CompTIA Core 1

220-1101
Instructor: Andrew Ramdayal

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CompTIA A+ CORE 1
(220-1101) Exam
• 90-minute time limit
• Maximum of 90 Questions
• Multiple choice
• Pick one or many answers.
• Drag & Drop
• Match objects to a diagram.
• Performance-based (Simulators)
• These are hands-on troubleshooting
scenarios where you’ll have to perform a
series of steps/commands
• 675 (75%) out of a scale of 100-900
• $239 Exam Fee
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com
 % of
Domain
Exam

Mobile Devices 15%

Networking 20%

Hardware 25%

Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%

Hardware and Network

29%
Troubleshooting

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Mobile Devices

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hardware/device
replacement
• Hardware/device replacement
• Battery
• Keyboard/keys
• Random-access memory (RAM)
• Hard disk drive (HDD)/solidstate
drive (SSD) migration
• HDD/SSD replacement
• Wireless cards

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hardware/device
replacement
• Hardware/device replacement
• Battery
• Keyboard/keys
• Random-access memory (RAM)
• Hard disk drive (HDD)/solidstate
drive (SSD) migration
• HDD/SSD replacement
• Wireless cards

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Display components
of mobile devices

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Display components
of mobile devices
• Liquid crystal display (LCD)
• Don’t produce light
• Uses a backlight
• Cold cathode Fluorescent Lamp
(CCFL)
• Can use Streps of LED Lights
• Inverter
• Converts DC to AC for the backlight
• If there is problems with flickering or
dimness it might be the inverter

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Display components
of mobile devices
• Liquid crystal display (LCD)
• Twisted nematic (TN)
• Very old
• Good repones Time
• Very little lag, high refresh rate, 240 Hz
• Bad Color
• In-plane switching (IPS)
• Great Color
• Good Viewing Angles
• Little lag
• Vertical alignment (VA)
• Great color
• Okay response
• Organic light-emitting diode (OLED)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Display components
of mobile devices
• Organic light-emitting diode
(OLED)
• Light-emitting compound
• There is no need for a backlight,
• Contrast ratio of OLED displays
exceeds that of LCD panels
• OLED are the highest-quality
• OLED is found in smaller devices
such as smartphones

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Devices
• A digitizer
• A device that can be written and the
content will be converted from
analog input to digital images on the
computer.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• C/microUSB/miniUSB
• Lightning
• Serial interfaces
• Near-field communication (NFC)
• Bluetooth
• Hotspot

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• C/microUSB/miniUSB

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Lightning (Apple)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Serial interfaces

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Near-field communication (NFC)
• Use for payments mostly
• Only 4cm
• Bluetooth
• Device must be paired to the phone
• Supports, many devices including:
• Headsets, mouses, keyboards
• Hotspot
• Allows internet sharing from a
mobile smartphone to laptop

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Accessories
• Touch pens
• Trackpad
• Headsets
• Speakers
• Webcam

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection
methods
• Port replicator
• Reproduces the functions of
the ports on

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connection methods
• Docking station
• similar to a port replicator but offers
more functionality. Docking stations
also replicate ports but can contain
things like full-sized drive bays,
expansion bus slots, optical drives,
memory card slots, and ports that
are not otherwise available on a
laptop.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cellular Networking
Standards
• 2G
• digital technology and were able to handle
phone calls, text messaging (SMS) and
sending out limited amounts of data
• GSM
• Global System for Mobile Communications
• Used by AT&T and T-Mobile
• CDMA
• Code-division multiple access (CDMA)
• Used by Sprint and Verizon
• Uses a PRL (Preferred Roaming List)
• It indicates which radio bands, sub-
bands, and service provider IDs will
be searched for, then allows the
phone to connect to the correct
tower
• GSM and CDMA were not compatible with
each other.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cellular Networking
Standards
• 3G
• allows additional features such as
mobile Internet access, video calls
and mobile TV
• 4G
• WiMAX and Long-Term Evolution
(LTE) where 2 stardards, LTE won.
• Faster than 3G, Theoretical max is
300Mbps down and 75Mbps Up.
• No need for GSM or CDMA
• One standard

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cellular Networking
Standards
• 5G
• Much faster than 4G, up to 100x
faster.
• May hit speeds of 20Gbps
• Used to stream large amounts of
data such as digital video and
movies.
• Low - latency links

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Bluetooth
• Enable Bluetooth
• Enable pairing
• Find a device for pairing
• Enter the appropriate PIN code
• Test connectivity

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 MDM
• Mobile device management
(MDM)/mobile application
management (MAM)
• Corporate email configuration
• Two-factor authentication
• Corporate applications

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Mobile device
synchronization
• Account setup
• Microsoft 365
• Google Workspace
• iCloud
• Data to synchronize
• Mail
• Photos
• Calendar
• Contacts
• Recognizing data caps

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 2.0
Networking

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Introduction to
Networks
• LANs (Local Area Networks) are the private
networks found in homes, offices, and schools. LANs
can vary in size from a single room to an entire
building.
• SOHO Network
• Enterprise/Corporate Networks
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks) can exist
within a LAN or on their own

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Protocols
• A language used by the computer to speak to
each
• All computers today uses a protocol suite,
Transmission control Protocol/Internet
protocol
• TCP/IP
• Made of many of the protocols we used today are
part of TCP/IP such as HTTP or FTP
• TCP and UDP are used by other protocol to send
and receive data

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 28

 Protocols
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
• Reliable
• Connection-oriented
• Virtual circuit
• Sequenced
• Acknowledgements
• 24 - 60 bytes (high overhead)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 29

 Protocols
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
• Unreliable
• Connectionless
• No virtual circuit
• Un-sequenced
• No acknowledgments
• 8 bytes (lightweight)

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 File Transfer Protocol
• File Transfer Protocol is used to share files with
users in a LAN or a WAN
• TCP Port 20, 21
• Supports authentication, authorization, and
directory browsing
• Unencrypted – not recommended, use sftp.
• Trivial File Transfer Protocol
• Used to push(put) or pulls(get) files from a
server
• Commonly use to manage devices like IP
phones, routers and switches
• Does NOT support authentication, authorization,
or directory browsing
• UDP port 69
• Unencrypted – not recommended, use sftp
• Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure
implementation of FTP
• Supports all the same functions as FTP but with
encryption
• SFTP is an extension of SSH which is why they
use the same port number
• TCP Port 22

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 Mail Protocols
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol sends
• outgoing mail to a server
• Sends outgoing mail to a server
• TCP Port 25
• Post Office Protocol (POP3)
• Downloads incoming mail from a server
• TCP Port 110
• Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)
• synchronizes incoming mail from a server
• TCP Port 143

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 Telnet
• Telnet provides remote command line access
to interact with a server
• Considered insecure and should no longer be
used, use SSH instead
• Used TCP Port 23

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 Secure Shell
• Secure Shell provides encrypted remote
command line access to interact with a
server
• SSH version 2 added SFTP and SCP support
• TCP Port 22

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 DNS
• Domain Name Service (DNS):
• provides name to IP address resolution for
host
• Resolves Domain name to IP address
• TCP/UDP Port 53

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 35

 DHCP
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• provides various configurations to clients in
an IP network via broadcast
• UDP port 67 is the server port, and 68 is the
client port

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 HTTP
• Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
• is used to transmit webpages
• TCP Port 80

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 HTTPS
• Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure is
• used to securely transmit encrypted
webpages using SSL or TLS
• TCP Port 443

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 NetBios
• Network Basic Input/Output System provides
various network communication features in a
Windows network
• Used in Windows before IP networking
• NetBIOS over TCP/IP is still used in Windows
• TCP/UDP Port 137/139

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 SNMP
• Simple Network Management Protocol is
• used to query, configure, and monitor host in
a LAN
• SNMPv3 encrypts communication where
previous versions did not
• UDP Port 161/162

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 LDAP
• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
• is used in domain-based network
environments to facilitate system and user
management.
• TCP/UPD Port 389

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 Server Message Block
• Server Message Block (SMB) provides file
sharing, network browsing, and printing
services
• Commonly used in Windows networks but
supported in Linux, macOS, and many other
devices
• CIFS(Common Internet File System) is an open
implementation used on Linux and macOS
• TCP Port 445

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 RDP
• Remote Desktop Protocol is
• used to securely remotely access a Windows
desktop
• TCP Port 3389

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 Network Interface Card
• Network Interface Cards (NICs) are used to
connect devices to a network
• It’s common for NICs to be built-in into modern
computer systems
• Each NIC has a unique 48-bit MAC address
• The link light and activity lights are used to
trouble connections made to the NIC
• Link light verifies the cable is plugged in at
both ends
• Activity light will blink as data goes
through the interface

