A_Plus A_Plus

A Plus - Definition
Related Words: Accessory, Add, Addend, Addition, Advantage, Affix, And, Annex
The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. The correct title is A+.

For information on the A+ array processing language, see the article entitled A plus (note the lower case "p"). For the American rapper, see A Plus (rapper)


CompTIA.A.Plus.Logo.png


A Plus (A+) is a certification that states the holder is nominally qualified to be a personal computer technician. The certification exams are administered by CompTIA (The Computer Technology Industry Association).

CompTIA A+® Certification CompTIA A+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. Major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers accept CompTIA A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendor-neutral certification for service technicians. The exams cover a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but are not bound to any vendor-specific products. The skills and knowledge measured by the CompTIA A+ exams were derived from an industry-wide and worldwide job task analysis. To date, more than 500,000 individuals have obtained CompTIA A+ certification.

Earning CompTIA A+ certification proves that a candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

To obtain an A+ certification, one must pass two exams: the A+ Core Hardware exam and the A+ OS Technologies exam. The core hardware exam deals with identifying, installing, and upgrading common computer hardware such as motherboards, CPUs, and hard drives. The OS technologies exam covers operating system installation and maintenance with a heavy bias towards Microsoft Windows.

In its current revised avatar, released in Nov 2003, The A+ certification requires candidates to pass the 'Core Hardware' (Exam Code: 220-301) and the 'Operating System Technologies' exam (Exam code: 220-302). As with previous versions of the certification, it is valid for a lifetime. It is recommended, although not mandatory, to gain a minimum of 6-months experience in Computer Hardware Service/Support prior to achieving this popular certification.

A+ certified techs are preferred in jobs involving IT Helpdesk, Computer Repair/Service, Basic Network Support etc. It is also a good stepping stone to more advanced certifications like CompTIA's Network+, Server+, etc.

Industry Support for CompTIA A+® The technology community identifies CompTIA A+ certification as the perfect entry into an IT career. Technology and certification companies including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Novell and Certiport recognize CompTIA A+ certification as part of their certification tracks. Top technology companies including CompuCom, CompUSA and IBM have also made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians. Additionally, more than 100 companies now require CompTIA A+ certification as a prerequisite to qualify for their corporate and vendor-specific training programs.

Below is a summary of the 2003 Exam Objectives:

Contents
1 Operating System Technologies Exam
2 Domain 1 Operating System Fundamentals
3 Domain 2 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading
4 Domain 3 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting
5 Domain 4 Networks
6 Core Hardware Exam
7 Domain 1 Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading
8 Domain 2 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting
9 Domain 3 PC Preventive Maintenance, Safety, and Environmental Issues
10 Domain 4 Motherboard/Processors/Memory
11 Domain 5 Printers
12 Domain 6 Basic Networking

Operating System Technologies Exam

Domain 1 Operating System Fundamentals


1.1 Identify the major desktop components and interfaces, and their functions. Differentiate the characteristics of Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP. Content may include the following:

  • Contrasts between Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional,

and Windows XP

  • Major Operating System components
  • Registry
  • Virtual Memory
  • File System
  • Major Operating System Interfaces
  • Windows Explorer
  • My Computer
  • Control Panel
  • Computer Management Console
  • Accessories/System Tools
  • Command line
  • Network Neighborhood/My Network Places
  • Task Bar/systray
  • Start Menu
  • Device Manager

1.2 Identify the names, locations, purposes, and contents of major system files. Content may include the following:

  • Windows 9x –specific files
  • IO.SYS
  • MSDOS.SYS
  • AUTOEXEC.BAT
  • COMMAND.COM
  • CONFIG.SYS
  • HIMEM.SYS
  • EMM386.exe
  • WIN.COM
  • SYSTEM.INI
  • WIN.INI
  • Registry data files
    • SYSTEM.DAT
    • USER.DAT
  • Windows NT-based specific files
  • BOOT.INI
  • NTLDR
  • NTDETECT.COM
  • NTBOOTDD.SYS
  • NTUSER.DAT
  • Registry data files

1.3 Demonstrate the ability to use command-line functions and utilities to manage the operating system, including the proper syntax and switches. Command line functions and utilities include:

