced since then.

SSH
Secure Shell (SSH) is a UNIX/Linux-based protocol that enables a user or application to log on to
another computer over a network, execute commands, and manage files. It provides strong
authentication methods and secure communications over insecure channels. It is a more secure SSH
version of remote connection programs that transmit passwords unencrypted, such as Telnet. With
the SSH slogin command, the entire login session, including the password, is encrypted and
protected against attack.
Note: SSH uses port 22.

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Figure 13-22: SSH.

AFP
The Apple File Protocol (AFP) has been around since the 1980s when it was introduced as part of
the original AppleTalk network system. For Macs communicating with other Macs, this is still often
AFP
used.
Starting with OS X Mavericks, Apple began the migration from AFP to SMB2 to make cross-
platform file sharing easier, faster, and more secure. Macs running OS X 10.9 Mavericks
automatically default to SMB2 when talking to each other. (AFP is used as a fallback when sharing
files with older Macs.)
When communicating with other systems such as Windows systems, Mac users will use SMB2.
Note: AFP uses port 548.

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ACTIVITY 13-4
Identifying Network Ports and Protocols

Scenario
You want to learn more about the ports and protocols you recently learned about. You also want to
see which ports and protocols are in use on your computer when you perform different tasks.

1. Examine which ports are in use by which applications. Be prepared to assist

a) Open an administrative command prompt. students as needed.
b) At the command prompt, enter netstat -o
c) Observe the list of processes that are running. The number after the colon is the port number for the
running process.
d) Open a web browser and then resize the browser so it is next to the command prompt window.
e) At the command prompt, enter netstat -o again.
f) In the web browser, open google.com.
g) At the command prompt, enter netstat -o and then record one of the PID numbers for a process.
h) Press q to stop the list.
i) Enter tasklist /fi "pid eq ###" /fo list /v where #### is the PID number you recorded.
j) Observe the ports that are in use.

2. Select one of the ports from this topic, and using your preferred search site, find out more information
about where, when, and why the protocol is used.
Share your results with the class.
a) Using the google.com search page you opened in the browser, locate and briefly review the RFC for
the port.
b) Determine which apps use the port.
c) Review any security concerns regarding the port.

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TOPIC E
Networking Tools
Now that you have covered network connection methods, ports, and protocols, you are ready to
take a closer look at tools used to properly install, configure, and maintain all parts of a network.
Working with networks can be challenging depending on the size, location, and environment. In
order to properly and safely work with networking components, you must understand how
networking tools are used and how they can be used to fix common issues found in networks.

Cable Testers
A cable tester, also called a media tester, is an electrical instrument that verifies if a signal is present on a
network cable. A simple cable tester will determine whether a cable has an end-to-end connection
Cable Tester
and can detect shorts or opens, but it cannot certify the cable for transmission quality.

Consider demonstrating
the use of a cable tester.

Figure 13-23: A cable tester.

Cable Strippers
A cable stripper, also called a wire stripper, is often part of a wire crimper, allowing the user to strip
wires of their protective coating, and then use the crimping tool to attach a media connector.
Cable Strippers

If you have pieces of

cable and wire strippers,
have students try
stripping the outer
covering from the cable.

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Figure 13-24: A cable stripper.

Crimpers
A wire crimper is a tool that attaches media connectors to the ends of cables. You can use it if you
need to make your own network cables or trim the end of a cable. There are different crimpers for
different types of connectors, so select the one that is appropriate for the type of network media you Crimpers
are working with. A wire stripper is often part of a wire crimper, allowing the user to strip wires of
their protective coating, and then use the crimping tool to attach a media connector.
If you have cable
connectors and
crimpers, consider
having students use
them to create cables
they can use. If you
follow this suggestion,
be sure to test the
cables that you make.

Figure 13-25: A wire crimper.

Multimeters
A multimeter is an electronic instrument used to measure voltage, current, and resistance. It usually
has two probes with leads, one red and one black, that are plugged into two sockets on the meter.
To switch between measuring volts, ohms, and amps, the leads can be moved to different sockets, Multimeter
or there may be a selector switch. Digital meters have a screen that displays the numeric value of
what you are measuring. Analog meters have a thin needle that swings in an arc and indicates the
value of what you are measuring. Many meters also have specific settings for testing circuit
continuity, diodes, or battery charges. Multimeters are sometimes called volt-ohm meters. Demonstrate the use of
the multimeter.
Note: Use a digital multimeter whenever possible. It is much more difficult to read and interpret
an analog multimeter accurately.

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Figure 13-26: Multimeters.

Tone Generators and Probes

A tone generator is a device that sends an electrical signal through one pair of UTP wires. A tone locator
or a tone probe is a device that emits an audible tone when it detects a signal in a pair of wires. Tone
Tone Generators and
generators and tone locators are most commonly used on telephone systems to trace wire pairs. A
Probes digital toner and toner probe trace and locate voice, audio, and video cabling on a network. In
addition to confirming the cable location, a toner and probe can verify continuity and detect faults.

Demonstrate the use of

the tone generator if you
have one available.

Figure 13-27: A tone generator and a tone locator.

Note: The combination of a tone generator and tone locator is frequently referred to as “fox
and hound.”

Do not confuse tone generators and tone locators with cable testers. Tone generators and tone
locators can only help you differentiate between different UTP cables.
To locate a cable in a group of cables, connect the tone generator to the copper ends of the wires;
then move the tone locator over the group of cables. A soft beeping tone indicates that you are
close to the correct wire set; when the beeping is loudest, you have found the cable.
Caution: Do not connect a tone generator to a cable that is connected to a NIC. The signal sent
by the tone generator can destroy network equipment.

Loopback Plugs
A loopback plug is any tool that causes the device to transmit a signal back to itself. It is typically used
for diagnosing transmission problems that redirect electrical signals back to the transmitting system.
Loopback Plugs
It typically plugs into a port and crosses over the transmit line to the receive line. Many times
technicians will construct their own device based on their specific needs, but it can be used to test
Ethernet network interface cards (NICs).

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Figure 13-28: A loopback plug.

Punch Down Tools

A punch down tool is used in a wiring closet to connect cable wires directly to a patch panel. The tool
strips the insulation from the end of the wire and embeds the wire into the connection at the back
of the panel. The punch down tool makes connecting wires to a patch panel easier than it would be Punch Down Tools
to connect them by hand. Without the punch down tool, you would have to strip the wire manually
and connect it by twisting it or tightening it around a connection pole or screw.
Note: The technical name for a punch down tool is an Insulation Displacement Connector Emphasize that punch
(IDC). down tools are used
when no connectors are
attached to the end of
the cable.

Wi-Fi Analyzer
Figure 13-29: A punch down tool.

If there are wireless

Wi-Fi Analyzers networks near you,
consider installing a Wi-
A spectrum analyzer is an instrument that displays the variation of signal strength against the Fi analyzer and
frequency. demonstrating its use.
A wireless tester, wireless locator, or a Wi-Fi analyzer, is a Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer used to detect devices
and points of interference, as well as analyze and troubleshoot network issues on a WLAN or other
wireless networks. Like network analyzers, wireless testers give an overview of the health of a Point out that Wi-Fi
WLAN in one central location, enabling technicians to troubleshoot problems efficiently. analyzers can be
When a wireless network is detected, the Wi-Fi analyzer displays information such as the SSID, downloaded as free
apps to computers,
average signal quality, MAC address, and channel frequency. You can then use this information to tablets, and
help optimize your wireless network. smartphones.

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Networking Utilities
Microsoft includes a variety of tools in its Windows operating systems that you can use to
troubleshoot TCP/IP.
Networking Utilities
Tool Use To
ipconfig Verify the configuration of TCP/IP and to release or renew DHCP IP address
leases. (Other operating systems use different commands instead of
ipconfig. For example, Linux uses ifconfig.)
ping Test TCP/IP communications. With the -t switch, you can ping the indicated
host until the request gets interrupted; with the -l [number] switch, you can
send a ping of a specified buffer size.
tracert Determine and test all points along the route the computer uses to send a
packet to a destination. If tracert is unsuccessful, you can use the results
generated to determine at what point communications are failing. (Linux uses
traceroute.)
nslookup Verify that the computer can connect to a DNS server and successfully find
an IP address for a given computer name.
netstat Show the status of each active network connection; netstat will display
statistics for both TCP and UDP, including protocol, local address, foreign
address, and the TCP connection state. Because UDP is connectionless, no
connection information will be shown for UDP packets.
net Manage Microsoft network resources from a command line. With the use
option, you can connect or disconnect the computer from a shared resource.
You can also retrieve information about current network connections. To see
all of the available commands in this suite, type net /? at a command line.
Device connection Depending on whether you are using a wired or wireless network connection,
status the connection status might be called something like Local Area Connection or
Wireless Network Connection. Verify that the device is connected to the network
and able to send and receive data.
Network Walk you through the resolutions to various common network problems.
troubleshooters There are several network-related troubleshooters in the Help and Support
Center that can help.

ipconfig Options
Time permitting, have The ipconfig command provides several options that are helpful for network maintenance and
students display the man troubleshooting.
page for ifconfig on their
Linux virtual machine Command Enables You To
and compare the
functionality with ipconfig ipconfig /all View the computer's host name, DNS domain name, and for each
options shown here. network interface, the physical (MAC) address, the IPv4 and IPv6
addresses, subnet mask and link-local address, default gateway, and DNS
server(s). In addition, you can use this display to determine whether the
computer was configured through DHCP or APIPA. If the computer
obtained its addressing through DHCP, you will also see information
about the DHCP lease and the IP address of the DHCP server.
ipconfig /release Release the IP addressing information assigned to the computer by the
DHCP server or APIPA.

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Command Enables You To

ipconfig /renew Lease IP addressing information from a DHCP server or APIPA. If the
computer already has a good IP address leased, it will not renew unless
you release the address first.
ipconfig /flushdns Clear DNS information on the client so that client updates with new
configuration information more quickly. This command is also used for
troubleshooting in situations where the client has incorrect information in
its DNS cache.
ipconfig / Register the client with its DNS server.
registerdns

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ACTIVITY 13-5
Identifying Networking Tools

Scenario
You recently learned about some of the more powerful and popular networking tools you will
encounter as a PC technician. You decide to try them out to see how they work.

Briefly explain the 1. You need to determine if a cable is carrying a signal. Which networking tools might help you?
various types of
information displayed by
☐ Crimpers
the ipconfig /all ☑ Cable testers
command. If you have
remote participants,
☑ Multimeters
point out where their ☐ Punch down tool
information might differ
from the information 2. You need to connect cable wires to a patch panel. Which networking tool might help you?
shown on the computers
in the physical
○ Crimpers
classroom. ○ Loopback plug
◉ Punch down tool
○ Toner probe
Provide the IP address
or DNS name for the 3. Open a command prompt.
domain controller in step
5a. a) Press Windows Key+R to open the Run dialog box.
b) In the Open text box, enter cmd

4. Display and examine the TCP/IP configuration information for your computer.
Discuss why or why not
participants would a) Enter ipconfig /all
receive a response from b) Scroll through the results of the command as your instructor describes the information that is
the target computer in displayed.
step 5b.
5. Verify network connectivity with the APLUS-DC server.
a) Ping the classroom server by IP address or name.
Briefly describe the
b) Examine the results. Were you able to reach the target computer?
output of the netstat
command.
6. Examine the status of network connections on your computer.
a) Enter netstat
b) Examine the results as your instructor describes them.
Briefly describe the
output of the net /?
and net 7. View help for the net command.
helpcommands. a) Enter net /?
b) Enter net help
c) Examine the results as your instructor describes them.
Encourage participants d) Select at least one of the net help commands (such as net help view) and display detailed
to select different net help information. Share your findings with the rest of the class.
help commands in step
7d so that they can 8. Close the command prompt.
share the information
they discover with the
rest of the class.

Lesson 13: Networking Technologies | Topic E

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 463

Summary
In this lesson, you identified many different network technologies. Networking is at the heart of any
type of business. Without it, a business simply cannot function in today's world. It is your job to
ensure that the networks behind the business are running properly and managed correctly.

What do you think are the most important network concepts covered in this lesson?
A: Answers will vary, depending on the setup of the work or home computing environments the students
Encourage students to
use. For example, if an individual is a gamer, he or she might be drawn more toward issues of LANs use the social
and bandwidth. If a person has interest in one day being a system administrator, he or she might be networking tools
drawn to technologies such as wireless connectivity. provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow
What experience do you have with any of the technologies discussed in this lesson? up with their peers after
A: Answers will vary according to the backgrounds of different individuals. Possible experiences include: the course is completed
troubleshooting your own Internet connectivity problems, or setting up a home network for a friend or for further discussion
and resources to support
family member by using a router or switch.
continued learning.
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 13: Networking Technologies |

14 Installing and
Configuring Networking
Capabilities

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will install and configure networking capabilities. You will:
• Configure basic Windows networking.
• Configure Windows proxy and firewall settings.
• Use selected Windows networking features.
• Install and configure SOHO networks.

Lesson Introduction
In the last lesson, you identified networking technologies. With that knowledge, you are
now prepared to implement those technologies. In this lesson, you will install and configure
networking capabilities.
As an A+ technician, your duties might include setting up and configuring PCs so that they
can connect to a network. By installing and configuring networking capabilities, you will be
able to provide users with the connectivity they need to be able to perform their job duties.
466 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Configure Basic Windows Networking
In the previous lesson, you focused on the network infrastructure and how it all works together.
Now you can take a look at how the operating system is configured to run on the hardware. In this
topic, you will configure Windows networking.
Once all the hardware and connections are made in a networking environment, you will need to
make sure that the operating system is configured to use the hardware successfully. It is important to
fully understand not only the hardware and the connections within a network, but also how
Windows will need to be setup and configured to accomplish connectivity with the resources of a
network.

Network Connection Types

You can connect devices to a network in several ways. How those devices communicate with one
another is determined by the connection method:
Network Connection • Virtually, using a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
Types • Using a dial-up connection.
• Wirelessly, through a wireless access point (WAP).
• Wired, using Ethernet cabling.
• Using a WWAN cellular connection.

Network Location Settings

Windows is configured to recognize three different network locations depending on what type of
network you are connecting to. Network settings can be determined during the Windows 7
Network Location
installation, or they will be set the first time the device is connected to a network.
Settings

Point out that the same

options are available in
Windows 8/8.1 and
Windows Vista.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 467

Figure 14-1: Network settings in Windows.

The following table describes each of the network location settings.

Location Description

Home The Home network setting is used for small home networks where devices are Make sure students
trusted. All devices connected in a home network must be part of a workgroup or have a good
part of a homegroup. This allows all devices to recognize and see one another understanding of the
different location settings
within the network using the network discovery function.
before moving on.
Work The Work network setting is used for small private business networks. In this
configuration all devices are part of a workgroup and can see one another as
peers, but cannot join as a homegroup.
Public The Public setting is used when devices connect to a network in a public space.
This setting automatically applies security settings for that location and protects
your device from unauthorized access via the public network.

Network Card Properties

A computing device's network card can be configured for optimal performance and specific
network requirements. For integrated NICs, many of the following properties can be configured in
the system BIOS. Network Card Properties

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

468 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Property Description

Speed and duplex The speed and duplex of the NIC can determine how efficiently data
settings transmissions are sent. The speed can range from 10 MB/s to 1,000 MB/s
and can run in three different modes:
• Half duplex permits two-way communication, but only in one direction at a
time.
• Full duplex permits simultaneous two-way communication.
• Auto negotiation is used to negotiate a speed and duplex method that is
compatible with the network router or switch. In this process the NIC can
respond quickly with a speed that meets the requirements of the network
device.
Note: In most cases, this will be set to Auto negotiation and this is the
value you will want.

Wake-on-LAN Wake-on-LAN (WOL) is a networking capability that is built into a device's

NIC circuitry that allows a device to turn on, or power up, when a network
message is received by another computing device. You can check if your NIC
has this functionality by booting up the system BIOS and checking the NIC
card properties.
PoE Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology standard that enables both power and
data to be transmitted over an Ethernet cable. NICs that are PoE compliant
will allow both power and data to be sent as long as the device itself is also
PoE compliant. PoE is commonly used to power and transmit data for APs
that are installed in locations where AC outlets are not available.
QoS Quality of service (QoS) allows NICs to prioritize and manage data traffic in
order to fully support the networking needs for all devices connected.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Network Card Properties.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 469

ACTIVITY 14-1
Configuring Network Card Properties

Scenario
In your test lab, you want to see at what speed your VMs are connecting to the network. You also
want to verify that the VMs are configured to use full duplex communication.

1. View the connection speed of your Windows 8.1 VM.

a) Open Control Panel.
b) Select Network and Internet.
c) Open Network and Sharing Center.
d) From the Network and Sharing Center, select Change adapter settings.
e) Right-click the NIC and select Status.
f) In the status dialog box, observe the Speed. Is the speed what you expected it to be? If not, is it
higher or lower than you expected? Consider reasons for the discrepancy, if any are found.
g) Select Close. Point out that the speed
might be lower than
2. View the speed and duplex settings for your NIC. expected because there
a) Right-click the network card and select Properties. might be an older,
b) Select Configure. slower device in the
chain that operates at a
c) Select the Advanced tab.
slower speed, causing
d) From the Property list, select Speed & Duplex. the overall speed to be
lower than expected.
Note: In most cases, you will leave this at Auto negotiate.

e) Examine the options under Value.

f) If the value is acceptable, select Cancel. If necessary, change the value and select OK.

3. Record IP address and related settings.

a) Display the Properties for the network card. Let students know what
b) On the Networking tab, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then select Properties. IP address, subnet
c) Use the following table to record the IP address and related settings. mask, default gateway,
and DNS server values
Parameter Value they should enter.

Static IP address
Subnet mask
Default gateway
DNS server address

It's a good practice to record these values in case you have issues with connectivity in the future.
d) Select OK.
e) Close the network card properties dialog box.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

470 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Alternate IP Address Configurations

In some cases you may need to configure an alternative IP address for your client computer. By
configuring a static backup addressing scheme, you can ensure connectivity when DHCP is
Alternate IP Address
unavailable. Make sure to assign an appropriate IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, as well as at
Configuration least one DNS server address.

Share examples of when

this might be appropriate
to configure.

Figure 14-2: Alternate IP address settings.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Alternate IP Addresses.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 471

ACTIVITY 14-2
Configuring Alternate IP Addresses

Scenario
A technician recently configured some network cards to use static IP addresses for several users.
These users also need to be able to communicate with the Linux users whose computers are on
another network, without additional configuration on their parts.

1. Open the properties for the network adapter and IPv4.

a) If necessary, open Network Connections, select the network card, and open the properties dialog
box for the network card.
b) In the properties dialog box, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then select
Properties.

2. Set up the alternate configuration.

a) Select the Alternate Configuration tab.
b) Select User configured. Provide each student
c) For the IP address, type 192.168.0.a, where a is your student number plus 200. with IP addresses in the
d) For the Subnet mask, type 255.255.255.0. 192.168.0 network, or if
e) For the Default gateway, type the value provided by your instructor. your classroom
environment uses a
f) For the Preferred DNS server, type the value provided by your instructor.
different configuration,
g) Select OK twice. provide valid alternate IP
h) Close all open windows and dialog boxes. address information to
i) If prompted, restart your computer. the students.

Windows Networking Options

There are three networking options available in Windows:
• Homegroups
• Workgroups Windows Networking
• Domains Options

Homegroups, workgroups, and domains are different organizational and security models for
Windows networking.
• Homegroups provide easy file and printer sharing, but are available only for Windows 7, 8, and
8.1 computers.
• Workgroups are unstructured collections of individual named computers and are usually
deployed in homes and small offices.
• Domains require a specially configured Windows Server computer called a domain controller and
are most often used in corporate environments with centralized administration.

Effects of Domain Membership

Domain controllers run the Microsoft Active Directory® directory service. To fully participate in the
benefits of an Active Directory domain, client computers must become members of the domain.
Domain membership means:
• The computer has a computer account object within the directory database.
• Computer users can log on to the domain with domain user accounts.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

472 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

• The computer and its users are subject to centralized domain security, configuration, and policy
settings.
• Certain domain accounts automatically become members of local groups on the computer.

Prestaging Computer Accounts

In Windows Server 2012, as well as other versions of Windows Server, you can create the computer
accounts in Active Directory before you join the computer to the domain. This process is called
prestaging, and requires administrative privileges to add Active Directory objects.

Directory Services
A network directory, or directory service, is a centralized database that includes objects such as servers,
clients, computers, user names, and passwords. The directory is stored on one or more servers and
Directory Services
is available throughout the enterprise. The directory provides centralized administration and
centralized authentication.
Note: There are many directory services available from different network vendors. Some

c.
directory services include Microsoft's Active Directory Domain Services, Open LDAP, and

, In
Novell's eDirectory, although eDirectory is now less common.

ns
tio
ra
pe
lO
ica
og
6L

Figure 14-3: A network directory.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Join a Computer to a Domain.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 473

ACTIVITY 14-3
Joining a Computer to a Domain

Before You Begin

A domain controller named APLUS-CLASS has been created and configured as part of the course
setup.

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine the current networking configuration for your computer and for
the VM you created. Then, you will join your computer to the APLUS-CLASS domain, and re-
examine the networking configuration settings to see how they changed.

1. Determine the network configuration for your host computer.

a) Open Control Panel to System.
b) In the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section, observe the Computer name, Full
computer name, and Workgroup settings for the computer.
c) Minimize the System Control Panel.

2. Determine the network configuration for the Upgrd## virtual machine.

a) Switch to the Upgrd## VM.
b) Determine the Computer name, Full computer name, and Workgroup settings for the Upgrd## VM.
c) Close the System Control Panel within the VM.

3. Join your host computer to the APLUS-CLASS domain.

a) Switch back to the System window for the host computer. If students get an error
b) Select Change settings. regarding no network
c) In the System Properties dialog box, on the Computer Name tab, select Change. path being available, it is
likely caused by a TCP
d) Select the Domain radio button, type APLUS-CLASS and select OK.
binding issue created by
e) In the Windows Security dialog box, for User name, type Admin## and for Password, type ! the virtual switch. If this
Pass1234 and then select OK. occurs, have students
f) Acknowledge the welcome message, and then restart the computer when you are prompted to do shut down the VM
so. machines, disable the
g) When the computer restarts, press any key, select Switch User and select Other User. For User external virtual switch,
name, type aplus-class\admin## and for Password, type !Pass1234 and select Enter to log on to the and if it still doesn't
APLUS-CLASS domain. work, have them remove
the external virtual
4. Examine the changes to the networking configuration. switch.
a) On the host computer, open the System Control Panel.
b) In the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section, examine the Computer name, Full
computer name, and Workgroup settings for the computer. Make sure that
The settings should reflect a change to the Full computer name, where the name should resemble participants are joining
Client##.aplus-class.com and the Workgroup setting should have been replaced with the Domain the host computer to the
setting, where the Domain is aplus-class.com. domain, not the VM.
c) Close the System Control Panel.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic A

474 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC B
Configure Network Perimeters
Through the use of features such as proxy servers and firewalls, you can help prevent unauthorized
access to systems. In this topic, you will examine and configure settings for using proxy servers and
Windows Firewall.

Proxy Settings
In computer networking, a proxy is a system that acts as an intermediary for requests for resources.
Client proxy software can be installed on any client machine to add an additional level of security
Proxy Settings between the client machine and the proxy server. Data requests sent from the client get routed from
the client side proxy through a back channel directly to the proxy server. The key part of this
relationship is the additional metadata attached to the request by the client proxy that aids with
identification once it hits the proxy server. So in essence the client proxy and the server proxy work
together to provide quick identification and access to resources.
When configuring a client computer, use the following settings:
• Set the proxy server settings to the correct IP address.
• Exceptions can be set to include ranges (for example, you can bypass a proxy server if you access
anything in the 192.168.x.y scope).
• Proxy settings can be set so that all HTTP or FTP connections use a proxy server, but no other
connections.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Proxy Settings.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic B

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 475

ACTIVITY 14-4
Configuring Proxy Settings

Scenario
You don't currently have a proxy server on the network, but there are plans to put one in place
soon. You want to make sure you know how to configure Internet Explorer to take advantage of
the proxy server once it is up and running.

1. Access Internet Explorer options.

a) Open Internet Explorer.
b) Select the Tools button.

2. Configure proxy settings.

a) Select the Connections tab.
b) Select LAN settings.
c) Check Use a proxy server for your LAN.
d) Observe the Address text box. This is where you would enter the address of the proxy server.
e) Check Bypass proxy server for local addresses.
f) Select Advanced. Notice that you can specify proxy address and port numbers for various protocols,
or use the same proxy server for all protocols. You can also configure a list of exceptions for which
you do not want to use the proxy server.
g) Select Cancel until all dialog boxes are closed.
h) Close Internet Explorer.

Windows Firewall Settings

Windows client firewalls can be configured for networking to ensure that they are secure against
unauthorized access attempts and attacks. Consider the following settings when setting up the
firewall: Windows Firewall
• Enabling or disabling port security on certain ports. Settings (2 Slides)
• Inbound and outbound filtering. The user can set up rules or exceptions in the firewall settings
to limit access to the web.
• Reporting and logging activity.
• Malware and spyware protection.
• Pop-up blocking.
• Port assigning, forwarding, and triggering.
• Enabling or disabling the Windows Firewall when necessary.
Windows Firewall is a software-based firewall that is included with all currently supported versions
of Windows operating systems. Once an operating system is installed, Windows Firewall is
automatically installed and enabled. By default, the firewall blocks unsolicited incoming traffic on all
ports. You can open blocked ports and configure other firewall settings by using the Windows
Firewall program in the Control Panel or through Windows Security Policy Settings. Windows
Firewall offers many security options and can be configured to drop outgoing traffic as well as
incoming traffic.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic B

476 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

DMZs
A demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a small section of a private network that is located between two
firewalls and made available for public access. A DMZ enables external clients to access data on
DMZs
private systems, such as web servers, without compromising the security of the internal network as a
whole. The external firewall enables public clients to access the service whereas the internal firewall
prevents them from connecting to protected internal hosts.
In small offices, DMZs are commonly used to protect any client-facing web servers. This security
method prevents any hackers from seeing the private internal IP scheme.

Figure 14-4: A section of a private network available for public access.

DMZs might also be referred to as perimeter networks or screened subnets.

NAT Implementations
In order to keep internal addresses private, Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to conceal
internal private IP addresses from external networks. A router is configured with a single public IP
NAT Implementations
address on its external interface and a private address on its internal interface. A NAT service
running on the router or on another system translates between the two addressing schemes. Packets
sent to the Internet from internal hosts all appear as if they came from a single IP address, thus
preventing external hosts from identifying and connecting directly to internal systems.
Note: A vast internal network can be configured with a single public address, which makes NAT
both secure and cost-efficient.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic B

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 477

Figure 14-5: NAT Implementation.

NAT can be implemented as software on a variety of systems or as hardware in a dedicated device

such as a router. Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows systems includes a simple software-
based NAT implementation, but requires a separate device, such as a modem, to provide actual
Internet connectivity. Hardware-based NAT devices, such as cable modems and DSL routers, often
have extended functionality and can double as Internet access devices.

DNAT
In static NAT, each internal address is mapped to a single specific public address. In dynamic NAT
(DNAT), there is not a one-to-one ratio of internal to external addresses; any number of internal
addresses can share a pool of external addresses. DNAT
6

Figure 14-6: DNAT.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Windows Firewall Settings.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic B

478 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

ACTIVITY 14-5
Configuring Windows Firewall Settings

Scenario
Some users have been having problems getting to online sites and intranet sites. You want to make
sure that the Windows Firewall settings are not causing the issue. Also, you recently attended a
security seminar where you learned about using Windows Firewall to prevent users from accessing
systems that are not up-to-date.

Point out that if a third- 1. Access Windows Firewall settings.

party firewall is being a) Open Control Panel.
used, some of the b) Select System and Security if you are using Categories.
settings cannot be c) Select Internet Options.
managed through
d) Select Windows Firewall.
Control Panel.
e) Observe the current configuration.

2. Examine the firewall settings options for Private and Public networks.
a) In the left pane, select Turn Windows Firewall on or Off.
All of the settings should be enabled.
b) Select the Back button next to the address bar.

3. Examine the firewall rules.

a) In the left pane, select Advanced Settings.
b) Scroll through and observe settings for Inbound Rules and then for Outbound Rules.

4. Configure Connection Security Rules.

a) Right-click Connection Security Rules and then select New Rule.
You might need to select Connection Security Rules and then right-click it.
b) Examine the types of connection security rules you can create. The wizard guides you through
configuring each type of rule.
c) With Isolation selected, select Next.
d) Examine the settings for when authentication occurs, then select Next.
e) Examine the available authentication methods, then select Next.
f) Verify all boxes are checked so that the rule applies to Domain, Public, and Private network
connections, then select Next.
g) In the Name text box, type Isolation Rule and then select Finish.

5. Disable the rule and close Windows Firewall windows.

a) Select Isolation Rule and observe the configuration information displayed.
b) Right-click Isolation Rule and select Disable Rule.
c) Close all open windows.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic B

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 479

TOPIC C
Using Windows Networking Features
So far, you have configured Windows networking, including configuring IP addresses, proxy
settings, and firewall settings. Now it's time to test the configuration. In this topic, you will use some
of the most popular features offered on Windows networks.
As an A+ technician, your duties might include supporting users with some basic networking tasks,
as well as helping troubleshoot their PCs' configurations. By configuring and using common
Windows features such as network shares and Remote Desktop, you'll be well-equipped to support
the users in your organization.

Windows Network Shares

On Windows systems, you can share folders by modifying the folders' properties. When you share a
folder, you assign it a share name that can be different from the underlying folder name. You can
share the folder more than once using different names. Network Shares
Users can connect to the shared folder by browsing to the computer in Network, or by selecting
Start→Run and entering the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path to the folder, in the form
\\computername\sharename. Be aware that a shared folder has two sets of permissions: the NTFS
permissions (which are on the Security tab of that folder's Properties) and the share permissions
(which are on the Shared tab of that folder's Properties). The security permissions do not
automatically change once a folder is designated as a share, and there is no propagation between the
two.
Users can also map a network share as a drive on their computer. This assigns the network share a
letter (e.g., F:), just as if it were a local drive. Windows and running applications can more easily
interface with mapped network drives. You can map a network share as a drive by opening the Map
Network Drive wizard and providing the drive letter and network path to the share.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 14-7: Windows network shares.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic C

480 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

File Sharing with OS X

When you use OS X, you can share files in the Public folder for your user account with up to 10
other network users. (Sharing with more users requires OS X Server.) You will need to make the
File Sharing with OS X
AppleTalk® service active, assign a network name to your computer, and start the file sharing
service. Other OS X users on your local network can then connect to your system by selecting
Connect To Server from the Go menu and browsing for your computer’s name. They can access
files in your Public folder, and place files in your Drop Box folder.
For more information about file sharing in OS X, including information on how to make other
folders public, share files with remote users on the Internet, and share with computers running
different operating systems, see the technical document "Mac 101: File sharing" on the Apple
Computer website at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1549.

File Sharing with UNIX or Linux

UNIX and Linux are typically used as centralized network file servers, rather than for ad hoc peer-
to-peer resource sharing. These systems generally use the Network File System (NFS) protocol to
File Sharing with UNIX
share files with other UNIX and Linux systems. NFS enables clients to see the files on the shared
or Linux system as if they were part of the client's own local file system.
The specific steps for implementing file sharing with NFS will vary depending on your operating
system version and also depending on whether you use shell commands or your system's Graphical
User Interface (GUI) to configure the service. This is also true for the commands or steps the
clients will need to use to mount the file systems that NFS exports.

Windows Administrative Shares

Certain folders are shared by default on every Windows system. These administrative shares can be
deleted, but by default, the system will re-create them every time it restarts (unlike local shares,
Windows Administrative
which do not get re-created if they are deleted). The administrative shares are hidden shares, which
Shares means that they have a dollar sign ( $ ) appended to the share name. (You can create your own
hidden shares by doing the same thing.) You can connect to hidden shares by entering a Universal
Naming Convention (UNC) path, but otherwise, the shares are not visible on the network.
You can see all shares on a system, including administrative shares, by opening Computer
Management, expanding Shared Folders, and selecting the Shares node. You should see the
following administrative shares on every Windows system:
• The root of each drive on the system is shared with its drive letter. Thus, the C drive is shared
administratively as C$, the D drive is shared as D$, and so on.
• The folder where Windows is installed, usually the C:\Windows folder, is shared as ADMIN$.
• An InterProcess Communication (IPC) network object is created and shared as IPC$. This does
not represent a local folder, but enables computers to establish network sessions.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Create a Network Share.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Map a Network Share.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities | Topic C

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 481

ACTIVITY 14-6
Creating a Network Share

Scenario
You have a group of users that need to share some files in a folder on the department server. Before
you set it up for the users, you want to try out network shares on a test folder to make sure you
know how it works.

1. Navigate to the C: drive and create a folder named Share# with the # being your student number. How share permissions
are exposed to the user
2. Share the Share# folder with Everyone, and grant Read/Write share permissions. varies depending on the
a) Select the folder, display its pop-up menu, and select Share with. specific Windows
b) Select Specific people to open the File Sharing wizard. operating system and
c) On the Choose people to share with page, select the down arrow next to the text box and select how it is configured. This
Find people. In the Select Users or Groups dialog box, type everyone. Select Check Names and activity uses the
then select OK. simplified Read and
Read/Write share
d) In the list, select Everyone, and then select the down arrow under Permission Level. Select Read/
permissions. Depending
Write.
on your students, you
e) Select Share. may want to consider
f) In the User Account Control dialog box, in the user name text box, type APLUS-CLASS/ opening the shared
Administrator##. folder's properties and
g) In the Password text box, type !Pass1234 and select Yes. discussing the
h) Select Done. underlying advanced
share permissions: Full
Control, Change, and
Read.
Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop is used to operate a Windows computer from a remote location as if you were in
front of it. Depending on the permissions you define, you will have full access to all resources,
including printers, storage devices, and the network to which the machine is attached. You are even Remote Desktop
capable of accessing multiple machines at once or hopping to multiple machines in a chain, by
running Remote Desktop on each machine on the daisy chain. In other words, Computer01 has a
Remote Desktop connection to Computer02, and Computer02 has a Remote Desktop connection
to Computer03. Computer01 has access to Computer03 through the open window that displays
Computer02's desktop.
The biggest limitation of Remote Desktop on Windows is that only one person can be logged in to
the machine at once, so once you log in using Remote Desktop, the monitor at the local computer
will go to the login screen. If a local user logs in, the remote user will be disconnected. Remote
Desktop is not really a remote diagnostic and troubleshooting tool as much as a management tool.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Remote Desktop.

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ACTIVITY 14-7
Configuring and Using Remote Desktop

Before You Begin

You will work with a partner for this activity.

Scenario
Members of the PC Technician team take turns being on call after hours and weekends. One of the
ways to be efficient at doing this support is to have access to your work computer from home so
that you have access to the information and tools on your work computer. You decide to try using
Remote Desktop Connection to do this.

1. Set up your computer so that it allows remote connections.

a) Open Control Panel and select System.
b) Select Remote settings.
c) If prompted, enter your admin## password.
d) In System Properties dialog box, in the Remote Desktop section, select Allow remote connections to
this computer.
e) Acknowledge the message regarding sleep and hibernation settings.
f) Select Select Users.
g) In the Remote Desktop Users dialog box, select Add.
h) In the Select Users or Groups dialog box, enter your user name, then select OK.

2. Connect to your PC using Remote Desktop.

Consider having a) Switch computers with your partner.
students switch between b) Using the Search charm, search for and select remote desktop connection
full screen and restore c) In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, type the name of the PC that you allowed remote
down state to see the connections to.
difference in using the d) Select Connect.
commands.
e) When prompted for your password, enter it.

3. Perform tasks on the remote computer.

a) From the Remote Desktop Connection bar at the top of the window, select the Remote Commands
arrow on the left, then select Charms.

Note: If the Remote Desktop Connection window is not full screen, the
commands are not visible. Right-click the top of the Remote Desktop
Connection window to display a pop-up menu, then select Remote
Commands to see the options including Charms.
b) Select Settings→PC Info and verify that it is showing information about the remote computer.
c) Open a command prompt window on the remote PC and enter ipconfig to verify that you are viewing
the IP settings for your remote PC.
d) Close the command prompt window.
e) From the Remote Commands menu, select Start to switch between the Start screen and the
Desktop.
f) With the Start screen displayed, from the Remote Commands menu, select App Commands to
display the customization options.
g) Select App Commands again. Notice that a box appears around the first tile on the Start screen.
You can now use the arrow keys to move between tiles on the Start screen.

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4. End the remote session.

a) At the top center of the Remote Connection window, select the Close button.
b) When prompted that your remote session will be disconnected, select OK.

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TOPIC D
Install and Configure SOHO Networks
Previously in this course, you covered basic networking concepts, the Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) addressing scheme, and how networks are connected. In this
topic, you will use that knowledge to install and configure a SOHO network.
SOHO networks are much like the larger corporate networks, just on a much smaller scale. No
matter what the size or location of the network, you are still responsible for understanding how it is
structured and configured. A+ technicians must understand the needs and complexities of SOHO
wired and wireless networks.

SOHO Networks
A SOHO network is a network that provides connectivity and resource sharing for a small office or
home office. Generally limited to fewer than 20 computers or nodes, a SOHO network often
SOHO Networks
facilitates sharing of files and printers, as well as services such as email, faxing, and so forth. A
SOHO network can contain a combination of wired and wireless computer connections, and all of
the computing devices in a SOHO network usually share the same physical location.
Ask students if they
have set up or used a
SOHO network. This will
help you gauge how in-
depth you will need to go
with some of the
concepts in this topic.

Figure 14-8: A SOHO Network.

How Small is Small?

SOHO networks can range in size, and there is no real consensus as to the maximum number of
nodes that can be in a SOHO network. Some sources cite the maximum as 10 nodes, while others
say that four or five nodes is the maximum.

Basic QoS
The amount of data being transmitted over networks is rising every day. Also, the type of data being
transferred is changing. Traditional applications such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Telnet are
Basic QoS
now outnumbered by real-time multimedia applications such as IP telephony, multimedia
applications, and videoconferencing. FTP and Telnet are very sensitive to packet loss but are
tolerant to delays in data delivery. The reverse is applicable to multimedia applications; they can
compensate for some amount of packet loss, but are very sensitive toward delays in data delivery.
Therefore, an optimum usage of bandwidth becomes very critical while dealing with multimedia
applications. Low bandwidth may result in a bad quality transmission of real-time applications,

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leading to dropouts or hangs. In small offices, this issue can be a major problem due to the small
network and need to access the Internet. To avoid this, certain parameters were developed to
prioritize bandwidth allocation for real-time applications on networks such as the Internet and
guarantee a specific quality of service (QoS).
QoS parameters include the maximum amount of delay, signal loss, and noise that can be
accommodated for a particular type of network traffic; bandwidth priority; and CPU usage for a
specific stream of data. These parameters are agreed upon by the transmitter and the receiver, the
transmitter being the ISP and the receiver being the subscriber. Both the transmitter and receiver
enter into an agreement known as the Service Level Agreement (SLA). In addition to defining QoS
parameters, the SLA describes remedial measures or penalties to be incurred by an ISP in the event
that the ISP fails to provide the QoS promised in the SLA.

Relevance for SOHO Networks

In SOHO networks, network performance degradation can occur when several users are running
multiple applications or processes (such as downloads) that consume a lot of network bandwidth.
Often, the effects of this are markedly slow Internet connections or connectivity issues with Voice
over IP (VoIP) phones. By implementing basic QoS to prioritize services such as VoIP over file
downloads and Internet surfing, you can ensure that the services that you decide to prioritize are
getting the bandwidth they need.

802.11 Wireless Standards

The 802.11 standard is a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN
technology. 802.11 is also called Wi-Fi, short for "wireless fidelity."
Note: The speed and ranges listed in the table are theoretical values set by the IEEE. The speed 802.11 Wireless
Standards
and range vary in actual use.

802.11 Standard Description

Point out that 802.11b
802.11a 802.11a is an approved specification for a fast, secure, but relatively expensive and g have bigger
wireless protocol. 802.11a supports speeds up to 54 Mbps in the 5 GHz ranges at slower speeds
frequency band. Unfortunately, that speed has a limited range of only 60 feet, than a, n, and ac.
which, depending on how you arrange your access points, could severely limit
user mobility.
802.11b 802.11b is the least expensive wireless network protocol. 802.11b provides for
an 11 Mbps transfer rate in the 2.4 GHz frequency. Some vendors have
increased the rate on their devices. 802.11b has a range up to 1,000 feet in an
open area, and a range of 200 to 400 feet in an enclosed space (where walls
might degrade the signal). It is not compatible with 802.11a. This standard
supports up to 14 channels, but the available channels depend on local
regulations. For instance, in areas where the FCC governs, the available
channels are channel 1 through channel 11.
802.11g 802.11g is a specification for wireless data throughput at the rate of up to 54
Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. It is compatible with 802.11b, and is replacing it due
to its faster speed.
802.11n 802.11n increased speeds dramatically with data throughput up to 600 Mbps in
the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz ranges.

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802.11 Standard Description

802.11ac 802.11ac is a wireless standard that is often described as a "souped up 802.11n."
Speeds have increased again with the lowest being 433 Mbps, and some working
at as much as 1.3 Gbps. One way the speed has been increased is that 802.11ac
only works in the 5 GHz band. (First-generation 802.11ac routers are
concurrent dual-band routers that support 802.11n clients on the 2.4 GHz
frequency band and 802.11ac clients on 5 GHz band.)
It also uses beamforming which transmits radio signals directly at a specific device
using smart antennas.
Note: 802.11ac, Bluetooth, and smart devices are tied to the "Internet of
Things."

Note: Home-based Wi-Fi networks are often susceptible to interference from microwave ovens,
which also operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.

Channels
The 802.11b, g, and n specifications define 14 channels within the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical
(ISM) 2.4 GHz band. Each channel is composed of a range of frequencies transmitting at low
Channels
power, rather than a single frequency transmitting at high power. The data from a single transmitting
node is spread across all frequencies in the channel. Because the overall frequency range of the ISM
band is limited, the channels have been implemented with substantial overlap. Special codes
embedded in the signal give each transmitting node a distinguishing pattern, so that several nodes
Consider installing Wi-Fi can share the same channel at once. At some point, however, the channel becomes saturated with
Analyzer on an Android too many nodes sharing not only the frequencies from their own channel, but also portions of
device or using another
adjacent channels.
Wi-Fi analyzer to show
the channels available
around you.

In the USA, the FCC

restricts usage to only
11 channels.

Figure 14-9: Frequencies and overlap of wireless channels.

The only three channels that have no overlap with each other are 1, 6, and 11. Nonetheless, they still
have overlap with the other channels. In addition, most wireless access points come configured out
of the box with one of these channels. Because of their popularity, these channels may in practice be
busier than some of the others. You should use a wireless spectrum analyzer such as InSSIDer to
find which channels in your area are actually the least busy. Newer access points will auto-negotiate
their channel.
You can use a Wi-Fi analyzer to see the available channels. Depending on the app you use, you
might see which channels are in use near you, the signal quality of the channel, or other information.
One example for Android devices is the Wi-Fi Analyzer app. On a Linux system, you can use the
command sudo iwlist wlan0 scan | grep \(Channel to identify channels that are
experiencing congestion. On Mac systems, hold Option while selecting the Wi-Fi icon on the menu
bar and selecting Open Wireless Diagnostics then Utilities to see the best 2.4 and 5 GHz
channels that are available. Then, configure your wireless router to use a different channel to
optimize the wireless signal.

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Wireless Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting data into a form that is not easily recognized or understood
by anyone who is not authorized to access the data. Only authorized parties with the necessary
decryption information can decode and read the data. Encryption can be one-way, which means the Wireless Encryption
encryption is designed to hide only the cleartext and is never decrypted, or it can be two-way, in
which the encryption can be decrypted back to cleartext and read.

Figure 14-10: Encryption.

The use of wireless computing devices is rapidly increasing every day. This also increases the risk of
wireless security attacks on devices to gain access to secure data and resources. Wireless encryption
conceals and protects data during transmission so that if the data were accessed during transmission
it cannot be read. There are a number of encryption types available to provide encryption over
wireless data transmissions.

Wireless Description
Encryption Type

WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) provides 64-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit encryption
for wireless communication that uses the 802.11a and 802.11b protocols.
While WEP might sound like a good solution at first, it ironically is not as
secure as it should be. The problem stems from the way WEP produces the
keys that are used to encrypt data. Because of a flaw in the method, attackers
could easily generate their own keys by using a wireless network capture tool
to capture and analyze network data and crack WEP in a short period of time.
WPA Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security protocol that was introduced to
address some of the shortcomings in the WEP protocol during the pending
development of the 802.11i IEEE standard. It uses strong authentication and
data encryption mechanisms.
WPA2 provides improved data encryption through the Temporal Key Integrity
Protocol (TKIP), which is a security protocol created by the IEEE 802.11i task
group to replace WEP. It is combined with the existing WEP encryption to
provide a 128-bit encryption key that fixes the key length issues of WEP.
WPA2 or 802.11i 802.11i is a complete wireless standard that adds strong encryption and
authentication security to 802.11 and relies on 802.1x as the authentication
mechanism. 802.11i is sometimes referred to as WPA2.
In addition to TKIP, WPA2 adds Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cipher-
based Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication
Code Protocol (CCMP) encryption for even greater security and to replace
TKIP. It provides a 128-bit encryption key.

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WAPs
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that provides connection between wireless devices and
enables wireless networks to connect to wired networks. A WAP is sometimes called just an AP or a
WAPs
WLAN-AP. WAPs have a network interface to connect to the wired network and a radio antenna or
infrared receiver to receive the wireless signals. Many include security features that enable you to
specify which wireless devices can make connections to the wired network.
Note: These are also referred to as an access point or wireless router.

Figure 14-11: A WAP connecting to a wired network.

SSIDs
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is a 32-bit alphanumeric string that identifies a WAP and all devices
that connect to it. Since a wireless client device must provide the SSID in order to connect to the
SSIDs
WAP, the SSID functions as a sort of password for the wireless network. However, because the
WAP typically broadcasts the SSID in plain text, it does not provide any security. It is more realistic
to think of the SSID as a network name that is applied to the grouping of the WAP and the devices
currently connected to it. The administrator can accept a device's default SSID or specify an SSID
manually to more clearly identify the device.
Note: SSIDs are case-sensitive.

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Figure 14-12: SSID.

Port Triggering and Forwarding

If your router has NAT, then you can also configure port forwarding, which forwards a network
port from one network node to another, and port triggering, which automates port forwarding by
specifying ports (triggering ports) to automatically and dynamically forward inbound traffic to. Port Forwarding and
Triggering

Even though most

people refer to this as
port forwarding and
triggering, you have to
trigger before you can
forward.

Figure 14-13: Port triggering and forwarding.

Router Settings
Most routers available today can be configured for wired and wireless networks. Depending on the
router installation, there are a number of settings that can be configured to ensure connectivity,
security, and access. Router Settings

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Setting Description

Basics Basic settings apply to both wired and wireless routers and can include the ability
to:
• Secure your router or access point administration interface.
• Change default administrator passwords and user names used to access the
router administration page.
• Disable remote administration.
• Secure/disable the reset switch/function.
• Change the default SNMP parameter.
• Regularly upgrade the Wi-Fi router firmware to ensure you have the latest
security patches and critical fixes.
SSID When installing a wireless router, change the default Service Set Identifier (SSID)
and verify that you are not broadcasting out to the network.
MAC filtering Apply MAC address filtering to both wired and wireless routers. By configuring
a wireless access point (WAP) to filter MAC addresses, you can control which
wireless clients may join your network.
Channels Change the default channel on wireless routers. By changing the router channel,
you can optimize data transmission and reduce interference with other routers in
close proximity. If your router is dual channel, then you can easily change from
the default channel to the other channel available. To help determine what
channel is not being used, there are utilities available that can scan the local area
and display used channels. This can be very helpful in choosing a different less-
used channel for your router.
DHCP Depending on the needs of your network, turn on DHCP on both wired and
wireless routers to automatically connect and assign an IP address, or turn it off
and enter a static IP address.

Router Firmware
As with other devices, you might need to update the firmware in your wireless router or WAP. This
might be to take advantage of new features, fix security holes, or patch problems.
Router Firmware Another upgrade to the firmware that some people do is to upgrade to a firmware that is not
provided by the wireless router manufacturer. These are firmware modifications created by groups
that change the functionality of the wireless router. The OpenWrt open source firmware is
If you have a wireless
customizable, or you can download one of the firmware implementations that are already packaged
router that has DD-WRT and ready to install. One example of firmware based on OpenWrt that is ready to use is DD-WRT.
installed (or some other This works well with Linksys wireless routers.
firmware not from the
router manufacturer), Note: For more information about DD-WRT, visit https://www.dd-wrt.com/site.
consider showing
students. If time permits
and you have a
compatible router,
consider having students
UPnP
change the firmware to Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is built into many wireless routers to enable computers, printers, and
another version. other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to be easily discoverable by the router. While this might make
connection easy for your users, it also makes it easy for hackers to discover and take advantage of
UPnP discoverability features as well. The hackers might disable devices or even take over your
UPnP

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devices and network. You should strongly consider disabling UPnP on your routers or make it
available only inside your LAN and not outside of your network.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure SOHO Networks.

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ACTIVITY 14-8
Installing and Configuring a SOHO Network

Before You Begin

In this activity, you will use a simulation so the changes you make in the activity do not affect any
devices on your physical network.

Scenario
You will be helping to set up several SOHO networks for satellite locations. Before you go out into
the various locations, you want to practice configuring the wireless router. You found a simulator
online that uses the same model wireless router you will be installing in the satellite offices.

1. Connect to the wireless router's configuration interface.

a) Open Internet Explorer.
b) In the Address bar, enter http://ui.linksys.com
c) From the list of routers, select the E1200 link.
d) Select the 2.0.04/ link.
e) In the Warning message box, check the Do not show me this again check box and select OK.

Note: This website emulates a common router configuration interface. When

working with a real device, you will typically connect to http://192.168.1.1 and
be prompted to enter a user name and password. For a list of default user
names and passwords by router, navigate to http://
www.routerpasswords.com.

2. Set an SSID for your wireless network.

a) On the menu bar at the top of the page, select the Wireless tab.
b) If necessary, select Manual.
c) In the Network Name (SSID) text box, double-click and type ap##

Note: Because you are using an emulator, you can use all lowercase letters in
the Network Name (SSID) text box.
d) Select Save Settings and, in the Message from webpage message box, select OK.
e) Select Save Settings again, and then select Continue.

3. Set WPA2 encryption with a passphrase.

a) Under the Wireless tab on the menu bar, select the Wireless Security link.
b) From the Security Mode drop-down list, select WPA2 Personal.
c) In the Passphrase text box, type!Pass1234
d) Select Save Settings, and then select Continue.

4. Configure the router's administration settings.

a) On the menu bar, select the Administration tab.
b) In the Router Password text box, double-click the existing password (represented by asterisks) and
type P@ssw0rd
c) In the Re-Enter to Confirm text box, type the same password.
d) In the Local Management Access section, clear the HTTP check box and check the HTTPS check
box.
e) In the Local Management Access section, for the Access via Wireless option, select Disabled.

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f) In the Remote Management Access section, verify that Remote Management is disabled.
g) At the bottom of the web page, select Save Settings.
h) On the Your settings have been successfully saved page, select Continue.
i) Close Internet Explorer.

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Summary
In this lesson, you identified many different network technologies. Networking is at the heart of any
type of business. Without it, a business simply cannot function in today's world. It is your job to
ensure that the networks behind the business are running properly and managed correctly.

What experiences do you have in working with any of the networking technologies discussed in this lesson?
A: Answers will vary according to the backgrounds of different individuals. Possible experiences include:
Encourage students to
use the social how do you access library card catalogs from the library, from home, or from the office? How do you
networking tools troubleshoot your own Internet connectivity problems? Have you ever set up a home network using a
provided on the CHOICE router or switch?
Course screen to follow
up with their peers after Do you have any experience working with SOHO networks? What do you expect to support in future job
the course is completed functions?
for further discussion A: Answers will vary, but will likely include connecting and setting up a small home wireless network.
and resources to support
Most technicians will be installing and supporting SOHO wireless networks within their job role.
continued learning.
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities |

15 Supporting Mobile
Digital Devices

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will support mobile digital devices. You will:
• Install and configure exterior laptop components.
• Install and configure interior laptop components.
• Explain characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
• Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
• Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email.
• Identify methods and best practices for synchronizing mobile devices.
• Troubleshoot and repair common mobile device hardware issues.

Lesson Introduction
In the previous lessons, the focus has been on installing hardware components, operating
systems, and establishing network connectivity. As an A+ technician, you will also require a
robust knowledge of portable computing principles. In this lesson, the focus will be on
laptop, tablet, and smartphone devices and how they differ from desktop systems.
Mobile devices are everywhere today. Because of their portability and powerful computing
capabilities they are prominent in most workplaces. So, as a certified A+ technician, you will
be expected to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot mobile computing devices. With the
proper information and the right skills, you will be ready to support these devices as
efficiently as you support their desktop counterparts.
496 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Install and Configure Exterior Laptop
Components
In this lesson, you will support mobile digital devices. One of the most prevalent mobile devices in
today's workplaces has to be the laptop computer. As an A+ technician, you will be asked to
configure and maintain laptops for yourself and other users. In this topic, you will install and
configure exterior laptop components.

Laptops
A laptop is a complete computer system that is small, compact, lightweight, and portable. All laptops
have specialized hardware designed especially for use in a smaller portable system, use standard
Laptops
operating systems, can run on battery or AC power, and can connect to other devices. Laptops and
their components can vary by the following factors:
• Size of the device. Smaller models are referred to as notebooks or sub-notebooks and typically
have fewer features.
• Display size, quality, and technology.
• Keyboard size, number of keys, and additional options.
• Pointing device used.
• Power supply type.
• Battery type used.
• Length of battery support time.
• How long it takes to recharge the battery.
• Power cord connection and power source options.
• Docking solutions.
• Connections for external peripherals.
• The power button can be located inside or outside of the closed case. It is more often located
inside so that it is not accidentally turned on when it is in the user's briefcase or being
transported in some other bag.
• Bays or connections for additional drives such as optical drives.

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Figure 15-1: A laptop.

Laptop Hardware Components

A laptop has many different hardware components that each have unique characteristics and
features.
Laptop Hardware
Component Description Components
Keyboard The keyboard is an integrated component on a laptop. Laptop keyboards
often have fewer keys than external keyboards, with some keys used in
combination with an Fn key to access additional functions. Some laptop More details on
keyboards can be removed or turned around to make the laptop function as a expansion options,
tablet. keyboards, displays, and
batteries are covered
later in this lesson.
6

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Component Description
Touchpad A touchpad is a small, touch-sensitive pad where you run your finger across
the surface to send electronic signals to the computer to control the pointer
on the screen. Touchpads can have buttons like a mouse or trackball, or the
Some laptops might touchpad can be configured to detect finger taps on its surface and process
also include a trackpoint those signals like a mouse button.
or pointing stick located
in the center of the
keyboard that acts like
a small joystick-like
button.

Frames The plastics or aluminum frames are the hard surfaces that cover the internal
components of the laptop. They are typically secured together using small
screws or pressure tabs.

Speaker The speakers are located in a number of locations depending on the style and
manufacturer of the laptop. Newer model laptop speakers are just as powerful
as the desktop versions.
6

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Component Description
Battery The battery designed for laptops is rechargeable and can easily be removed or
replaced. Most batteries will last between one and six hours per charge while
extended life batteries have a wide range of limitations based on the
manufacturer and what the user is doing with the laptop. Programs that Point out that the size
require more computing power and screen updates such as multimedia and shape of laptop
applications are likely to deplete the battery faster than working on simple batteries varies greatly
word processing documents. Some laptops offer extra battery packs that can even between laptop
be inserted in place of other removable devices, such as optical drives, models from the same
allowing users to easily reconfigure their laptops for various travel and manufacturer.
working situations. Rechargeable batteries are used in most portable
computing devices. They are usually packaged in a battery pack.
Before replacing a laptop battery you should verify what the system
requirements are. New batteries must be compatible with the system.

DC jack The direct current (DC) jack on a laptop provides power through the power
cord. Most laptop DC jacks are specific to the manufacturer and even the
laptop model, so make sure to check the documentation for power
requirements and compatible power cords.

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Component Description
Screen The screen is the visual display of a laptop and is typically hinged at the
bottom and swings down to form the cover for the laptop. It latches to the
body of the computer to secure it for transport.

Some laptops have touch screens, allowing users to control onscreen objects
and use onscreen keyboards.

Guidelines for General Laptop Support

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for General
Laptop Support There are some general guidelines that can be helpful when supporting laptops within the
workplace. With the increased use of smaller laptop devices, you should be aware of the issues and
best practices applied when working with the hardware components:
• Verify that there are adequate cooling methods installed and used. Overheating is a serious issue
when operating laptops.
• Be aware of the device's warranty restrictions and guidelines. You never want to break a warranty
by opening the case or replacing an integrated component that may have been fully covered by a
warranty.
• Be careful of the wires that pass through the hinges of a laptop. They can be easily damaged
when replacing a display or screen.

External Laptop Expansion Options

External laptop expansion is provided by ports on the laptop and adapters connected to those ports.
The ports usually found on laptops are:
External Laptop • USB
Expansion Options
• Usually 2 USB ports
• Some include eSATA in combination with USB
• Thunderbolt
Occasionally you might
encounter laptops with • Typically found on Mac laptops
other ports, such as • Ethernet
FireWire, but these are • An external monitor port
the typical ports found
on today's laptops. • DisplayPort
• HDMI

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Many laptops no longer include an optical drive, so users will need to either connect through a
network to a shared optical drive, or use an external optical drive that connects to the USB port. In
addition to connecting USB devices, the USB port can be used with adapters to enable connection
to other features that aren't built into a particular laptop. Adapters include:
• USB to RJ-45 dongle
• USB to Wi-Fi dongle
• USB to Bluetooth

Express Cards
ExpressCards are mobile expansion cards designed by the PCMCIA to replace traditional PC Cards.
The ExpressCard slot on mobile devices provides PCI Express and USB connectivity. The two
form factors available for the ExpressCard are the ExpressCard/34 (34 mm wide) and Express Cards
ExpressCard/54 (54 mm wide).
ExpressCard slots are a bit smaller than the PC Card slots and are usually located on the side of the
laptop. ExpressCards can be used to provide many additional functions such as wireless network
access, USB ports, and others.
The ExpressCard technology has many advantages over the PC Card, including reduced voltage
usage, increased bandwidth, and a maximum throughput of 2.0 Gbps through PCI Express and 480
Mbps through USB. Some manufacturers are providing both PC Card slots along with ExpressCard
slots to comply with both standards.

Special Function Keys

Laptops are all so different and the features can vary based on the manufacturer. A common feature
included in most devices are the special function keys. The specific keys available will depend on the
size, shape, and overall design of the laptop but most systems will provide the basic keys. The Special Function Keys
special keys are typically positioned horizontally along the top length of the keyboard and allow
users to launch operating system commands, and manage laptop settings from their keyboard in
many ways:
If you have laptops in
• Switching between single and dual displays. the classroom, have
• Turning the wireless on and off. students try out some of
• Changing the volume of the speakers. the special function
keys.
• Managing the screen brightness.
• Turning the Bluetooth® on and off.
• Configuring the keyboard backlight.
• Turning the cellular function on and off.
• Turning the touch pad on and off.
• Changing the screen orientation.
• Enabling and disabling GPS.
• Accessing media options such as fast forward and rewind.
• Turning airplane mode on and off.
Note: The function keys vary between laptops. Not every laptop will have all of these special
functions and other laptops might have additional special functions. The feature on the key
printed in white is the default feature.

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Figure 15-2: Special function keys.

Laptop Docking Solutions

One of the most attractive features of laptops is that they are so portable. They can be docked and
undocked quickly for transport. Docking solutions provide users with a power source and full size
Laptop Docking
peripherals with a similar feel to a full size desktop computer. There are a few different docking
Solutions options depending on the specific needs of the user.

Docking Solution Description

Make sure to point out Docking station For laptops, a docking station is used when a laptop computer replaces a
the differences between desktop computer. This technology is rarely used today and is considered to
a docking station and a be legacy hardware. The laptop is connected to the docking station through
port replicator. Also, you a docking port located on the back or bottom of the laptop. Docking
might want to mention
stations typically extend the capabilities of the laptop by providing
that although port
replicator is no longer on
additional interfaces for the laptop. In addition, there are often slots for
the exam objectives, desktop PCI or ISA expansion cards, drive bays for additional mass storage
they are commonly devices, and possibly additional ports and connectors, such as extra USB or
implemented in many wireless connections.
business and home For other mobile devices such as tablets, docking stations are experiencing a
installations.
resurgence. These docking stations can include HD ports, Gigabit Ethernet
ports, USB 3.0 ports, audio out, and mini-display ports.
Port replicator A port replicator is a scaled-down version of a docking station that presents
the interfaces that the laptop already has. It contains connections for the
standard ports, such as power, keyboard, mouse, and display, but it
generally does not support additional expansion cards or drive bays,
although some port replicators will contain extra USB or wireless
connections.
Media/accessory bay Some portable computing devices offer media/accessory bays to allow a
user to expand the functionality of the device. Such bays often accept
optical drives, secondary hard drives, or secondary batteries. These bays are
typically proprietary and the accessories for the bays must be ordered
directly from the device manufacturer. Most laptops today will utilize
wireless peripherals and USB attached drives, so USB hubs and media bays
are not used as much anymore.

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Laptop Locks
Because laptops are so portable, they are easily lost or stolen. Another feature of laptops is the
ability to attach a physical laptop lock or a cable lock. A physical cable lock attaches to the laptop
using one of the compatible slots. The cable is then secured around a permanent object. The lock is Laptop Locks
usually accessed using a combination or a key. Depending on the lock, it may attach to the VGA or
printer port. The locks come with special screws that secure the lock in place. The Kensington lock
is a cable lock that inserts into a specifically designed port on the laptop. After the Kensington cable
was released, laptop manufacturers named the special port the Kensington lock port. Ask students which
objects in the room
would make good
objects to secure a cable
lock to and which would
not.

Figure 15-3: Kensington laptop locks.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure External Laptop Components.

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ACTIVITY 15-1
Working with Exterior Laptop Components

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine a laptop and identify its components.

For this activity, students 1. Examine a laptop and identify the external components such as the keyboard, display, track point, or
will identify the hardware touch pad.
components of a laptop.
If there are not enough 2. What special function keys does the laptop have?
laptops in class for each Try out the various special function keys. Some are used in combination with an Fn key.
student, then have them
form small groups 3. Connect the laptop to a suitable stationary object using a cable lock.
depending on the
number of laptops 4. What expansion options are available on the laptop?
available. Promote
If your instructor has expansion cards available, install one in the appropriate expansion slot.
discussion of the various
features and
components of laptops. 5. If the laptop has a media card reader slot, insert an appropriate media card and read data from or write
If time permits, you may data to the media card.
also have students
identify the ports 6. Connect external peripherals.
available on the laptop. a) Connect an external mouse and keyboard to the laptop.

Note: Users often use wireless mouse and keyboard with a receiver plugged
into USB ports on the laptop.
b) Connect an external display to the laptop.
Depending on the port available on the laptop and the connection options on the monitor, you might
need to use a cable with different connectors on each end, such as a DVI to HDMI or VGA to DVI
cable.
c) Verify that the peripherals work properly.
d) Press Windows+ P and try out the various Project options.

Note: An alternative to pressing Windows+P is from the Charms bar, select

Devices→Project to display the Project pane.

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TOPIC B
Install and Configure Interior Laptop
Components
In the last topic, you installed and configured external laptop components. There will be situations
where dealing with external components won't completely address the issues or problems a user is
having with his or her laptop. In this topic, you will install and configure interior laptop
components.

Interior Laptop Components

The internal components of a laptop are similar to full size desktop computers except that they are
much smaller and more compact to fit inside the case.
Internal Laptop
Component Description Components (2 Slides)
Motherboard From a technical viewpoint, a laptop system board is very similar to the system
boards found in desktop systems. The main difference is that the components are
often compressed to squeeze into a smaller space. Other major differences Mention to students how
include reduced power consumption and more common integration of items such important the cooling
as video, sound, USB/FireWire®, wired and wireless network connections, and so systems are within a
on. Laptop system boards often contain power management and throttling laptop.
options to help in preserving battery life. These features allow for the machine to
adjust the power to the processor and other components as necessary.
The integration of all the features on the motherboard limits customization
options and necessitates replacement of the entire board when one of the
integrated features fails. However, you may be able to use an alternative slot or
port and add an adapter card or an external device to substitute for the failed
integrated component.
CPU Laptop CPUs are designed to use less power and to generate less heat than
desktop CPUs, and often are designed to be used without a CPU fan, which,
again, saves on size and weight, as well as reducing power consumption to
maximize battery life. CPUs can be surface-mounted devices, soldered directly to
the motherboard, or attached via a socket on the motherboard. CPUs that are
soldered onto the motherboard are not replaceable. It is best to determine how a
laptop CPU is attached before trying to replace it.

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Component Description
Storage drive Portable computer drives are specially designed to fit in portable computers.
Drives can be unique to a manufacturer and sometimes even to the computer
model. All laptop computers have an internal storage drive.
• Hard drives come in three main form factors: 1.8 inch, 2.5 inch, and 3.5 inch.
The 3.5 inch HDD tends to be too big for laptops, so in most laptops the
hard drives are 1.8 or 2.5 inches. The smaller size drives tend to run at slower
speeds than the 3.5 inch desktop HDDs.
• Newer laptops come with SSDs and hybrid drives, typically with the same
form factor as HDD but cooler, faster, and better able to handle rough
movement.
• Laptops may also include a combination of two or three of these different
drive types.
Some internal drives are difficult to remove and require dismantling of the
computer. Others have a slide lock to unlock them from the case, so that you can
slide the drive out. If it is too difficult to remove the internal drive from the
notebook you are working on, then you might consider using alternate storage
drive solutions such as USB or FireWire drives that can be connected externally.
Memory Portable devices use memory that was specifically designed for those devices.
Since it is not produced in as high quantities as desktop memory, it tends to be
more expensive. While some laptops use Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules
(SODIMMs), which are about half the size of standard desktop DIMMs, or
MicroDIMMs, many require non-standard proprietary memory that must be
ordered from the manufacturer. Other portable computing devices and some
notebooks use flash memory modules rather than regular RAM.
Be sure to check the documentation for your device so that you purchase the
correct type of memory. Before you replace the memory in a laptop, you must
verify that it is compatible with the system. Always check the manufacturer's
documentation or website to verify the form factor and types of compatible
memory.
Note: Several memory websites provide a small program you can install
that will tell you the type of memory running in a laptop. You also can find
the correct memory by providing information about the manufacturer and
model number at websites like www.crucial.com.