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 Hub
• A Hub is a legacy device used to connect
and manage wired communications in a
LAN
• Communicates by broadcasting
• Uses CSMA/CD to manage the collisions

5 port hub

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 Switch
• A Switch is used to connect and manage
wired communications in a LAN
• Forward frames based on MAC addresses
• Managed switches vs Unmanaged switches
• Managed switches can be configured
• Used in enterprise LANs to meet their
needs for enforcing policies
• Provide additional functions like VLANs,
port security, DHCP snooping, and
dynamic ARP inspection
• Expensive
• Unmanaged switches can NOT be
configured
• Used in SOHO networks
• Lower cost

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 Switch

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 Router
• Routers are used to connect
different broadcast domains to
each other
• Commonly used to connect a LAN
to a WAN (Site to site or the
Internet)
• Forwards traffic based on IP
Addresses in packets
• Can usually provide DHCP

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 Router

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 Firewall
• Firewalls are security devices used to
prevent authorized access to a LAN
from the Internet.
• Can be a hardware appliance or host-
based software
• The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a
segment of the network that a
firewall does not protect, this is used
to intentionally expose a device to
the Internet

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 Firewall

Fortinet Fortigate 100F Firewall

Cisco ASA 5506-X Firewall

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 Access Point (AP)
• Access Points(APs) are used to provide
and manage wireless communications in
a LAN
• Uses Radio Frequencies (RF) to transmit
host data

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 Access Point (AP)

Host A

AP Switch

Host B

Ubiquiti Unifi AX Pro Access

Point
Netgear WAX204A Access
Point

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 SOHO Router
• SOHO Routers are multifunction devices offering
many features beyond routing
• Always includes wireless, switching, firewall
security, and DHCP
• Can include content filtering, file server, print
server, VPN client and server, and other features
• Used to connect a LAN to the Internet
• Forwards traffic based on IP Addresses in packets

Netgear LAX20 WiFi Router Linksys WRT54G WiFi Router

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 54

 PoE (Power over
Ethernet)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows you to
power devices using just an Ethernet cable
• A PoE switch is required if you want to power
many PoE devices
• PoE devices are manufactured and sold with
PoE built-in as a feature
• PoE injectors can be used to power a single
PoE device if a PoE switch is NOT available
• PoE standards operate at different wattages,
verify which is required for your devices

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 PoE (Power over
Ethernet)

PoE Power Injector

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 DSL Modem
• Digital subscriber line (DSL)
• Type of internet that uses telephone lines
• Connect a network to a DSL connection

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 Optical network terminal (ONT)
• Converts the optical signal coming through
the fiber into separate signals for TV, voice,
and data

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 Software-defined networking
(SDN)
• An approach to network management that
enables dynamic, programmatically efficient
network configuration in order to improve
network performance and monitoring,
making it more like cloud computing than
traditional network management.
• Disassociating the forwarding process of
network packets (data plane) from the
routing process (control plane).
• Uses a controller to manage network traffic

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 Software-defined networking
(SDN)

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 Wireless Networking
• Allows devices to connect, to transfer and
receive data.

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 Wireless Frequencies
• 2.4 GHz Spectrum
• Long range communications because it has better
penetration through barriers
• Slower data rates compared to 5GHz
• Higher rate of interference because of its longer range
• Has 11 Channels in total
• Non-overlapping channels 1, 6, and 11 offer the best
chance of minimizing interference

• 5 GHz Spectrum
• Short range communication because of poor
penetration through barriers
• Faster data rates than 2.4GHz
• Has 45 in total and 24 non-overlapping
• 20Mhz use, 36,40,44,48,149,153,157,161,165
• 40MHz use 38,46,151,159
• Low chance of interference because of its shorter
range

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Wireless Standards

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 Access Point Configurations
• SSID(Service Set Identifier)
• Name of the wireless network (WLAN)
• Always change the default SSID
• Set to an easy-to-identify unique name
• SSIDs are case-sensitive; “CompanyWiFi” is NOT the
same as “companywifi”
• IP Address
• Assign a static IP address for administration
• Password
• Change the default administrator username and
password
• Wireless Channel
• 2.4GHz networks should only use channels 1, 6, or
11
• 5GHz networks should worry avoid busy channels
but it is less of a concern than 2.4GHz

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 Signal Degradation
• Distance
• All wireless signals will degrade the further away you are from
the access point
• 2.4GHz transmit further than 5GHz
• Walls and Other Barriers
• Barriers will reduce the transmission distance of any wireless
signal
• Wall with metals (pipes and vents) will reflect wireless signals
limiting their transmission distance
• Thicker reinforced walls will degrade signals more than
thinner walls
• Interference
• Other wireless networks and devices can cause interference
• Microwaves, toaster ovens, HVAC systems, and other high
voltage appliances can also cause interference

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 Long-range fixed wireless
• Used to connect wireless devices over miles
• Usually installed using point-to-point directional
antennas
• Licensed or Unlicensed
• May have to go to the FCC to get a license for the
radio frequency

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 Bluetooth
• Connect devices to devices
• Usually used for connecting:
• Mouses, keyboards, headsets
• Setup includes:
• Enable Bluetooth
• Enable pairing
• Find a device for pairing
• Enter the appropriate PIN code
• Test connectivity

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 Near-field communication (NFC)

• A set of communication protocols that enables

communication between two electronic
devices over a distance of 4 cm (11⁄2 in) or
less.
• Can use to :
• payment from a phone or watch
• Enter a building with a phone

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 Radio-frequency identification
(RFID)
• Uses electromagnetic fields to automatically
identify and track tags attached to objects.
• Use an access card, ez-pass(toll collection), or
work in inventory management.

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 Server Roles

• DNS
• Translate domain name to IP address
• DHCP
• Gives out IP address on a network
• Fileshare
• Shares files and folders on a network
• Print servers
• Shares printers
• Mail servers
• Allows users to connect and send and receive
email
• Syslog
• Receives logs from devices in a network
• Web servers
• Serves web pages using the HTTP or HTTPS
protocol

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 Server Roles

• Authentication
• Ensures you are the correct person.
• Uses passwords, key cards, or biometrics
• Authorization
• Ensure you can access the right data
• Usually done with file permission
• Accounting
• Keeps tracks of what users are
doing in their network

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 Internet appliances

• Spam gateways
• Keeps spam from entering your emails
• Unified threat management (UTM)
• A combination of antimalware, firewall and
intrusion detection system (IDS)
• Load balancers
• Allows multiple servers served the same
amount of traffic
• Proxy servers
• Request webpages on behalf of users
• Can be used to filter out web traffic, such
as blocking users from seeing facebook

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 Legacy/embedded systems

• Older systems still on a network

• May not be secured as no updates are
available.
• Supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA)
• Older utility systems such as providing gas and
electric power.
• May have to be section off the network to
ensure no access

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 Internet of Things (IoT) devices

• All devices connect to the internet

• Phones
• Cars
• Household appliance
• Watch
• ETC
• Can use many wireless protocols to work:
• Z-Wave
• Zigbee
• Bluetooth
• NFC
• IR
• RFID
• 802.11

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 DNS (Domain Name Service)
• Domain Name Service (DNS): provides name
to IP address resolution for host
• DNS servers can be in your LAN or out on the
Internet
• A host is normally assigned a DNS server via
DHCP, but it can also be assigned manually
• DNS Name Types
• Host names identify a specific device in a
network
• Hostname = workstation01
• Domain names identify a specific network
• Domain name = companyx.lan
• Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) identify
a specific in a specific network
• FQDN = workstation01.companyx.lan

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 DNS (Domain Name Service)
• Domain Name Service (DNS): provides
name to IP address resolution for host
• DNS servers can be in your LAN or out on
the Internet
• A host is normally assigned a DNS server via
DHCP, but it can also be assigned manually
• DNS Name Types
• Host names identify a specific device in a
network
• Hostname = workstation01
• Domain names identify a specific network
• Domain name = companyx.lan
• Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)
identify a specific in a specific network
• FQDN =
workstation01.companyx.lan

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 DNS Records

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol)
• The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
is used to assign various configurations to the host
of a network.
• Common configurations
• Scope is the range of addresses the server can
assign
• Example: 192.168.50.100 – 192.168.50.250
• Exclusion range is the range of addresses the
server can NOT assign
• Reservations allow you to bind a MAC address
to a specific IP address
• Allows DHCP to consistently assign the same
IP address to a device without having to
manually configure a static IP address
• Lease time defines how long an IP address is
“owned” by a host before it can be assigned to
another host Available leases identify how
many addresses are still available from the
scope

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 VPN(Virtual Private Network)

• Creates a secure tunnel to a private network over

the internet
• Required to access resources in a LAN over
the Internet
• Various protocols can be used; PPTP, L2TP,
IPSec, OpenVPN, SSL-VPN

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 VLAN

• Virtual local area (VLAN) network is any network

that is partitioned and isolated in a computer
network at the data link layer or by switches.
• Carries a separate network address
• Separate network traffic

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 Networks
• LANs (Local Area Networks) are the private
networks found in homes, offices, and schools. LANs
can vary in size from a single room to an entire
building.
• SOHO Network
• Enterprise/Corporate Networks
• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks) can exist
within a LAN or on their own

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 MAN (Metropolitan Area
Network)
• MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks) spread
across a single city.
• Connections between the sites are often privately
owned and managed by the organizations that use
them.