  • Command/CMD
  • DIR
  • ATTRIB
  • VER
  • MEM
  • SCANDISK
  • DEFRAG
  • EDIT
  • XCOPY
  • COPY
  • FORMAT
  • FDISK
  • SETVER
  • SCANREG
  • MD/CD/RD
  • Delete/Rename
  • DELTREE
  • TYPE
  • ECHO
  • SET
  • PING

1.4 Identify basic concepts and procedures for creating, viewing, and managing disks, directories and files. This includes procedures for changing file attributes and the ramifications of those changes (for example, security issues). Content may include the following:

  • Disks
  • Partitions
    • Active Partition
    • Primary Partition
    • Extended Partition
    • Logical partition
  • Files Systems
    • FAT16 FAT32 NTFS4
    • NTFS5.x
  • Directory Structures (root directory, subdirectories, etc)
  • Create folders
  • Navigate the directory structure
  • Maximum depth
  • Files
  • Creating files
  • File naming conventions (Most common extensions, 8.3, maximum length)
  • File attributes - Read Only, Hidden, System, and Archive attributes
  • File Compression
  • File Encryption
  • File Permissions
  • File types (text vs binary file)

1.5 Identify the major operating system utilities, their purpose, location, and available switches.

  • Disk Management Tools
    • DEFRAG.EXE
    • FDISK.EXE
    • Backup/Restore Utility (MSbackup, NTBackup, etc)
    • ScanDisk CHKDSK
    • Disk Cleanup
    • Format
  • System Management Tools
    • Device manager
    • System Manager
    • Computer Manager
    • MSCONFIG.EXE
    • REGEDIT.EXE (View information/Backup registry)
    • REGEDT32.EXE
    • SYSEDIT.EXE
    • SCANREG
    • COMMAND/CMD
    • Event Viewer
    • Task Manager
  • File Management Tools
    • ATTRIB.EXE
    • EXTRACT.EXE
    • Edit.com
    • Windows Explorer

Domain 2 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading


2.1 Identify the procedures for installing Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP, and bringing the operating system to a basic operational level. Content may include the following:

  • Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements
  • Determine OS installation options
  • Installation type (typical, custom, other)
  • Network configuration
  • File system type
  • Dual Boot Support
  • Disk preparation order (conceptual disk preparation)
  • Start the installation
  • Partition
  • Format drive
  • Run appropriate set up utility
  • Setup
  • Winnt
  • Installation methods
  • Bootable CD
  • Boot floppy
  • Network installation
  • Drive Imaging
  • Device Driver Configuration
  • Load default drivers
  • Find updated drivers
  • Restore user data files (if applicable)
  • Identify common symptoms and problems

2.2 Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade from Windows 9.x/ME, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP. Given an upgrade scenario, choose the appropriate next steps. Content may include the following:

  • Upgrade paths available
  • Determine correct upgrade startup utility (e.g. WINNT32 vs WINNT)
  • Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements
  • Verify application compatibility
  • Apply OS service packs, patches, and updates
  • Install additional Windows components

2.3 Identify the basic system boot sequences and boot methods, including the steps to create an emergency boot disk with utilities installed for Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP. Content may include the following:

  • Boot Sequence
  • Files required to boot
  • Boot steps (9.x, NT-based)
  • Alternative Boot Methods
  • Using a Startup disk
  • Safe/VGA-only mode
  • Last Known Good configuration
  • Command Prompt mode
  • Booting to a system restore point
  • Recovery Console
  • Boot.ini switches
  • Dual Boot
  • Creating Emergency Disks with OS Utilities
  • Creating emergency repair disk (ERD)

2.4 Identify procedures for installing/adding a device, including loading, adding, and configuring device drivers, and required software. Content may include the following:

  • Device Driver Installation
  • Plug and Play (PNP) and non-PNP devices
  • Install and configure device drivers
  • Install different device drivers
  • Manually install a device driver
  • Search the Internet for updated device drivers
  • Using unsigned drivers (driver signing)
  • Install Additional Windows components
  • Determine if permissions are adequate for performing the task

2.5 Identify procedures necessary to optimize the operating system and major operating system subsystems. Content may include the following:

  • Virtual Memory Management
  • Disk Defragmentation
  • Files and Buffers
  • Caches
  • Temporary file management