Optical drive Optical drives in laptops are similar in function to the full size desktop models
except that they are small and more compact. When replacing a drive, the first
thing to do is check with the manufacturer to verify that it can be replaced and
with what type of drive. You need to make sure that the drive you install in
compatible with the laptop.
Wireless card In some laptops, the wireless card and video card can be upgraded to improve
performance. However, replacement is dependent on whether the card is an
integrated component of the mobile system board. In this case, you cannot
upgrade or replace the card. If the card is independent of the system board, then
you should refer to the manufacturer's documentation to verify what components
can be replaced and upgraded. Some components may be covered under a
system's warranty, so refer to the manufacturer's policies to determine what can
be upgraded without breaking the warranty guidelines.

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Component Description
Webcam Webcams can usually create still images as well as video. Some cameras have
1080p high definition resolution. External cameras are often connected via USB.
Whether they are internal or external, webcams include software that provides
options to manipulate the image/video stream.
Microphone Microphones enable you to participate in Internet-based conversations such as You may want to show
webinars and Skype. Some mics are part of a headset unit while others may be LearnTO Install RAM in
inserted in the audio output port (the microphone extends up from the port and a Laptop and LearnTO
can flex for best position). Also, some mics have a noise-cancelling feature. Replace a Laptop
Battery from the
CHOICE Course screen
Caution: Only open a laptop to access internal components if it is no longer under warranty or or have students
if you are an authorized technician for the laptop brand. navigate out to the
Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Install RAM in a Laptop and
supplement to your
LearnTO Replace a Laptop Battery presentations in the LearnTOs for this course on your instruction. If not, please
CHOICE Course screen. remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
Laptop Memory Package Specifications course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
The following table lists some of the technical specifications for laptop memory packages. class for supplemental
information and
Memory Package Description additional resources.

SODIMM Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module.

Used in some notebook systems and Apple® iMac® systems. Types of Laptop
Measures about 2 inches by 1 inch and has 144 pins. Displays
Capacity ranges from 16 to 256 MB per module.
MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module. If you have any
Used in small, sub-compact notebooks. variations in laptop
types, have students
Measures about 1.5 inches long and has 144 pins. view the displays to see
how they are similar and
Capacity ranges from 512 MB to 1 GB.
different.

Types of Laptop Displays

Remind students that TN
Laptops use TFT (Thin Film Transistor) displays. These are usually either TN (Twisted Nematic) or and IPS was covered
IPS (In-Plane Switching) displays. previously in the course.

Some laptops have removable screens or screens that can be rotated. This allows the laptop to also
function as a tablet. These screens typically are also touch screens so that when they are being used
as a tablet, because the keyboard and touch pad are not available, the user needs a method of Laptop Display
interacting with the displayed content. Components

Laptop Display Components If you have a broken

display in which the
Within the display unit of a laptop, there are several specialized components with unique functions. components are all
visible, or the
components used to fix
a broken display that
you can fit together, it
might help students
visualize how these
components fit together.

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Component Description

Inverter An inverter is used to convert DC power to AC power for the display. When
an inverter fails, depending on the laptop model, it may be appropriate to
simply replace the display rather than replace the inverter. Replacement of
the inverter requires an exact match, both electrically and mechanically
(connectors, size/shape, and mounting).
Backlight The liquid crystals in the display are unlit and require a light source to make
them visible. This can be edge lighting, but more likely, a backlight is used.
The backlight is typically provided by fluorescent or LED lighting. A backlight
In-depth coverage of is the typical form of illumination used in a full-sized LCD display. Backlights
LED and CCFL differ from frontlights because they illuminate the LCD from the side or
backlight can be found back, where frontlights are in front of the LCD. Frontlights are used in small
at pcmonitors.info/ displays such as on MP3 players to increase readability in low light
articles/the-evolution-of- conditions. Edge lighting is another common method of lighting the LCD
led-backlights/ display.
Wi-Fi antenna The Wi-Fi antenna is typically placed inside the display section of the laptop.
The cables are run along the sides of the display unit and connect to the
network card inside the main unit of the laptop. It sends and receives wireless
signals and transmissions to the WAP.
Webcam Most laptops have a built-in webcam, built into the plastics above the display.
Microphone Most laptops also have a built-in microphone. The location of the
microphone varies between laptops, but is usually located somewhere in the
plastics around the display, often next to the webcam.
Digitizer When a laptop, smartphone, or tablet has a touchscreen display, it uses a
digitizer. The digitizer is sandwiched between a layer of glass and the LCD
display. Analog signals are created when you tap or swipe the surface of the
display. The digitizer is connected to the laptop with a flexible digitizer cable.
A grid of sensors is activated when you tap or swipe the screen. The
information from the sensors is sent through the digitizer cable to a circuit
that converts the analog signal to a digital signal.
Note: On screen keyboards and any other touch action uses the
digitizer.

Mini-PCIe Cards
Mini-PCIe Cards
Laptop systems offer many different options to expand system functionality.
Some portable systems include a PCI Express Mini Card (Mini-PCIe) slot. A Mini-PCIe card is an
Point out the expansion extremely small expansion card, often just a few centimeters in length. Unlike PC Cards, Mini-PCIe
cards in use on any cards are internal and are installed by the computer manufacturer. Mini-PCIe cards are most often
laptops in the classroom. used to increase communication abilities by providing network adapters or modems and support
various connections and buses:
• USB.
Laptop Power Supplies • Diagnostic wiring that provides LED for wireless network connectivity.
and Batteries
• System management Bus (SmBus).

If you have examples of Laptop Power Supplies and Batteries

different power supplies
and batteries, pass them Laptops can use either AC power sources (alternating current from an electrical outlet) or DC
around for students to power sources (direct current from a battery). While the laptop is in its portable state, it uses
compare.

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batteries. When the device is used as a desktop computer or peripheral, it can use either batteries or
AC power.
AC power connectors vary from device to device. It is important that a laptop not be used with a
power cord other than the one provided by the manufacturer. When the laptop is not being used as
a portable device, it is usually plugged in using the AC power cord that matches the computer. The
battery is also recharged through this connection.

Auto-Switching and Fixed Input Power Supplies

Power supplies with voltage selector switches are called fixed-input power supplies. The voltage Auto-Switching and
selector switches generally have two settings—for example, 220 and 110—depending on the Fixed Input Power
manufacturer. If you set the switch to a higher voltage than supplied by the power source, the Supplies
system will not receive enough power and will not function properly. However, if you set the switch
to a lower setting than supplied by the power source—for example, if you set the switch to 110V
while connected to a 220V outlet—you run the risk of burning out the power supply, damaging
system components, or more seriously, creating a fire or electrocution hazard.
Auto-switching power supplies do not have a manual voltage switch, but detect the voltage level
supplied by the outlet and set themselves to the correct voltage automatically. This can be
convenient and safe for people who travel to various countries with portable computers.

Laptop Cooling Considerations

Heat can be a considerable problem with laptops due to their compact size and integrated design.
The components are all within close proximity and can generate a lot of heat. There are a number of
cooling methods and considerations used to keep the devices within a safe heat range for operation: Laptop Cooling
• Laptop CPUs are engineered to draw less power and thus run cooler than their similarly rated Considerations
desktop counterparts.
• Fans are used to move the hot air out from the inside of the laptop case.
• Limit the use of the laptop battery as much as possible. The battery itself can be a heat source. Point out that some
• Laptop cooling pads are accessories that are designed to sit under the laptop to protect a user laptop cooling pads are
from getting a burn from a device overheating. The cooler is placed underneath the laptop to gel filled, some are just
rigid plastic with high
move the air away from the device.
and low paths for air to
move through, and some
include fans powered
Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and through a USB cable.
job aids on How to Install and Configure Interior Laptop Components.

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ACTIVITY 15-2
Installing Interior Laptop Components
(Optional)

Scenario
You have a spare laptop in your work area that is the same model as the laptops you support for the
users in your organization. In order to make sure you know how to access internal laptop
components, you decide to locate, remove, and replace various internal components on the laptop.

For this activity, students 1. Remove and replace the memory module.
will open the case and a) Locate the memory module in the laptop.
identify the internal b) Remove the cover from over the memory.
components of a laptop. c) Remove the memory.
If there are not enough
d) Reinstall the memory.
laptops in class for each
student, then have them e) Replace the cover over the memory.
form small groups
depending on the 2. Remove and replace the hard drive.
number of laptops a) Locate the hard drive in the laptop.
available. Or you might b) Remove the cover from over the hard drive.
decide to perform this c) If necessary, release any locking clips and remove any screws.
activity as a
demonstration, Some laptops locate the hard disk inside a drive attachment bracket or cage.
particularly if the laptops d) Disconnect the cable from the hard drive.
you have available are e) Carefully remove the hard drive.
under a warranty f) Reinstall the hard drive.
situation where opening g) Replace the cover over the hard drive.
the case would violate
the warranty conditions.
3. Following the manufacturer's instructions or your instructor's guidance, remove the outer case from the
Consider having an
laptop.
already disassembled
laptop to show students
the components and 4. Remove and replace the fans.
how they fit together.
5. Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard connector.

6. Disconnect and reconnect the touch pad connector.

As participants locate
the internal hardware
components, describe 7. Reassemble the laptop.
the procedures for
replacing them. Identify
and possibly remove
and replace any other
components in the
laptops you are using.

Verify that all laptops are

reassembled before you
proceed.

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TOPIC C
Other Mobile Devices
Up until this point in the course, your primary focus has been on the more traditional system
hardware components and laptop technologies. In this topic, you will dive into the mobile
computing realm and will take a closer look at the capabilities and technologies that they employ to
provide optimal performance.
Not only has mobile technology reached a new level of performance and portability, but also the use
of these devices is on the rise every day. As a certified A+ technician, you will be expected to
understand how these devices work and how they should be deployed within the workplace.

Tablets
Mobile devices that fall into the tablet PC category range from larger tablets that look like a
traditional laptop but have a touch screen to small notebook-sized mobile devices that operate
similarly to a smartphone, but are a bit larger and have more computing power. Operating systems Tablets
found on tablets include:
• iOS
• Android
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 8.1 RT
• Windows 10
• Blackberry OS

Tablets vs. Laptops

Laptops and tablets both offer a wide variety of hardware features that allow for better portability
and ease of use, but there are also some major differences that should be considered.

Characteristic Laptops Tablets

Repairs The hardware components of a laptop There are few field-serviceable parts in You can use Bootcamp
can be fixed and replaced when issues a tablet. What makes it difficult to on an iPad to run
Windows.
arise. This is still fairly common with repair a tablet is that the parts are
newer laptops as well. soldered and not socketed. When
something breaks, in most cases, the
entire tablet needs to be replaced.
Upgrades The hard drive and central processing Tablets are not typically upgradeable,
unit (CPU) can be upgraded, if needed, unless it is software-related. The storage
to meet OS requirements or to add components cannot be upgraded. What
more functionality to the laptop. makes it difficult to upgrade a tablet is
that the parts are soldered and not
socketed.

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Characteristic Laptops Tablets

Touch interface Many laptops do not come with a touch All tablets come with touch interface
interface component. You can purchase technology. The touch technology
specific laptops that have the feature, allows the user to interact with the
but it is not a feature of all laptops. tablet. It is also the primary input
method used for tablets. Tablets utilize
a touch interface that allows interaction
between the user and the OS.
Multitouch is the technology used on the
surface of the touch screen on tablets
and other mobile devices. The
technology can recognize more than
one contact on the surface at one time.
This allows users to pinch and zoom
the screen to make images or text larger
and smaller.
Storage Many laptops have a mobile version of Most tablets will come equipped with
a traditional mechanical hard drive that SSDs. Because of the space limitations
has a higher storage capacity than solid and the portability of the tablet
state drives (SSDs). However, as the computers, SSDs make sense. They
price of SSD drives has come down, have no moving parts to maintain and
SSD drives are starting to show up in provides a more stable mechanical
more laptops. design. The SSDs are made up of a
number of flash chips that can retrieve
data much faster than a standard hard
drive that needs to start a motor and
move the arm to read data.
OS Laptops can run a number of different Tablets can generally only run the OS
operating systems including versions that the device was manufactured to
from Microsoft, Linux, and UNIX. run. The actual OS will depend on the
specific tablet due to the CPU
architecture versus the ARM
architecture.

You may want to show Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Identify Laptops vs. Tablets
the LearnTO Identify presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
Laptops vs. Tablets
presentation from the
CHOICE Course screen
or have students Smartphones
navigate out to the
Course screen and
New smartphones are emerging almost every day. The market is expanding and demand for
watch it themselves as a powerful mobile devices has never been higher. While Android and iOS dominate the smartphone
supplement to your device marketplace, there are many other technologies and devices available. The most popular
instruction. If not, please devices used in the marketplace include:
remind students to visit • iPhones®.
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE • Android smartphones such as Samsung™ Galaxy S® 6 Edge, MOTOROLA® DROID Turbo,
Course screen after and HTC One™ M9.
class for supplemental • Windows smartphones.
information and
additional resources.

Smartphones

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Wearable Devices
A variety of wearable devices have been created that work with smartphones or as standalone
devices. These take mobility one step further than smartphones and tablets by being hands-free
devices. Wearable Devices

Wearable Device Description

Smart watches Smart watches look like large wrist watches. In addition to showing the time like
a traditional wrist watch, they sync with your smartphone or tablet to let you
know when you receive a phone call or text message, alert you with meeting
reminders, and have apps designed for the smart watch. The smart watch
connects to your mobile device using a Bluetooth connection, so must be within
range of the phone or tablet.
The screen is created from strengthened glass that enables it to stand up to dust
and physical contact of every day wear and use. The display might use OLED,
AMOLED, LCD, or black and white screens using E-Ink or E-Paper making
them more visible in bright sunlight. Typically, the smart watch uses a touch
screen, but will probably also have physical buttons.
Some smart watches include features such as:
• A remote shutter control for the camera on the phone or tablet.
• Apps to access the music stored on the smartphone, or enough internal
memory to store music without access to your smart phone.
• An alert when you are out of Bluetooth range with your smartphone or
tablet.
• Voice commands that enable you to search the Internet, perform hands-free
phone calls, create and send or receive text messages, and more.
• Fitness monitor capabilities.
Fitness monitors Fitness monitors are wearable devices that enable the user to track activity and
monitor health and fitness measurements. Fitness monitors might be worn on
the wrist or ankle, or be attached to the user's clothing.
Features of fitness monitors might include:
• Pedometer to count the steps taken during a specified period of time.
• Accelerometer to measure the intensity of the workout.
• A heart rate monitor.
• A blood pressure monitor.
• A calculation of the number of calories burned.
Glasses and Glasses that connect to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth connections offer
headsets many of the same features as smart watches. Some of these also include the
ability to take and store still and video images within the glasses device.
Smartphone headsets enable a user to make and receive hands-free phone calls.
This is important when driving, as many states fine drivers for the dangerous
practice of using a cell phone while driving. These might connect to the
smartphone through the headphone jack, but more often they connect using
Bluetooth connectivity.

Phablets
A phablet is a cross between a smartphone and a tablet. It is usually simply a very large smartphone.

Phablets

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e-Readers
An e-reader is essentially a tablet device, often with many of the same features as a tablet. The
touchscreens are sized to mimic the size of a standard paperback or hardcover book. The screen is
e-Readers
often optimized for reading in bright light. It has internal storage to store book content, and often
allows you to store other files and even games. It connects to networks using Wi-Fi so you can
download additional content. Like most tablets and smartphones, it uses a USB cable to charge the
device. The battery in the device is designed to allow the user to read for several hours before
Point out that e-reader needing to charge the device again.
functionality can be
added to computers, Many e-readers also include a web browser, games, and PDF reader. Some also include the ability to
laptops, tablets, and connect to the Internet over a cellular connection.
smartphones through Users can purchase content from retailers such as Amazon. Many libraries also have eBooks
apps such as Kindle,
Nook, or OverDrive.
available to lend to users.

Smart Cameras
A smart camera is any camera that includes Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS capabilities. By having Wi-Fi built
into the camera, the user can easily share the photos with social media sites or upload photos to
Smart Cameras
another device such as a computer or smartphone. The GPS feature adds digital data to the image,
tagging the image with the coordinates of the location where the photo was taken.
Other features of smart cameras can include built-in processors to improve the image quality and
Ask students if they
select the appropriate camera settings automatically based on lighting and other factors in the scene.
have used a camera Images are typically saved to a memory card, but also might be saved to internal memory built into
with these features and the camera.
if so, how they used the
features. The GPS
feature can be handy in GPS
helping users down the
road when they have GPS (Global Positioning System) devices use multiple satellites to pinpoint the user's exact location.
forgotten where the Different GPS devices are designed for different functions. Some are designed for use in cars, and
picture was taken. include maps that only allow the user to see roads. Others are designed for hikers, runners, and even
dogs, who are often not on roads.
Smartphones include GPS functionality. This allows the user to use the phone as a navigation
GPS device. It also allows users to use apps on other devices to find a lost phone, or for law enforcement
to try to locate a missing person who is carrying a GPS equipped phone.
For car GPS units, the maps are typically stored in the GPS unit so that you don't need a cellular
Ask students if they connection to the device. Most GPS devices now include lifetime updates to the maps. Newer GPS
have done any units receive current information about road incidents such as construction or accidents so that
geocaching. Ask users might elect to choose another route to avoid the incident. Older GPS devices came with the
students if they have maps stored in the device. The maps could only be updated with corrections and new roads by
used a GPS that gave purchasing new maps.
them incorrect driving
directions. Note: When using a GPS to navigate while driving, make sure to also use common sense and
not just go where the GPS indicates. Some maps might be out-of-date or poorly created, and
send you into a body of water or over train tracks where there is no crossing.

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ACTIVITY 15-3
Identifying Mobile Devices and Features

Before You Begin

Your instructor might ask you to share any mobile devices you have with your classmates.

Scenario
The sales team is a very mobile population in your organization. You want to be prepared to assist If possible, provide
those users with the vast array of mobile devices they use. You want to examine how these devices students with an array of
work in order to identify what each device is capable of doing. the devices covered in
this topic, including
tablets, wearable
devices, e-Readers, and
1. Examine an iOS device, and examine an Android device.
GPS devices. If you
don't have a lot of
2. Compare the interfaces and settings, and share your findings with the rest of the class. devices, point out that
many of the features of
3. Examine a GPS device. This might be a portable device, one designed for a car, or a smartphone app. these mobile devices
can be found on most
4. Examine an e-Reader device. This might be a portable device or a smartphone app. smartphones.

5. Examine a tablet and identify the features of the tablet. The tablet might run the Windows, Android, or
iOS operating system. Because of the
differences in the
6. Examine a wearable device and identify the features and functions of the device. various mobile products
available, you might
need to guide
participants in finding the
settings that you want to
discuss.

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TOPIC D
Mobile Device Accessories and Ports
Mobile devices gain much of their functionality by being able to connect to the user's regular
computer. By making the files available on the mobile device, they can continue working on the files
from a mobile device. Being able to connect the mobile device back to the computer might require
additional accessories. In this topic, you will examine the connection types and accessories used for
mobile devices.

Connection Types
Mobile devices have a variety of connection types. Some are physical ports and some are logical
ports. Some of the connection types you might encounter on mobile devices include:
Connection Types • NFC (near field communication).
• Proprietary, vendor-specific ports for power and communication between the mobile device and
other computers and mobile devices.
If possible, demonstrate • Micro USB or Mini USB ports.
different mobile • Lightning port on Apple products.
connection solutions. • Bluetooth connections.
• Infrared connections.
• Hotspot or tethering to enable devices to connect to the Internet through another cellphone's or
other mobile device's Internet connection.

Accessories
Mobile device accessories often take up a larger space in retail stores than the mobile devices
themselves. The following table includes some of the accessories users like to use with their mobile
Accessories
devices.

Accessory Description

Ask students if they Headsets Mobile device headsets can be simple earphones with a microphone boom, or
have used any of these they might be Bluetooth enabled devices that clip to one ear. The headset usually
accessories with mobile has a method of answering calls for mobile phones built into the headset.
devices.
Speakers Speakers for mobile devices might use a headphone jack built into the device, or
they might use Bluetooth connections.
Game pads Game pads that can connect wirelessly to the mobile device might be used to play
games or navigate through apps.
Docking Mobile devices need to have their batteries charged. Many users use a docking
stations station that also has speakers built into it and acts as a music player and an alarm
clock. Some docking stations also enable a mobile device to connect to a home
theater system, so music and movies stored on the mobile device can be displayed
on a large screen and heard through the home theater speakers. This device is
usually specific to the mobile device, such as an iPod dock.

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Accessory Description
Extra battery Mobile devices often have battery life of several hours of use, but if you are
packs and traveling, you might end up using your mobile device more than you usually
chargers would. Having an extra battery pack that has been charged enables the user to
switch out the depleted battery pack with the fully charged battery pack. When
the user reaches a destination where the depleted battery pack can be recharged,
it can be plugged in to the charger and begin re-energizing.
Protective Many smartphone users like to personalize their phone by placing it in a
covers and protective cover. These might be simple plastic cases for looks only, or they
water proofing might be cases with extra thick padding. Some covers also provide water proof
protection for the device. Screen protectors applied directly to the surface of the
device help prevent scratches and might improve readability of the device in
bright sunlight.
Credit card For devices with the appropriate port, a credit card reader can be added to a
readers tablet or smartphone. This enables mobile vendors, such as those at festivals or
street vendors, to take credit card payments without having a network cable or
phone line connected to the credit card reader.

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ACTIVITY 15-4
Comparing Mobile Device Accessories and Ports

Scenario
You have a variety of mobile device accessories and cables. You need to determine which
accessories and cables work with which of the mobile devices you have.

Provide students with a 1. Examine the ports available on the mobile devices you have.
variety of mobile device a) Compare the ports between the mobile devices.
accessories and cables b) Determine which ports are common between the devices and which appear to be proprietary to the
that will work with the device.
mobile devices they
have. Consider also 2. Examine the accessories available for mobile devices.
including some cables or
a) Determine which accessories will work with which of the mobile devices you have been given.
accessories that will not
work with the devices b) Determine if the accessories will work with multiple, different types of mobile devices, or if they work
they have. Consider only with one specific mobile device.
providing containers
labeled with the various
mobile devices and have
students place the
accessories and cables
in the appropriate
container after they
verify that the accessory
or cable works with the
device they have.

Provide students with

chargers, screen covers,
case covers, docking
stations, Mini and Micro
USB and/or HDMI
cables, Display Port
cables and any other
mobile device
accessories you have
available.

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TOPIC E
Mobile Device Connectivity
You have worked with various mobile devices so far in this course. In this topic, you will examine
some of the features and methods those mobile devices use to connect to networks.

Radio Firmware
Radio firmware in a mobile device contains an operating system that is separate from the end-user
operating system (for example, Android or iOS). This other operating system controls all of the low-
level timing-dependent functions of the mobile device, including USB, network, and GPS. The radio Radio Firmware
firmware is also referred to as the baseband runtime operating system (baseband RTOS).

IMEI and IMSI Numbers For more information,

refer to http://
All wireless devices are assigned an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This is www.osnews.com/story/
usually printed on a label in the battery compartment on a mobile phone. If it is a sealed case, then 27416/
the number will be found on the back or bottom of the device. You can also access the IMEI The_second_operating_
number by dialing *#06# and it will display the IMEI on the device screen. Any phone connected system_hiding_in_every_
to a GSM network (Global System for Mobile Communications) must have the IMEI number mobile_phone
stored in the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) database. If a phone is reported as being lost or
stolen, the IMEI number is marked to be invalid in the EIR.
The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number is a unique number identifying the subscriber. IMEI and IMSI Numbers
The number is stored on the SIM card in the format:
• Three-digit mobile country code.
If students have
• Two-digit mobile network code.
smartphones or cellular
• Up to 10 digit mobile station identification number. tablets, have them
locate the label with the
Note: The IMEI number identifies the device. The IMSI number identifies the subscriber. various numbers on it.

PRI, PRL, and Baseband Updates

PRI (Preferred Roaming Index) works in conjunction with PRL (Preferred Roaming List) to provide the
best data/voice quality to the phone while roaming. The definition of roaming in this context means
“while the device is moving from location to location,” not like five years ago when it was more PRI, PRL, and
prevalent to pay for roaming charges. PRL/PRI are often bundled together in one package and are Baseband Updates
sometimes included in Over the Air (OTA) updates.
Typically, your carrier and the phone manufacturer update the PRI, PRL, and baseband updates as
they are needed. However, if you are traveling frequently to other regions than where your phone In mobile devices, point
was originally set up for, you might need to update manually. out that PRI stands for
PRL is a database built by CDMA service carriers to indicate which radio bands should be used Preferred Roaming
when connecting to a cell tower. The phone must have a valid PRL in order to roam outside the Index (PRI), not primary
rate interface, as it does
home network. The database contains two tables. The first is a System table that identifies the in ISDN.
towers the phone can connect to and in which order they should be tried. The other is the
Acquisition table, which identifies the radio frequencies to search for and in which areas to search
for them. Updates are typically received over the air, but you might need to manually update if you
are traveling.
The baseband updates are sent by the phone manufacturer. However, for customized ROMs, you
will need to perform your own updates.

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Network Configuration Settings

Most smartphones have the functionality to connect to both a cellular network and a Wi-Fi network.
Both modes allow web browsing, email, and a variety of push notifications from apps, and they can
Network Configuration
be enabled or disabled in the general settings for the device.
Settings Cellular data networks are subscribed to through a mobile carrier such as Verizon and GSM
networks. Users can subscribe to an appropriate wireless data plan that typically comes with usage
and bandwidth restrictions based on the chosen plan. On the other hand, connecting to Wi-Fi
Ask students why they networks provides users with unlimited use of network resources.
might want or need to To connect to a Wi-Fi network, you must first verify that the mode is enabled on the smartphone.
turn Wi-Fi or cell network Once its enabled, the phone will automatically detect local area networks (LANs) within the
connections on and off. discoverable range of the device. If the network is open to the public, then you can simply connect,
Reasons might include
being on an airline that
but if the network has been secured, you will need the wireless password to establish a secure
doesn't allow cell phone connection.
use, being in a corporate
environment where cell
phones are not allowed
to connect to the
wireless network, forcing
the device to use one
network or the other
when both are available.

Figure 15-4: Smartphone network settings.

Data Usage Conservation

To conserve data usage on a cellular plan, many mobile devices offer Airplane Mode, which typically
turns off cellular network connections while allowing you to still use free Wi-Fi connectivity.
Additionally, when Wi-Fi is unavailable, some mobile device can enable tethering to connect to a
different device (like a laptop) and supply it with the cellular network connection. This avoids the
need for two separate data plans for the two different devices. Devices like phones and tablets can
also be converted into mobile hotspots, creating a wireless access point for other devices to connect
to.
Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth Connectivity
Consider demonstrating Bluetooth® is a wireless radio protocol that is used to communicate from one device to another in a
connecting devices over small area, usually less than 30 feet. Bluetooth is commonly used to enable communication between
Bluetooth connections.

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small personal electronic devices, such as between a cellular phone and a wireless earpiece or
between an electronic organizer and a personal computer.
Bluetooth enables mobile devices to connect wirelessly to various devices such as headsets,
carputers, laptops, MP3 players, and gaming consoles. Newer computers come with a Bluetooth
radio built right into the system, while older computers require an adapter, such as a USB-enabled
Bluetooth adapter. Devices in discovery mode will transmit their Bluetooth-friendly name, which in
most cases is the manufacturer's name. Once the name has been transmitted, the device can be
paired with another device also transmitting a signal. Using Bluetooth technology, mobile devices
can establish a connection through a process called pairing. When two devices pair, they share a
secret key in order to establish a wireless connection.

Figure 15-5: Pairing.

Bluetooth uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum to communicate a 1 Mbps connection between two devices
for both a 232 Kbps voice channel and a 768 Kbps data channel (technically, Bluetooth detects
other devices in the 2.4 GHz spectrum and avoids the frequencies they use by "hopping" to an
available frequency).

Version History
The first Bluetooth specifications were released in 1999, and there have been several important
revisions since then.
• Bluetooth 2.0 is an improved version of Bluetooth, has a range up to 100 meters, offers faster Briefly discuss the
data transfer speeds (up to 3 Mbps), and also uses less power to extend battery life. Bluetooth 2.0 evolution of the
is backwards-compatible with earlier versions of Bluetooth, but the connection between devices Bluetooth specifications.
is governed by the slowest device; in other words, connecting a Bluetooth 1.2 device to a
Bluetooth 2.0 device means the data transfer is at the rate of Bluetooth 1.2.
• Bluetooth 3.0 launched in 2009. Bluetooth 3.0/3.1 provides transfer speeds up to 24 Mbit/s by
using 802.11 wireless protocols to carry the data while Bluetooth is used to establish the
connection.
• Bluetooth 4.0 was released in 2010. It provides lower power consumption, is more secure, and is
faster than prior versions.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), also called Bluetooth Smart or Version 4.0+ is a low-power,
standardized application development architecture that provides tight security, native support on
every major OS, and connectivity to the cloud. It was built for the Internet of things.

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Bluetooth Naming and Addressing

Each Bluetooth device has its own unique 48-bit address. But instead of requiring you to connect
via this address, most Bluetooth devices also have their own Bluetooth names. By default,
manufacturers set the Bluetooth name for devices to the name of the manufacturer and model of
the device. If you have several users you support that are in close proximity to each other and have
the same devices, these default Bluetooth names can cause problems. In this scenario, you should be
sure to rename each user's Bluetooth device.

Bluetooth Pairs
Most Bluetooth devices require you to establish a trusted relationship between two devices (referred
to as pairing). This trusted relationship is established through the use of an encrypted shared secret
or passkey. After the relationship is established, the pair of devices can encrypt the data
transmissions they exchange. However, most Bluetooth printers permit all devices to use their
services without requiring pairing.

Unpairing from a Bluetooth Device

The exact method for unpairing from a paired device varies between operating systems and
hardware devices. In general, though, you should be able to find a setting for Bluetooth connections,
then there should be a menu option or button to use to forget the pairing that was previously
established.

The Bluetooth Pairing Process

The pairing process involves devices sharing a secret key in order to create a working relationship.
The basic steps in this process include:
The Bluetooth Pairing 1. On the mobile device, enable Bluetooth through the device's system settings. This allows the
Process device to be discovered by other devices.
2. Enable pairing on the device.
3. On your mobile device, find a device for pairing.
4. Once the device is found, it will ask for a PIN code.
5. Depending on the type of device, the PIN code will be sent via a text, or will be a standard code,
such as “0000” used for wireless headsets.
6. Verify that a connection message has been displayed.
7. Test the connection by using the two devices together to either make a phone call, transfer data,
or play music.

Email Configuration Methods

Once you've established a network connection with your mobile device, you can set up and
configure your email. Mobile devices can be configured to automatically update your email account
Email Configuration
information and manage mail. Mobile devices support a number of different email providers such as
Methods Yahoo! Mail, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook.com, Gmail/Inbox, and iCloud.
Email can be accessed in one of two ways on a mobile device: web-based or client-based. Web-
based access is accomplished by installing the email provider's application available in the mobile
devices store. This method requires you to enter your user name and password to access the web-
based email application. On the other hand, client-based email access is a bit more complicated and
requires more information to access email services. Microsoft Exchange is a client-based email
system that allows mobile devices to sync with the server. Before you can set up your mobile
device's email, you need to determine the type of email account you will be configuring.
Businesses will typically rely on a client/server email service like Microsoft Exchange. A corporate
email account is therefore usually configured by an IT administrator and not the user. In contrast,
users that take advantage of their ISPs’ free email offers will typically have more control over their
account and may use it more for personal communications than professional.

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Email Server and Configuration Settings

Depending on which email provider you use, there may be additional settings that you need.

Server Description
Email Server and
Information Configuration Settings
Protocol Your email server will be configured to support either POP3 or IMAP.
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is a protocol that enables an email client
application to retrieve email messages from a mailbox on a mail server. With
POP3, the email messages wait in the mailbox on the server until the client
retrieves them, either on a schedule or manually. Once the messages are
retrieved and downloaded to the client, they are generally deleted from the
server. The client then stores and works with the email messages locally.
Internet Mail Access Protocol version 4 (IMAP4) is a protocol that enables a client to
retrieve messages from a mail server. With IMAP4, messages generally remain
on the server while the client works with them as if they were local. IMAP4
enables users to search through messages by keywords and to choose which
messages to download locally. Messages in the user's mailbox can be marked
with different status flags that denote states such as "deleted" or "replied to."
The messages and their status flags stay in the mailbox until explicitly removed
by the user. Unlike POP3, IMAP4 enables users to access folders other than
their mailbox.
POP3 and IMAP are used for ISP and web email setup. These protocols are not
used with a mail management server such as Exchange, but servers like
Microsoft Exchange provide support for both protocols.
Security In order to establish secure authentication to and from an email server, a
security protocol should be used. Security protocols used in email
communications are SSL/TLS, S/MIME, and PGP.
Ports Email servers use different ports for incoming and outgoing mail depending on
the protocols used. Before you can configure email settings, you will need to
determine the specific port numbers that are used.

Android Email Configuration Requirements

In order to fully configure an email account on an Android mobile device, you may need additional You may want to show
email provider server information. Common required settings include: the LearnTO Configure
Email on a Mobile
• The email domain which is the @____ portion of your full email address. Device presentation
• Your email authentication information. from the CHOICE
• The access domain, which is the unique hostname that is assigned to the email provider's server. Course screen or have
You may need to visit your email provider's website to verify the hostname. students navigate out to
the Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Configure Email on a Mobile supplement to your
Device presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen. instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
Mobile Device VPN Connections course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
Many organizations have a VPN server configured to allow users secure access to network resources class for supplemental
when they are out of the office. Most mobile smartphones and tablets have VPN capabilities. VPN information and
configuration options are usually found in the same menu area where other network services are additional resources.
enabled and configured. The specific steps for configuring a VPN connection will vary with each
mobile OS.
Mobile Device VPN
Connections (3 Slides)

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Figure 15-6: Configuring VPN connections in iOS.

Figure 15-7: Configuring VPN connections in Android.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Configure Mobile Devices.

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ACTIVITY 15-5
Configuring Mobile Devices

Scenario
You want to practice configuring features on mobile devices so that if users need your help in
configuring features, you will have some familiarity with doing so.

1. Determine the mobile device IMEI and IMSI numbers. Provide students with
two Bluetooth devices,
2. Examine or configure the mobile device to use the email address provided for your use during class. such as a laptop with
Depending on the device you are configuring, and the type of email address you are using, the steps Bluetooth capability and
will vary. If you need help with the procedure, search online or ask your instructor for assistance. a smartphone, a
smartphone and a
3. Create a Bluetooth connection between two Bluetooth capable devices. Bluetooth headset or
speaker, or have
a) Enable Bluetooth on the mobile device through system settings. students pair up to
b) Enable pairing on the device. connect their mobile
c) On your mobile device, find a device for pairing. devices.
d) Once the device is found, it will ask for a PIN code. Depending on the type of device, the PIN code
will be sent via a text, or will be a standard code, such as “0000” used for wireless headsets.
e) Verify that a connection message has been displayed. Be prepared to assist
f) Test the connection by using the two devices together to either transfer data, answer or make a call, students in setting up
or play music. their student email
address on their mobile
4. Investigate the VPN options available on the mobile device. device.

If you have a VPN

server available, you can
demonstrate creating a
connection from a
mobile device to the
VPN server.

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TOPIC F
Mobile Device Synchronization
Now that you've configured mobile devices so that they can connect with and communicate with
networks and other devices, you can configure those devices to contain the same information as
other devices contain. In this topic, you will identify methods and best practices for synchronizing
mobile devices.
Some people have a computer and a cell phone, while others might have a smartphone, a tablet, and
multiple computers. In situations where data is kept on multiple devices, it's a good idea to try and
keep the information accurate and up-to-date on each device to alleviate confusion.

Data Synchronization
Data synchronization is the process of automatically merging and updating common data that is stored
on multiple devices. For example, a user can access his email contacts list from both his mobile
Data Synchronization
device and his laptop computer. Synchronization is established when the devices are either
connected via a cable or wirelessly, or over a network connection. In some cases, you may need to
install synchronization software on the devices you choose to synchronize. The synchronization rate
can be controlled and limited to allowing and restricting push and pull notifications from the cloud
over the Internet.

Figure 15-8: Data synchronization.

Types of Data to Synchronize

Types of Data to There are many types of data that can be synchronized:
Synchronize
• Contacts
• Programs
• Email
Consider asking
participants to
• Pictures
brainstorm additional • Music
data types. • Videos
• Calendar
• Bookmarks
• Documents
• Location data

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• Social media data

• eBooks

Data Synchronization Methods

Microsoft has its own synchronization protocol called Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) that enables mobile
devices to connect to an Exchange Server to access mail, calendars, and contacts. Exchange
administrators can control what devices can connect and synchronize with the server and which Data Synchronization
ones are blocked. Methods
Note: You can sync to the cloud or sync to your desktop or laptop device, or even between
mobile devices.

If you have access to a cloud service such as iCloud or OneDrive®, a subscription service such as
Dropbox, or another online storage service, you can use the built-in features of the service to
synchronize data between devices. You might need to install an app on your mobile device to access
the online storage. Data is often automatically synchronized whenever a network is available. You
can configure services so that data synchronization only occurs over a Wi-Fi network so that you
don't use up your monthly allotment of data in synchronizing data.
Some services, such as iTunes, synchronizes data whenever the mobile device is connected to a
computer. This keeps the apps, music, and videos you purchased on one device synchronized with
the other computing device.

Data Synchronization Requirements

Synchronization requirements will vary and will be specific to each mobile device. There are a
number of factors to consider when enabling data synchronization on a mobile device:
• You might need to use a specific system account to enable synchronization. Data Synchronization
• You might require an email account. Requirements
• If you are using Microsoft Exchange, then control may be given to the Admin.
• Organizations may have specific requirements to synchronize data.
• Certain devices might require additional software to enable synchronization.
• Certain devices might require using specific network protocols to enable synchronization.
• The device may need to authenticate a service, not just vice versa.

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ACTIVITY 15-6
Discussing Mobile Device Synchronization

Scenario
You want to do a little research to make sure you know how to synchronize data between various
mobile devices and a user's computer. You and the other technicians in your department each were
assigned a different scenario at your last team meeting to research.

Try to have each student 1. Based on the mobile device you are using, the email account you are using, any cloud storage you are
or group of students using, and whether you are connecting to the other device over Wi-Fi, a data cable, or cellular, search
research a different online for the most appropriate method of synchronizing your data.
mobile device type, a) Determine which method is most efficient for syncing data between the mobile device you are using
account type, and and a computer.
connection type. b) Determine if any settings need to be changed on your mobile device to prevent cellular connections
for large data transfers.
c) Determine if any additional apps need to be installed to sync data.

2. Share your results with the rest of the class.

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TOPIC G
Troubleshoot Mobile Device Hardware
In this lesson, you have installed, configured, and managed several types of mobile device hardware.
As with desktop PCs, part of your duties as an A+ technician will be helping users when they
encounter problems with their mobile devices. In this topic, you will troubleshoot issues with
mobile device hardware.

Handling and Maintenance Techniques

Mobile devices are small and can easily be damaged. Using appropriate handling techniques when
performing maintenance on the devices will help keep the devices from being damaged. Some
recommendations include: Handling and
• As convenient as it might be, avoid putting small mobile devices in pockets where they could be Maintenance
damaged when you sit down. Techniques
• When applying a screen protector, make sure not to get fingerprints on the glass or on the sticky
side of the screen protector.
• Avoid dropping the mobile devices.
• When possible, place the mobile devices in protective cases. If you need to remove the
protective case to access the device, be careful not to damage either the case or the mobile
device.
• Avoid leaving mobile devices in hot cars or leaving them out in the cold. The cold might damage
the delicate screen.
• Avoid getting mobile devices wet.
There are many general maintenance and handling techniques that should be considered when
supporting laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Issue Techniques

Cooling systems Because laptops do not have the air circulation that desktop PCs do, it is Reiterate how important
it is to not void the
important to keep the device air ducts clean. Dust trapped in cooling passages
warranty by opening
acts as an insulator and can prevent proper cooling, possibly resulting in devices that are still
overheating. Excessive heat should be avoided in such devices as it can shorten under warranty.
the life of components. In servicing laptops, it is a good practice to regularly
blow dust from the cooling passages using compressed air or vacuum it with an
electronics vacuum. When using the compressed air to clean the inside of the
laptop, you must be extremely cautious of the internal components. It is easy to
damage other components inside the laptop while cleaning.
The bottom surface of the laptop gets quite hot when improperly ventilated.
This can easily happen when laptops are put on soft surfaces (i.e., tables with
coverings such as table cloths), on people's laps, or in places where there is not
enough room between the vents and a wall. Sometimes people will get careless
and unwittingly cover the vents with books, mouse pads, etc.

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Issue Techniques
Batteries Properly caring for the battery in a mobile device not only prolongs battery life,
but also diminishes health and safety concerns. Using an incorrect battery
charging cable or exposing a battery to harsh environmental conditions, such as
extreme heat, can result in an explosion. Some simple guidelines for acceptable
battery maintenance include:
• Follow manufacturer instructions on the proper charging and discharging of
the battery.
• Use the battery charger provided by the manufacturer or an approved
replacement charger.
• Never expose the battery to fire or water.
• Do not drop, throw, or jolt the battery.
• Only use the recommended battery for your device.
• Make use of power management features included with your device/OS to
prolong battery life.
Transportation Because mobile devices are carried from place to place, they are exposed to
and handling hazardous environments far more frequently than desktop computers. Careless
handling can substantially reduce the life expectancy of such devices.
Whether storing, shipping, or just transporting a laptop, it is important to
choose an appropriate enclosure for the device. Such enclosures should protect
the device from moisture, heat and cold, and dust and debris. The enclosure
should shield the device from objects that could scratch or scrape, and also
withstand the impact of a drop.
When carrying a laptop or other mobile device, be careful not to hold on to it
by a corner. This can cause the device to bend slightly and short out the system
board.

Operating Environment Best Practices

If you can properly control environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, RFI, and ESD,
you can help ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your device.
Operating Environment
Best Practices Environmental Factor Description

High temperature Exposure to high temperatures can cause expansion within portable
computing devices and compromise circuitry. High temperature can also
lead to the failure of cooling systems to maintain adequate operating
temperatures, leading to the overheating and failure of internal components
such as the processor, video processor, and hard drive.
Rapid change in Rapid changes in temperature, such as those seen when transporting a
temperature device from one climate to another, could result in condensation within the
device. Devices should be allowed to come to room temperature before
being powered on after a temperature change.
High humidity Avoid operating in high humidity as condensation within the device may
occur and promote corrosion. All manufacturers specify operating
humidity levels. It is important to follow manufacturer operating
procedures/guidelines at all times. Most systems can operate at high
humidity without a problem, as long as there is no condensation (5 to 95
percent relative humidity, non-condensing).
Low humidity Be extra cautious as ESD is more likely to occur in low-humidity
environments (those under 35 percent relative humidity).

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Environmental Factor Description

RFI Erratic errors may occur with mobile devices when exposed to radio-
frequency interference (RFI). Radio towers, two-way radios, and even cordless
telephones and microwaves have been linked to RFI.
Moving the device further from such sources will help in resolving
interference issues. Properly shielded cables for peripherals will also
minimize the effects of RFI.

General Mobile Device Issues

As an A+ certified technician, you will be responsible for interpreting a laptop's symptoms and
determining what the specific issues are and how they can be resolved.
General Mobile Device
Symptom Description Issues
Display issues Some common display device issues include:
• Cannot display to external monitor, video device, or projector. Often
this feature requires the user to toggle between display modes. Check Point out many desktop
the device documentation for more information on toggle modes for issues could happen on
mobile devices too.
your specific device.
• No display.
• In some cases, the LCD cutoff switch remains stuck down even
after the laptop lid is opened. You may need to connect the laptop
to an external monitor to verify that the graphics card is still working
properly.
• The mobile device might be out of power and need to be plugged in
or recharged.
• The mobile device unit's integrated screen might be damaged.
• Backlight/brightness functionality and pixelation have been changed. In
some cases, the intensity of the backlight and the amount of pixelation
can conserve power if configured correctly. Verify that the backlight
and resolution settings are configured to suit the user's needs. Often,
the display is optimized for certain dots per inch (DPI) and resolution
settings. Changing these is not always recommended. In some mobile
devices, the backlight/brightness settings are configured automatically,
so check to see if you can enable or disable this setting.
• Dim display. The screen goes dark and cannot be adjusted or the hues
in the display are changing. This can be one of two issues: the screen
has gone bad or the LCD inverter is bad. You may need to replace the
screen or the inverter. Check the manufacturer's documentation to
verify replacement options.
• Flickering display. This can be a symptom of a number of different
issues. First, verify that your video card drivers are up to date. Next,
check the screen refresh rate within the display settings for the mobile
device. If the flickering continues, then it is most likely a loose wire
connection from the system board to the display. In this case, the only
way to fix the issue is to disassemble the mobile device and secure the
wires.

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Symptom Description
Battery issues There are usually three main issues with mobile device batteries, the first
being that the battery does not stay charged long enough. Battery life can
be maximized using the power management features of your device. Many
devices also offer extended life batteries. To extend battery life, disable
devices not being used, such as wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and infrared
[IR]). If not on a network, you can also disable the network interface card
(NIC). These devices have their own power management options that need
to be set.
The second is that the battery is not charging. This could be because of a
bad AC adapter or cable. Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries have battery
memory, which means that they can lose most of their rechargeability if
you repeatedly recharge them without draining the batteries first. The only
solution to this problem is to use a conditioning charger, which is designed
to first drain the Ni-Cd batteries before recharging them. Battery memory
can sometimes affect nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, too. Try
replacing the cable and see if that fixes the issue. If it does not, then you
will most likely have to replace the battery.
The third issue is battery swelling. A swollen battery may expand beyond
its container and cause issues with the device’s casing, and it can also lead
to the battery malfunctioning. Swollen batteries may also leak harmful
chemicals. Batteries can become swollen through age, misuse, or
manufacturing defects, and are typically caused by the batteries’ cells
overcharging. Most swollen batteries will need to be replaced. To avoid this
effect, make sure to store the device in a cool, dry place, and make sure
you’re using the right power charger.
Replacing batteries is not uncommon and will need to be done periodically.
Device gets hot Because mobile devices have very little space in between their internal
components, you can have problems with them overheating, which leads to
system lockups and even hardware failures. Strategies you can use to help
reduce the heat within mobile devices include:
• Use the power management features even when the mobile device is
connected to a power outlet, especially if you are using it in a warm
room.
• Try to keep the bottom of laptops ventilated. (For example, do not rest
a laptop on a pillow in your lap.)
• Be aware of the fan in a laptop. If you hear it running very fast on a
regular basis, take steps to minimize heat in the laptop.
Mobile device is not This can be an indication that the battery contacts are dirty. You can clean
working properly them by using alcohol preps or even just a dry cloth.
when on battery
power

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Symptom Description
No power when The power cord or AC adapter might have failed, the outlet to which you
connected to AC are attempting to connect the mobile device is bad, or the power supply in
power the mobile device has failed. Start by checking the power outlet and
plugging in a known good electrical device and verifying whether you can
turn it on. If the problem persists, then try using a known good power cord
and then an AC adapter to determine if either is the source of the problem.
You might also test both AC and DC power by using a multimeter. For
devices with a two-component charger, such as a USB cable into a USB-to-
electrical-outlet adapter, or a laptop power cord with a separate cable from
the transformer to the power outlet, make sure that the connections are
firmly mated together.
Ghost cursor and Laptops commonly have touch pads or pointing sticks. Touch pads can
pointer drift suffer from dirt and hand grease contamination that can make the touch
pad behave erratically; make sure to clean with alcohol preps. Pointing stick
heads can wear out and become slippery, making them very difficult to use;
order replacements from the manufacturer or vendor. In some laptop Also point out that if the
models, you can actually recalibrate the touch pad to try and fix the issue. user has a messy desk,
A ghost cursor is a cursor that jumps around on the screen randomly, or an external mouse
connected to the mobile
moves too slow, or opens windows and menus on its own. Causes of this
device might have
problem include a corrupt driver, driver incompatibilities after an upgrade books or other objects
to a newer operating system, and a hardware failure. Steps to take to sitting on it that are
resolve this problem include reinstalling or upgrading the driver. If this activating the mouse.
does not resolve the problem, many portable devices allow users to
connect an external mouse as a substitute for the touch pad or other
integrated pointing devices.
Pointer drift is when the mouse pointer moves across the screen without the
user touching the touchpad or mouse. This can often be resolved by
uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers. The other reason this might occur
is if the user is using the mobile device keyboard and their hands rest on
the case near the touch pad, the touch pad might register their hands as
touching the touch pad if the case flexes a bit from the user's hands. You
also might need to recalibrate the touch pad or pointing stick.

Common Mobile Device Keypad Issues

Mobile device keypads are the source of many user complaints due to their varied key arrangements.

Issue Description
Common Mobile Device
6

Nonstandard key Due to size constraints, mobile device manufacturers often rearrange Keypad Issues
placement function keys to make them all fit.
Function keys Some keys on a standard desktop keyboard would not fit on a mobile
Point out that objects
device keyboard and have instead been added as function keys. Several keys
laying on the internal
on a mobile device keypad are shared. For an explanation of key functions, keyboard might affect
consult the device manual. how an external
Numeric keypad Most mobile computers do not have the numeric keypad like desktop keyboard registers key
presses. If a book is
keyboards. Instead, many manufacturers place numbers on letter keys to be
pressing down the
used when NumLock is on. NumLock indicator lights are displayed on spacebar, the user will
the laptop to indicate that the NumLock function has been turned on. have a hard time typing!

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Issue Description
Sticking keys On occasion, a key will remain in the depressed position due to debris
buildup or a malfunction in the mechanism. These issues can often be
resolved by removing the key, cleaning it, and replacing the key. Methods
for removing keys vary from model to model. Removing a key on a laptop
keyboard can be a risky proposition. They are typically not the type of key
where the key cap is in a peg, which you find on full-sized keyboards.
Laptop keys are usually floating on a dual-hinge mechanism, usually plastic,
that will easily break if you attempt to remove it forcefully. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions when attempting to fix a key on the keyboard.
Keyboard too small The strain of typing on a small or non-ergonomic keyboard may bother
some users.
Keyboard not For mobile devices with detachable keyboards, ensure that the keyboard is
responsive properly connected to the computing device. If the mobile device has an
operating system function to select between using internal, external, or on-
screen keyboards, ensure the appropriate keyboard option is selected.

Common Touch Screen Issues

Touch screen devices are gaining in popularity. They show up in everything from ATMs at the bank
to store checkouts, to smartphones and tablets, to laptops and desktop computers. They are also
Common Touch Screen
used in some industrial applications where the environment would not be conducive to use of
Issues mechanical keyboards or a portable device is needed. As great as they can be, there are some issues
you might encounter.

Issue Caused By Possible Resolutions

Ask students if they
have encountered any of Dirty Oils from the user's fingers, dusty • Wipe the screen with a soft cloth
these or other issues surroundings, foreign matter adhered designed for eye glasses cleaning.
when using touch screen to the screen • Use solution designed for cleaning
devices.
eye glasses, applied to a soft cloth.
Touch not Lost calibration settings Recalibrate the device using the built-
registering in the in operating system tools.
location where
screen was
touched
Scratched, • Dropping device. • To prevent this issue, place device
cracked, or • Placing device in pocket or bag in protective case and apply a
broken screen with sharp objects. screen protector.
• Sitting on device. • Some scratches might not cause
any operating problems.
• Replace the touch screen,
following manufacturer's
directions.
Erratic behavior • Dirty screen, lost calibration • Follow the resolutions above.
settings, or scratched, broken, or • Remove and install the drivers.
cracked screen.
• Driver problem.

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Issue Caused By Possible Resolutions

Can't see the Device is being used in bright • Check device settings to adjust for
screen sunlight. sunlight conditions.
• Apply anti-glare screen cover.
User is wearing • Cold weather necessitating need • Obtain and use gloves with
gloves for gloves. capacitive finger tips that will work
• Work with chemicals or other with the device.
materials that requires the user to • Use a stylus designed for the
wear gloves. device.

Common Wireless Connectivity Issues

There are several portable device issues that can cause wireless signal reception and connectivity
problems.
Common Wireless
Issue Description Connectivity Issues
Intermittent Several factors could play a part in poor or intermittent wireless reception,
wireless including low battery, radio interference, and signal barriers such as masonry
connectivity walls or floors. Anything metal can also block signals, such as large metal file
cabinets and metal-clad fire doors, things many people forget to consider
when determining the best location of wireless access points in an office. If
there is an external antenna, check to be sure the antenna is fully extended,
properly connected, and is not damaged. In some cases, if the wireless card is
installed independently from the system board, then you can upgrade the
wireless card to improve connectivity.
No Bluetooth There are a number of issues that can cause Bluetooth connectivity problems:
connectivity • The drivers might need to be updated.
• The devices have not been set to "discoverable" mode. For security
purposes, only enable discovery mode on your mobile device when you
want a Bluetooth device to find your device; otherwise, keep that setting
disabled.
• The Bluetooth settings must be configured to allow devices to connect to
the device. This is also referred to as pairing.
No wireless Some portable computing devices allow the user to turn off the wireless
connectivity receiver switch, which would result in no reception. Or, the user might
simply be out of range of the wireless access point. You may also need to
enter the appropriate security key for the wireless access point.
This issue might also be the result of damage or a failure in the wireless
device or the embedded antenna on the wireless network card. Some cards
might have a flip-up antenna that might be damaged through improper
handling. If the card or antenna is damaged, you would typically replace the
Mobile Device
wireless card.
Disassembly Best
Practices

Mobile Device Disassembly Best Practices

When disassembling a mobile device, it's important to follow the proper disassembling process to Remind students that
ensure that the device can be reassembled correctly: devices under warranty
should not be
• Document and label all cable and screw locations as you go. disassembled because
• Organize the parts as you remove them from the mobile device. this typically voids the
warranty.

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• Refer to the manufacturer's documentation to help with locating components.

• Use the appropriate hand tools, such as a small screw driver to remove the screws.
Servicing mobile device components can be difficult depending on where the component is located
within the case. Many times, the components are not serviceable and replacing the entire mobile
device is required. It's also important to check a manufacturer's warranty restrictions before you
service a mobile device and its components. In some cases, you can actually break the warranty if
you crack open the case.
Note: Remember, devices under warranty should not be disassembled because this typically
voids the warranty.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Mobile Device Hardware Issues.

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ACTIVITY 15-7
Troubleshooting Mobile Device Hardware Issues

Scenario
You are assisting users with some mobile device hardware issues today.

1. You received a user complaint about a laptop being extremely hot to the touch. What actions should If you have mobile
you take in response to this issue? devices with problems
A: Overheating can be a sign that dust and dirt is restricting the necessary airflow within the device, that students can
so start by cleaning the ventilation duct with compressed air and then make sure that the device is troubleshoot, consider
getting proper air circulation around the outside of the case. having students work as
a team to troubleshoot
2. A user reports that when they plug in anything to the USB port on the laptop, that it is not recognized by and resolve the issues.
the system. Is this something you can easily repair?
A: Typically, the processor, the AC port, and USB ports are attached directly on the board and cannot
be replaced without replacing the whole laptop motherboard.

3. Several laptops need to be replaced in the next fiscal cycle, but that doesn't begin for several more
months. You want to improve functionality as much as possible by upgrading or replacing components
in some of the laptops that are having problems. Which items are easily replaced in a laptop?
A: Generally, you can replace the hard drive, RAM, the fan, the screen, the battery, and the
keyboard.

4. Your organization has several tablet devices that are loaned out as needed when employees are
traveling. Some users have reported problems getting the Bluetooth keyboard to work with the tablet.
What should you do?
A: There are a number of issues that can cause Bluetooth connectivity problems. The drivers might
need to be updated. The devices might not have been set to discoverable mode. For security
purposes, only enable discovery mode on your mobile device when want a Bluetooth device to
find your device; otherwise, keep that setting disabled. The Bluetooth settings must be configured
to allow devices to connect to the mobile device. This is also referred to as pairing.

5. A user reports that the touchscreen on their mobile device is not responding properly. What questions
should you ask, and what steps might you take to resolve the issue?
A: You should ask if the touch screen appears to be scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If so,
make arrangements to have the touch screen replaced. If it is not damaged, ask if the user has
cleaned the touchscreen surface. If they have not, remind them to use only a soft cloth moistened
with eye glass cleaner to gently wipe the screen. If it still doesn't work properly, recalibrate the
screen for the user, check for updates, or remove and reinstall drivers.

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Summary
In this lesson, you worked with mobile computing devices. You examined mobile device
technologies including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. As an A+ technician, you will need to be
able to expertly support and troubleshoot mobile devices.

In your professional experience, have you supported mobile devices? If not, what kind of experience do you
have with them?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary, and experience levels can range from no experience at all to power users that are
networking tools very comfortable with mobile devices.
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow What type of technical support do you think will be expected of an A+ technician as mobile devices become
up with their peers after even more prominent within the workplace?
the course is completed A: Answers will vary, but will most likely include implementing security methods and synchronizing
for further discussion organizational data with mobile devices.
and resources to support
continued learning. Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 15: Supporting Mobile Digital Devices |

16 Supporting Printers and
Multifunction Devices

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will support printers and multifunction devices. You will:
• Compare various printer technologies and the associated imaging processes.
• Install and configure printers.
• Perform printer maintenance.
• Troubleshoot printers using appropriate tools.

Lesson Introduction
In previous lessons, you have installed, configured, and managed system hardware for
desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, as well as the basic operating software and
networking components on all three systems. The next logical step is to examine some of
the most common external devices in use on personal computer systems: printers. In this
lesson, you will support printers and multifunction devices.
Despite predictions that computers would bring about a paperless office environment, the
need to transfer digital information to paper or back again remains as strong as ever.
Therefore, printing and scanning are among the most common tasks for users in almost
every home or business environment. As an A+ certified professional, you will often be
called upon to set up, configure, and troubleshoot printing environments, so you will need
to understand printer technologies as well as to perform common printer support tasks.
540 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Printer and Multifunction Technologies
In this lesson, you will support printers. Before you can provide the right level of support, you must
fully understand how these systems are used in a production environment. You need to understand
how the various components work within a printer to provide the desired outputs. In this topic, you
will identify printer technologies.
As a professional support technician, you might be supporting the latest cutting-edge technology, or
you might be responsible for ensuring that legacy systems continue to function adequately. So, you
must be prepared for either situation and be able to provide the right level of support to users and
clients. Having a working knowledge of the many printer technologies and components will help
you to support users' needs in any technical environment.

Printers
A printer is a device that produces text and images from electronic content onto physical media such
as paper, photo paper, and labels. A printer is one of the most popular peripheral devices in use in
Printers
most computing environments. Printers employ a range of technologies; the quality of the print
output varies with the printer type and generally in proportion to the printer cost. A printer output
of electronic documents is often referred to as hard copy. Printers can connect to computers using a
variety of connection types, with the most popular methods being USB, networked, and wireless.

E
AT
IC
PL
DU
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NO
6
DO

Figure 16-1: Printers.

Microsoft Printing Terminology

Some Microsoft® technical content makes a firm distinction between the software components that
represent the printer, and the physical printer itself. You may find that Microsoft refers to the
software representation of the printer as the "printer object," "logical printer," or simply "printer,"
and refers to the printer itself as the "print device" or "physical printer." However, Microsoft

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sometimes also uses the word "printer" as in common usage, to mean the physical print device. Be
aware of the context usage of the terms.

Printer Components
There are many types of printers. Each type of printer, and each printer from different
manufacturers implements the printing process slightly differently. All of the printers will have the
following common components. Printer Components

Printer Component Description

Mechanism for creating Impact printers typically use an ink coated ribbon. Low volume printers
text and images often use ink cartridges. High volume printers typically use toner. Store
receipt printers might use ink or thermal process.
Paper feed mechanism Printers need some method of moving the paper through the printer so
that the ink or toner can be applied to the paper. Impact printers often
use sprockets that engage holes on the edge of special continuous feed
paper. Ink jet printers typically use wheels that pull the top sheet from a
stack of cut sheets of paper, typically 8.5" x 11" or 14". Laser printers use
pickup rollers to move cut sheets through the printing mechanism.
Specialized printers might use these or other methods of moving the
paper.
Connection to A printer is not all that useful if it cannot communicate with the devices
computing devices that contain documents to be printed. Printers might connect through a
USB cable, a wired network card, or a wireless card. Some printers also
include card readers so users can save files to the memory card and print
from the memory card directly onto the printer.
Paper input and output Printers that use cut-sheet paper have a tray or opening for a stack of
paper. There will also be a tray or opening where the printed pages are
stacked after printing. Printers that use continuous feed paper might or
might not have input and output trays. Thermal printers often use paper
on a roll that is placed inside the printer device and the output is pulled
across a serrated edge to remove the printed output from the roll.

Printer types can vary, but there are many common technical components that are used to provide a
number of common functions within the printer.

Component Description

Printer memory Printers typically come with their own installed memory to store
information about the current device settings as well as the print jobs in
the queue. Different devices will have a different amount of memory
installed by default; you may be able to upgrade the memory. Upgrading
the memory can enable a printer to handle higher-resolution jobs and to
buffer more of each print job to increase throughput.
Printers store current print jobs in volatile Random Access Memory
(RAM); they typically store device settings in flash-based non-volatile
RAM. Consult your device documentation for the memory amounts and
types your device supports, as well as procedures for installing or
upgrading device memory.

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Component Description
Printer drivers Like all hardware devices, printers require appropriate software drivers in
order to enable the device to communicate with the computer system and
function correctly. The driver controls all device-specific functions,
including print resolution and quality choices, color rendition, contrast
and brightness, and finishing options such as two-sided printing,
collation, stapling, and so on. If you open a device's property sheet, you
can see the driver functions on the Advanced page and on any custom
pages the driver adds. Printers might also include management software
that is separate from the low-level driver interface and provides
sophisticated control over device settings and functions.
Printer firmware Many printers include built-in firmware that provides the on-board device
management interface. This enables you to configure printer functions,
monitor and manage print jobs, select output options, and run diagnostic
tests from a console on the device itself, rather than indirectly through a
computer operating system. The firmware type and the functions
provided by the firmware will vary depending upon your device. Check
with your device vendor for any available firmware updates.
Printer interfaces Most printers and multifunction devices used today use USB and wireless
technologies, or are directly connected to the network via a network
cable. Older printers connected to computers using parallel or sometimes
serial cables and ports; those connection methods are considered
obsolete.

MFDs
A multi-function device (MFD) is a piece of office equipment that performs the functions of a number
of other specialized devices. MFDs typically include the functions of a printer, scanner, fax machine,
MFDs
and copier. However, there are MFDs that do not include fax functions. Although the multi-
function device might not equal the performance or feature sets of the dedicated devices it replaces,
multi-function devices are very powerful and can perform most tasks adequately and are an
economical and popular choice for most home or small-office needs.
Ask participants what
types of MFDs they have
experience with, and
what capabilities were
available on the devices.

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Figure 16-2: An MFD.

Types of MFDs
MFDs can be broadly classified into three types, based on their size, cost, and functions.

Type of MFD Description

All-in-one (AIO These MFDs are small in size and include basic features of printing,
MFD) scanning, and copying that are required for home users. Interestingly, some
of them include features such as PictBridge and smart card readers that are not
available on high-end MFDs. Some have limited or no fax features and do
not support networking. Many can be connected using USB to a single
computer, or to multiple computers through a Wi-Fi connection to the
wireless router.
SOHO MFD These MFDs are medium sized and are designed specifically for small and
home offices. They can be connected to a network and can perform tasks at
a faster pace than AIOs. They usually have enhanced faxing capabilities and
some high-end models are loaded with additional time-saving features, such
as an automatic document feeder, duplex printing, duplex scanning, extra paper
trays, and stapling.
Heavy-duty MFD As the name suggests, these MFDs are large, network-enabled machines that
can cater to the documentation needs of an entire office. They may or may
not include a fax. They are built to handle large volumes of printing,
scanning, and copying. Additional features such as automatic document
feeder, duplex printing and scanning, and enhanced storage space are
available by default.

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Laser Printers
A laser printer is a printer that uses a laser beam to project (or "draw") a document onto an electrically
charged drum; toner adheres to the charged image and is transferred onto the paper as the paper
Laser Printers
moves through the mechanism at the same speed the drum rotates.

Figure 16-3: A laser printer.

Components of Laser Printers

Laser printers include some specialized components not found in other printer types:
• Toner cartridge. This is a single, replaceable unit that contains the fine powder used to create
images as well as additional components used in image production.
• Laser scanning assembly. This is the unit that contains the laser.
• High-voltage power supply. This component converts the supplied current to optimal voltage for
specific components and also converts the supplied alternating current (AC) to direct current
(DC) for specific internal parts of the printer.
• Paper transport mechanism. This includes the transfer belt and separator pads that move the
paper through the laser printer. If the printer is equipped with a duplexing assembly, then the
rollers flip the paper and draw it back through the print mechanism to print the back side of the
paper.
• Electrostatic Photographic drum (EP drum), or imaging drum. This component carries an electrical
charge that attracts the toner. It then transfers the toner to the paper.
• Transfer corona assembly. This is a component that contains the corona wires; it is responsible
both for charging the paper so that it pulls the toner off the drum and also for charging the drum
itself.
• Fuser assembly. This unit, also known as the fuser, applies pressure and heat to the paper to adhere
the toner particles to the paper.
• Formatter board. This unit exposes and processes all of the data received from the computer and
coordinates the steps needed to produce the finished page.

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LED Printers
LED printers are similar to laser printers but use the latest printing technology, namely Light
Emitting Diodes (LEDs), to replace the laser beam. Some LED printers can print 420 pages per
minute.

The Laser Print Process

In the laser printing process, laser printers print a page at a time using a combination of electrostatic The Laser Print Process
charges, toner, and laser light. The laser print process follows the steps detailed in the following
table.
Note: This is sometimes referred to as the "six-step process"; however, there are actually seven
steps involved.

Figure 16-4: The laser print process.

Process Step Description

1. Processing The computer encodes the page in a printer language and sends it to the
printer. The printer's firmware processes the data to create a bitmap of the
page and stores it in the printer's RAM.
2. Charging The imaging drum is conditioned by a charging roller powered by a high-
(conditioning) voltage power supply assembly. The roller applies an electrical charge of -600
V across the drum's surface. Slightly older printers use a primary corona wire
charged by a high-voltage power supply to apply the negative charge to the
drum.