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 WAN (Wide Area Network)
• WANs (Wide Area Networks): When an
organization needs to connect their office on one
side of the world to the other, they connect
through a WAN.
• The Internet is the public WAN that anyone can get
access to.
• Site-to-Site connections are used by large
organizations to connect their different locations
over private WAN links.

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 CAN (Campus Area
Network)
• CANs (Campus Area Networks) spread
across a limited geographical distance like
a college/corporate/military campus.
• It is privately owned and managed.

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 PAN (Personal Area
Network)
• Personal Area Networks (PANs) are small
networks usually made up of two devices.
• These devices can be connected over wired
connections (Ethernet or USB) or wireless
connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared).

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 Other Network Types
• SANs (Storage Area Networks) are specifically
built to store data.
• The network consists of high-speed fiber links
and large storage servers.

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 Internet Connection
Types
• DSL (Digital Service Line)
• DSL is a broadband service that operates over the
PSTN(Public Switched Telephone Network)
• Requirements
• DSL modem
• DSL filter/splitter must be used to prevent noise
when connecting a telephone to a DSL line
• Cable
• Uses the DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface
Specification) standard to deliver Internet over coax
• Described as an FTTN (Fiber to the Node) service
• Requirements
• Cable modem
• Fiber: Internet over fiber optic cable.
• Fiber services like FIOS are FTTP (Fiber to the Premise)
• Fastest service but also the most expensive
• Requirements
• ONT(Optical Network Transceiver) converts the fiber
cable from the provider to twisted pair to connect
to a router

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 Wireless Internet Connection
Types
• Satellite
• Satellite internet is widely available and might be the only option
for those in rural areas
• Requirements
• Satellite dish connected to a satellite receiver via coax
• A clear view into space
• Satellite suffers from high latency which makes it unusable for the
following services
• VoIP, video streaming, online gaming
• Cellular
• Cellular internet has gained usage as coverage has grown quickly
• Requirements
• Within the 4G/LTE or 5G coverage area
• Mobile device with a cellular radio installed
• WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider)
• WISP provides Internet to smaller municipalities where cable or
fiber services aren’t available
• Providers use wireless access points deployed and at customer
sites
• Requirements
• Must be within the limited coverage area

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 88

Networking Tools
Crimper

• Crimper is used to terminate RJ45 and

RJ11 heads to twisted-pair cables

Crimper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 89

Networking Tools
Stripper

• Cable Stripper is used to strip

the jacket of a cable

Cable Stripper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 90

Networking Tools
WiFi Analyzer
• Application for your desktop or
mobile phone that can analyze
the type and strengths of
wireless networks.
• Useful to understand where to
place access points

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 91

Networking Tools
Toner Probe

• Toner probe is used to identify the other

end of a twisted-pair cable
• Tone generator sends a signal through
the known end of the cable
• The probe is used to locate the other end
of the cable

Toner Probe

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 92

Networking Tools
Punch-Down

• Punch-Down Tool used to terminate

twisted-pair to a 110 or 66 block

Punch-Down Tool

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 93

Networking Tools
Cable Tester

• Cable Tester is a simple tool that is used

to test twisted pair terminations.
• One end of the cable is plugged into the
main unit and the other end to the remote
• Lights should go off in sequence on both
ends

Cable Tester

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 94

Networking Tools
Loopback Plugs

• Loopback Plugs are used to test if a

network port can communicate to itself.
• These are available for copper and fiber
interfaces.

RJ45 Loopback plug LC Loopback plug

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 95

Networking Tools
Network Tap

• Network taps are used to

monitor network traffic

Network Tap

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 96

 Hardware

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Network cables
• Transmission Speeds
• Copper cables achieve speeds of
up to 40 Gigabits
• Fiber cables achieve speeds above
100 Gigabits
• Transmission Distance
• Copper cables can reach distances
of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet)
• Fiber cables can reach distances of
40 kilometers (25 miles)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Network cables
• Attenuation is the loss of signal
strength in networking cables or
connections
• Noise Immunity
• EMI(Electro-Magnetic Interference) is a
condition when signals from a device or
cable leak out and disrupt signals of
another device or cable
• Copper cables are highly susceptible to
interference
• Use shielded cables to protect against
EMI
• Fiber cables are NOT susceptible to EMI
since it is not copper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial Cable (Coax) is a round cable
often used for cable in and satellite
television connections. Its thick outer
jacket makes it ideal for outdoor use.
• RG-6 is the most common type of
coax cable.
 Advantage
• Shielding protects against EMI
• Long transmission distance (1100 meters)
• More affordable than fiber optic cables
 Disadvantage
• More expensive than twisted pair cable
• Copper core can snap if mishandled

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Coax Connectors

Secure locking connector

Commonly used in the old bus and ring networks.

Twisting hand screw commonly found on cable modems

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Twisted Pair cables
• Twisted Pair cables consist of eight
wires that are twisted into four pairs.
• This is the most used networking
cable in homes and offices.
• Twisted Pair Types
• STP (Shield Twisted Pair): Has
shielding to protect against EMI
• Direct-burial cable is a special
type of electrical wiring or cable
that is designed to be buried in a
trench underground
• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair):
Does NOT have shielding to
protect against EMI

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Twisted Pair cables

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Twisted Pair Connector
• 4 pin
connector
• Found on dial-
up modems
and analog
telephones

• 8 pin
connector
• Found on
Computer
networks

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Twisted Pair Categories

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Wiring Standards
• There are two standard RJ45 pinouts
for the individual arrangement of the
wire connections to the RJ45
connectors within an Ethernet cable:
T568A and T568B standards.

T568A T568B
• The blue and brown pairs are always in the same location
• Only the orange and green pairs transpose their position

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Fiber Optic cables
• Fiber optic cables transmit data using
light over flexible glass or plastic.
• Commonly used by WAN carriers and
service providers’ networks because of
their needs for long-distance
connections.
• Some enterprises also them for high-
speed long-range connections in their
LANs

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Fiber Optic Cable
 Advantage
 NOT susceptible to EMI
 Longest transmission distance up to
40km
 Fastest speeds up to 255 Tbps
 Disadvantage
 Most expensive cable
 Most difficult to install
 Difficult to troubleshoot issues
 Expensive tools needed for installation
and troubleshooting
 Can’t easily repair cables in the field

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Fiber Optic Connector

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 Fiber Optic Connector

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 Network Cable Specs

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 USB (Universal Serial Bus)
• USB (Universal Serial Bus)
• Supports keyboards, mouse,
storage devices, printers,
scanners, webcams, gamepads,
ethernet, WiFi, displays, audio
devices, touchscreens.
• 127 devices can be plugged into
USB

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 USB (Universal Serial Bus)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 USB Connector

Type A (host port)

Computer connector
Type B (guest port)
Device connector
Type C (host and guest port)
Computer & device connector
Reversable

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Thunderbolt
• Thunderbolt
• Fastest and most capable connector
• Compatible with DisplayPort and USB
devices
• Supports storage devices, displays, audio,
networking, and adapters
• 6 thunderbolt devices can be daisy
chained using a single thunderbolt port

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Thunderbolt

Mini Display Port USB Type-C

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Serial Port/RS-232/DB9
• Serial Port is one of the oldest ports
still in use but for very few occasions
• Most computer do NOT include a serial
port, but one can be added via USB, PCI,
or PCIe
• Can be used to manage enterprise class
network devices, program
microcontrollers, or control robotic
equipment

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface)
• HD and UHD audio and video
• Most common connector for connecting computers
to monitors and televisions
• An active HDMI cable is required for connections
longer than 25 feet
• HDCP (High-Definition Copy Protection) support is
required for some HD and UHD content like Blu-ray
video and some streaming services

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 DisplayPort
• HD and UHD audio and video
• Support HD digital video and audio signals.
• Popularized by Apple and commonly used by
gamers to achieve very high refresh rates.
• Can be combined with USB and Thunderbolt
ports

DisplayPort Cable

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 VGA (Video Graphics
Array)
• SD and HD analog video
• 15pin D-SUB
• Normally colored blue

VGA Port

VGA Connector

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 DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
• SD and HD analog and digital video
• Normally colored white

