The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

CompTIA's Server+ certification offers industry recognition of server administration, troubleshooting, and management. This series equips you with all you need to know in order to pass the 2005 edition of the Server+ test (SK0-002). Learners will be presented with an up-to-date look at current server networking strategies from both the installation and servicing perspectives.

Features:
* Flash and audio provide animated, interactive Lesson Introductions, Activities, and Simulations.
* Activities allow learners to apply course concepts in an interactive questioning environment.
* Exercises allow learners to practice in the actual application being studied.
* Find-A-Word allows learners to look up an unfamiliar term in the Glossary, on the Web, or in a dictionary. In addition, it lets them find other occurrences of the term in the same course.
* Search text enables learners to rapidly search all text within a course to easily retrieve information required.
* Courses challenge the learner with a variety of question formats, including multi-step simulations, true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank.
* A skill assessment generates a customized learning path based on the results of a pre-test.
* A glossary provides a reference for definitions of unfamiliar terms.
* Bookmarking tracks a learner''s progress in a course.

Server Basics
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with the basics of server technology. You will examine the different types of servers and network architectures.
Objectives:
* Describe different server systems.
* Discuss the differences between general-purpose, appliance and application servers.
* Describe different server types.
* Explain how to use multi-tiered server architectures.
Topics:
* Comparing server systems
* General-purpose and appliance servers
* Application servers and services
* Providing service
* Server types
* Multi-tiered server architectures

Server Availability
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of clustering, scalability, high availability, fault tolerance, and failover.
Objectives:
* Discuss the effects of server failure and reliability.
* Explain the concepts of clustering and scalability.
* Calculate high availability.
* Differentiate between fault tolerance and failover.
Topics:
* Server failures and reliable server networks
* Clustering
* Scalability
* High availability
* Fault tolerance
* Failover

Multiprocessing and Server Memory
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about multiprocessors, multiprocessing systems and memory types that you will encounter on the CompTIA Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) Exam.
Objectives:
* Define the different types of multiprocessing systems.
* Explain the advantages and disadvantages to multiprocessing.
* Define multiprocessing systems.
* Discuss different types of RAM and where they are to be used.
* Explain the purpose of the buffer and the cache in terms of system memory.
Topics:
* Multiprocessing systems
* Symmetric multiprocessing systems
* Multiprocessing advantages and disadvantages
* Installing multiple processors
* Server processor subsystems
* Selecting server memory
* Error checking and correction
* Buffering and cache memory

Server Bus Architecture
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of server bus architecture and various hardware technologies used to manage and maintain a server's up time.
Objectives:
* Describe the various local bus interfaces and chipsets.
* Explain bus mastering.
* Discuss the various high-performance I/O interfaces.
* List hardware technologies related to bus mastering.
Topics:
* Local bus architectures and standards
* Server bus management
* PCI configuration
* PCI bus mastering and hot-swap technology
* Hot-plug PCI technology
* PCI-X
* PCI Express
* Hierarchical and peer PCI bus
* Intelligent input/output

SCSI Systems
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about the SCSI standard, including the development of the standard, the types of SCSI connections, and the cables to use. You will also learn about SCSI addressing, terminations, and how the SCSI standard is used over the Internet.
Objectives:
* Discuss the development of the SCSI standard.
* Explain the details of SCSI bus speeds and widths.
* Discuss different types of SCSI connectors and cables.
* Explain the different methods that can be used for terminating a SCSI chain.
* Explain how SCSI addressing is handled.
* Describe different Internet applications of the SCSI standard.
Topics:
* SCSI development
* Serial attached SCSI
* SCSI cables and connectors
* SCSI addressing
* SCSI terminations
* Internet SCSI

IDE/ATA and RAID Systems
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of the various interface standards and RAID systems.
Objectives:
* Discuss the parallel ATA interface standards.
* List serial ATA interface standards.
* Explain the phases of network storage.
* Discuss the various RAID systems.
Topics:
* IDE interfacing
* Ultra and serial ATA
* Serial ATA II
* Nearline storage
* RAID development
* RAID levels
* Dual-level RAID systems

Advanced Storage Arrays
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about Fibre Channel standards, as well as how they are used and properly implemented.
Objectives:
* Explain the benefits of Fibre Channel.
* Discuss the storage arrays Fibre Channel can use.
* Compare the storage devices that Fibre Channel uses.
* Identify the different cable, connector and converter types Fibre Channel uses.
* Explain how Fibre Channel transmission speeds are determined.
* Compare the bus lengths and topologies available to Fibre Channel.
* Explain how Fibre Channel bridges allow Fibre Channel to be used with other storage technologies.
* Describe the use of SAN, NAS, iSCSI and FCIP for network storage.
Topics:
* Fibre channel
* Fibre channel storage arrays
* Fibre channel disk drives and adapters
* Fibre channel cables, connectors, and converters
* Fibre channel transmission speeds
* Fibre channel hardware bus lengths and topologies
* Fibre channel bridges
* SAN and NAS specifications
* iSCSI and FCIP network storage