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Process Step Description

3. Writing A finely tuned laser beam neutralizes the negative charge on the
(exposing) photoreceptive drum to form an electrostatic image. The laser is activated to
draw or write the image onto the drum. The laser beam remains stationary
and bounces off a mirror that directs the beam through a series of lenses and
mirrors that scans it over the rotating drum. The stream of rasterized data
held in memory turns the laser on and off to expose the dots where toner
will go to print the image. As the laser makes a single pass down the length
of the drum, it reverses the charge on the dark parts of the image and leaves
a static electric negative image on the drum surface as a -100 V charge. Areas
of the page that should be white have a positive charge, and those that will be
dark have a negative charge.
4. Developing A roller (also called a developing cylinder) applies toner to the drum surface.
The toner particles are charged and stick to the rotating cylinder, which is
very close to the drum. The toner is attracted to the parts of the drum
surface that have a -100 V charge and repelled from those areas with the -600
V charge. The toner sticks to those parts of the drum surface hit by the laser
beam.
5. Transferring Transferring is done using a transfer belt. A pickup roller moves a sheet of
paper forward from the paper tray and a separation pad keeps more than one
sheet of paper moving forward. A sheet of paper is pushed forward by the
pick-up rollers and a charged transfer roller puts a positive charge on the
paper to pull the toner from the drum and onto the paper. The paper moves
past a static charge eliminator device, which reduces the charges on both the
paper and the drum and keeps paper from sticking to the drum. (In some
laser printers, the transfer corona wire applies the positive charge to the
paper.)
6. Fusing The toner is fused to the paper. The paper passes through the fuser assembly
in which the heat roller applies heat to the paper and melts the toner. The
pressure roller applies pressure against the heat roller to properly bond the
toner with the paper. The printer monitors the temperature of the rollers and
if they exceed the allowed maximum the printer shuts down.
7. Cleaning A sweep strip cleans the drum of residual toner as it spins, and a rubber
cleaning blade removes the toner from the area. The heat roller is lubricated
to ensure an even transfer of heat and leftover charges on the drum are
neutralized to return it to 0 V.

Inkjet Printers
An inkjet printer is a printer that forms images by firing microscopic droplets of liquid ink out of
microscopic ink jet nozzles mounted together on a carriage assembly that moves back and forth
Inkjet Printers
across the paper. The nozzles are mounted approximately one multimeter from the paper and aimed
precisely on the printer. Inkjet printers have a self-cleaning cycle and will park the printhead when
not in use. The printer can use heat or vibrations to release the ink.
Show examples of
different print cartridges
from different printers so
students can see how
much they vary.

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Figure 16-5: An inkjet printer.

Inkjet Printer Capabilities

Inkjet printers are very versatile. Inkjet printers vary by:
• The media they can print on:
• Inexpensive copier paper
• Bright paper made specifically for inkjet printers
• Photo paper
• Transparencies
• Labels
• Card stock
• Envelopes
• Whether they produce black and white or color output.
• Whether they have duplexing capabilities.
• The cartridge design and the cost of cartridges.
• The speed at which they print.
• Whether the printhead is part of the printer or whether it is packaged together with the ink tanks
in a print cartridge.
• The paper path. Some printers have a straight-through paper path and others turn the paper over
as it passes through the printer.
• The resolution in dots per inch (DPI).
• How the ink is released. It could be by:
• The piezoelectric method, used in Epson printers. This uses a vibration to release a droplet of
ink from the cartridge.
• The thermal method, used in most other printers. This method releases a droplet of ink by
heating up the ink.
• The volume of the ink drop, expressed in picoliters (10-12 liters). The smaller the drop, the less
grainy the print output.

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Solid Ink Printers

Solid ink printers are somewhat of a cross between inkjet and laser printers except that they use ink
from melted solid-ink sticks. The melted ink is forced into a printhead, where it is transferred to a
drum, which then transfers the image to the paper as it rolls over the drum. Solid ink printers can
produce an image with a clear, fine edge on a wide variety of media, such as standard paper or
transparency film.

The Inkjet Print Process

The Inkjet Print Process In the inkjet print process, inkjet printers spray ink on paper to form images. The inkjet print
process follows the steps identified in the table.

Figure 16-6: The inkjet printing process.

Process Step Description

1. Preparation When the print process is initiated, a motor and belt mechanism moves a
printhead across the printer. Another stepper motor along with gears
advance the paper into the printer.
2. Ink dispersion As the printhead moves across the paper, images are formed by heat or
vibration forcing liquid ink out of carefully aimed nozzles onto the paper.
The printhead does not touch the paper. If the printer has double-sided
printing capabilities, then the duplexing assembly will move the paper or
other printing media through the printer twice.
3. Ink deposit The printhead moves back and forth across the paper, printing one row of
the image at a time. The amount of ink shot onto the page is determined by
the driver software that controls where and when each nozzle deposits ink.
The printhead typically produces at least 300 distinct DPI. Some printers can
print at up to 1,200 DPI or more.
4. Paper advance The paper advances using rollers and feeders after every row until the page is
covered.

Thermal Inkjet Printers

Thermal inkjet printers use heat to release the ink from the nozzle.
1. The ink in the printhead is heated to a specified temperature.

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2. Once the ink is heated, bubbles are formed in the cartridge that burst and shoot ink onto the
media.
3. The heat is turned off and the element cools.
4. More ink is sucked into the nozzle when the bubble collapses. Each thermal printhead has
hundreds or thousands of nozzles that shoot spheres of ink that can create dots about 60
microns in diameter.

Piezoelectric Inkjet Printers

Some inkjet printers use piezoelectric technology. Piezoelectric technology uses a piezo crystal that
flexes when current flows through it. When current flows to the crystal, it changes shape just
enough to force a drop of ink out of the nozzle and onto the paper.

Thermal Printers
A thermal printer is a general term for any printer that uses a heating element to create the image on
the paper with dye, ink from ribbons, or directly with pins while the feed assembly moves the media
through the printer. There are several types of thermal printers that use significantly different Thermal Printers
technologies and are intended for different uses. The most sophisticated types of thermal printers
can produce professional photo-quality images. There are also thermal printers for everyday office
use and for special-purpose applications. Most thermal printers will require special thermal paper that
contain chemicals designed to react and change color as it is heated by the heating element within
the printer to create images. These printers are commonly used with cash registers to print receipts.
6

Figure 16-7: A direct thermal printer.

Types of Thermal Printers

There are three basic categories of thermal printers.

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Thermal Printer Type Definition

Thermal dye transfer A thermal dye transfer printer, also called a dye sublimation printer, is a
printer sophisticated type of color printer that uses heat to diffuse dye from color
ribbons onto special paper or transparency stock. The resulting
continuous-tone image is similar in quality to photographic printing, and
professional photographers employ them to produce prints quickly
without having to send them to a photographic lab. However, the printers
themselves are expensive and slow, and the special media is also
expensive. Newer and less-expensive snapshot printers produce snapshot-
sized images of acceptable photographic quality.
Thermal wax transfer Thermal wax transfer printers have a thermal printhead that melts wax-based
printer ink from a transfer ribbon onto the paper. These printers can be used in
typical office settings as an economical way to produce color copies or
color prints at an acceptable quality but at lower cost than dye
sublimation printers. They are also used for standard text-based printing.
Direct thermal printer Direct thermal printers use heated pins to form an image directly onto
specially coated thermal paper. Early personal computer printers, such as
Apple’s first printer, the SilenType, were thermal printers. However,
Point out direct thermal today's direct thermal printers are more commonly found in special-
is the most common. purpose printing devices such as cash registers and some fax machines.

Thermal Print Processes

Direct Thermal Print Each type of thermal printer uses a unique print process:
Process
• Thermal dye transfer printers use a heating element to diffuse dye from color ribbons onto
special thermal paper or transparency stock.
• Thermal wax transfer printers use a heating element to melt wax-based ink from the transfer
ribbon onto special thermal paper.
• Direct thermal printers have a heating element with heated pins that create an image directly
onto special thermal paper.

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Figure 16-8: Direct thermal print process.

Impact Printers
An impact printer is any type of printer that strikes a component directly against the ink ribbon to
create characters on impact paper. The strike can be made with a group of pins or with a preformed
type character. Impact printers tend to be noisy and slow compared to other printers and have Impact Printers
largely been superseded by other printer technologies. The most common use is for printing carbon
or carbonless multi-part forms such as receipts or invoices.
Ask students if they
have encountered any
impact printers, and if
so, what they were used
for.
6

Figure 16-9: An impact printer.

Types of Impact Printers

There are several terms used to categorize impact printers.

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Impact Printer Description

Type

Dot-matrix A dot-matrix printer is a type of impact printer that uses a set of pins to strike the
printer ribbon. Dot-matrix printers create printed characters by using various
combinations of dots. The printhead contains a vertical column of small pins
that are controlled by an electromagnet. Because it uses an array of pins to
form images, this type of printer can produce graphics as well as text.
Formed-character A formed-character printer is any type of impact printer that functions like a
printer typewriter, by pressing preformed characters against the ink ribbon to deposit
the ink on the page.
The printhead might be shaped like a golf ball, with the type distributed around
the ball, or it might be in the form of a wheel with the characters around the
perimeter of the wheel. Because of this type of printhead's resemblance to
flower petals, they are referred to as daisy-wheel printers.
Line printer A line printer is any type of impact printer that can print a full line of text at a
time, rather than printing character by character. These are the fastest type of
impact printers.

Paper Feed Mechanisms

Impact printers can use either tractor feed when printing on continuous-roll impact paper, or
friction feed when printing on individual cut sheets of paper. Tractor feed uses pairs of wheels with
pins evenly spaced around the circumference at a set spacing. Continuous-roll paper with matching
holes in the edges fits over the pins. The wheels turn and pull the paper through the printer. There
are usually just two wheels, but there might be additional wheels or pin guides that the paper is
latched to. There is usually a lever or other setting on the printer that needs to be engaged in order
to use the tractor feed.
Friction feed uses two rollers placed one on top of the other. The rollers turn to force individual cut
sheets of paper or envelopes through the paper path. This is used to print on individual sheets of
paper (cut-sheet paper) and envelopes. Be sure to set the printer lever or other setting to the cut-
sheet mode when printing using friction feed.

The Impact Print Process

The Impact Print The impact print process consists of four steps.
Process
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 16-10: The impact print process.

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Process Step Description

Pin strike The printhead has a vertical column of small pins that are controlled by an
electromagnet. The pins shoot out of the printhead and strike an ink-coated
ribbon. The dots created on the page become the printed text or graphics. More,
smaller pins create better quality images. Printers come in 9-pin or 24-pin
varieties.
Ink transfer The impact of the pin transfers ink from the ribbon to the printed page. This
physical impact is responsible for the printer's ability to print multiple-layer
forms.
Printhead move After a set of pins has fired, an electromagnet pulls them back in, the printhead
moves a fraction of an inch across the page, and another set of pins is fired.
Letter quality Near Letter Quality (NLQ) printers usually use two or more passes over a line of
pass text to increase the number of dots used per letter. This connects the dots to
form sharper and clearer letters.

Virtual Printers
A virtual printer simulates a printer; however, there is no physical printer. Software is installed, or
Microsoft Windows includes a virtual printer, and the virtual printer shows up in the Printer dialog
box when you select to print something from your computer, tablet, or other device. Virtual Printers
Some of the reasons users might need to print to a virtual printer include:
• Sending a document from their computer to a fax server.
• Creating a document that cannot be purposely or inadvertently changed. Find out whether any
• Making the document content available outside of the application which originally created the students use virtual
printers and if so, what
document.
they use them for. If they
• Useful feature for sharing the document with others who don't have an application which can don't currently use them,
open the native file format. see if they can think of
• Combining multiple documents into a single document. reasons why they might
recommend them to
• Testing how the document will appear when printed on paper from a physical printer. users.
• Useful feature to save on printer supplies.
• If the document is not printing properly from the native application, sometimes it will print
properly from a file created using a virtual printer.
Virtual printers typically print to a file of some type such as PDF, XPS, or an image file. The virtual
printer might instead send the output to a fax queue on a fax server.
Examples of virtual printers include:
• Adobe Acrobat
• Nitro PDF Creator
• Microsoft XPS Document Writer
• Cute PDF
• GhostWriter
• Send To OneNote
The process for printing using a virtual printer is very similar to printing to a physical printer.
1. Install the virtual printer, if necessary.
2. From the application you wish to print from, open the document. The Virtual Print Process
3. Using the application's Print option, select the virtual printer.
4. Configure any options provided in the Print dialog box as needed.
5. Select the Print button.
6. If necessary, specify the location and file name for the output.

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ACTIVITY 16-1
Compare and Contrast Printers and Print
Processes

Scenario
There are several printers that are currently not deployed in your organization that are being stored
in the IT department inventory cages. In order to determine which ones you will need when the
time comes to replace currently deployed printers, you want to examine these printers to identify the
features of each printer. You will then fill out the chart to identify which printers have which
features.

Make sure you have a 1. Examine the printers available to you, then fill out the table below. (Use the space on the bottom half of
variety of printer types, the page if necessary.)
so students can examine
the printers to identify Printer Type Creates Images Using Connection Method Paper Handling
the similarities and Mechanism
differences between the
printers.

2. Using the table you created, identify the similarities between the printer types. Identify the differences.

3. Share your observations with the class.

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TOPIC B
Install and Configure Printers
In the previous topic, you examined printer technologies, components, and processes. You can use
this basic understanding when you install and configure printers. In this topic, you will install and
configure printers.
Because printers are such a fundamental component of almost every computing environment, it is
almost a guarantee that you will be called upon to set up and configure printing on devices no
matter what professional environment you are working in. The skills you will learn in this topic
should prepare you to install and configure a wide range of printer types efficiently and correctly.

Printer Supplies and Media

There are a number of additional printer supplies and media that are necessary for a printer to
function properly.
Printer Supplies and
Supply or Media Description Media
Printer toner Laser printer toner is a fine powder made of particles of iron, carbon, and resin.
Laser printers require a toner cartridge, which is a single, replaceable unit that
contains toner as well as additional components used in image production. You
will need to maintain a supply of the proper toner cartridges for your printer
model. Refill or recycle empty toner cartridges; do not dispose of them in
regular trash.
Users can change toner cartridges, but everyone should follow proper handling
procedures, which are usually printed right on the cartridge. Toner particles can
stain clothing or skin, especially when exposed to heat. Toner rarely spills, but
when it does, clean it up with an electronics vacuum that has a fine filter and bag
to contain the material. Using a regular vacuum can melt the toner if it gets on
the vacuum motor. Use a dry paper towel, toner spill cloths, or cool water to
clean toner from skin or clothing. Do not rub the area, because the heat from
friction will make it harder to remove.
Ink and ink Inkjet printers require ink cartridges to supply black or colored ink. You will
cartridges need to maintain a supply of the ink cartridges for your printer model. Ink
cartridges vary by:
• The size of cartridges and how much ink each cartridge contains.
• Whether black is produced using a separate cartridge or by combining the
cyan, yellow, and magenta inks into a composite black output.
• Whether there are separate cartridges for each color or if they are all in one
unit. The black cartridge is separate on almost all printers, except for some
very low-end printers. If the colors are in one unit and one color runs out,
the entire cartridge needs to be replaced.
Solid ink printers require you to supply solid ink sticks designed for your
particular printer model.

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Supply or Media Description

Paper and other Depending upon your printer, you may be able to print to a variety of media
media types types, including:
• Standard-quality copier paper in a variety of form sizes, such as letter, legal,
tabloid, and so on.
Point out that large • Bright paper made specifically for inkjet or for laser printers.
format printers typically • Thermal paper for thermal printers.
use a roll of paper
instead of cut-sheet • Photo paper.
paper. • Transparencies.
• Labels.
• Card stock.
• Envelopes.
You will need to install paper trays that accommodate the media stock you
select for your printer. You can also select paper trays in different orientations,
whether letter or landscape. Some media sizes and types might need to be fed
into the printer manually.
Most printer output goes to an output bin on top of the printer, but there might
be an additional or alternate straight paper path through a drop-down door,
called a bypass tray, on the rear of the printer that you can use for specialized
media, such as transparencies.
Maintain an appropriate media stock on hand. Users can typically refill paper
trays themselves if the correct stock is available.

Local and Network-Based Printers

There are two general types of printers you can install.
• Local printers are managed by and may be physically or wirelessly connected to the local computer.
Local and Network- The local computer holds the print queue, which contains the print jobs waiting to print.
Based Printers • Network-based printers are shared print devices that are managed by a network computer, called a
print server. The print server holds the print queue.
Network-connected printers have built-in network adapter cards and connect directly to a network
cable or via a wireless network interface. Print jobs are sent over the network using a network
protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Some network-
connected printers have on-board print server software so they can be installed on the network
directly and manage the print queue without requiring a separate print server computer.

Printer Connections
Printers can be connected to a local printer or to the network through a wired connection or
wireless connection. Wired connections use USB, serial, or Ethernet ports and cables. Wireless
connections use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. Wireless printers can be installed as part of the
infrastructure of the local computer environment or the network environment. Alternatively, they
can be part of an ad hoc network which is created for the current print session.
If you have a
smartphone, tablet, or Cloud Print Services
laptop configured to print Using cloud print services, you can access printers. These are often public printers located in office
offsite to a service such
as those provided by
supply stores or other specialty print shops. Accessing these public, shared printers can be
FedEx Office, Staples, accomplished using special apps available from the provider of the service. The app typically uses
or other retail stores, TCP, Bonjour, or AirPrint from your operating system along with print drivers and an app for the
consider demonstrating user to select where to print to.
how to print using these Some reasons you might use cloud print services include:
services.

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• Print from a mobile device.

• Print to a specialized printer you don't have in your organization.

Print Device Sharing

Depending on an organization's infrastructure, printers can be shared with computers, networks, or
other devices using a variety of methods. Both local and network printers can be shared with other
computers and devices. Print Device Sharing

Method Description

Wired With the increased use of USB and Ethernet cables over the years, parallel and Explain how printer
serial cables and ports are just about obsolete. Most wired printers and MFDs sharing differs from
found today will connect to devices using a USB port or are directly connected setting up and using
to a network via an Ethernet cable. network printer
mappings. You might
Wireless Wireless printers offer many capabilities such as flexible printer locations. want to demonstrate
Printers can be connected to a wireless network using: creating a network
• Bluetooth® printer and than
connecting/mapping to
• 802.11x it.
• Infrared (IR) technology
Print server Print servers hold the print queue for a number of printers connected to the
same network. The server manages print jobs that come from client computers
or devices, and sends the jobs on to the desired printer. You may also come
across occasions when the print server is built into a printer, or is a component
of an appliance that also provides additional functions, such as a firewall.
Operating Printers can be shared with other devices on the network by assigning print
system permissions that apply to local users and to users of a shared network printer.
Permissions can be allowed or denied within the operating system settings, but
if you deny a user the print permission, the user will have no access to the
printer. Available permissions include:
• The print permission, which enables you to print to the shared printer.
Assigned by default to Everyone.
• Manage this printer, which enables you to print to the printer and fully
administer the printer. Assigned by default to administrators.
• Manage documents, which enables you to manage other users' documents.
This permission includes the ability to manage all the jobs in the print queue.
• Special permissions, which is generally only used by the system administrator
to manage printer owner settings.

Data Privacy and Shared Devices

Security concerns become paramount when you begin to share devices among multiple users. You
can configure the shared device to require user authentication when connections are requested. You
can also create organizational policies that require hard drive caches to be cleared on shared devices.

Workgroup Security Models and Print Permissions

To assign permissions to printer objects on a Windows® workgroup, you need to turn off File
Sharing and enable Classic authentication so that local users can authenticate as themselves. In
the Network and Sharing Center, select Change advanced sharing settings from the left pane
and then select the Turn on file and printer sharing option.
Once you do this, the Security tab will be available in the printer's property sheet.

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AirPrint
iOS and OS X include AirPrint. The AirPrint technology allows users to connect to a wireless
printer that is located on the same network as the device from which you wish to print. Users select
the AirPrint printer as the printer to which their document will be printed. By default, AirPrint only
works over Wi-Fi, but following the documentation included with an AirPrint capable printer, you
can also connect the printer via USB or Ethernet.

Bonjour
Bonjour was created by Apple to provide zero-configuration networking. Through Bonjour, users
can locate printers and file servers. It uses DNS service records to locate the devices offering print
and file sharing services. The Bonjour software is part of OS X and iOS operating systems, and can
be added to Microsoft Windows systems.
Various browsers have been created that enable users to graphically locate devices that can be found
through Bonjour. These include the Bonjour Browser, jBonjourBrowser, Bonjour Browser for
Windows, and mDNSBrowser.

TCP
Networked printers on an Ethernet network will need an IP address. Users can then add the printer
through the operating system's add printer method, using the IP address.

Printer Configuration Options

Depending upon your particular printer, you will have various options for configuring and
optimizing printer performance.
Printer Configuration
Options Printer Description
Configuration
Option

Duplex The printer might have a built-in duplexing feature that enables the user to
automatically print on both sides of a page. For other printers, the user will need
to manually remove the printed pages from the output tray and reload them in the
proper orientation to print on the other side of the paper. Most printers with
manual duplexing provide on-screen instructions for how to orient the paper for
printing the second side.
Collate If you are printing multiple copies of a file, the collate feature keeps all of the pages
for each copy together. This prevents the user from needing to manually sort
through the stack of output pages and assembling each copy by hand.
Orientation The orientation option allows users to specify whether the document will be printed
in landscape or portrait. For example, landscape on an 8.5 x 11 inch page would have
the top and bottom of the page on the 11 inch sides of the paper, and portrait
orientation would have the top and bottom of the page on the 8.5 inch sides of the
paper.
Print quality The print quality option enables users to specify whether they want to print draft,
normal, or high quality output. Draft prints quickly and uses less ink or toner,
while high quality takes longer and uses more ink or toner. Instead of generic
terms like draft or high quality, some printers provide the DPI (dots per inch) of
the output.

Items in the table are Other options you might need to configure include:
mentioned in the exam • Device calibration
objectives; items in the
bullet list are not
• Tray assignments
mentioned. • Tray switching

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• Print spool settings

• Printer availability
• Color management
• Printer ports

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Install and Configure a Printer
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Install and
Configure a Printer
Cloud and Remote Printing presentation from the
CHOICE Course screen
With so many users being mobile and using mobile devices, the ability to print from those devices is or have students
becoming more and more important. Being able to print to the printer back at the office, or to a navigate out to the
printer in another office, can be accomplished through remote printing. Printing from a device that Course screen and
doesn’t normally have print capabilities can be accomplished by installing an app on the device and watch it themselves as a
using cloud printing. Or, you might need to print handouts to a printer at the hotel or conference supplement to your
center; this can also be accomplished through cloud printing many times. instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
Printer manufacturers have created print servers which can be accessed through their app on your the LearnTOs for this
mobile device. Examples include Epson and HP. The print job is sent to the manufacturer's print course on their CHOICE
server, then printed at a printer detected by the app. The printer might be in a hotel, an office store, Course screen after
or a copy shop. You will pay a per-page fee for using the printer. class for supplemental
information and
Chances are, you don't want anyone but you or your intended audience to see the printed output. additional resources.
You should wait to print until you are near the public printer. Some apps provide you with a code
that will hold the print job on the print server until the user enters a code they were emailed. The
code is entered directly on the physical printer to release the job from the print queue to the printer.
Cloud and Remote
One cloud printing solution is Google Cloud Print. This works with both newer and older printers. Printing
It allows you to make your printers available to you or the users you specify. Users can print from
any web-connected device that has the ability to print. The user does not need to install the print
driver for the selected printer in order to print when using this service.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Install and Configure Printers.

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ACTIVITY 16-2
Installing and Sharing a Local Printer

Scenario
One of users in the HR department has just asked you to install a printer that he purchased for the
department. He would like to use this printer on his Windows 8 computer as his default printer. He
has also asked that you make the printer available to other users in the department. Even though he
has not yet received the printer, he would like you to configure his computer so that all he will need
to do is plug in the printer when it arrives.

You do not need a 1. Install the printer.

physical printer a) Open Control Panel in Category view.
connection to complete b) Under Hardware and Sound, select View devices and printers.
this activity. Students c) Select Add a printer. If the printer isn't listed, select The printer that I want isn't listed and then select
can choose any printer Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings. Select Next.
model from the list to
practice general d) From the Use an existing port drop-down list, select the desired port and then select Next.
installation procedures e) On the Install the printer driver page, from the Manufacturer list, select a printer manufacturer.
and work with a local f) From the Printers list, select a printer and select Next.
printer. Point out to g) In the Printer name text box, type My Local Printer
students that newer
h) Select Next.
printers will often have
specific installation
2. If the option is available, share the printer.
instructions from the
manufacturer. a) On the Printer Sharing page, verify that Share this printer so that others on your network can find
and use it is selected.
b) In the Location text box, type IT testing area
c) Select Next.
Let students know which
port they should select. Note: If the option to share is not available, finish installing the printer, then right-
click the printer and select My Local Printer Properties. On the Sharing tab, check
Share this printer, and in the Share Name text box, type IT testing area and
select OK.

3. Create a print job on the local printer.

a) Select Print a test page.
b) Select Close.
c) Select Finish.
d) In the Devices and Printers window, right-click My Local Printer.
e) Select See what's printing.
f) At least one print job should appear in the queue. Close the print queue window and the Devices
and Printers window.

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TOPIC C
Maintain Printers
Proper printer maintenance will extend the life of a printer and will help prevent mechanical issues
in the future. Printer maintenance should become a routine part of your job as an A+ technician.
Each type of printer has specific tasks you should perform to keep it in operating condition. In this
topic, you will examine the maintenance required for various types of printers.

Laser Printer Maintenance

Laser printers have many moving parts, parts that get very hot, and parts that can get quite dirty.
Performing preventive maintenance is an important task that should be performed on a regular
basis. The frequency of tasks varies based on printer, how much use it gets, and under what Laser Printer
conditions it is operating. Maintenance
• Replace the toner cartridge once it gets low.
• You might need to calibrate the printer if the automatic calibration is not effective in maintaining
high-level print quality. Point out that the best
• Apply maintenance kit at intervals as specified by the manufacturer. Preventive maintenance kits source of information on
typically include: when and how to
perform maintenance on
• Fuser any printer is to refer to
• Transfer roller the manufacturer's
• Rollers for feeding paper, picking up paper documentation.
• Separation pads and rollers
• Clean excess toner out of the printer each time you replace the cartridge to avoid buildup inside
the printer.
• Be mindful of the printer's location. Keep it well ventilated with proper spacing from other
devices.

Thermal Printer Maintenance

Thermal printers are often used in cash registers and for printing labels. Both of these uses require
the printer to be available at all times, and to keep up availability, you should perform regular
maintenance. Thermal Printer
In cash registers, the cashier rips the paper across the serrated teeth to give the receipt to the Maintenance
customer. This can lead to a build-up of paper dust in the printer from tearing off receipts. It can
also lead to bits of paper becoming lodged in the mechanism if a clean slice is not made and bits of
leftover paper fall into the printer.
Label printers can end up with sticky residue inside the printer. If labels are not loaded correctly,
they can separate from the backing while being fed through the printer. You will need to ensure
users know how to properly load the labels and how to clean up if labels get stuck inside the printer.
• Replace the paper when needed.
• The heating element may need cleaning to prevent buildup and smudging.
• Remove debris from inside and outside printer to prevent unwanted particles from getting into
the printer components.
• Cleaning cards made specifically for cleaning thermal printers can be run through the printer
to help clean the printhead and the rollers.
• Only use cleaning cards when required, as they can be abrasive and wear down components.
• Clean any sticky residue using isopropyl alcohol.

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Impact Printer Maintenance

Impact printers are often found in point-of-sale terminals and back-office environments. As with
the other printer types, performing routine maintenance will help ensure the printer is performing
Impact Printer
properly when users need it.
Maintenance • Regularly clean the paper path and the ribbon path using a dry, soft cloth.
• Replace the printhead, ribbon, and paper when needed.
• Regularly vacuum the dust from the wheels in the tractor feed assembly.
• To avoid overheating the printhead, be mindful of the printer's location. Make sure it is clear of
clutter and other machines.

Inkjet Printer Maintenance

Inkjet printers are an affordable printer type that enables users to print in black-and-white or in
color. These are not usually designed for heavy workloads, so they might sit idle for long stretches
Inkjet Printer
of time. If they are in regular use, the consumables might be used up quite quickly. Performing
Maintenance proper maintenance will ensure the printer is available when it is needed.
• Use the printer often to prevent the ink from drying out and clogging the nozzles.
• Replace cartridges that are out of ink, are so low that incorrect colors are being printed, or that
have dried out.
• Perform calibration as needed if colors are off, streaks are appearing in output, or the image is
off-center.
• Run the printer's cleaning utility to clean the printhead.
• Run the printer's nozzle test.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Perform Printer Maintenance.

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ACTIVITY 16-3
Performing Printer Maintenance

Before You Begin

You have at least one printer available. If not, search for the maintenance procedures for specific
models of printers.

Scenario
It has been determined that in your organization, some maintenance tasks must be performed on a
daily basis. Others need to be performed weekly, and others on an as-needed basis. It is your turn to
take on printer maintenance today.

1. Review the documentation for your printer to determine the recommended printer maintenance.
a) Obtain the documentation, either in print form or by searching online for your printer model.
b) Briefly review the documentation and determine what maintenance tasks should be performed, and
how often they should be performed.

2. Following the documentation you obtained in the previous step, perform any recommended
maintenance on your printer.
a) Clean the exterior of the printer.
b) Clean the interior of the printer of any bits of paper, dust, or other foreign objects.
c) Verify that the ink or toner levels are adequate.
d) Verify that paper has been loaded in the printer, and that it is loaded correctly.
e) Determine if a maintenance kit should be used on your printer.

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TOPIC D
Troubleshoot Printers
Earlier in the course, you employed troubleshooting tools and techniques for hardware components
within the computer or mobile device. There are other peripheral devices that users may frequently
use with their computer or mobile device, like printers, that will experience problems or
malfunctions that require your assistance. In this topic, you will troubleshoot printers.
As a support professional, you are well aware that one of the most unpleasant problems for users is
being unable to print. If users need hard copies of documents and the systems do not work, it can
be very frustrating. Users will look to you to identify and resolve their problems quickly, so you will
need to perform proper maintenance to prevent problems, to recognize common issues, and to
correct them efficiently when they occur.

Common Printer Troubleshooting Tools

Printing troubleshooting tools can be used to fix common printing issues and can also help you in
diagnosing printer problems.
Common Printer
Troubleshooting Tools Tool Description

Maintenance kit Printer maintenance kits for laser printers are made up of printer
components that get worn out with regular everyday use. Most printers are
designed to notify users when they have reached their predetermined page
count and maintenance schedule. Usually, the printer will display a message
such as "Perform Printer Maintenance." This means that the printer
manufacturer recommends installing a printer maintenance kit at this time.
Once the kit is installed, you must reset the page count on the printer to
keep an accurate schedule for maintenance.
Common components included in the kit are:
• Transfer rollers and pickup rollers.
• Corona assembly.
• Fan assembly.
• Fuser assembly.
• Cloths and gloves for handling printer components.
For newer printers, you also can purchase individual cartridges as needed.
For example, fusing is done inside the fuser cartridge. It's possible to lower
the cost of maintaining a laser printer by replacing only the appropriate
cartridge.
Toner vacuum When you suspect that the printer needs to be cleaned due to toner build up
within the printer, then make sure to use a toner vacuum. Toner vacuums
are specifically designed to clean up toner within a printer. The vacuum is
able to reserve the particles within the tool so that it is not dispersed back
into the air. Never use a conventional vacuum to clean up toner because the
particles are so small that there is risk of them getting blown back into the
air surrounding the printer. This can be harmful to your health.
Compressed air Compressed air is sometimes used to clean out the dust and debris from
inside the printer. Refer to your manufacturer's documentation for any
guidelines on using compressed air to clean the printer. Some manufacturers
advise against using the air, because it can actually cause moisture build up
within the printer.

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Tool Description
Extension magnet A telescoping wand with a magnet attached to the end is used to pick up
screws or other metal pieces that may fall into the printer or scanner. For
inkjet printers and dot matrix printers, it can come in handy to retrieve paper
clips people have dropped into the paper-feed mechanism. But for laser
printers, reaching inside the printer can be hazardous. If you need to reach
inside a laser printer, take extreme caution as there are fragile components
and high-voltage electronics inside laser printers.

Printer Software Tools

In addition to the standard toolkit, there are several specialized resources you can employ when you
research and troubleshoot printing problems.
Printer Software Tools (2
Troubleshooting Description Slides)
Resource

Test patterns Depending upon your printer, you might be able to run test patterns to
check the clarity and print quality of your printer. It allows you to determine
what settings need to be adjusted or what ink colors need to be refilled. Test
patterns are either built in or external to the printer and are used to test for
calibration and alignment of the printhead and to check the color/grayscale
tone.
Printer spooler The printer spooler can be a useful tool when determining where a print job
is faulting. If the job is getting through the spooler then it may indicate a
hardware issue, but if its not, then it could be an issue with the application
that the job was sent from or a connection issue.
Power cycling Power cycling a device refers to turning the device off and letting it rest for
10 to 30 seconds before powering it back up. This can give the printer some
time to clear the memory and start up again.
General diagnostic Many printers come with other self-diagnostic programs that can resolve
utilities basic hardware issues. Refer to the printer's manual on the specific steps
required to perform the diagnostics.
Windows and other operating systems often provide help for
troubleshooting general problems as well as for problems specific to that
system. In particular, each version of Windows provides a troubleshooter
that can walk you through the diagnosis and resolution of common printer
problems or problems with other devices.
In Windows 7, common printer problems can be resolved by displaying the
pop-up menu from the Printer icon and selecting Troubleshoot.
There are other generic utilities you can use, such as capturing a printer with
the net use command, or redirecting output to a printer with the prn
command.
Device For device-specific problems, consult the documentation that came with
documentation your printer or scanner.
Manufacturers' Most device manufacturers will maintain technical information on their
websites websites that can help with printer troubleshooting and ongoing
maintenance. You can also download updated printer or scanner drivers or
diagnostic software tools from the manufacturer, or use web-based utilities
to help you diagnose the problem.

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Troubleshooting Description
Resource
Software vendors' Microsoft and other operating system vendors maintain libraries of technical
websites information on their websites that can help with troubleshooting known
problems with specific devices, or general issues related to the printing
function in the specific operating system.
Error codes and Review any error messages at the printer and at the computer. This might
reports involve checking computer event logs. Some printers may have an out of
memory error displayed when the printer memory is beyond capacity.
Service logs and Check prior service records for the system to try to identify recurring
reports problems. Check for previous user reports of similar issues to see how the
issues were resolved.
Troubleshooting As with all troubleshooting, follow a structured process:
principles 1. Gather information and identify the symptoms.
2. Review the data and establish a possible cause.
3. Identify and test a solution.

Common Printer Symptoms

When troubleshooting various printers and print job issues, keep in mind that some of the simplest
tasks such as pausing, restarting, or canceling a print job from the queue can easily fix some
Common Printer
common printing problems. User education and awareness of these common problems and
Symptoms solutions will enable you to better support users. There are a number of common issues related to
all types of printers.

Symptom Possible Problems and Solutions

Backed up print There are several issues that can cause a printer's queue to back up or not
queue or printer will print at all:
not print • If you suspect that the printer is out of toner, ink, or paper, then add
what is necessary. Verify the printer's status and press the Test button on
the printer.
• If you suspect that there is a paper jam, or the printer is displaying an
error code indicating a paper jam, then clear the jam. If the paper jams
are frequent, then the printer may need to be serviced to clean or replace
old or worn components such as rollers.
• In Windows, there are several settings that will cause issues. The printer
may be paused. In this case, right-click the printer and disable the pause
printing option. The print spooler service may be stalled, so stop and
start the service. Or, the Use Printer Offline option has been enabled.
• If the printer has been configured to be available on a specified schedule,
then you may need to verify and adjust the availability schedule.
• An incompatible print driver will prevent sending print jobs to the
printer. You may need to delete the driver and reinstall the updated one
using the manufacturer's installation instructions, if available.

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Symptom Possible Problems and Solutions

Creased paper Paper showing creases on output could indicate that the printer is jammed.
Remove any obstructions in the paper path. Also verify that the paper rollers
are functioning properly, as faulty rollers may warp paper as it is output from
the printer.
Creased paper may also indicate the wrong size of paper is loaded into the
tray. Check the printer’s manual to verify what sizes it accepts. The paper
itself may also not be loaded correctly; ensure that the stack is flat and
aligned properly within the loading tray.
Paper not feeding There are several possible issues that prevent paper from being fed from the
from tray tray into the printer:
• The printer’s software may be malfunctioning. Shut down the printer,
unplug it, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
• The printer driver may be misconfigured. If the paper you load into the
tray is not the same size as what’s configured in the printer driver, the
printer may refuse to feed paper from the tray. Go into your printer’s
settings and adjust the size as needed.
• The paper in the tray may be damaged in some way that is preventing the
feeding mechanism from moving the paper. Open the printer and check
for obstructions.
• Dust or other debris inside the printer can affect its internal components,
especially the rollers. Open the printer and use compressed air to clear
out any debris.
Printing blank pages There are several possible issues that could cause the printer to only print
blank pages:
• The ink and toner may need to be replaced, or may not be installed
properly.
• The printer’s software may be malfunctioning. Shut down the printer,
unplug it, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
• The computer you’re printing from may also need to be restarted.
• It might be an application issue. Try printing from a different application.
Also check the print preview of the application you’re printing from and
verify that it isn’t blank.
• The printer settings may be misconfigured. Configure the settings to their
default, and ensure that the printer is the computer’s default printer.
• If your printer is wireless, other devices connected to the computer might
be interfering with the signal. Disconnect mobile devices like phones and
Bluetooth headsets.

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Symptom Possible Problems and Solutions

No connectivity Depending on the nature of the connection, there could be several problems
preventing connectivity to a printer:
• For wireless printers, ensure that no other wireless device is interfering
with the connection.
• Ensure that your computer is within range of the printer’s wireless signal.
• Certain physical objects like walls may distort a wireless signal or dampen
its range. Try to position the computer or printer to minimize the amount
of obstacles.
• For wired printers, ensure that the cable is properly connected and not
showing signs of physical damage.
• Your computer may not be able to see the printer automatically, but you
may still be able to connect manually. Obtain the printer’s local IP
address and connect to it directly. Windows’ printer setup wizard enables
you to do this, as well as connecting to the printer if it has a hostname on
the network.
• Restart both the printer and the computer.
• Reinstall the printer’s drivers on the computer.
Unable to install Verify that you’ve downloaded the latest drivers from the printer
printer manufacturer’s website. Outdated drivers may not install properly on newer
systems. Also ensure that your operating system is actually supported by
these drivers, as they may differ between OS type and version.
There’s also the possibility that existing printer drivers are interfering with
the one you’re trying to install. Uninstall these other drivers, then try
installing the new one. If you need these older drivers for other printers, try
removing them from the default printer status, then install the new printer
driver as the default.
No image on printer A blank display is most often a power issue. Unplug and replug the printer
display into a power source. Also verify the power source itself is functioning
properly and is not overloaded with other electronics.
If the power on the printer is on but the display is blank, try restarting the
printer by holding the power button down for several seconds. Failing this,
the printer’s internal display components may need to be replaced.
Printer does not If the printout is not showing the output you expect, then this could be a
print the way the page setup, printer property, or settings issue. You should verify that the
user expects it to page setup options and the printer properties are configured correctly. If you
have confirmed the settings for the printer and the application you are
printing from, then you may need to use a maintenance kit or a driver
software update to fix the issues.
If the printout is streaking, this could be a sign that the printhead needs to
be cleaned.

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Symptom Possible Problems and Solutions

Print quality issues There are a few different print quality issues that indicate the printer is
experiencing problems:
• Poor overall print quality might simply be due to running out of ink or
toner. Check all ink or toner cartridges to ensure that they are not empty.
• Streaks may indicate that the printer head needs to be cleaned due to
clogged head openings.
• Faded prints can be an indication of a bad toner cartridge. If you are
using the re-manufactured cartridges, then you may need to try a new
one. If that does not fix the issue, then there may be an issue with the
fuser.
• Vertical lines are a symptom of inkjet printheads being out of alignment.
This can also be a sign that the printing ribbon needs to be replaced.
• Color prints in the wrong color. Use the advanced printer settings to
verify that the color settings are correct. You may need to select a
different output option, such as the print quality.
• On an impact printer, a white streak through the output can indicate
there are damaged pins in the printhead.
Print quality can also be affected by the quality of the paper being used.
Access denied When users cannot access a network printer, then there is a possibility that
there is no connectivity. Either the printer or the user has lost a connection
to the network.
1. Verify which device needs to be reconnected and make necessary
changes.
2. If the connections are functional, then check the printer or print server
status and restart, if necessary.
3. Also verify that the IP address assigned to the printer is correct.
4. Finally, you can check the printer's power cycle to make sure it is coming
online once it has been powered up.
Another possible case for a user not being able to access a printer is that the
user does not have permission to use the printer. Check share permissions
and adjust as necessary.
Garbled characters When a printer outputs garbled or ghosted images, there is something wrong
on paper, or is with the printer. These symptoms can mean several different things:
showing ghosted • The printer is low on memory. Check to see if you can install additional
images memory.
• The resolution needs to be adjusted in the printer settings.
• The driver is incompatible, so update or replace the driver.
• The cabling may be damaged or not fully connected, so check all cables
to make sure they are secure and intact.
• In laser printers, this can be a sign that the drum is not completely
cleaned (erased) or the fuser assembly has been damaged. You should
contact the manufacturer or check the website for additional information
and troubleshooting steps.

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Symptom Possible Problems and Solutions

Print jobs never General network problems. Check the network status of the client, printer,
appear in print and print server.
queue
Insufficient user print permissions. The user probably got an error message.
Update the permissions.
Insufficient space on the drive containing the spool folder. Move the spool
folder or add disk space.
Other sporadic print Unfavorable environmental conditions can lead to unexplained problems
problems with printers. Check for and correct these situations, if possible.
• If the printer is installed in an environment with a large quantity of dust
and dirt, such as a factory floor or a pet shop, debris can accumulate in
the printer case. Keep the printer clean in an enclosure in these
environments if possible, but be mindful of heat accumulation in the
enclosure.
• High humidity can lead to moisture problems; low humidity can lead to
static problems. Try to maintain a relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent.
Low memory errors can indicate that the print driver memory settings need
to be changed, that the user's computer is not spooling documents properly,
or that additional printer memory is required.
• Most print drivers will install a low memory default setting that can be
changed, if needed. You can update the driver setting to match the
printer memory capabilities to resolve this issue.
• Make sure the user's computer is spooling documents. In the printer
settings, change the print spooling setting to Start Printing
Immediately. You might also need to restart the print spooling service.
• Upgrade the printer's RAM.

Note: In Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, you can troubleshoot a printer by right-
clicking the printer and selecting Troubleshoot.

Laser Printer Problems

Laser printers contain chemicals, high voltages, and high-temperature areas that can hurt you. Make
sure the printer is off and the parts are cool before you attempt to work on the machine. Some of
the exposed wires are very thin and can be damaged easily, so treat the printer gently.

Symptom Possible Problems Solutions

Smeared output, Fuser temperature is too low: if the Follow the manufacturer's instructions
or output rubs off fuser is not hot enough, the toner is to set fuser mode for the paper; adjust
the paper not fused to the paper; fuser roller is the fuser roller; clear the paper path;
uneven; problem in paper path; paper use good-quality paper.
not smooth enough.
Low-quality image Poor-quality paper does not accept Use good-quality paper; follow the
charge and transfer toner; transfer manufacturer's instructions to clean
corona is dirty or faulty; there's a the transfer corona; follow the
transfer corona power supply manufacturer's instructions to
problem; a faulty primary corona or troubleshoot other faulty components.
power supply does not charge print
drum.

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Symptom Possible Problems Solutions

Repeating Dirty fuser roller; warped or worn Clean all fuser rollers; compare the
horizontal lines or fuser roller; scratched print drum due distance between the repetitions of the
white spaces to debris between wipe blade and lines to the circumferences of the
drum. rollers, and consult manufacturer's
documentation to find which may
have the problem. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions to adjust
or replace rollers and fuser.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
to replace the scratched print drum.
Repeating vertical Scratched print drum; dirty primary Follow the manufacturer's instructions
lines or white corona or transfer corona produces to replace scratched print drum or
spaces uneven charge; refilled toner cartridge clean corona wires; or replace with a
produced substandard output. new cartridge.
The paper slips or Pickup and path wheels worn or dirty. After a long period of use, these
begins to pick up wheels lose their grip. Wheels either
2–3 pages or more need to be cleaned with alcohol or
at once, and then replaced.
jams; paper is not
feeding; paper is
creased

Inkjet Printer Problems

Most issues related to inkjet printers can be resolved by cleaning the printer, cleaning the paper feed
rollers, replacing the print cartridge, and using good-quality paper. There are, however, occasions
when a component will need to be replaced. In this case, it may be more cost effective to just
replace the printer instead of trying to repair it. The following are common symptoms and potential
solutions you can use when supporting users.

Symptom Possible Problems Solutions

Poor print quality Clogged nozzles; incorrect paper; Clean the interior of the printer;
empty or defective cartridge. perform one or more print cartridge
cleaning cycles; switch to a paper
specifically designed for inkjet
printers.
Replace the cartridge. If you are using
a refilled cartridge, replace with a new
cartridge.
No output; paper Empty ink cartridges; clogged nozzles; Replace empty or incorrect ink
passes through tape sealing ink cartridge; incorrect cartridges; clean the printer and print
printer but is cartridge or cartridge improperly cartridge; remove the tape seal from
blank seated. ink cartridge; align the cartridge; check
the manufacturer's website for other
troubleshooting procedures.
Feathering/ink Clogged nozzles; low ink in cartridge; Perform several cleaning cycles;
bleed faulty printhead; low-quality refilled replace ink cartridge with a new one
cartridge. (not refilled); replace the printhead;
switch to a paper specifically designed
for inkjet printers.

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Symptom Possible Problems Solutions

The paper slips or Pickup and path wheels worn or dirty. After a long period of use, these
begins to pick up wheels lose their grip. Wheels either
2–3 pages or more need to be cleaned with alcohol or
at once, and then replaced.
jams

Common Impact Printer Problems

Dot-matrix printers and other impact printers are not as commonly used as the others but they are
known to be rugged and dependable. Most issues related to these printers are due to printhead
problems. The following are common symptoms and potential solutions you can use when
troubleshooting.

Symptom Possible Problems Solutions

Horizontal lines Printhead is damaged or needs to be Attempts to repair a printhead can

appear in the print cleaned. damage it beyond hope. You can clean
so parts of the printhead with a lubricant like
characters are WD-40 or alcohol. Remove any visible
missing grime.
Flecks and The ribbon is not aligned correctly, Reposition the ribbon. Replace the
smudges on the not feeding correctly, or is over-inked. ribbon cartridge; cartridges are not
paper economical to repair. Clean and
lubricate the gears that advance the
printhead.
Poor print quality The printer adjustment for paper Set the thickness to match the paper
thickness is set to an incorrect value; you are using. Use good-quality paper.
poor-quality paper; bad ribbon; dirty Replace the ribbon. Clean the
printhead. printhead.
Continuous-feed Tractor feed problems. Clean paper from gears. Align tractor
paper jams feed. Replace worn gears.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Printers.

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ACTIVITY 16-4
Troubleshooting Common Printer Issues

Before You Begin

Your instructor will introduce one or more problems with the printers in the classroom.

Scenario
The printers in your office are a mix of types, brands, technologies, and reliability. You have been
doing regular maintenance on them, but there are still some issues that users have encountered.

1. The user reports that the printed output is not up to the usual standards for their printer. You will need to Replace the print
resolve this issue so she can print their report. medium with worn out
a) Print out a test page to see if you can reproduce the problem the user reported. ink cartridge, toner
b) If you see the same problem as reported by the user, take the appropriate steps, based on the type cartridge, or ribbon.
of printer, to resolve the problem.
c) Document the steps you took to resolve the problem.

2. The user reports that they can see their job in the print queue, but that the job never comes out of the
printer.
Remove the paper from
a) Send a print job from Notepad or another application. the print tray, disconnect
b) Verify that it shows up in the print queue for the printer in question. the cable, remove the
c) Take steps to resolve the problem. power cord, or another
d) Document the steps you took to resolve the problem. sabotage of your
choosing.
3. Resolve any other problems that are preventing getting good output from the printer.
a) Document what you think the problem might be.
b) Test your theory. Introduce any problems
you feel the students
c) Document the steps you took to resolve the problem.
would be able to resolve.
These might include
pausing the printer,
stopping the print
spooler, or installing the
wrong print driver.

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Summary
In this lesson, you supported printers. Because printers enable users to transfer digital information
to paper, they are among the most commonly used devices in almost every type of computing
environment. As an A+ certified professional, you can use the skills and knowledge from this lesson
when you are called upon to install, configure, or troubleshoot printers

When would you recommend to users that they user laser printers? Inkjet printers? Impact printers?
Thermal printers?
Encourage students to
use the social A: Answers will vary, but will likely include recommending laser printers for high volume needs, inkjet
networking tools printers for casual low volume use, impact printers when speed rather than quality or the ability to
provided on the CHOICE print multi-part forms is needed, and thermal printers for POS terminals.
Course screen to follow
up with their peers after Which printer maintenance tasks have you performed, on which types of printers? Which maintenance
the course is completed tasks are most important in your organization? Why are they so important?
for further discussion A: Answers will vary, but may include replacing toner cartridges, cleaning inside and outside of printers,
and resources to support
printing a test page, and replacing paper.
continued learning.
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 16: Supporting Printers and Multifunction Devices |

17 Security Threats,
Vulnerabilities, and
Controls

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will identify security threats, vulnerabilities, and controls. You will:
• Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Compare and contrast common threat prevention methods.
• Identify common security controls for mobile devices.
• Identify appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.

Lesson Introduction
So far in this course, you have installed and configured hardware and software on PCs and
other devices. Another facet of an A+ technician's duties involves protecting organizational
computing assets from attacks. In this lesson, you will identify security threats,
vulnerabilities, and controls.
In today's work environment, cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. As an A+
technician, you are in the position to identify potential security issues before they become
big problems. By identifying security threats and vulnerabilities, as well as some of the
controls that can counteract them, you can help keep your organization's computing
resources safe from unauthorized access.
576 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
In this lesson, you will identify security threats, vulnerabilities, and controls. To begin, you will
identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.
By identifying common security threats and vulnerabilities, you will be better equipped to suggest or
implement the most effective counteractive measures.

Types of Malware
There are a few malicious code attacks you should be aware of that fall into the general malware
category.
Types of Malware (2
Slides) Malware Type Description

Virus A piece of code that spreads from one device to another by attaching itself
to other files. The code in a virus executes when the file it is attached to is
Explain that, in most opened. Frequently, viruses are intended to enable further attacks, send data
cases, malware types back to the attacker, or even corrupt or destroy data.
are not mutually
exclusive and that they Worm A piece of code that spreads from one device to another on its own, not by
are usually built and attaching itself to another file. Like a virus, a worm can enable further
delivered as a attacks, transmit data, or corrupt or erase files.
combination of attacks.
Trojan horse An insidious type of malware that is itself a software attack and can pave the
way for a number of other types of attacks. There is a social engineering
component to a Trojan horse attack since the user has to be fooled into
Ask students to provide executing it.
their own examples and
anecdotes. Logic bomb A piece of code that sits dormant on a target computer until it is triggered by
a specific event, such as a specific date. Once the code is triggered, the logic
bomb "detonates," and performs whatever actions it was programed to do.
Often, this includes erasing and corrupting data on the target system.
Spyware Surreptitiously installed malicious software that is intended to track and
report the usage of a target system, or to collect other data the author wishes
to obtain. Data collected can include web browsing history, personal
information, banking and other financial information, and user names and
passwords.
Adware Software that automatically displays or downloads advertisements when it is
used. While not all adware is malicious, many adware programs have been
associated with spyware and other types of malicious software. Also, it can
reduce user productivity by slowing down systems and simply by creating
annoyances.
Rootkit Code that is intended to take full or partial control of a system at the lowest
levels. Rootkits often attempt to hide themselves from monitoring or
detection, and modify low-level system files when integrating themselves
into a system. Rootkits can be used for non-malicious purposes such as
virtualization; however, most rootkit infections install backdoors, spyware,
or other malicious code once they have control of the target system.

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Malware Type Description

Ransomware Malicious code that restricts access to a user's device or the data stored on it
until the victim pays the attacker to remove the restriction. Ransomware is
often implemented as a Trojan horse and can use file encryption to restrict
access to data.
Spam Spam is an email-based threat that presents various advertising materials,
promotional content, or get-rich-quick schemes to users. The messages can
quickly fill a user's inbox and cause storage issues. Spam can also carry
malicious code and other types of malware.

Social Engineering
A social engineering attack is a type of attack that uses deception and trickery to convince unsuspecting
users to provide sensitive data or to violate security guidelines. Social engineering is often a
precursor to another type of attack. Because these attacks depend on human factors rather than on Social Engineering
technology, their symptoms can be vague and hard to identify. Social engineering attacks can come
in a variety of methods: in person, through email, or over the phone. Social engineering typically
takes advantage of users who are not technically knowledgeable, but it can also be directed against
technical support staff if the attacker pretends to be a user who needs help. Social engineering Ask students if they
attacks can be prevented with effective user education. have experienced social
engineering attacks or
attempts, and ask them
Types of Social Engineering to give examples.
There are various types of social engineering attacks.

Social Engineering Type Description As you discuss the

different types of social
Shoulder surfing This is a human-based attack where the goal is to look over the engineering attacks,
shoulder of an individual as he or she enters password information or a emphasize that the best
PIN. Shoulder surfing can happen in an office environment, a retail possible defense against
environment, at an ATM, or at the entryway of a secure physical these attacks is user
facility. awareness.

Spoofing This is a human-based or software-based attack where the goal is to

pretend to be someone else for the purpose of identity concealment.
Spoofing can occur in Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, network
adapter's hardware (Media Access Control [MAC]) addresses, and
email. If employed in email, various email message headers are changed
to conceal the originator's identity.
Impersonation This is a human-based attack where an attacker pretends to be
someone he is not. A common scenario is when the attacker calls an
employee and pretends to be calling from the help desk. The attacker
tells the employee he is reprogramming the order-entry database, and
he needs the employee's user name and password to make sure it gets
entered into the new system. A related attack is tailgating, in which an
attacker follows closely behind an authorized user and gains access to
an office building or other secure area. The attacker is essentially
impersonating an employee, and exploits the victim’s trust or desire to
avoid confrontation.

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Social Engineering Type Description

Hoax This is an email-based or web-based attack that is intended to trick the
user into performing undesired actions, such as deleting important
system files, in an attempt to remove a virus. It could also be a scam to
convince users to give up important information or money for an
interesting offer.
Phishing This is a common type of email-based social engineering attack. In a
phishing attack, the attacker sends an email that seems to come from a
respected bank or other financial institution. The email claims that the
recipient needs to provide an account number, Social Security number,
or other private information to the sender in order to "verify an
account." Ironically, the phishing attack often claims that the “account
verification” is necessary for security reasons. Individuals should never
provide personal financial information to someone who requests it,
whether through email or over the phone. Legitimate financial
institutions never solicit this information from their clients. A similar
form of phishing called pharming can be done by redirecting a request
for a website, typically an e-commerce site, to a similar-looking, but
fake, website.
Vishing This is a human-based attack where the goal is to extract personal,
financial, or confidential information from the victim by using services
such as the telephone system and IP-based voice messaging services
(Voice over Internet Protocol [VoIP]) as the communication medium.
This is also called voice phishing.
Whaling This is a form of phishing that targets individuals who are known to
possess a good deal of wealth. It is also known as spear phishing. Whaling
targets individuals that work in Fortune 500 companies or financial
institutions whose salaries are expected to be high.
Spam and spim Spam can also be categorized as a type of social engineering because it
can be used within social networking sites such as Facebook and
Twitter.
Spim is an Internet messaging (IM)-based attack similar to spam that is
propagated through IM instead of through email.

Types of Attacks
In the realm of information security, an attack is a technique that is used to exploit a vulnerability in
any application on a device without the authorization to do so. Attacks on devices include those
Types of Attacks
described in the following table.

Attack Type Description

Zero day attack A zero day attack is an attack that exploits a previously unknown vulnerability in
an application or operating system. In such a situation, developers have not had
time to address the vulnerability and patch it. It is called a "zero day" because
the developer has had zero days to fix the flaw.

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Attack Type Description

Brute force attack In a brute-force attack, the attacker uses password-cracking software to attempt
every possible alphanumeric password combination. Such an attack might be
used when it is not possible to take advantage of other weaknesses. When
password guessing, this method is very fast when used on short passwords, but
for longer passwords it takes much longer. When key guessing, the key length
used in the cipher determines the practical feasibility of performing a brute-
force attack, with longer keys exponentially more difficult to crack than shorter
ones.
Dictionary attack A dictionary attack automates password guessing by comparing encrypted
passwords against a predetermined list of possible password values. Dictionary
attacks are successful against only fairly simple and obvious passwords, because
they rely on a dictionary of common words and predictable variations, such as
adding a single digit to the end of a word.
Eavesdropping or An eavesdropping attack or sniffing attack uses special monitoring software to
sniffing attack intercept private network communications, either to steal the content of the
communication itself or to obtain user names and passwords for future
software attacks. Attackers can eavesdrop on both wired and wireless network
communications. On a wired network, the attacker must have physical access
to the network or tap in to the network cable. On a wireless network, an
attacker needs a device capable of receiving signals from the wireless network.
Eavesdropping is very hard to detect, unless you spot an unknown device
leasing an IP address from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
server.
Many utilities are available that will monitor and capture network traffic. Some
of these tools can sniff only the traffic that is sent to or received by the device
on which they are installed. Other tools are capable of scaling up to scan very
large corporate networks. Examples of these tools include: Wireshark®, the
Microsoft Network Monitor Capture utility, tcpdump, and dsniff.
Man-in-the- A man-in-the-middle attack is a form of eavesdropping in which the attacker
middle attack makes an independent connection between two victims (two clients or a client
and a server) and relays information between the two victims as if they are
directly talking to each other over a closed connection, when in reality the
attacker is controlling the information that travels between the two victims.
During the process, the attacker can view or steal information to use it
fraudulently.

More About Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

In a typical man-in-the-middle attack, the attacker sets up a host on a network with IP forwarding
enabled and a network-monitoring utility installed to capture and analyze packets. After analyzing
network traffic to determine which server would make an attractive target:
1. The attacker intercepts packets from a legitimate client that are destined for the server.
2. The attacker's computer sends a fake reply to the client.
3. The attacker's computer forwards a fake packet to the server, which is modified so the attacker's
computer looks like the original sender.
4. The server replies to the attacker's computer.
5. The attacker's computer replies to the server as if it were the original client.
6. The attacker stores any valuable information contained in the packets, such as sensitive data or
user credentials, for use in future attacks.

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Figure 17-1: A man-in-the-middle attack.

Man-in-the-middle attacks are used to gain access to authentication and network infrastructure
information for future attacks, or to gain direct access to packet contents. Generally, there will be no
signs that a man-in-the-middle attack is in progress or has just taken place.

Zombies and Botnets

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a type of DoS attack that uses multiple devices on
disparate networks to launch the coordinated attack from many simultaneous sources. These can
Zombies and Botnets
sometimes be difficult to differentiate from traffic spikes when they first begin. The attacker
introduces unauthorized software called a zombie or drone that directs the devices to launch the
attack. A botnet is a collection of Internet-connected programs communicating with other similar
programs in order to perform tasks that can be used to send spam email or participate in DDoS
attacks.

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Figure 17-2: DDoS attacks using zombies.

A botnet is a set of devices that have been infected by a control program called a bot that enables
attackers to exploit them and mount attacks. Typically, black hats use botnets for Distributed Denial
of Service, or DDoS attacks, sending spam email, and mining for personal information or
passwords.

Non-Compliant Systems
If systems try to connect to your organization's network, and those systems don't meet your
minimum requirements, those systems are considered to be non-compliant systems. You can prevent
non-compliant systems from connecting to your network through Windows security policies. Windows Security
For example, your organization might require that at least certain updates and patches be installed Policies
on the operating system, that the virus software be installed and the data definitions be current, and
no viruses or malware be present on the system. If any of these requirements are not met, the
system is deemed non-compliant, and is not allows to connect to the network. Poll students to see if
any of them are aware of
Windows Security Policies their organization
Windows security policies are Windows configuration settings that control the overall security behavior implementing security
policies to prevent non-
of the system. The security policy consists of hierarchical groupings of related policy nodes, which compliant systems from
contain individual policy entries you can enable, configure, or disable. The Local Security Policy is connecting to the
a subset of the comprehensive local policy object used to configure the general behavior of each network.
Windows system.

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Figure 17-3: Windows security settings.

Local Policy Settings and Group Policy Settings

In Windows workgroups, all policies, including security policies, are set in the local policy object on
each individual system. To view the full set of local policies, you can open the Microsoft
Management Console (MMC) object. You can find the security policy settings under Computer
Configuration→Windows Settings→Security Settings. The Local Security Policy utility in the
Administrative Tools group enables you to access the Security Settings node alone.
When Windows computers are members of a centralized Windows domain, an administrator can
also manage policies for all computers by using Group Policy. The structure of domain-based
Group Policy objects and the local policy object are similar.

Security Best Practices

When you select and apply computer security measures, you must make security adjustments that
protect the devices and the applications and data on it, while ensuring that the system runs
Security Best Practices
appropriately for legitimate users.
Some steps you might take to apply security measures include the following.

Steps Description
6

Manage user • Change the default user name and password on each device.
authentication • Require all users to create strong passwords and to protect the
passwords from others.
• In high-security environments, implement multi-factor authentication
that can include smart cards or biometric authentication systems.
Install updates and • Install the latest operating system service packs and security update
patches patches.
• Install the latest application patches for utilities that are included in the
operating system as well as for web browsers and third-party application
software.

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Steps Description
Manage user accounts • Use policy settings to disable or delete guest accounts or other
unnecessary accounts, and rename default accounts, so attackers cannot
use known account names to access the system.
• Restrict user permissions so that only those users who absolutely need
access are allowed into the system.
• Disable any guest account on all devices to prevent unauthorized access
to any shared files and folders on the device or system.
Educate users • Educate users to follow best security practices, such as recognizing and
avoiding hoaxes, phishing attacks, and potential malicious software
sources.
Apply device security • Implement antivirus software to protect against malicious software.
measures • Block pop-ups in your web browser.
• Install a firewall and configure the appropriate open and closed ports
and the program filtering settings.
• Implement warning messages or banners displayed at user login to warn
users that only authorized use is allowed. These banners could be
important in future civil litigation or criminal prosecution, and they can
put all users on notice that their activities might be monitored. All
warning banners should comply with the legal requirements of your
jurisdiction.
• Disable autorun to prevent malware and other viruses from being
loaded automatically with a device, such as a USB drive. Disabling the
autorun features will restrict any infected files from automatically
loading.
• Enable screen saver and password functionality to lock systems when
idle.
• Enable automatic operating system updates on the device.
• Limit the number of shared resources on a system. Use share and file
system permissions to restrict access to file and print resources.

Violations of Security Best Practices

If a system or device is determined to be non-compliant, there are several ways the device can be
made compliant. The actions taken will depend on your organization's policies.
• Alert the user to the fact that their device is out of compliance with security policies. Violations of Security
• Automatically install any needed patches or updates to bring the device into compliance. Best Practices
• Run an anti-malware test to verify that the device is not infected, then install or update malware
protection software as needed.
Be sure to take steps to mitigate any violation of the items listed in the previous section under
Security Best Practices.

Security Incident Reports

A security incident is a specific instance of a risk event occurring, whether or not it causes damage.
Security incident management is the set of practices and procedures that govern how an organization
will respond to an incident in progress. The goals of incident management are to contain the Security Incident
incident appropriately, and ultimately minimize any damage that may occur as a result of the Reports
incident. Incident management typically includes procedures to log, and report on, all identified
incidents and the actions taken in response.

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A security incident report should include information such as:

• The type of incident that occurred.
• The severity of the incident such as how many people or devices were affected, whether it caused
a work stoppage, and if any data was compromised or lost.
• The names and titles of those involved in the incident. Also include their contact information
including phone number and email address.
• A full description of the incident.
• Any actions taken to mitigate the incident.

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ACTIVITY 17-1
Identifying Common Security Threats and
Vulnerabilities

Scenario
You are on IT help desk phone duty today. The following are some of the calls you take.

1. Early in the day a user called the help desk saying that his computer is running slowly and freezing up.
Shortly after this user called, other help desk technicians who overheard your call also received calls
from users who report similar symptoms. What type of attack might have occurred?
A: This is some type of malware. It might be a virus or worm.

2. John brought in the new tablet he just purchased and attempted to connect to the network. He knows
the SSID of the wireless network and the password used to access the wireless network. He was
denied access, and a warning message was displayed that he must contact the IT Department
immediately. What happened and why did he receive the message?
A: John's new tablet probably does not meet the compliance requirements for network access. Being
a new device, it might not have had updates and patches applied, it might not have appropriate
virus protection installed, or it does not meet some other compliance requirement. This caused the
system to appear as a non-compliant system to the network and network access was denied.

3.
The contract ended recently for several workers who were hired for a specific project. The IT
department has not yet removed all of those employees' login accounts. It appears that one of the
accounts has been used to access the network, and a rootkit was installed on a server. You Lead students through a
immediately contact the agency the employee was hired through and learn that the employee is out of discussion of the bigger
the country, so it is unlikely that this person caused the problem. What actions do you need to take? issue described here. It's
A: You will need to create an incident report, remove or disable the login accounts, isolate the a major security flaw that
infected server and possibly any user computers that communicate with the server, and remove the temporary accounts
the rootkit from the server. were not disabled at the
end of the contract
period. In most cases,
the IT personnel
responsible for disabling
inactive user accounts
might face disciplinary
action.

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TOPIC B
General Security Controls
In the last topic, you identified common threats and vulnerabilities. Once you identify threats and
vulnerabilities, you can then decide how to prevent and counteract them. In this topic, you will
compare and contrast common threat prevention methods.

Security Controls
Security controls are safeguards or prevention methods to avoid, counteract, or minimize security risks
relating to personal or company property. For example, a firewall is a type of security control
Security Controls
because it controls traffic by allowing only traffic that has specifically been permitted by a system
administrator. Security controls can be classified by several criteria, such as by the time that they act
relative to a security incident, according to their nature, or by people, technology, and operations/
processes. In this course, we will categorize the security controls by their nature:
• Physical controls such as fences, doors, locks, and fire extinguishers.
• Procedural controls such as incident response processes, management oversight, security
awareness, and training.
• Digital controls such as user authentication (login) and logical access controls, antivirus software,
and firewalls.
• Legal and regulatory or compliance controls such as privacy laws, policies, and clauses.