DVI Connector DVI Port

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hard drive cables
SATA (Serial ATA) is a connector used to attach
storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical
drives
• Connector is ambidextrous; either end can
connect to the motherboard or the drive
• All SATA types are compatible with each other
• Replaced the older PATA/IDE connector
• Mini SATA (mSATA) is a smaller version found
in SFF systems

SATA Versions
Type Max Speed
SATA 1 1.5 Gbps / 150 MB/s
SATA 2 3 Gbps / 300 MB/s
SATA 3 6 Gbps / 600 MB/s

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SATA

SATA Cable

USB3.0 & eSATA drive

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 • SCSI
Older Drive Cables
• 320 MB/s maximum data rate
• 80-pin ribbon connectors
• 1 connector supports many drives

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Older Drive Cables
• IDE/PATA
• 166 MB/s maximum data rate
• 40-pin ribbon connector
• 1 connector supports 2 drives

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Adapters
• Video adapters can be used to
change a video connector from
one type to another. They are
simple devices so they cannot
convert analog to digital or vice
versa.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connector types
• RJ11

• RJ45

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 Connector types
• F type

• Straight tip (ST)

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 Connector types
• Subscriber connector (SC)

• Lucent connector (LC)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connector types
• Punchdown block

• microUSB

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connector types
• miniUSB

• USB-C

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Connector types
• Molex

• Lightning port

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Random Access Memory
• RAM is the most common type of
system memory used by todays
computing devices. All applications
that are open on a system require
some amount of memory, so the
higher capacity of RAM the more
applications that can be opened.
• SRAM: Static RAM is memory that is
often used as cache inside of CPUs,
hard drives, LCDs and other
components. It is soldered directly to
the component, so it is NOT a
serviceable part.
• DRAM: Dynamic RAM is the memory
that we install on the motherboard.
• They vary in capacity from 2GB – 32GB
commonly but are available in larger
sizes

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Random Access Memory
• RAM is available in two packages,
DIMMs and SODIMMs.
• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)
• Commonly found in desktops and servers.

• SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory

Module)
• Commonly found in notebooks and SFF
systems.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Random Access Memory
• Double data rate (DDR) is the advanced version of
synchronous dynamic random-access memory
• Difference between SDRAM and DDR is how much
data is transported with each cycle
• DDR RAM is available in various types (DDR, DDR2,
DDR3, DDR4, DDR5)
• Different types are NOT compatible with each other
• A motherboard that supports one type of DDR will
NOT work with any other type

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Double data rate (DDR)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Memory Channeling
• Memory channeling allows a system
to access more RAM simultaneously
to improve performance

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Single-Sided vs Double-Sided
DIMMs
• When maxing out RAM on a motherboard verify if it
requires single-sided or double-sided memory.
Single-sided memory can be more expensive at
higher capacity with no performance benefit.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAM Variations
• Latency measures how responsive RAM is
when data is being read from it
• Reported as a CAS level or in milliseconds;
lower is better for either
• ECC (Error checking and correcting) RAM
can detect and fix errors in data on RAM
• Makes a system more stable NOT faster
• Commonly found in critical servers
• Registered and Buffered Memory includes
extra chips to allow for more consistent
communications between the memory
controller and RAM
• Only found in high memory capacity servers
• Unbuffered memory is common for most
desktop and portable systems

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAM Considerations
• The CPU and chipset determines the
features below, consider the following
when acquiring RAM for an upgrade or
replacement
• Maximum capacity is predetermined.
• RAM type is the most important since only one
is supported.
• DIMMs are found in desktop and server systems.
• SODIMMs are found in laptops and SFF
computers.
• RAM Speed should match motherboard
supported speed for best experience, but it is
not a requirement for compatibility.
• Number of slots will determine how many
pieces of RAM can be installed.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Storage Terminology
• Capacity defines how much data can be
stored
• Measured in MB(megabytes), GB(gigabytes),
TB(terabytes)
• Performance defines how fast data can be
read or written
• Measured in bps (bits per second), Mbps
(megabits per second), or Gbps (gigabits per
second)
• Also known as the throughput
• Interface is how the drive connects to the
computer system
• Internal interfaces; SATA or m.2
• External interfaces; USB or Thunderbolt
• Also known as the connector
• Form factor defines the dimensions of the
disk

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Hard Disk Drives use a magnetic head
to read/write data onto spinning metal
or ceramic platters
• Available in 2.5” and 3.5” form factors
• Commonly connected to SATA interfaces
• Also found in legacy interfaces such as
IDE/PATA and SCSI
• Advantages
• Affordable in large sizes up to 22TB
• Disadvantages
• Not ideal for mobile since there are many
moving parts
• Vibrations can cause the drive head to crash
into the platter damaging the drive
• Slower at reading and writing data than an
SSD

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SATA
SATA (Serial ATA) is a connector used to attach
storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical
drives
• Connector is ambidextrous; either end can
connect to the motherboard or the drive
• All SATA types are compatible with each other
• Replaced the older PATA/IDE connector
• Mini SATA (mSATA) is a smaller version found
in SFF systems

SATA Versions
Type Max Speed
SATA 1 1.5 Gbps / 150 MB/s
SATA 2 3 Gbps / 300 MB/s
SATA 3 6 Gbps / 600 MB/s

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SATA

SATA Cable

USB3.0 & eSATA drive

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SATA
• SATA Drive Form Factors
• 3.5-inch drives
• Large form factor used in desktop and
server systems
• Drives up to 22TB
• Available as an HDD or SSD
• 2.5-inch drives
• Small form factor used in portable,
desktop, and server systems
• Drives up to 5TB
• Available as an HDD or SSD
• mSATA drives
• Small form factor used in mobile,
portable, and desktop systems
• SSDs only

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SATA

2.5” and 3.5” SATA Drives

mSATA Drive

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Solid State Drives (SSD) uses an array
of flash chips to read and write data
electrically
• Available in SATA and M.2 form factors
• Advantages
• Ideal for mobile since there are no moving
parts
• Faster at reading/writing data
• Disadvantages
• More expensive than traditional HDDs
• Price per gigabyte is how we determine the
value of the drive
• Limited writes cycles

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Solid State Drive (SSD)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SSD Connector
• M.2 connectors have quickly become the
preferred SSD form factor
• Smallest drive form factor
• Replaced the older mSATA standard
• Supports SATA and NVMe solid state drives
• Formerly NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor)
• M.2 slots are “keyed” to identify what type of
device or drive is supported

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 SSD Connector
• M.2 connectors

SATA

NVMe

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory
express)
• PCIe based SSD drive which provides
the best performance
• Fastest SSDs on the market
• Available in different lengths

NVMe to PCIe Adapter

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Solid State Hybrid Drive
(SSHD)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 External Drives
• External Drives are a convenient way
to expand storage
• Available in HDD or SSD formats
• Available in various connector types
• 3.5” drives require power from an AC
outlet
• 2.5” drives can be powered by some
ports

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Flash Memory Devices
• USB Thumb/Flash/Pen Drives
• Faster, larger, and more durable than floppy disks or
optical media
• Meant to be used to transport data
• Should NOT be used as persistent storage like a hard
drive
• Memory Cards/Storage Cards
• Used in portable devices like smartphones, cameras,
tablets, and game consoles
• Many formats exist; SD, miniSD, microSD,
CompactFlash (CF)
• Card readers can be used to connect a storage card
if support isn’t included in a device

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Flash Memory Devices

CompactFlash, SD, and microSD Cards

USB flash drive USB card reader

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Optical Drive Comparisons

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID
• RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
combines identical hard drives to either increase
storage capacity and performance, provide data
protection or both.
• RAID is not specific to any kind of drive
• IDE, SATA, M.2, PCIe, USB, or Thunderbolt drives
• Hardware RAID
• Motherboard built-in RAID
• PCI or PCIe RAID controller card
• USB/Thunderbolt external RAID encloser
• Software RAID
• Windows: Dynamic Disk and Storage Spaces
• macOS: Disk Utility can be used to create RAID arrays
• Linux: Built-in to the Linux kernel as a standard
• JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 0
• RAID 0 uses disk striping to combine drives into one
larger and faster logical drive
• Disk Striping is a method of storage that spreads
data bits across all disks in the array, increasing
performance and capacity
• Advantage
• Faster read and write because of disk striping
• Larger storage than any single disk
• Only two disks are required, but more disks will
increase capacity and performance
• Disadvantage
• NO Data Protection!
• If one disk fails all data is lost without a backup
• More disks you have the more data you can lose
without a backup

