Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software: CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15), 10th Edition

Description

• Copyright 2026
• Edition: 10th

• eBook
• ISBN-10: 0-13-543981-7
• ISBN-13: 978-0-13-543981-4

Master IT Hardware, Software, and Troubleshootingand Fully Prepare for the Latest CompTIA® Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15)

The Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color resource for building the skills you need to become a confident, job-ready IT technician--and for passing the updated CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15).

Built around the latest A+ exam objectives, this comprehensive guide helps you connect, configure, manage, and troubleshoot todays most widely used devices, operating systems, and cloud-based technologies--all in the context of real IT scenarios. Youll gain hands-on expertise with Windows 11, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, mobile and IoT devices, Active Directory, cybersecurity, scripting, and more.

Award-winning instructors Cheryl Schmidt and Christopher Lee combine technical depth with a strong focus on customer service and workplace-ready soft skills. Legacy technologies are also covered to prepare you for any environment you may encounter in the field.

WHAT YOULL LEARN AND HOW YOULL LEARN IT

Covers All Current A+ Exam Objectives: Stay focused with clear coverage of every topic tested on the Core 1 and Core 2 Exams (V15).

Real-World, Visual Learning: Hundreds of full-color photos, illustrations, and tables help you understand how things work.

Hands-On Tech Tips: Practical insights and field-tested troubleshooting advice throughout the book.

Professional Skills Focus: Soft skills tips and team-building exercises help you develop the communication and collaboration abilities todays employers demand.

Extensive Practice and Review Tools:

• Learning Objectives and Key Terms at the start of each chapter
• Review questions including multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended formats
• Critical thinking activities to reinforce deeper understanding
• Certification Exam Tips to help you study smarter

Chapter Summaries & Glossary: Recap and reinforce key takeaways for fast and effective study.

Free Online Companion: Complete A+ Lab Manual

Available for free online, the Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual offers 140+ hands-on labs that walk you through:

• PC components and mobile device repair
• Wired and wireless networking
• Operating system installation and configuration
• Security fundamentals
• Real-world troubleshooting scenarios

Step-by-step instructions, built-in challenges, and critical thinking questions help you practice, experiment, and build confidence with core A+ topics. Whether youre preparing for the exam or the workplace--or both--this lab manual ensures youre ready.

Perfect for students, instructors, and career changers alike, this guide will prepare you for both certification success and on-the-job performance in todays fast-moving IT environments.

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Sample Content

Table of Contents

Introduction .................xxv

Features of This Book .............................xxvii

Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of IT .......................... 1