Physical Security
Physical security refers to the implementation and practice of various security control methods that are
intended to restrict physical access to facilities. One case where physical security is important is
Physical Security
when there is a need to control access to physical documents, password records, and sensitive
documents and equipment. One successful unauthorized access attempt can lead to financial losses,
credibility issues, and legalities. In addition, physical security involves increasing or assuring the
reliability of certain critical infrastructure elements such as electrical power, data networks, and fire
suppression systems. Physical security may be challenged by a wide variety of events or situations,
including:
• Facilities intrusions.
• Electrical grid failures.
• Fire.
• Personnel illnesses.
• Data network interruptions.

Physical Security Measures

There are several physical access controls available to ensure the protection of an organization's
physical environment.
Physical Security
Measures (2 Slides)

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Security Measure Description

Locking doors There are many locks that can be used to restrict unauthorized access to
information resources:
• Bolting door locks are a traditional lock-and-key method that requires
a non-duplicate policy for keys to access a door.
• Combination door locks, or cipher locks, use a keypad or dial system
with a code or numeric combination to access a door.
• Electronic door locks use an access ID card with an electronic chip or
token that is read by the electronic sensor attached to a door.
• Biometric door locks are commonly used in highly secure
environments. This method uses an individual's unique body features
to scan and identify the access permissions for a particular door. For
example, retinal scanners are used to read the unique patterns of a
person's eye to authorize access.
• Hardware locks can be attached to a laptop, hard drive, or file cabinet
to secure it from being opened or turned on.
Mantraps A mantrap is two sets of interlocking doors inside a small space, where the
first set of doors must close before the second set opens. If the mantrap
is manual, a guard locks and unlocks each door in sequence. In this case,
an intercom or video camera is typically used to allow the guard to
control the trap from a remote location. If the mantrap is automatic,
identification or a key of some kind may be required for each door, and
sometimes different measures may be required for each door. Metal
detectors are often built in to prevent entrance of people carrying
weapons. Such use is particularly frequent in banks and jewelry shops.
6

Figure 17-4: A mantrap.

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Security Measure Description

Logging and visitor Logging should be used at all entrances that are open to the general
access public. An entry control roster requires all visitors to sign in and out when
entering and leaving the building. Logging requirements will vary
depending on the organization, but should include the following:
• Name and company being represented.
• Date, time of entry, and time of departure.
• Reason for visiting.
• Contact within the organization.
When possible, one single entry point should be used for all incoming
visitors. This decreases the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access
to the building and tailgating.
Identification systems Identification systems can use different tokens and methods to identify an
authorized person and allow them physical access to buildings, room, and
grounds.
• Badges, or security cards, can be used to swipe through an
identification system or can be configured as a proximity card with
radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that is activated
automatically when the card is within a specified distance from the
system. RFID badges are security cards that contain a tag that reacts
with the radio frequency of the identification system to allow or deny
access.
• Key fobs are security devices small enough to attach to a key chain that
contain identification information used to gain access to a physical
entryway. A user places the fob next to an identification system for
validation and then access.
• Smart cards are plastic cards that have an integrated circuit built into the
card. These often look like regular ID cards or credit cards, but have a
secure microcontroller or intelligent memory that contains data that
can be read by a physical or RFID scanner.
Security cards, such as swipe cards, proximity cards, and badges, provide
identity information about the bearer, which is then checked against an
appropriate access list for that location. The cards can be used along with
a proximity reader to verify identification and grant access. A security
card can also include a picture or some other identification code for a
second authentication factor. Security cards should be required for all
employees and should be visible at all times.
Video surveillance Video or still-image surveillance can be put in place to deter or help in the
prosecution of unwanted access. These systems can be placed inside and
outside the building. All video recording should be saved and stored in a
secure environment.
Security guards Human security guards, armed or unarmed, can be placed in front of and
around a location to protect it. They can monitor critical checkpoints and
verify identification, allow or disallow access, and log physical entry
occurrences. They also provide a visual deterrent and can apply their own
knowledge and intuition to potential security breaches.

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Security Measure Description

Physical barriers The location of highly secure resources, such as a server room, should
not have windows or be visible from the outside of a building. This
creates a more secure barrier from the outside. Examples of physical
barriers include fencing and true floor-to-ceiling wall architectures. Other
types of physical barriers can be implemented to restrict viewing of a
user's computer display. For example, you can install a privacy filter to
cover a device's screen, making it difficult for anyone to read the screen
who is not positioned directly in front of it.
Cable locks Laptops and other devices that can easily be removed should be secured
to a stationary object using a cable lock.
Secure physical Physical documents such as printed output should be kept in a locked
documents cabinet or drawer when not in use. Passwords should never be written
down on a physical paper where it could be seen. When a document is no
longer needed, it should be shredded. For highly sensitive physical
documents, the pages should be placed in a locked recycling bin; some
have shredders built in and others are picked up by a company hired
specifically to shred the documents, usually on site in the presence of an
organization employee.
Biometrics A biometric lock is a lock that is activated by biometric features, such as a
fingerprint, voice, retina, or signature. Biometric locks make it more
difficult for someone to counterfeit the key used to open the lock. An
example of a biometric lock is an optical or thermal scanner that reads
and stores the fingerprints of authorized users. The user then places his
or her hand on the scanner to gain access to a door.

Digital Security

Figure 17-5: Thermal fingerprint scanner.

Let students know that
Alarms Alarms activated by an unauthorized access attempt require a quick user authentication,
response. Locally stationed security guards or police may respond to strong passwords, and
alarms. These responding individuals may trigger access control devices in directory permissions
the facility to automatically lock. were already covered in
previous lessons, so
they are not covered in
Digital Security detail like the other
prevention methods
Digital security refers to the idea that any information or data that is created, stored, and transmitted listed here. Ask students
if they have any
in digital form is secured to the desired level. This concept applies to many components of the
additional questions
digital world, such as the Internet, cloud-based computing, networks, mobile devices, tablets, about these before you
laptops, and standard desktop computers. move on.

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There are several prevention methods used to manage and control security issues surrounding digital
data. These include:
• Antivirus software.
• Anti-spyware software.
• Firewalls.
• User authentication and strong passwords.
• Directory permissions.

Antivirus and Antimalware Software

Antivirus software is an application that scans files for executable code that matches patterns, known
as signatures or definitions, that are known to be common to viruses. The antivirus software also
Antivirus and
monitors systems for activity that is associated with viruses, such as accessing the boot sector.
Antimalware Software Antivirus software should be deployed on various network systems as well as on individual
computers, and the signature database and program updates should be downloaded and installed on
a regular basis as well as whenever a new threat is active. Antivirus software does not usually protect
against spam, but it can identify malware symptoms and can provide protection from adware and
spyware.
Antivirus updates must be managed as they are made available. Antivirus engine updates can include
enhancements, bug fixes, or new features being added to the software engine, improving the manner
in which the software operates. Updates can be implemented automatically or manually depending
on the software. Automatic updating refers to software that periodically downloads and applies
updates without any user intervention, whereas manual updating means that a user must be involved
to either initiate the update, download the update, or at least approve installation of the update.
Anti-spyware software is specifically designed to protect systems against spyware attacks. Some
antivirus software packages include protection against adware and spyware, but in most cases, it is
necessary to maintain anti-spyware protection in addition to antivirus protection. Some examples of
anti-spyware include Webroot's Spy Sweeper and STOPzilla Anti-Spyware.
Most security software that is created in the past few years provides general, all-around antimalware
protection. There are many complex and harmful threats on the Internet that can find their way
onto your digital devices. Having good antimalware software installed will help protect your systems,
and the other systems you connect to, from becoming infected through any malware you encounter.

Firewalls
A firewall is a software program or hardware device that protects networks from unauthorized
access by blocking outgoing and incoming unsolicited traffic. Firewalls allow incoming or outgoing
Firewalls
traffic that has specifically been permitted by a system administrator and incoming traffic that is sent
in response to requests from internal systems. Firewalls use complex filtering algorithms that analyze
incoming network data based on destination and source addresses, port numbers, and data types.
There are two common firewall types:
• Host or personal firewalls are installed on a single computer and are used to secure most home
computers.
• Network-based firewalls are dedicated hardware/software combinations that protect all the
computers on a network behind the firewall.

Software Firewalls
Software firewalls can be useful for small home offices and businesses. The firewall provides many
features that can be configured to suit various computing needs. Some features include:
• Enabling or disabling port security on certain ports.
• Inbound and outbound filtering. The user can set up rules or exceptions in the firewall settings
to limit access to the web.

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• Reporting and logging activity.

• Malware and spyware protection.
• Pop-up blocking.
• Port assigning, forwarding, and triggering.

Hardware Firewalls
A hardware firewall is a hardware device, either stand-alone or built into most routers, that protects
computers on a private network from unauthorized traffic. They are placed between the private
network and the public network to manage inbound and outbound traffic and network access.

Windows Firewall Configuration

Windows® Firewall is a software-based firewall that is included with all current Windows operating
system client and server versions. You can configure the firewall by using the Windows Firewall
program in Control Panel, or through Group Policy Settings, although most versions of
Windows will provide a wizard. You can use the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
console to monitor the rules that control the flow of information to and from the system, specify
new rules, modify existing rules, or delete rules. For more information, see the Windows Firewall
entries in the Help and Support Center, and the "Windows Firewall Technical Reference" on the
Microsoft Technet website.

User Authentication Methods

Most organizations will use a variety of authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to
the physical building, infrastructure, and resources, including the following.
• User name and password User Authentication
• Biometrics Methods
• Tokens
• Multifactor authentication
• Mutual authentication Remind students that
this content was covered
earlier in the course. Ask
User Access Process
them if they can think of
There are three phases in the user access process that a person or system must perform in order to other user authentication
gain access to resources: methods.
• Identification: The claim of identity made by the user when entering a user name and password
or other authentication method.
• Authentication: The verification of that claim.
• Authorization: The action taken as a result of verifying the claim.

Password Strength
A strong password meets the complexity requirements that are set forth by a system administrator
and documented in a security policy or password policy. Strong passwords increase the security of
systems that use password-based authentication by protecting against password guessing and other Password Strength
password attacks.
Strong password policies often specify:
• The minimum and maximum length of the password. Remind students of the
• Required characters, such as a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. drawbacks of requiring a
strong password. Users
• Forbidden character strings, such as the user account name, personal identification information,
can easily forget
or words found in a dictionary. passwords if they are
• The frequency for changing passwords. too complex, but security
• Whether or not passwords can be reused. breaches can occur if
passwords are too weak.

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Network Security Measures

In addition to physically securing access to buildings, resources, and devices, as an A+ technician
you will need to be knowledgeable about network security measures. Network security is typically
Network Security
handled by network administrators, but as a PC technician, you will need to interact with the
Measures network admins regularly. This might be to request access to network resources for users, to
determine if a user's problem is local or network related, or to work with the network admins to
ensure the proper level of access is available to users.
Some of the network security measures you might encounter include:
• Directory permissions
• VPNs
• Data loss prevention (DLP)
• Disabling ports
• Access control lists

Directory Permissions
A permission is a security setting that determines the level of access a user or group account has to a
particular resource. Permissions can be associated with a variety of resources, such as files, printers,
shared folders, and network directory databases. Permissions can typically be configured to allow
different levels of privileges, or to deny privileges to users who should not access a resource.
• File-level permissions allow users to set access control to individual files and folders. File-level
permissions will prevent any unauthorized access to a file or folder both across the network and
locally by prompting all users, including the user who created the file, to enter the correct user
name and password for access. In Windows operating systems, file-level permissions can be
implemented only on those hard disks or partitions that use NTFS file systems.
• Share-level permissions are permissions set for network shares. A network share is a folder on a
computer that can be remotely accessed from other computers through a local area network as if
it were a resource in the local machine. By setting up a share-level permission, a user can prevent
the remote users from accessing or modifying the files in the user's network share. Although
share-level permissions work well across a network, they offer no protection against a user who's
logged on locally to the computer or server containing the shared resource.
A downside to share-level security is that the server may eventually contain so many shares that it's
hard for users to remember their folders. If users want to search for information and they don't
know which share it is contained in, they will have to find the server and search each share on the
server for the desired information.
Separate permissions at the share level and file level is unique to Windows environments. In Linux,
the same set of read, write, and delete permissions are valid at both the local level and across the
network.

UNIX Permissions
Because UNIX and related systems are multiuser by nature, there is a series of permissions
associated with all files and directories. There are three types of permissions.

Permission Allows the User To

r (read) • View file content.

• See what is in the directory.
w (write) • Modify file contents.
• Create and delete directory contents.

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Permission Allows the User To

x (execute) • Run the file (if it is an executable program and is combined with read).
• Move into the directory. When combined with read, you can also see a
long listing of the contents of the directory.

VPNs
With a VPN, TCP/IP communications are encrypted and then packaged within another TCP/IP
packet stream. The VPN hardware or software can encrypt just the underlying data in a packet or
the entire packet itself before wrapping it in another IP packet for delivery. If a packet on the public
network is intercepted along the way, the encrypted contents cannot be read by a hacker. Such
encryption of data or packets is typically implemented by using a protocol suite called Internet
Protocol Security (IPSec).
IPSec was initially developed for IPv6, but many current IPv4 devices support it as well. IPSec
enables two types of encryption. With transport encryption, the underlying data in a packet is
encrypted and placed within a new packet on the public network. With tunnel encryption, the entire
packet, including its header, is encrypted and then placed in the public network’s packet.
With IPSec in place, a VPN can virtually eliminate packet sniffing and identity spoofing. Only the
sending and receiving computers hold the keys to encrypt and decrypt the packets being sent across
the public network. Anyone sniffing the packets would have no idea of their content and might not
even be able to determine the source and destination of the request.

DLP
Data loss prevention (DLP) is typically software or a software suite that helps protect data from being
stolen while the data is moving across the network. It uses a variety of techniques to detect the data
and ensure that it is not lost, stolen, or compromised in any way as it travels from its point of origin
to its destination.

Port Disabling and Filtering

Any ports that are not being used should be disabled. This will help prevent intruders accessing the Port Disabling
network through one of those ports.
Port filtering is a technique of selectively enabling or disabling TCP and UDP ports on computers or
network devices. It ensures that no traffic, except for the protocol that the administrator has chosen A+ technicians probably
to allow, can pass through an open port. Port filtering works by examining the packet’s header, won't disable ports, but
source address, destination address, and port number. However, a packet’s header can be spoofed; a they need to be familiar
sender can fake his IP address or any other data stored in the header. with port blocking
because it can affect
whether or not a user
can access resources.

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Figure 17-6: TCP and UDP ports disabled in computers on a network.

Port filtering is most often used in firewalls and for device hardening. Normally, in organizations,
administrators disable/block ports above 1024 as a security measure. They selectively enable ports
above 1024 during the installation of the associated services that use the port number.

ACLs
ACLs An Access Control List (ACL) is a set of data (user names, passwords, time and date, IP addresses,
MAC addresses, etc.) that is used to control access to a resource such as a computer, file, or
network. ACLs are commonly implemented as MAC address filtering on wireless routers and access
points. When a wireless client attempts to access the network, that client's MAC address is
compared to the list of authorized MACs and access is granted or restricted based on the result.

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Figure 17-7: ACLs control access to network resources.

Smart Cards
Smart cards have a built in processor or smart memory chip. The data in the credit-card sized card
holds information. The information can be about the person assigned to the smart card, or other
information. They can be used with proximity card readers to allow the user to have access to a Smart Cards
building, room, or device. They can also be used with a hard drive by connecting a reader via a data
cable to the drive; a slot for the smart card is connected to the other end of the cable. In order to
access the drive, the user needs to insert the smart card. The user might also need to enter other
information such as a PIN or passcode to access the drive. Ask students if they
have experience using
smart cards.
Email Filtering
Most users get a lot of email messages every day. Email providers and email servers are getting
better at recognizing spam or junk messages, and not delivering them to users' Inboxes. However,
some messages that should get to users get caught up in the filtering process and are not delivered. Email Filtering
In most email applications, the users can further filter their email messages, defining what
constitutes junk or spam messages, and what should be delivered. Again, some messages might get
marked as junk or spam when they shouldn't be. Other filtering users can perform is to have Inquire as to whether
messages delivered to specific folders they have created. This might be based on the sender, message students adjust junk
content, or subject. filters in their email. Also
By adding a sender's email address to the contacts list, users can usually prevent messages from that ask if they use other
sender from being sent to junk or spam folders. email filtering such as
sending messages to
Note: Users should periodically check their junk or spam folder to ensure that no messages have specific folders.
been sent to those folders that should have been delivered to their Inbox.

Trusted Software Sources

Installing software from a well-known software creator or author is usually pretty safe. This software
can be considered trusted. However, some applications that you find while searching the Internet
might not be quite so trustworthy. You need to make sure that the software is not pirated software. Trusted Software
Sources

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Also make sure, usually by doing research and using antimalware applications, that the software does
not contain malicious or backdoor software.
Obtaining your software from a well-known source, getting it from the app store for your device,
and researching the software and vendor are all ways to make sure that you can trust the software. If
your antimalware software feels that the software you are installing is untrusted, it will likely prevent
you from installing the software. If you know that the software should be trusted, you might need to
temporarily disable the antimalware application to install the software.
Linux prompts when you attempt to install untrusted software. Software is signed with a
cryptographic key. Packages need the public key for the repository in order to install the software.
When prompted that you are installing untrusted software, you can either respond that you want to
install it anyway or cancel the installation. If you want to permanently trust previously untrusted
software, from the command line add the sudo apt-get-repository command to add the
untrusted source to the repository.
Programmers can digitally sign software. Users must manually authorize untrusted software.

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ACTIVITY 17-2
Suggested answers
Identifying Security Protection Methods might include verifying
employees have IDs
showing, that building
access is limited or
Scenario monitored, and that
locks are used as
The IT department security team has invited members from various departments, including PC needed.
Support, HR, Marketing, and Software Development, to join them in reviewing and updating the
security documents for the organization. You were selected to represent the PC Support team on
the committee.
Suggested answers
You received an email outlining the topics for the next meeting. You want to write down some ideas might include ensuring
you think are important to include, and write down your justification for including the items. that users have only the
access needed to files
and folders, and that
1. Fill in the table with the information you feel is important to discuss during a meeting about security passwords are secure
protection methods. and changed regularly.

Item Details to Discuss Justification

Physical Suggested answers

might include verifying
security
that antimalware is
Digital installed on devices that
will connect to the
security network and that virus
definitions are up to
Antimalware
date.
software
Firewalls
Suggested answers
might include
Strong
configuring firewalls to
passwords enable users to get
where they need to go,
Email filtering but that unauthorized
users cannot get into
the network.
2. Share your table with the class. See which items you all included and if there are important items you
should have included.

Suggested answers
might include verifying
that only strong
passwords can be used
on the network, and that
users don't make their
password available to
others.

Suggested answers
might include setting up
filtering to allow only
business related
messages to get
through into user's
mailboxes.

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TOPIC C
Mobile Security Controls
Now that you are more familiar with the different mobile device technologies available, you are
ready to learn how they can be configured for optimal performance while maintaining an acceptable
level of security. In this topic, you will configure mobile device security.
Mobile devices can be used for a number of functions within the professional workplace. Knowing
that, you must be able to provide basic level support to your users, including configuring security
settings.

Mobile Security
Mobile devices today can do just about anything a laptop or desktop computer can do when it
comes to end-user productivity such as making and receiving phone calls, emailing, capturing and
Mobile Security
editing photos and videos, accessing the Internet, and in some cases, remotely accessing data and
resources on a private or public network. With all these functions, you can assume all the same
threats related to desktop computers and laptops will apply. For example, viruses and spam can
infect mobile devices as they would desktop and wireless devices by email or downloaded
applications and due to the portability, small size, and always-connected state, threats such as loss,
theft, and damage due to dropping are prominent.

Mobile Device Security Techniques

Securing a mobile device is a necessary task that should be required and enforced by any employer
or user. There are a number of security methods that can be implemented to provide the right level
Mobile Device Security
of security while still providing access to desired resources and applications.
Techniques Note: One of the most important steps you can take to maintain security of mobile devices is to
not leave the devices unattended.

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Security Control Description

Enable screen lock The screen lock option on all mobile devices should be enabled with a
and passcode passcode, and strict requirements on when the device will be locked. You
settings can specify how long the device is active before it locks, which typically
ranges from 1 minute to 5 minutes. Once the device is locked, it can only be
accessed by entering the passcode that has been set up by the user. This
security control prevents access to the device if it is misplaced or stolen.
On some devices, you can configure the passcode settings to erase all data
stored on the device after a certain number of failed logon attempts.
Often, enabling screen lock can be a requirement in an organizational
security policy, no matter if the mobile device is provided by the employer
or the individual.
Be aware of pattern passcodes that require a user to complete a specific
action on the touch screen to activate the device. Most of the time, the
smudge pattern is visible on the surface and can be re-created to gain access
to the device. Using a numeric pin or a password is considered more secure.
Other secure screen lock methods include fingerprint locks and face locks.
Both of these use biometrics to authenticate the user to their device. An
insecure screen lock method is the swipe lock, which simply requires that
the user swipe as indicated on the screen. Although this is faster and more
convenient than other locking methods, it should be avoided.
Configure device When available, all mobile devices should be configured to use data
encryption encryption to protect company-specific and personal data that may be
stored and accessed on the device. This method is effective as long as the
hardware cannot be accessed to steal the data. Along with device
encryption, data encryption should also be used so when data is accessed by
physically taking the device apart, the data remains secured.
Device encryption can also be a requirement in an organizational security
policy.
Require remote Data wiping is a method used to remove any sensitive data from a mobile
wipes device and permanently delete it.
Remote wiping is also available for some devices, so you can perform these
functions remotely in case the phone is lost or stolen. Wipe and sanitization
guidelines and requirements might be included in an organization's security
policy if mobile devices are issued to employees for professional use. In
some cases, Admins will have rights to remote in to any device that is
supported by the organization.
Enable location GPS tracking service functionality is available on a number of mobile
services and devices and can be added in most cases when required for business reasons.
applications This feature is used as a security measure to protect and track mobile
devices that may be lost or stolen.
If a mobile device does not have the locating functionality built in, then you
can download a locator application that can track and locate a lost or stolen
device.

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Security Control Description

Enable remote Depending on the type of mobile device, there are remote backup services
backup available through the OS. For example, Apple offers remote backup services
to its iCloud® through the General Settings of the device. From there, you
can specify what application data to back up. Android offers remote backup
using Google Drive. Both these services offer the first 5 GB of data for
free, then you can purchase more backup space as needed. These features
allow you to recover your data when a device is either lost or stolen.
Install antivirus There are many different options when it comes to mobile antivirus
software solutions. Organizations that allow mobile devices to connect to the
network and transfer data should require that antivirus get installed to
prevent unauthorized access to data, systems, and resources. There are many
solutions available:
• BullGuard Mobile Security
• Kaspersky Mobile Security
• ESET Mobile Security
• Lookout Premium
• Trend Micro Mobile Security
• Webroot Secure Anywhere Mobile
Install updates and Mobile device updates are similar to other computing devices updates and
patches patches. Verify that devices are set up to automatically install updates from
the manufacturer. Updates and patches can resolve security issues and
systems flaws that present a security risk.

Note: For additional information, check out the LearnTO Secure a Mobile Device
presentation in the LearnTOs for this course on your CHOICE Course screen.
You may want to show
the LearnTO Secure a
Mobile Device
presentation from the
CHOICE Course screen
or have students
navigate out to the
Course screen and
watch it themselves as a
supplement to your
instruction. If not, please
remind students to visit
the LearnTOs for this
course on their CHOICE
Course screen after
class for supplemental
information and
additional resources.

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ACTIVITY 17-3
Examining Mobile Security

Scenario
In this activity, you will examine mobile security components and measures.

1. How can the use of mobile devices by employees affect the security of an organization as a whole? For this activity, have the
A: Mobile devices can function much like a regular computer; therefore, when they are used to send students use their own
and receive corporate emails, and to access systems and data within the corporate network, they mobile devices to
are a vulnerability. If lost or stolen, the devices can be used to access sensitive data or launch explore the different
attacks. Mobile devices should be secured just as any other system on the corporate network. security features and
how they can be
2. Examine some of the security features on a mobile device. Using the main menu, open the security configured. Students can
settings for your device. What specific security settings are available? also work in groups
when needed, and can
A: Answers will vary, but may include a screen lock setting, device encryption options, and GPS
share mobile devices.
tracking features.
Alternatively, you can
demonstrate this activity.
3. Now, pair up with a partner who has a different mobile device and examine the security features on that
device. Use the main menu to open the security settings. Are the security settings similar? Are there
different options available?
If time permits, install an
4. Tap to open the various options and check out the security settings that can be customized, such as the app scanner, for
screen lock feature, device encryption options, and GPS tracking features. Compare the available example Bluebox
settings on a couple of different devices. Security Scanner, so
students can see the
kinds of information such
a scanner can provide.

Some participants might

be hesitant to share their
mobile devices with
others. If possible,
demonstrate different
security features on
mobile devices that are
available to you.

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TOPIC D
Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
Most computing storage devices have a limited life span due to mechanical wear, technological
obsolescence, or slow access speeds. Instead of just sending these to the land fill or for recycling,
you need to first make sure that the data that was stored on the storage device is no longer
accessible. In this topic, you will examine methods for data destruction and disposal.

Physical Destruction
Physical destruction of computer media components ensures that the data is unrecoverable.
Effective methods include using a shredder, incinerator, drill, or smashing the platters completely to
Physical Destruction
change the physical makeup of the component so that it cannot be reassembled or recognized.
Other methods include using a degausser to demagnetize the internal components of the device so
that they are unreadable or using electromagnetic waves to alter the magnetic components inside the
device so that they are unreadable and unrecoverable.
Third parties that offer data destruction services often present their clients with a certificate of
destruction upon completion. This certificate is meant to be an auditable record of the data’s
destruction. The certificate may include information such as the date of destruction, the model and
serial number of the destroyed drive, the method of destruction used, and more.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Physically Destroy Information.

Recycling or Repurposing
Disk formatting is the process of deleting file systems from a computing device in order to clean the
computing device for reuse. Proper formatting should be conducted to prevent any data remnants
Recycling or
from being accessed on the device. This process can be done in two ways:
Repurposing • Low level formatting is the process of writing track sector markings on a hard disk. This level of
formatting is performed when the hard disk is manufactured.
• Standard formatting, also called high-level formatting, is an operating system function that builds file
systems on drives and partitions. It tests disk sectors to verify that they can be reliably used to
hold data. It marks any unreliable sectors as bad sectors that cannot be used.
As a security best practice, standard formatting should be done to ensure that most data is removed
from a device. However, some forensic tools may be able to recover data even after it has been
formatted. To truly ensure that all data has been removed from a drive, while keeping the drive
reusable, you need to securely wipe it. Wiping a drive most commonly involves overwriting the
existing data with either random data, or with all zero bits. This ensures that your sensitive data is
not recoverable.

Guidelines for Recycling or Repurposing Hardware

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for Recycling
or Repurposing Here are some steps you should take to prepare storage media for recycling or repurposing.
Hardware
• Consider formatting hard disks and using a disk wipe utility to replace the data with all zeros or
with random data.

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• Install remote wiping software on portable devices so the information can be wiped if the device
is lost or stolen.
• Check the storage media after using any sanitation method and ensure that none of the data is
readable or recoverable.
Note: A data wipe gets rid of all data. Data sanitization only gets rid of sensitive data.

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ACTIVITY 17-4
Identify Data Destruction and Disposal Methods

Scenario
For your test lab, you were provided with a variety of older equipment that had been
decommissioned by other departments within your organization. Some of the equipment is too
outdated for your use, so you need to prepare it for disposal. A computer disposal company your
organization has contracted with will be coming to pick up the devices next week, so you need to
make sure that all of the storage media has been properly sanitized before then.
You also have several applications that were developed in-house that you tested. Final versions of
the applications have been released and your manager wants to make sure that these preliminary
versions are not deployed by mistake. These were provided to you on various storage media
including DVD, USB drives, and portable hard drives. The USB drives and portable hard drives
could come in handy for other purposes, so you want to make sure that the data is removed, but the
devices are still functional.
In addition, your manager has asked you to research applications that can be deployed to users with
portable devices so that in the case of loss or theft, the devices can be remotely wiped. There are a
variety of smartphones, laptops, and tablets, running a variety of operating systems, deployed
throughout the organization.

1. What steps will you take to make sure that the storage devices in the equipment being sent for disposal
will be properly sanitized?
A: Answers will vary, but should include zeroing out the drive with disk wiping software, possibly
physically destroying the platters inside the hard drive, and verifying that the data is unreadable
and unrecoverable.

2. What steps will you take to make sure that the software you were given cannot be accessed?
A: Answers will vary, but might include physically destroying DVDs. For any device that you might
potentially reuse, you can use disk wiping software to destroy the data and preserve use of the
drive.

3. Search for remote wipe applications that might be deployed to users with portable devices. If possible,
find applications that can be used on multiple operating systems so that you have fewer applications to
support.

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Summary
In this lesson, you implemented and described many concepts and techniques that can be used to
establish the desired level of security within an organization. Every organization will have different
security requirements based on the type of business they conduct. It is your job to understand those
requirements and know how security controls should be implemented to directly support those
needs.

What physical security controls have been employed at organizations where you have worked?
A: Answers will vary, but may include door access controls such as keypad or proximity card reader,
Encourage students to
video monitoring such as video cameras, emergency procedures in case of fire. use the social
networking tools
What steps has your organization taken to ensure the security of mobile devices? Have you planned ahead
provided on the CHOICE
in case the devices are lost or stolen? If so, how? Course screen to follow
A: Answers will vary, but may include installing antimalware apps, ensuring users enable screen lock and up with their peers after
passcode settings, configuring device encryption, requiring remote wipe capability in case of loss, the course is completed
enabling location services and applications, requiring that users back up their data, and ensuring that for further discussion
and resources to support
all patches and updates are applied.
continued learning.
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 17: Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Controls |

18 Implementing Security
Controls

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will implement security controls. You will:
• Secure Windows and other operating systems.
• Deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation.
• Secure SOHO wireless and wired networks.
• Identify methods for securing mobile devices.

Lesson Introduction
In the last lesson, you identified security threats, vulnerabilities, and controls. Now, you can
put that information to practical use in protecting your organization's hardware and data. In
this lesson, you will implement security controls.
608 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Secure Operating Systems
In this lesson, you will implement various types of security controls. In this topic, you will secure
operating systems.

Types of Users
Windows includes several built-in user accounts to provide you with initial access to a computer.

User Account Provides

Types of Users
Administrator Complete administrative access to a computer. This is the most powerful
account on a computer and should be protected with a strong password. In
Much of the information some situations, you might also consider renaming this account.
in this topic deals with
Power User
Microsoft Windows, but Note: This older account type is no longer available. However, you can
some of these security give users the same rights and permissions that were given to Power Users
controls also apply to in previous versions of Windows by adding users to the Power Users
other OSs such as Linux group. By default, the Power Users group has no default user rights.
and OS X.
Fewer access privileges than administrators, but more access privileges than
standard users. Power Users might be able to install most software and updates,
but they will be restricted from making changes that affect security or the core
operating system. This account is available only in Windows XP.
Standard User Access to use most of the computing software on the computer. However,
higher permission is required to uninstall or install software and hardware. This
account also limits the configuration of security settings, operational settings,
and deletion of necessary system files. This account is sometimes referred to as a
non-privileged user account.
Guest Limited computer access to individuals without a user account. By default, the
Guest account is disabled when you install the operating system. You enable this
account only if you want to permit users to log on as a guest.

Permissions
You already know that a permission is a security setting that determines the level of access a user or
group account has to a particular resource. Permissions can be associated with a variety of resources,
Permissions
such as files, printers, shared folders, and network directory databases. Permissions can typically be
configured to allow different levels of privileges, or to deny privileges to users who should not
access a resource.

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Figure 18-1: Permissions determine the user access level.

Rights and permissions can be assigned to individual user accounts. However, this is an inefficient
security practice, because so many permission assignments must be duplicated for users with similar
roles and because individual users' roles and needs can change frequently. It is more efficient to
create groups of users with common needs, and assign the rights and permissions to the user
groups. As the needs of individual users change, the users can be placed in groups with the
appropriate security configuration.

NTFS File and Folder Permissions

On Windows operating systems, file-level security is supported on drives that are formatted to use
the Windows NT File System (NTFS). These permissions can be applied either to folders or to
individual files. NTFS permissions on a folder are inherited by the files and subfolders within it. NTFS File and Folder
There are several levels of NTFS permissions, which can determine, for example, whether users can Permissions
read files or run applications; write to existing files; and modify, create, or delete files.
There are five standard NTFS permissions that you can assign to files.

Permission Enables the User To

Read Read the file and view file attributes, ownership, and permissions.
Write Overwrite the file and change file attributes.
Read & Run applications and perform Read tasks.
Execute
Modify Modify and delete the file.
Full Control Change permissions, take ownership, and perform all other tasks.

There are six standard NTFS permissions that you can assign to folders or to drives.

Permission Enables the User To

List Folder View the names, attributes, and permissions of subfolders in the folder, but only
Contents see the names of files within the folder.
Read View names, attributes, permissions, and contents of files and subfolders in the
folder.
Write Create new files and subfolders in the folder, and change their attributes.

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Permission Enables the User To

Read & Perform the same functions as Read and List Folder Contents tasks, as well as
Execute execute files.
Modify Delete the folder and perform Write and Read & Execute tasks.
Full Control Change permissions, take ownership, delete subfolders and files, and perform all
other tasks.

Special Permissions
Each of the standard NTFS file permissions is made up of several more granular permissions called
special permissions. Standard permissions are the most frequently assigned groups of permissions;
special permissions provide you with a finer degree of control.
For example, the standard Read permission is made up of the following special permissions:
• List Folder/Read Data.
• Read Attributes.
• Read Extended Attributes.
• Read Permissions.

File Compression and Encryption

File compression and file encryption are two special features of the NTFS file system that are
implemented as advanced attributes.
• File compression is a way to save disk space by removing blank or repeated characters within
files. Windows file compression is rarely used, partly because disk space on most systems today is
relatively plentiful, and partly because there are other ways to reduce file size, such as with a file-
compression utility like WinZip®, which creates a new, compressed file that you can copy to
other media or email to other users.
• File encryption is an NTFS security measure that scrambles the contents of a file so that only the
person who encrypted the file can open it, even if the disk containing the file is physically
removed from the computer and loaded into a different computer system. File encryption is a
good way to protect data on portable devices such as laptop computers.
Note: Other than NTFS compression, Windows employs different compression algorithms to
create Cabinet (CAB) archive files. Because of the different algorithms used, NTFS compression
tools are not necessarily compatible with CAB files.

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ACTIVITY 18-1
Exploring NTFS Permissions

Data Files
C:\LocalData\New Text Document

Scenario
In order to check your understanding of NTFS permissions, you previously created a new folder
named LocalData and then created an empty file named New Text Document. You have a few
free minutes, so you decide to examine the permissions for the Administrators and Users groups
to the folder and file.

1. Turn off the Sharing Wizard.

a) Open This PC, and select View→Options→Change folder and search options.
b) Select the View tab. Scroll to the bottom of the Advanced settings list.
c) Uncheck Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended) and select OK.

2. Examine the NTFS permissions on a drive.

a) Select the C drive. Right-click the C drive and select Computer→Properties.
b) Select the Security tab.
c) In the Group or user names list, select the Administrators group.
d) Determine the permissions assigned to the Administrators group.
e) Select the Users group.
f) Determine the permissions assigned to the Users group and select Cancel.

3. What level of permissions did the Administrators group have?

◉ Full Control Instead of leading
○ Modify participants through the
next set of questions,
○ Write you can choose to
○ Read & Execute facilitate a discussion
about the differences
4. What level of permissions did the Users group have? between the permissions
assigned to the
○ Full Control Administrators group
○ Modify and the Users group.
○ Write
◉ Read & Execute

5. Examine NTFS folder permissions.

a) Double-click the C drive. Select the LocalData folder, and then select Home→Properties.
b) Select the Security tab.
c) Select the Administrators group.
Instead of leading
d) Determine the permissions assigned to the Administrators group.
participants through the
e) Select the Users group. next question, you can
f) Determine the permissions assigned to the Users group, and then select Cancel. choose to facilitate a
discussion about
permission inheritance
for folders and files.

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6. How were the permissions in the LocalData folder different from the permissions on the C drive?
○ Administrators did not have Full Control to the LocalData folder.
○ Users could not read files in the LocalData folder.
◉ The permissions on the C drive were set explicitly; the permissions on the LocalData folder were
inherited from the C drive.
○ The available permissions were not different.

7. Examine NTFS file permissions.

a) Double-click the LocalData folder.
b) Select the New Text Document file, and then select Home→Properties.
c) Select the Security tab.
d) Select the Administrators group.
e) Determine the permissions assigned to the Administrators group. Verify that the permissions of the
New Text Document file is the same as that of the C drive and the LocalData folder.
f) Select the Users group.
g) Determine the permissions assigned to the Users group, and then select Cancel.
h) Close the window.

8. True or False? The permissions in the New Text Document file were inherited from the LocalData folder
permissions.
☑ True
☐ False

Shared Files and Folders

A share is any network resource that is available to other computers or users on the network. Typical
shares include folders, printers, and drives. Because shares enable users to access a computer system
Shared Files and
from a remote location, you should secure all shared resources against unauthorized access.
Folders
Share Permissions
You can set three different levels of permissions on shared files and folders in Windows.

Permission Enables Users To

Share Permissions
Read • View file and subfolder names.
• View file contents and file attributes.
• Run program files.
The Read permission is granted by default to the Everyone group when a folder
is shared and to new users when they are added to the Permissions list.
Change • Perform all Read permission tasks.
• Add files and subfolders.
• Change file contents.
• Delete subfolders and files.
Full Control • Perform all Read and Change tasks.
• Change NTFS permissions on files and folders inside the shared folder.

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NTFS vs. Share Permissions

NTFS permissions apply to the actions that users can take on a file or folder either on the network
or locally. Share permissions apply only to the folders (and possibly subfolders and files) that have
been shared with other users and are being accessed over the network. Using both NTFS and share NTFS vs. Share
permissions on the same files and folders may seem like overkill, but they are often used together, Permissions
and it is important to understand the differences between the two permissions and how they interact
with one another.
In Windows, a shared folder has two sets of permissions: the NTFS permissions (which are on the
Security tab of that folder's Properties) and the share permissions (which are on the Shared tab of
that folder's Properties). The security permissions do not automatically change once a folder is
designated as a share, and there is no propagation between the two. A folder can have NTFS
permissions assigned, and then be shared and have share permissions assigned. When a user
accesses the folder over the network, both the share and NTFS permissions are applicable, and the
most restrictive of the two sets of permissions applies. So, if the network user has the Full Control
NTFS permission but only the Read share permission, the user will have only the ability to read the
contents of the folder.
Note: When a user accesses a file on the local system, however, only the NTFS permissions
apply. The fact that the folder is shared is not relevant when you are accessing the folder locally.

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ACTIVITY 18-2
Exploring Share Permissions

Scenario
In this activity, you will create a network share and assign share-level permissions.

How share permissions 1. Navigate to the C: drive and create a folder named Share# with the # being your student number.
are exposed to the user
varies depending on the 2. Share the Share# folder.
specific Windows a) Select the folder, display its pop-up menu, and select Share with.
operating system and b) Select Advanced Sharing.
how it is configured. c) If necessary, in the User Account Control dialog box, in the user name text box, type APLUS-
CLASS/Admin##.
d) Check Share this folder, and then select OK.

3. Grant the Everyone group Read and Modify share permissions.

a) Select Properties.
b) On the Security tab, select Advanced.
c) In the Advanced Security Settings for share## dialog box, select the Effective Access tab.
d) Select Select a user, and in the Select User or Group dialog box, type everyone and select Check
Names.
e) Select OK and then select View effective access.
The Everyone group currently has no effective access.
f) Select the Permissions tab, and then select Add.
g) Select Select a principal.
h) Type everyone, select Check Names, and select OK
Now, three basic permissions are applied.
i) Select Show advanced permissions.
Briefly discuss the basic j) Select Show basic permissions.
permissions and then k) Check Modify.
the advanced Write is selected automatically.
permissions as students l) Show advanced permissions again, and examine the changes.
toggle between the two
m) Select OK.
views.
n) Select the Effective Access tab.
A banner across the top of the dialog box warns you that you need to apply changes.
o) Select Apply.
Point out the changes to
the advanced p) Examine the Effective Access section and verify that permissions have changed for Everyone.
permissions. q) Select OK, and then select Close.

File System Security

There are some important considerations that you should keep in mind when applying permissions
to files and folders.
File System Security

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Consideration Description

Allow vs. Deny When choosing whether to allow or deny an action using permissions, you
need to choose carefully between the two. Deny is more restrictive than
Allow. If the Deny property is applied on either a file or a folder, it will
override any Allow permissions that may have been granted to the user.
Therefore, use of the Deny permission should be done sparingly. You
should deny permissions (using explicit Deny) only to a specific user when it
is necessary to override permissions that are otherwise allowed for the group
to which this user belongs.
When establishing permissions, administrators can specify whether the entry
being added should have access (Allow) or not have access (not Allow) to
the resource. It is more practical to clear all the Allow check boxes for a
group or a user, in effect denying them access to the resource without using
the absolute Deny option. “Not-Allow” access in this way is easier to
troubleshoot, manage and configure.
Moving vs. copying When permissions have been applied, moving a file or folder and copying
files and folders that file or folder will have different results. It is important to consider those
results when choosing whether to move or to copy your files or folders.
When you move a file or folder from one folder to another on the same
partition, it retains the permissions that were applied to it in its original
location. When you copy a file or folder from one directory to another, it
inherits the permissions of the folder or directory to which it has been
copied.
When you move a file or folder between partitions, the result is similar to
copying the file or folder: it will inherit the target folder's permissions.
File attributes You can set file attributes on files and folders, and these attributes can affect
the actions a user can have on that specific file or folder, regardless of the
permissions that have already been set. If a file or folder has the Read-Only
attribute, the attribute will override the permissions applied to users who are
accessing that file or folder.

Security for Shared Files and Folders

Recall that there are two kinds of shares: administrative shares and local shares.
• Administrative shares are hidden shares that are created and shared by default on every Windows
system. They are displayed with a "$" to indicate that they are hidden files. Although you can Security for Shared Files
delete these administrative shares, the system will re-create them every time the system restarts. and Folders
Anyone with administrator access to the system can interact with administrative shares.
• Local shares are folders that are created on the local network by system users and then shared
with other network users by using shared folder permissions. Users, including administrators, can
delete local shares, and they are not automatically created upon restart.
On Windows systems, you can share a folder by modifying the folder's properties. When you share a
folder, you assign it a share name that can be different from the underlying folder name. You can
share the folder more than once using different names.
Users can connect to the shared folder by browsing to the computer in Network, or by selecting
Start→Run and entering the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path to the folder, in the form
\\computername\sharename.

Permissions Inheritance
Permissions that you assign to a folder are inherited by files and folders within that folder. It is
generally most efficient to group similar files together in a folder and assign permissions to the

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folder, rather than to the individual files. Inherited permissions are indicated by gray background
check marks in the file or folder's security properties.

Permissions Propagation
If you modify the permissions for a parent folder, you can choose whether or not to propagate the
changes downwards, which means to apply those permissions changes to all of the subfolders within
the folder.

Security for System Files and Folders

System files and folders are configured as Read Only and they are hidden. This prevents you or
other users from accidentally deleting or modifying those files and folders. If you need to modify or
Security for System Files
delete a system file or folder, you will need to modify the permissions for the file or folder to
and Folders remove the Read Only permission.

User Authentication
User authentication is a network security measure in which a computer user or some other network
component proves its identity in order to gain access to network resources. There are many possible
User Authentication
authentication methods; one of the most common is a combination of a user name and a password.
Most authentication schemes are based on the use of one or more authentication factors. The
factors include:
• Something you know, such as a password.
• Something you have, such as a key or an ID card.
• Something you are, including physical characteristics, such as fingerprints.

SSO
Single sign-on (SSO) is an access control property that you can use to provide users with one-time
authentication to multiple resources, servers, or sites. Users log in once with a single user name and
password to gain access to a number of different systems, without being asked to log in at each
access point. Different systems may use different mechanisms for user authentication, so SSO has to
use different credentials to perform authentication. With the widespread use of SSO, it is important
to ensure that user authentication is strong for the login; with one potential user name and password
providing access to a host of systems, it is critical that this single access point is being properly
secured.

Run as Administrator
You should log in as a regular user most of the time. You will protect the system by not making it as
easy to accidentally modify or delete files or folders, will know how other users will experience the
Run as Administrator
system, and not give attackers as large a footprint to exploit. When you are logged in as a regular
user and need to run an application or perform an action as an administrator, use the Run as
Administrator command from the item's shortcut menu.

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Figure 18-2: Using Run as Administrator to open an administrative command prompt.

BitLocker
Windows BitLocker® is a security feature of Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows
Server® 2008, and Windows Server 2012. This security feature provides full disk-encryption
protection for the operating system, as well as all the data stored on the operating system volume. BitLocker
BitLocker encrypts all data stored on the operating system volume and is configured by default to
use a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This feature ensures the protection of early startup
components and locks any BitLocker-secured volumes in order to prevent access or tampering
when the operating system is not running.
To use a TPM, you must have compatible system firmware and have TPM enabled in the firmware's
settings. You can also configure BitLocker to operate without a TPM.
BitLocker To Go is used to encrypt removable storage devices such as USB flash drives or portable
hard drives. These removable devices are locked and protected by default. You will need to specify
how you will unlock the drive when you enable BitLocker To Go. Typically, the removable storage
device is unlocked by using a password.
When you enable BitLocker or BitLocker To Go, you are prompted to save a recovery key backup.
This is used to recover the password if it is lost or forgotten. If you lose the recovery key and don't
know the password, the drive will remain inaccessible. The only way to use the drive would be to
reformat it, thus losing all data on the drive.
Windows 8 encrypts drives more quickly than in previous versions of BitLocker and BitLocker To
Go. Only the portion of the disk that is currently in use is encrypted. However, any additional data
stored to the disk later will also be encrypted automatically.
Note: The OS X equivalent to BitLocker is FileVault.

EFS
The Encrypting File System (EFS) is a file-encryption tool available on Windows systems that have
partitions formatted with NTFS. EFS encrypts file data by using digital certificates. If a certificate
authority is not available to issue a file-encryption certificate, the local system can issue a self-signed EFS
encryption certificate to users who want to encrypt files. Unlike NTFS permissions, which control
access to the file, EFS protects the contents of the file. With EFS, you can keep data secure even if
NTFS security is breached—for example, if an attacker steals a laptop computer and moves the
laptop's hard drive to another system to bypass the NTFS security implementations.

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Figure 18-3: Enabling EFS.

Guidelines for Securing Microsoft Windows

Note: All of the Guidelines for this lesson are available as checklists from the Checklist tile on
the CHOICE Course screen.
Guidelines for Securing
Microsoft Windows Follow these guideline to help secure Microsoft Windows:
• Log in as a regular user and use Run as Administrator when you need administrative access.
• Only provide the required permissions.
• Ensure that the combination of NTFS and share permissions don't give users excessive rights.
• Ensure that the combination of NTFS and share permissions don't remove users' needed rights.
• Use multifactor authentication for more secure resource access.
• Use BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, or EFS to encrypt file systems.

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ACTIVITY 18-3 Although this activity

focuses on the Finance
Securing the Windows File System folder and the alund
user, there are also two
other users and the HR
group and folder that
Before You Begin you can use to further
Several users and groups have been created in Active Directory, and related folders have been demonstrate effective
created on the domain controller. permissions if time
permits.
Scenario
You've been assigned to help a team of technicians who are implementing various security controls
throughout your organization. Your tasks are focused on securing Windows file systems. You plan The first three steps of
to investigate use of the Run as administrator command, as well as examine the interaction this activity deal with
using Run as
between NTFS permissions and share permissions. Finally, you want to explore ways to help keep
administrator to gain
sensitive information as secure as possible. elevated privileges.

1. On your Windows 8.1 host computer, create a user named tester Point out that this is a
a) Open PC Settings, and select Accounts. simplified example of
b) Select Other accounts. using Run as
c) Select Add an account. administrator. If you
have time, initiate a
d) Because you are using this account to test the security of the local computer, select Sign in without
discussion of when it
a Microsoft account (not recommended).
would be practical to use
e) Select Local account. Run as administrator,
f) For User name, type tester such as for opening an
g) For Password and Reenter password, type !Pass1234 elevated Command
h) For Password hint, type same as admin account Prompt.)
i) Select Next.
j) Select Finish.
k) On the Manage other accounts page, select tester and select Edit. Consider discussing
l) Verify that the Account type is set to Standard user, and then select Cancel. these situations with the
class and asking them
2. Log on as tester, and open WordPad as a standard user. what needs to be done
to complete the
a) Select Start, and select the arrow next to Shut Down, and then select Switch User. assignment. Then, use
b) At the login screen, select tester and enter !Pass1234 as the password. the AD users and groups
c) Select Start, and if necessary, select a menu type and select OK. provided during course
d) In the search box, type wordpad and select WordPad in the flyout menu. setup to implement their
suggestions. Be sure to
WordPad opens automatically to a new, blank document.
assist them in defining
e) Close WordPad. the correct approach if
they are having trouble.
3. Open WordPad with administrative privileges, and switch back to your admin## account.
a) Select Start, right-click WordPad, and select Run as administrator.
UAC prompts you to provide administrator credentials. Use this question to
b) Select your admin## account, type your password, and select Yes. emphasize that NTFS
WordPad now opens with a new, blank document. permissions are
cumulative.
c) Close WordPad.
d) Log off tester, and log back on as admin##.

Use this question to

demonstrate the
combination of NTFS
and share permissions.

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4. You’ve been assigned to assist with securing certain Windows folders against unauthorized access.
Only members of the Finance group should be able to view, access, and change files in the Finance
folder that is stored on the server. How could you ensure that other employees cannot access the
Finance folder?
A: Answers might include: disabling any inherited permissions for other users, and explicitly
assigning permissions to the Finance group.

5. If Ali Lund is a member of the Finance group and she is also given explicit permissions of Read &
Execute for the Finance folder, what are her effective permissions?
A: Her effective permissions will be the combination of the permissions she gets from the group and
the explicit permissions assigned to her user object.

6. Consider what would happen if share permissions were also assigned to the Finance folder. How might
Finance users be affected?
A: If the share permissions are more restrictive than the NTFS permissions, they will take
precedence and could cause access issues for the Finance group members.

7. The sales representatives’ laptops contain a lot of company confidential information. They want to keep
this information secure as they travel. What recommendations would you make to help protect this
data?
A: Answers might include implementing multifactor authentication. Many laptops now ship with
fingerprint scanners, so you might be able to easily implement two-factor authentication (user
name/password and biometrics). Or, you might implement virtual smart cards through Windows
8.1.

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TOPIC B
Secure Workstations
In the last topic, you secured operating systems. There are additional tasks you can use to be sure
workstations are protected from unauthorized access. In this topic, you will secure workstations.

Password Best Practices

You know you need to create strong passwords that are not based on dictionary words; contain
numbers, letters, and special characters; and have a minimum length. Some other best practices are
provided in the following table. Password Best Practices

Best practice Description

Setting password In most organizations, changing the password every two to three months is
expiration. sufficient. In other organizations, changing it more frequently might be
required. Remember that if it is changed too often, users will have more
trouble remembering their password and might be tempted to write it
down.
Changing default user Some devices come with default user names and passwords. One example
names and is wireless routers. Use the options built into the device to change the
passwords. default user name and password so that unauthorized users cannot easily
access the device. The default user name and password for wireless routers
can easily be found in an Internet search.
Note: Organizations often create users with a default password that
must be changed when the user logs on for the first time.

Require screensaver When a user steps away from the computer, they should lock the
passwords. computer. If they forget to do so, having a screensaver that comes on after
one minute and requires a password to unlock the system is a good backup
to locking the computer.
Require BIOS or Setting a BIOS or UEFI password will help prevent unauthorized users
UEFI passwords. from accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings. If users make unauthorized
changes to these settings, it might make their system stop working, make it
work less efficiently, or make it out of compliance with organizational
policies.
Require passwords. On most modern systems, you have to set a password in order to set up
the computer. If you are working with older systems, or other devices that
don't have passwords by default, you should configure the device to use a
password. Smartphones and tablets might not be configured to require a
password. Printers and routers might also not require a password to change
settings. All of these devices should require passwords whenever possible.

Account Management
There are several account management techniques you can use to make your users and their data
more secure. The items in the following table are just some of the most common; this is by no
means a complete listing of the account management tasks you will need to perform. Account Management

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Account Description
Management Task

Restrict user Follow the principle of least privilege: Provide users with software with
permissions. only the minimal level of access that is necessary for them to perform the
duties required of them.
Configure login time You can configure the hours during which users can log in. You can also
restrictions. configure the account to allow the user access to the system for only a set
number of hours during that time period.
Disable the guest By default, the Guest account is disabled when you install Windows
account. operating systems. Enable this account only if you want to permit users to
log on as a guest.
Configure failed You can configure Account lockout threshold values. Most organizations
attempts lockout. set the value between three and five attempts, which allows users who
mistype their passwords the chance to re-enter them before their accounts
are locked. You can also configure how long the account will be locked.
Many organizations set this interval to between 5 and 30 minutes; other
organizations require that an administrator unlock the account.
Configure a timeout Most devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and
screen lock. tablets, lock the screen after a certain period of time. This timeout value can
be changed based on user needs. The user will need to enter a password or
use another security unlock method to access the device again after it has
been locked.

Autorun
Disable autorun to prevent malware and other viruses from being loaded automatically with a
device, such as a USB drive. Disabling the autorun feature will restrict any infected files from
Autorun
automatically loading.

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Figure 18-4: Disabling AutoPlay in Windows 8.1.

Data Encryption
Encryption is a cryptographic technique that converts data from plain, or cleartext form, into coded, or
ciphertext form. Only authorized parties with the necessary decryption information can decode and
read the data. Encryption can be one-way, which means the encryption is designed to hide only the Data Encryption
cleartext and is never decrypted. Encryption can also be two-way, in which ciphertext can be
decrypted back to cleartext and read.
6

Figure 18-5: Encryption converts plain data into ciphertext.

Cryptography is the science of hiding information. The practice of cryptography is thought to be

nearly as old as the written word. Current cryptographic science has its roots in mathematics and
computer science and relies heavily upon technology. Modern communications and computing use
cryptography extensively to protect sensitive information and communications from unauthorized
access.
Note: The word cryptography has roots in the Greek words kryptós, meaning “hidden,” and
“gráphein,” meaning “to write,” translating into “hidden writing.”

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A cipher is a specific set of actions used to encrypt data. Plaintext is the original, unencoded data.
Once the cipher is applied via enciphering, the obscured data is known as ciphertext. The reverse
process of translating ciphertext to cleartext is known as deciphering.
It is becoming common to encrypt many forms of communications and data streams, as well as
entire hard disks. Some operating systems support whole-disk encryption, while some other
commercially available open-source tools are capable of encrypting all or part of the data on a disk
or drive.
An encryption algorithm is the rule, system, or mechanism used to encrypt data. Algorithms can be
simple mechanical substitutions, but in electronic cryptography, they are generally complex
mathematical functions. The stronger the mathematical function, the more difficult it is to break the
encryption. A letter-substitution cipher, in which each letter of the alphabet is systematically
replaced by another letter, is an example of a simple encryption algorithm.

Patch Management
Patch management is the practice of monitoring for, obtaining, evaluating, testing, and deploying
integral fixes and updates for programs or applications, known as patches. As the number of
Patch Management
computer systems in use has grown over recent years, so has the volume of vulnerabilities and
corresponding patches and updates intended to address those vulnerabilities. However, not every
computer within an organization will necessarily be compatible with a certain patch, whether it be
because of outdated hardware, different software versions, application dependencies, and so on.
Because of the inconsistencies that may be present within the various systems, the task of managing
and applying patches can become very time-consuming and inefficient without an organized patch
management system. In typical patch management, software updates are evaluated for their
applicability to an environment and then tested in a safe way on non-production systems. If the
patch is validated on all possible configurations without causing more problems, only then will the
valid patch be rolled out to all computers throughout the entire organization.
A patch management program might include:
• An individual responsible for subscribing to and reviewing vendor and security patches and
updating newsletters.
• A review and triage of the updates into urgent, important, and non-critical categories.
• An offline patch-test environment where urgent and important patches can be installed and
tested for functionality and impact.
• Immediate administrative push delivery of approved urgent patches.
• Weekly administrative push delivery of approved important patches.
• A periodic evaluation phase and full rollout for non-critical patches.

Patch Management Policies

Many organizations have taken to creating official patch management policies that define the who,
what, where, when, why, and how of patch management for that organization.

Guidelines for Securing Workstations

When you select and apply computer security measures, you must make security adjustments that
protect the workstation and the applications and data on it, while ensuring that the system runs
Guidelines for Securing
appropriately for legitimate users. Follow these general guidelines for securing workstations:
Workstations • Manage user authentication.
• Change the default user name and password on each workstation device.
• Require all users to create strong passwords and to protect the passwords from others.
• In high-security environments, implement multi-factor authentication that can include smart
cards or biometric authentication systems.
• Install updates and patches.

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• Install the latest operating system service packs and security update patches.
• Install the latest application patches for utilities that are included in the operating system as
well as for web browsers and third-party application software.
• Manage user accounts.
• Use policy settings to disable or delete guest accounts or other unnecessary accounts, and
rename default accounts, so attackers cannot use known account names to access the system.
• Restrict user permissions so that only those users who absolutely need access are allowed into
the system.
• Disable the guest account on all machines to prevent unauthorized access to any shared files
and folders on the workstation.
• Educate users to follow best security practices, such as recognizing and avoiding hoaxes,
phishing attacks, and potential malicious software sources.
• Apply workstation security measures.
• Implement antivirus software to protect against malicious software.
• Block pop-ups in your web browser.
• Install a firewall and configure the appropriate open and closed ports and the program
filtering settings.
• Implement warning messages or banners displayed at user login to warn users that only
authorized use is allowed. These banners could be important in future civil litigation or
criminal prosecution, and they can put all users on notice that their activities might be
monitored. All warning banners should comply with the legal requirements of your
jurisdiction.
• Disable autorun to prevent malware and other viruses from being loaded automatically with a
device, such as a USB drive. Disabling the autorun features will restrict any infected files from
automatically loading.
• Enable the screensaver and password functionality to lock systems when idle.
• Enable automatic operating system updates through the Control Panel.
• Limit the number of shared resources on a system. Use share and file system permissions to
restrict access to file and print resources.

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ACTIVITY 18-4
Securing a Workstation

Data Files
C:\Encrypt

Scenario
A user recently received a new computer and has asked you to implement some of the security
features provided in Windows 8.1 Pro. You decide to encrypt a folder that contains sensitive data
and add more restrictive User Account Control settings.

1. Encrypt the Encrypt folder.

a) Open This PC, and navigate to Local Disk (C:).
b) Locate and select the Encrypt folder, and display its pop-up menu.
c) Select Properties.
d) On the General tab, select Advanced.
e) Check Encrypt contents to secure data.
f) Select OK twice.
g) In the Confirm Attribute Change dialog box, verify that Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and
files is selected, and select OK.
A message is displayed in the status bar prompting you to back up your EFS certificate.
h) Select Back up your file encryption key.
i) Select Back up later.
j) Examine the Encrypt folder.
The Encrypt folder name is now green to indicate that it and its contents are encrypted.
k) Close This PC.

2. Adjust the User Account Control settings to always notify the user when administrative-level changes
are made to the computer.
a) Open Control Panel, and enter uac in the Search Control Panel text box.
b) Select Change User Account Control settings.
c) If prompted, by UAC Credentials, type Admin## with a password !Pass1234
d) Move the slider bar to Always Notify.
e) Select OK.
f) Select Yes.
g) Close Control Panel.

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TOPIC C
Secure SOHO Networks
Earlier in the course, you installed and configured a SOHO network. As with any other computer
network, SOHO networks need to be secured to prevent unauthorized access and other threats. In
this topic, you will examine how security controls are implemented to secure both wired and
wireless SOHO networks.
Securing your network is critical to keeping data, systems, and resources safe from unauthorized
access. You must understand what the security implications are when a network is improperly
secured. Security controls and implementations restrict access to sensitive data and system resources.
As the A+ technician, it's your job to make sure that the right security controls are implemented and
functioning as expected.

SOHO Security Methods

When implementing and configuring a SOHO network, you must ensure that the proper security
measures have been taken to prevent any unauthorized access.
SOHO Security Methods
Method Description

Change default user Change the default user name and password for all devices connected to the
name and password network. Use strong password guidelines when assigning the new passwords.
Enable MAC MAC address filtering provides a simple method of securing a network.
filtering Typically, an administrator configures a list of client MAC addresses that are
allowed to join the network. Those pre-approved clients are granted access if
the MAC address is known by the network.
Assign static IP When implementing a small network, you can assign each device on the
addresses network a static IP address. When each device has a designated IP address,
you remove the plug-in-and-go capability that DHCP provides, so only
those devices with IP addresses that are in the same range as the static
addresses will be able to connect to the network.
Disable ports Disabling unused network ports can prevent unauthorized access to your
network. Attackers look for open ports on networks to launch an attack.

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Method Description
Firewall settings Windows client firewalls can be configured for networking to ensure that
they are secure against unauthorized access attempts and attacks. Consider
the following settings when setting up the firewall:
• Enabling or disabling port security on certain ports.
• Inbound and outbound filtering. The user can set up rules or exceptions
in the firewall settings to limit access to the web.
• Reporting and logging activity.
• Malware and spyware protection.
• Pop-up blocking.
• Port assigning, forwarding, and triggering.
• Enabling or disabling the Windows Firewall when necessary.
Windows Firewall is a software-based firewall that is included with Windows
Vista and later operating systems. Once an operating system is installed,
Windows Firewall is automatically installed and enabled. By default, the
firewall blocks unsolicited incoming traffic on all ports. You can open
blocked ports and configure other firewall settings by using the Windows
Firewall program in the Control Panel or through Windows Security Policy
Settings. Windows Firewall can be configured to drop outgoing traffic as
well as incoming traffic.
Port forwarding/ NAT (network address translation) is used on most SOHO routers to
mapping redirect communication requests from one IP address and port number to
another through port forwarding or mapping. This allows one IP address
outside the network to be used by multiple devices and systems inside the
network.
Content filtering Through operating system features or third-party apps, you can filter
and parental content. You can filter based on age ranges, adult content, or other specific
controls terms. Parental control filtering can be configured to send a report to a
specified email address on a regular basis to let you know where the user has
gone while online, the amount of time spent online, and other configurable
control settings.
Firmware updates As with other devices, SOHO computers, printers, routers, and other
devices need to have firmware updates applied as needed.
Apply physical Depending on the location of the network, you may need to ensure that the
security controls devices and network components cannot be accessed by unauthorized users.
This may be as simple as making sure that all the entrances have proper
security controls installed. This could be anything from locked doors,
surveillance systems, to installing a biometric identification system.
Perform Perform regular security assessments to determine if current controls are
assessments meeting the needs of the organization.
Consider using tools
such as Kali Linux Live
CD to perform Wireless Security
assessments of the
network security. Also, Wireless security is any method of securing a wireless local area network (LAN) to prevent
suggest students take unauthorized network access and network data theft. You need to ensure that authorized users can
the CASP course for connect to the network without any hindrances. Wireless networks are more vulnerable to attacks
more information on than any other network system. For one thing, most wireless devices such as laptops, mobile
this. phones, and other mobile devices search and connect automatically to the access point offering the
best signal, which can be coming from an attacker. Wireless transmissions can also be scanned or
sniffed out of the air, with no need to access physical network media. Such attacks can be avoided
Wireless Security by using relevant security protocols.

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Figure 18-6: Wireless security.

SOHO Wireless Security Methods

There are a number of security methods you can use to ensure that your wireless network is secure
from unauthorized access.
SOHO Wireless Security
Method Description Methods
Configure the network • Secure your wireless router or access point administration
settings interface.
• Disable remote administration.
• Secure/disable the reset switch/function.
• Change the default SNMP parameter.
• Change the default channel.
• Regularly upgrade the Wi-Fi router firmware to ensure you have
the latest security patches and critical fixes.
• Use the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service Plus
(RADIUS+) network directory authentication where feasible.
• Use a VPN.
• Perform periodic rogue wireless access point scans.
Configure the SSID • Change the default Service Set Identifier (SSID).
• Disable the SSID broadcast.
Note: PCs running Windows 7 and later will detect existing
networks, even if it can't identify them by name (SSID). It's
not difficult to unmask a SSID and when a person attempts
to hide the SSID, it may actually attract more attention
because it suggests the network may contain sensitive data.

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Method Description
Setting encryption • Enable WPA2 encryption.
• Change the default encryption keys.
• Avoid using pre-shared keys (PSK).
Note: If you need to share keys, use asymmetric key sharing.

Properly place the antenna Position the router or access point and antenna safely. The radio
and access point frequency range of each access point should not extend beyond the
physical boundaries and layout of the organization's facilities.
Secure the wireless access Specific procedures for implementing security options on wireless
point devices, as well as the options your devices support, will vary. Always
check the documentation from your wireless device manufacturer
before implementing any security configurations. Common methods
include:
• Implementing some form of user authentication.
• Implementing a security protocol that requires over-the-air data
encryption.
• Updating firmware on the device to implement any manufacturer
security patches and enhancements.
• Restricting unauthorized devices from connecting to the WAP by
filtering out unauthorized MAC addresses.
• Implementing a firewall. For a small office or home office, enable
a firewall on the WAP, and then also on the host computer to
further secure your network.
• Configuring vendor-recommended security settings on your
wireless router or access point.
Radio power levels Adjust the radio power level controls on routers and access points as
needed to help minimize power consumption within the wireless
network. It can be difficult to manage the radio power of wireless to
reduce the power used, while providing the right level of radio power
to operate the network.
Note: This is also known as antenna power.

WPS The Wi-Fi-Protected Setup (WPS) standard was released by the Wi-
Fi Alliance to enable an easy yet secure setup of small home
networks. The goal of the standard was to ease the setup and
complicated configuration settings of wireless routers designed for
use in SOHO networks. The standard can easily be cracked by brute
force attacks and has been reported to be less secure. If you
encounter a router with WPS enabled by default, you may need to
turn it off once the router is connected.
Configure the workstation • Do not auto-connect to open Wi-Fi networks.
• Enable firewalls on each computer and the router.
• Assign static IP addresses to devices to prevent inadvertent
broadcasting of IP addresses to unauthorized parties.

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Guidelines for Securing SOHO Networks

You have several options for increasing the security on your wireless clients; however, specific
procedures for implementing security options on wireless clients, as well as the options your devices
support, will vary. Consult the documentation for your wireless client devices. Some guidelines to Guidelines for Securing
consider are listed as follows: SOHO Networks
• Implement a security protocol that requires over-the-air data encryption.
• Install antivirus software and/or adware and spyware blockers.
• Update clients regularly with any software security patches.