Domain 3 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting


3.1 Recognize and interpret the meaning of common error codes and startup messages from the boot sequence, and identify steps to correct the problems. Content may include the following:

  • Common Error Messages and Codes
  • Boot failure and errors
    • Invalid boot disk
    • Inaccessible boot device
    • Missing NTLDR
    • Bad or missing Command interpreter
  • Startup messages
    • Error in CONFIG.SYS line XX
    • Himem.sys not loaded
    • Missing or corrupt Himem.sys
    • Device/Service has failed to start
  • A device referenced in SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, Registry is not found
  • Event Viewer – Event log is full
  • Failure to start GUI
  • Windows Protection Error
  • User-modified settings cause improper operation at startup
  • Registry corruption
  • Using the correct Utilities
  • Dr. Watson
  • Boot Disk
  • Event Viewer

3.2 Recognize when to use common diagnostic utilities and tools. Given a diagnostic scenario involving one of these utilities or tools, select the appropriate steps needed to resolve the problem. Utilities and tools may include the following:

  • Startup disks
  • Required files for a boot disk
  • Boot disk with CD-ROM support
  • Startup Modes
  • Safe mode
  • Safe Mode with command prompt
  • Safe mode with networking
  • Step-by-Step/Single step mode
  • Automatic skip driver (ASD.exe)
  • Diagnostic tools, utilities and resources
  • User/installation manuals
  • Internet/web resources
  • Training materials
  • Task Manager
  • Dr. Watson
  • Boot Disk
  • Event Viewer
  • Device Manager
  • WinMSD
  • MSD
  • Recovery CD
  • CONFIGSAFE
  • Eliciting problem symptoms from customers
  • Having customer reproduce error as part of the diagnostic process
  • Identifying recent changes to the computer environment from the user

3.3 Recognize common operational and usability problems and determine how to resolve them. Content may include the following:

  • Troubleshooting Windows-specific printing problems
  • Print spool is stalled
  • Incorrect/incompatible driver for print
  • Incorrect parameter
  • Other Common problems
  • General Protection Faults
  • Bluescreen error (BSOD)
  • Illegal operation
  • Invalid working directory
  • System lock up
  • Option (Sound card, modem, input device) or will not function
  • Application will not start or load
  • Cannot log on to network (option – NIC not functioning)
  • Applications don’t install
  • Network connection
  • Viruses and virus types
  • What they are
  • TSR (Terminate Stay Resident) programs and virus
  • Sources (floppy, emails, etc.)
  • How to determine presence

Domain 4 Networks

4.1 Identify the networking capabilities of Windows. Given configuration parameters, configure the operating system to connect to a network. Content may include the following:

  • Configure protocols
  • TCP/IP
    • Gateway
    • Subnet mask
    • DNS (and domain suffix)
    • WINS
    • Static address assignment
    • Automatic address assignment (APIPA, DHCP)
  • IPX/SPX (NWLink)
  • Appletalk
  • NetBEUI/ NetBIOS
  • Configure Client options
  • Microsoft
  • Novell
  • Verify the configuration
  • Understand the use of the following tools
  • IPCONFIG.EXE
  • WINIPCFG.EXE
  • PING
  • TRACERT.EXE
  • NSLOOKUP.EXE
  • Share resources (Understand the capabilities/limitations with each OS version)
  • Setting permissions to shared resources
  • Network type and network card

4.2 Identify the basic Internet protocols and terminologies. Identify procedures for establishing Internet connectivity. In a given scenario, configure the operating system to connect to and use Internet resources. Content may include the following:

  • Protocols and terminologies
  • ISP
  • TCP/IP
  • E-mail (POP, SMTP, IMAP)
  • HTML
  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
  • SSL
  • Telnet
  • FTP
  • DNS
  • Connectivity technologies
  • Dial-up networking
  • DSL networking
  • ISDN networking
  • Cable
  • Satellite
  • Wireless
  • LAN
  • Installing and Configuring browsers
  • Enable/disable script support
  • Configure Proxy Settings
  • Configure security settings
  • Firewall protection under Windows XP

