The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

The CompTIA A+ series prepares learners for the CompTIA A+ certification exams: Core Hardware and OS Technologies. Topics covered in this series include microprocessors, displays, storage media and devices, printers, modems, buses, operating systems, and more. Gaining CompTIA A+ certification assures employers and computer owners that a PC repair technician has the requisite knowledge to build, upgrade, troubleshoot, and repair personal computer (PC) systems.

Computer Basics
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of personal computers.
Objectives:
* Describe the electronics used in a PC.
* Use decimal and hexadecimal number systems.
* Recognize the components on a motherboard.
* Identify the purpose and use of the BIOS.
* Describe boot processes.
* Update the BIOS.
Topics:
* Basic electronics
* Number systems
* The motherboard
* Form factors and chipsets
* Cache memory
* Upgrading the motherboard
* BIOS
* Booting the system
* Boot processes
* BIOS setup
* Updating the BIOS

Bus Structures and Microprocessors
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners about the system resources and microprocessor chips most commonly found in today''s computers.
Objectives:
* Explain the purpose of the system and expansion buses.
* Identify system resources such as IRQ, DMA, and I/O addressing.
* Explain how microprocessors are packaged for and mounted on a motherboard.
* Describe techniques used to cool microprocessors.
* Differentiate between various types of sockets and slots used to mount microprocessors.
* Distinguish between the most popular microprocessors.
Topics:
* Bus structures
* More bus structures
* Interrupt requests
* Input/Output addresses
* Microprocessors
* Cooling and powering the processor
* Sockets and slots
* Types of processors

Memory and Data Storage
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners about memory systems and data storage devices found in personal computers.
Objectives:
* Identify the type and operational characteristics of RAM.
* Differentiate parity and nonparity memory.
* Define Windows memory management.
* Identify basic terms, concepts, and functions of storage systems.
* Format and partition ATA (IDE) and SCSI drives.
* Identify portable USB storage devices.
Topics:
* Memory basics
* Installing memory
* Memory considerations
* Storing data
* Moving data
* Disk drives
* SCSI and RAID
* Disk storage
* Installing floppy disk drives
* Installing hard and optical drives
* Installing SCSI drives

Powering and Disassembling the PC
Time: 4.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners how to protect a PC from irregular electrical events, and how to disassemble and reassemble a PC.
Objectives:
* List and define the common kinds of electrical events that can damage a PC.
* Select appropriate equipment to protect a PC from power irregularities.
* Describe the function and internal structure of a power supply.
* List the voltages used by major PC components and microprocessors.
* Test circuits in a PC using a multimeter.
* Disassemble and reassemble a PC.
Topics:
* Powering the PC
* Handling power problems
* The power supply
* Cooling the PC
* Converting power
* Connecting the power
* Using a multimeter
* Preparing to disassemble a PC
* Removing the major components
* Removing other components
* Removing the final pieces
* Reassembling the PC
* Testing the PC

Input and Output
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners about the types of connectors associated with different types of peripheral devices.
Objectives:
* Describe serial and parallel port connections.
* Explain USB, IEEE 1394, and IR connections.
* Describe PC input devices.
* Describe PC output systems.
Topics:
* Serial ports
* Serial port connections
* Parallel ports
* Specialized connections
* Keyboards
* The mouse
* Cleaning input devices
* The monitor
* Video display
* Interfacing with the video system
* Monitor power and safety
* PC sound

Printers and Portable Systems
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners about the different types of printers and how each type functions, as well as how to troubleshoot and upgrade printers and portable systems.
Objectives:
* Describe the different printers available and how they function.
* Troubleshoot common printer problems.
* Describe the difference between a portable computer and a desktop PC.
* Upgrade the memory or hard drive of a notebook computer.
Topics:
* Connecting printers
* Identifying printers
* Laser printers
* Printer upkeep
* Working with printers
* Powering portable systems
* Portable system upkeep
* Portable system features

Keeping the PC Running
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides learners with information on protecting, cleaning, and caring for the PC, as well as troubleshooting common PC problems.
Objectives:
* Clean and care for the parts of a PC.
* Clean and care for a monitor.
* Provide antivirus protection for a PC.
* Backup the data on a hard drive.
* Troubleshoot common PC problems.
Topics:
* Preventive maintenance
* Keyboard and mouse maintenance
* Monitor, case, and drive maintenance
* Virus detection and protection
* Data backup
* Troubleshooting preparation
* Troubleshooting the BIOS
* Troubleshooting CPU problems
* Troubleshooting disk drives
* Troubleshooting memory
* Troubleshooting other devices

OS Basics and Windows 95, 98, and Me
Time: 4.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches learners about the features of the different versions of Windows 9x and Windows Me.
Objectives:
* Use DOS commands to perform common operations.
* Differentiate between versions of Windows 9x.
* List the minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows 98 and Windows Me.
* Explain the purpose of the Windows system files.
* Use Windows system utilities.
* Isolate and correct startup problems.
Topics:
* Operating system basics
* Identifying operating systems
* DOS commands and the desktop
* Starting the operating system
* Working with file attributes
* Windows basics
* Installing Windows 9x and Me
* Application software and system files
* Starting Windows 9x
* Booting Windows
* Troubleshooting Windows
* Installing hardware and the Windows Registry

Windows 2000/XP and OS Troubleshooting
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course shows learners the process for installing and starting Windows 2000 and XP Professional as well as how to troubleshoot software and hardware problems learners may encounter with an operating system.
Objectives:
* Install Windows 2000.
* Setup and start Windows 2000.
* Manage Windows 2000.
* Install Windows XP.
* Troubleshoot Windows XP.
* Determine system problems.
* Troubleshoot PC and printer problems.
Topics:
* Windows 2000 basics
* Installing Windows 2000
* Windows 2000 setup and startup
* Handling startup problems
* Managing Windows 2000
* Windows 2000 ERD and startup disks
* Windows XP basics
* Installing Windows XP
* Troubleshooting Windows XP
* Determining system problems
* Handling PC and printer problems

Networking
Time: 4.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides learners with an introduction to basic networking terminology, network hardware, and the most common networking tasks performed in Windows operating systems.
Objectives:
* Differentiate among common connectivity technologies.
* Install and configure the software and hardware necessary for networking Windows computers.
* Configure elementary browser and security settings for connecting to the Internet.
Topics:
* Networking basics
* Network devices
* Network interface card
* Connecting a network
* Modems
* Configuring a network
* Dial-up connection process
* Networking technologies
* Browser and security configuration
* Configuring DUN

Working on the Network and Internet
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course shows learners how to configure Windows PCs for access to the network and Internet.
Objectives:
* Access network resources on Windows PCs.
* Create network shares.
* Map network drives.
* Troubleshoot network connection problems.
* Use Internet Connection Sharing.
* Enable a firewall in Windows XP.
Topics:
* Using the network
* Creating a network share
* Mapping drives
* TCP/IP
* Troubleshooting a network connection
* Browser caching
* Internet Connection Sharing
* Internet Connection Firewall

Practice Exam
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides learners with practice exam questions for the A+ Core Hardware and OS Technologies exams.
Objectives:
* Practice taking questions for the A+ Core Hardware exam
* Practice taking questions for the A+ OS Technologies exam
Topics:
* About the 2003 A+ Certification exams
* Core Hardware practice exam
* OS Technologies practice exam
* Practice taking questions for the A+ Core Hardware exam
* Practice taking questions for the A+ OS Technologies exam