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ACTIVITY 18-5
Securing a SOHO Wireless Network

Before You Begin

You will need an Internet connection to access the emulator.

Scenario
Remind students that You will soon be setting up several SOHO wireless networks. Before you do so, you want to
the website linked in this practice. You found an online simulator for the model of wireless router that you will be installing
activity emulates a for the SOHO networks.
common wireless router
configuration interface, Note: Activities may vary slightly if the software vendor has issued digital updates. Your
and that they are not instructor will notify you of any changes.
actually connected to a
wireless router.

1. Connect to the wireless router's configuration interface.

Notify students of any a) Open Internet Explorer.
changes to activities b) In the Address bar, enter http://ui.linksys.com
based on digital software c) From the list of routers, select the E1200 link.
updates issued by the d) Select the 2.0.04/ link.
software vendor. e) In the Warning message box, check the Do not show me this again check box and select OK.

Note: This website emulates a common router configuration interface. When

working with a real device, you will typically connect to http://192.168.1.1 and
be prompted to enter a user name and password. For a list of default user
names and passwords by router, navigate to http://
www.routerpasswords.com.

2. Set an SSID for your wireless network.

a) On the menu bar at the top of the page, select the Wireless tab.
b) If necessary, select Manual.
c) In the Network Name (SSID) text box, double-click and type child##.gcinteriors

Note: Because you are using an emulator, you can use all lowercase letters in
the Network Name (SSID) text box.
d) Select Save Settings and, in the Message from webpage message box, select OK.
e) Select Save Settings again, and then select Continue.

3. Set WPA2 encryption with a passphrase.

a) Under the Wireless tab on the menu bar, select the Wireless Security link.
b) From the Security Mode drop-down list, select WPA2 Personal.
c) In the Passphrase text box, type!Pass1234
d) Select Save Settings, and then select Continue.

4. Configure the router's administration settings.

a) On the menu bar, select the Administration tab.
b) In the Router Password text box, double-click the existing password (represented by asterisks) and
type P@ssw0rd
c) In the Re-Enter to Confirm text box, type the same password.

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d) In the Local Management Access section, clear the HTTP check box and check the HTTPS check
box.
e) In the Local Management Access section, for the Access via Wireless option, select Disabled.
f) In the Remote Management Access section, verify that Remote Management is disabled.
g) At the bottom of the web page, select Save Settings.
h) On the Your settings have been successfully saved page, select Continue.
i) Close Internet Explorer.

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TOPIC D
Secure Mobile Devices
So far in this lesson, you have secured OSs, workstations, and SOHO networks. To fully protect
your computing environment, there is one more category of devices that you need to secure. In this
topic, you will identify methods for securing mobile devices.

Screen Locks
The screen lock option on all mobile devices should be enabled with a locking option, and strict
requirements on when the device will be locked. You can specify how long the device is active
Screen Locks
before it locks, which typically ranges from 1 minute to 5 minutes. Once the device is locked, it can
only be accessed by entering the required input that has been set up by the user. This security
control prevents access to the device if it is misplaced or stolen.
Locking options include:
• Passcode locks
• Fingerprint locks
• Face locks
• Swipe locks
On some devices, you can configure the passcode settings to erase all data stored on the device after
a certain number of failed logon attempts.
Often, enabling screen lock can be a requirement in an organizational security policy, no matter if
the mobile device is provided by the employer or the individual.
Be aware of pattern swipe locks that require a user to complete a specific action on the touch screen
to activate the device. Most of the time, the smudge pattern is visible on the surface and can be re-
created to gain access to the device. Using a numeric pin or an alphanumeric password is considered
more secure.

Remote Wipe
Data wiping is a method used to remove any sensitive data from a mobile device and permanently
Remote Wipe
delete it.
Remote wiping is also available for some devices, so you can perform these functions remotely in
case the phone is lost or stolen. Wipe and sanitization guidelines and requirements might be
Ask students if they
included in an organization's security policy if mobile devices are issued to employees for
have experience with professional use. In some cases, Admins will have rights to remote in to any device that is supported
any remote wipe apps by the organization.
for mobile devices.

Locator Applications
Locator Applications GPS tracking service functionality is available on a number of mobile devices and can be added in
most cases when required for business reasons. This feature is used as a security measure to protect
and track mobile devices that may be lost or stolen.
Share any stories from If a mobile device does not have the locating functionality built in, then you can download a locator
the news, your life, or application that can track and locate a lost or stolen device.
ask students to share
stories about how If a mobile device has a locator app installed and the device is lost or stolen, some apps allow the
locator apps have user to remotely enable features in the app. One feature that can be quite useful is enabling the
helped locate and camera on the phone. It has been reported that sometimes the thief has been captured using the
recover mobile devices. photos taken in this manner.

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Remote Backup Applications

Depending on the type of mobile device, there are remote backup services available through the OS.
For example, Apple offers remote backup services to its iCloud® through the General Settings of
the device. From there, you can specify what application data to back up. Android offers remote Remote Backup
backup using Google Drive. Both these services offer the first 5 GB of data for free, then you can Applications
purchase more backup space as needed. These features allow you to recover your data when a
device is either lost or stolen.

Failed Login Attempts Restrictions

As part of the secure configuration of a mobile device, you should configure the number of times a
user is allowed to enter the wrong passcode and what happens when the value is exceeded. An iOS
device can be configured to disable the device for a certain number of minutes after a specified Failed Login Attempts
number of failed attempts at entering the correct PIN, password, swipe pattern, or other passcode. Restrictions
For up to 5 failed attempts, usually the device is not disabled. For additional failed passcode
attempts, the device is disabled for 1 minute to 60 minutes, and after more than 10 attempts, the
device data is deleted. If the data is deleted, then the data will need to be restored through the
iTunes Restore option.
Android devices can also be configured for how many passcode attempts can be made before the
device is locked or wiped. To unlock the device, the user will need to enter the Gmail account
details that were used when the device was initially set up.

Antivirus and Antimalware Applications

There are many different options when it comes to mobile antivirus solutions. Organizations that
allow mobile devices to connect to the network and transfer data should require that antivirus get
installed to prevent unauthorized access to data, systems, and resources. There are a number of Antivirus and
solutions available: Antimalware
• BullGuard Mobile Security Applications
• Kaspersky Mobile Security
• ESET Mobile Security
• Lookout Premium
• Trend Micro Mobile Security
• Webroot Secure Anywhere Mobile

Mobile OS Patches and Updates

Mobile device updates are similar to other computing devices updates and patches. Verify that
devices are set up to automatically install updates from the manufacturer. Updates and patches can
Mobile OS Patches and
resolve security issues and systems flaws that present a security risk. Updates

Biometric Authentication
Biometric Authentication
Some mobile devices can be accessed using biometric authentication. The device might use the
built-in camera to do facial recognition. It also might have a fingerprint scanner. Both of these
options need to be configured and multiple scans of the face or fingerprint will need to be
completed to set up the device to use these features. Consider demonstrating
using biometric
authentication on a
Full Device Encryption mobile device.

When available, all mobile devices should be configured to use data encryption to protect company-
specific and personal data that may be stored and accessed on the device. This method is effective as Full Device Encryption

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long as the hardware cannot be accessed to steal the data. Along with device encryption, data
encryption should also be used so when data is accessed by physically taking the device apart, the
data remains secured.
Device encryption can also be a requirement in an organizational security policy.

Multifactor Authentication
Like computers, mobile devices can be configured to use multifactor authentication. This might
include entering a PIN in addition to entering a swipe pattern, or using biometric authentication
Multifactor
with a knowledge-based authentication factor.
Authentication Another multifactor authentication process has the user enter a passcode using any of the previously
mentioned authentication methods, then enter a security code. The security code is sent to the user's
email, as an SMS text message, or via a phone call. On a Microsoft account, using the two-step
For more information verification through the authenticator app will apply to all services and devices that support the two-
about Google step verification process. This includes services such as the Windows 8/8.1 operating systems,
Authenticator, refer to outlook.com, Microsoft Office applications, and OneDrive.
https:// Google Authenticator is an authenticator app that can be configured for Android, Blackberry, and
support.google.com/
accounts/answer/
iOS devices. This enables you to set up two-step verification by using text messages or phone calls
1066447?hl=en. as well as by generating codes that can be received even without an Internet connection or mobile
service.

Trusted and Untrusted Sources

The source of applications and networks for mobile devices is varied. Some sources can be trusted
and others are untrusted. Apps available through official app stores for a device are considered
Trusted and Untrusted
trusted. The apps are only made available if they pass a number of qualifications to be included in
Sources the app store. Apps that users find searching the Internet might or might not be from a trusted
source. Secure wireless networks with an encrypted connection can usually be considered trusted.
Ad hoc networks created via Bluetooth connections are untrusted as are public networks such as
those found in coffee shops.

Firewalls
Some mobile devices include firewall hardware and software built into the device. This helps protect
from unauthorized connections from other devices that are attempting to connect to and
Firewalls
communicate with or through the mobile device. The firewall can be configured to block apps on
the device from connecting and communicating with services outside of the device. It provides
protection against most common types of attacks.

Policies and Procedures

Security policies and procedures are often a part of a larger, comprehensive document set called a
security profile. Security profiles generally contain:
Policies and Procedures • Policies are documents that outline the specific requirements and rules everyone must meet, such
(2 Slides) as rules for appropriate mobile device usage in the workplace.
• Procedures provide detailed information about specific devices and technologies that support
policies, such as how to configure corporate firewalls.
• Standards are tactical documents that specify processes to follow to meet policy requirements. For
instance, a standards document for mobile device security controls might specify that company-
owned mobile devices be configured with multifactor authentication, laptops require full disk
encryption, and all devices lock after 5 failed login attempts.

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• Baselines outline the minimum level of security required for a system, device, network, or
premises. For instance, all visitors must agree to allow searches of bags or briefcases upon
request.
• Guidelines are documents that outline best practices and recommendations to help conform to
policies.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE) policies define how
user-owned or organization-owned mobile devices are to be used when the device is used for
organizational communication and data storage. This BYOD movement provides user satisfaction, Ask students if their
but sometimes at a cost to the organization. Having users purchase their own devices and contracts organizations have
saves organizations money initially, but might end up costing more in lost data and the introduction BYOD or COPE policies.
of malware on the corporate network if policies and procedures to protect the data are not created
and adhered to. Organizations created COPE to address some of the concerns created by BYOD.
Some examples of BYOD and COPE policies can be found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/
digitalgov/bring-your-own-device. As the document states, implementing these policies is an
iterative process. Technologies evolve, new threats are identified, and new devices and services
become available. Policies need to be updated to address these changes and improvements.

Guidelines for Securing Mobile Devices

It is just as important to ensure mobile devices are secure as it is to secure desktops, laptops, and
network resources. Some guidelines to consider are listed as follows:
• Require screen locks to prevent unauthorized access to mobile devices. The screen lock should Guidelines for Securing
be activated after a short time of device inactivity. Mobile Devices
• Configure the mobile device for remote wipe in case of loss or theft of the device.
• Use or install locator apps to help find lost or stolen mobile devices.
• Back up mobile device apps and data to the cloud or a computer using appropriate
synchronization techniques for the device.
• Configure failed login attempt restrictions. Give the users a few chances to enter the correct
passcode, then lock or wipe the device as appropriate.
• Ensure that antivirus and antimalware apps are installed on mobile devices.
• Install appropriate mobile device OS patches and updates in a timely manner.
• Consider using biometric authentication if it is available on the device.
• Implement full device encryption to protect data stored on the mobile device.
• Consider using multifactor authentication, which might include two-step verification via email,
SMS text message, or phone call.
• Make sure that apps and networks used are from trusted sources.
• Consider using mobile devices with built-in firewall capabilities.
• Create appropriate BYOD or COPE policies and procedures for mobile device use in your
organization.

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ACTIVITY 18-6
Securing Mobile Devices

Scenario
The number of mobile devices has grown substantially throughout the organization in the past few
months. You want to make sure you are familiar with various ways to make mobile devices more
secure.

Be prepared to assist 1. Examine the Security settings for your mobile device.
students with securing a) Examine the lock screen options.
the mobile devices you b) Determine if a locator app is installed.
have available. If no c) Examine the encryption settings.
mobile devices are
d) Examine installed certificates.
available, you might use
the Visual Studio e) Examine any other security settings available on your device.
Emulator for Android,
Eclipse Android 2. Verify that antivirus and antimalware apps are installed.
Emulator, or Xamarin
Android or IOS Note: If no antivirus or antimalware app is installed, your instructor might have
emulators. you install an app.

If no antivirus or
antimalware app is
installed and time
permits it, have students
install one, or at least
search the appropriate
app store to locate
available antivirus or
antimalware apps.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 639

Summary
In this lesson, you implemented and described many concepts and techniques that can be used to
establish the desired level of security within an organization. Every organization will have different
security requirements based on the type of business they conduct. It is your job to understand those
requirements and know how security controls should be implemented to directly support those
needs.

Which security measures do you feel are the most important? Which are the minimum measures that
should be taken? Does your organization implement good security practices?
Encourage students to
A: Answers will vary, but may include following a company's security policy or entering a password that use the social
meets strong password requirements and installing antivirus software on workstations. networking tools
provided on the CHOICE
What physical security controls have you had experience with? What controls do you think are the most Course screen to follow
common? up with their peers after
A: Answers will vary, but may include using security badges, or fobs, to enter buildings, or having to sign the course is completed
in at a company's entryway. for further discussion
and resources to support
Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates, continued learning.
peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

Lesson 18: Implementing Security Controls |

19 Troubleshooting
System-Wide Issues

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will troubleshoot system-wide issues. You will:
• Troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools.
• Troubleshoot common mobile operating system and application issues.
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless networks using appropriate tools.
• Troubleshoot common PC and mobile security issues using appropriate tools and best
practices.

Lesson Introduction
Throughout the course so far, you focused on troubleshooting the hardware components
that physically make up a personal computer or mobile device. You are well aware that there
are other essential components needed for the PC or mobile device to work properly; the
OS, the network, and security are all integral parts of the computing environment. In this
lesson, you will troubleshoot system-wide issues.
You can have all of the components of a PC or mobile device properly installed and
configured, and still not be able to perform the tasks that you need to perform. Software,
network, and security issues can present their own sets of problems for you to troubleshoot
and resolve.
642 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

TOPIC A
Troubleshoot PC Operating Systems
In this lesson, you will troubleshoot system issues. The operating system is an essential component
in the computer environment, managing all the resources that make up the system and providing the
interface for users to interact with these resources. If the OS is not functioning properly, the
computer will not be able to perform as needed. In this topic, you will troubleshoot PC operating
systems.
As a computer support professional, you will be the first line of response to help users when
problems arise with their PCs. You will need the knowledge to recognize and diagnose problem
conditions, and you will need to respond to those problems with the appropriate corrective action.
The information, utilities, and skills in this topic should provide you with the diagnostic and
troubleshooting toolkit you will need to identify and correct a range of possible PC problems.

The Windows Boot Process

There are five major sequences that occur during the Windows boot process.

The Windows Boot

Process

Throughout this lesson,

encourage students to
share their
troubleshooting stories Figure 19-1: The Windows boot process.
and tips.
Sequence Description

Pre-boot sequence The pre-boot sequence begins when the power is turned on. The
computer runs Power-On Self Test (POST) routines to determine the
amount of physical memory and to identify and check the other hardware
components present. If the computer has a PnP BIOS, the hardware is
recognized and configured. The computer BIOS locates the boot device,
and then loads and runs the Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBR scans
the partition table to locate the active partition, loads the boot sector on
the active partition into memory, and then executes it.
Boot sequence The boot sequence is when the operating system is selected, and the
hardware configuration is detected and loaded. It has four subphases:
initial boot loader, operating system selection, hardware detection, and
If you have a dual-boot configuration selection. In Windows Vista and later, this is accomplished
system, consider by the winload.exe and Windows Boot Manager components. (In
demonstrating how to Windows XP and earlier operating systems that use the NT kernel, this
display the system was done with NTLDR (NT Loader) and the boot.ini file.)
startup settings and
point out the options for Kernel load sequence During the kernel load sequence, the operating system components are
changing the default OS loaded into memory.
and how long the list of Kernel initiation In the kernel initiation sequence, the Windows kernel takes control of the
available OSs is
sequence system. At this point, the Microsoft Windows logo appears, along with a
displayed before the
default OS is loaded. status bar.

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Sequence Description
Logon sequence During the logon sequence, Winlogon.exe starts the Local Security
Authority (LSA), and the Logon screen or Logon dialog box appears.
Users can now log on, while Windows continues to load low-level drivers
and services in the background. The boot process is considered complete
when a user successfully logs on. The Clone control set built is copied to
a new control set called LastKnownGood, thus preserving a copy of the
settings in the successful boot sequence.

Windows 8 Secure Boot Options

Microsoft added four features to the Windows 8/8.1 OS that are designed to protect users from
rootkit and botkit malware being loaded during system startup.
Note: If you have UEFI and Windows 8, you have secure boot by default.

Feature Description

Secure Boot Newer computers equipped with UEFI and TPM are configured by default to
only load trusted bootloaders. If you need to boot from another bootloader that
is not trusted, you can configure Secure Boot to allow booting from the
untrusted bootloader.
Trusted Boot The integrity of all components of the startup process are checked by the
operating system before the components are loaded.
Early Launch Before loading any drivers, they are tested by ELAM. Any drivers that are not
Anti-Malware approved are prevented from being loaded.
(ELAM)
Measured Boot The boot process is logged by the system firmware. This information can be
sent by Windows to a trusted server. The server checks the health of the system
and allows access to the network only if the health of the system meets the
criteria set on the server. If the health parameters are not met, the server might
be configured to allow the client access to a limited-access, quarantined network
where remediation can be performed to bring the system into compliance with
the health requirements.

The Linux Boot Process

The Linux boot process is repeated each time your computer is started by loading the operating
system from the hard drive. It involves a series of sequential steps that can be divided into BIOS
initialization, boot loader, kernel and init initialization, and boot scripts. The Linux Boot Process
The boot process consists of the following steps:
1. The processor checks for the BIOS program and executes it.
2. BIOS checks for peripherals, such as floppy disk drives, CD-ROMs, and the hard disk, for
bootable media. It locates a valid device to boot the system.
3. BIOS loads the primary boot loader from the MBR into memory. The boot loader is a program
that contains instructions required to boot a machine. It also loads the partition table along with
it.
4. The user is prompted with a graphical screen that displays the different operating systems
available in the system to boot from. The user should select an operating system and press Enter
to boot the system. If the user does not respond, then the default operating system will be
booted.

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5. The boot loader determines the kernel and locates the corresponding kernel binary. It then
uploads the respective initrd image into memory and transfers control of the boot process to
the kernel.
6. The kernel configures the available hardware, including processors, I/O subsystems, and storage
devices. It decompresses the initrd image and mounts it to load the necessary drivers. If the
system implemented any virtual devices, such as LVM or software RAID, then they are
initialized. The components configured by the kernel will be displayed one by one on the screen.
7. The kernel mounts the root partition and releases unused memory. To set up the user
environment, the init program is executed.
8. The init program searches for the inittab file, which contains details of the runlevel that has
to be started. It sets the environment path, checks the filesystem, initializes the serial ports, and
runs background processes for the runlevel.
9. If graphical mode is selected, then xdm or kdm is started and the login window is displayed on the
screen.
10. The user enters the user name and password to log in to the system.
11. The system authenticates the user. If the user is valid, then the profile, the .login,
the .bash_login, and the .bash_profile files are executed. The shell is started and the system
is ready for the user to work on.
Note: xdm refers to the X Window Desktop Manager. Users who utilize GNOME or KDE,
use either gdm or kdm, respectively. In CentOS 7, the GNOME Display Manager gdm is the
default desktop manager.

Troubleshooting the Boot Process

The Linux rescue environment is a stand-alone Linux program for troubleshooting a corrupt Linux
installation. It serves as an external environment through which errors in the Linux system can be
fixed without the help of the existing installation files. The rescue environment mounts the standard
Linux system directories in the /mnt/sysimage directory. These directories are mounted either in
read-write mode or read-only mode, depending on the kinds of issues.
6
01
)2
(C

Figure 19-2: The rescue environment for troubleshooting Linux issues.

Note: In some cases, when system directories cannot be mounted on the /mnt/sysimage
directory, the prompt will be available for troubleshooting.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 645

The chroot mode shifts the root (/) directory to a different location for recovery. It is also known
as jail mode because it can be used in production scenarios to ensure a user will not be able to access
any other file or directory except this directory and its subdirectories.
The following table can help you troubleshoot the boot process.

Cause Solution

If the boot loader screen does not appear, then Reconfigure the /boot/grub2/grub.cfg file
GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) may not be and/or reinstall GRUB in rescue mode.
properly configured.
If Linux does not boot on a Windows/Linux Use the Linux distribution install disk to reinstall
dual boot system, then GRUB or LILO (LInux GRUB or LILO to the MBR.
LOader) may not be installed.
If the grub> prompt appears, then GRUB may Install GRUB again in rescue mode.
be corrupted.
If the kernel does not load, then the kernel Install a new kernel in rescue mode.
image may be corrupted.
If the kernel does not load, then the parameter Specify the correct parameter by editing GRUB
passed during the system startup may be wrong. on the boot loader screen.
If there is a kernel panic, then: Use the applicable solution:
1. The boot loader may have been 1. In rescue mode, configure the boot loader
misconfigured. configuration.
2. The /etc/inittab file is misconfigured, or 2. In rescue mode, define parameters in
Systemd configuration is incorrect or the /etc/inittab or Systemd config files
incomplete. correctly.
3. The root filesystem is misconfigured. 3. In rescue mode, run a filesystem check using
the fsck command on the filesystem.
If the kernel loads, but /etc/rc.d (or systemd In rescue mode, fix the /etc/fstab file.
settings) causes an issue, then the /etc/fstab
file may have an error.
If the kernel loads, but /etc/rc.d (or systemd In rescue mode, run the fsck command
settings) causes an issue, then the fsck utility manually.
may have failed.
If the services do not start correctly, then they Configure the services properly.
may not have been configured properly.

The OS X Boot Process

When you press the power button on a Mac, there are four main system initialization stages that
happen. Each stage is composed of multiple processes. Various screens are displayed during each
stage. The OS X Boot Process
• Firmware initialization stage:
• POST tests the hardware and if it passes, the hardware is initialized.
• Booter is located and started.
• A startup chime sounds, the power light flashes once, and all displays connected to the
computer have a gray or black background.
Note: If FileVault has been used to enable full disk encryption, the user is prompted to enter
their account name and password to unlock the startup disk.
• Booter initialization stage:

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• System kernel is loaded.

• Kernel extensions (KEXTs) are loaded into main memory.
• KEXTs enable the kernel to take control of the system.
• Main display shows the Apple logo. This indicates that the boot.efi startup file has been
located on the startup disk.
• Kernel initialization stage:
• Loads additional drivers as needed.
• Loads the core BSD UNIX system.
• Main display shows a spinning wheel or a progress bar under the Apple logo while the Mac is
reading files from the OS X System folder.
• System launchd initialization stage:
• After core OS loads, system launchd starts, which is the first non-kernel process. This loads
the rest of the system.
• All displays show a white background briefly.
• Login screen is displayed, or, if auto log in is configured, Finder is displayed.
Note: For a list of startup key combinations to access special features during startup, refer to
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201255.

Other Boot Screens

If you configured the startup options to something other than the default startup routine, or if the
Mac encounters a problem during boot, there are other screens you might see during boot.

Screen Description

Question mark The local or network startup disk could not be found. The disk it is looking for
folder instead of is specified in System Preferences in the Startup Disk pane. This might just
Apple logo be displayed because it is taking longer than normal to locate the startup disk. If
it remains, use Startup Manager to start the Mac and reselect the startup disk
in System Preferences.
Prohibitory The "Not" symbol (a circle with a slash through it) indicates that the system
symbol instead of was unable to find a valid System Folder from which to start up. It might be
Apple logo because the Mac is attempting to start from the wrong OS X version or you
might need to use OS X Recovery to reinstall the OS.
Lock icon The lock icon is displayed if a firmware password has been set and you are
attempting to boot the Mac from an external drive or through OS X Recovery.
Spinning globe The spinning globe indicates that the Mac is being started from a network
startup disk.
Battery icon The battery icon is displayed when a notebook doesn't have enough power left
in the battery to start up. You will need to connect the power adapter before
attempting to start up again.
PIN code The PIN lock screen is displayed if the Mac has been locked with Find My
Mac. The user will need to enter the four or six digit PIN that was configured
in order to start up.

Windows Operating System Troubleshooting Tools

There are numerous tools and utilities available to help you troubleshoot operating system issues:

Operating System
Troubleshooting Tools (2
Slides)

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Tool Description

WinRE Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot and manage

system errors that occur within the Windows operating system.
Bootrec.exe The bootrec tool is available within WinRE. It can be used to troubleshoot and
resolve master boot record (MBR) issues, boot sector problems, and Boot
Configuration Data (BCD) issues. Two bootrec options are commonly used to
troubleshoot and fix issues:
• The fixmbr option is used to fix MBR corruption issues by writing new files to
the system partition.
• The fixboot option is used to write a new boot sector to the system. It can be
useful when you suspect that the boot sector is damaged or incompatible with
the operating system.
For more information on the bootrec tool capabilities, visit http://
support.microsoft.com/kb/927392.
sfc System File Checker (sfc) is a Windows utility that scans systems for file corruptions
on startup. There are several sfc commands that you can use to manage file
corruptions:
• scannow will scan all protected files.
• scanonce scans all protected files one time.
• scanboot scans all protected files every time the system boots up.
• revert will revert the scan back to the default.
• purgecache will purge all files in the Windows File Protection cache and scan
protected files.
For more information and full tool parameters, visit https://
support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833.
System repair Windows allows for the creation of a system repair disk. This disk can be used to
disks access system recovery options if you do not happen to have a Windows
installation disk handy. To use this option, you must create the disk from the
Backup and Restore menu, and you will need to set the Basic Input/Output
System (BIOS) to boot from a CD/DVD when you insert your repair disk into
the drive. The System Repair Disk allows you to access:
• Startup Repair
• System Restore
• System Image Recovery
• Windows Memory Diagnostic
• Command prompt
Pre- Windows pre-installation environments (Windows PE or WinPE) are lighter versions of
installation Windows and Server that can be installed in either 32- or 64-bit versions.
environments Windows PE is commonly used by large manufacturing companies to load a pre-
installed version of Windows to provide to end users. It can also be used for
troubleshooting and file system recovery by allowing administrators to run
forensic and disk imaging tools. The pre-installation environments are available for
free in the Windows Automated Installation kit (WAIK).

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Tool Description
Refresh If you have attempted to resolve a Windows 8/8.1 problem and have had no
success, you can refresh the system. You have three options when you select
Settings→Change PC Settings→Update and recovery→Recovery from the
Charms bar:
• Refresh your PC without affecting your files. Apps that came with the PC
and any apps you installed using the Windows Store will be reinstalled. A list of
apps installed from other sources such as downloads from the web and from
DVD is created as these will need to be reinstalled. Also, if the system was
upgraded from Windows 8 to 8.1, you will need to perform the upgrade again
after performing the refresh. All of your data files will remain untouched.
• Remove everything and reinstall Windows. This option is useful if the PC is
being recycled or redeployed to another user.
• Advanced startup. This option enables you to recover by starting up from a
device or disk such as a USB drive or DVD. This option enables you to change
the PC firmware settings, change Windows startup settings, or restore
Windows from a system image.
MSCONFIG The MSCONFIG utility is a system configuration tool available in the Tools group
from the Help and Support Center. This tool is frequently used to test various
configurations for diagnostic purposes, rather than to permanently make
configuration changes. Following diagnostic testing, permanent changes would
typically be made with more appropriate tools, such as Services to change the
startup settings of various system services. When troubleshooting system issues,
you can use this tool to:
• Determine what files are initiated on startup.
• Manage services that launch on startup.
DEFRAG When systems are running slow and performance is suffering, then you may want
to run the DEFRAG utility. This utility is used to reduce fragmentation on the
hard disk by reorganizing stored data. This can affect disk performance. The tool
can be launched from Computer Management.
REGSVR32 The REGSVR32 utility is used to register Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
controls that are self-registerable. If you are having issues with Windows or
Internet Explorer®, then you can launch this tool and unregister these controls,
then re-register them. Common controls managed with this tool are Dynamic Link
Library (DLL) and ActiveX files.
REGEDIT Use the REGEDIT utility to make changes to infected or corrupted files within
the Registry. Use caution when viewing or modifying these files in the Registry.
EXPAND The EXPAND tool pulls one or more update files from a compressed product
update package. If operating system files are damaged, you can pull their
equivalent files from a fresh system image to replace the damaged ones.
Event Viewer Use the Event Viewer to look at a system's event logs, which may contain specific
information about system errors or significant events on the computer. This can
be helpful in troubleshooting various system issues.
Safe Mode Safe Mode is a Windows system startup method that loads only a minimal set of
drivers and services. If a non-critical driver or service on your system is causing a
severe error, you can use Safe Mode to omit all non-critical drivers and services
from the boot sequence; start the system; load additional drivers, services, and
applications as needed; and correct the problem.

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Tool Description
Command Command prompt can be used when troubleshooting a number of different
prompt issues. Windows provides several different command interpreters. The typical
command prompt interface is the standard Windows command interpreter. To
access the command prompt interface, you can either run cmd.exe or select
Command Prompt from the Accessories menu.
Remote Remote Desktop can be used to access a user's computer to provide assistance
Desktop/ with various types of issues. The problem with Remote Desktop for
Remote troubleshooting an end user's computer is that it must be enabled and a user must
Assistance be granted privileges to log in with network access. If a user does not have a
password set up to log in to his or her computer, Remote Desktop will not allow
that user name to be used to log in. If no other user name exists, there is no
opportunity for Remote Desktop to work.
Remote Assistance similarly requires an option to be enabled on the end user’s
computer, but it does not require that the connecting computer have a user name
and password on the system. The end user invites the connecting user to view
their screen. The end user can also grant limited control to the connecting user.

Windows Safe Mode Options

There are a few different options to choose from when running Windows Safe Mode:
• Safe Mode: Starts the computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, including the mouse,
keyboard, Video Graphics Array (VGA) display, and a hard disk. It is used when the system
problem might be with the networking components.
• Safe Mode with Networking: Starts the computer with Safe Mode drivers and services, plus
networking drivers and services. It is used when you need to use files on a network location to
repair the system.
• Safe Mode with Command Prompt: Starts the computer with Safe Mode drivers and services,
but with a command prompt interface. It is used when a system problem prevents the system
from creating the Windows graphical user interface (GUI) desktop.

BIOS/UEFI as a Troubleshooting Tool

Beyond the operating system itself, you can use a PC’s BIOS or UEFI firmware interface to
troubleshoot problems with the OS. Depending on the make and model of the PC and its
motherboard, the firmware interface will provide you with different low-level diagnostic and BIOS/UEFI as a
resolution options. From many BIOS/UEFI utilities you can: Troubleshooting Tool
• Change boot order.
• Configure hardware ports.
• Configure CPU and GPU settings (voltage, clock value, etc.).
• Configure peripherals like fans and cooling systems.
• Configure memory settings.
• Configure power management settings.
Configuring these options may help reveal fundamental hardware issues that the operating system
cannot detect while it’s in use.

BSOD
Blue screen of death (BSOD) errors, or system stop errors, can be a symptom of file system errors,
viruses, hard disk corruption, or controller driver problems. Stop errors are rare in Windows Vista
and later, but when they occur, they are normally preceded by a blue error screen containing a BSOD
summary statement about the error condition and also hexadecimal memory data.

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Figure 19-3: A BSOD error.

Responding to Stop Errors

If you experience a BSOD error, you should try to capture as much information as possible from
the error summary information at the top of the screen. You can sometimes use this information to
diagnose the problem. You can record the error codes and then search for the meaning of the error
codes either on the Internet or from Microsoft's website.
You can also configure Startup and Recovery settings to perform a memory dump, which means that
the system writes the contents of memory at the time of the error to a dump file on the hard disk for
diagnostic purposes. You would need special tools and support from Microsoft technical engineers
to interpret a dump file. To configure Startup and Recovery settings, go to the Advanced page of
the System Properties dialog box, and under Startup And Recovery, select Settings.
If you want to prevent the system from restarting automatically after the stop error, reboot and
press F8 during the boot sequence to bring up the Windows Advanced Options menu. Select
Disable Automatic Restart On System Failure and allow the system to restart. Another way of
preventing the system from restarting automatically is to change the settings for the computer. To
do this:
1. Display the pop-up menu for Computer, and select Properties.
2. Select the Advanced system settings, select Continue if prompted by the User Account
Control, select the Advanced tab, and in the Startup and Recovery area, select Settings.
3. Uncheck Automatically restart and select OK.

System Lockup Errors

A lockup error is an error condition that causes the system or an application to stop responding to
user input. The system display hangs or freezes in a particular state, or sometimes the contents of a
System Lockup Errors
window go blank. The system might return to normal after a brief delay for other processes to
execute, or it might be necessary to terminate an unresponsive process. Often times a pinwheel or
spinning circle is displayed, indicating that the application is locked up or hanging. Application
lockup errors are more common than complete system lockups.

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Figure 19-4: A lockup error.

Responding to Lockup Errors

If your system or an application locks up, sometimes waiting a few minutes is sufficient for the
system to recover resources and begin responding. If not, you can sometimes identify the particular
offending process by running the Task Manager. On the Applications tab, look for applications
with a Not Responding status. You can then select the End Task button to shut them down. On
the Processes tab, look for processes that are monopolizing the central processing unit (CPU), and
use the End Process button to shut them down. Sometimes it is necessary to restart the system.
Note: Force Quit on OS X and kill -9 on Linux are the equivalent of Task Manager End
Task.

Although applications might occasionally hang without indicating any serious problem, repeated
system lockups or stop errors are a sign of trouble, and you should investigate them to see if there is
an underlying hardware problem or if they could be caused by malicious software, such as a
computer virus. In addition to hardware or malicious software, they could also be caused by
unstable/incompatible drivers, applications conflicting with each other, resource allocation issues
(multiple video-intensive applications trying to access the same resource), memory limitations (not
enough memory or too many applications running at the same time), and so on.

I/O Device Issues

Some of the input/output (I/O) device issues that can affect Windows operation include:
• A missing or loose mouse or keyboard connection.
• Blocked signals for wireless devices. I/O Device Issues
• A missing or incorrect driver for a specialty input or output device.
• Misconfigured monitor settings resulting in display anomalies.

Display Configuration Issues

You can usually configure some settings for the monitor using controls on the device itself. For
example, you can set the contrast and brightness, screen size, and screen rotation. If any of these are
set to incorrect or extreme values, the display might not appear as desired.

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You can also configure output settings from within Windows. Open the Display Properties dialog
box from within the Control Panel, or by right-clicking the desktop and choosing Display. For
example, the screen resolution might make items too small for some users to view comfortably. In
this case, you can decrease the screen resolution, which will solve the problem, but a better solution
is to increase the font dots per inch (DPI) setting. Also, the monitor might not display properly if
advanced settings, such as the color quality or screen refresh rate, are set to a value that is not
appropriate for the display device. You can reconfigure settings manually or use the Video Display
Troubleshooter in the Windows Help and Support Center to walk through common problem
scenarios.

Application Errors
There are some common error messages that indicate problems with applications.

Symptom Suspected Problem

Application Errors
Application will You are trying to install an application that needs to overwrite a file that is
not install currently in use on the computer.
Application will The application was installed incorrectly, a version conflict between the
not start or load application and other applications on the computer exists, or your computer is
experiencing memory access errors.
Application not One or more of the application files has been deleted, moved, or become
found corrupt.
General Protection An application is accessing Random Access Memory (RAM) that another
Fault (GPF) application is using, or the application is attempting to access a memory
address that does not exist.
Illegal operation An application is attempting to perform an action that Windows does not
permit. Windows forces the application to close.
Invalid working The application cannot find the directory for storing its temporary files
directory (typically \Temp). This can happen if you delete the folder that an application
needs for storing its temporary files.
Windows Store This can occur if the app license is out of sync with the license installed on the
app not working computer. It can also occur if the app is damaged in some way, such as
missing or misconfigured files.

Boot Issues
There are several errors that can occur during the boot process or Windows startup.

Issue Description
Boot Issues
POST errors If there are errors during the Power On Self-Test (POST), the system might
display a numeric error message. Typically, you can press F1 to acknowledge
the error and continue booting.
For other POST errors, a series of audible beeps will tell you if a problem has
been detected. The sequence of beeps is a code that indicates the type of
problem.

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Issue Description
Invalid boot disk The most common cause of this is a non-bootable disk in a drive. If your
system has floppy-disk drives, or bootable CD-ROM or thumb drives, check to
see if you need to remove a disk from the drive. However, there could be a
hardware problem with the hard disk. Also verify that the complementary metal
oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is set to boot from the hard drive. Most BIOSs
allow for the configuration of four or more boot devices as first, second, third,
etc. If one fails, it will automatically try the next in line. The only way this
process will fail is if the boot devices are set to "None" or all the same (which
many do not allow). Also, it cannot be assumed that the user will want the
CMOS to be set to "boot from the hard drive," since many times there is a
need to boot from CD, or even boot through the network.
Failure to boot There might be a hardware problem with the hard disk or hard disk controller.
Check hard drive and hard drive controller connections. You may also have a
missing Boot.ini file. In this case, you need to use the Bootcfg.exe to rebuild the
file.
Missing operating If you receive an error message on boot up that states the operating system is
system missing, then this could be a sign that the hard disk is damaged. You should try
connecting the disk to another machine to see if it boots up; if not, then you
will need to replace the hard drive.
Missing NTLDR The NT loader (NTLDR) file might be missing or corrupt, in which case you
might need to copy it from the Windows CD-ROM. However, the most
common problem is that there is a non-bootable disk in the drive.
Missing dll On startup, if the device displays a "missing dll" message, then this can indicate
message an issue with one of the system files. A file may be disabled, damaged, or
deleted completely. You should first boot to Safe Mode and run a virus scan on
the computer to find any viruses that may have infected the system and remove
them. The next step is to determine what files are missing. This can be a
tedious task and in most cases a third party dll finder utility can be used. Once
you determine the specific files needed, you can download them from the
appropriate website or manufacturer and install them on the system.
System files fail If NTOSKRNL.EXE is missing, you can copy it from the Windows installation
to open or are CD-ROM. This error can also indicate a problem in the Advanced RISC
missing Computing (ARC) path specifications in the Boot.ini file.
If Bootsect.dos is missing on a dual-boot system, you will have to restore it
from a backup file, as its contents are specific to a particular system.
System files should not be deleted or become corrupt during normal system
operation, so these errors are rare. They might indicate an underlying hardware
problem, a disk error, or the presence of a computer virus.
Device or service There might be a problem with a missing or corrupted device driver, or there
fails to start could be hardware resource conflicts (although this is rare on a Plug and Play
[PnP] system).
Boots to safe There may be a drive problem, if the computer continues to only boot into Safe
mode Mode. Use the system BIOS utility to check drives and verify the boot order.
Device or A device driver or related file might be missing or damaged. You might need to
program in reinstall the device.
Registry not
found

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POST Beep Error Codes

POST beep codes vary from one BIOS manufacturer to another. The following table lists some
typical POST beep error codes and their meanings.

Beep Error Code Video Output Problem Solution

One short beep Command None (normal None.

prompt startup beep)
None None Power Check power cords, wall voltage, PC's
power supply.
None Cursor Power Check the PC's power supply; check for
sufficient wall voltage.
None Command None May be a defective speaker.
prompt
One short, one None Display Check for monitor power; check video
long beep cable; check display adapter.
Two short beeps None or incorrect Display Check for monitor power; check video
display (garbage) cable; check display adapter.
Two short beeps None Memory Check to see that all RAM chips are
seated firmly, swap out RAM chips to
determine which is defective, and
replace the defective chip.
Repeating short Probably none Power Check the PC's power supply; check for
beeps sufficient wall voltage.
Continuous tone Probably none Power Check the PC's power supply; check for
sufficient wall voltage.
One long, one Probably none System board Check to see that all adapters, memory,
short beep and chips are seated firmly; check for
proper power connections to the system
board; use diagnostics software or
hardware to further troubleshoot the
system board.
One long, two Probably none Display Check for monitor power; check video
short beeps cable; check display adapter.
One long, three Probably none Display Check for monitor power; check video
short beeps cable; check display adapter.
Two short beeps Numeric error Varies depending upon the source of
code the problem as indicated by the numeric
error code.

POST Numeric Error Codes

The following table lists common POST numeric error codes and their meanings.

POST Error Code Problem

02# Power
01## System board
0104 Interrupt controller

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POST Error Code Problem

0106 System board

0151 Real-time clock or CMOS RAM
0162 CMOS checksum error
0163 Time and date (clock not updating)
164 or 0164 System memory configuration incorrect
199 or 0199 User-indicated device list incorrect
02## Memory
201 or 0201 Memory error (may give memory address)
0202 Memory address error
03## Keyboard
0301 Stuck key (scan code of the key may be indicated)
0302 Keyboard locked
06## Floppy disk driver or controller
0601 Floppy disk adapter failure
0602 Disk failure
17## Hard disk or adapter
1701 Drive not ready or fails tests
1704 Hard drive controller failure
1707 Track 0 failure
1714 Drive not ready
1730–1732 Drive adapter failure

System Firmware Error Codes

In addition to the POST error codes, you might also see a system firmware error code. The
following are examples of the error codes that you might see displayed after the POST.
• The error Display Type Mismatch is displayed if the video settings do not match the monitor
attached to the system.
• The error Memory Size Mismatch is displayed if the amount of RAM detected and the amount
specified in system firmware configuration do not match. This error is usually self-correcting,
although you might need to reboot to fix it. Other devices such as hard drives can also generate
mismatch errors. This generally happens when the physical device is different than what is
specified in system firmware configuration.

Common Operating System Symptoms

Operating systems can be difficult to troubleshoot because of their complex nature and file system.
It is always helpful to first try to identify the cause of the problem, then categorize it, and finally
document and take the appropriate actions. Common Operating
System Symptoms

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Category of Possible Causes and Actions to Take

Problem

General issues General issue resolution includes:

• For boot process issues, use standard Safe Mode and boot-process
troubleshooting techniques.
• Viruses can cause a variety of general system problems. Install or update
the user's virus software and perform a complete virus scan to try to
identify what is causing issues.
• If you suspect that the issue is stemming from a specific application, then
use Task Manager to terminate the application and then troubleshoot its
installation and configuration.
• Graphical interface fails to load. This can be an indication of a video card
problem, or that a virus has infected the operating system files.
• Compatibility errors will display if an application or device software is not
fully supported by the operating system.
• Files may fail to open. This can be an indication of a corrupt file or an
operating system process or application that is unresponsive. Stopping the
process or restating the application or OS generally resolves the latter
problem.
• Monitors in a multi-monitor setup may be misaligned or poorly oriented
with respect to the OS’s user interface. This can result from an obsolete or
incompatible GPU, or the device’s graphics drivers may need updating.
Memory issues An application or service might be leaking memory, which means that it is
not releasing previously allocated memory back to the system after use.
• Use Task Manager to see which applications are using memory. Have
the user reboot and run for a period of time, then check again to confirm.
• Use System Configuration to see which applications are using memory.
Have the user reboot and run for a period of time, then check again to
confirm.
• Use system monitoring techniques to check the overall memory
performance.
Low system Low disk space can slow system performance. If there is less than 500 MB of
performance and free disk space:
disk issues • Delete temporary Internet files in the Internet Explorer cache and other
browsers.
• Empty the C:\Temp and C:\Tmp directories.
• Search for and delete .chk files.
• Run the Disk Defragmenter, Disk Cleanup, and Check Disk utilities.
• Reduce the size of the Recycle Bin.
• Reduce the amount of space allocated for virtual memory.
• Upgrade the hard disk, if possible.
It is actually preferable to keep at least 20 percent of the hard drive available,
when possible.
CPU issues Use Task Manager to identify processes that dominate the available CPU
usage. Use Services to disable any unnecessary processes at startup.
Kernel panic If a user is unable to boot a system, it may be due to disk errors caused by
hardware devices. When the “Kernel Panic” message is displayed, the
filesystem is corrupted or inaccessible. To resolve this issue, log in to rescue
mode and perform an integrity check on the filesystem.

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Category of Possible Causes and Actions to Take

Problem
Shutdown issues Common issues include:
• Improper shutdown of system, which can lead to system file corruption
and possible data loss.
• Spontaneous shutdown or restart can indicate a hardware incompatibility
issue or an incompatible application. If you receive an error code, then
that may help you determine where the issue lies within the system.
RAID not detected If Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) is not detected during
operating system installation, then there could be an issue with an older
RAID that may have been used with the system so there are residual firmware
files that are blocking the new RAID from being visible to the system. You
will need to verify that you have the latest firmware for the RAID being used.

Note: For more troubleshooting and support information for Windows 7, visit http://
support.microsoft.com/ph/14019 and for Windows 8, visit http://
windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-help#windows=windows-8.

Note: The ultimate solution to some performance problems might be upgrading the system
hardware by adding more memory or a larger hard disk. As a support technician, you might or
might not be able to request this type of upgrade.

Error and Warning Messages in Event Viewer

Warning and error messages in the system or application event logs do not necessarily indicate a
major problem on your system. Many warning and error messages are usually benign and do not
indicate a problem. If you review the contents of your own system's logs regularly, you will be Error and Warning
familiar with the events logged by normal system operations and be able to distinguish these from Messages in Event
true problem conditions that require action. Viewer

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Figure 19-5: Error and warning messages in Event Viewer.

Note: Not everything reported with the level or Error is a problem. There are Errors that are
normal for the system.

The Structure of Event Log Entries

The structure of event log entries differs by operating system, but they generally share some
common information, such as the type of log, the time the event occurred, the user name of who
was logged on at the time of the event (or who caused the event), keywords, any identification
numbers, and what category (or categories) the event belongs to.

WER
The Windows Error Reporting (WER) node in the software environment category in System
Information contains data about the faults generated by Event Viewer. When there is a severe
error, Windows will also display an Error Reporting dialog box and generate report data. The
Error Reporting dialog box gives you the option to send the report data to Microsoft for analysis.

Registry Error Messages

In extremely rare cases, you may receive a stop error or another error message that reports a
problem with Registry access, Registry value entries, or the Registry files. For example, a hard disk
Registry Error Messages
problem or power failure may have corrupted the Registry hive files. To protect the Registry, always
maintain proper system backups. The best solution to a specific Registry problem is to search for
the text of the specific error message at http://support.microsoft.com and follow the instructions
in any resulting Knowledge Base article.

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ACTIVITY 19-1
Identifying System Errors

Scenario
Today you are working at the help desk. Below are some of the calls you received.

1. A user calls saying that her screen occasionally goes blue and the system shuts down. What should you If time permits, introduce
advise her to do? some of these types of
○ Call the help desk the next time the shutdown is in progress. errors in student
○ Reboot manually after the automatic restart.
systems and have them
diagnose and resolve
◉ Record as much information from the top of the blue screen as she can so that you can research the errors. Alternatively,
the particular error. assign each student a
○ Run the system in Safe Mode. different system error to
research online, then
® have them share what
2. A user reports that his Microsoft Word window has gone blank and he cannot type text. What are
they found about
possible approaches to resolving his problem?
possible causes and
☐ Reboot the computer. resolutions to the error.
☐ Run another copy of Microsoft Word.
☑ Wait a few minutes to see if the application returns to normal.
☑ Use Task Manager to shut down the application if it has a status of "Not Responding."

3. A user reports that her monitor display is fuzzy and hard to look at. What is a possible cause of this
problem?
◉ Display settings for the monitor are incorrectly configured.
○ The power cord is unplugged.
○ The monitor cable is not properly seated.
○ The monitor device is disabled in Windows.

4. A user reports that while she is editing a document, she receives an "invalid working directory" message
from her application. What is the best diagnostic question to ask in response to this error?
○ Did the application work yesterday?
○ Is anyone else having this problem?
○ Who installed the application?
◉ Have you deleted any files or folders lately?

5. Share any experiences you have had with diagnosing and resolving system errors in your personal,
school, or work life.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot PC Operating Systems.

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ACTIVITY 19-2
Troubleshooting a Remote Computer with
Remote Desktop

Scenario
You will be assisting a user located in another city. The technician assigned to their building is on
vacation, so rather than making the user wait until the technician returns, you will attempt to assist
them remotely.
Note: You are going to work with a partner to complete this activity. You will take turns playing
the role of the helper and the user needing assistance. First, the user needing assistance will
enable Remote Desktop. Then, the helper will connect to that computer using Remote Desktop
Connection and the administrator user account.

Assign students to work 1. Configure the first computer to support Remote Desktop connections.
in pairs. If you have an a) Open the Control Panel and select System and Security.
odd number of students, b) Select the System link
work with one of the c) In the left pane, select Remote settings.
students to complete this
d) In the Remote Desktop section, select Allow remote connections to this computer.
activity.
e) Select OK twice and close the System window.

2. At the second computer, connect to the other computer using Remote Desktop Connection.
If a connection can't be a) On the second computer, use search to locate and open Remote Desktop Connection.
established because b) In the Computer text box, type the name of your partner's computer.
user accounts need c) Select Connect.
elevation, then add the d) Log on as Admin## (where the ## is your partner's number) with a password of !Pass1234 and
AD account to each PC select Enter.
with administrator rights.
e) If necessary, select Yes at the security prompt.
f) If necessary, press the arrow button.

3. From the second computer, change the desktop theme of your partner's computer, and then log off the
remote session.
a) Display the pop-up menu for the Desktop and select Personalize.
b) Select a theme from the available options.
c) In the Client## bar at the top of the screen, select the Close button, and select OK to exit the
Remote Desktop session.

4. Log back in to the first computer and verify the changes.

a) At the first computer, log back in as Admin##
b) Examine the desktop, and confirm that the theme has changed.

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TOPIC B
Troubleshoot Mobile Device Operating Systems
and Applications
You have used good troubleshooting practices to diagnose and repair PC operating system issues.
The same practices can be used on mobile device operating systems and applications. In this topic,
you will troubleshoot mobile device operating system and application problems.

Common Mobile OS and Application Symptoms

Apps, operating system, and hardware are tightly integrated in mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablets. You may need to troubleshoot all three components when you encounter a problem
with mobile devices in order to determine which one is actually causing the issue. Common Mobile OS and
Application Symptoms
Mobile OS Issues
The following table describes some common mobile OS issues.
The first three items in
Symptom Description the table were covered
previously in the course,
Dim display Dim display could occur when the user is trying to view the display in bright but are included here to
sunlight or if the display brightness has been turned down. Consider provide a complete list of
manually adjusting the screen brightness because using auto mode to adjust mobile issues an A+
brightness sometimes doesn't adjust it to a level where the display content is technician might
visible. A screen protector designed for viewing the device under bright light encounter.
can be applied to help make the screen more easily viewed.
Touchscreen non- If the touchscreen is non-responsive, it could be that the screen protector is
responsive or preventing the user's touch from registering; try removing the screen
inaccurate touch protector then cleaning the screen. If it still doesn't respond, try restarting
screen response the device, using a force quit if necessary. If the touch is registering, just not
in the correct location, try recalibrating using the method in the
documentation for your device.
No or intermittent If your cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth network is not allowing you to connect,
network you might be too far outside the coverage range. If you can connect, but lose
connectivity the signal or have a weak signal, it is likely because you are on the edge of the
coverage area. When the device is constantly attempting to reach the
network, this can result in slow data speeds. Also, verify that the network
type has been turned on for your device. Airplane mode turns all networks
off and you would need to re-enable each separately on most devices, or
disabling Airplane mode on some devices will automatically re-enable the
networks that were previously turned on.
GPS Your GPS may fail to lock on to a signal, or it may not update quickly
malfunctioning enough to be useful. This may be a hardware issue, but is most likely related
to the device’s configurations or the apps that use GPS. You can configure
some mobile devices to use both GPS satellites and nearby cell towers to
help lock onto a signal. Some devices also allow you to flush your GPS cache
and improve performance.

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Symptom Description
Cannot broadcast Display content from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can be viewed on an
to external monitor external monitor or TV. You will need either an app that enables
broadcasting to the external source or an HDMI cable. If the broadcast is
not being received by a wireless connection, you might be too far from the
source, or you might need to change settings in the app you are using. If you
are using a wired connection, verify that it is within the length limits specified
by the cable type.
Slow performance There are a variety of reasons your mobile device has slower performance
than it did when it first came out of the box. These include:
• OS updates that were installed might not be optimized for your particular
device.
• Apps running in the background. Make sure you are only running the
apps you need to run.
• Live wallpaper. Disable live wallpaper and remove unnecessary widgets.
• Full or nearly full storage device. Clear the cache, remove unneeded data
files (especially videos and photos), and uninstall unneeded apps.
• Slow solid-state drives on Android devices. If you have an older Android
device that doesn't use TRIM on solid-state drives, update to Android 4.3
or newer, or gain root access and run the LabFix app.
• Small, slow, or full SD card. Consider moving files off the SD card,
reformatting it or replacing it, then moving only the needed files back
onto it.
Extremely short Power drain can be impacted by several factors. These include:
battery life • Using the mobile device to watch streaming video or play games. These
activities use the display and the CPU which both will consume large
quantities of your available power.
• No cellular or intermittent cellular service. The device will use a lot of
resources to search for a signal and try to connect to a cell tower. Switch
to Airplane mode or, if a wireless network is available, to Wi-Fi, if you
know you will be out of range of any cell towers.
• Bright displays use more power than more dimly backlit displays.
• Disable background data on services that you don't need to instantly
know when new data is available. This can also help prevent data
overages if you wait until you are connected to a Wi-Fi network to send
or retrieve the data. Services you might want to disable background data
for include email, social networking, or data backup apps.
• Location services and geotagging, which use your GPS, will cause a
power drain. Disable the location services and geotagging for some of the
apps on your mobile device.
• Disable Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi services unless you are actively using
them to help prolong battery life. This has the added benefit of helping to
prevent unauthorized connections over these networks to your mobile
device.
Frozen system For a mobile device that will not start (and you have verified that enough
power is available to start the device), that repeatedly stops responding, or
gets stuck (and you have verified that the updates have been applied and the
issue is not caused by a particular app), you might need to perform a factory
reset on the device. Refer to the device documentation for how to perform a
reset on your particular device.

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Symptom Description
System lockout Entering the wrong credentials to unlock a mobile device can result in
system lockout for a predetermined period of time. You can also configure
mobile devices that have not been manually locked to lock after a set amount
of idle time. Be more diligent about protecting the device from unauthorized
physical access. Also be more diligent about remembering user names and
passwords, or cleaning biometric fingerprint scanning surfaces. If your device
is compromised due to login failures or the device becomes locked or wiped,
you will need to do a factory reset in most cases.

Application Issues
The following table details common app issues.

Symptom Description

Apps not loading The app does not seem to be present, does not seem to install, or does not
function as expected. Data Call Failure (Error code 128) could be caused by
your cell carrier pushing apps down to you. Updating your profile or
resetting your browser to default often fixes this. Also, Google Play could
give you an error "Installation Unsuccessful." This typically happens when
your cache is full or your SD card has a problem. Clear the cache and/or
swap out the SD card. Make sure your MDM (mobile device manager) is
pushing apps as expected.
Unable to decrypt The email client reports that sending or receiving email failed. Try using
email other email clients, including a webmail browser, to access the Inbox. Make
sure there is nothing wrong with the user name, password, server names,
ports, or other security settings.
Overheating When you use an app that makes intense use of resources, such as watching a
video, it can cause the mobile device to become very hot. This can lead to
overheating of the device, causing it to turn off without warning.
No sound from Make sure that the sound on your mobile device is not muted. Also, check
speakers within the app you are using to verify that the sounds have not been disabled
within the app. Go to the Settings page for your device and test the sounds
for ring tone, text messages, and so forth; if no sounds are heard, you might
need to take the device in for servicing.

Mobile OS and Application Tools

Some tools for troubleshooting mobile OSs and applications include:
• Performing a hard reset.
• Performing a soft reset. Mobile OS and
• Performing a factory default reset. Application Tools
• Closing running applications.
• Forcing applications to stop.
• Uninstalling and reinstalling applications.
• Adjusting device configuration and settings.

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on Guidelines for Troubleshooting Mobile Device OSs and Applications.

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ACTIVITY 19-3
Troubleshooting Mobile Device OSs and
Applications

Before You Begin

This is a minds-on activity in which you will research and share the most common problems for
mobile devices. Use your classroom computer browser to do the research. Be prepared to share
your findings with the rest of the class. Your instructor will assign what website you will use to do
your research.

Scenario
In this activity, students "All of these new technologies will require whole new skill sets for my team. I need to make sure
will research websites to that my department is ramped up to handle what is sure to be a huge influx of calls from the users."
find interesting
troubleshooting tips for —Sally Waters, Help Desk Manager
the most common The organization's mobile network has been up and running for some time now. The organization
Android and iPhone has recently implemented a BYOD policy for Android and iPhone devices. The help desk wants to
problems. Assign each be completely ready for known issues. As the technical liaison, the help desk manager has asked you
student a different
to present a summary of some of the most common problems the team will encounter when
website from the list in
the scenario. If supporting BYOD. You have prepared the following list of websites that have published common
necessary, allow troubleshooting tips and tricks:
students to perform their • www.littlegreenrobot.co.uk/tips/53-common-android-problems-solved/
own Google or Bing
• www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-5-problems/
searches. Give the class
5 minutes to conduct • www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-6-problems/
their research. Ask each • www.dummies.com/how-to/content/common-android-problem-troubleshooting.html
student to find at least • www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/10/most-common-iphone-5-glitches-and-
one problem that would their-fixes/57474/
be interesting to share
with the class. Give each • www.inlovewithandroid.com/android-problems-troubleshooting.html
student 2 minutes to • www.etradesupply.com/blog/iphone-5-issues-dont-5s/
present their findings to • http://www.etradesupply.com/blog/
the group. If you have a • www.guidingtech.com/13028/solutions-android-wi-fi-problems-common/
very large group, you
may randomly ask
volunteers to share their
discoveries until time is 1. Spend 5 minutes finding an interesting mobile device problem and resolution that you would like to
up. share with the class. Be prepared to present a summary of your findings to the group.

2. What interesting troubleshooting tips did you find that you would like to share with the group, and where
did you find them?
Remind students that
A: Answers will vary. Some will demonstrate how to deal with a battery that drains quickly. Others will
some of the procedures
talk about locking the screen. Still others will demonstrate how to resolve Wi-Fi problems.
they find may be device-
specific, and will not
3. Having heard the various problems and their resolutions, what mobile device issues do you think you
work with all devices,
will most likely encounter in your own environments?
including their Android
simulators. A: Answers will vary. Some students may not use one platform or another in their own environments.
Others may already have a sense of the most common problems. Some may say that the most
common problems are user-related.

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TOPIC C
Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks
In the previous topics, you examined troubleshooting for PC and mobile device operating systems.
In most organizations, those operating systems will be running on a machine that is also running on
a network to access the Internet and other important databases or servers. Just as the operating
system is essential for the system to function, the network is essential for most organizations to
function on a daily basis. In this topic, you will troubleshoot networks.
Every network will run into problems at some point. However, there is a lot you can do to minimize
the problems you encounter. Regular, preventative maintenance will not only keep your network
working at its peak, but it will also reduce the risk of network corruption. Difficulties will arise,
though, and good troubleshooting skills will enable you to identify, assess, and repair any network
issues quickly and efficiently.

Common Network Issues

There are several common network issues you might be called upon to diagnose and resolve.

Network Issue Possible Problems and Solutions

Common Network
No connectivity or No connectivity or a connection loss can be an indication that there is a Issues
connection lost physical problem with a loose cable or a defective network adapter. Check
cables and connections and check for link or light emitting diode (LED)
lights on the network adapter. Reseat connections, replace cables, or
reinstall/replace the adapter, as necessary.
On IP networks, check for a missing or incorrect IP address. If the address
is manually configured, this could be a data entry error; reconfigure the
connection. If automatically configured, the Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) server might be unavailable or unreachable. Make sure the
DHCP server is up and that the client is physically connected to the
network.
Slow transfer speeds The network might be experiencing high traffic and many collisions. Check
the activity status indicator light for the collision frequency. This should be a
temporary condition that will pass; if not, network engineers might need to
upgrade the network bandwidth or data rate to increase throughput.
Local connectivity The default gateway address might be configured incorrectly, the gateway
but no Internet might be down, or there might be a problem with the Internet Service
connection Provider (ISP). Check the default gateway address, verify that the default
gateway is functioning, and contact the ISP to find out if there are any
problem conditions. The proxy settings may also be incorrect. Check the
proxy configuration of your network connection.
Limited connectivity Limited connections to a resource or network location can be due to
insufficient permissions or an unavailable target network resource. Check to
make sure the printer or server is running and connected to the network, and
check to make sure the user has appropriate permissions.
IP conflict Connections by IP address but not by name can be an indication that the
Domain Name System (DNS) configuration is incorrect or the DNS server
is down. Or, the hosts file might be configured incorrectly. Check the IP
configuration settings and verify that the DNS server is running. Check the
hosts file to make sure it does not contain incorrect entries.

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Network Issue Possible Problems and Solutions

Intermittent Electrical noise, or electrical interference, is a general term for unwanted signals
connectivity on the network media that can interfere with network transmissions.
Interference or noise can come from natural sources, such as solar radiation
or electrical storms, or from man-made sources, such as electronic
interference from nearby motors or transformers. Electrical noise can also
cause transient power problems. Some of the common sources of noise
include:
• Ambient noise can come from many sources, including solar disturbances
that affect the earth's magnetosphere, or nearby radio broadcasting
towers.
• Nearby high-tension power lines or a building's own electrical wiring can
create electrical noise.
• Electric motors, such as those used in elevators, refrigerators, water
fountains, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment, create noise while running, but it is worse when they start up.
Motors require a huge amount of electricity to start up, causing a burst of
noise. These bursts can create short temporary outages that resolve
themselves when the motor reaches full speed or stops.
• Like electric motors, electric heating elements use a lot of electricity and
cause a significant amount of noise while running.
• Fluorescent, neon, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights produce a
large amount of electrical noise, generally due to the transformers and
ballasts required to make these lights work.
Low RF signals If radio frequency (RF) signals are low, then it could mean that there is an
issue with the access point. The access point may have failed, lost power, or
been misconfigured. For example, if Media Access Control (MAC) filtering
is enabled at the access point, then the PC may not be able to connect. If the
issue is isolated to one PC, then it could be a configuration issue at the
access point or the PC, so you will need to verify the configuration settings
on both devices.
APIPA/link local Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) is automatically enabled on
address issues Windows computers unless it has been disabled in the Registry. It is
commonly used as a backup IP addressing service to DHCP, so when
DHCP is unavailable, local computers can still get an IP address. The issue
with this configuration is that APIPA can only connect to local computers
that also have APIPA addresses assigned, so connecting to the Internet is
not allowed.
SSID not found If a computer’s wireless interface does not detect the SSID of a wireless
access point, it may be difficult or impossible to connect to that access point.
This can happen if the access point has SSID broadcast turned off. If all
other devices see the SSID, the connecting device’s wireless adapter may be
damaged, or its drivers corrupted. Also make sure that the connecting device
is actually within range of the wireless signal, and that there is no electrical
interference.

Windows Network Troubleshooting Utilities

Microsoft includes a variety of tools in its Windows operating systems that you can use to
troubleshoot networks.
Network Command line utilities include:
Troubleshooting Utilities

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• IPCONFIG
• PING
• NSLOOKUP
• TRACERT
• NETSTAT
• NBTSTAT
• NET
• NETDOM
Note: NETDOM is only available on Windows Server operating systems running Active
Directory Domain Services.

Software-based utilities include:

• Network troubleshooters can be used to walk you through the resolutions to various common
network problems. There are several network-related troubleshooters in the Help and Support
Center that can help.
• Wi-Fi locators are utilities that can be installed on computing devices to locate wireless networks
within range of the device. Most locating utilities will not only locate networks, but will monitor
them for anomalies as well. They will usually display the Service Set Identifier (SSID), signal
quality, MAC address, and other network identifiers.

Linux and OS X Network Troubleshooting Utilities

The traceroute, ping, arp, and ifconfig utilities are very useful in troubleshooting issues related
to remote network services.
Linux and OS X Network
Utility Used To Troubleshooting Utilities
traceroute Track the route that data takes to get to its destination. Utilizing the Time
to Live (TTL) field of the IP protocol, traceroute attempts to obtain an
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Time_Exceeded response from
each gateway encountered on the path between the sender and the final
destination.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) probe packets are sent with a short TTL.
The traceroute utility then listens for an ICMP Time_Exceeded reply
from a gateway. This continues until you can get an ICMP
Port_Unreachable response, which means that you either got to the host or
reached the default maximum number of hops (30). The address of each
system that responds (each gateway you pass through) is printed to your
screen; if no response is received within five seconds, an asterisk ( * ) is
printed for that probe.
ping Verify that a system can be reached on a network. It checks the hostname,
the IP address, and whether the remote system can be reached.
ping uses the ICMP Echo_Request datagram to check connections among
hosts, by sending echo packets and then listening for reply packets.
arp Display information, such as the hardware address, the hostname, and the
network interfaces, about the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache.
ifconfig Display the local system’s network interface information, including IP
address, hostname, and subnet mask. This tool also allows you to configure
these parameters.

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Network Troubleshooting Tools

Network tools can be used when troubleshooting or managing network connections. Useful tools
include:
Network • Cable tester
Troubleshooting Tools • Loopback plug
• Punch down tool
• Tone generator and probe
• Crimpers
• Wire strippers
• Wireless locator

Access the Checklist tile on your CHOICE Course screen for reference information and
job aids on How to Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks.

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ACTIVITY 19-4
Troubleshooting Network Issues

Scenario
You recently received a lot of trouble tickets, all of which are related to network connections. You
need to check the cause of these network issues and troubleshoot them.

1. You receive a call from a client who reports that she is unable to access any websites in Internet Time-permitting, you
Explorer. While talking with this user, you verify that she can ping the server's IP address on her may want to introduce a
network segment, the IP address of the default gateway, and the IP address of a computer on another problem in the
network segment. You also determine that none of the other users on her network can connect to classroom network and
websites in Internet Explorer. What might be the problem? have students attempt to
A: The problem is most likely that her network's DNS server is down. troubleshoot and
resolve.
2. One of your clients reports that he is unable to see computers when he opens the Network window.
Which step should you take first?
◉ Determine if any of the other users on the network are experiencing problems.
○ Ask the client to ping another computer on his network.
○ Ask the client to verify that the DHCP server is running.
○ Ask the client to run ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew.

3. A user is trying to reach a website and is experiencing problems. How can you examine the path of the
transmissions?
A: Use the tracert command to trace the routes of packets between various source and destination
hosts. This can help you locate a packet looping between routers or the point at which a route
fails.