    Who Needs This Book? ..................... 2

    Technician Qualities ........................... 2

    Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification .... 5

    Basic Skills for This Course ............. 5

    Types of Computers ............................ 8

    Basic Computer Hardware ................ 8

    Mice and Keyboards .........................14

    Common Peripherals ........................17

    1s and 0s ............18

    Safety Notes ......20

    Chapter Summary .............................21

    Key Terms ..........22

    Review Questions ..............................23

    Exercises ............25

    Activities ............27

Chapter 2: Connectivity .............................29

    Introduction to Connectivity ...........30

    External Connectivity .......................30

    Mouse and Keyboard Ports .............30

    Video Ports ........38

    Audio Ports ........43

    eSATA Ports ......43

    Modem and Serial Ports ..................44

    Network Ports ...46

    Network Cabling ...............................47

    Integrated Motherboard Ports .........53

    Getting to Know Ports......................53

    Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices ...............55

    Chapter Summary .............................56

    Key Terms ..........57

    Review Questions ..............................58

    Exercises ............59

    Activities ............62

Chapter 3: On the Motherboard............65

    Introduction to the Motherboard ....66

    Processor Overview ..........................66

    Processor Basics ................................67

    Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview ....68

    Cache ..................69

    Connecting to the Processor ...........70

    Multicore Processors ........................71

    Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ...72

    Introduction to Virtualization Support .....73

    Intel Processors .74

    AMD Processors ............75

    CPU Sockets .....76

    Processor Cooling .............77

    Installing a Processor .......................78

    Upgrading Processors .......................80

    Overclocking Processors .................80

    Installing CPU Thermal Solutions .81

    Troubleshooting Processor Issues ..82

    Expansion Slots 83

    PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) ....................83

    PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) ..84

    Motherboard Security Options .......87

    Types of Motherboards ....................88

    Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards ..............89

    Motherboard Troubleshooting ........90

    Chapter Summary .............................93

    Key Terms ..........94

    Review Questions ..............................95

    Exercises ............97

    Activities ............99

Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration .....103

    Configuration Overview ................104

    BIOS Overview ...............................104

    UEFI .................105

    BIOS/UEFI Configuration Settings ...............107

    CMOS Memory ...............................110

    Flashing/Clearing the BIOS/UEFI ...............112

    Other Configuration Parameters ...113

    Hardware Configuration Overview............115

    Installing a USB Device ................117

    Installing an eSATA Card ..............120

    Installing a Network Interface Card ..........121

    Troubleshooting Configurations ...122

    Chapter Summary .........4

    Key Terms ........124

    Review Questions .......125

    Exercises ..........127

    Activities ..........131

Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power ....135

    Disassembly Overview ...................136

    Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) ......136

    Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ........138

    Tools .................139

    Disassembly ....140

    Reassembly ......147

    Preventive Maintenance .................147

    Basic Electronics Overview ..........150

    Power Supply Overview ................153

    Replacing or Upgrading a Power Supply ........160

    Power Protection .............................162

    Symptoms of Power Supply Problems .........163

    Chapter Summary .......167

    Key Terms ........168

    Review Questions ......169

    Exercises ..........172

    Activities ..........173

Chapter 6: Memory ...177

    Memory Overview ........178

    Memory Physical Packaging.........178

    Planning a Memory Installation ...179

    Installing Memory Overview ........190

    Virtual RAM ...192

    Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows ......193

    Older Applications in Windows ...195

    Troubleshooting Memory Problems ..............195

    Removable Storage .........................197

    Chapter Summary ...........................201

    Key Terms ........202

    Review Questions ............................203

    Exercises ..........205

    Activities ..........211

Chapter 7: Storage Devices ....................213

    Storage Devices Overview ............214

    Hard Drive Overview .....................215

    Solid-State Drive (SSD) Overview ..............217

    Mechanical Drive Interfaces Overview .........219

    SATA and SAS Connectivity ........220

    Storage Device Configuration Overview .......222

    System BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Storage Devices ..........228

    Hard Drive Preparation Overview ................229

    Windows Disk Management .........236

    Fault Tolerance ................................238

    Windows Storage Spaces ...............240

    Disk Caching/Virtual Memory .....241

    Troubleshooting Storage Devices Overview ..............243

    Data Loss and Corruption .............245

    Troubleshooting New Storage Device Installation ....246

    Troubleshooting Previously Installed Storage Devices ......247

    RAID Issues ....251

    SSD Issues .......251

    Chapter Summary ........253

    Key Terms ........255

    Review Questions ............256

    Exercises ..........258

    Activities ..........261

Chapter 8: Video and Multimedia Devices.......63

    Multimedia Devices Overview .....264

    Video Overview ...............................264

    Projectors .........274

    Introduction to Audio .....................276

    Sound Cards Using Windows .......279

    Speakers ...........281

    Troubleshooting Sound Problems ..............282

    Optical Drive Overview .................283

    Optical Drive Installation ..............286

    Troubleshooting Optical Drive Issues ...............286

    Scanners ...........287

    Other Multimedia Devices ............290

    Chapter Summary ...........................293

    Key Terms ........294

    Review Questions ...................295

    Exercises ..........297

    Activities ..........298

Chapter 9: Printers/Multifunction Devices ...........301

    Printer/Multifunction Device Overview .........302

    Categories of Printers ..........302

    Impact Printers 303

    Inkjet Printers ..305

    Laser Printers ..308

    Thermal Printers ...................311

    Paper .................313

    Virtual Printing ................................316

    Refilling Cartridges, Re-inking Ribbons, and Recycling Cartridges ..317

    Upgrading Printers ..........................318

    Printer Maintenance ........................318

    Printer Installation Overview ........324

    Installing Multifunction Devices ..326

    USB Printer Installation .................326

    Printers in the Windows Environment ........327

    Printer Sharing 332

    Cloud Printing/Scanning ................337

    General Printer Troubleshooting ..338

    Chapter Summary ...........................349

    Key Terms ........350

    Review Questions ............................351

    Exercises ..........353

    Activities ..........354

Chapter 10: Mobile Devices ...................357

    Mobile Device Overview ...............358

    Using Mobile Devices ....................364

    Cell Phones ......366

    Mobile Apps ....368

    Mobile Device Wired Connectivity ........371

    Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity ......373

    Mobile Device Email Configuration ............379

    Mobile Device Synchronization and Backup .............381

    Other Mobile Software Tools .......385

    Laptops Overview .....387

    Laptop Hardware ..............387

    Laptop Power ..391

    Laptop Repairs Overview ..............394

    Mobile Device Security .................410

    Mobile Device Troubleshooting Overview ...415

    Chapter Summary .........429

    Key Terms ........431

    Review Questions ........432

    Exercises ..........434

    Activities ..........436

Chapter 11: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review ........439