Core Hardware Exam

Domain 1 Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading

1.1 Identify the names, purpose, and characteristics, of system modules. Recognize these modules by sight or definition. Examples of concepts and modules are:

  • Motherboard
  • Firmware
  • Power supply
  • Processor /CPU
  • Memory
  • Storage devices
  • Display devices
  • Adapter cards
  • Ports
  • Cases
  • Riser cards

1.2 Identify basic procedures for adding and removing field-replaceable modules for desktop systems. Given a replacement scenario, choose the appropriate sequences. Desktop components:

  • Motherboard
  • Storage device
  • FDD
  • HDD
  • CD/CDRW
  • DVD/DVDRW
  • Tape drive
  • Removable storage
  • Power supply
  • AC adapter
  • AT/ATX
  • Cooling systems
  • Fans
  • Heat sinks
  • Liquid cooling
  • Processor /CPU
  • Memory
  • Display device
  • Input devices
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse/pointer devices
  • Touch screen
  • Adapters
  • Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Sound card
  • Video card
  • Modem
  • SCSI
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • USB
  • Wireless

1.3 Identify basic procedures for adding and removing field-replaceable modules for portable systems. Given a replacement scenario, choose the appropriate sequences. Portable components:

  • Storage devices
  • FDD
  • HDD
  • CD/CDRW
  • DVD/DVDRW
  • Removable storage
  • Power sources
  • AC adapter
  • DC adapter
  • Battery
  • Memory
  • Input devices
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse/pointer devices
  • Touch screen
  • PCMCIA/Mini PCI Adapters
  • Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Modem
  • SCSI
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • USB
  • Storage (memory and hard drive)
  • Docking station/port replicators
  • LCD panel
  • Wireless
  • Adapter/controller
  • Antennae

1.4 Identify typical IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses, and procedures for altering these settings when installing and configuring devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration steps in a given scenario. Content may include the following:

  • Legacy devices (e.g., ISA sound card)
  • Specialized devices (e.g., CAD/CAM)
  • Internal modems
  • Floppy drive controllers
  • Hard drive controllers
  • Multimedia devices
  • NICs
  • I/O ports
  • Serial
  • Parallel
  • USB ports
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • Infrared

1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and performance characteristics, of standardized/common peripheral ports, associated cabling, and their connectors. Recognize ports, cabling, and connectors, by sight. Content may include the following:

  • Port types
  • Serial
  • Parallel
  • USB ports
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • Infrared
  • Cable types
  • Serial (Straight through vs. null modem)
  • Parallel
  • USB
  • Connector types
  • Serial
    • DB-9
    • DB-25
    • RJ-11
    • RJ-45
  • Parallel
    • DB-25
    • Centronics (mini, 36)
  • PS2/MINI-DIN
  • USB
  • IEEE 1394

1.6 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common IDE devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios. Recognize the associated cables. Content may include the following:

  • IDE Interface Types
  • EIDE
  • ATA/ATAPI
  • Serial ATA
  • PIO
  • RAID (0, 1 and 5)
  • Master/Slave/cable select
  • Devices per channel
  • Primary/Secondary
  • Cable orientation/requirements

1.7 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common SCSI devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios. Recognize the associated cables. Content may include the following:

  • SCSI Interface Types
  • Narrow
  • Fast
  • Wide
  • Ultra-wide
  • LVD
  • HVD
  • Internal versus external
  • SCSI IDs
  • Jumper block/DIP switch settings (binary equivalents)
  • Resolving ID conflicts
  • RAID (0, 1 and 5)
  • Cabling
  • Length
  • Type
  • Termination requirements (active, passive, auto)

1.8 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring common peripheral devices. Choose the appropriate installation or configuration sequences in given scenarios. Content may include the following:

  • Modems and transceivers (dial-up, cable, DSL, ISDN)
  • External storage
  • Digital cameras
  • PDAs
  • Wireless access points
  • Infrared devices
  • Printers
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and suppressors
  • Monitors

1.9 Identify procedures to optimize PC operations in specific situations. Predict the effects of specific procedures under given scenarios. Topics may include:

  • Cooling systems
  • Liquid
  • Air
  • Heat sink
  • Thermal compound
  • Disk subsystem enhancements
  • Hard drives
  • Controller cards (e.g., RAID, ATA-100, etc.)
  • Cables
  • NICs
  • Specialized video cards
  • Memory
  • Additional processors