4. A client reports that he is unable to connect to any computers on the network or the Internet. You have
him run the ipconfig command, and all his TCP/IP addressing parameters are correct. When you have
him ping other computers on the network, his computer is unable to reach them. This computer is the
only one that is experiencing a problem. What should you check next?
○ That the DHCP server is on and functioning properly.
○ That the default gateway is on and functioning properly.
○ That the DNS server is on and functioning properly.
◉ That his computer's network cable is plugged into both the network card and the wall jack.

5. One of your network users is unable to connect to the SSH service, which is located on a different
network. The error message indicates that the other network is unreachable. You verified that the
network cable is intact and that the SSH service is up. What could be the probable cause of the error?
(Select all that apply.)
☑ The network service is not up.
☐ The resolv.conf file does not contain entries for the name server.
☑ Network parameters, such as the IP address, the subnet mask, or the default gateway, are not set
correctly.
☐ The firewall is disabled.

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6. You verified that the network service is running and that the network parameters are properly set.
However, the user is still unable to connect to the network. What will be your first step to troubleshoot
the network issue?
○ Verify that the hostname is set.
◉ Verify that the DNS entries are correct.
○ Verify that IP forwarding is enabled.
○ Verify that the ports of the service you are trying to access are open at the destination host.

7. True or False? To set the hostname permanently, you need to modify the /etc/hostname file.
☑ True
☐ False

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TOPIC D
Troubleshoot Common Security Issues
In the previous topics, you have examined troubleshooting for the operating systems, software, and
network components of a computer system. As important as it is to maintain these more concrete
components of a system, it is equally important to make sure that the computer system is secure and
that all security measures are functioning properly; if problems arise with security, you must be ready
to address them. In this topic, you will troubleshoot common security issues.
As with many areas of computer support, your responsibility for computer security does not end as
soon as the security measures are implemented. As with printing, networking, hardware, and
software, it is your responsibility to your users and clients to ensure proper security functions on an
ongoing basis as well as to correct security problems that might compromise your systems or
prevent users from accessing the resources that they need. The information and skills in this topic
should help you troubleshoot any security issues that arise and restore your organization's security
functions.

Common PC Security Issues

Most common computer security problems stem from security that is too strict or too lenient, but
there are some specific issues you should be aware of as well.
Common PC Security
Symptom Description Issues

Pop-ups Pop-ups are windows or frames that load and appear automatically when a user
connects to a particular web page. They can sometimes contain buttons or links
that include infected files. As you discuss these
symptoms, ask
Browser If users are complaining that browser links are taking them to an unwanted web participants to share
redirection page, then it probably means that the computer has been infected by a browser their experiences with
redirect virus. To remediate the issue, you need to remove the virus and verify security issues.
that the browser functions properly.
Security alerts In some cases, security alerts can be a sign that the computer has been infected
with malware. Malware created today is complex and can be designed to look
just like an actual security warning generated by the operating system so that you
click on the rogue link and install the needed update that actually contains
malware.
Internet Internet connectivity issues can be a sign that a computer has been infected by
connectivity malware. If a security breach has occurred, then an attacker gained access and
issues changed IP configurations and reconfigured network interface cards (NICs) or
DNS redirectors. Check any other network-connected devices for similar issues,
and if none are found, then the issues are due to an infected device.
Slow A system that is performing slowly may have too many applications or services
performance installed and running simultaneously. This can make opening, using, and closing
applications frustratingly slow for users. Another common culprit of slow
performance is malware: infections like adware and spyware can run constantly
in the background, taking up a great deal of the system’s resources.
PC locks up Slow performance can lead to a PC locking up. This can be an indication that
there is a problem with the system files, malware services were installed, or too
many programs have been loaded into memory. This can also be a symptom of a
virus. Make sure to run antivirus software to identify and remove any infections.

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Symptom Description
Application It can be difficult to diagnose the cause of application crashes, as there are many
crash potential reasons why they happen. For example, applications may occasionally
run out of memory. However, sometimes repeated crashes of multiple
applications may signal a corrupt or infected system file.
Windows If Windows updates fail, it could be a sign that the state of the machine has
update failures changed. This can be due to a virus. Scan the computer for infections and
remove them.
Rogue antivirus Rogue antivirus is a very sneaky attack that can cause major damage to a system
if the user carries out the actions expected by the attacker. The method involves
designing a rogue antivirus application window that looks like a legitimate
antivirus solution. If users follow the instructions, then they are at risk for
downloading a slew of malware.
Email issues If there are noticeable changes to an email account, such as an excess amount of
spam or you find that there have been emails sent from the account that the
email account owner was unaware of, then the computer's security has been
jeopardized.
Email-specific issues to be aware of include:
• Spam is an email-based threat where the user's inbox is flooded with emails
which act as vehicles that carry advertising material for products or
promotions for get-rich-quick schemes and can sometimes deliver viruses or
malware. Spam can harbor malicious code in addition to filling up your
inbox. Spam can also be utilized within social networking sites such as
Facebook and Twitter.
• Hijacked email is an account that has been accessed by an attacker and is
being used by the attacker to send and receive emails. This means that an
attacker can read, edit, an send emails from an account. In a corporate
environment, a hijacked email account can result in unauthorized data access.
Access denied Access may be denied if systems are unavailable or corrupted. The most
common cause is when a user forgets a password or credentials. Have systems in
place to reset passwords for users, when appropriate.
Repeated patterns of access denial can be a sign of attempted security breaches.
Malicious Once malicious software has penetrated your system, numerous security issues
software can arise. The best solution to these problems is to prevent infections in the first
place, but if your systems are infected, they must be isolated from the network
and cleaned using various antivirus and security scanning tools.
If your antivirus, anti-spyware, and pop-up blocker's protections are configured
to be too restrictive, it is possible that users might not be able to load and run
legitimate software. However, it is best to keep security tight in this area and deal
with exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

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Symptom Description
File system Changes in system files can indicate that there has been a breach in security.
issues Common file system security symptoms include:
• Renamed system files.
• Files disappearing.
• File permission changes.
If permissions are set too tightly, users will not be able to access data. If they are
too loose, there will be inappropriate access. Also, because permissions are
cumulative, users may obtain permissions from a number of different groups of
which they are members. If a user cannot access a resource, you might need to
check the permissions assigned to all the relevant groups.
Invalid If a user’s browser is displaying a warning that the website’s certificate is invalid,
certificate it may be a maliciously spoofed address of a legitimate site. Most browsers will
warn the user that this connection is untrusted and that they should not proceed.
A user who ignores this warning may expose their computer to malware, or a
malicious website might capture unencrypted credentials that they enter into a
web form. A browser might also indicate that a certificate is invalid if the
computer’s clock is wrong, or if that particular certificate was removed from the
browser’s list of trusted certificates.
Data access Data access across the network depends upon share permissions which, like file
issues system permissions, might be set too high or too low. Also, like file system
permissions, the user's effective permissions might be derived from several
group memberships that you might need to examine.
A special issue for Windows is the interaction of share and file system
permissions—since both sets are evaluated for network file access, the user will
have only the most restrictive of the two permission sets.
If you have used policies to restrict accounts from accessing systems locally or
across the network, make sure the policies are not so strict that legitimate users
cannot gain access.
Backup security Set system policies so that only legitimate users can restore data. However, if
policies are too restrictive, you might not have enough users available to do
backup restorations in an emergency. Verify that all legitimate backup
administrators have the necessary rights. Do not forget to verify that the
appropriate users have physical access to the backup storage location, especially
if the backup tapes are maintained by a third party who has responsibility for
controlling access.

Security Troubleshooting Tools

There are several tools available that can help you resolve common PC security issues.

Security Troubleshooting
Tools (2 Slides)

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Tool Description

Anti-malware/antivirus This software scans a potentially infected system for malware and
software identifies any file signatures it recognizes as malicious. Most anti-
malware solutions also provide quarantine and deletion functionality.
Quarantining an infected file moves it into a protected container so that
it cannot interact with the larger operating system. Deletion outright
removes the malware from the system. Note that anti-malware software
is vulnerable to false positives and false negatives, and even if it
accurately detects malware, its removal functionality may not be
thorough enough to truly purge the infection from the system.
Recovery console An operating system’s recovery console provides an interface with
which you can execute a limited set of actions that may help you resolve
boot issues. Common recovery options include repairing master boot
records, formatting drive volumes, and repairing disk corruption.
MSCONFIG/safe boot MSCONFIG is a System Configuration utility that can also help you
option troubleshoot boot and system startup issues. The utility allows you to
select and deselect certain services and device drivers you do or do not
want to boot with. This can help you narrow down an issue to a
particular process. Likewise, safe boot loads the operating system with
only non-essential functionality, making it easier to isolate and remove a
malware infection.
Refresh/restore options Newer versions of Windows offer certain recovery scenarios that may
resolve system slowness or corruption. Recovery scenarios include
reinstalling the operating system but keeping all other files; rolling back
to a previous build of the operating system; and full recovery from an
operating system image.
Terminal A PC’s terminal or command-line interface will provide you with direct
access to the operating system’s available commands. This can be useful
as configuration GUIs like the Control Panel don’t offer access to every
single diagnostic or troubleshooting command. Some of these
commands, like CHKDSK, are more commonly initiated through a
terminal.
System restore/snapshot Operating systems like Windows can take a “snapshot” of your PC at a
certain point in time. If you encounter a complex issue that isn’t easily
remedied, you can restore the previous snapshot and return your PC to
its state before the issue appeared. This may be more ideal than a typical
recovery operation as it affords minimal disruption to the system.
Pre-installation Most operating systems offer some sort of configuration options as part
environments of the installation process. For example, when you install Windows, you
can format your computer’s disk volumes without even needing an
operating system. If you have installation media available, the pre-
installation environment can help you ensure that a computer is
completely wiped clean.
Event Viewer The operating system’s Event Viewer keeps a log of all recorded system
and application events. This includes sign on attempts, shutdown
signals, system crashes, device driver errors, and many more scenarios
that can help you identify where problems exist.

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The Malware Removal Process

To properly remove malware from an infected computer, follow the process steps to ensure that the
computer is clean.
The Malware Removal
Process Step Description Process
Identify malware Use adware and spyware detectors. If your antivirus software does not guard
symptoms against adware and spyware, you can install separate tools to specifically
protect against these types of threats.
Quarantine infected Once an infected system is discovered, you can then quarantine it and fix it
systems to prevent the further spread of the virus to other systems.
Disable system When malware is detected, it is wise to disable system restore to prevent
restore infected restore points in the system.
Remediate infected In some cases, you may need to employ advanced scanning and removal
systems techniques to ensure that systems are clear of infections. When viruses infect
critical operating system files that are "in use" when the operating system is
running, you may need to perform an alternate startup process in order to
prevent the files from being locked against a clean and repair cycle. You may
also need to boot into Safe Mode to clean the infected files, or it may be
necessary to boot into a completely different pre-installation environment in
order to clean viruses that are deep-rooted into the core operating system
files. If you suspect that the boot blocks have been affected by a virus, you
may need to repair infected boot blocks using the system recovery options in
Windows.
Schedule scans and Schedule scans and antivirus update schedules. By scheduling regular system
updates scans and updating your antivirus software, you are taking a more proactive
approach to vulnerability detection in the future. Scanning systems regularly
allows you to discover potential malware threats and to develop useful
removal techniques accordingly.
Enable system Once the system is clean of all malware infections, then you should enable
restore and create system restore and make sure to create a fresh restore point of the clean
restore point system.
Educate end users Provide user awareness and education, which is the best protection against
malicious software or any security threat. Providing end user education will
enable users to recognize and delete hoax email messages, avoid
unauthorized software, and keep antivirus definitions updated.
Many types of malicious software are introduced through email attachments.
Users should not save or open attachments they do not recognize, are not
expecting, or are from senders they do not recognize.

Malware Removal Best Practices

When identifying and removing malware, there are several techniques you can employ to fully
protect systems attacks.
Malware Removal Best
Best Practice Description Practices
Trusted installation Always use trusted installation sources and websites. This may include
sources various "mirror" websites that offer authorized software downloads. Even
software you install deliberately can be infected with viruses. Do not install
software just because a particular website or Internet page prompts you to do
so.

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Best Practice Description

Email protection Always use email attachment protection.
Research Research malware types. In order to protect systems from infections, you
must research all the possible malware types and symptoms. For example,
using various virus encyclopedias, you can recognize possible malware types
and develop solutions to fix them.

Common Mobile Device Security Symptoms

Some of the security issues you might encounter are listed in the following table.

Security Issue Description

Common Mobile Device
Security Symptoms Signal drop/weak Signal loss is the weakening of a radio signal from a cell tower such that your
signal phone cannot connect to the network. Mobile phones have a display at the
top of the screen with bars that show the signal strength. This is usually
shown in 5 bars. One bar means a weak signal, and 5 means an excellent
one. If the signal strength drops off, you can have a dropped call.
Mobile phone calls work by handing off the calls from one cell tower to
another as someone is moving, such as in a vehicle. The problem with this is
mobile phone signals are line-of-sight. This means if there is something like a
mountain between you and the cell tower, you will have no signal.
The radio spectrum is shared among mobile phone companies, police
officers, firefighters, radio stations, and television stations. Radio and
television station signals travel much further than mobile phone signals,
because they operate at a lower frequency. Low-frequency signals travel as
ground waves and can pass through waves and penetrate the leaves in a
forest much more easily than can cellular signals that operate at a higher
frequency. Since they follow the ground, they can go beyond the horizon.
Signal strength is affected by many factors, including:
• Weather.
• Solar activity.
• Electromagnetic interference.
• Radio frequency (RF) interference.
• Building materials such as concrete, steel, and thick walls.
If you have a weak signal, there are some things you can do:
• An app for Android called Antennas shows where cell towers are
located. So, if you have a weak signal, you can move toward the towers.
• You could also buy a network extender or repeater, which boosts the
signal.
Encourage students • Install an external directional antenna if the phone permits it.
who have Android • Change service providers. If Verizon has a weak signal, then switch to
phones to try this and AT&T. Each mobile phone company has their own separate towers
share the results with although they usually co-locate (or share) them.
the class.
• Use Wi-Fi to make calls. Some mobile phones let you use Unlicensed
Mobile Access (UMA) to make calls, meaning you can use Wi-Fi.
• Use Voice over IP (VoIP). If you have no signal at all and have no hope
of getting one, you can make calls over the Internet using an app like
Zoiper. You will likely need to pay a service provider to connect these
Internet calls to mobile phones and land lines.

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Security Issue Description

Power drain A power drain is often a symptom of someone having gotten into your
system and running apps. It could also be the result of a poorly coded app.
Slow data speeds Apps that rely on fast, reliable data speeds can run into problems if users
have slow data speed connections. Shopping cart apps, banking apps, and
instant messaging apps all require that the data speeds are up to the task of
sending and receiving the data in a timely manner. Slow data speeds can
cause not only user frustration, but also allow attackers a bigger footprint in
which to launch an attack.
Unintended Wi-Fi Unintended Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections can result in data theft and
connection or eavesdropping. These should be turned off when not in use.
Bluetooth pairing
Wi-Fi: There are many vulnerabilities with Wi-Fi, including:
• Weak or no encryption and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
• A mobile security blind spot, when a device is disconnected and not
synced with the network.
• Impersonation attacks over unsecured channels.
Bluetooth technology connects headsets and audio headphones to mobile
devices and is rarely secured. For this reason, these devices are also
potentially subject to fuzzing, bluejacking, and snarfing as their
communications and data can be accessed easily.
Leaked personal The number of stolen and lost smartphones and tablets is increasing. Lost
files/data and stolen devices can expose sensitive corporate data. Data containers
mitigate this issue by isolating business data from personal data. Mobile data
containers are software apps that are compatible with major mobile OSs.
A data container creates a virtual environment when the app is launched.
Using this virtual environment, the user accesses corporate emails and other
corporate data. The app creates an encrypted data store, and the user is not
permitted to copy data from outside the container or to move data from
within the container. This keeps the business data isolated and secure.
Content filtering is a method of setting limits on user browser sessions. Content
filtering can be based on location, time, and user privileges. With this option,
administrators have the flexibility to whitelist and blacklist websites and
applications so that employees are limited to browsing trusted websites. The
software can be integrated with secure Domain Name System (DNS)
services, Active Directory, and access databases so that content filtering
works well. Umbrella software from OpenDNS is a good example of content
filtering software.
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a strategy for protecting corporate data from
leakage and loss. It typically uses software to ensure the following:
• Make sure users do not send sensitive information outside the company
network.
• Make sure that there is continuous, if not real-time, backup of data.
• Make sure that lost or corrupt data can be easily restored.
Data transmission Most cellular plans included a pre-determined amount of data in the plan
over limit price. If the user exceeds this limit, they are charged for the additional data
usage at a higher per megabyte rate than the plan data. If users exceed the
plan data amount by large quantities on a regular basis, some carriers will
suspend or terminate the accounts. Be sure to track usage to avoid exceeding
data limits.

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Security Issue Description

Unauthorized Using passwords as authentication is one of the oldest basic methods for
access providing access to computers. While this method is basically easy to use, it
provides a good way for hackers to intrude into a network. Today, password
authentication systems are often augmented with high-level security measures
to deny access to unauthorized users. Tokens offer a method of
authentication. For enterprise networks, cryptographic keys are used in
Secure Shell (SSH) protocols to authenticate users that access remote
networks. In addition, message encryption and authentication can be
performed. However, tokens are easy to create and can be reproduced as
well.
Biometric identifiers like fingerprint, iris, retina, and facial recognition
provide a high level of authentication, but use analog systems that can create
complexity for digital devices. When it comes to mobile devices, all the major
platforms have fingerprint scanning as well as support for other forms of
biometrics. However, there is no standard interface to collect biometric data.
Moreover, false reject issues still need to be addressed.
Apps often request access to resources on your mobile device. Be sure you
understand the implications of allowing access. There are often legitimate
reasons for the app to need access to the service or resource, but not always.
Some of the items apps might request access to include:
• root access.
• location tracking.
• camera activation.
• microphone activation.
High resource High resource utilization can be indications that there is a DNS attack. It can
utilization also be caused by a leaky app.

Mobile Security Tools

The specific security tools you use to troubleshoot and resolve mobile device security issues will
vary with the device and operating system. However, the following table lists the general types of
Mobile Security Tools
tools you can use in troubleshooting mobile security problems.

Tool Description

Antivirus/ Download and install antivirus, antimalware, or endpoint protection

Antimalware software. Keep the antivirus signatures updated, just as you would for a
laptop or desktop computer. Make sure that your antivirus protects against
worms, Trojans, viruses, keylogging, and other malware and malicious
activity.
App scanner An app scanner scans all of the apps on your mobile device to make sure
there are no malicious apps installed. Each new app that is downloaded is
checked as well to make sure it is not a malicious app.
Factory reset/Clean If a mobile device is being transferred from one user to another, if the device
install has been compromised in some way, or if performance issues are too great,
the best solution is often to do a factory reset. This is akin to doing a clean
install of the operating system. All apps, data, and any OS updates will be
lost, so be sure to make a backup of anything that you need to keep before
doing this.

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Tool Description
Uninstall/reinstall Sometimes apps get out of sync with their desktop or web-based
apps counterparts. Other times apps are damaged by a virus or other malicious
attack. You might need to uninstall and then reinstall some apps in order to
get them working properly again.
Wi-Fi analyzer If users are experiencing connectivity problems or decreased bandwidth on
your wireless network, use a Wi-Fi analyzer to try to locate a channel the
access point can use that will be less crowded than the channel that is
currently being used.
Cell tower analyzer If users are experiencing call reception problems or data transfer issues over
a cellular network, use a cell tower analyzer to identify locations where
connection strength is limited.
Backup/restore There are many cloud-based services that back up a mobile device’s
configurations or data. If the device is lost or its data erased locally, you can
restore the data from the cloud service with minimal to no loss. Examples of
backup services include iCloud, Google Sync, and OneDrive.
Force stop If a mobile device app becomes unresponsive, you might need to force the
app to close. The method used varies based on the mobile OS you are using.

Guidelines for Troubleshooting Security Issues

Proper security management can reveal vulnerabilities within your security implementation, so
hardening your security infrastructure can help prevent attacks. For a computer support technician,
troubleshooting security usually means responding to user complaints that they are unable to access Guidelines for
resources because security is too tight. As a computer support professional, you might have direct Troubleshooting Security
responsibility for security maintenance and troubleshooting, or you might be charged with Issues
identifying issues and escalating them to a dedicated security support team.
General guidelines to maintain and troubleshoot security include:
• Maintenance
• Do walkarounds to check the status of physical access controls such as fences, security doors,
parking lot lights, and cameras. Be sure intruders cannot easily access key equipment items
such as network cables, routers, and switches.
• Review security videos regularly.
• Implement auditing on key systems and review the audit logs regularly. Investigate or report
any unusual events.
• Work with your security vendor to make sure all physical security devices, such as biometric
controls, are properly calibrated and functional.
• Review corporate security policies and verify that your systems are in compliance. Post the
policies where users can access them. Make sure users know how to report security incidents
if they do occur.
• Hire a consulting company to perform an occasional security audit to evaluate your current
security systems and make recommendations for improvements.
• Some companies might undertake staged attacks to determine where an attacker might
penetrate security holes.
• Troubleshooting
• If a user cannot access websites, make sure the browser's security settings are not too
restrictive.
• If the user cannot access the contents of files, check the file permissions for the user and any
groups the user belongs to. Also see if the file is encrypted; ask the file owner or an
encryption recovery agent to open and decrypt the file.

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• If the user cannot access network resources, check share permissions on folders and print
permissions on printers for the user and any group the user belongs to. Check the local NT
File System (NTFS) permissions for files and folders as well; when share and file system
permissions combine, the most restrictive permission applies.
• If a user cannot log on using a biometric device, you might need assistance from the system
vendor to resolve the problem.
• Train users to recognize possible social engineering attacks and hoaxes so that they can
deflect these attacks in progress and report them for further investigation.
• If a user cannot access data outside the company, you might need to open ports on a firewall.

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ACTIVITY 19-5
Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Scenario
You have been assigned to resolve several security issues raised by users.

1. John has reported that a pop-up security alert keeps coming up when he switches application windows
on his laptop. What do you suspect is going on with his computer?
A: Often, malware is delivered through legitimate-looking methods, such as a Windows security alert.
In this case, his laptop was likely infected with a virus.

2. You have been asked to provide a list of common malware symptoms for users to be aware of in order
to prevent security breaches within your organization. What common symptoms would you provide?
A: Answers will vary, but should include: keeping an eye out for unusual email messages that may be
a hoax or social engineering attempt. Do not open or forward unrecognized email attachments.
Avoid downloading any software from the Internet that has not been approved by the IT
department.

3. True or False? The safest way to deal with unsolicited email is to delete it without opening it.
☑ True
☐ False

4. Alex reports that in the midst of composing an email at work, an unfamiliar pop-up appeared on his
screen, indicating that his email connection has been dropped and that he should log on again by using
the pop-up screen. What do you suggest he do in this situation?
A: First, you let him know that he was right to report the incident without entering the information in
the pop-up window. Next, you should run an antivirus scan to identify if the computer is infected
and remove any viruses until the system is clean.

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Summary
In this lesson, you used many different troubleshooting methods to resolve common issues related
to operating systems, network connectivity, and security. In your role as an A+ technician, you will
be advising and supporting users in a number of areas surrounding computing devices, so using the
guidelines and procedures provided in this lesson will enable you to provide the required level of
support to users.

In what system-wide area do you think you will provide the most support to users?
A: Answers will vary, but will likely include troubleshooting various operating system or network issues,
Encourage students to
use the social which can often end up being a symptom of a more severe security problem.
networking tools
Have you ever recovered a severely compromised computer system? If so, then describe your experience.
provided on the CHOICE
Course screen to follow A: Answers will vary, but may include having to use Last Known Good Configuration or Safe Mode to
up with their peers after identify issues and recover systems. You might need to resort to performing a factory reset if the
the course is completed damage is too severe.
for further discussion
and resources to support Note: Check your CHOICE Course screen for opportunities to interact with your classmates,
continued learning. peers, and the larger CHOICE online community about the topics covered in this course or
other topics you are interested in. From the Course screen you can also access available
resources for a more continuous learning experience.

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Course Follow-Up
Congratulations! You have completed the CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams
220-901 and 220-902) course. You have acquired the essential skills and information you will need to
install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, and perform preventive maintenance on
PCs, digital devices, and operating systems. If you are getting ready for a career as an entry-level IT
professional or PC service technician, and if your job duties will include any type of PC service tasks
or technical support for end users, this course has provided you with the background knowledge
and skills you will require to be successful. Completing this course is also an important part of your
preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification examinations (220-901 and 220-902) that you must
pass in order to become a CompTIA A+ Certified Professional.

What's Next?
If you want to learn more about networking technologies and supporting network users, you might
want to attend the Logical Operations CompTIA® Network+® (Exam N10-006) course. If you want
to learn more about security and helping users use safe computing practices, you might want to
attend the Logical Operations CompTIA® Security+® (Exam SY0-401) course.
You are encouraged to explore PC and network support further by actively participating in any of
the social media forums set up by your instructor or training administrator through the Social
Media tile on the CHOICE Course screen.

Course Follow up
A Mapping Course Content
to CompTIA A+
Certification Exam
220-901
Obtaining CompTIA A+ certification requires candidates to pass two examinations. This
table describes where the objectives for CompTIA exam 220-901 are covered in this course.

Domain and Objective Covered In

1.0 Hardware
1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/
UEFI tools on a PC.
• Firmware upgrades – flash BIOS Lesson 8, Topic C

• BIOS component information Lesson 8, Topic C

• RAM
• Hard drive
• Optical drive
• CPU
• BIOS configurations Lesson 8, Topic D
• Boot sequence
• Enabling and disabling devices
• Date/time
• Clock speeds
• Virtualization support
• BIOS security (passwords, drive encryption: TPM, lo-
jack, secure boot)
• Built-in diagnostics Lesson 8, Topic D
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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Monitoring Lesson 8, Topic D

• Temperature monitoring
• Fan speeds
• Intrusion detection/notification
• Voltage
• Clock
• Bus speed
1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard components,
their purpose, and properties.
• Sizes Lesson 7, Topic A
• ATX
• Micro-ATX
• Mini-ITX
• ITX
• Expansion slots Lesson 7, Topic A
• PCI
• PCI-X
• PCIe
• miniPCI
• RAM slots Lesson 7, Topic A

• CPU sockets Lesson 7, Topic A

• Chipsets Lesson 7, Topic A

• North Bridge
• South Bridge
• CMOS battery Lesson 7, Topic A

• Power connections and types Lesson 7, Topic A

• Fan connectors Lesson 7, Topic A

• Front/Top panel connectors Lesson 7, Topic A

• USB
• Audio
• Power button
• Power light
• Drive activity lights
• Reset button
• Bus speeds Lesson 7, Topic A
1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their
features.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Types Lesson 8, Topic A

• DDR
• DDR2
• DDR3
• SODIMM Lesson 15, Topic B

• DIMM Lesson 7, Topic A;

Lesson 8, Topic A
• Parity vs. non-parity Lesson 8, Topic A

• ECC vs. non-ECC Lesson 8, Topic A

• RAM configurations (single channel vs. dual channel vs. Lesson 8, Topic A
triple channel)
• Single sided vs. double sided Lesson 8, Topic A

• Buffered vs. unbuffered Lesson 8, Topic A

• RAM compatibility Lesson 8, Topic A

1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards.
• Sound cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Video cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Network cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• USB cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Firewire cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Thunderbolt cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Storage cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Modem cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Wireless/cellular cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• TV tuner cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Video capture cards Lesson 6, Topic D

• Riser cards Lesson 6, Topic D

1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use
appropriate media.
• Optical drives Lesson 1, Topic B;
Lesson 8, Topic C
• CD-ROM / CD-RW
• DVD-ROM / DVD-RW / DVD-RW DL
• Blu-Ray
• BD-R
• BD-RE

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Magnetic hard disk drives Lesson 1, Topic B;

Lesson 8, Topic C
• 5400 rpm
• 7200 rpm
• 10,000 rpm
• Hot swappable drives Lesson 1, Topic B

• Solid state/flash drives Lesson 1, Topic B;

Lesson 8, Topic C
• Compact flash
• SD
• Micro-SD
• Mini-SD
• xD
• SSD
• Hybrid
• eMMC
• RAID types Lesson 8, Topic C
• 0
• 1
• 5
• 10
• Tape drive Lesson 1, Topic B;
Lesson 8, Topic C
• Media capacity Lesson 1, Topic B
• CD
• CD-RW
• DVD-RW
• DVD
• Blu-Ray
• Tape
• DVD DL
1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate
cooling methods.
• Socket types Lesson 7, Topic B
• Intel: 775, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1150, 2011
• AMD: AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+
• Characteristics Lesson 7, Topic B
• Speeds
• Cores
• Cache size/type
• Hyperthreading
• Virtualization support
• Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)
• Integrated GPU
• Disable execute bit

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Cooling Lesson 7, Topic B

• Heat sink
• Fans
• Thermal paste
• Liquid-based
• Fanless/passive
1.7 Compare and contrast various PC connection
interfaces, their characteristics and purpose.
• Physical connections Lesson 1, Topic D
• USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0. (Connector types: A, B, mini,
micro)
• Firewire 400 vs. Firewire 800
• SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA
• VGA
• HDMI
• DVI
• Audio [Analog, Digital (Optical connector)]
• RJ-45
• RJ-11
• Thunderbolt
• Wireless connections Lesson 1, Topic D
• Bluetooth
• RF
• IR
• NFC
• Characteristics Lesson 1, Topic D
• Analog
• Digital
• Distance limitations
• Data transfer speeds
• Quality
• DRM
• Frequencies
1.8 Install a power supply based on given specifications.
• Connector types and their voltages Lesson 7, Topic C
• SATA
• Molex
• 4/8-pin 12v
• PCIe 6/8-pin
• 20-pin
• 24-pin

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Specifications Lesson 7, Topic C

• Wattage
• Dual rail
• Size
• Number of connectors
• ATX
• Micro-ATX
• 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 Lesson 12, Topic B
• Multicore processor
• High-end video
• Maximum RAM
• Audio/Video editing workstation Lesson 12, Topic B
• Specialized audio and video card
• Large fast hard drive
• Dual monitors
• Virtualization workstation Lesson 12, Topic A
• Maximum RAM and CPU cores
• Gaming PC Lesson 12, Topic B
• Multicore processor
• High-end video/specialized GPU
• High definition sound card
• High-end cooling
• Home Theater PC Lesson 12, Topic B
• Surround sound audio
• HDMI output
• HTPC compact form factor
• TV tuner
• Standard thick client Lesson 12, Topic A
• Desktop applications
• Meets recommended requirements for selected OS
• Thin client Lesson 12, Topic A
• Basic applications
• Meets minimum requirements for selected OS
• Network connectivity

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Home Server PC Lesson 12, Topic B

• Media streaming
• File sharing
• Print sharing
• Gigabit NIC
• RAID array
1.10 Compare and contrast types of display devices and
their features.
• Types Lesson 5, Topic A
• LCD (TN vs. IPS, Flourescent vs. LED backlighting)
• Plasma
• Projector
• OLED
• Refresh / frame rates Lesson 5, Topic B

• Resolution Lesson 5, Topic B

• Native resolution Lesson 5, Topic B

• Brightness/lumens Lesson 5, Topic B

• Analog vs. digital Lesson 5, Topic B

• Privacy/antiglare filters Lesson 5, Topic B

• Multiple displays Lesson 5, Topic B

• Aspect ratios Lesson 5, Topic A

• 16:9
• 16:10
• 4:3
1.11 Identify common PC connector types and associated
cables.
• Display connector types Lesson 1, Topic D;
Lesson 5, Topic A
• DVI-D
• DVI-I
• DVI-A
• DisplayPort
• RCA
• HD15 (i.e. DE15 or DB15)
• BNC
• miniHDMI
• miniDin-6

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Display cable types Lesson 5, Topic A

• HDMI
• DVI
• VGA
• Component
• Composite
• Coaxial
• Device cables and connectors Lesson 1, Topic D;
Lesson 7, Topic C;
• SATA
Lesson 8, Topic C
• eSATA
• USB
• Firewire (IEEE1394)
• PS/2
• Audio
• Adapters and convertors Lesson 1, Topic D
• DVI to HDMI
• USB A to USB B
• USB to Ethernet
• DVI to VGA
• Thunderbolt to DVI
• PS/2 to USB
• HDMI to VGA
1.12 Install and configure common peripheral devices.
• Input devices Lesson 6, Topic A
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Scanner
• Barcode reader
• Biometric devices
• Game pads
• Joysticks
• Digitizer
• Motion sensor
• Touch pads
• Smart card readers
• Digital cameras
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Camcorder
• Output devices Lesson 5, Topic A;
Lesson 5, Topic B;
• Printers
Lesson 6, Topic B;
• Speakers Lesson 16, Topic B
• Display devices

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Input & Output devices Lesson 6, Topic C

• Touch screen
• KVM
• Smart TV
• Set-Top Box
• MIDI enabled devices
1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device / printers and
configure appropriate settings.
• Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system Lesson 16, Topic B
• Configuration settings (Duplex, Collate, Orientation,
Quality)
• Device sharing Lesson 16, Topic B
• Wired (USB, Serial, Ethernet)
• Wireless [Bluetooth, 802.11(a,b,g,n,ac), Infrastructure vs.
ad hoc]
• Integrated print server (hardware)
• Cloud printing/remote printing
• Public/shared devices Lesson 16, Topic B
• Sharing local/networked device via Operating System
settings (TCP/Bonjour/AirPrint)
• Data privacy (User authentication on the device, Hard
drive caching)
1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various
print technologies and the associated imaging process.
• Laser Lesson 16, Topic A
• Imaging drum, fuser assembly, transfer belt, transfer
roller, pickup rollers, separate pads, duplexing assembly
• Imaging process: processing, charging, exposing,
developing, transferring, fusing and cleaning
• Inkjet Lesson 16, Topic A
• Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing
assembly, carriage and belt
• Calibration
• Thermal Lesson 16, Topic A
• Feed assembly, heating element
• Special thermal paper
• Impact Lesson 16, Topic A
• Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
• Impact paper

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Virtual Lesson 16, Topic A

• Print to file
• Print to PDF
• Print to XPS
• Print to image
1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer
maintenance.
• Laser Lesson 16, Topic C
• Replacing toner, applying maintenance kit, calibration,
cleaning
• Thermal Lesson 16, Topic C
• Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris
• Impact Lesson 16, Topic C
• Replace ribbon, replace print head, replace paper
• Inkjet Lesson 16, Topic C
• Clean heads, replace cartridges, calibration, clear jams

Domain and Objective Covered In

2.0 Networking
2.1 Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.
• Fiber Lesson 13, Topic A
• Connectors: SC, ST and LC
• Twisted Pair Lesson 1, Topic A; Lesson
13, Topic A
• Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45
• Wiring standards: T568A, T568B
• Coaxial Lesson 13, Topic A
• Connectors: BNC, F-connector
2.2 Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and
cabling.
• Fiber Lesson 13, Topic A
• Types (single-mode vs. multi-mode)
• Speed and transmission limitations
• Twisted pair Lesson 13, Topic A
• Types: STP, UTP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6e,
CAT7, plenum, PVC
• Speed and transmission limitations
• Splitters and effects on signal quality

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Coaxial Lesson 13, Topic A

• Types: RG-6, RG-59
• Speed and transmission limitations
• Splitters and effects on signal quality
2.3 Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
• IPv4 vs. IPv6 Lesson 13, Topic B

• Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local Lesson 13, Topic B

• Static vs. dynamic Lesson 13, Topic B

• Client-side DNS settings Lesson 13, Topic B

• Client-side DHCP Lesson 13, Topic B

• Subnet mask vs. CIDR Lesson 13, Topic B

• Gateway Lesson 13, Topic B

2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their
purpose.
• Ports Lesson 13, Topic D
• 21 – FTP
• 22 – SSH
• 23 – TELNET
• 25 – SMTP
• 53 – DNS
• 80 – HTTP
• 110 – POP3
• 143 – IMAP
• 443 – HTTPS
• 3389 – RDP
• 137-139, 445 - SMB
• 548 or 427 - AFP
• Protocols Lesson 13, Topic B;
Lesson 13, Topic D
• DHCP
• DNS
• LDAP
• SNMP
• SMB
• CIFS
• SSH
• AFP
• TCP vs. UDP Lesson 13, Topic D
2.5 Compare and contrast various Wi-Fi networking standards
and encryption types.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Standards Lesson 14, Topic D

• 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Speeds, distances and frequencies
• Encryption types Lesson 14, Topic D
• WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
2.6 Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/
wired router and apply appropriate settings.
• Channels Lesson 14, Topic D

• Port forwarding, port triggering Lesson 14, Topic D

• DHCP (on/off) Lesson 14, Topic D

• DMZ Lesson 14, Topic B

• NAT / DNAT Lesson 14, Topic B

• Basic QoS Lesson 14, Topic D

• Firmware Lesson 14, Topic D

• UPnP Lesson 14, Topic D

2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network
types, and their features.
• Internet Connection Types Lesson 13, Topic C
• Cable
• DSL
• Dial-up
• Fiber
• Satellite
• ISDN
• Cellular (Tethering, Mobile hotspot)
• Line of sight wireless Internet service
• Network types Lesson 3, Topic A
• LAN
• WAN
• PAN
• MAN
2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their
functions, and features.
• Hub Lesson 3, Topic B

• Switch Lesson 3, Topic B

• Router Lesson 3, Topic B

• Access point Lesson 3, Topic B

• Bridge Lesson 3, Topic B

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Modem Lesson 3, Topic B

• Firewall Lesson 3, Topic B

• Patch panel Lesson 3, Topic B

• Repeaters/extenders Lesson 3, Topic B

• Ethernet over Power Lesson 13, Topic A

• Power over Ethernet injector Lesson 3, Topic B

2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
• Crimper Lesson 13, Topic E

• Cable stripper Lesson 13, Topic E

• Multimeter Lesson 13, Topic E

• Tone generator & probe Lesson 13, Topic E

• Cable tester Lesson 13, Topic E

• Loopback plug Lesson 13, Topic E

• Punchdown tool Lesson 13, Topic E

• Wi-Fi analyzer Lesson 13, Topic E

Domain and Objective Covered In

3.0 Mobile Devices

3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Expansion options Lesson 1, Topic D; Lesson
15, Topic A; Lesson 15,
• Express card /34
Topic B
• Express card /54
• SODIMM
• Flash
• Ports/Adapters (Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, USB to RJ-45
dongle, USB to WiFi dongle, USB to Bluetooth, USB Optical
Drive)

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Hardware/device replacement Lesson 6, Topic A; Lesson

15, Topic A; Lesson 15,
• Keyboard
Topic B
• Hard Drive ( SSD vs. Hybrid vs. Magnetic disk, 1.8in vs. 2.5in)
• Memory
• Smart card reader
• Optical drive
• Wireless card
• Mini-PCIe
• Screen
• DC jack
• Battery
• Touchpad
• Plastics/frames
• Speaker
• System board
• CPU
3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a
laptop.
• Types Lesson 5, Topic A; Lesson
15, Topic B
• LCD (TTL vs. IPS, Flourescent vs. LED backlighting)
• OLED
• Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement Lesson 15, Topic B

• Webcam Lesson 15, Topic B

• Microphone Lesson 15, Topic B

• Inverter Lesson 15, Topic B

• Digitizer Lesson 15, Topic B

3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
• Special function keys Lesson 15, Topic A
• Dual displays
• Wireless (on/off)
• Cellular (on/off)
• Volume settings
• Screen brightness
• Bluetooth (on/off)
• Keyboard backlight
• Touch pad (on/off)
• Screen orientation
• Media options (fast forward/rewind)
• GPS (on/off)
• Airplane mode
• Docking station Lesson 15, Topic A

• Physical laptop lock and cable lock Lesson 15, Topic A

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Rotating / removable screens Lesson 15, Topic B

3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile
devices.
• Tablets Lesson 15, Topic C

• Smartphones Lesson 15, Topic C

• Wearable technology devices (Smart watches, Fitness monitors, Lesson 15, Topic C
Glasses and headsets)
• Phablets Lesson 15, Topic C

• e-Readers Lesson 15, Topic C

• Smart camera Lesson 15, Topic C

• GPS Lesson 15, Topic C

3.5 Compare and contrast accessories & ports of other mobile
devices.
• Connection types Lesson 15, Topic C
• NFC
• Proprietary vendor specific ports (communication/power)
• microUSB/miniUSB
• Lightning
• Bluetooth
• IR
• Hotspot / tethering
• Accessories Lesson 1, Topic B; Lesson
15, Topic D
• Headsets
• Speakers
• Game pads
• Docking stations
• Extra battery packs/battery chargers
• Protective covers / water proofing
• Credit card readers
• Memory/MicroSD

Domain and Objective Covered In

4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to
motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Common symptoms Lesson 7, Topic D; Lesson

8, Topic B; Lesson 19,
• Unexpected shutdowns
Topic A
• System lockups
• POST code beeps
• Blank screen on bootup
• BIOS time and settings resets
• Attempts to boot to incorrect device
• Continuous reboots
• No power
• Overheating
• Loud noise
• Intermittent device failure
• Fans spin – no power to other devices
• Indicator lights
• Smoke
• Burning smell
• Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)
• Distended capacitors
• Tools Lesson 7, Topic D
• Multimeter
• Power supply tester
• Loopback plugs
• POST card / USB
4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays
with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms Lesson 8, Topic E
• Read/write failure
• Slow performance
• Loud clicking noise
• Failure to boot
• Drive not recognized
• OS not found
• RAID not found
• RAID stops working
• Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)
• S.M.A.R.T. errors
• Tools Lesson 8, Topic E; Lesson
9, Topic D; Lesson 10,
• Screwdriver
Topic C; Lesson 19, Topic
• External enclosures A
• CHKDSK
• FORMAT
• File recovery software
• Bootrec
• Diskpart
• Defragmentation tool

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Domain and Objective Covered In

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and
display issues.
• Common symptoms Lesson 5, Topic C
• VGA mode
• No image on screen
• Overheat shutdown
• Dead pixels
• Artifacts
• Color patterns incorrect
• Dim image
• Flickering image
• Distorted image
• Distorted geometry
• Burn-in
• Oversized images and icons
4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks
with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms Lesson 19, Topic C
• No connectivity
• APIPA/link local address
• Limited connectivity
• Local connectivity
• Intermittent connectivity
• IP conflict
• Slow transfer speeds
• Low RF signal
• SSID not found
• Hardware tools Lesson 19, Topic C
• Cable tester
• Loopback plug
• Punch down tools
• Tone generator and probe
• Wire strippers
• Crimper
• Wireless locator
• Command line tools Lesson 13, Topic E;
Lesson 19, Topic C
• PING
• IPCONFIG/IFCONFIG
• TRACERT
• NETSTAT
• NBTSTAT
• NET
• NETDOM
• NSLOOKUP

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Domain and Objective Covered In

4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile
device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
• Common symptoms Lesson 5, Topic G; Lesson
19, Topic B
• No display
• Dim display
• Flickering display
• Sticking keys
• Intermittent wireless
• Battery not charging
• Ghost cursor/pointer drift
• No power
• Num lock indicator lights
• No wireless connectivity
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Cannot display to external monitor
• Touchscreen non-responsive
• Apps not loading
• Slow performance
• Unable to decrypt email
• Extremely short battery life
• Overheating
• Frozen system
• No sound from speakers
• GPS not functioning
• Swollen battery
• Disassembling processes for proper re-assembly Lesson 15, Topic G
• Document and label cable and screw locations
• Organize parts
• Refer to manufacturer resources
• Use appropriate hand tools
4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate
tools.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Common symptoms Lesson 16, Topic D

• Streaks
• Faded prints
• Ghost images
• Toner not fused to the paper
• Creased paper
• Paper not feeding
• Paper jam
• No connectivity
• Garbled characters on paper
• Vertical lines on page
• Backed up print queue
• Low memory errors
• Access denied
• Printer will not print
• Color prints in wrong print color
• Unable to install printer
• Error codes
• Printing blank pages
• No image on printer display
• Tools Lesson 16, Topic D
• Maintenance kit
• Toner vacuum
• Compressed air
• Printer spooler

Appendix A : Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-901 |

B Mapping Course Content
to CompTIA A+
Certification Exam
220-902
Obtaining CompTIA A+ certification requires candidates to pass two examinations. This
table describes where the objectives for CompTIA exam 220-902 are covered in this course.

Domain and Objective Covered In

1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.1 Compare and contrast various features and
requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows
Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1).
• Features: Lesson 2, Topic A;
Lesson 2, Topic B;
• 32-bit vs. 64-bit
Lesson 7, Topic B;
• Aero, gadgets, user account control, bit-locker, shadow Lesson 9, Topic C;
copy, system restore, ready boost, sidebar, compatibility Lesson 9, Topic E
mode, virtual XP mode, easy transfer, administrative
tools, defender, Windows firewall, security center, event
viewer, file structure and paths, category view vs. classic
view
• Side by side apps, Metro UI, Pinning, One Drive,
Windows store, Multimonitor task bars, Charms, Start
Screen, Power Shell, Live sign in, Action Center.
• Upgrade paths – differences between in place upgrades, Lesson 9, Topic E
compatibility tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor
1.2 Given a scenario, install Windows PC operating
systems using appropriate methods.
706 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Domain and Objective Covered In

• Boot methods Lesson 9, Topic B

• USB
• CD-ROM
• DVD
• PXE
• Solid state/flash drives
• Netboot
• External/hot swappable drive
• Internal hard drive (partition)
• Type of installations Lesson 9, Topic B
• Unattended installation
• Upgrade
• Clean install
• Repair installation
• Multiboot
• Remote network installation
• Image deployment
• Recovery partition
• Refresh/restore
• Partitioning Lesson 9, Topic B
• Dynamic
• Basic
• Primary
• Extended
• Logical
• GPT
• File system types/formatting Lesson 9, Topic B
• ExFAT
• FAT32
• NTFS
• CDFS
• NFS
• ext3, ext4
• Quick format vs. full format
• Load alternate third party drivers when necessary Lesson 9, Topic B

• Workgroup vs. Domain setup Lesson 9, Topic B

• Time/date/region/language settings Lesson 9, Topic B

• Driver installation, software and windows updates Lesson 9, Topic B

• Factory recovery partition Lesson 9, Topic B

• Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/ Lesson 9, Topic B
format

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Domain and Objective Covered In

1.3 Given a scenario, apply appropriate Microsoft
command line tools.
• TASKKILL Lesson 9, Topic D

• BOOTREC Lesson 9, Topic D

• SHUTDOWN Lesson 9, Topic D

• TASKLIST Lesson 9, Topic D

• MD Lesson 2, Topic B

• RD Lesson 2, Topic B

• CD Lesson 2, Topic B

• DEL Lesson 2, Topic B

• FORMAT Lesson 8, Topic D

• COPY Lesson 2, Topic B

• XCOPY Lesson 2, Topic B

• ROBOCOPY Lesson 2, Topic B

• DISKPART Lesson 9, Topic D

• SFC Lesson 9, Topic D

• CHKDSK Lesson 9, Topic D

• GPUPDATE Lesson 9, Topic D

• GPRESULT Lesson 9, Topic D

• DIR Lesson 2, Topic B

• EXIT Lesson 9, Topic D

• HELP Lesson 2, Topic B

• EXPAND Lesson 19, Topic A

• [command name] /? Lesson 2, Topic B

• Commands available with standard privileges vs. Lesson 2, Topic B

administrative privileges
1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft operating
system features and tools.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Administrative Lesson 6, Topic B;

Lesson 9, Topic C;
• Computer management
Lesson 9, Topic D
• Device manager
• Local Users and groups
• Local security policy
• Performance monitor
• Services
• System configuration
• Task scheduler
• Component services
• Data sources
• Print management
• Windows memory diagnostics
• Windows firewall
• Advanced security
• MSCONFIG Lesson 9, Topic D
• General
• Boot
• Services
• Startup
• Tools
• Task Manager Lesson 9, Topic C
• Applications
• Processes
• Performance
• Networking
• Users
• Disk management Lesson 8, Topic C
• Drive status
• Mounting
• Initializing
• Extending partitions
• Splitting partitions
• Shrinking partitions
• Assigning/changing drive letters
• Adding drives
• Adding arrays
• Storage spaces
• Other Lesson 9, Topic E
• User State Migration tool (USMT)
• Windows Easy Transfer
• Windows Upgrade Advisor

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• System utilities Lesson 2, Topic A;

Lesson 9, Topic B;
• REGEDIT
Lesson 9, Topic D;
• COMMAND Lesson 10, Topic C
• SERVICES.MSC
• MMC
• MSTSC
• NOTEPAD
• EXPLORER
• MSINFO32
• DXDIAG
• DEFRAG
• System restore
• Windows Update
1.5 Given a scenario, use Windows Control Panel utilities.
• Internet options Lesson 9, Topic D
• Connections
• Security
• General
• Privacy
• Programs
• Advanced
• Display/Display Settings Lesson 5, Topic B;
Lesson 9, Topic D
• Resolution
• Color depth
• Refresh rate
• User accounts Lesson 9, Topic D

• Folder options Lesson 9, Topic D

• View hidden files
• Hide extensions
• General options
• View options
• System Lesson 9, Topic D;
Lesson 10, Topic A;
• Performance (virtual memory)
Lesson 10, Topic B;
• Remote settings Lesson 14, Topic C
• System protection
• Windows firewall Lesson 9, Topic D

• Power options Lesson 9, Topic D

• Hibernate
• Power plans
• Sleep/suspend
• Standby
• Programs and features Lesson 9, Topic D

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• HomeGroup Lesson 9, Topic D

• Devices and Printers Lesson 9, Topic D

• Sound Lesson 9, Topic D

• Troubleshooting Lesson 9, Topic D

• Network and Sharing Center Lesson 9, Topic D

• Device Manager Lesson 9, Topic D

1.6 Given a scenario, install and configure Windows
networking on a client/desktop.
• HomeGroup vs. WorkGroup Lesson 9, Topic B;
Lesson 14, Topic A
• Domain setup Lesson 9, Topic B;
Lesson 14, Topic A
• Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives Lesson 14, Topic C

• Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping Lesson 9, Topic D;

Lesson 14, Topic A;
Lesson 16, Topic B
• Establish networking connections Lesson 13, Topic C;
Lesson 14, Topic A
• VPN
• Dialups
• Wireless
• Wired
• WWAN (Cellular)
• Proxy settings Lesson 14, Topic B

• Remote Desktop Connection Lesson 14, Topic C

• Remote Assistance Lesson 19, Topic A

• Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings Lesson 14, Topic A

• Firewall settings Lesson 9, Topic D

• Exceptions
• Configuration
• Enabling/disabling Windows firewall
• Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows Lesson 13, Topic B;
Lesson 14, Topic A
• IP addressing
• Subnet mask
• DNS
• Gateway

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Network card properties Lesson 13, Topic A;

Lesson 14, Topic A
• Half duplex/full duplex/auto
• Speed
• Wake-on-LAN
• QoS
• BIOS (on-board NIC)
1.7 Perform common preventive maintenance procedures
using the appropriate Windows OS tools.
• Best practices Lesson 10, Topic B;
Lesson 10, Topic C;
• Scheduled backups
Lesson 10, Topic D
• Scheduled disk maintenance
• Windows updates
• Patch management
• Driver/firmware updates
• Antivirus/ Antimalware updates
• Tools Lesson 10, Topic B;
Lesson 10, Topic C
• Backup
• System restore
• Recovery image
• Disk maintenance utilities

Domain and Objective Covered In

2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies

2.1 Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS
and Linux operating systems.
• Best practices Lesson 11, Topic A
• Scheduled backups
• Scheduled disk maintenance
• System updates/App store
• Patch management
• Driver/firmware updates
• Antivirus/ Antimalware updates
• Tools Lesson 11, Topic A
• Backup/Time Machine
• Restore/snapshot
• Image recovery
• Disk maintenance utilities
• Shell/Terminal
• Screen sharing
• Force Quit

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Features Lesson 2, Topic A; Lesson

11, Topic A
• Multiple desktops/Mission Control
• Key Chain
• Spot Light
• iCloud
• Gestures
• Finder
• Remote Disc
• Dock
• Boot Camp
• Basic Linux commands Lesson 11, Topic B
• ls
• grep
• cd
• shutdown
• pwd vs. passwd
• mv
• cp
• rm
• chmod
• mkdir
• chown
• iwconfig/ifconfig
• ps
• q
• su/sudo
• apt-get
• vi
• dd
2.2 Given a scenario, setup and use client-side virtualization.
• Purpose of virtual machines Lesson 9, Topic A

• Resource requirements Lesson 9, Topic A

• Emulator requirements Lesson 9, Topic A

• Security requirements Lesson 9, Topic A

• Network requirements Lesson 9, Topic A

• Hypervisor Lesson 9, Topic A

2.3 Identify basic cloud concepts.
• SaaS Lesson 3, Topic D

• IaaS Lesson 3, Topic D

• PaaS Lesson 3, Topic D

• Public vs. Private vs. Hybrid vs. Community Lesson 3, Topic D

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Rapid Elasticity Lesson 3, Topic D

• On-demand Lesson 3, Topic D

• Resource pooling Lesson 3, Topic D

• Measured service Lesson 3, Topic D

2.4 Summarize the properties and purpose of services provided
by networked hosts.
• Server roles Lesson 3, Topic C
• Web server
• File server
• Print server
• DHCP server
• DNS server
• Proxy server
• Mail server
• Authentication server
• Internet appliance Lesson 3, Topic C
• UTM
• IDS
• IPS
• Legacy / embedded systems Lesson 3, Topic C
2.5 Identify basic features of mobile operating systems.
• Android vs. iOS vs. Windows Lesson 2, Topic A
• Open source vs. closed source/vendor specific
• App source (play store, app store and store)
• Screen orientation (accelerometer/gyroscope)
• Screen calibration
• GPS and geotracking
• WiFi calling
• Launcher/GUI
• Virtual assistant
• SDK/APK
• Emergency notification
• Mobile payment service
2.6 Install and configure basic mobile device network
connectivity and email.
• Wireless / cellular data network (enable/disable) Lesson 15, Topic D;
Lesson 15, Topic E
• Hotspot
• Tethering
• Airplane mode

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Bluetooth Lesson 15, Topic E

• Enable Bluetooth
• Enable pairing
• Find device for pairing
• Enter appropriate pin code
• Test connectivity
• Corporate and ISP email configuration Lesson 15, Topic E
• POP3
• IMAP
• Port and SSL settings
• Exchange, S/MIME
• Integrated commercial provider email configuration Lesson 15, Topic E
• Google/Inbox
• Yahoo
• Outlook.com
• iCloud
• PRI updates/PRL updates/Baseband updates Lesson 15, Topic E

• Radio firmware Lesson 15, Topic E

• IMEI vs. IMSI Lesson 15, Topic E

• VPN Lesson 15, Topic E

2.7 Summarize methods and data related to mobile device
synchronization.
• Types of data to synchronize Lesson 15, Topic F
• Contacts
• Programs
• Email
• Pictures
• Music
• Videos
• Calendar
• Bookmarks
• Documents
• Location data
• Social media data
• eBooks
• Synchronization methods Lesson 15, Topic F
• Synchronize to the Cloud
• Synchronize to the Desktop
• Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO) Lesson 15, Topic F

• Software requirements to install the application on the PC Lesson 15, Topic F

• Connection types to enable synchronization Lesson 15, Topic F

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Domain and Objective Covered In

3.0 Security
3.1 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Malware Lesson 17, Topic A
• Spyware
• Viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Rootkits
• Ransomware
• Phishing Lesson 17, Topic A

• Spear phishing Lesson 17, Topic A

• Spoofing Lesson 17, Topic A

• Social engineering Lesson 17, Topic A

• Shoulder surfing Lesson 17, Topic A

• Zero day attack Lesson 17, Topic A

• Zombie/botnet Lesson 17, Topic A

• Brute forcing Lesson 17, Topic A

• Dictionary attacks Lesson 17, Topic A

• Non-compliant systems Lesson 17, Topic A

• Violations of security best practices Lesson 17, Topic A

• Tailgating Lesson 17, Topic A

• Man-in-the-middle Lesson 17, Topic A

3.2 Compare and contrast common prevention methods.
• Physical security Lesson 17, Topic B
• Lock doors
• Mantrap
• Cable locks
• Securing physical documents/passwords/shredding
• Biometrics
• ID badges
• Key fobs
• RFID badge
• Smart card
• Tokens
• Privacy filters
• Entry control roster

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Digital security Lesson 17, Topic B

• Antivirus/Antimalware
• Firewalls
• User authentication/strong passwords
• Multifactor authentication
• Directory permissions
• VPN
• DLP
• Disabling ports
• Access control lists
• Smart card
• Email filtering
• Trusted/untrusted software sources
• User education/AUP Lesson 3, Topic E; Lesson
4, Topic D
• Principle of least privilege Lesson 3, Topic E
3.3 Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS
security settings.
• User and groups Lesson 18, Topic A
• Administrator
• Power user
• Guest
• Standard user
• NTFS vs. Share permissions Lesson 18, Topic A
• Allow vs. deny
• Moving vs. copying folders and files
• File attributes
• Shared files and folders Lesson 18, Topic A
• Administrative shares vs. local shares
• Permission propagation
• Inheritance
• System files and folders Lesson 18, Topic A

• User authentication Lesson 18, Topic A

• Single sign-on
• Run as administrator vs. standard user Lesson 18, Topic A

• Bitlocker Lesson 18, Topic A

• Bitlocker-To-Go Lesson 18, Topic A

• EFS Lesson 18, Topic A

3.4 Given a scenario, deploy and enforce security best practices
to secure a workstation.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Password best practices Lesson 3, Topic B; Lesson

18, Topic B
• Setting strong passwords
• Password expiration
• Changing default user names/passwords
• Screensaver required password
• BIOS/UEFI passwords
• Requiring passwords
• Account management Lesson 18, Topic B
• Restricting user permissions
• Login time restrictions
• Disabling guest account
• Failed attempts lockout
• Timeout/screen lock
• Disable autorun Lesson 18, Topic B

• Data encryption Lesson 18, Topic B

• Patch/update management Lesson 18, Topic B

3.5 Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile
devices.
• Screen locks Lesson 17, Topic C
• Fingerprint lock
• Face lock
• Swipe lock
• Passcode lock
• Remote wipes Lesson 17, Topic C;
Lesson 18, Topic D
• Locator applications Lesson 17, Topic C;
Lesson 18, Topic D
• Remote backup applications Lesson 17, Topic C;
Lesson 18, Topic D
• Failed login attempts restrictions Lesson 18, Topic D

• Antivirus/Antimalware Lesson 17, Topic C;

Lesson 18, Topic D
• Patching/OS updates Lesson 17, Topic C;
Lesson 18, Topic D
• Biometric authentication Lesson 18, Topic D

• Full device encryption Lesson 17, Topic C;

Lesson 18, Topic D
• Multifactor authentication Lesson 18, Topic D

• Authenticator applications Lesson 18, Topic D

• Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources Lesson 18, Topic D

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Firewalls Lesson 18, Topic D

• Policies and procedures Lesson 18, Topic D

• BYOD vs. corporate owned
• Profile security requirements
3.6 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction and
disposal methods.
• Physical destruction Lesson 17, Topic D
• Shredder
• Drill / Hammer
• Electromagnetic (Degaussing)
• Incineration
• Certificate of destruction
• Recycling or repurposing best practices Lesson 17, Topic D
• Low level format vs. standard format
• Overwrite
• Drive wipe
3.7 Given a scenario, secure SOHO wireless and wired
networks.
• Wireless specific Lesson 18, Topic C
• Changing default SSID
• Setting encryption
• Disabling SSID broadcast
• Antenna and access point placement
• Radio power levels
• WPS
• Change default user-names and passwords Lesson 18, Topic C

• Enable MAC filtering Lesson 18, Topic C

• Assign static IP addresses Lesson 18, Topic C

• Firewall settings Lesson 18, Topic C

• Port forwarding/mapping Lesson 18, Topic C

• Disabling ports Lesson 18, Topic C

• Content filtering / parental controls Lesson 18, Topic C

• Update firmware Lesson 18, Topic C

• Physical security Lesson 18, Topic C

Domain and Objective Covered In

4.0 Software Troubleshooting

4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot PC operating system
problems with appropriate tools.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Common symptoms Lesson 19, Topic A

• Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)
• Failure to boot
• Improper shutdown
• Spontaneous shutdown/restart
• Device fails to start/detected
• Missing dll message
• Services fails to start
• Compatibility error
• Slow system performance
• Boots to safe mode
• File fails to open
• Missing NTLDR
• Missing Boot configuration data
• Missing operating system
• Missing Graphical Interface
• Missing GRUB/LILO
• Kernel panic
• Graphical Interface fails to load
• Multiple monitor misalignment/orientation
• Tools Lesson 19, Topic A
• BIOS/UEFI
• SFC
• Logs
• System Recovery options
• Repair disks
• Pre-installation environments
• MSCONFIG
• DEFRAG
• REGSRV32
• REGEDIT
• Event viewer
• Safe mode
• Command prompt
• Uninstall/reinstall/repair
4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common PC security issues
with appropriate tools and best practices.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Common symptoms Lesson 19, Topic D

• Pop-ups
• Browser redirection
• Security alerts
• Slow performance
• Internet connectivity issues
• PC/OS lock up
• Application crash
• OS updates failures
• Rogue antivirus
• Spam
• Renamed system files
• Files disappearing
• File permission changes
• Hijacked email (Responses from users regarding email,
Automated replies from unknown sent email)
• Access denied
• Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)
• Tools Lesson 19, Topic D
• Antivirus software
• Antimalware software
• Recovery console
• Terminal
• System restore/Snapshot
• Pre-installation environments
• Event viewer
• Refresh/restore
• MSCONFIG/Safe boot
• Best practice procedure for malware removal Lesson 19, Topic D
1. Identify malware symptoms
2. Quarantine infected system
3. Disable system restore (in Windows)
4. Remediate infected systems
a. Update antimalware software
b. Scan and removal techniques (safe mode, pre-installation
environment)
5. Schedule scans and run updates
6. Enable system restore and create restore point (in Windows)
7. Educate end user
4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and
application issues with appropriate tools.

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Common symptoms Lesson 19, Topic B

• Dim display
• Intermittent wireless
• No wireless connectivity
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Cannot broadcast to external monitor
• Touchscreen non-responsive
• Apps not loading
• Slow performance
• Unable to decrypt email
• Extremely short battery life
• Overheating
• Frozen system
• No sound from speakers
• Inaccurate touch screen response
• System lockout
• Tools Lesson 19, Topic B
• Hard reset
• Soft reset
• Close running applications
• Reset to factory default
• Adjust configurations/settings
• Uninstall/reinstall apps
• Force stop
4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and
application security issues with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms Lesson 19, Topic D
• Signal drop/weak signal
• Power drain
• Slow data speeds
• Unintended Wi-Fi connection
• Unintended Bluetooth pairing
• Leaked personal files/data
• Data transmission overlimit
• Unauthorized account access
• Unauthorized root access
• Unauthorized location tracking
• Unauthorized camera/microphone activation
• High resource utilization

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Tools Lesson 19, Topic D

• Antimalware
• App scanner
• Factory reset/Clean install
• Uninstall/reinstall apps
• Wi-Fi analyzer
• Force stop
• Cell tower analyzer
• Backup/restore (iTunes/iCloud/Apple Configurator, Google
sync, One Drive)

Domain and Objective Covered In

5.0 Operational Procedures

5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.
• Equipment grounding Lesson 4, Topic B

• Proper component handling and storage Lesson 4, Topic B

• Antistatic bags
• ESD straps
• ESD mats
• Self-grounding
• Toxic waste handling Lesson 4, Topic C
• Batteries
• Toner
• CRT
• Personal safety Lesson 4, Topic B; Lesson
4, Topic C
• Disconnect power before repairing PC
• Remove jewelry
• Lifting techniques
• Weight limitations
• Electrical fire safety
• Cable management
• Safety goggles
• Air filter mask
• Compliance with local government regulations Lesson 4, Topic A
5.2 Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts,
apply the appropriate controls.
• MSDS documentation for handling and disposal Lesson 4, Topic C

• Temperature, humidity level awareness and proper ventilation Lesson 4, Topic C

• Power surges, brownouts, blackouts Lesson 4, Topic C

• Battery backup
• Surge suppressor

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Protection from airborne particles Lesson 4, Topic C

• Enclosures
• Air filters/Mask
• Dust and debris Lesson 4, Topic C
• Compressed air
• Vacuums
• Compliance to local government regulations Lesson 4, Topic A
5.3 Summarize the process of addressing prohibited content/
activity, and explain privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
• Incident Response Lesson 4, Topic E
• First response (Identify, Report through proper channels,
Data/device preservation)
• Use of documentation/documentation changes
• Chain of custody (Tracking of evidence/documenting process)
• Licensing / DRM / EULA Lesson 4, Topic E
• Open source vs. commercial license
• Personal license vs. enterprise licenses
• Personally Identifiable Information Lesson 4, Topic E

• Follow corporate end-user policies and security best practices Lesson 4, Topic E
5.4 Demonstrate proper communication techniques and
professionalism.
• Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang when Lesson 4, Topic D
applicable
• Maintain a positive attitude / Project confidence Lesson 4, Topic D

• Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer Lesson 4, Topic D

• Be culturally sensitive Lesson 4, Topic D

• Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
• Be on time (if late contact the customer) Lesson 4, Topic D

• Avoid distractions Lesson 4, Topic D

• Personal calls
• Texting / Social media sites
• Talking to co-workers while interacting with customers
• Personal interruptions

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Domain and Objective Covered In

• Dealing with difficult customer or situation Lesson 4, Topic D

• Do not argue with customers and/or be defensive
• Avoid dismissing customer problems
• Avoid being judgmental
• Clarify customer statements (ask open ended questions to
narrow the scope of the problem, restate the issue or question
to verify understanding)
• Do not disclose experiences via social media outlets
• Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with Lesson 4, Topic D
the customer
• Offer different repair/replacement options if applicable
• Provide proper documentation on the services provided
• Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify
satisfaction
• Deal appropriately with customers confidential and private Lesson 4, Topic D
materials
• Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc
5.5 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.
• Always consider corporate policies, procedures and impacts before Lesson 4, Topic F
implementing changes.
1. Identify the problem. Question the user and identify user
changes to computer and perform backups before making
changes
2. Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious). If
necessary, conduct external or internal research based on
symptoms
3. Test the theory to determine cause. Once theory is confirmed
determine next steps to resolve problem. If theory is not
confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate
4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and
implement the solution
5. Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement
preventive measures
6. Document findings, actions and outcomes

Appendix B : Mapping Course Content to CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-902 |

C A+ Command Reference
This appendix summarizes the various commands used throughout the course, along with a
brief description of their uses and proper command syntax.