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 0

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 1
• RAID 1 provides data protection by mirroring data
across two disk
• Disk Mirroring actively duplicates bits across two
disks to prevent data loss
• Advantage
• Data protection
• If one disk fails, there is NO data loss
• Only two disks are required, but more disks will
increase protection but NOT capacity or performance
• No performance lost if a disk fails
• Fast recovery
• Disadvantage
• Maximum storage capacity is limited to the size of a
single disk
• One disk for storage and one for protection

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 1
RAID 1

A1 A1
A2 A2
A3 A3
A4 A4

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 5
• RAID 5 uses disk striping to combine drives
into one larger and faster logical drive and
distributes parity across all disks in the
array
• Parity data is a smaller representative value
that can be used to recreate data if data is lost
• Advantage
• Data protection
• If one disk can fail, parity will be used to recreate
the data
• Larger storage than a single drive
• Disadvantage
• Three disks are required, but more disks will
increase capacity NOT protection or
performance
• Parity is SLOW!
• Makes working while a disk has failed slow
• Makes rebuilding the array slow when replacing
a degraded disk

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 5

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 10
• RAID 10 (1+0) combines disk into
RAID 1 arrays and then combines
those arrays into a RAID 0
• Advantage
• Faster read and write because of disk
striping
• Larger storage than any single disk
• More disks will increase capacity,
performance, and protection
• No performance lost if a disk fails
• Fast recovery
• Disadvantage
• Four disk minimum
• If a RAID 1 array fails all data will be lost
• That’s two disks in a single RAID 1 failing

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 RAID 10

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Motherboards and Chipsets
• Motherboards serve as the basis of
the entire computer system.
• All hardware will communicate through
it via some connector or radio.
• A Motherboard chipset defines what
features are supported such as;
• CPU model and make
• RAM type, capacity, and speed
• Ports types (USB and Thunderbolt
• Storage features like drive type and
RAID support
• Expansion slot types like PCI or PCIe
• Network connections (wired and
wireless)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Motherboards and Chipsets

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Motherboard Form Factors
• Motherboard form factor defines
the size (width and height) of the
board
• Form factor will NOT directly affect
performance but will affect the
availability of ports and slots
• Types of Form Factors
• ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended)
• Biggest form factor
• micro-ATX (Micro Advanced
Technology eXtended)
• Mid-sized form factor
• mini-ITX (Information Technology
eXtended)
• Smallest form factor

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Motherboard Form Factors

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 PCI (Peripheral Computer
Interconnect)
• PCI (Peripheral Computer Interconnect)
expansion slots are used to attach
hardware devices to expand the capabilities
of a computer system beyond what’s
integrated into the motherboard.
• PCI slots are the oldest and slowest slots so
should only be used for the sake of
compatibility
• 32-bit bus allows for 266 MB/s.
• Mini PCI slots can be found in older mobile
computers but are not common

PCI Slots on a Desktop

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 PCIe (Peripheral Computer
Interconnect Express)
• PCIe (Peripheral Computer Interconnect
Express) expansion slots are used to attach
hardware devices to expand the capabilities
of a computer system beyond what’s
integrated into the motherboard.
• PCIe slots are the latest and fastest slot
• Available in different sizes x1, x4, x8, x12, x16
and x32
• Bigger slots offer more lanes to transfer data so
offer increased performance over the smaller
slots
• Smaller cards will always work in a bigger slot
• Bigger cards can sometimes work in a smaller
slot
• Mini PCIe is a common internal expansion for
laptops and desktops
• Mostly used for WiFi adapters and SSD storage

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 PCIe (Peripheral Computer
Interconnect Express)
• PCIe (Peripheral Computer Interconnect
Express) expansion slots are used to attach
hardware devices to expand the capabilities
of a computer system beyond what’s
integrated into the motherboard.
• PCIe slots are the latest and fastest slot
• Available in different sizes x1, x4, x8, x12, x16
and x32
• Bigger slots offer more lanes to transfer data so
offer increased performance over the smaller
slots
• Smaller cards will always work in a bigger slot
• Bigger cards can sometimes work in a smaller
slot
• Mini PCIe is a common internal expansion for
laptops and desktops
• Mostly used for WiFi adapters and SSD storage

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 PCIe (Peripheral Computer
Interconnect Express)
Version Year Transfer Rate
Number Released ×1 ×4 ×8 ×16
1 2003 0. 250 GB/ s 1. 000 GB/ s 2. 000 GB/ s 4. 000 GB/ s
2 2007 0. 500 GB/ s 2. 000 GB/ s 4. 000 GB/ s 8. 000 GB/ s
3 2010 0. 985 GB/ s 3. 938 GB/ s 7. 877 GB/ s 15. 754 GB/ s
4 2017 1. 969 GB/ s 7. 877 GB/ s 15. 754 GB/ s 31. 508 GB/ s
5 2019 3. 938 GB/ s 15. 754 GB/ s 31. 508 GB/ s 63. 015 GB/ s

x8
x16

x1
Mini PCIe Slots

PCIe Slots on a Desktop

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a core
component of all computing devices
• Processes instructions for the operating system,
applications, and other components
• Motherboard chipset and socket define CPU
compatibility

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
• CPU Architecture
• x86/x64
• Designed with desktop and server systems
in mind
• Intel and AMD dominate this market
space
• Consumes lots of power and generates
lots of heat
• Large library of compatible software
• ARM
• Designed with mobile and portable
computers in mind
• Qualcomm, Samsung, Nvidia, Apple, and
many others compete in this space
• Power efficient and generates less heat
• Limited software compatibility but
growing quickly

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Desktop and
Server CPU
• PGA (Pin Grid Array) Socket
• Connector with holes to receive the pins
from the bottom of the CPU
• Older style still used by AMD for some
Ryzen CPUs
• LGA (Land Grid Array) Socket
• Connector with pins that contact the pads
on the bottom of the CPU
• Intel created and exclusively uses LGA
sockets
• Used by AMD for their Ryzen Threadripper
and EYPC CPUs

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Desktop and Server CPU

AM4 PGA Socket AMD Ryzen CPU

LGA1700 Socket Intel Core i-Series CPU

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com
 Server CPU Sockets
• Multi-Socket Motherboards
• Some server motherboards have multiple CPU
sockets to provide high performance
• Can be either LGA or PGA socket types but
never both

Quad LGA CPU Motherboard

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Sockets and Processors
Socket Generation Intel CPUs
LGA
2nd & 3rd Socket Pins Style AMD CPUs
1155
LGA AM3+ 942 PGA FX Vishera, FX Zambezi
4th
1150
FM2 904 PGA A-Series
LGA
3rd, 4th, & 5th Core i3/i5/i7/i9, FM2+ 906 PGA A-Series
2011
Pentium, Celeron,
LGA Xeon AM4 1331 PGA Ryzen, Athlon, A-Series
6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th
1151
TR4 4094 LGA Ryzen Threadripper
LGA
10th & 11th
1200 sTRX4 4094 LGA Ryzen Threadripper
LGA
12th
1700

High-Performance
Mainstream CPUs Budget CPUs Server CPUs
CPUs
Core i3, Pentium
Intel Core i9 Core i5 and i7 Xeon
and Celeron
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Ryzen Athlon and A-Series EYPC

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Mobile CPU Sockets
• Mobile CPUs are designed to be smaller and
more power efficient than desktop CPUs to
better fit the use of mobile users
• BGA (Ball Grid Array) Socket
• There is no connector, instead balls of solder
on used to attach the CPU to the board
• Intel and AMD use them for their mobile
CPUs

BGA Style Intel Core i7-5500U

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

CPU Technology
32-bits vs 64-bits and Clock Speed
• 32-bit and 64-bit refer to how many bits a CPU can address per
cycle.
• The 64-bit architecture handles large amounts of RAM more
effectively than a 32-bit system.
• Clock speed is an indicator of performance and how fast a CPU
can process data.
• Higher frequency suggests better performance
• 1000MHz = 1GHz

32 Bit CPU 64 Bit CPU

x86 / 32-bit Software
x64 / 64-bit Software
Maximum RAM 4 Gigabytes 16 Terabytes
Windows 10
Windows 11
macOS
Linux
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com
CPU Technology
Multithreading and Multicore

• Hyper-Threading is an Intel based technology

which allows a CPU core to process multiple
instructions instantaneously
• Referred to as Simultaneous multithreading
(SMT) by other manufacturers like AMD
• A multicore processor is a single chip that has
two or more processor cores attached
• Provides enhanced performance and reduced
power consumption
• Enables more efficient simultaneous processing
of multiple tasks
• Dual-Core, Quad-Core, Hexa-Core and Octa-
Core processor are common in all computing
devices