    Design Overview .............................440

    Computer System Design ..............441

    Motherboard and Associated Component Design .....447

    Power Supply and Case Design ...447

    Storage Subsystem Design ............449

    Audio Subsystem Design ..............449

    Display Subsystem Design ............450

    Troubleshooting Overview ............451

    Step 1. Identify the Problem .........452

    Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) .453

    Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause .......461

    Step 4. Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Proposed Solution .....463

    Step 5. Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures .....463

    Step 6. Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes ..........................463

    Sample Troubleshooting Flowcharts ............................464

    Chapter Summary ...........................468

    Key Terms ........469

    Review Questions ............................470

    Exercises ..........471

    Exercise 11.4 Determining the Troubleshooting Process Step ...........476

    Activities ..........476

Chapter 12: Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies.......479

    Internet Connectivity Overview ...480

    Dial-up Connectivity ......................480

    Cable Modems 482

    xDSL Modems 483

    VoIP ..................484

    Fiber Networks ................................486

    Satellite Modems .............................488

    Mobile/Cellular Connectivity Overview .....................489

    Web Browsers .492

    Introduction to Virtualization ........498

    Containers ........503

    Cloud Computing ............................503

    Chapter Summary ...........................509

    Key Terms ........511

    Review Questions ............................512

    Exercises ..........513

    Activities ..........515

Chapter 13: Networking ..........................517

    Networking Overview ....................518

    Network Media Overview .............525

    Ethernet over Power .......................534

    Protecting Your Network and Cable Investment ........535

    The OSI Model ................................538

    The TCP/IP Model ..........................540

    Network Addressing .......................542

    More IPv4 Addressing ...................543

    Wireless Networks Overview .......546

    Wireless Network Standards .........547

    Wireless Network Components ....548

    Wireless Network Design ..............550

    Wireless and Wired Client Device Configuration Overview .....559

    Configuring an End Device: IP Addressing ................560

    Adding a Computer to a Windows Domain ................566

    Wireless NICSpecific Settings ...567

    Advanced NIC Properties ..............568

    NIC Configuration When Using Virtualization ..........569

    Wireless AP/Router Configuration ............570

    WWAN Cellular Configuration ....572

    IoT and Smart Devices ...................572

    Network Troubleshooting ..............573

    Networking Multifunction Devices .............582

    Network Servers ..............................584

    Embedded, SCADA, and Legacy Systems ......585

    Software-Defined Networking ......586

    Network Terminology ....................587

    The TCP/IP Model in Action ........588

    More Windows Network Settings 590

    Introduction to Shared Folders .....594

    Chapter Summary ...........................598

    Key Terms ........601

    Review Questions ............................602

    Exercises ..........604

    Activities ..........610

Chapter 14: Introduction to Operating Systems ......613

    Operating Systems Overview .......614

    User Interaction with Operating Systems ........615

    Overview of Popular Operating Systems ...........616

    32-Bit vs. 64-Bit Operating Systems ............617

    Windows 11 Versions .....................618

    Workstation Operating Systems ...619

    Operating Systems for Mobile Devices ........619

    End-of-Life (EOL) Concerns ........620

    Update Limitations .........................620

    Compatibility Concerns .................621

    Corporate Operating System Needs .....621

    Basic Windows Usage Overview .623

    Windows 11 Desktop Components .............624

    Shortcuts ..........627

    Recycle Bin .....628

    Interactions Within a Window ......629

    Managing Windows Files and Folders ..........630

    Searches and Indexing ...................635

    Attributes, Compression, and Encryption .......637

    Introduction to Windows Settings 640

    Determining the Windows Version ...............642

    Windows Registry ...........................643

    Editing the Windows Registry ......643

    Backing Up Data .............................644

    WinRE ..............645

    Recovering the Windows OS ........645

    Chapter Summary ...........................647

    Key Terms ........648

    Review Questions ............................649

    Exercises ..........650

    Activities ..........652

Chapter 15: Introduction to Scripting ........655

    Scripting Overview .........................656

    Command Prompt Overview ........656

    Command Prompt Basics ..............657

    Moving Around from a Command Prompt ...659

    The md and rd Commands ..........662

    Two Useful Commands: del and type .....663

    Copying Files ..664

    The attrib Command ................665

    Why Learn Commands? ................666