Microsoft Windows Commands

The following table describes the Microsoft Windows commands used throughout this
course. For a complete description of a command, use the help command or command /?

Command Syntax and Description

command/? Syntax:
command /?
Description: Displays the same information as help command_name.
md /?

help Syntax:
help [command]
Description: The help command by itself lists the available commands.
To get information on a specific command, enter help
command_name.
Example: help md /?
MD Syntax:
MD [drive:]path
Description: Create a directory with the specified name.
Example: md c:\MyNewDirectory
RD Syntax:
RD [/S] [/Q] [drive:]path
6

Description: Remove the specified directory.

Example: rd c:\MyDirectory
CD Syntax:
CD [/D] [drive:][path]
CD [..]
Description: Change to the specified directory.
Example: cd c:\MyNewDirectory
726 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Command Syntax and Description

DEL Syntax:
DEL [/P] [/F] [/S] [/Q] [/A[[:]attributes]] names
Description: Delete the specified file.
Example: del myfile.txt
DIR Syntax:
DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/A[[:]attributes]] [/B]
[/C] [/D] [/L] [/N] [/O[[:]sortorder]] [/P] [/Q] [/R]
[/S] [/T[[:]timefield]] [/W] [/X] [/4]
Description: List the contents of the current or specified directory.
Example: dir c:\MyDirectory
COPY Syntax:
COPY [/D] [/V] [/N] [/Y | /-Y] [/Z] [/L] [/A | /B ]
source [/A | /B] [+ source [/A | /B] [+ ...]]
[destination [/A | /B]]
Description: Copy the specified file(s) to a different location. The other
location can be a different file name in the current directory or the same
or a different name in another directory. You can use wildcards such as *
to match any number of any characters and ? to match any single
character.
Example: copy *.txt c:\MyNewDirectory\MyTextFiles
XCOPY Syntax:
XCOPY source [destination] [/A | /M] [/D[:date]] [/P]
[/S [/E]] [/V] [/W] [/C] [/I] [/Q] [/F] [/L] [/G] [/H]
[/R] [/T] [/U] [/K] [/N] [/O] [/X] [/Y] [/-Y] [/Z] [/B]
[/J] [/EXCLUDE:file1[+file2][+file3]...]
Description: Copies the specified file(s), and if desired, a directory tree,
to the specified destination. Wildcards can be used with this command.
Example: xcopy c:\MyOriginalFiles\*.txt c:\MyNewDirectory
\MyTextFiles

Appendix C : A+ Command Reference |

 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 727

Command Syntax and Description

ROBOCOPY Syntax:
robocopy source destination [file [file]...] [options]
Description: Robust Copy for Windows (ROBOCOPY) has many more
options than either XCOPY or COPY commands. In this command, you
specify the source directory, followed by the destination directory, then
the file(s) and any options you wish to use. You can use wildcards when
specifying the files to copy.
Note: For a complete list of options, in addition to using help or
the /? option, you can go to https://
technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc733145(WS.10).aspx.

Example:robocopy c:\SourceDir f:\DestinationDir /e /

minage: 14

Note: The command in this example will copy the contents of

the source directory into the destination directory with all
subdirectories, including empty subdirectories, for all files over 14
days old.

For additional examples, refer to http://

social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/
1073.robocopy-and-a-few-examples.aspx.
CHKDSK Syntax:
CHKDSK [volume[[path]filename]]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X]
[/I] [/C] [/L[:size]] [/B] [/scan] [/spotfix]
Description: Checks for fragmentation and other errors on the specified
disk and displays a status report. Various options can be used to repair
and clean up the disk.
Example: chkdsk c: /R
In this example, the C: drive is checked, bad sectors are located, and
readable information is recovered.
FORMAT Syntax:
FORMAT volume [/FS:file-system] [/V:label] [/Q] [/L] [/
A:size] [/C] [/I:state] [/X] [/P:passes] [/S:state]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q] [/F:size] [/P:passes]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q] [/T:tracks /N:sectors] [/
P:passes]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q] [/P:passes] FORMAT volume
[/Q]
Description: Formats the specified disk for use with Windows. Using
parameters, you can specify the file system type and volume label.
Example: format h: /FS: NTFS /v:DATA
In this example, the H: drive is formatted with the NTFS file system and
given the volume label, DATA.

Appendix C : A+ Command Reference |

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Command Syntax and Description

DISKPART Syntax:
DISKPART
Description: DISKPART is a superset of the commands available in the
GUI tool Disk Management. It should be used with extreme caution as
you can easily remove a partition that contains data.
At the Diskpart command prompt, these are the commands you can
enter:
LIST Disk LIST Partition LIST Volume SELECT Disk=n
SELECT Partition=n SELECT Volume=n_or_d (Number or Drive
Letter) DETAIL Disk DETAIL Partition DETAIL volume
ACTIVE (set the current in-focus partition to be the
system partition) ASSIGN (allocate the next free drive
letter) ASSIGN LETTER=E (Choose a free letter)
ATTRIBUTES DISK [{set | clear}] [readonly] [noerr]
ATTRIBUTES VOLUME [{set | clear}] [{hidden | readonly |
nodefaultdriveletter | shadowcopy}] [noerr] AUTOMOUNT
[enable] [disable] [scrub] [noerr] FILESYSTEMS (Use
'Select Volume' first) HELP INACTIVE (mark a system/boot
partition as inactive [don’t boot], use 'Select
Partition' first) OFFLINE disk [noerr] (Take the current
disc offline, use 'Select Disk' first) ONLINE {disk|
volume} [noerr] REM (remark/comment) REMOVE letter=E
[dismount] [noerr] (Remove drive letter E from the in-
focus partition) REMOVE mount=path [dismount] [noerr]
(Remove mount point from the in-focus partition) REMOVE /
ALL [dismount] [noerr] (Remove ALL current drive letters
and mount points) RESCAN (Locate new disks that have
been added to the computer) SHRINK [desired=n]
[minimum=n] [nowait] [noerr] (Reduce the size of the in-
focus volume) SHRINK querymax [noerr] EXIT UNIQUEID disk
[id={dword | GUID}] [noerr] (Display or set the GUID
partition table identifier or MBR signature for the disk
with focus)

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 729

Command Syntax and Description

DISKPART Commands to Manage Basic Disks: ASSIGN MOUNT=path
(Cont.) (Choose a mount point path for the volume) CREATE
PARTITION Primary Size=50000 (50 GB) CREATE PARTITION
Extended Size=25000 CREATE PARTITION logical Size=25000
DELETE Partition EXTEND Size=10000 GPT attributes=n
(assign GUID Partition Table attributes) SET id=byte|
GUID [override] [noerr] (Change the partition type)
Commands to Manage Dynamic Disks: ADD disk=n (Add a
mirror to the in-focus SIMPLE volume on the specified
disk see 'Diskpart Help' for more.) BREAK disk=n (Break
the current in-focus mirror) CREATE VOLUME Simple Size=n
Disk=n CREATE VOLUME Stripe Size=n Disk=n,n,... CREATE
VOLUME Raid Size=n Disk=n,n,... DELETE DISK DELETE
PARTITION DELETE VOLUME EXTEND Disk=n [Size=n] EXTEND
Filesystem [noerr] IMPORT [noerr] (Import a foreign disk
group, use 'Select Disc' first) RECOVER [noerr] (Refresh
disc pack state, attempt recovery on an invalid pack, &
resynchronize stale plex/parity data.) REPAIR disk=n
[align=n] [noerr] (Repair the RAID-5 volume with focus,
replace with the specified dynamic disk) RETAIN (Prepare
an existing dynamic simple volume to be used as a boot
or system volume) Commands to Convert Disks: CONVERT
basic CONVERT dynamic CONVERT gpt CONVERT mbr CLEAN
[ALL] (remove all partition and volume info from the
hard drive) FORMAT [{fs=ntfs|fat|fat32] [revision=x.xx]
| recommended}] [label="label"] [unit=n] [quick]
[compress] [override] [nowait] [noerr]

TASKLIST Syntax:
TASKLIST [/S system [/U username [/P [password]]]] [/M
[module] | /SVC | /V] [/FI filter] [/FO format] [/NH]
Description: Displays a list of processes that are running on local or
remote systems. In addition to the name of the command, the resulting
list also displays the PID, or process ID, or the process.
Example: TASKLIST /APPS /FI "STATUS eq RUNNING"
In this example, Store Apps and their associated processes, filtered to
show the apps that are running, are listed.
TASKKILL Syntax:
TASKKILL [/S system [/U username [/P [password]]]]
{ [/FI filter] [/PID processid | /IM imagename] } [/T]
[/F]
Description: Terminates the specified tasks identified by image name or
PID.
taskkill /im cal*.exe
In this example, any task name that begins with "cal" and is an exe file,
will be terminated.

Appendix C : A+ Command Reference |

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Command Syntax and Description

GPUPDATE Syntax:
Syntax: Gpupdate [/Target:{Computer | User}] [/Force] [/
Wait:<value>] [/Logoff] [/Boot] [/Sync]
Description: Updates Group Policy settings.
Example: gpupdate /force
In this example, the /force option specifies that all policy settings are
reapplied.
GPRESULT Syntax:
GPRESULT [/S system [/U username [/P [password]]]] [/
SCOPE scope] [/USER targetusername] [/R | /V | /Z]
Description: Displays the Resultant Set of Policies (RSoP) for a target
user and computer.
Example:gpresult /r
In this example, the RSoP summary data is displayed.
BOOTREC Syntax:
bootrec [ /RebuildBcd ] [ /FixBoot ] [ /FixMBR ] [ /
ScanOs ]
Description: Bootrec.exe is run from within the Windows RE. This is
the system recovery done from the Windows Vista or Windows 7 DVD.
After booting from the installation media in the DVD drive, selecting
Repair your computer, and selecting the operating system to repair, you
can open a command prompt and run bootrec.exe. It can be used to fix
the master boot record and the boot sector, to rebuild the BCD store,
and to scan for items not in the BCD store.
Example: bootrec /FixMbr
In this example, bootrec writes a compatible master boot record to the
system partition.
SHUTDOWN Syntax:
shutdown [/i | /l | /s | /r | /g | /a | /p | /h | /e
| /o] [/hybrid] [/f] [/m \\computer][/t xxx][/d [p|
u:]xx:yy [/c "comment"]]
Description: This command is used to safely end processes that are
currently running so that the system can be turned off or restarted.
Example: shutdown /r /t 0
In this example, the computer shuts down immediately and restarts.

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Command Syntax and Description

SFC Syntax:
SFC [/SCANNOW] [/VERIFYONLY] [/SCANFILE=<file>] [/
VERIFYFILE=<file>] [/OFFWINDIR=<offline windows
directory> /OFFBOOTDIR=<offline boot directory>]
Description: SFC scans protected system files. If it finds any that are the
incorrect version, the files are replaced with the correct Microsoft
version of the file.
Example:sfc /scannow
In this example, the integrity of all protected system files are scanned.
Any files that need repairs, are repaired if possible.
EXPAND Syntax:
(EXTRACT,
EXPAND [-R] Source Destination
EXTRAC32)
EXPAND -R Source [Destination]
EXPAND -I Source [Destination]
EXPAND -D Source.cab [-F:Files]
EXPAND Source.cab -F:Files Destination
Description: Expands (or extracts) one or more compressed files from
a .CAB file.
expand -d source.cab
In this example, the files contained in the source.cab file are listed.
EXIT Syntax:
exit
Description: Closes the Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
REGEDIT Syntax:
regedit
Description: Used to edit Registry settings. Entered from a command
prompt or the Run dialog box, this command opens the Registry
Editor window.
RECIMG Syntax: recimg <command> <arguments>
Commands include:
• /createimage directory
• /setcurrent directory
• /deregister
• /showcurrent
Description: Configures a recovery image from which Windows can
refresh the computer.
Example: recimg /createimage g:\MyUpdatedImage
In this example, recimage captures a new custom recovery image and
saves it to the G: drive in the MyUpdatedImage directory. This new
image is set as the active recovery image.

Windows GUI Tools

The Windows GUI tools used in this course include:

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732 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Tool Description Accessed from

Computer This tool gathers several frequently used From the Start menu
Management tools into one application for easy
access, including:
• System Tools
• Task Scheduler
• Event Viewer
• Shared Folders
• Performance
• Device Manager
• Storage
• Disk Management
• Services and Applications
• Services
• WMI Control
Device View and configure properties for From the Start menu, Computer
Manager hardware devices installed on the Management, search for devmgmt.msc
computer. and select it from the results, or from
the Run dialog box, enter
devmgmt.msc
Local Users Manage users and groups stored on the From the Start menu, add the Local
and Groups computer. Users and Groups snap-in to the
MMC console, or from Search or Run,
run lusrmgr.msc
Local Security Configure settings for local system, From Search or Run, run secpol.msc
Policy user, and security settings for the local
computer. For the Windows 8 family of
operating systems, this tool is only
available on the Pro and Enterprise
editions.
Performance View performance data from log files or From the Start menu, from Search or
Monitor in real time. Run, run perfmon.msc, or add the
Performance Monitor snap-in to the
MMC console
Services Configure Windows services as well as From the Start menu, from Search or
start and stop services. Run, run services.msc, add the
Services snap-in to the MMC console
or run msconfig.exe and in the
System Configuration dialog box,
select the Services tab.
System Configure what is run at system startup, From the Start menu, or search for
Configuration/ troubleshoot system problems, manage msconfig.exe and select it from the
MSCONFIG services, configure boot options, and results.
launch other tools.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 733

Tool Description Accessed from

Task Scheduler Configure tasks to run automatically at From the Start menu, search for task
set times. scheduler and select it from the results,
from the Run dialog box, enter
taskschd.msc, add the Task
Scheduler snap-in to the MMC
console, or select it to run inside
Computer Management
Component Deploy and manage Computer Object From the Start menu, from Search or
Services Model (COM+) applications. Run, run comexp.msc, or add the
Component Services snap-in to the
MMC console.
Data Sources Create and manage ODBC data sources. From the Start menu, select All
Programs→Administrative
Tools→ODBC Data Sources (xx-bit)
in Windows 8/8.1 or All
Programs→Administrative
Tools→Data Sources (ODBC) in
Windows 7.
Print Manage multiple printers, print servers, From the Run dialog box or the Search
Management or print queues. charm, enter printmanagment.msc or
from Control Panel, select
Administrative Tools then select the
Print Management shortcut.
Windows Detects problems with memory in the • If a memory problem notification is
Memory computer. displayed, in the Windows Memory
Diagnostics Diagnostics Tool dialog box, select
Tool Restart now and check for
problems.
• To manually run the Windows
Memory Diagostics Tool in the
Control Panel search box, enter
Memory, and from the results, select
Diagnose your computer's
memory problems.
Windows A built-in firewall that creates a barrier In Control Panel with Large icons or
Firewall between the Internet and your Small icons selected as your view,
computer. select Windows Firewall.
Task Manager View, start or end, or monitor From the Start menu or taskbar, right-
programs, processes, and services click and select Task Manager, or
running on a computer. from Search or Run, run taskmgr.exe
Disk Create, delete, or resize hard disk In the Run dialog box, enter
Management partitions. diskmgmt.msc or from Computer
Management, in the left pane, expand
Storage and then select Disk
Management.

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Tool Description Accessed from

USMT User State Migration Tool (USMT) is Download the Windows ADK from
part of the Windows Assessment and Microsoft.
Deployment Kit (ADK) and is used to
customize user-profile migration from
one version of Windows to a higher
numbered Windows version (i.e., from
Windows 7 to Windows 8).
Windows Easy A tool for assisting in transferring files Search for easy transfer and from the
Transfer and settings from one Windows results list, select Windows Easy
computer to another. Transfer.
Windows A utility to identify possible Download the Windows Upgrade
Upgrade compatibility issues that need to be Advisor from Microsoft.
Advisor addressed when upgrading from one
Windows version to another.

Linux Commands
The following table describes the Linux commands used throughout this course. For a complete
description of the command with its related options and arguments, refer to the man page for the
command.
Note: Most of the Linux commands can also be used at the command line in OS X since it is a
Linux derivative.

Command Syntax and Description

ls Syntax:
ls [OPTION]... [FILE]...
Description: Lists information about the files in the current directory (by
default) or the specified directory. You can also specify a file to show just
information for that file.
Example:ls -laR
In this example, a recursive listing of all files in the current folder, the subfolders
and their contents, including empty or hidden folders.
cd Syntax:
cd [dir]
Description:Change the working directory to the specified directory.
Example: cd /data/finance
pwd Syntax:
pwd
Description:Shows the name of the current directory.

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Command Syntax and Description

mv Syntax:
mv [OPTION]... SOURCE... Destination
Description:
Used to move or rename files. Important options are the -i (interactive), which
prompts you before overwriting a destination file, and -n (noclobber), which will
not overwrite an existing destination file.
Example: mv /data/finance/*2015* /home/jsmith/current_data
In this example, files in the /data/finance folder that contain the numbers 2015
somewhere in the filename are moved to the /home/jsmith/current_data folder.
ifconfig Syntax:
ifconfig {interface name} {options | address}
Description:
Used for configuring network interfaces for Linux servers and workstations. It is
also used to view the current TCP/IP configuration of a system, including the IP
address and the netmask address.
Example: ifconfig eth0
In this example, TCP/IP configuration for the eth0 interface is displayed.
iwconfig Syntax:
iwconfig {interface name} {options | address}
Description:
Used for configuring wireless network interfaces.
ps Syntax:
ps [options]
Description:
Displays the processes run by the current shell with details such as the PID, the
terminal associated with the process, the accumulated CPU time, and the
command that started the process.
dd Syntax:
dd [operand]... or dd [option]
Description:
Copies and converts files to enable them to be transferred from one type of
medium to another.
grep Syntax:
grep [command options] {keyword} {file name}
Description: A search tool for locating text within a file or a file within a
directory.
Example: grep 2015 audit
In this example, the text 2015 is being searched for in the audit file.
Example: ls -l | grep audit
In this example, the output from the ls command is being searched for the file
named audit.

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Command Syntax and Description

passwd Syntax:
passwd [user name]
Description: Used to change a user's password. If no user name is given as an
option, the current user's password is changed.
Example: passwd jsmith
In this example, the password will be changed for the user jsmith.
rm Syntax:
rm [command options] {absolute or relative path of file or
directory}/{file or directory name}
Description: Delete files or directories.
Example: rm -R report_files_directory
In this example, the specified directory, its contents, and any subdirectories are
deleted.
shutdown Syntax:
shutdown [-t seconds] [-options] time [warning message]
Description: Closes and safely shuts down the system.
Example: shutdown -t 60
In this example, the system will be shut down in 60 seconds.
cp Syntax:
cp [options] {absolute or relative path of the file or
directory to be copied}/{file or directory name} {absolute or
relative path of the destination}
Description: Copy files.
Example: cp -R /home/jsmith/reports /data/reports
In this example, a recursive copy of the files in the /home/jsmith/reports
directory are being copied to the /data/reports directory.
chmod Syntax:
chmod [option] {mode} {file name}
Description: Modifies permissions for a file.
Example: chmod 644 audit
In this example, the audit file permissions are Read, Write for the file owner, and
Read for groups and other users.
chown Syntax:
chown [option] [owner][:[group]] [file name]
Description: Change owner, the group, or both for a file or directory.
Example: chown cfromme /data/reports/*2015*
In this example, any files in the /data/reports directory containing 2015 in the
file name will have their ownership changed to the user cfromme.

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Command Syntax and Description

su Syntax:
su [options] [-] [user [argument...]]
Description: Allows regular users to run programs with the security privileges
of the specified user.
Example: su cfromme
In this example, you are substituting the current user with the user cfromme.
sudo Syntax:
sudo command-name command-options
Description: Allows regular users to run programs with the security privileges
of the root user.
Example: sudo ls /home/cfromme/private
In this example, you are acting as root, but listing the contents of cfromme's
private folder.
apt-get Syntax:
apt-get [options] {command}
Description: Used to install or upgrade packages through the Internet or from
the distribution CD on Debian, Ubuntu, or related Linux distribution.
Example: apt-get upgrade MyPkg
In this example, the MyPkg package is upgraded.
vi Syntax:
vi [options] [filename]
Description: A text editor.
Example: vi audit_2015
In this example, the audit_2015 file in the current directory is opened in the vi
editor.

OS X GUI Tools
The following table describes the OS X tools used throughout this course.

Command Description Access by

Time Machine A backup utility that backs files From the Apple menu, select System
and folders up to a separate hard Preferences→Time Machine.
drive (not removable media) that
has been formatted as a Mac file
system. Files and folders can be
restored from the Time Machine
drive.

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Command Description Access by

Snapshot On Mac notebooks that don't From the Apple menu, select System
currently have access to the Time Preferences→Time Machine. The
Machine drive, local copies of timeline is displayed on the right side of the
files that are created, modified, Time Machine window.
or deleted are stored on the
startup drive. They are copied to
the Time Machine drive when it
becomes available. Files and
folders can be restored from the
local snapshot.
Force Quit If an app is not responding, you From the Apple menu, select Force Quit
can open the Force Quit to open the Force Quit Applications
Applications window, then window. You can also access this window
select the non-responsive app by pressing Command+Option+Esc.
and select the Force Quit
button.
Mission Control Enables you to see all open • Using either three or four fingers, swipe
windows and spaces. up on the trackpad.
• Double tap a Magic Mouse surface with
two fingers.
• From the Dock or Launchpad, select
the Mission Control icon.
• For Apple keyboards with a dedicated
key, press the Mission Control key.
Keychain A password management system. Open the Applications folder, open the
Utilities folder, select Keychain Access.
Spotlight Utility to locate files, apps, or Select the magnifying glass icon in the
online information. menu bar or from within any app, press
Command+ Spacebar.
iCloud A cloud computing service Access through a browser using your Apple
offered by Apple. ID.
Gestures Multi-touch gestures can be Use one or more fingers to tap or swipe the
performed on a Mac multi-touch surface of the input device.
trackpad, a Magic Trackpad, or a
Magic Mouse.
Finder Used to manage the folders and Finder is displayed when you turn on the
files on your computer. Mac.
Remote Disc Access a CD or DVD drive that On the Mac without the optical drive, in
has been configured to be the Finder sidebar, select the computer on
shareable. which sharing of CDs and DVDs has been
enabled and then select Connect. If the
Mac you are using has an optical drive,
Remote Disc will not appear in Finder.
Dock All open windows and programs Displayed at the bottom of most screens.
are represented by an icon in the
row of icons at the bottom of the
screen. You can also secure items
to the dock so that they are
always available from the dock.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 739

Command Description Access by

Boot Camp A boot manager for OS X To install Boot Camp, open the
systems that enables users to Applications folder, open the Utilities
install Microsoft Windows in a folder, and select Boot Camp Assistant.
separate partition. After setup and configuration, select which
operating system to use at boot by pressing
the Option key and selecting the desired
operating system.

Appendix C : A+ Command Reference |

D A Brief History of
Personal Computers
Mechanical Computing Devices
Knowing a little about the history of computers can help you appreciate the current industry
situation and prepare you for future developments. And, understanding how computers
have evolved can help you appreciate how they are built and help you better understand
why they work the way they do, which makes troubleshooting and repair that much easier.

The Abacus
The abacus is usually listed as the first mechanical computation device. Developed 2,000 or
more years ago in India or the Far East, an abacus consists of columns of beads that can
slide up and down on rods that are held together in a frame. The position of the beads
represents a number. Skilled users could perform calculations more quickly than early
electronic computers could.
6

Mathematical Advancements and Computing

The written number for zero appeared around 650 A.D. in India and made written
calculations much easier. A Persian scholar wrote the first textbook on algebra in 830 A.D.
During the 1100s, Europeans learned the written form of math used by the Arabs and wrote
down multiplication tables to help merchants. Five hundred years later, John Napier, a
742 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Scotsman, carved a set of multiplication tables on ivory sticks that could slide back and forth to
indicate certain results. The use of logarithms on Napier's Bones in 1617 led to the development of
the slide rule. Today's mature engineers can still remember using slide rules in their college days.

Calculating Machines
The Frenchman Blaise Pascal is usually given credit for the first calculating machine. In 1642, to
help his father—a tax collector—with his work, Pascal invented a machine with eight metal dials
that could be turned to add and subtract numbers. Leonardo da Vinci and Wilhelm Schickard, a
German, designed calculating machines before Pascal, but Pascal receives the recognition because he
produced 50 models of his Pascaline machine, not just a prototype or description. In 1673,
Gottfried von Leibniz, a German mathematician, improved on Pascal's design to create a Stepped
Reckoner that could do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Only two prototypes
were produced.
A Frenchman, Thomas de Colmar, created an Arithmometer in 1820 that was produced in large
numbers over the ensuing 100 years. The Swedish inventor Willgodt T. Odhner improved on the
Arithmometer, and his calculating mechanism was used by dozens of companies in the calculating
machines they produced.

Punchcard Technologies
Punched cards first appeared in 1801. Joseph Marie Jacquard used the holes placed in the card to
control the patterns woven into cloth by power looms. In 1832, Charles Babbage was working on a
Difference Engine when he realized Jacquard's punched cards could be used in computations. The
Analytical Engine, which is the machine Babbage designed but never manufactured, introduced the
idea of using memory for storing results and the idea of printed output. His drawings described a
general-purpose, fully program-controlled, automatic mechanical digital computer. Lady Ada
Augusta Lovelace worked with Babbage on his machine. She became the first computer
programmer when she wrote out a series of instructions for the Analytical Engine.
Note: Charles Babbage's Difference Engine No. 1 was the first successful automatic calculator.
Although the 12,000 parts were never assembled into a finished engine, the parts that were
completed functioned perfectly.

Punched cards were used in the United States census of 1890, and a data-processing machine
created by Herman Hollerith tabulated the census results in only 2.5 years—much shorter than the
predicted 10 years. Punched cards provided input, memory, and output on an unlimited scale for
business calculating machines for the next 50 years. The company Hollerith founded to manufacture
his card-operated data processors, which used electrical contacts to detect the pattern of holes in
each card, eventually became IBM®.

Electronic Computers and the Military

With the beginning of World War II, electronic computers took on national importance. The
accurate calculation of projectile trajectories became a life-and-death concern for the military. The
calculations needed to develop the atomic bomb also required more calculating power than was
available before the war, and the calculations involved in trying to decode and break enemy codes
saw researchers around the world start developing huge room-sized computers that could work on
such problems more efficiently than a man with pencil and paper. Between 1939 and 1944, Howard
H. Aiken developed the Harvard Mark I—also known as the IBM Automatic Sequence-Controlled
Calculator (ASCC). The Mark I was made out of mechanical switches, electrical relays, rotating
shafts, and clutches totaling 750,000 components weighing 5 tons. Programming instructions were
fed to the Mark I on paper tape, and data was fed in on paper punched cards. Grace Hopper
worked at Harvard on the Mark I, II, and III, and discovered the first real-life computer "bug" when
she removed a moth that had flown into a mechanical relay, causing it to malfunction. Also, during
the war, Konrad Zuse was working secretly on his Z3 computer in Germany. Because so little was
known about the Z3 for so long, most people describe the Mark I as the first modern (but not
electronic) digital computer.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 743

Perhaps the most important and influential figure from this time was Alan Turing, an English
mathematician who is now generally credited with being the father of computer science. Spending
his time working in mathematics, logic, and cryptanalysis, Turing was heavily involved in Britain's
codebreaking effort during World War II before he moved on to the University of Manchester.
While at the University, he began work on the Manchester Mark I, one of the earliest computers. He
is also credited with inventing the Turing Test, which has had profound implications in the
development of Artificial Intelligence. The Turing Test was a low-tech test for the presence of
Artificial Intelligence: if a person were to remotely converse by text with a human and a machine,
and could not tell the difference between the two, then the machine would be said to pass the
Turing Test.

Vacuum Tube Systems

The advent of vacuum tube technologies changed the face of electronic computing.

Vacuum Tubes and Digital Computing

Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff was an associate professor at Iowa State College when he designed an
electronic digital computer that would use base two (binary) numbers. In 1939, with his assistant
Clifford Berry, he built the world's first electronic digital computer using vacuum tubes. After a
lecture, Dr. John W. Mauchly asked to see Atanasoff's computer and later used so many of
Atanasoff's ideas in the ENIAC that it took a lawsuit to declare that Atanasoff was the first to use
vacuum tubes in an electronic digital computer.

ENIAC to UNIVAC
Dr. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert were at the University of Pennsylvania in 1942 when they built
the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC) to aid the United States military
during World War II. ENIAC used 18,000 vacuum tubes, had 500,000 hand-soldered connections,
was 1,000 times faster than the Mark I, and had to be rewired to change its program. ENIAC was
used from 1946 to 1955, and because of its reliability, it is commonly accepted as the first successful
high-speed electronic digital computer. Eckert and Mauchly also designed the Electronic Discrete
Variable Automatic Computer (EDVAC), which contained 4,000 vacuum tubes and 10,000 crystal
diodes. After their success with ENIAC, Eckert and Mauchly proposed to build a Universal
Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) machine to help the Census Bureau handle all its data. After four
years of delays and cost overruns, Remington Rand Inc. worked with the Eckert-Mauchly Computer
Corporation to develop UNIVAC, the first commercially successful computer. The computer used
magnetic tape to store data, a major change from IBM's punched cards, and introduced many other
features that are common today. Starting in 1951, 46 UNIVAC I computers were made for the
government and businesses, although some experts at the time thought that five computers would
be enough to handle all the computational needs of the world.

John von Neumann

John von Neumann did not design the electronics in computers, but he is credited with the
theoretical work that all modern computers are based on. Von Neumann recommended that a
computer program should be able to stop under certain conditions and start again at another point.
He also recommended storing both the data and instructions in memory so both could be changed
as needed. He realized that physically rewiring a computer to change the program, or feeding in
another paper tape to meet different conditions, was not practical for successful high-speed
computing. The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer (EDSAC) at Cambridge University,
England, and Eckert and Mauchly's EDVAC were among the first to use von Neumann's ideas.
Combining von Neumann's stored program concept with a 1,000-word main memory, magnetic
tape for secondary memory, printer and typewriter output, and a 2.25 MHz clock rate, UNIVAC set
the standard for computers in the 1950s.

Transistorized Systems and Other Technological Advances

In the 1950s, the progress of electronic computing was limited by technology. Vacuum tubes, which
were used to control the flow of electricity in digital computer circuits, were large (several inches

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744 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

high), red-hot to touch, and unreliable. Transistor technologies were the next great technical step
forward in the development of computing power.

Transistors
In the 1940s and early 1950s, Dr. William Shockley worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories as co-
head of a solid-state research group that developed the transistor. Transistors performed the same
function as vacuum tubes, but were the size of a pencil eraser, generated almost no heat, and were
extremely reliable. The replacement of vacuum tubes with transistors opened up new possibilities.

Magnetic Core Memory

Another important innovation was magnetic core memory, which allowed information to be stored
in the magnetic orientation of tiny magnetic rings strung together on fine wire. Using magnetic core
memory, the huge mainframes increased their memory from 8,000 to 64,000 words. Combining the
computational capability made available through transistors with expanded magnetic core memory
gave computers so much power that they had to be used in new ways to justify the cost. Some
mainframes used batch processing, where a series of programs and data was stored on magnetic
drums and fed to the computer one after the other so no computing time was wasted. Other
computers used time sharing, where the computing power was shifted among several different
programs running at the same time so no power was wasted waiting for an individual program's
results to print or for more input to arrive.

Miniaturization and the Space Race

At this time, the United States and the former Soviet Union were involved in a race to see who
would be first in space. The complex rockets demanded sophisticated computers to control them.
The Soviet Union concentrated on designing bigger rockets to carry larger computers into space,
while the United States worked on making smaller, more powerful computers that fit into the
smaller rockets they had. The millions spent on research to miniaturize computer components used
in the space race produced the technology needed for current computers.

Integrated Circuit Technologies

The development of the integrated circuit paved the way for the computers we know today.

Integrated Circuits
Combining several transistors and the resistors needed to connect them on a single semiconductor
chip in an integrated circuit was a tremendous technical advance. In 1958, Jack Kilby at Texas
Instruments made several components on a single-piece semiconductor. By 1961, Fairchild and
Texas Instruments were mass-producing integrated circuits on a single chip. In 1967, Fairchild
introduced the Micromosaic, which contained a few hundred transistors. The transistors could be
connected into specific circuits for an application using computer-aided design. The Micromosaic
was an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).
Note: Now usually called just a chip, the first integrated circuit was fabricated in 1958 by Texas
Instruments inventor Jack Kilby.

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 745

Early RAM and Processor Circuits

In 1970, Fairchild introduced the first 256-bit static RAM chip, while Intel® announced the first
1,024-bit dynamic RAM. Computers that could make use of this memory were still monsters to
maintain. Handheld calculators, on the other hand, appealed to everyone from scientists to school
kids. Marcian "Ted" Hoff at Intel designed a general-purpose integrated circuit that could be used in
calculators, as well as other devices. Using ideas from this circuit, Intel introduced, in 1972, the
8008, which contained approximately 3,300 transistors and was the first microprocessor to be
supported by a high-level language compiler called PL/M.

General-Purpose Microprocessors
A major breakthrough occurred in 1974 when Intel presented the 8080, the first general-purpose
microprocessor. The 8080 microprocessor had a single chip that contained an entire programmable
computing device on it. The 8080 was an 8-bit device that contained around 4,500 transistors and
could perform 200,000 operations per second. Other companies besides Intel designed and
produced microprocessors in the mid-1970s, including Motorola (6800), Rockwell (6502), and Zilog
(Z80). As more chips appeared and the prices dropped, personal desktop computers became a
possibility.

Personal Computers
These developments led to the personal computer that is ubiquitous in homes and businesses today.

The First PCs

About a dozen computers claim to be the first personal computer (PC). Credit for the first popular
personal computer often goes to Ed Roberts, whose company, MITS, designed a computer called
the Altair 8800 and marketed a kit for about $400 in 1974. The Altair 8800 used Intel's 8080
microprocessor, contained 256 bytes of RAM, and was programmed by means of a panel of toggle
switches. In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft® and wrote a BASIC interpreter for
the Altair. More than 2,000 systems were sold in 1975.

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746 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

In 1975, MOS Technology announced its 6502-based KIM-1 desktop computer, and Sphere
Corporation introduced its Sphere 1 kit. Both kits were strictly for computer fanatics.

Early General-Purpose PCs

In 1976, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs formed Apple® Computer Inc., and began creating their
first commercial product, the Apple I. Unique for the time, the Apple I was a relatively inexpensive
hobbyist computer that required users to provide their own case, monitor, keyboard and power
supply. The Apple I was later modified to create the Apple II (with a 6502 microprocessor). In 1977,
the Apple II cost $1,300, came with 16 KB of ROM, 4 KB of RAM, a keyboard, and color output.
The Apple II is usually listed as the first personal computer that was available for the general public.
The Commodore PET (6502) and Radio Shack's TRS-80 (Z80) were also popular. In 1979, VisiCalc,
a spreadsheet program for the Apple II, made desktop computers attractive to businesses. As more
businesses bought Apples, demand appeared for word-processing applications, and the software
development industry took off. In 1981, IBM joined the party with its first PC. Dozens of other
models and companies followed IBM's lead, but in 1984, Apple broke from the pack and produced
the Macintosh® computer with a mouse and graphical user interface that opened the computer
world to artists and publishers. Of all the computers designed during this period, only the IBM PC
and Apple Macintosh have withstood the test of time.

Today's PCs
Today there are several types of PCs, including desktop, minitower, laptop, notebook, tablet PC, and
handheld PDA. Most mobile devices have many of the functions of a small computer and the
distinction between computer and communications device is blurring.

The Development of the Graphical User Interface

With the near-ubiquity of personal and portable computers today, it is difficult to imagine a time
when computers were large, expensive, took several days to process a request and, most importantly,
could only understand instructions via a series of card punches. However, this accurately describes
many computers well into the early 1970s. Therefore, alongside the development of the
microprocessor, one of the most important technological developments encouraging the wide

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 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 747

adoption of easy-to-use personal computers has been the development of the graphical user
interface (GUI).
Douglas Engelbart, a researcher at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), is widely credited with
developing the first GUI. Engelbart's research borrowed heavily from ideas spelled out by Vannevar
Bush's 1945 essay titled "As We May Think." In this essay, Bush proposed a machine called a
memex, which was a hypothetical way of navigating through large amounts of information using
hypertext. The memex was based on how adults actually learn, store, and process information, and
had increased relevance in an age where information was rapidly changing. While the memex was
never created, Engelbart borrowed heavily from Bush's ideas when it came time to work on his own
hypertext-based visual computer called the On-Line System, or NLS. The NLS debuted in 1968, and
featured the first uses of a GUI, hypertext, a mouse, windows for organizing and displaying
information, the use of a computer to deliver a presentation, and many other now-common
computer features.
Note: Vannevar Bush's 1945 essay "As We May Think" can be read online at
www.theatlantic.com/doc/194507/bush.

Note: A full-length video of Doug Engelbart's demo of the NLS can be found online at www.
1968demo.org/.

After the SRI's introduction of the NLS, work continued on graphical user interface design at Xerox
PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). Xerox PARC created what many now consider the first
personal computer that used a GUI, along with the now-familiar desktop metaphor. Dubbed the
Xerox Alto, it was the first small-scale computer where a graphical tool could be used to create,
delete, and manage local files—the Alto was not merely a terminal.
Apple founder Steve Jobs visited Xerox PARC, and during his visit became very interested in the
mouse. The Alto was not available commercially for home use, but Apple was targeting a larger
market. He incorporated what he liked about the Alto into Apple's design, and so the first two GUI
computers from Apple—the Lisa and the MacIntosh—featured both a GUI and a mouse. Apple's
GUIs also continued the Alto's use of the desktop metaphor, with icons of documents and folders
representing files and directories. This proved to be an enormously popular way to use a personal
computer. Shortly after Apple debuted their GUI, Microsoft released their first operating system
that had a graphical interface. Windows 1.0 was a GUI that ran on top of the existing MS-DOS
operating system, which was purely text-based up until that point.
Windows greatly changed the look and feel of their GUI with the release of Windows® 95 (the first
32-bit version of Windows), and subsequent Windows operating systems have stayed fairly true to
that design: this was the first use in Windows of the Start menu and taskbar, which have been
mainstays for more than a decade. Most operating system GUIs since then have shared this basic
layout, though the complexity of the graphics may have evolved.
Graphical interface design today has gotten both grander and smaller. With the exploding popularity
of handheld multimedia devices, GUIs are no longer limited just to PCs. Thanks to cell phones and
smartphones, MP3 players, mobile Internet devices, ebook readers, and more, interfaces have the
added challenge of needing to operate on very small screens, drawing far less power, and using
weaker processors. On top of this, interface development has had to straddle the line between
graphical appeal (such as with 3D desktops) and usability (where the drive for a more user-friendly
interface outweighs any flashier graphical features).

Computing Today and Tomorrow

Today, in the early 21st century, computers and computing have become ubiquitous in the daily lives
of almost everyone in the developed world. Computers are present not only as home and office
productivity tools, but also as enhancements to everything from home appliances to SUVs. There is
more computing power in the average consumer's automobile today than there was on board the
Apollo spacecraft that took human beings to the moon and back in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Internet is no less influential than the PC in today's interconnected world. Since physicist Tim
Berners-Lee of the CERN laboratory invented the basic technologies of the World Wide Web and

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748 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

posted the first website in 1991, the growth of the Internet has exploded to the point where virtually
all computers on the planet are interconnected. Ordinary users can now communicate sophisticated
information with each other instantaneously around the globe. The ongoing vision of Web 2.0 may
soon create a global society in which all types of information and all means of communication will
be created and maintained cooperatively by ordinary individuals throughout the world. There is even
a drive toward turning computers into little more than bootable machines with web browsers on
them. In this system of cloud computing, all computing power is provided through remote
computers that function, essentially, as application servers. Microsoft's Office 365™ is a prime
example of cloud computing, and all reports indicate that cloud computing is here to stay.
The ubiquity of computing power and the omnipresence of the Internet: these two factors have
changed our world to an unimaginable extent in an extraordinarily short period of time. Society as a
whole can look forward eagerly to the equally unimaginable and extraordinary changes technology
will bring us in the years and decades just ahead.

Appendix D : A Brief History of Personal Computers |

Glossary

802.11 the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz range. Released in

A family of specifications for wireless 2009.
LAN communication.
accelerometer
802.11a Mobile technology that can determine the
A fast, secure, but relatively expensive orientation of a device with a sensor that
protocol for wireless communication. The measures the acceleration of the device
802.11a protocol supports speeds up to 54 direction.
Mbps in the 5 GHz frequency.
ACL
802.11ac (access control list) A set of data (user
A specification for wireless data names, passwords, time and date, IP
throughput at a rate of up to 2 Gbps in the addresses, MAC addresses, etc.) that is
5 GHz range. used to control access to a resource such
as a computer, file, or network.
802.11b
Also called Wi-Fi, short for "wireless activity light
fidelity," 802.11b is probably the most An indicator on a network adapter that
common and certainly the least expensive flickers when packets are received or sent.
wireless network protocol used to transfer
data among computers with wireless administrative share
network cards or between a wireless A hidden share created by default on every
computer or device and a wired LAN. The Windows system. If administrative shares
802.11b protocol provides for an 11 Mbps are deleted, by default, the system re-
transfer rate in the 2.4 GHz frequency. creates them when it restarts.

802.11g adware
A specification for wireless data Unwanted software loaded onto a system
throughput at the rate of up to 54 Mbps in for the purposes of presenting commercial
the 2.4 GHz band that is a potential advertisements to the user.
replacement for 802.11b.
Aero
802.11i A color scheme available in Windows Vista
See WPA2. and Windows 7 that provides a visually
rich experience, with a glossy and
802.11n transparent interface and dynamic visual
A specification for wireless data effects.
throughput at a rate of up to 600 Mbps in
750 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

AES argument
(Advanced Encryption Standard) A A file name or directory name that
symmetric 128-, 192-, or 256-bit block indicates the files on which a command
cipher based on the Rijndael algorithm will operate.
developed by Belgian cryptographers Joan
Daemen and Vincent Rijmen and adopted ARP
by the U.S. government as its encryption (Address Resolution Protocol) A protocol
standard to replace DES. that maps IP addresses to MAC addresses.

AIO MFD aspect ratio

(all-in-one multi-function device) A small A characteristic of display devices that
sized MFD for home users with basic indicates the ratio of width to height.
printing, scanning, and copying functions.
attack
algorithm A technique that is used to exploit a
In encryption, the rule, system, or vulnerability in any application on a device
mechanism used to encrypt data. without the authorization to do so.

analog transmission ATX

The transfer of information in the form of An older motherboard that was introduced
a continuous wave. by Intel in 1995 to provide better I/O
support, lower cost, easier use, and better
Android processor support than even earlier form
An operating system for mobile devices factors.
such as tablets and smartphones.
AUP
anti-spyware software (acceptable use policy) A policy that
Software that is specifically designed to includes the practices and guidelines that
protect systems against spyware attacks. should be followed by employees when
using and accessing company resources
antivirus software and computer equipment.
An application that scans files for
executable code that matches patterns authentication server
known to be common to viruses, and A server or server role that determines
monitors systems for activity associated whether or not access credentials supplied
with viruses. by a user should enable them to access
resources.
AP
(access point) A device or software that authenticator app
facilitates communication and provides An application that generates single-use
enhanced security to wireless devices. security tokens that are used as part of
two-step verification and multifactor
APIPA authentication.
(Automatic Private IP Addressing) A
feature of Windows that enables a DHCP auto negotiation
client computer to configure itself Negotiates a speed that is compatible with
automatically with a random IP address in the network router or switch.
the range of 169.254.0.1 to
169.254.255.254 if there is no DHCP backlight
server available. The typical form of illumination used in a
full-sized LCD display.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 751

badge BitLocker
Also called a security card, an identification A security feature in Windows 7 and Windows
card or token that can be used to swipe Server 2008 that provides full disk encryption
through an identification system or can be protection for your operating system as well as
configured as a proximity card and activated all the data stored on the operating system
automatically when the card is within a volume.
specified distance from the system.
BitLocker To Go
baseband A Windows security feature that encrypts
A transmission scheme where a single signal removable storage devices such as USB flash
sends data using the entire bandwidth of the drives or portable hard drives.
transmission media. Compare with broadband.
blackout
baseband RTOS A complete loss of electrical power.
(baseband real time operating system) See radio
firmware. Bluetooth
A wireless radio technology that facilitates
baseline short-range (usually less than 30 feet) wireless
A subset of a security profile, and a document communication between devices such as
that outlines the minimum level of security personal computers, laptop, mobile phones,
required for a system, device, network, or wireless headsets, and gaming consoles, thus
premises. creating a wireless personal area network.

battery backup BNC

See UPS. (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) A twist lock
connector that is used with coaxial cable to
beamforming carry radio frequencies to and from devices.
A feature of 802.11ac that transmits radio
signals directly at a specific device using smart Boot Camp
antennas. An OS X app that enables users to install
Microsoft Windows and then switch between
biometric lock OS X and the Windows operating system.
A lock that is activated by biometric features,
such as a fingerprint, voice, retina, or signature. boot process
A series of sequential steps that occur when
biometrics you start a computer, with the final result being
An automated method of recognizing a person that the OS is loaded and all components are
based on a physiological or behavioral functional.
characteristic unique to the individual, such as
a retina pattern, fingerprint, or voice pattern. bootrec
A command line tool used via the Command
BIOS Prompt in the Windows Recovery
(Basic Input/Output System) A set of Environment (only in Windows Vista and
instructions that is stored in ROM and that is Windows 7) to troubleshoot or repair startup
used to start the most basic services of a issues.
computer system.
botnet
BIOS memory A set of devices that has been infected by a
Special memory that keeps track of its data control program called a bot that enables
even when the power is turned off, and is attackers to exploit them and mount attacks.
stored in EEPROMs.

Glossary
752 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

bridge cable stripper

A software-based network device that has the A device that enables you to remove the
same functionality as a switch. protective coating from wiring to facilitate
installing a media connector.
brightness
The amount of light emitted from a display cable tester
device, as measured in lumens. An electrical instrument that verifies if a signal
is present on a cable. Also called a media tester.
broadband communication
A category of network transmission cache memory
technologies that provide high throughput by High-speed memory that the CPU can access
splitting communications pathways into directly.
multiple channels transmitted simultaneously
over the network media. CCFL
(cold cathode fluorescent lamp) A light source
brownout that uses electrodes and mercury vapor to
A temporary power reduction that is used by create ultraviolet light.
electrical power companies to deal with high
power demands. CDFS
(Compact Disc File System) A file system
brute-force attack standard for optical disc media that is
An attack that uses password-cracking software supported by multiple operating system types.
to attempt every possible alphanumeric
password combination. cellular
Uses radio signals to transmit network data
BSOD over the cellular telephone system.
(blue screen of death) As system error that is
severe enough to stop all processes and shut chain of custody
the operating system down without warning. The record of evidence history from collection,
to presentation in court, to disposal.
bus
In a computer system, a group of wires that chipset
connect components. They provide a pathway The set of chips on the system board that
for data transfer. support the CPU and other basic functions.

BYOD CIDR
(Bring Your Own Device) An organizational (Classless Inter Domain Routing) A subnetting
policy that enables employees to use their method that selects a subnet mask that meets
personal devices for work purposes. an individual network's networking and node
requirements and then treats the mask like a
cable 32-bit binary word.
Transmissions that use a cable television
connection and a specialized interface device CIFS
known as a cable modem to provide high- (Common Internet File System) A file and
speed Internet access to homes and small resource sharing protocol that is related to
businesses. SMB.

cable modem cipher

A hardware device that connects a subscriber's A method for concealing the meaning of text.
device to a service provider’s cable systems.
ciphertext
Data that has been encoded with a cipher and
is unreadable.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 753

cleartext collate
The unencrypted form of data. Also called When printing multiple copies of a mulitpage
plaintext. document, the collection and combination of
pages in the proper order.
CLI
(command line interface) A text-based command line interpreter
interface for an operating system. A program that implements the commands
entered in the text interface.
client
A computer that makes use of the services and command prompt
resources of other computers. In a CLI, the area of the screen where users
enter commands to interact with the OS.
client-side virtualization
Takes place at the endpoints and separates the Component Services
elements of a user's logical desktop An administrative tool that is used to deploy
environment—the applications, operating component applications and configure the
system, programs, etc.—and divides them behaviors of components and applications on
from each other and from the physical the system.
hardware or a physical machine.
component/RGB
client/server network A type of analog video information that is
A network in which some computers act as transmitted or stored as two or more separate
servers to provide special services for other signals.
client computers.
composite video
cmdlet The format of an analog (picture only) signal
A lightweight command that runs in the before it is combined with a sound signal and
Windows PowerShell environment. modulated onto a radio frequency carrier.

CMOS computer case

(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) The enclosure that holds all of the components
An old style of static memory that was used to of a PC.
store information about the computer setup
that the system BIOS refers to each time the computer connection
computer is started. A hardware component that enables a PC to
communicate with internal or external devices.
coax
Pronounced "CO-ax." A common abbreviation computer forensics
for coaxial cable. Collecting and analyzing data from storage
devices, computer systems, networks, and
coaxial cable wireless communications and presenting this
A type of cable that features a central information as a form of evidence in a court of
conductor surrounded by braided or foil law.
shielding. A dialectric insulator separates the
conductor and shield and the entire package is Computer Management
wrapped in an insulating layer called a jacket. The primary administrative tool used to
The data signal is transmitted over the central manage and configure the system. It
conductor. The outer shielding serves to consolidates several administrative utilities into
reduce electromagnetic interference. a single console to provide easy access to the
most common system tools.

Glossary
754 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

content filtering between different types of databases on the

A method of setting limits on user browser system.
sessions.
data synchronization
controller The process of automatically merging and
See disk controller. updating common data that is stored on
multiple devices.
cooling system
A system unit component that prevents data wiping
damage to computer parts by dissipating the A method used to remove any sensitive data
heat generated inside a computer chassis. from a mobile device and permanently delete
it.
COPE
(Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled) An daughter board
organizational policy that enables employees to Any circuit board that plugs into another
use company-owned devices for personal use. circuit board.

corona DB-15
An assembly within a laser printer that contains See VGA.
a wire (the corona wire), which is responsible
for charging the paper. dd
A Linux command that copies and converts
CPU files to enable them to be transferred from one
(central processing unit) The main chip on the type of media to another.
system board, the CPU performs software
instructions and mathematical and logical DDoS attack
calculations. Also referred to as the (Distributed Denial of Service) A type of denial
microprocessor or processor. of service (DoS) attack that uses multiple
devices on disparate networks to launch the
cryptographic coordinated attack from many simultaneous
See cryptography. sources.

cryptography dead pixels

The science of hiding information to protect Pixels that do not display light as expected and
sensitive information and communications will show up as small black dots.
from unauthorized access.
deciphering
data backup The process of reversing a cipher.
A system-maintenance task that enables you to
store copies of critical files and folders on default gateway
another medium for safekeeping. An IP address of the router that routes remote
traffic from the device's local subnet to remote
data container subnets.
On a mobile device, a scheme for isolating
business data from personal data. Defender
The anti-spyware software that is included with
data restoration Windows XP, Vista, and 7 installations.
A system recovery task that enables you to
access the backed-up data. definition
A code pattern that identifies a virus. Also
Data Sources called a signature.
An administrative tool that uses Open
Database Connectivity (ODBC) to move data

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 755

DEFRAG directory service

(Disk Defragmenter) A system utility available On a network, a centralized database that
in all versions of Windows that scans and includes objects such as servers, clients,
analyzes how file fragments are arranged and computers, user names, and passwords, and
accessed on the hard disk. provides centralized administration and
authentication.
Device Manager
In Windows, an administrative tool that is used discovery mode
to manage and configure system devices in a A device mode that will transmit a friendly
hardware profile. signal to another device in close proximity.

DHCP disk controller

(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) A Circuitry that manages the transfer of data to
network service that provides automatic and from a disk drive, whether it is a hard disk
assignment of IP addresses and other TCP/IP drive or an optical disc drive. The disk
configuration information on network systems controller provides the communication path
that are configured as DHCP clients. between the CPU and the disk drive.

dial-up line Disk Defragmenter

Local-loop phone connections that use See DEFRAG.
modems and standard telephone technology.
disk duplexing
dictionary attack Disk mirroring in which the two drives in the
An attack that automates password guessing by mirror each have a dedicated disk controller.
comparing encrypted passwords against a
predetermined list of possible password values. disk maintenance
The process of monitoring and adjusting the
digital transmission configuration of HDDs and the file systems
The transfer of information in a signal that contained on those HDDs.
comprises only ones and zeroes.
disk partition
digitizer An isolated section of a disk that functions like
On touch screen displays, a layer of sensors a separate physical drive.
between the LCD display and a layer of glass
that enables the translation of the analog touch display device
signal to a digital signal. A personal computer component that enables
users to view the text and graphical data output
DIMM from a computer.
(Dual In-line Memory Modules) A RAM form
factor that is found in most systems and that DisplayPort
has a 64-bit data path. A digital display standard that aims to replace
DVI and VGA standards.
direct thermal printer
A thermal printer that uses heated pins to form dissipative material
images directly onto specially coated thermal A conductor, but with high resistance that
paper. loses its electrical charge slowly.

directory distribution
A component in a file system hierarchy that See distro.
provides a container to organize files and other
directories (folders). Also called a folder. distro
A complete Linux implementation, including
kernel, shell, applications, and utilities, that is

Glossary
756 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

packaged, distributed, and supported by a dot-matrix printer

software vendor. An impact printer that forms images out of
dots on paper by using a set of pins to strike an
DLP inked ribbon.
(data loss prevention) Software or a software
suite that helps protect data from being stolen DPI
while the data is moving across the network. (dots per inch) A measure of the ink density in
a printed document. Higher DPI measures
DMZ tend to provide clearer and more distinct
(demilitarized zone) A small section of a output.
private network that is located between two
firewalls and made available for public access. drive rails
Metal strips that can be screwed onto an
DNS internal drive before installation.
(Domain Name System) The primary name
resolution service on the network that maps DRM
computer names to their associated IP (digital rights management) A way to control
addresses. access to copyrighted content that is presented
in digital format.
Dock
A bar along the bottom or side of the screen drone
that contains icons for apps that come with a See zombie.
Macintosh computer.
DSL
docking station (digital subscriber line) A broadband
Desktop devices that connect portable technology that transmits digital signals over
computers to standard desktop peripherals existing phone lines.
without the need to connect and disconnect
the peripherals themselves when the user dump file
switches from stationary to mobile use. The file that stores the contents of a memory
dump.
domain
A Microsoft network model that an dumpe2fs
administrator implements by grouping A Linux utility that manages extended
computers together for the purpose of sharing filesystems.
a centralized user account database. Sharing
this user account database enables users to use duplex scanning
these accounts to log on at any computer in A feature that scans both sides of a document
the domain. automatically.

domain controller duplexing

A server that stores the user account database The process that enables automatic printing on
for the domain and is responsible for both sides of printing media, such as paper and
authenticating users when they log on to the envelopes.
domain.
DVI
dongle (Digital Video Interface) A video standard for
A small hardware component that, when transferring both analog and digital video
attached to a computing device, enables signals.
additional functionality such as wireless
dye sublimation printer
connectivity.
See thermal dye transfer printer.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 757

dynamic addressing electrical interference

A method used to assign addresses using the A general term for unwanted signals on the
DHCP service. network media that can interfere with network
transmissions.
e-reader
A mobile digital device designed primarily for electrical noise
reading digital publications such as e-books The same as electrical interference.
and digital periodicals.
EMI
EAS (electromagnetic interference) The degradation
(Exchange ActiveSync) Microsoft's of signal that occurs when a magnetic field
synchronization protocol that enables mobile around one electrical circuit interferes with the
devices to connect to an Exchange Server to signal being carried on an adjacent circuit.
access mail, calendar, and contacts.
eMMC
Easy Transfer (embedded Multi-Media Controller) A storage
A built-in data migration utility in Windows component that contains flash memory and a
Vista and Windows 7 that helps transfer files, flash memory controller integrated onto the
data, and settings from one personal computer same silicon die.
to another.
emulator
eavesdropping attack The software installed that allows the
An attack that uses special monitoring software computer to virtually run another operating
to intercept private network communications, system, or another instance of the same
either to steal the content of the operating system.
communication itself or to obtain user names
and passwords for future software attacks. enciphering
The process of applying a cipher.
ECC
(Error Correction Code) An error correction encryption
method that uses several bits for error- The process of converting data into a form
checking. that is not easily recognized or understood by
unauthorized entities.
EEPROM
(electronically erasable programmable read- entry control roster
only memory) A ROM chip that can be A document for all visitors to sign in and out
reprogrammed by using software from the when entering and leaving the building.
BIOS or chip manufacturer through the
flashing process. EP drum
(Electrostatic Photographic drum) The
EFS component in a laser printer that carries the
(Encrypting File System) A file-encryption tool electrical charge to attract toner and then to
available on Windows systems that have transfer the toner to the paper.
partitions formatted with NT File System
(NTFS). ERD
(emergency repair disk) A Windows XP
EIA troubleshooting tool that stores the contents of
(Electronic Industries Alliance) A standards the \Windows\Repair folder.
and trades organization that developed
industry standards for technologies such as eSATA
network cabling. The EIA ceased operations in (external Serial Advanced Technology
February 2011. Attachment) An external interface for SATA

Glossary
758 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

connections, enabling you to connect external external enclosure

SATA drives to PCs. A plastic barrier that protects the inner
workings of a hard drive.
ESD
(electrostatic discharge) The phenomenon that F-connector
occurs when electrons rush from one body A coaxial cable connector used to connect TV
with a static electrical charge to another with and FM antennas.
an unequal charge, following the path of least
resistance. FC
(Face Contact ) Connectors that use a heavy
Ethernet duty ferrule in the center for more mechanical
A family of networking technologies that stability than SMA or ST connectors.
provide connectivity by using Ethernet
network adapters, contention-based media fdisk
access, and twisted pair, coax, or fiber media. A menu-driven utility program that is used for
creating, modifying, or deleting partitions on a
Event Viewer disk drive.
An administrative tool that is used to view the
contents of event logs, which contain fiber
information about significant events that occur A method used to connect devices to the
on your computer. Internet using fiber optic cable.

expansion card fiber optic cable

A printed circuit board that is installed in a slot A type of cable in which one or more glass or
on a system board to provide special functions plastic strands, plus additional fiber strands or
for customizing or extending a computer’s wraps, are surrounded by a protective outer
capabilities. Also referred to as adapter card, jacket. Light pulses carry the signal through
I/O card, add-in, add-on, or board. fiber optic cable.

ExpressCard file attribute

A mobile expansion card designed by the A characteristic that can be associated with a
PCMCIA to replace traditional PC Cards to file or folder that provides the operating
provide PCI Express and USB 2.0 system with important information about the
connectivity. file or folder and how it is intended to be used
by system users.
ext2
A native Linux filesystem. file recovery software
Software that can recover deleted files from
ext3 your computer system.
A native Linux filesystem that improves on the
data recovery and integrity measures provided file server
with ext2. A computer that stores programs and files that
are intended to be shared among network
ext4 users.
A native Linux filesystem that offers
backwards compatibility, journaling, and filesystem
support for extremely large volumes, in A method that is used by an operating system
addition to all the features of ext3. to store, retrieve, organize, and manage files
and directories on mass storage devices.
external device
A personal computer component that provides filesystem integrity
alternative input or output methods or The degree of correctness and validity of a
additional storage. filesystem.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 759

Finder fsck
The file and folder management app that is A Linux command that checks the integrity of
included with OS X. a filesystem.

firewall fstab
A software program or hardware device that A configuration file that stores information
protects networks from unauthorized data by about storage devices and partitions and where
blocking unsolicited traffic. and how the partitions should be mounted.

firmware full duplex

Software stored in memory chips that retains Permits simultaneous two-way communication.
data whether or not power to the computer is
on. fuser assembly
A component in a laser printer that uses two
first response rollers to heat toner particles, melting them
Refers to the individual and the immediate onto the paper.
actions that follow an incident.
gadget
fixboot A mini application in Windows that can
A command line tool used to create a new perform an information display task.
partition boot sector to a hard drive partition.
gaming PC
fixmbr A computer that comes equipped with
A command line tool used to repair the master powerful graphics capabilities, fast processing
boot recovery record of the boot partition. capabilities, and a large amount of memory,
and that is intended for use in computer
flash drive gaming environments.
See SSD.
GAN
flashing (global area network) Any worldwide network.
Updating firmware electronically.
gateway
folder A device, software, or system that converts
See directory. data between incompatible systems.

form factor gdisk

The size and shape of a given component. A Linux partition management utility for
Often used in terms of motherboard and drive partitions in the Globally Unique Identifier
characteristics. (GUID) Partition Table (GPT) format.

formed-character printer generator

Any type of impact printer that functions like a A power protection device that creates its own
typewriter, by pressing preformed characters electricity through the use of motors.
against the ink ribbon to deposit the ink on the
page. gestures
Finger movements on a trackpad or mouse
frequency that enable a user to scroll, zoom, and navigate
The number of complete cycles per second in desktop, document, and application content.
an analog wave or a radio wave.
ghost cursor
frontlight A cursor that jumps around on the screen
A form of lighting devices from the front of randomly, or moves too slow, or opens
the display. windows and menus on its own.

Glossary
760 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

GNU parted heat sink

A Linux partition management utility for new A passive heat exchanger that dissipates heat
hard disks. from a source such as a CPU and transfers it,
normally via an enlarged surface area, to
GPRS another medium such as air or water.
(General Packet Radio Service) A standard for
wireless communications that runs at speeds heavy-duty MFD
up to 115 kbps and that supports a wide range A large network-enabled MFD capable of
of bandwidths. handling the documentation needs of an entire
office.
GPS device
(global positioning system device) A mobile hertz
digital device that provides navigational A unit of measurement that indicates cycles or
directions to reach specified destinations. occurrences per second.

GPU Hibernate
(graphics processing unit) An electronic circuit A power option available in Windows
designed to rapidly manipulate and alter environments in which the computer will store
memory to accelerate the creation of images whatever is currently in memory on the hard
intended for display output. disk and shut down, and then return to the
state it was in upon hibernation when it is
GRUB2 awakened.
(GRand Unified Bootloader 2) A program used
in Linux distributions that loads operating high-level formatting
system kernels. See standard formatting.

GUI hoax
(graphical user interface) A collection of icons, Any message containing incorrect or
windows, and other screen elements that help misleading information that is disseminated to
users interact with an operating system. multiple users through unofficial channels.

guideline host firewall

A subset of a security profile, and a document A firewall installed on a single or home
that outlines best practices and computer.
recommendations to help conform to policies.
HTPC
half duplex (home theater PC) A computer that is
Permits two-way communication, but only in dedicated and configured to store and stream
one direction at a time. digital movies, either from the local hard drive
or through an online subscription such as
HDD Netflix.
(hard disk drive) A personal computer storage
device that uses fixed media and magnetic data hub
storage. A networking device used to connect the drops
in a physical star topology network into a
HDMI logical bus topology. Also called a multiport
(High Definition Multimedia Interface) A repeater.
proprietary audio/video interface for
transferring uncompressed video data and hypervisor
compressed or uncompressed digital audio data In virtualization technology, an application that
from a display controller to a compatible is installed on the host machine and is used to
peripheral device over a single HDMI cable. configure and manage the VMs running on the
host.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 761

IANA impersonation
(Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) An An approach in which an attacker pretends to
international agency that manages port be someone they are not, typically an average
assignments. user in distress, or a help-desk representative.

iCloud IMSI number

A cloud storage solution that is accessed by (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) A
using the user's Apple ID. number that uniquely identifies a mobile
subscriber.
IDS
(intrusion detection system) Software or in-place upgrade
hardware, or a combination of both, that scans, The process of installing a newer version of an
audits, and monitors the security infrastructure operating system without first removing the
for signs of attacks in progress and automates existing operating system that is currently
the intrusion detection process. installed on the computer.

IEEE in-rush
(Institute of Electrical and Electronic A surge or spike that is caused when a device
Engineers) Pronounced "I-triple-E." An that uses a large amount of current is started.
organization of scientists, engineers, and
students of electronics and related fields whose incident management
technical and standards committees develop, A set of practices and procedures that govern
publish, and revise computing and how an organization will respond to an
telecommunications standards. incident in progress.

IEEE 1394 connection incident report

A PC connection that provides a high-speed A record of any instance where a person is
interface for peripheral devices that are injured or computer equipment is damaged due
designed to use the Institute of Electrical and to environmental issues. Also, a record of
Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard. accidents involving hazardous materials, such
as chemical spills, that could have an impact on
ifconfig the environment itself.
A Linux command for configuring network
interfaces for Linux servers and workstations. inkjet printer
A printer that forms images by spraying ink on
IMAP4 the paper.
(Internet Mail Access Protocol) A protocol
used to retrieve email messages and folders input device
from a mail server. A personal computer component that enables
users to enter data or instructions into a
IMEI number computer.
(International Mobile Equipment Identity) A
number that uniquely identifies a mobile interface
device. The point at which two devices connect and
communicate with each other.
impact printer
Any type of printer that strikes a component Internet appliance
directly against the paper or ink to create A relatively inexpensive PC that enables
characters on the paper. Internet access and a specific activity.

inverter
A laptop component that converts DC power
to AC power for the display.

Glossary
762 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

iOS iwconfig
The operating system designed for Apple A Linux command for configuring wireless
devices. It is the base software that allows all network interfaces for Linux servers and
other applications to run on an iPhone, iPod workstations.
touch, or iPad.
JFS
IP A 64-bit journaling filesystem that is fast and
(Internet Protocol) A group of rules for reliable.
sending data across a network. Communication
on the Internet is based on the IP protocol. key fob
A security device small enough to attach to a
IPS key chain that contains identification
(in-plane switching) An LCD panel technology information used to gain access to a physical
designed to resolve the quality issues inherent entryway.
in TN panel technology, including strong
viewing angle dependence and low-quality Keychain
color reproduction. A password management system included with
OS X.
IPv4 address
A 32-bit binary number assigned to a computer KVM switch
on a TCP/IP network. (keyboard, video, mouse) A device that enables
a computer user to control multiple computers
IPv6 with a single keyboard and mouse, with the
An Internet standard that increases the display sent to a single monitor.
available pool of IP addresses by implementing
a 128-bit binary address space. LAN
(local area network) A self-contained network
IPv6 address that spans a small area, such as a single
The unique 128 bit identification assigned to building, floor, or room.
an interface on the IPv6 Internet.
landscape
IR In printing, a page orientation that is wider
(infrared) A form of wireless transmission in than it is tall.
which signals are sent via pulses of infrared
light. laptop
A complete computer system that is small,
IR waves compact, lightweight, and portable.
(infrared waves) Electromagnetic waves with
frequencies ranging from 300 GHz to 400 laser printer
THz. A type of printer that forms high-quality
images on one page of paper at a time, by
ISDN using a laser beam, toner, and an
A digital transmission technology that carries electrophotographic drum.
both voice and data over digital phone lines or
PSTN wires. LC
(Local Connector) A small form factor ceramic
ISO 9660 ferrule connector for both single-mode and
A filesystem found on CDs and DVDs. multimode fiber.