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

CPU Technology
Multithreading and Multicore

Single core Dual core

1GHz CPU 1GHz CPU

App 1
App 1 App 2
App 2

Multithreading Multicore
Dual core
1GHz CPU

App 1 App 2

App 3 App 4

Multicore with
Multithreading
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com
CPU Technology
CPU Technology
• Virtualization Support allows for a system to host
virtual machines (VMs)
• NOT all CPUs support this feature, check
manufacturers’ documentation
• Can be enabled or disabled in the BIOS/UEFI
utility
• Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT)
• Also known as Intel VT-d in a BIOS/UEFI
menu
• AMD Virtualization Technology (AMD-V)
• Also known as Secure Virtual Machine in a
BIOS/UEFI menu

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

CPU Technology
Throttling and Overclocking
• Throttling a CPU is done to reduce power
consumption and so the CPU generates less
heat. Modern CPUs will reduce their clock speed
if they become too hot.
• Intel calls its throttling technology “SpeedStep”
• AMD calls their throttling technology
“Cool’n’Quiet”
• Overclocking a CPU will increase the CPU
frequency by increasing the multiplier to get
better performance.
• Supplying a better cooling solution is a must
when overclocking; liquid cooling is
recommended.
• Only recommended for gamers.
• Clock Multipliers are used to change the ratio of
the base clock and the external clock often
modified to overclock a CPU.
• CPU clock x Clock multiplier = CPU frequency.
• 150 MHz x 10 = 1,500 MHz/1.5 GHz

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

System Cooling
Passive Cooling
• Passive Cooling techniques do NOT use any
moving parts
• Thermal Compounds are a paste or grease that’s
applied to the top of a chip to assist in moving the
heat away from a chip
• Fills in the microscopic imperfections in the
CPU aluminum lid
• Conducts heat away from the CPU and into
the heat sink
• Must be replaced if it becomes dry and brittle
• Thermal pads are soft rubber pads that are an
alternative to thermal compounds
• Last longer than thermal compound but not
as good at transferring heat
• Commonly used on memory chips
• NOT commonly used with CPUs
• Heat Sinks are blocks of metal that absorb the heat
from the chip they sit on
• Commonly used with CPUs, memory, SSDs,
GPUs, and chipsets
• Before you install a heat sink, you must always
apply thermal compound

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System Cooling
Passive Cooling

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System Cooling
Active Cooling
• Active Cooling
• CPU Fan/CPU Cooler
• Includes a heatsink with a fan mounted on
it
• If a system is overheating, consider
replacing the stock cooler with a more
efficient one
• Compatibility is based on the CPU socket
type
• Case Fan
• Intake fans pull in cool air
• Exhaust fans push out the hot air

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

System Cooling
Active Cooling

Intel LGA 1700 AMD AM4

stock cooler stock cooler

200mm 92mm 80mm 60mm 40mm

Case Fans from 200mm – 40mm

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Advanced CPU
Cooling
Liquid Cooling uses either water or coolant to
transfer heat as quickly as possible
• Can be very dangerous because the risk of
a leak
• Liquid cooling kits can be more efficient but
require regular maintenance
• All-in-one coolers do NOT require regular
maintenance but may not be as efficient
• Only recommended if overclocking or
gaming

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com Full liquid cooling kit

System Cooling
Expansion cards

• Sound card
• Used to add more sound options

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System Cooling
Expansion cards

• Video card
• Enhance graphics, usually a PCIe Card

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System Cooling
Expansion cards

• Capture card
• Use to capture video from a device such as a
camara

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System Cooling
Expansion cards

• NIC
• Use to connect to a network, both wired or
wireless

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Computer Firmware
• A BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or a
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware) is
included on every motherboard to initiate
the boot process and to manage integrated
hardware.
• ROM (read-only memory) chip is used to
store the BIOS/UEFI
• UEFI Only features
• Secure boot: Blocks untrusted code
from running at boot up
• Faster startup: Loads an operating
system faster than a BIOS
• Mouse and keyboard interaction: BIOS
only supports keyboard interactions

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CMOS (Complementary Metal–
Oxide–Semiconductor)
• The CMOS is used to store configuration
changes done to the BIOS/UEFI
• CMOS Setup Utility can be accessed by
pressing “Delete” or “F2” during boot, but it
does vary by system
• Also known as BIOS Setup Utility, UEFI
Setup Utility
• RTC (Real-Time Clock) is part of the CMOS and
is used to provide the time to the computer
system
• A boot time password can be configured to be
required before the operating system loads
• CMOS is physically located on volatile memory
• volatile memory requires power to store
information
• CR2032 coin batteries keep power to the
CMOS
• If the battery dies or is removed the
CMOS will reset back to its default
settings

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CMOS (Complementary Metal–
Oxide–Semiconductor)

CR2032 battery

Clear CMOS Switch

Clear CMOS Jumper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CMOS

AMI BIOS Setup Utility

ASUS UEFI BIOS Utility

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CMOS
• Common CMOS settings
• Manage Integrated Features
• Boot Device Priority
• Control which storage device the
computer will first boot from
• Boot Time Passwords
• Enable/Disable access to ports
• USB, Thunderbolt, Serial, and Network
interfaces
• Wake-on-LAN (WoL)
• Virtualization Support
• CPU multipliers and voltages
• RAM timing and voltages.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Encryption
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
• Hardware encryption
• Stores cryptographic key generally for hard
drive encryption
• HSM
• Hardware security module
• Used to generate, store and process
cryptographic keys.
• Usually an external appliance or add on
card

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Power Supplies
• A Power supply unit (PSU) is a critical component
since they provide power to the motherboard and
all other components attached to it.
• Watts identify the total amount of power a PSU can
deliver
• 500 watts is what CompTIA recommends as a
standard PSU
• Match the wattage when replacing a PSU or
get one with a higher wattage, never lower
• Non-Modular PSUs have all the cables permanently
attached
• Can take up space and reduce airflow
• Modular PSUs don’t have any cables attached, just
connectors
• Only need to attach the cables that are needed
• Redundant Power Supplies

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Power Supplies

Non-Modular PSU

Fully Modular PSU

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com
 PSU Form Factors
• ATX vs SFX
• ATX PSUs are used in computer cases that support
ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards.
• SFX PSUs are used in computer cases that support
Mini-ITX or smaller form factors.

SFX and ATX PSUs

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Power Supply Connectors
Molex, SATA, and PCIe

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Power Supply Connectors
ATX and ATX12v

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com 207

 Printer and Multifunction Devices
• Printers are the oldest output devices and are
still in use in homes and businesses.
• Most printers are really Multifunction Devices
(MFD)
• They can include functions like printing,
faxing, scanning, and coping all in one.
• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is
the four-color printing process used by color
printers. It can produce thousands of distinct
colors.
• Common Interfaces: USB, WiFi, Bluetooth,
Ethernet or NFC.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Properly unboxing a device
• Ensure you have the right amount of space
• Correct power
• Correct internet connection
• Wired or wireless
• Follow all instructions in the manual
• Usually configured on it’s interface or with a web
interface

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Printer Control Language (PCL)
vs. PostScript
• PCL and PostScript is that they’re both Page
Description Languages (PDL)
• PCL is trademarked by HP
• Most used
• PostScript developed by Adobe
• Mostly used in industrial printers like plotter.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Device connectivity
• USB
• Ethernet
• Wireless

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Public/shared devices
• Printer share
• Computer on the network that is sharing it’s printer
• Computer has to be on
• Print server
• A dedicated computer used to share printers.
• Can be a server in the network or can be done on a
large multifunction device

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Configuration settings
• Duplex
• Orientation
• Tray settings
• Quality

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Security
• User authentication
• Used to allowed only specific individuals or groups
to use the printer
• Badging
• If supported some devices will required to scan a
badge in order to print to the device
• Audit logs
• Can display who used it and when
• Shows any errors both software and hardware
issues
• Secured prints
• If supported will required to input a code to be able
to print

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Multifunction Devices
• Automatic document feeder (ADF)/flatbed scanner

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Finishers
• Finishers take care of the busy work that
happens after printing.
• Duplexers enable automatic 2-sided
printing
• Collator/Separator properly orders the
pages in a print job and separates each
print job
• Stapler can staple all the pages in a print
job
• Binder can print booklets usually with a
spiral binding
• Paper trays allow a printer to hold more
paper and different sizes of paper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Laser Printers
Laser printers fuse powered ink onto paper by
using very high heat to melt toner on to the page.
• Advantage
• Fastest printer
• Lowest cost per-page (cpp) for black and
white printing.
• Disadvantage
• Highest cost per-page for color printing.
• Maintenance
• Replace toner, apply maintenance kit,
calibrate, clean

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Toner, Imaging Drum, Transfer Belt,
and Erase Lamp
• Toner the powered ink used by laser printers
• When working with toner make sure to avoid
inhaling toner.
• Imaging Drum is a photosensitive drum that the
laser/led write to
• If the drum gets scratched it will leave visible
marks on the print outs
• Transfer Belt and rollers
• keeps the colors aligned in a laser color printer
• Erase Lamp clears the imaging drum
• If the erase lamp fails it will leave part of the
previous print job on the drum which will show
up on the next print job, this is called “Ghosting”