1.10 Determine the issues that must be considered when upgrading a PC. In a given scenario, determine when and how to upgrade system components. Issues may include:

  • Drivers for legacy devices
  • Bus types and characteristics
  • Cache in relationship to motherboards
  • Memory capacity and characteristics
  • Processor speed and compatibility
  • Hard drive capacity and characteristics
  • System/firmware limitations
  • Power supply output capacity

Components may include the following:

  • Motherboards
  • Memory
  • Hard drives
  • CPU
  • BIOS
  • Adapter cards
  • Laptop power sources
  • Lithium ion
  • NiMH
  • Fuel cell
  • PCMCIA Type I, II, III cards

Domain 2 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

2.1 Recognize common problems associated with each module and their symptoms, and identify steps to isolate and troubleshoot the problems. Given a problem situation, interpret the symptoms and infer the most likely cause. Content may include the following:

  • I/O ports and cables
  • Serial
  • Parallel
  • USB ports
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • Infrared
  • SCSI
  • Motherboards
  • CMOS/ BIOS settings
  • POST audible/visual error codes
  • Peripherals
  • Computer case
  • Power supply
  • Slot covers
  • Front cover alignment
  • Storage devices and cables
  • FDD
  • HDD
  • CD/CDRW
  • DVD/DVDRW
  • Tape drive
  • Removable storage
  • Cooling systems
  • Fans
  • Heat sinks
  • Liquid cooling
  • Temperature sensors
  • Processor /CPU
  • Memory
  • Display device
  • Input devices
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse/pointer devices
  • Touch screen
  • Adapters
  • Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Sound card
  • Video card
  • Modem
  • SCSI
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • USB
  • Portable Systems
  • PCMCIA
  • Batteries
  • Docking Stations/Port Replicators
  • Portable unique storage

2.2 Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and tools, and how to elicit problem symptoms from customers. Justify asking particular questions in a given scenario. Content may include the following:

  • Troubleshooting/isolation/problem determination procedures
  • Determining whether a hardware or software problem
  • Gathering information from user
  • Customer Environment
  • Symptoms/Error Codes
  • Situation when the problem occurred

Domain 3 PC Preventive Maintenance, Safety, and Environmental Issues

3.1 Identify the various types of preventive maintenance measures, products and procedures and when and how to use them. Content may include the following:

  • Liquid cleaning compounds
  • Types of materials to clean contacts and connections
  • Non-static vacuums (chassis, power supplies, fans)
  • Cleaning monitors
  • Cleaning removable media devices
  • Ventilation, dust and moisture control on the PC hardware interior.
  • Hard disk maintenance (defragging, scan disk, CHKDSK)
  • Verifying UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and suppressors

3.2 Identify various safety measures and procedures, and when/how to use them. Content may include the following:

  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) precautions and procedures
  • What ESD can do, how it may be apparent, or hidden
  • Common ESD protection devices
  • Situations that could present a danger or hazard
  • Potential hazards and proper safety procedures relating to
  • High-voltage equipment
  • Power supply
  • CRTs

3.3 Identify environmental protection measures and procedures, and when/how to use them. Content may include the following:

  • Special disposal procedures that comply with environmental guidelines.
  • Batteries
  • CRTs
  • Chemical solvents and cans
  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Domain 4 Motherboard/Processors/Memory

4.1 Distinguish between the popular CPU chips in terms of their basic characteristics. Content may include the following:

  • Popular CPU chips (Pentium class compatible)
  • Voltage
  • Speeds (actual vs. advertised)
  • Cache level I, II, III
  • Sockets/slots
  • VRM(s)

4.2 Identify the types of RAM (Random Access Memory), form factors, and operational characteristics. Determine banking and speed requirements under given scenarios. Content may include the following:

  • Types
  • EDO RAM (Extended Data Output RAM)
  • DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
  • SRAM (Static RAM)
  • VRAM (Video RAM)
  • SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)
  • DDR (Double Data Rate)
  • RAMBUS
  • Form factors (including pin count)
  • SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)
  • DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)
  • SoDIMM (Small outline DIMM)
  • MicroDIMM
  • RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module)
  • Operational characteristics
  • Memory chips (8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit)
  • Parity chips versus non-parity chips
  • ECC vs. non-ECC
  • Single-sided vs. double sided