    PowerShell .......666

    Other Commands You Should Look Over .......667

    Command Format ...........................668

    Introduction to Scripting ................692

    Script File Types ..............................693

    Use Cases for Scripting .................694

    Mitigating Consequences of Scripting .......695

    Environment Variables ...................696

    Script Syntax ...698

    Introduction to Script Programming .......699

    Variables ...........699

    Data Types .......701

    Examples of Using Variables ........702

    Comments Within Scripts ..............703

    Basic Script Constructs ..................704

    Decisions: The Selection Structure.............704

    Compound Conditions and Logical Operators ......708

    Loops: The Repetition Structure ..708

    A Brief Look at VBScript and PowerShell .......711

    Chapter Summary ...........................714

    Key Terms ........715

    Review Questions ............................716

    Exercises ..........717

    Activities ..........718

Chapter 16: Advanced Windows ..........721

    Advanced Windows Overview .....722

    Preinstallation of Windows ...........722

    Installation/Upgrade of Windows 732

    Corporate Windows Deployment .733

    Verifying the Installation ...............735

    Troubleshooting a Windows Installation ....735

    System Restore ................................737

    Reloading Windows ........................737

    Windows Updates ...........................739

    Backing Up the Windows Registry and Data ....740

    Configuring Windows Overview ..741

    Configuring Windows ....................743

    Adding Devices ...............................743

    Installing/Removing Software ......750

    Computer Management Console ..754

    System Tools ...755

    User Account Management ...........759

    Managing Storage ...........................765

    Managing Services and Applications ......769

    Data Sources (ODBC) ....................770

    Print Management Console ...........771

    Overview of the Windows Boot Process ....772

    Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) .....773

    Startup Settings Menu ....................776

    Task Manager ..782

    Monitoring System Performance .784

    Speeding Up the Windows Boot Process .....789

    Troubleshooting the Windows Boot Process ...790

    Black Screen/Video Issues ............792

    Troubleshooting a Service That Does Not Start ...793

    Slow Boot ........795

    Troubleshooting Windows Network Settings ...796

    Windows Reboots/System Instability .......797

    Shutdown Problems ........................798

    Summary of Troubleshooting Steps ......799

    Power Options.799

    Supporting Windows Computers Remotely .....801

    Preventive Maintenance for Your Operating System ..803

    Cloud-Based Productivity Tools ..804

    Chapter Summary ...........................809

    Key Terms ........811

    Review Questions ............................812

    Exercises ..........813

    Activities ..........815

Chapter 17: macOS and Linux Operating Systems ..817

    Introduction to macOS ...................818

    Navigating the User Interface .......819

    Basic System Usage, Applications, Updates, and Backups .....822

    Management and Troubleshooting Tools ......827

    Utilities .............830

    Introduction to Linux .....................839

    OS Components and Common Configuration Files ..840

    Navigating the User Interface .......840

    Basic System Usage, Updates, and Backups .....842

    Command-Line Interface ...............845

    macOS and Linux Best Practices .854

    Chapter Summary ...........................855

    Key Terms ........856

    Review Questions ............................857

    Exercises ..........858

    Activities ..........859

Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security .....861

    Security Overview ...........................862

    Security Policy 862

    Physical Security .............................863

    Logical Security ..............................870

    Considering the End User .............875

    Licensing ..........876

    Security Threats and Vulnerabilities ........878

    Protecting Access to Local and Network Resources .884

    Permissions ......891

    Folder Options 897

    Protecting the Operating System and Data .....898

    Internet Security ..............................906

    Remote Access to Network Devices .......918

    Internet Appliances .........................920

    Wireless Network Security Overview .......921

    Security Incident Response ...........928

    A Final Word About Security .......930

    Chapter Summary ...........................932

    Key Terms ........934

    Review Questions ............................935

    Exercises ..........937

    Activities ..........939

Chapter 19: Operational Procedures .941

    Operational Procedures Overview ......942

    Proper Power Handling and Adverse Power Conditions .......951

    IT Documentation ...........................959

    Change Management ......................964

    Chapter Summary ...........................975

    Key Terms ........977

    Review Questions ............................978

    Exercises ..........980

    Activities ..........981

Appendix A: Subnetting Basics ............985

Online Only Elements

Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives

Glossary

9780135439777, TOC, 8/12/2025

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