A+ Certification Training Guide

Introduction

• How This Book Is Organized
  
• Test Taking Tips
  
• Acknowledgments
  

• Chapter 1 - Microcomputer Fundamentals
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Bits, Bytes, and Computer Words
    
  • Basic Hardware Structures
    
  • Microprocessor Operation
    
  • Input/Output (I/O)
    
  • Software
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercises
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 2 - PC Hardware
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Personal Computer Evolution
    
  • The PC System
    
  • Cases
    
  • Power Supplies
    
  • System Boards
    
  • Expansion Slots
    
  • Adapter Cards
    
  • Disk Drives
    
  • System Speakers
    
  • Peripherals
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 3 - Operating Systems
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Operating Systems
    
  • Basic Input/Output Systems
    
  • MS-DOS
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 4 - Microsoft Windows
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Windows Evolution
    
  • Microsoft Windows 3.x
    
  • Windows for Workgroups 3.11
    
  • Windows 95
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting the System
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Tools and Workspace
    
  • Initial Troubleshooting Steps
    
  • Software Diagnostics
    
  • Hardware Troubleshooting
    
  • Operating Systems Troubleshooting
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Procedures
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 6 - System Boards
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • System Board Evolution
    
  • Chip Sets
    
  • Microprocessors
    
  • Microprocessor Support Systems
    
  • Memory Systems
    
  • Onboard I/O
    
  • Expansion Slots
    
  • PCMCIA Slots
    
  • System Board Troubleshooting
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 7 - Input/Output
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Standard I/O Ports
    
  • Troubleshooting Port Problems
    
  • Input Devices
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 8 - Magnetic Storage
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Magnetic Disks
    
  • Disk Drive Operations
    
  • Floppy-Disk Drives
    
  • Hard-Disk Drives
    
  • RAID Systems
    
  • Tape Drives
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 9 - Video Displays
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • CRT Basics
    
  • Color Monitors and Graphics
    
  • Screen Data Manipulation
    
  • Video Standards
    
  • Integrated Video Controllers
    
  • The Monitor
    
  • Other Display Types
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercise
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 10 - Printers
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Printer Characteristics
    
  • Printing Methods
    
  • Character Types
    
  • Printer Speeds
    
  • Print Quality
    
  • Printer Mechanics
    
  • Paper Handling
    
  • Printer Controls
    
  • Printer Installation
    
  • Dot-Matrix Printers
    
  • Ink-Jet Printers
    
  • Laser Printers
    
  • Windows-Related Printing Problems
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercises
    
  • Review Questions
    
  • Review Answers
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 11 - Data Communications
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Modems
    
  • Local Area Networks
    
  • Wide Area Networks
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercises
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 12 - Multimedia
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Multimedia Applications
    
  • Multimedia Hardware
    
  • CD-ROM
    
  • Sound Cards
    
  • Video Capture Cards
    
  • VGA-to-TV Converters
    
  • General Multimedia Problems
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercises
    
  • Review Questions
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Chapter 13 - Preventive Maintenance and Safety
  
  
  
  • Introduction
    
  • Cleaning
    
  • Electrostatic Discharge
    
  • MOS Handling Techniques
    
  • Grounds
    
  • Power-Line Protection
    
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies
    
  • Preventive Maintenance
    
  • Monitors
    
  • Hard-Disk Drives
    
  • HDD Utilities
    
  • Floppy-Disk Drives
    
  • Input Devices
    
  • Printers
    
  • Preventive-Maintenance Schedule
    
  • Safety Considerations
    
  • Disposal Procedures
    
  • Summary
    
  • Lab Exercises
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Appendix A - Customer Satisfaction
  
  
  
  • Customer Service Skills
    
  • Scenario 1
    
  • Scenario 2
    
  • Scenario 3
    
  • Scenario 4
    
  • Scenario 5
    
  • Scenario 6
    
  • Scenario 7
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Appendix B -Glossary
  
  
  
  
• Appendix C - A+ Objective Map
  
  
  
  • DOS/Windows Module Examination
    
    
    
    
  
  
• Index