ISP LCD
(Internet Service Provider) A company that (Liquid Crystal Display) A type of flat-panel
provides access to the Internet. display that uses Cold Cathode Fluorescent
Lamps as the source of backlight and that

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 763

comes in large-screen sizes of 17 inches and Local Area Connection

more, with high screen resolution and high A Windows troubleshooting tool used to verify
color depth. that the computer is connected to the network
and able to send and receive data.
LDAP
(Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) A local printer
communications protocol that defines how a A logical printer that is managed by the local
client can access information, perform computer, where the print device is generally
operations, and share directory data on a directly attached.
directory server.
Local Security Policy
least privilege An administrative tool that is used to view and
The principle that establishes that users and edit the security settings for group policies.
software should only have the minimal level of
access that is necessary for them to perform local share
the duties required of them. A folders that is created on the local network
by an individual user and then shared with
LED printer other network users via shared folder
A type of printer that uses LEDs to print. permissions.

line noise local snapshot

A power problem that is caused by a In OS X, a copy of altered files that is stored
fluctuation in electrical current. on the startup drive until the Time Machine
backup drive is available.
line printer
A type of impact printer that can print a full Local Users and Groups
line of text at a time, rather than printing An administrative tool that is used to manage
character by character. user accounts on the local system.

link light lockup error

An indicator on a network adapter that lights An error condition that causes the system or
up when a network signal is detected. an application to stop responding to user input.

Linux logic bomb

An open-standards UNIX derivative originally A piece of code that sits dormant on a user's
developed and released by a Finnish computer computer until it is triggered by a specific
science student named Linus Torvalds. event, such as a specific date. Once the code is
triggered, the logic bomb "detonates," erasing
Linux distribution and corrupting data on the user's computer.
A complete Linux implementation, including
kernel, shell, applications, and utilities, that is loopback plug
packaged, distributed, and supported by a A special connector used for diagnosing
software vendor. network transmission problems that redirects
electrical signals back to the transmitting
Linux rescue environment system.
A standalone Linux program for
troubleshooting a corrupt Linux installation. LOS
(Line-of-Sight) Wireless signals that travel over
liquid-based cooling a direct visual path from a transmitter to a
Cooling methods that circulate a liquid or receiver.
liquefied gas, such as water or freon, past the
CPU to keep it cool.

Glossary
764 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

low-level formatting manual pages

The process of writing track sector markings A series of pages that contain the complete
on a hard disk. documentation specific to every Linux
command. Also referred to as man pages.
LTFS
(Linear Tape File Systems) An IBM MBR
specification that enables data stored on (Master Boot Record) The first sector of a
magnetic tapes to be accessed in a file format. partitioned storage device, used for booting the
computer and often a target of malware.
lumen
The unit of measurement for visible light that media tester
is being emitted from a light source. See cable tester.

MAC address memory

(Media Access Control address) Same as the A personal computer component that provides
physical address. temporary workspace for the processor.

mail server memory dump

A computer that stores incoming email The process of writing the contents of system
messages and forwards outgoing email memory at the time of a stop error to a file on
messages. the hard disk prior to system shutdown.

malicious software memory module

Any unwanted software that has the potential A system unit component that holds a group
to damage a system or create a nuisance of memory chips that act as a single memory
condition. chip.

malware MFD
Any unwanted software that has the potential (multi-function device) A piece of office
to damage a system, impede performance, or equipment that performs the functions of a
create a nuisance condition. number of other specialized devices.

MAN microATX
(metropolitan area network) A network that Introduced in late 1997, and is often referred
covers an area equivalent to a city or other to as μATX, and has a maximum size of 9.6
municipality. inches by 9.6 inches.

man-in-the-middle attack MicroDIMM

A form of eavesdropping where the attacker (Micro Dual Inline Memory Module) A
makes an independent connection between memory module standard used in some
two victims and relays information between laptops.
the victims as if they are directly talking to each
other over a closed connection, when in reality Mini-ATX
the attacker is controlling the information that A smaller version of the full ATX board with a
travels between the victims. maximum size of 11.2 inches by 8.2 inches.

mantrap Mini-BNC
Two sets of interlocking doors inside a small A bayonet-style connector using the traditional
space, where the first set of doors must close BNC connection method.
before the second set opens.
Mini-HDMI
(Mini High-Definition Multimedia Interface) A
smaller version of the full size HDMI

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 765

connector, except that it is specified for use procedures of storage and handling of a
with portable devices. hazardous substance.

mini-ITX MT-RJ
A small compact board that fit the same form (Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack) Also
factor as the ATX, and the micro-ATX boards. called a Fiber Jack connector, is a compact
They have a maximum size of 6.7 inches by 6.6 snap-to-lock connector used with multimode
inches. fiber.

Mini-PCIe multi-factor authentication

(PCI Express Mini Card) An extremely small Any authentication scheme that requires
expansion card, often just a few centimeters in validation of at least two of the possible
length, used to increase communication authentication factors.
abilities by providing network adapters or
modems and supports various connections and multimedia device
buses. A computer peripheral or internal component
that transfers sound, images, or both to or
mirroring from a PC.
A disk fault-tolerance method in which data
from an entire partition is copied onto a multimeter
second drive. An electronic instrument used to measure
voltage, current, and resistance.
Mission Control
A feature of OS X that allows users to use multitouch
multiple Spaces as if they were multiple The technology used on the surface of the
desktops. touch screen on tablets and other mobile
devices that can recognize more than one
mkfs contact on the surface at once.
A command used to build a Linux filesystem
on a device such as a hard disk partition. mutual authentication
A security mechanism that requires that each
mobile digital device party in a communication verifies its identity.
An electronic device that provides computing
power in a portable format. Napier's Bones
A set of rectangular rods with numbers etched
modem on them that let users do multiplication by
A device that converts digital data to an analog adding the numbers on properly positioned
signal that can be sent over a telephone line. rods. A precursor to the slide rule.

motherboard NAT
The main circuit board in a computer that acts (Network Address Translation) A simple form
as the backbone for the entire computer of Internet connection and security that
system. Also referred to as the system board. conceals internal addressing schemes from the
public Internet.
MSCONFIG
A system utility that is specifically used to native resolution
troubleshoot any issues with the system startup The fixed resolution for LCD or other flat
process. panel display devices.

MSDS network
(Material Safety Data Sheet) A technical A group of computers that are connected
bulletin designed to give users and emergency together to communicate and share resources.
personnel information about the proper

Glossary
766 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

network directory Open Handset Alliance

See directory service. An association of 84 firms for developing open
standards for mobile devices.
network-based firewall
A hardware/software combination that OpenSSH
protects all the computers on a network behind An open source implementation of the SSH
the firewall. protocol that is included with most Linux
distributions. See SSH.
network-based printer
A shared print device managed by a network optical disc
print server. It's represented as a logical printer A personal computer storage device that stores
object on the client computer that accesses the data optically, rather than magnetically.
server.
optical drive
network-connected printer A computer drive that is either internal or
Any print device than can connect directly to external to a computer system that reads and
the network with a network adapter rather than writes data to an optical disc.
using a physical cable to connect to a local
computer or print server device. organizational policy
A document that conveys the corporate
NFC guidelines and philosophy to employees.
(near field communications) A wireless
communication method that enables wireless orientation
devices to establish radio communications by In printing, the position of the page and the
touching them together or by bringing them direction of the content printed on the page.
into close proximity with each other, typically
within 10 cm or less. OS X
The proprietary operating system developed by
NIC Apple® Computing, Inc. and deployed on all
(network interface card) An expansion card Apple computers.
that enables a PC to connect to a LAN. Also
referred to as a network adapter. overvoltage
A power condition where the voltage in a
non-compliant system circuit is raised above the circuit’s upper
Any system that tries to connect to an voltage limit.
organization's network and that doesn't meet
the minimum requirements of the page
organizational network, as defined by A section of memory addresses in which a unit
corporate security policies. of data can be stored.

Northbridge page fault

A component of the chipset that controls the An interrupt generated when an application
system memory and the AGP video ports, and requests data that is no longer present in its
sometimes the cache memory. virtual memory location.

OLED display pagefile

(organic light emitting diode) A type of LED In a virtual-memory system, the section of the
flat panel display device that uses organic hard disk used to store memory contents that
compounds that emit light when subjected to have been swapped out of physical RAM. In
an electric current. Windows systems, the pagefile is called
Pagefile.sys.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 767

paging computer bus. PCIe supports significantly

See swapping. enhanced performance over that of AGP.

pairing PCIe
The process two devices use to establish a (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
wireless connection through Bluetooth. See PCI Express.

PAN peer-to-peer network

(personal area network) A network of devices A network in which resource sharing,
used by a single individual. processing, and communications control are
completely decentralized.
parity
An error correction method for electronic Performance Monitor
communications. An administrative tool that monitors the state
of services or daemons, processes, and
partition management resources on a system.
The process of creating, destroying, and
manipulating partitions to optimize system peripheral device
performance. See external device.

partitioning permissions
The process of dividing a single hard disk into In Windows, security settings that control
isolated sections that function as separate access to individual objects, such as files.
physical hard drives, called partitions.
personal firewall
partprobe See host firewall
A Linux program that updates the kernel with
partition table changes. phablet
A mobile digital device that is larger than a
patch standard sized smartphone and smaller than a
A fix or update for a software program or tablet.
application, designed to eliminate known bugs
or vulnerabilities and improve performance. pharming
Similar to phishing, this type of social
patch management engineering attack redirects a request for a
The practice of monitoring for, evaluating, website, typically an e-commerce site, to a
testing, and installing software patches and similar-looking, but fake, website.
updates.
phishing
PCI A type of email-based social engineering attack
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) See PCI in which the attacker sends email from a
bus. spoofed source, such as a bank, to try to elicit
private information from the victim.
PCI bus
(Peripheral Component Interconnect bus) A physical address
peripheral bus commonly used in PCs that For network adapter cards, a globally unique
provides a high-speed data path between the hexadecimal number burned into every adapter
CPU and peripheral devices. by the manufacturer.

PCI Express physical security

(Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) The implementation and practice of various
A video adapter bus that is based on the PCI control mechanisms that are intended to
restrict physical access to facilities.

Glossary
768 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

piconet pointer drift

A network of two to eight Bluetooth-enabled A situation where the mouse pointer moves
devices. across the screen without the user touching the
touchpad or mouse.
PictBridge
A technology that allows images to be printed policy
directly on a printer from digital cameras. A subset of a security profile, and a document
that outlines the specific requirements and
PII rules everyone must meet.
(personally identifiable information) Any
information that can be used by itself or in pop-up
combination with additional information as a Windows or frames that load and appear
way to identify, contact, or find a single person, automatically when a user connects to a
or to identify a particular individual by using particular web page.
the various pieces of information together to
determine the person's identity. POP3
(Post Office Protocol version 3) A protocol
pixel used to retrieve email from a mailbox on the
The smallest discrete element on a display. A mail server.
single pixel is composed of a red, a blue, and a
green dot. port
A hardware connection interface on a personal
plaintext computer that enables devices to be connected
Unencoded data. Also called cleartext. to the computer, or the endpoint of a logical
connection that client computers use to
plasma display connect to specific server programs.
A type of flat panel that uses a gas mixture
placed between two sheets of glass that have port filtering
electrodes attached to their surfaces. A technique of selectively enabling or disabling
TCP and UDP ports on computers or network
plastics devices. It ensures that no traffic, except for
The hard surfaces that protect the internal the protocol that the administrator has chosen
components of a laptop. to allow, can pass through an open port.

plenum port replicator

An air handling space, including ducts and A scaled-down version of a docking station
other parts of the HVAC system in a building. with only the standard ports available.

plenum cable portrait

A grade of cable that does not give off noxious In printing, a page orientation that is taller than
or poisonous gases when burned. Unlike PVC it is wide.
cable, plenum cable can be run through the
plenum and firebreak walls. POST
(Power-On Self Test) A built-in diagnostic
PoE program that is run every time a personal
(Power-over-Ethernet) An emerging computer starts up.
technology standard that enables both power
and data to be transmitted over an Ethernet POST card
cable. (Power-On Self Test card) A card that can be
plugged directly into the motherboard in an
available expansion card slot that can read and
display any error codes that get generated
during the POST process of a computer.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 769

power sag privacy filter

See sag. A cover for a device's screen, making it
difficult for anyone to read the screen who is
power supply not positioned directly in front of the screen.
An internal computer component that converts
line voltage AC power from an electrical outlet private IP address
to the low-voltage DC power needed by Addresses used by organizations for nodes that
system components. require IP connectivity within their enterprise
network, but do not require external
power supply tester connections to the global Internet.
A tool that connects to the power supply's 24-
pin connector that tests the functionality of the PRL
unit. (Preferred Roaming List) A database built by
CDMA service carriers to indicate which radio
pre-installation environment bands should be used when connecting to a
A lighter version of Windows or Windows cell tower.
Server that can be installed in either 32- or 64-
bit versions. procedure
A subset of a security profile, and a document
prestaging that provides detailed information about
The process of creating computer accounts in specific devices and technologies that support
Windows Active Directory before joining the policies.
computers to the domain.
process table
PRI A record that summarizes the current running
(Preferred Roaming Index) An index that processes on a system.
works with the PRL to provide the best data/
voice quality to a phone while roaming. proxy
A system that acts as an intermediary for
Print Management requests for resources.
An administrative tool that is used to view and
manage all of the printers and print servers proxy server
installed on a network. A computer or application that isolates internal
clients from external servers by downloading
print quality and storing files on behalf of the clients.
A combination of parameters that define the
appearance of the printed output. PSTN
(Public Switched Telephone Network) An
print queue international telephone system that carries
A list of print jobs waiting to print. analog voice data.

print server public IP addresses

A computer that enables network users to Addresses that can be used by organizations
share printers. that can also be shared with external networks.

printer punch down tool

An output device that produces text and A tool used in a wiring closet to connect cable
images from electronic content onto physical wires directly to a patch panel.
media such as paper or transparency film.
PVC
(polyvinyl chloride) A flexible rubber-like
plastic used to surround some twisted pair

Glossary
770 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

cabling. It is flexible and inexpensive, but gives recovery image

off noxious or poisonous gases when burned. A file used by Windows to refresh your PC.

QoS refresh rate

(Quality of Service) A set of parameters that The number of times per second that the
controls the level of quality provided to monitor is “refreshed,” or scanned to
different types of network traffic. illuminate the pixels.

radio firmware Registry

In a mobile device, memory that contains an The central configuration database where
operating system that is separate from the end- Windows stores and retrieves startup settings,
user operating system (for example, Android or hardware and software configuration
iOS) and that controls all of the low-level information, and information for local user
timing-dependent functions of the mobile accounts.
device.
regsvr32
radio networking A troubleshooting utility that registers and
A form of wireless communication in which unregisters OLE controls such as DLL and
signals are sent via RF waves, in the 10 KHz to ActiveX files.
1 GHz range, to wireless antennas.
ReiserFS
RAID A filesystem that handles small files more
(Redundant Array of Independent or efficiently and faster than ext2 and ext3.
Inexpensive Disks) A set of vendor-
independent specifications for fault-tolerant Remote Desktop
configurations on multiple-disk systems. A software application that operates a
Windows computer from a remote location.
RAM
(Random Access Memory) A computer storage Remote Disc
method that functions as a computer's main A feature of OS X that enables users to access
memory. external drives or share discs from another
computer.
RAM module
See RAM chip. resolution
The number of pixels that make up the
rapid elasticity dimension of a display, represented in a ratio
A cloud computing feature that provides value as the number of horizontal pixels by
seamless, scalable provisioning. vertical pixels.

RCA RF
(Radio Corporation of America) A cable and (radio frequency) Any of the electromagnetic
connector that is used to carry audio and video wave frequencies that lie in the range extending
transmissions to and from a variety of devices from around 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which include
such as TVs, digital cameras, and gaming those frequencies used for communications or
systems. radar signals. Commonly used as a synonym
for wireless communication.
ReadyBoost
A performance enhancer, available on RF
Windows Vista and Windows 7, that allows the (radio frequency) A frequency in which
user to supplement the computer's memory network or other communications take place
with an external storage device like a flash using radio waves in the 10 KHz to 1 GHz
drive. range.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 771

RFI information that is verified against an

(radio frequency interference) See EMI. identification system to allow or deny access to
a physical location, system, or network
RFID badge location.
A security card that contains a tag that reacts
with the radio frequency of the identification S-Video
system to allow or deny access. An analog video signal that carries the video
data as two separate signals (brightness and
RIMM color). S-Video works in 480i or 576i
(Rambus Inline Memory Modules) A RAM resolution.
form factor that has a metal cover that acts as a
heat sink. Although they have the same Safe Mode
number of pins, RIMMs have different pin A Windows system startup method that loads
settings and are not interchangeable with only a minimal set of drivers and services and
DIMMs and SDRAM that is used in troubleshooting Windows
computers.
riser card
A board that is plugged into the system board sag
and provides additional slots for adapter cards. A momentary low-voltage power failure.

ROM SATA
(Read-Only Memory) Memory that saves and (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) A
stores system data without a constant power type of hard drive that requires a serial data
source. channel to connect the drive controller and the
disk drives.
rootkit
Malicious code that is designed to hide the SATA connection
existence of processes or programs from (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
normal detection methods and to gain connection) A drive connection standard that
continuous privileged access to a computer provides a serial data channel between the
system. drive controller and the disk drives.

rotation method satellite

The schedule that determines how many Provides extremely long-range wireless
backup tapes or other media sets are needed, network transmissions to relay network signals
and the sequence in which they are used and from the network service provider to
reused. individual customers.

router SC
A networking device that connects multiple (Subscriber Connector or Standard
networks that use the same protocol. Connector ) Box-shaped connectors that snap
into a receptacle. SC connectors are often used
RPM in a duplex configuration where two fibers are
(Red Hat Package Manager) A tool that terminated into two SC connectors that are
provides a standard software installation molded together.
mechanism, information about installed
software packages, and a method for SCSI ID
uninstalling and upgrading existing software Identifiers assigned to each SCSI device
packages. connected to the bus. The ID numbers range
from 1 to 15.
RSA token
A small device that includes cryptographic
keys, a digital signature, or even biometric

Glossary
772 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

security control sfc

A safeguard or prevention method to avoid, (System File Checker) A command line tool
counteract, or minimize security risks relating used to verify system files and replace them, if
to personal or company property. needed.

security incident sfdisk

A specific instance of a risk event occurring, A Linux partition management utility.
whether or not it causes damage.
Shadow Copy
security incident report A feature available on Windows XP and newer
Documentation of a security incident, operating systems that creates backup copies
including the type and severity of the incident, or snapshots of the system's data and stores
personnel involved in the incident, a them locally or to an external location, either
description of the incident, and any mitigation manually or at regularly scheduled intervals.
actions taken.
share
security policy A network resource, such as a disk, folder, or
A formalized statement that defines how printer, that is available to other computer
security will be implemented within a particular users on the network.
organization.
shell
security profile A component that interacts directly with users
A large, comprehensive document that and functions as the command interpreter for
describes the security measures for an the Linux operating system.
organization.
shoulder surfing
server A human-based attack where the goal is to
A computer that provides services and look over the shoulder of an individual as he or
resources on the network. she enters password information or a PIN.

server virtualization Sidebar

Takes place centrally on a server and utilizes A designated area of the Windows 7 and
one logical device, typically the server, to act as Windows Vista desktop, displayed vertically
the host machine for the “guest” machines that along the side of the desktop, where users can
virtually use the applications and programs add gadgets of their choice to provide
provided by the host. information and access to frequently used tools
or programs.
server-side virtualization
See server virtualization. signal loss
The weakening of a radio signal from a cell
Service Pack tower such that your phone cannot connect to
Comprehensive software update that generally the network.
includes all prior patches and updates, but
which can also include important new features signature
and functions. A code pattern that identifies a virus. Also
called a definition.
set-top box
A device that converts video content to a SIMM
format that can be viewed on a television. Also (Single In-line Memory Modules) A RAM form
referred to as streaming players or media factor with a 32-bit data path.
players.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 773

SLA files, serial ports, printers, and communications

(Service Level Agreement) An agreement devices, including mail slots and named pipes,
entered into by the transmitter, or ISP, and the between computers.
receiver, or subscriber.
snapshot printer
Sleep A printer that produces snapshot-sized images
A power option available in Windows Vista, of acceptable photographic quality.
Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Apple
OSs, in which the computer conserves as sniffing attack
much energy as possible by cutting off power See eavesdropping attack.
to the parts of the machine that are not
necessary to function, excluding RAM. SNMP
(Simple Network Management Protocol) An
SMA Application-layer protocol used to exchange
(Sub Multi Assembly or Sub Miniature type A) information between network devices.
Connectors that use a threaded ferrule on the
outside to lock the connector in place. social engineering attack
A type of attack where the goal is to obtain
SMART sensitive data, including user names and
(Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting passwords, from network users through
Technology) A monitoring system that can deception and trickery.
help anticipate storage drive failures due to
excess heat, excess noise, damaged sectors, or SODIMM
read/write errors. (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module)
Memory that is half the size of DIMMs, are
smart camera available in 32- or 64-bit data paths, and are
A digital camera that includes a processor, commonly found in laptops and iMac systems.
memory, cellular and Wi-Fi support, and a
mobile operating system. software diagnostic tool
A computer repair program that can analyze
smart card hardware and software components and test
A device similar to a credit card that can store them for problems. Also referred to as
authentication information, such as a user's software diagnostic utility.
private key, on an embedded microchip.
SOHO MFD
smart TV (small office/home office multi-function
A hybrid device that is basically a television set device) A medium-sized network-enabled
with web and Internet features built into it. MFD suitable for small and home offices with
enhanced printing, scanning, copying, and
smart watch faxing functions.
A multipurpose device that runs computing
applications and that is worn on a person's SOHO network
wrist. (small office/home office) A small network
that provides connectivity and resource sharing
smartphone for a small office or home office.
A mobile digital device that combines the
functionality of a portable phone with that of soldered
media players, GPS navigation units, personal A means of securing electronic components to
digital assistants, and cameras. a circuit board by using a combination of lead,
tin, and silver (solder) and a tool called a
SMB soldering iron.
(Server Message Block) A protocol that works
on the Application layer and is used to share

Glossary
774 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

solid ink printer Spot Light

A type of printer that uses ink from melted A feature of OS X that enables users to search
solid-ink sticks. for apps, documents, images, and other files.

Southbridge spyware
A component of the chipset that controls Unwanted software that collects personal user
input/output functions, the system clock, data from a system and transmits it to a third
drives and buses, APM power management, party.
and various other devices.
SSD
space (solid state drive) A personal computer storage
In OS X, a virtual desktop consisting of a device that stores data in non-volatile special
collection of related windows, as created and memory instead of on disks or tape.
managed by Mission Control.
SSH
spam (Secure Shell) A protocol that enables a user or
Originally, frequent and repetitive postings in application to log on to another computer over
electronic bulletin boards; more commonly, a network, execute commands, and manage
unsolicited or distasteful commercial email files.
from anonymous sources.
SSHD
SPDIF (solid state hybrid drive) A personal computer
(Sony Phillips Digital Interconnect Format) A storage device that offers the best features of
digital format signal used to connect audio solid state and magnetic data storage by
devices to output audio signals over a short combining the traditional rotating platters of a
distance. magnetic HDD and a small amount of high-
speed flash memory on a single drive.
spear phishing
See whaling. SSID
(Service Set Identifier) A 32-bit alphanumeric
speed light string that identifies a wireless access point and
An indicator on a network adapter that shows all devices that connect to it.
whether the adapter is operating at 10 Mbps,
100 Mbps, or 1,000 Mbps. SSL
(Secure Sockets Layer) A security protocol that
spike uses certificates for authentication and
A very short increase in the electrical supply encryption to protect web communication.
voltage or current carried on any wire such as a
power line, phone lines, and network lines. ST
Usually lasts only a few miliseconds. (Straight Tip) Connects multimode fiber. ST
connectors look like BNC connectors.
spim
An IM-based attack similar to spam that is standard
propagated through instant messaging instead A subset of a security profile, and a tactical
of through email. document that specifies processes to follow to
meet policy requirements.
spoofing
A human-based or software-based attack standard formatting
where the goal is to pretend to be someone An operating system function that builds file
else for the purpose of identity concealment. systems on drives and partitions.
Spoofing can occur in IP addresses, MAC
addresses, and email.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 775

standby sudo
A power-saving mode where the computer (super user do) A Linux command that enables
cuts power to the hard drive and peripherals users to run programs with the security
while storing current data in RAM. privileges of the root user.

static addressing surge

Configuring TCP/IP statically on a network. A sudden sharp increase in voltage or current
Requires that an administrator visit each node that can last up to 50 microseconds.
to manually enter IP address information for
that node. surge suppressor
A power protection device that provides power
static electricity protection circuits that can reduce or eliminate
The buildup of stationary electrical charge on the impact of surges and spikes.
any object.
Suspend
stop error A power option available in Linux, in which
A system error severe enough to stop all the computer conserves as much energy as
processes and shut the system down without possible by cutting off power to the parts of
warning. Often referred to as "blue-screen the machine that are not necessary to function,
errors" in Windows because they generate an excluding RAM.
error message screen with a blue background.
swap
storage device A portion of the hard disk that is used in
A computer component that enables users to situations when Linux runs out of physical
save data for reuse at a later time, even after memory and needs more of it.
the personal computer is shut down and
restarted. swapping
In a virtual memory system, the process of
Storage Spaces moving data back and forth from physical
The Windows 8/8.1 implementation of RAID. RAM to the pagefile. Also called paging.

striping switch
A disk-performance-enhancement feature in A smart network hardware device that joins
which data is spread across multiple drives to multiple network segments together.
improve read and write access speeds.
system BIOS
strong password The BIOS that sets the computer’s
A password that meets the complexity configuration and environment when the
requirements that are set by a system system is powered on.
administrator and documented in a security
policy or a password policy. system board
The same as motherboard.
stuck pixels
Pixels that only show one color of light, so system bus
they appear out of place when the display is on. The primary communication pathway between
a CPU and other parts of the chipset. The
subnet mask system bus enables data transfer between the
A 32-bit number that is assigned to each host CPU, BIOS, memory, and the other buses in
to divide the 32-bit binary IP address into the computer. Also referred to as frontside bus
network and node portions. or local bus.

Glossary
776 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

System Configuration Task Manager

An administrative tool that is used to identify A basic system-diagnostic and performance-
and manage issues that may be causing the monitoring tool included with the Windows
system to run improperly at startup. operating system.

system files Task Scheduler

The files necessary for the operating system to An administrative tool that allows the user to
function properly. create and manage certain system tasks that
will be automatically carried out by the
system image computer at predetermined times.
A copy of Windows, applications, system
settings, and data files that is stored in a TCP
separate location than where the originals of (Transmission Control Protocol) A
these items are stored. connection-oriented, guaranteed-delivery
protocol used to send data packets between
System Restore computers over a network such as the Internet.
A utility available in Windows XP, Windows
Vista, and Windows 7 that monitors the system TCP/IP
for changes to core system files, drivers, and (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
the Registry, and creates restore points to be Protocol) A nonproprietary, routable network
used to help restore the system if a failure protocol suite that enables computers to
occurs. communicate over a network, including the
Internet.
system restore point
A snapshot of the system configuration at a termination
given moment in time that contains Adding a resistor to the end of a coax network
information about any changes to these segment to prevent reflections that would
components and is stored on the computer's interfere with the proper reception of network
hard disk. Restore points can be used to signals.
restore system settings to an earlier state
without affecting changes in user data since TFT
that time. (thin film transistor) A display type commonly
used in laptops.
system unit
A personal computer component that includes thermal dye transfer printer
other devices necessary for the computer to A sophisticated type of color printer that uses
function, including the chassis, power supply, heat to diffuse dye from color ribbons onto
cooling system, system board, microprocessor, special paper or transparency blanks to
memory chips, disk drives, adapter cards, and produce continuous-tone output similar in
ports for connecting external devices. Often quality to a photographic print. Also called dye
referred to as a box, main unit, or base unit. sublimation printer.

tablet thermal paper

A mobile device that includes an integrated Paper that contains a chemical designed to
touch screen display, virtual onscreen react with the heating element of a thermal
keyboard, and flash memory for data storage. printer to create images on paper.

tape drive thermal paste

A personal computer storage device that stores A paste that is used to connect a heat sink to a
data magnetically on a removable tape. CPU to provide a liquid thermally conductive
compound gel that fills any gaps between the
CPU and the heat sink to permit a more

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 777

efficient transference of heat from the TN

processor to the heat sink. (twisted nematic) An LCD panel technology
where the panel is black when no electric
thermal printer current is running through the liquid crystal
Any printer that uses heat to create the image cells because the cells align themselves in a
on the paper with dye or ink from ribbons or twisted state. When an electric current is
with heated pins. applied, the liquid crystal cells untwist, allowing
light to pass through, resulting in a white
thermal wax transfer printer display screen.
A printer that uses a thermal printhead to melt
wax-based ink from a transfer ribbon onto the token
paper. A physical or virtual object that stores
authentication information.
thick client
A business computer that performs most or all tone generator
computing functions on its own. Also referred An electronic device that sends an electrical
to as a fat client. signal through one set of UTP cables.

thin client tone locator

A business computer that relies heavily on An electronic device that emits an audible tone
another system, typically a server, to run most when it detects a signal in a set of wires.
of its programs, processes, and services.
tone probe
Thunderbolt connection See tone locator.
A hardware interface that supports connecting
a wide variety of peripheral devices to PCs and toner
that can use optical fiber or copper wire to An electrostatic-sensitive dry ink substance
transmit signals. used in laser printers.

TIA traces
(Telecommunication Industry Association) A Wires etched on to the motherboard to
standards and trades organization that provide electrical pathways.
develops industry standards for technologies
such as network cabling. trackpoint
A small button found on some laptops that
Time Machine enables you to move the mouse pointer when
An OS X application that provides automated no mouse is connected to the computer.
file backups.
transistors
TKIP Switches that are etched on one sliver of a
(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol ) A security semiconductor that can be opened or closed
protocol created by the IEEE 802.11i task when conducting electricity.
group to replace WEP.
triboelectric generation
TLS The use of friction to create a static charge.
(Transport Layer Security) A security protocol
that protects sensitive communication from Trojan horse
eavesdropping and tampering by using a Malicious code that masquerades as a harmless
secure, encrypted, and authenticated channel file. When a user executes it, thinking it is a
over a TCP/IP connection. harmless application, it destroys and corrupts
data on the user's hard drive.

Glossary
778 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

twisted pair USB connection

A type of cable in which multiple insulated A personal computer connection that enables
conductors are twisted together and clad in a you to connect multiple peripherals to a single
protective and insulating outer jacket. port with high performance and minimal
device configuration.
UAC
(User Account Control) An enhanced security user account
feature of Windows Vista and Windows 7 that A collection of credentials and important
aims to limit the privileges of a standard user information about a person with access to the
unless a computer administrator decides system, including the rights and privileges
otherwise. assigned to the user.

UDP user authentication

(User Datagram Protocol) A connectionless, A security measure in which a computer user
best-effort delivery protocol used to send data proves its identity in order to gain access to
packets between computers over a network resources.
such as the Internet.
USMT
UEFI (User State Migration Tool) A command-line
(Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) A utility that copies files and settings from one
standard firmware interface for PCs that was Microsoft Windows computer to another.
designed to improve software interoperability
and address the limitations in BIOSs. UTM
(unified threat management) The concept of
UNIX combining the features of a firewall, gateway
A family of operating systems originally antivirus, and IDS/IPS into a single device.
developed at Bell Laboratories and
characterized by portability, multiuser support, vfat
and built-in multitasking and networking A 32-bit filesystem that supports long file
functions. names and is compatible with the FAT
filesystem found in older versions of Microsoft
UPnP Windows.
(Universal Plug and Play) A feature found in
wireless routers to enable computers, printers, VGA
and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to be easily (Video Graphics Array) A display standard that
discoverable by the router. is implemented with a 15-pin DB-15
connector.
UPS
(uninterruptible power supply) A device that virtual memory
continues to provide power to connected The allocation by the computer system of a
circuits when the main source of power portion of the hard disk as if it was physical
becomes unavailable. This can help save RAM.
computer components from damage due to
power problems such as power failures, spikes, virtual printer
and sags. A software-based alternative to a physical
printer that enables you to print to a file.
USB
(universal serial bus) A hardware interface virtualization
standard designed to provide connections for The technological process of creating a virtual
numerous peripherals. version of a computer environment by
separating the elements of the computing
environment from each other and from the

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 779

physical hardware it runs on via an additional waveform

software layer. The shape of an analog signal when plotted on
an oscilloscope or graph.
virtualization workstation
A computer that uses both hardware wearable technology
virtualization and client virtualization resources Small mobile computing devices that are
to provide a comprehensive virtual workstation designed to be worn under, with, or on top of
for users. a person's clothing.

virus web server

A piece of code that spreads from one A computer that provides access to personal,
computer to another by attaching itself to corporate, or educational website content.
other files.
WEP
vishing (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Provides 64-bit,
A human-based attack where the goal is to 128-bit, and 256-bit encryption for wireless
extract personal, financial, or confidential communication that uses the 802.11a and
information from the victim by using services 802.11b protocols.
such as the telephone system and IP-based
voice messaging services (VoIP) as the whaling
communication medium. A form of phishing that targets individuals
who are known or are believed to be wealthy.
visual artifact
An error or anomaly in the visual display of a Wi-Fi
picture. The popular implementation of the 802.11b
wireless standard.
VMM
(Virtual Memory Manager) The Windows Wi-Fi analyzer
system component responsible for managing See wireless tester.
physical-to-virtual memory mappings and
virtual memory assignments. Wi-Fi locator
A utility that can be installed on computing
VNC devices to locate wireless networks within
(virtual network computing) A platform- range of the device.
independent system through which a user can
control a remote system. WiMAX
(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
VPN Access) A packet-based wireless technology
(virtual private network) A private network that provides wireless broadband access over
that protects communications sent through a long distances.
public network such as the Internet.
Windows Defender
WAN The anti-spyware software that is included with
(wide area network) A network that spans Windows Vista and Windows 7 installations.
multiple geographic locations, connecting
multiple LANs using long-range transmission Windows Firewall with Advanced
media. Security
An administrative tool that is used to manage
WAP advanced firewall settings for the computer
(Wireless Access Point) A device that provides and any remote computers connected to the
connection between wireless devices and can network.
connect to wired networks.

Glossary
780 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

Windows Memory Diagnostic wireless tester

An administrative tool that is used to check the A Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer used to detect
RAM on the system and make sure that it is devices and points of interference, as well as
functioning appropriately and efficiently. analyze and troubleshoot network issues on a
WLAN or other wireless networks.
Windows PE
See WinPE. WOL
(Wake-on-LAN) A networking capability that
Windows security policies is built into a device's NIC circuitry that allows
Configuration settings within Windows a device to turn on, or power up when a
operating systems that control the overall network message is received by another
security behavior of the system. computing device.

WinPE workgroup
(Windows pre-installation environment) A A peer-to-peer Microsoft network model that
lightweight version of Windows or Windows groups computers together for organizational
Server that can be used for deployment of the purposes, often deployed in homes and small
full version of the OS or for troubleshooting offices.
OS problems.
worm
wire crimper A piece of code that spreads from one
A tool that attaches media connectors to the computer to another on its own, not by
ends of cables. attaching itself to another file.

wire stripper WPA

A tool that is often incorporated into a wire (Wi-Fi Protected Access) A strong
crimper and that enables the user to remove authentication security protocol that was
the protective coating from electrical wires. introduced to address some of the
shortcomings in the WEP protocol during the
wireless connection pending development of the 802.11i IEEE
A network connection that transmits signals standard.
without using physical network media.
WPA2
wireless encryption (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2) A complete
The process of concealing and protecting data wireless standard that adds strong encryption
during wireless transmissions. and authentication security to 802.11 and relies
on 802.1x as the authentication mechanism.
wireless locator
See wireless tester. WPAN
(Wireless Personal Area Network) A network
Wireless Network Connection
that connects devices in very close proximity
A Windows troubleshooting tool used to verify
but not through a wireless access point.
that a computer or other wireless device is
connected to the network and able to send and WWAN
receive data. (wireless wide area network) Uses wireless
network technology to allow users to check
wireless security
email, surf the web, and connect to corporate
Any method of securing your wireless LAN
resources accessible within the cellular network
network to prevent unauthorized network
boundaries.
access and network data theft while ensuring
that authorized users can connect to the
network.

Glossary
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 781

X forwarding
A mechanism by which programs are run on
one machine and the X window output is
displayed on another machine.

XFS
A 64-bit, high-performance journaling
filesystem that provides fast recovery and can
handle large files efficiently.

XP mode
A downloadable add-on for Windows 7 that
allows users running Windows 7 to access and
use Windows XP-compatible software and
programs directly on their desktops.

zero day attack

An attack that exploits a previously unknown
vulnerability in an application or operating
system.

zombie
Unauthorized software that directs the devices
to launch a DDoS attack.

Glossary
Index

802.11i 487 updates 357

802.11 standard AP 92
versions 485, 487 APIPA 440, 666
8088 745 app
issues 663
Apple File Protocol, See AFP
A application errors 652
abacus 741 applications
accelerometer 62 locator 634
acceptable use policy, See AUP remote backup 635
access point, See AP argument 396
account management 621 ARP 667
ACLs 594 attack
Action Center utility 309 types of 578
activity light 421 ATX 203
adapters 44 audio/video editing workstation
Address Resolution Protocol, See ARP common hardware 413
administrative shares 480 common software 412
Administrative Tools 329 AUP 140
Advanced Encryption Standard, See AES authentication
adware 576 biometric 635
AES 487 multifactor 636
AFP 454 multi-factor 68
AIO, See MFD types user 68
algorithms authentication methods
for encryption 624 biometric authentication 106
Analytical engine 742 authentication server 97
Android authenticator app 636
email configuration 523 Automatic Private IP Addressing, See
antimalware software APIPA
updates 357 auto negotiation 468
anti-spyware autorun 622
software 357, 590
anti-static bags 121 B
antivirus software
backlight 508
784 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

backup cable stripper 456

importance of 349 cable tester 456, 458
schemes 350 cache memory 252
badges carputer 63
RFID 588 cathode ray tube, See CRT
Basic Input/Output System, See BIOS CCFL 152
batteries 499 CDFS 299
battery backup, See UPS CDs 20
Bayonet Neill-Concelman, See BNC cellular technology 447
binary numbering 436 central processing unit, See CPU
biometric authentication 106, 586 certificates
biometric locks 589 self-signed 617
biometrics 177, 678 chain of custody 141
BIOS Check Disk, See CHKDSK
diagnostics utility 271 chipset architecture 215, 253
memory 268 CHKDSK 276, 352
overview 9 chmod command
setting disk boot order 294 modes 401
BitLocker 56, 617 chroot mode 645
BitLocker To Go 617 CIDR 438
black hat 581 CIFS 453
blackouts 132 ciphers
Blue Screen of Death, See BSOD letter-substitution 624
Bluetooth ciphertext 623, 624
characteristics 48, 520 classes A, B, C 437
connectivity issues 535 classless addressing 438
naming and addressing 522 classless inter-domain routing, See CIDR
pairing 522 clean install 295, 334
vulnerabilities 677 cleartext 623
BNC 158 CLI 375
boot process client/server networks 85
Linux 643 clients 84
OS X 645 cloud computing
Windows 642 benefits 101
bootrec 647 types 100
BOOTREC 276 cloud printing 559
botnet 580, 581 cloud services
brightness 162 types 99
bring your own device, See BYOD CMOS
broadcast transmissions 436 battery 217, 218
brownouts 132 error codes 655
browser redirection 671 coax, See coaxial cable
brute-force attack 579 coaxial cable
BSOD 168, 278, 649 characteristics 158, 425
bus cold cathode fluorescent lamp, See CCFL
function 6 collate 558
speed 217, 273 command interpreters 329
BYOD 637 Command Line Interface, See CLI
command line interpreter 375
C command line tools 327
command prompt 375, 649
cable modem 445

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 785

commands Control Panel

apropos 400 overview 309, 318
apt-get 399 converters 44
chmod 398 cooling system
chown 398 characteristics 7
date 400 fans 219
dd 399 issues with 241
debugfs 393 laptop computers 509, 529
dumpe2fs 393 liquid-based 229
e2label 380 system firmware monitoring 272
fsck 393 types 228
grep 400 COPE 637
ifconfig 399 corona 544
iwconfig 399 corporate owned, personally enabled, See
man 400 COPE
mount 393 CPU
partprobe 393 cooling 228
ps 399 operational characteristics 225
Run as Administrator 616 overview 2
sudo 399 troubleshooting 239
umount 393 CRT 153
vim 399 cryptographic 623
vncserver 378 cryptographic techniques
vncviewer 378 encryption as 623
whoami 400 cryptography 623
Common Internet File System, See CIFS
communication skills D
importance of 138
Compact Disc File System, See CDFS data
compatibility mode 57 loss prevention, See DLP
compliance security controls 586 data backup 349
Component 157 data duplexing, RAID 1 266
Component Services 329 data encryption 623
composite video 157 data loss prevention, See DLP
computer cases 4 data restoration 349
computer connections 32 data sanitization 599, 634
Computer folder 73 data security 673
computer forensics 142 Data Sources 329
computer image 296 data synchronization 526, 527
Computer Management 329 data wiping 599, 634
computer networks 84 daughter board 9
computer removal 141 DB-15 154
computer security DC jack 499
best practice violations 583 DDoS 580, 581
computers for entertainment 413, 415 dead pixels 167
computing components 2 deciphering 624
connections default gateway address 437
Thunderbolt 37 DEFRAG utility 648
connectors degaussing 602
types 430 demilitarized zone, See DMZ
wireless device 47 Device Manager
accessing 190, 326

Index
786 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

uses 190, 326 DLP 593, 677

devices DMZ 476
encryption 599, 635 DNAT 477
pairing 521, 522 DNS
DHCP addresses 441
client-side settings 441 client-side implementation 442
dial-up lines 446 name resolution 442
dictionary attack 579 docking station 502
digital security 589 domain
Digital Subscriber Line, See DSL membership 471
Digital Video Interface, See DVI overview 300
digitizer 507 domain controller 300
DIMM 214 Domain Name Server (or System), See DNS
diodes 743 Domain Name System 96
directories 71 dot-matrix printer 552
directory services 472 dotted decimal notation 436
direct thermal printer 550 drive rails 260
DirectX Diagnostic tool 330 drivers
discovery mode 521 third-party 297
Disk Cleanup 352 updates 355
disk controller 14 drone 580
Disk Defragmenter 352 DSL 446
disk maintenance Dual In-line Memory Module, See DIMM
check disk 353 dump file 650
disk defragmentation 353 duplex 558
scheduled 353 duplexing 543
Disk Management 261 duplex scanning 543
DISKPART 276 DVDs 20
disk partitions DVI
overview 297 cables 155
types 298 single link vs. dual link 155
display cables dye sublimation printer 550
digital video interface 39 dynamic addressing 440
DVI 39 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol 96
HDMI 39 See also DHCP
high definition multimedia interface 39
VGA 39 E
video graphics array 39
display devices EAS 527
aspect ratio 159 Easy Transfer 335
connections 153 eavesdropping 579
settings 162 ECC 253
types 152 EDSAC 743
DisplayPort 157 EDTV 156
displays EEPROM 268, 269
multiple 163 EFS 617
Windows configuration tools 164 EIA 425
display settings 162 electrical hazards
Display utility 319 ESD 123
dissipative material 121 power supply 123
distros 373 electrical interference 666
electrical safety precautions 124

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 787

electromagnetic interference, See EMI errors and warnings 657

Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Exchange 522
Computer, See EDSAC Exchange ActiveSync, See EAS
Electronic Industries Alliance, See EIA expansion cards
Electronic Numerical Integrator and characteristics 8
Computer, See ENIAC configuring 198
electrostatic discharge, See ESD installing 198
Electrostatic Photographic drum, See EP drum types 197
email expansion slots 209
client-based 522 ExpressCards 501
configuration 523 extenders 92
filtering 595 external devices 2
security 523 external enclosure 276
security issues 671 external power source issues 132
web-based 522 External SATA, See eSATA
embedded Multi-Media Controller 23
EMI F
causes 122
eMMC 23 Face Contact connector, See FC connector
emulator 288 failed login
enciphering 624 attempts restrictions 635
encryption FAT 299
one-way vs. two-way 107, 487 FC connector 431
wireless 487 F-connector 427
Enhanced Digital TV, See EDTV FDISK 276
ENIAC 743 fiber connections 446
environmental safety fiber optic cable
atmospheric considerations 128 mode types 429
chemical hazards 133 file attributes
disposal of hazardous material 135 changing 75
incident reports 134 viewing 75
laser safety standards 131 File Explorer 72
liquid hazards 133 file extensions 74
MSDS 133 file recovery software 277
OSHA 118, 133 files
situational hazards 129 attributes 74, 614
EP drum 544 compression 610
EPROM 269 encryption 610
equipment extensions 74
grounding 124 fstab 393
e-reader 29, 514 NTFS permissions 609
Error-Correcting Code, See ECC sharing 327
eSATA 38 file server 96
ESD file sharing 480
causes 120 filesystem integrity 393
electrical hazards 123 file systems
prevention 120 types 299
toolkit 121 firewalls
Ethernet 421 features 94
event log entries 658 mobile devices 636
Event Viewer overview 308, 324
software configuration 475, 628

Index
788 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

software vs. hardware 590 overview of 377

types 590 GRUB 2
Windows configuration 591 overview of 377
firmware GUI 54, 374
overview 9
updates 355 H
upgrading 355
first response 141 half duplex 468
fixboot 647 hard disk drive, See HDD
fixmbr 647 hard drive disposal
flashing 9 formatting 602
Flash ROM 269 physical destruction 602
Folder Options utility 321 hardware
folders upgrading 334
shared permissions 613 hazardous material disposal 135
sharing 615 HDD
forensic response procedures 142 diagnostic tools 115
FORMAT 276 overview 14
formed-character printer 552 HDMI
form factor 202 cables 156
fox and hound 458 HDTV 156
frames heat sinks 7, 228
plastics 498 heavy duty MFD, See MFD
frequency variation 245 hertz, See Hz
frontlight 508 Hibernate 325
full duplex 468 High Definition Multimedia Interface, See
fuser assembly 544 HDMI
High-Definition TV, See HDTV
high-level formatting 602
G hoaxes 578
gaming PC homegroup 301, 471
peripherals 414 home server PC
requirements 414 requirements 416
gateways 437 home theater PC, See HTPC
genders 31 host firewall 590
General Protection Fault, See GPF host name 436
ghost cursor 533 hosts 436
global positioning system, See GPS hot swappable device 15
GPF 652 HTPC
GPRS 27 requirements 416
GPS 514 software 416
GPS device 29 hypervisor 287
GPS tracking 599, 634 Hz 162
GPU 411
GRand Unified Bootloader, See GRUB I
graphical user interface, See GUI
Graphical User Interface, See GUI IDS 97
Graphics Processing Unit, See GPU IEEE 36
group policy settings 582 IHA chipset 216
groups IMAP4 523
local 68 impact printer
GRUB common issues 572

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 789

maintenance 562 addressing schemes 440

paper feeding 552 alternates 470
process 552 classes 437
types 551 private 440
impersonation 577 public 440
incident management 583 static vs. dynamic 440
incident reports 134 IPCONFIG 460
infrared, See IR IPS 97
inkjet printer IPv4 addresses 436
characteristics 547 IPv4 vs. IPv6 440
common issues 571 IPv6 addresses
maintenance 562 double colon 439
piezoelectric vs. thermal 547, 548 IPv6 standard 439
process 548 IP version 6, See IPv6 standard
supplies 555 IR 49
in-place upgrade 334 ISDN 446
input/output device issues 651 ISP 445
input/output devices 192
input devices K
biometric types 177
installation considerations 181 Kensington locks 503
multimedia 176 keyboard 497
optical 175 keyboard, video, mouse switch, See KVM
security 177 switch
third-party utilities 183 keyboards 172
Windows configuration tools 182 key fobs 588
Institute of Electrical and Electronic kill commands 403
Engineers, See IEEE KVM switch
integrated circuit 744 uses 192
Integrated Services Digital Network, See ISDN
Intel Hub Architecture chipset, See IHA L
chipset LAN 85
internal devices 2 laptop computers
International Mobile Equipment Identity batteries 508
number, See IMEI number characteristics 25, 496
International Mobile Subscriber Identity common keypad issues 533
number, See IMSI number cooling methods 509
Internet appliances 97 CPU 505
Internet connectivity 445 device issues 531
Internet Mail Access Protocol version 4, See display components 507
IMAP4 docking 502
Internet Options 318 expansion cards with 508
Internet Protocol, See IP function keys and buttons 501
Internet Service Provider, See ISP hardware components 497
intrusion detection 272 internals 505
Intrusion Detection System, See IDS locking 503
Intrusion Protection System, See IPS maintenance 529
inverter 508 memory 506
iOS 62 motherboard 505
IP 449 operating conditions 530
IP addresses power supply 508

Index
790 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

servicing 535 Local Area Connection status 460

storage drive 506 Local Area Network, See LAN
technical support considerations 500 Local Connector, See LC connector
vs. tablet PC 511 local policy settings 582
laser printer local printer
common issues 570 characteristics 556
components 544 Local Security Policy 70, 329
electrical safety 123 Local Users and Groups 329
maintenance 561 lockup errors
process 545 responding to 651
LC connector 431 logic bomb 576
LCD 3, 152 loopback plug 239, 458
LDAP 451 low-level formatting 602
least privilege 104, 622 LTFS 22
LED 153, 421 lumens 162
LED printer 545
legal security controls 586 M
light emitting diode, See LED
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, See MAC addresses 421
LDAP Macintosh
Linear Tape File Systems, See LTFS software compatibility 362
line noise 244 trackpad 363
line printer 552 magnetic core memory 744
link light 421 mail server 97
Linux maintenance
best practices 403 cleaning materials 116
CLI 375 techniques 115
distributions 60, 61, 373 tools 112
features 376 malicious software, See malware
file sharing 480 malware
GUI 374 issues 671
hardware compatibility 379 protection against 356, 590
installation 379 removing 675
management tools 391 types 576
remote access 377 MAN 87
shell commands 395 managing security incidents 583
shells 393 man-in-the-middle attack 579
software compatibility 380 mantraps 587
superuser 376 manual pages 400
system requirements 379 Mark I 742
tools 78 master boot record, See MBR
Linux filesystems Material Safety Data Sheet, See MSDS
definition 380 materials handling
ext3 380 chemical hazards 133
ext4 380 disposal of hazardous material 135
labels 380 liquid hazards 133
ReiserFS 380 MSDS 133
swap 380 mathematical functions 624
types 380 MBR 647
Linux rescue environment 644 Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack
liquid crystal display, See LCD connector, See MT-RJ connector

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 791

Media Access Control addresses, See MAC common security symptoms 676
addresses email 522
media design workstation policies and procedures 637
requirements 411 security controls 598
media tester, See cable tester security tools 678
memory synchronization 527
configurations 253 trusted sources 636
ECC 253 untrusted sources 636
form factors 214 vulnerabilities 598
non-volatile 5 mobile digital device 25
overview 5 mobile memory specifications 507
ROM 269 mobile operating systems 63
settings 218 Mobile OS
volatile 5 issues 661
memory dump 650 tools 663
memory module 252 modems 93
metropolitan area network, See MAN motherboard
MFD form factors 202
types 543 MSConfig
microATX 205 options 331
MicroDIMM 506 utility 648
microprocessor 745 vs. Services 332
Microsoft Product Activation 304 MSDS
Microsoft Windows required information 134
activation methods 305 MT-RJ connector 432
common features 308 multiboot 296
compatibility 294, 334 multicast transmissions 436
features 55 multi-CPU motherboards 227
file sharing 479 multi-factor authentication 106
gadgets 56 multi-function device, See MFD
installation types 295 multimedia devices
maintenance tools 352 common devices 176
migrating data between systems 335 multimeter 457
networking 471 multitouch 62, 512
remote computing 481 mutual authentication 106
system requirements 293 My Computer, See Computer folder
Upgrade OS Advisor 336
upgrading 334 N
versions 54, 293
Windows 7 editions 58, 310 Napier's Bones 741
Windows 8 editions 57, 310 NAT
Windows Vista 309 dynamic NAT 477
Windows Vista editions 58 implementations 476
mini-ATX 204 native resolution 162
mini-HDMI 156 NET 460
mini-ITX 206 NETSTAT 460
MiniPCI 213 network
Mini-PCIe cards 508 security measures 592
mirroring, RAID 1 266 Network Address Translation, See NAT
mobile carrier 520 network-based firewall 590
mobile devices network-based printer 556
network cables

Index
792 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

coaxial 425 OS X
fiber optic 428 best practices 369
FireWire 433 Boot Camp 61
termination 428 Dock 61
twisted pair 422 features 364
network-connected printer 556 file sharing 480
network connections Finder 61
configuration options 460 Gestures 61
types 433, 466 hardware compatibility 362
network connectivity iCloud 61
issues 665 keychain 61
network devices management tools 366
legacy devices 90 Mission Control 61, 364
network directory, See directory services operating system 61, 362
Network File Sharing, See NFS protocol space 364
networking utilities 460 Spot Light 61
network interface card, See NIC system requirements 362
network locations 467 user interface 363
network models 84 versions 61
network settings 466 output devices 188
network types overclocking 240
SOHO 484 overvoltage 245
NFS protocol 480
NIC P
characteristics 420
configuring 467 pagefile 344
status lights 420 PAN 86
nodes 84 parity 253, 254
non-compliant systems 581 partitioning 297
Northbridge chipset 216 partition management 392
NSLOOKUP 460 partprobe program 393
NTFS 299, 617 Pascaline machine 742
password
authentication 678
O best practices 621
OLED 153 patches 304, 355, 600, 624, 635
operating system patch management
32-bit vs. 64-bit 227 example 355, 624
boot methods 294 policies 355, 624
upgrade methods 334 patch panel 94
optical discs 20 PC 745
optical drive PCI 210
overview 21 PCIe
types 21 and DisplayPort 157
organic light emitting diode, See OLED overview 212
organizational policies PCI Express, See PCIe
prohibited content 140 PCI eXtended, See PCI-X
scope 140 PCI-X 211
orientation peer-to-peer networks 85
landscape 558 Performance Monitor 329
portrait 558 Peripheral Component Interconnect, See PCI
OSHA 118

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 793

Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, numeric error codes 654

See PCIe overview 11
peripheral devices 3 Post Office Protocol version 3, See POP3
permissions power connections 219
applying to subfolders 616 power generator 132
considerations when applying 614 Power Management 240
for shared files and folders 612 Power-On Self Test, See POST
inheritance 615 Power Options utility 325
in Unix 592 Power over Ethernet, See PoE
NTFS, file 609 Power Plans 325
NTFS, folder 609 power protection systems 132
NTFS vs. share 479, 613 power sag 132, 245
special 610 power spike 132
Personal Area Network, See PAN power supply
Personal Computer, See PC connections 231, 232
personal firewall, See host firewall issues with 245, 247
phablet 27, 513 laptops 508
pharming 578 overview 7
phishing 578 safety recommendations 234
physical addresses 421 specifications 231
physical security voltage switch safety 509
considerations 586 power supply tester 239
implementation 586 power surge 132
laptops 503 Preboot Execution Environment, See PXE
physical security controls 586 Preferred Roaming Index, See PRI
piconet 48 Preferred Roaming List, See PRL
PictBridge 543 prestaging 472
ping 460 PRI 519
pixels 162 printer
plaintext 624 common issues 566
plasma display 153 components 541
plenum 425 configuring 558
plenum cable 425 connection types 540
Plug and Play, See PnP hardware vs. software terminology 540
PnP 343 impact 551, 562
PoE 91, 468 inkjet 546, 562
polyvinyl chloride, See PVC installation 556
POP3 523 laser 544, 561
pop-ups 671 LED 545
port replicator 502 maintenance kits 564
ports media types 555
characteristics 449 paper trays 555, 558
commonly used 450 ports 558
filtering 593 sharing methods 557
forwarding and triggering 489 solid ink 548
hardware 31 supplies 555
ranges 449 thermal 549, 561
POST troubleshooting 564, 565
beep error codes 654 Print Management 329
card 239 print permissions 557
errors during 277 print queue 556

Index
794 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

print server 96, 556, 557 Read-Only Memory, See ROM

privacy 143 ReadyBoost 57
PRL 519 Recovery Console 329
procedural security controls 586 recovery image 349
processor connections Redundant Array of Independent Disks, See
socket types, AMD 225 RAID
socket types, Intel 223 refresh rate 162
process table 402 REGEDIT utility 648
PROM 269 Registry
proxy server 96 editing 343
proxy settings 474 errors 658
PSTN 446 files 342
PSU 7 overview 342
See also power supply subtrees 343
Public Switched Telephone Network, See value entries 342
PSTN Registry Editor 330, 343
punch down tool 459 REGSVR32 utility 648
PVC 425 regulatory security controls 586
PXE 294 remote backup 600
Remote Desktop 322, 481, 649
Q remote printing 559
repair disks 647
QoS 468, 484 repair tools 112
quality of service, See QoS repeaters 92
resistors 744
R restore 349
Radio Corporation of America, See RCA RF
radio firmware 519 spectrum allocation 49
radio frequency, See RF RFI 531
radio-frequency interference, See RFI RIMM 214
radio networking 48 riser card 9
RAID ROM
overview 265 overview 5
standards 265 types 269
RAM rootkit 576
buffered 254 rotation method 350
compatibility 254 routers
configurations 253 configuring 489
form factors 214 firmware 490
issues with 258 overview 92
non-buffered 254 RPM
not recognized 258 overview 401
overview 5 RPM Package Manager, See RPM
single- vs. double-sided 253 RS-232 interfaces 433
types 252 Run line
Rambus Inline Memory Module, See RIMM accessing 330
RAM chip 745 opening management consoles with 331
RAM module, See memory module
Random Access Memory, See RAM S
rapid elasticity 101 Safe Mode
RCA 158 options 649

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 795

SATA shielded twisted pair, See STP

connection 37 shoulder surfing 577
installation considerations 260 Sidebar 56
troubleshooting 279 signal loss 676
satellite communications 446 Simple Network Management Protocol, See
SC connector 431 SNMP
scheduled tasks 350 single sign-on, See SSO
screen 500 SLAs 484
screen lock 599, 634 Sleep 325
screen resolution 319 SMA connector 431
Screen Resolution utility 167 smart camera 28, 514
SDTV 156 smart cards 106, 595
Search 330 smartphone
Secure Boot 271 devices 27, 512
Secure Shell, See SSH network connectivity 520
Secure Sockets Layer, See SSL smart watch 28
security SMB 452, 453
controls 586 snapshot printer 550
incidents 583 sniffing
permissions 608 attack 579
shared files and folders 615 SNMP 451
system files and folders 616 social engineering attacks
security cards 588 types 577
Security Center utility 309 SODIMM 507
security compliance 103–105, 582, 591, 622 software
security issues 671 diagnostic tools 114
security policy trusted sources 595
digital data 589 upgrading 334
educating users 104, 582, 675 software diagnostic tests
user practices 105 examples 115
Server Message Block, See SMB software license 144
servers software updates 303
functions 84 SOHO MFD, See MFD types
home 416 SOHO networks
roles 96 characteristics 484
Service Level Agreements, See SLAs QoS in 485
Service Packs 304 securing 627, 629
Services size 484
vs. MSConfig 332 soldered 4
Services console 330 solid ink printer 548
Service Set Identifier, See SSID solid state drives, See SSD
set-top box 193 solid state storage
sfc 647 characteristics 15
Shadow Copy 56 types 15
shares Southbridge chipset 216
administrative 480, 612 spam 577, 578, 580, 672
characteristics 612 SPDIF 44
local 612 speakers 498
permissions for 612 spear phishing 578
shell commands 395 spectrum analyzers 459
shells 393 speed light 421

Index
796 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

spim 578 chipsets 215

spoofing 577, 593 connections, components 219
spyware 576 connections, fans 219
SSD expansion slots 209
in tablets 512 issues with 242
overview 15 laptops 505
troubleshooting 279 preventing problems 242
SSH 453 repairs 243
SSID 488 system bus 6
SSL 523 System Configuration 329
SSO 616 System File Checker, See sfc
standard client workstation 408 system files 71
Standard Connector, See SC connector system firmware
Standard Definition TV, See SDTV component settings 269
standard formatting, See high-level formatting monitoring functions 272
Standby 325 upgrades 269
startup errors 652 system image 350
static addressing 440 System Information utility 330
static electricity System Restore 57, 322, 349, 352
sources 120 system restore point 57
voltage 120 systems
ST connector 431 embedded 97
Stepped Reckoner 742 legacy 97
stop error 278 system unit 2
storage devices System utility 322
characteristics 6
disk partition 297 T
external, considerations 261
internal, considerations 260 tablet PC
solid state storage 15 devices 26, 511
STP 423 vs. laptop 511
Straight Tip connector, See ST connector tape drive 22
striping, RAID 0 265 Task Manager 311, 656
striping plus mirroring, RAID 10 266 Task Scheduler 329
striping with parity across drives, RAID 5 266 TCP
strong passwords 104, 591, 599, 634 common ports 450
stuck pixels 167 vs. UDP 449
Sub Miniature type A connector, See SMA TCP/IP 435, 460
connector technical security controls 586
Sub Multi Assembly connector, See SMA Telecommunications Industry Association, See
connector TIA
subnet masks Telnet 453
CIDR 438 Temporal Key Integrity Protocol, See TKIP
overview 437 thermal dye transfer printer 550
Subscriber Connector, See SC connector thermal paper 549
surge suppressor 132 thermal paste 228
surround sound 188 thermal printer
Suspend 325 characteristics 549
switches 91 maintenance 561
system BIOS 9 types 549
system boards thermal wax transfer printer 550
thick clients 408

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 797

thin clients 408 system board issues 242

threats and vulnerabilities tools 147, 646, 668
protecting against 582, 583, 586, 589, 590 video and display issues 166, 651
sociological 577 wireless connectivity 535
software 576 twisted nematic, See TN
TIA 425 twisted pair cable
TKIP 487 types 423
TLS 523
TN 152 U
tokens
RSA 588 UAC 69
tone generators and locators 458 UDP
toner 544, 555 common ports 450
toner vacuums 564 vs. TCP 449
tools UEFI 10
cable tester 456 unattended installation 295
for file encryption 617 unicast transmissions 436
punch down 459 Unified Extensible Firmware Interface 10
wire crimpers 457 Unified Threat Management, See UTM
wire stripper 457 uninterruptible power supply, See UPS
touchpad 498 UNIVAC 743
tower 2 Universal Automatic Computer, See UNIVAC
TRACERT 460 Universal Plug and Play, See UPnP
traces 6 universal serial bus, See USB
trackpoint 175 UNIX
transistors 5, 744 file sharing 480
Transmission Control Protocol, See TCP operating system 59
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet unshielded twisted pair, See UTP
Protocol, See TCP/IP updates 355
Transport Layer Security, See TLS UPS
triboelectric generation 120 characteristics 132
Trojan horse 576 safety recommendations 234
troubleshooting types 133
app issues 663 uses 115
boot process 645 USB
cooling system issues 241 booting from 294
CPU issues 239 for network connections 433
external power sources 244 speeds 261
hard drive issues 276, 277 USB connection 33
hardware 239 User Account Control, See UAC
helpful documentation for 117 user accounts
network connectivity 460, 665–668 group accounts 70
operating system issues 646, 655 types 69, 608
power supply issues 245, 247 User Accounts utility 320
printers 564, 565 user authentication 616
process for 146 User Datagram Protocol, See UDP
RAID issues 276, 279, 655 user groups
RAM issues 258 creating 609
SATA drives 279 user interfaces
security issues 671 types 76
SSD issues 279 users
local 68

Index
798 | CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902)

User State Migration Tool, See USMT wearable devices 513

USMT 335 wearable technology 28
UTM 97 web server 96
UTP 423 WEP 487
whaling 578
V Wide Area Network, See WAN
Wi-Fi
vacuum tubes 743 connectivity 432, 520
VGA 154 IEEE standard 802.11b 485
video laptop antenna 508
adapters 159 vulnerabilities 677
converters 159 Wi-Fi locators 667
video card troubleshooting 167 Wi-Fi Protected Access, See WPA
Video Graphics Array, See VGA Wi-Fi-Protected Setup, See WPS
virtual desktops 376 Wi-Fi tester 459
virtualization Windows
benefits 286 See also Microsoft Windows
client-side 286 tools 77
network requirements 289 See also Microsoft Windows
purposes of 287 Windows 7
requirements 409 editions 58, 310
resource requirements 288 features 310
server-side 286 Windows 8
software products 409 editions 57
virtual memory features 310
page 345 Windows Aero 56
page fault 345 Windows Automated Installation kit, See
paging 345 WAIK
process 345 Windows Defender 57, 308
swapping 345 Windows Error Reporting 658
Virtual Memory Manager 344 Windows Explorer 72
Virtual Network Computing, See VNC Windows Firewall
virus configuration 591
characteristics 576 features 475, 628
signatures and definitions 356, 590 with Advanced Security 330
vishing 578 Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
visitor access logs 588 304
visual artifacts 168 Windows Memory Diagnostic 329
VM 409 Windows operating system
VNC 378 custom settings 302
voice phishing, See vishing Windows PowerShell 329
volt-ohm meter, See multimeter Windows pre-installation environment, See
Volume Activation 304 WinPE
Volume License Product Key 305 Windows security policies 581, 582
Windows Update 309
W Windows updates 303
WAIK 647 Windows Vista
Wake-on-LAN, See WOL editions 58
WAN 86 features 309
WAP 488 Windows XP
weak signal 676 power user 608

Index
 CompTIA® A+®: A Comprehensive Approach (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) | 799

WinPE 647
WinRE 647
Wired Equivalent Privacy, See WEP
Wireless Access Point, See WAP
wireless channels 486
wireless communication
signal strength 432
wireless connectivity issues 535
wireless device connections 47
wireless encryption types 487
Wireless Network Connection status 460
Wireless Personal Area Network, See WPAN
wireless security 628, 631
wireless tester 459
Wireless WAN, See WWAN
wire stripper 456
WOL 468
workgroups 300, 471
workstations
audio/video editing 412, 413
media design 411
standard client 408
worm 576
WPA 487
WPA2, See 802.11i
WPAN 86
WPS 630
WWAN 447

X
X forwarding 378
xfs tools 393
XP mode 57

Z
zero day attack 578
zombie 580

Index