Installing Hardware
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of installation planning, hardware and server installation, and network protocols and infrastructure.
Objectives:
* Discuss the need for installation planning and verification.
* Discuss the power sources, cabling, and hardware a server installation requires.
* Explain the network protocols, access protocols, and network infrastructure involved in a server installation.
Topics:
* Planning and verifying installation
* Server power variations
* Network protocols and domain names
* Components, cables, and server racks
* Server hardware
* Server installation
* Understanding network infrastructure
* Network access protocols

Server Management and Configuration
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about proper network and storage server management and configuration, as administered by the network administrator or server manager. It also discusses storage virtualization methods, preplanning and planning of network operating system updates, external peripheral configurations, and driver update processes on a network.
Objectives:
* Determine the manageability elements of a network, both data and storage.
* Explain the functions of security management over SANs and NAS infrastructures.
* Define the roles of in-band and out-of-band virtualization with networked storage environments.
* Determine the differences between the ESCON, telecom, and ESCOM models.
* Determine valid reasons for updating a server network using a preplanning method.
* Define the peripheral cabling types such as USB, FireWire, and serial ATA.
* Explain the importance of backup and recovery plans.
Topics:
* Network administration
* Storage virtualization
* Preplanning and installing updates
* Network operating system installation
* External peripheral configurations
* Driver updates

Preparing the Server for Service
Time: 4.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about the installation of system service tools, backup software, system monitoring agents, and event logs. It also discusses server baselines, creating server configuration documentation, and implementing the server management plan for OS-dependent and OS-independent components.
Objectives:
* Name the two most commonly used network management protocols
* List the essential services that a system monitoring agent must provide
* Explain the purpose of performing a server baseline
* Specify what documents should be kept for troubleshooting purposes
* List what is included in a server management plan
* Explain the importance and requirements of a server network security plan
Topics:
* SNMP and DMI
* Server backup
* System monitoring
* Server baselines
* Establishing conditions
* Documenting configurations
* Server management plan
* Security planning and remote servers

Upgrading the Basic System
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a detailed understanding of basic system upgrades and the elements that accompany them. These include scheduling, documenting, and installing.
Objectives:
* Determine proper downtime schedules for system upgrades.
* Perform basic system upgrades to BIOS, firmware, and processors.
* Build documentation procedures, including creating the baseline for future upgrades.
* Explain the differences in backup and data recover options.
* Determine best practices for handling ESD and grounds.
Topics:
* Scheduling downtime
* Performing full system backups
* Processor upgrade
* Hard drive upgrade
* Memory upgrade
* BIOS and firmware upgrade

Adapters, Peripherals, Monitoring Agents and Service Tools
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information on adapters, peripherals, monitoring agents, and service tools, and what you need to know about them for the CompTIA Server+ exam.
Objectives:
* Upgrade service adapter cards and peripheral devices.
* Choose a UPS for your system.
* Identify types of server monitoring and management.
* Describe network management protocols.
Topics:
* Upgrading server adapter cards
* Upgrading peripheral devices
* Uninterruptible power supplies
* Server monitoring and management
* Monitoring interruption and management software
* Network management protocols
* Service tool upgrade

Maintenance and Environmental Issues
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of server backups and physical security issues.
Objectives:
* Discuss the importance of performing backups and proactive maintenance.
* Explain the fundamentals of server security and the importance of physical security.
* Establish antitheft devices for all system hardware, including server racks.
Topics:
* Performing file backups
* Creating and using baselines
* Adjusting SNMP thresholds
* Server housekeeping
* Server management plan
* Entrance security
* Server room security
* Environmental issues

Server Problem Determination
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to use diagnostic hardware tools and utilities to evaluate problems with the server.
Objectives:
* Escalate problems properly.
* Evaluate the server startup process for problems.
* Determine if a server problem is caused by configuration errors, hardware failures or software problems.
* Use hardware diagnostic tools and utilities.
* Shut down different server operating systems.
Topics:
* Gathering information and handling escalations
* Using server-related documentation
* System evaluation
* Hardware, software, and configuration problems
* Diagnostic tools and utilities
* Server operating system shutdowns
* Troubleshooting server networks

Troubleshooting
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides you with a basic understanding of various system bottlenecks and resource demands.
Objectives:
* Measure, document, and analyze performance data.
* Identify and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks.
* Discuss the importance of rescheduling tasks and balancing resources.
Topics:
* Optimal performance
* Documenting suspected bottlenecks
* Identifying performance bottlenecks
* Troubleshooting bottlenecks
* Physical disk bottlenecks
* Memory and network interface bottlenecks
* Processor and network redirector bottlenecks
* Server bottlenecks and resource handling

Disaster Recovery
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about disaster recovery as it applies to the Server+ exam.
Objectives:
* Create, update, and implement a disaster recovery plan.
* Select the best hardware and media to backup your data.
* Create a backup schedule and a backup rotation scheme.
Topics:
* Disaster recovery plan
* System redundancy plan
* Hardware and media Backup
* Tape drive backup
* Advanced digital recording
* Automated data tape storage
* Backup scheduling
* Backup rotation scheme and removable storage

Practice Exam
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides information about preparing to take the CompTIA Server+ 2005 (SK0-002) Exam. It also includes two 80-question practice exams.
Objectives:
* Register for the exam and schedule a time for testing
* Complete the practice exams
Topics:
* Practice Exam 1
* Practice Exam 2