Toner Cartridge

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Toner, Imaging Drum, Transfer Belt,
and Erase Lamp
• Pickup Rollers
• Pickups paper from the tray
• Can be clean or replaced if needed
• Separation Pads
• Separate paper to ensure the printer
doesn’t pickup more than one sheet
• Duplexing Assembly
• Used to print on two sides on the page

Pickup Rollers Separation Pad

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Primary Corona, Transfer Corona, Laser,
and Fuser
• Primary Corona Wire charges the imaging
drum.
• If the primary corona wire fails, it may cause
the printer to output blank pages or black
pages.
• Transfer Corona Wire/Roller pulls the toner
onto the paper from the drum
• If the transfer corona wire fails, it will cause
the printer to output blank pages.
• Laser writes to the imaging drum
• Fuser melts the toner onto the paper
• If the fuser fails, it will lead to the toner being
able to be rubbed off the page.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Primary Corona, Transfer Corona, Laser,
and Fuser

Laser Printing Process

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Laser Print Process
1. Processing
• The printer receives and processes the image and stores
the page in memory.
2. Charging
• Places a –600VDC charge on the photosensitive drum using
the charging corona.
3. Exposing
• The laser writes an image onto the photosensitive drum, by
lowing voltage (–100VDC).

Laser Printing Process

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Laser Print Process
4. Developing
• The developing roller has a negative charge and the toner
stuck to it. As the rolls the toner toward the photosensitive
drum, the toner is attracted to it.
5. Transferring
• The image is then transferred from the drum to the paper.
6. Fusing
• The fuser, with a fuser roller and the pressure roller make
the image permanent. The paper then exits the printer.
7. Cleaning
• The printer then uses a rubber scraper to clean the
photosensitive drum.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com Laser Printing Process

Laser Printer Components
Laser Printer Maintenance Kit

• When a printer prints a certain amount of

pages you will need to replace many parts
• A maintenance kit usually replaces:
• Fuser Unit
• Transfer Roller
• Paper Feed Roller / Separation Roller
• Pickup Roller

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Laser Printer Components
Clean and Calibrate

• When a new toner or maintenance kit is

applied you will need to calibrate it within
the printer software
• Clean the printer according the
manufactured specifications

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Inkjet Printer
• Inkjet Printer uses ink in the form of ink
cartridges, it prints by spraying the ink onto the
page.
• Advantage
• Most affordable color printer
• Disadvantage
• Ink cartridges are expensive and dry up if you
don't use them.
• Every time you install a new ink cartridge you
must recalibrate the printer which consumes
ink and paper
• Inkjet Printer Components
• Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder,
duplexing assembly, carriage belt
• Maintenance
• Clean heads, replace cartridges, calibrate, clear
jams

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Inkjet Printer

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Impact Printer

• Impact Printers use ink in the form of

an ink ribbon and print by some
mechanism striking the ribbon to
transfer an image to the page.
• Dot matrix and Daisy wheel printers
are the most common impact printers.
• Advantage
• Can print on carbon backed
paper.
• Disadvantage
• Slow and loud
• The tractor feed paper would
often jam the printer.
• Impact Printer Components
• Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
• Impact paper
• Maintenance
• Replace ribbon, replace print
head, replace paper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Impact Printer

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Thermal Printers
• Thermal printers are the only printer that
does not use ink to print. It prints on heat
sensitive paper.
• The heat sensitive paper is easy to identify
because it has a shiny or waxy look
• Printouts are meant to be disposable, so if
you want to keep the information for a long
time you can make a photocopy or scan
the printout.
• Thermal Printer Components
• Feed assembly, heating element
• Special thermal paper
• Maintenance
• Replace paper, clean heating element,
remove debris

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Thermal Printers

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types

3D Printers
3D printers provide a convenient way to produce
prototypes of physical objects without having to go
through a complex manufacturing process.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
3D Printers

Print Bed
Resin

Filament

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) vs
SLA (Stereolithography )

SLA (Stereolithography )
• Liquid resin is hardened by light as the object is attached
to a rising print bed

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 FDM (Fused Deposition
Modeling) vs SLA
(Stereolithography )

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

• Plastic filament is melted out of an extruder (hot end)
onto a print bed

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Virtualization
• Virtualization uses a hypervisor to allow
multiple operating systems to work
simultaneously in one physical computer system
• Benefits
• Power saving
• Less physical hardware will less power
• Hardware consolidation
• Fewer devices means less hardware to manage
• System management and security
• Virtual machines (VMs) are sandboxed
environments
• VMs are easier to backup and replicate

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Hardware Support and Resource
Requirements
• RAM
• Each virtual machine will require the same
resources as an actual physical machine.
Windows 10 requires 2GB of RAM minimum to
install on physical hardware, so it’ll require 2GB
to install in a virtual machine.
• VM Storage Types
• Virtual hard drives exist as a single file on a
physical hard drive.
• Easy to replicate and transport.
• Physical hard drives can be attached exclusively
to a virtual machine, so it is unusable by
another VM or the host OS.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Virtualization
• Desktop Virtualization
• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a
technology that is used to provide virtual
machines to be used as virtual desktops by
remote users
• Provides simplified centrally managed
user systems
• Can be done on-premise or in the
cloud
• Client-Side Virtualization
• Sandbox
• Test development
• Application virtualization
• Legacy software/OS
• Cross-platform virtualization

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Virtual Networking Components
• Hypervisor: The software that is used
to create, run, and manage the VMs is
the hypervisor
• Type I hypervisors run directly on the
hardware without an operating system
• Prioritizes resources for the VMs
• Also known as bare metal
virtualization
• Type II hypervisors run within an operating
system
• Share resources between the host and
the VMs

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Virtual Networking
Components

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Characteristics
• Shared resources
• Hardware resources can provide services to devices beyond
their physical boundaries
• This provides more flexibility and scalability with resiliency
• Metered utilization
• The cloud is a pay-as-you-go service, you pay for what you
use
• This helps optimize cost when using the cloud
• Rapid elasticity
• Resources can be allocated and reallocated as required to
optimize resources usage and cost
• High availability
• A hardware failure should have little to no effect on cloud
services
• File synchronization
• Makes files available from anywhere you can access the
cloud

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Deployment Models
• Public cloud
• A third-party hosts the equipment for anyone to
make use of their service.
• Examples of public clouds include Amazon Elastic
Compute Cloud (EC2), IBM’s Blue Cloud, Sun Cloud,
Google AppEngine, and Windows Azure Services
Platform.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Deployment Models
• Private Cloud
• A third-party host the equipment for a single client to
have exclusive use of the resources.
• Private clouds are driven by concerns around security
and compliance and keeping assets within the
firewall.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Deployment Models
• Community cloud
• A community cloud is a multi-tenant platform that
allows several companies to work on the same
platform, given that they have similar needs and
concerns.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Deployment Models
• Hybrid cloud
• By using a Hybrid approach, companies can maintain
control of an internally managed private cloud while
relying on the public cloud as needed.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Cloud Computing Service Models

• Software as a Service
• Software as a service vendors host the applications,
making them available to users via the internet.
Metered utilization
• Platform as a Service
• Platform as a service offers developers a platform for
software development and deployment over the
internet, enabling them to access up-to-date tools.
• Infrastructure as a Service
• Infrastructure as a service is used by companies that
don't want to maintain their own on-premises data
centers.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Cloud Computing Service Models
SaaS PaaS IaaS
Software as a Service Platform as a Service Infrastructure as a Service
User Customer Customer Customer
Application Provider Customer Customer
Operating System Provider Provider Customer
Hardware Provider Provider Provider
Network Provider Provider Provider
Facility Provider Provider Provider
Regulatory Compliance Customer Customer Customer
• The software does NOT require installation • Customers can develop their own • Customers manage the operating
instead is accessed via a web browser applications and services without system, the applications installed, and
• The customer only manages user access the need to manage any the access to it
infrastructure or operating systems

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CompTIA Troubleshooting Steps
• 1. Identify the problem
• Gather information from the user, identify user
changes, and, if applicable, perform backups before
making changes
• Inquire regarding environmental or infrastructure
changes
• 2.Establish a theory of probable cause (question the
obvious)
• If necessary, conduct external or internal research
based on symptoms
• 3.Test the theory to determine the cause
• Once the theory is confirmed, determine the next
steps to resolve the problem
• If the theory is not confirmed, re-establish a new
theory or escalate

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 CompTIA Troubleshooting Steps
• 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
and implement the solution
• Refer to the vendor’s instructions for guidance