4.3 Identify the most popular types of motherboards, their components, and their architecture (bus structures). Content may include the following:

  • Types of motherboards:
  • AT
  • ATX
  • Components:
  • Communication ports
  • Serial
  • USB
  • Parallel
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • Infrared
  • Memory
  • SIMM
  • DIMM
  • RIMM
  • SoDIMM
  • MicroDIMM
  • Processor sockets
  • Slot 1
  • Slot 2
  • Slot A
  • Socket A
  • Socket 7
  • Socket 8
  • Socket 423
  • Socket 478
  • Socket 370
  • External cache memory (Level 2)
  • Bus Architecture
  • ISA
  • PCI
  • PCI 32-bit
  • PCI 64-bit
  • AGP
  • 2X
  • 4X
  • 8X (Pro)
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus)
  • AMR (audio modem riser) slots
  • CNR (communication network riser) slots
  • Basic compatibility guidelines
  • IDE (ATA, ATAPI, ULTRA-DMA, EIDE)
  • SCSI (Narrow, Wide, Fast, Ultra, HVD, LVD(Low Voltage Differential))
  • Chipsets

4.4 Identify the purpose of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) memory, what it contains, and how and when to change its parameters. Given a scenario involving CMOS, choose the appropriate course of action. CMOS Settings:

  • Default settings
  • CPU settings
  • Printer parallel port—Uni., bi-directional, disable/enable, ECP, EPP
  • COM/serial port—memory address, interrupt request, disable
  • Floppy drive—enable/disable drive or boot, speed, density
  • Hard drive—size and drive type
  • Memory—speed, parity, non-parity
  • Boot sequence
  • Date/Time
  • Passwords
  • Plug & Play BIOS
  • Disabling on-board devices
  • Disabling virus protection
  • Power management
  • Infrared

Domain 5 Printers

5.1 Identify printer technologies, interfaces, and options/upgrades. Technologies include:

  • Laser
  • Ink Dispersion
  • Dot Matrix
  • Solid ink
  • Thermal
  • Dye sublimation

Interfaces include:

  • Parallel
  • Network
  • SCSI
  • USB
  • Infrared
  • Serial
  • IEEE 1394/Firewire
  • Wireless

Options/Upgrades include:

  • Memory
  • Hard drives
  • NICs
  • Trays and feeders
  • Finishers (e.g., stapling, etc.)
  • Scanners/fax/copier

5.2 Recognize common printer problems and techniques used to resolve them. Content may include the following:

  • Printer drivers
  • Firmware updates
  • Paper feed and output
  • Calibrations
  • Printing test pages
  • Errors (printed or displayed)
  • Memory
  • Configuration
  • Network connections
  • Connections
  • Paper jam
  • Print quality
  • Safety precautions
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Consumables
  • Environment

Domain 6 Basic Networking

6.1 Identify the common types of network cables, their characteristics and connectors. Cable types include:

  • Coaxial
  • RG6
  • RG8
  • RG58
  • RG59
  • Plenum/PVC
  • UTP
  • CAT3
  • CAT5/e
  • CAT6
  • STP
  • Fiber
  • Single-mode
  • Multi-mode

Connector types include:

  • BNC
  • RJ-45
  • AUI
  • ST/SC
  • IDC/UDC

6.2 Identify basic networking concepts including how a network works. Concepts include:

  • Installing and configuring network cards
  • Addressing
  • Bandwidth
  • Status indicators
  • Protocols
  • TCP/IP
  • IPX/SPX (NWLINK)
  • AppleTalk
  • NETBEUI/NETBIOS
  • Full-duplex, half-duplex
  • Cabling—Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber Optic, RS-232
  • Networking models
  • Peer-to-peer
  • Client/server
  • Infrared
  • Wireless

6.3 Identify common technologies available for establishing Internet connectivity and their characteristics. Technologies include:

  • LAN
  • DSL
  • Cable
  • ISDN
  • Dial-up
  • Satellite
  • Wireless

Characteristic include:

  • Definition
  • Speed
  • Connections

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