• 5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable,

implement preventive measures

• 6. Document the findings, actions, and outcomes

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Power-on self-test (POST) beeps
• checks a computer's internal hardware for
compatibility and connection before starting the
remainder of the boot process
• If the computer passes the POST, the computer may
give a single beep
• If the computer fails the POST, the computer may
generate a beep code telling the user the source of
the problem.
• Use this link to see what the beeps mean
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Proprietary crash screens (blue screen of death [BSOD]/
pinwheel)
• Could be something with the hardware or operating system or
application
• Hardware issues could be:
• Bad RAM or RAM going bad
• Failing HD
• Wrong video card drivers
• Software
• Operating system is corrupt
• Application generates an error and windows doesn’t know
how the response

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Black screen
• No display on the screen
• Check the following:
• Monitor is getting power
• Plug in both power and video cable
• Plug into the computer
• Plug into the correct video port on the computer
• Surge is turned on
• Monitor is set to the correct display type such as
HDMI

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• No Power
• When you press the power button nothing happens
• Check the following:
• You are pressing the correct power button and not
the reset button
• Computer is plugin
• Surge is turned on
• Surge actually works
• Power supply switch is set to on
• Jumpers are plugged into the motherboard correctly
• Ensure the power supply is correctly plugged into the
motherboard
• Replace the power supply with a known working one

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Sluggish performance
• Computer is running slow
• Can happen for a large number of reasons including:
• Not enough memory
• Slow hard drive
• Slow processor
• Corrupt application
• Corrupt operating system
• Virus or malware on the system
• Not using the correct drivers

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Overheating
• Computer gets too hot and shuts off or reboot
• Generally happens because of poor ventilation
• Check the following:
• All fans in the case are working
• Heatsink on the processor is working
• May need to remove the processor heatsink and
replace the thermal paste
• If overclocking get liquid cooling

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Burning smell
• Something in the case is melting or caught on fire
• Shut off the computer right away and unplug from the wall
• Mostly like the power supply has burned out
• Check the following:
• Try to smell inside the case to see it is coming from,
smell the power supply
• Look at the motherboard to see if you see any black
spots

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Intermittent shutdown
• Computer shuts down randomly
• Can happen because of heat issues
• Can happen for a large number of reasons including:
• Operating system is corrupt
• Memory is failing

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Application crashes
• Applications are stopping or freezing randomly
• Usually can happen because of corruption of the application
or the operating system
• Can happen for a large number of reasons including:
• Operating system is corrupt
• Application is corrupt
• Memory is failing
• Event viewer

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Grinding noise
• Only fans or hard drives make noise in a computer case
• Could be a fan having issues
• Could be hard drive failing

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Capacitor swelling
• Failing capacitor
• Generally will have to replace the motherboard

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

 Problems related to motherboards, RAM,
CPU, and power
• Inaccurate system date/time
• Generally the BIOS battery is dead and will need to be
replaced.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Light-emitting diode (LED) status

indicators
• Use to help you diagnose issues
• Can tell you if drives are functioning
• On most RAID systems the lights should be
a blinking green, if it is amber it may be a
dead drive.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Grinding Noises and Clicking Sounds

• Drive is either dead or dying
• Backup data right away if the drive can still
be used

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Bootable device not found

• System could be set to boot to the wrong
drive in the BIOS
• Drive is dead
• Operating system could be corrupt

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Data loss/corruption
• Restore from backup if data is loss or
corrupt

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• RAID failure
• Depending on the RAID you may need to:
• Replace a failed drive and let the RAID
rebuild (RAID 1,5,10)
• Replace the failed drive and restore all
data from backup (RAID 0)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Self-monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting

Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) failure
• monitoring system included in computer
hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state
drives (SSDs)
• Function is to detect and report various
indicators of drive reliability with the intent
of anticipating imminent hardware failures
• Software that could tell you of imminent
drive failure

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Extended read/write times and

Input/output operations per second (IOPS)
• Looks at how fast drives are working
• Can describe

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.

• Missing drives in OS
• BIOS not set to the correct drive
• Drive is dead
• OS is corrupt

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Incorrect data source
• Check the cable is plugged into the correct
port
• Monitor is set to the correct source

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Physical cabling issues
• If you think it’s a bad cable, replace with a
known working cable
• Discard bad cables

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Burned-out bulb
• Project bulbs last only a certain amount of
hours.
• Replace all burned bulb

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Fuzzy image
• Check the cables
• Ensure the computer is set the correct
resolution (native resolution)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Display burn-in
• Able to see the last image on the monitor.
• May happen with an image is left on
display for a long period of time
• Try leaving a display of white image for a
long period of time

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Dead pixels
• Black dot on the screen
• After a certain number of dead pixels the
manufacture may replace the display if
under warranty

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Flashing screen
• Check the cable is plugged into the correct
port

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Incorrect color display
• Adjust color setting on monitor, On screen
display.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Audio issues
• Check the cable is plugged into the correct
port
• Check if the volume is turned up
• Check if the speakers are plugged in
• Check if the speakers have power

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Dim image
• Check the brightness setting is up on the
monitor
• Might have to replace the monitor if the
backlight is dead

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Video, Projector, and Display Issues.
• Intermittent projector shutdown
• Could be a heating issue
• Could be set to ECO mode and shuts off
when the image is not moving for a long
time

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Poor battery health
• Battery is dying, replace the battery if
possible
• Have too many application open
• Running the phone in high performance
mode

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Swollen battery
• Shut down right away
• Replace the battery if possible

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Broken screen
• Replace the screen if possible
• For laptop ensure the wireless attents are
set back correctly

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Improper charging
• Charging port is damage or battery is not
holding the charge
• Fix the charging port if possible or replace
the battery
• Check the cable to ensure you are using the
correct cable

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Poor/no connectivity
• Ensure you have joined the correct wireless
network
• Ensure you are within a short distance of
the access point
• Ensure the area ha enough cell towers

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Liquid damage
• Depending on the liquid. It may or may not
dry
• Don’t use the phone for a day or two
• Let it dry

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Overheating
• Have too many application open
• Running the phone in high performance
mode
• Have it next to heater

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Digitizer issues
• Touch screen not working
• Replace the digitizer if possible or the
entire screen unit

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Physically damaged ports
• Might be possible to remove and solider on
a new port.
• Might have to replace the motherboard

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Malware
• Run antimalware on the device
• Factory reset the device

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Common issues with mobile devices.
• Cursor drift/touch calibration
• Will need to recalibrate the device in it’s
software

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Lines down the printed pages
• Replace the drum on laser
• Inspect the print heads on inject

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Garbled print
• Usually using the wrong driver language
• Inspect the print heads on inject

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Toner not fusing to paper
• Issue with fusing assembly/roller
• Replace the fusing assembly /roller

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Paper jams
• Check all rollers and replace wormed ones
• Use a Maintenance kits
• Ensure to use the right type of paper, not
all printer can handle all thinness of paper

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Faded print
• Replace ink or toner

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Incorrect paper size
• Check the printer to see what size it
supports
• Ensure application knows what size paper it
is printing on
• Ensure the trays have the right paper size

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Paper not feeding or Multipage misfeed
• Replace pickup roller
• Check paper wight

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Multiple prints pending in queue
• Print spooler service is jam and needs to
restart
• Either restart the PC or the service

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Double/echo images on the print
• Ghosting on page
• Drum is not getting clean after a print cycle
• Replace the toner cartridge generally fixes
this

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Incorrect color settings
• Check if the correct ink is used
• 3rd party ink may give a slightly
different color
• Make sure ink cartridge is in the correct
slot, blue is in blue
• Check application
• Calibrate the printer

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Finishing issues
• Staple jams
• Inspect the stapling mechanism
• Hole punch
• Inspect the Hole punch mechanism

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Printer issues.
• Incorrect page orientation
• Application or printer is set to the incorrect
orientation

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Intermittent wireless connectivity

• Reboot the phone
• Reboot the access point
• Check if you are within the correct area

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Slow network speeds

• Make sure you are within the correct
distance
• Application running

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Limited connectivity
• They might be able to access the lan but
not internet
• Check configuration of IP setting

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Jitter
• High jitter is when data comes at unexpected
rates or inconstant
• Low is the opposite
• Ensure the company has QoS setup

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Poor Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

quality / Jitter
• High jitter is when data comes at
unexpected rates or inconstant
• Low is the opposite
• Ensure the company has QoS setup
• Low bandwidth
• Drop packets

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• Port flapping
• Interface is going up and down
• Physical problem like a pin is ben on the
connector or cable
• Replace the cable if needed

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• High latency
• Slow speeds
• Might affect VOIP calls
• Implement QoS

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com

Printer Types
Problems with networks

• External interference
• If the onboard NIC card is not working
replace with an external USB NIC.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 www.tiaedu.com