CompTIA A+

Certification Exam
Core 1 Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: CORE 1 (220-1101)
About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)
certification exam. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1
(220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) certification
exams will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to:

• Install, configure, and maintain computer equipment, mobile devices, and software for end users
• Service components based on customer requirements
• Understand networking basics and apply basic cybersecurity methods to mitigate threats
• Properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software issues
• Apply troubleshooting skills and provide customer support using appropriate communication skills
• Understand the basics of scripting, cloud technologies, virtualization, and multi-OS deployments in
corporate environments

This is equivalent to 12 months of hands-on experience working in a help desk support technician,
desktop support technician, or field service technician job role. These content examples are meant to
clarify the test objectives and should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of all the content of
this examination.

EXAM ACCREDITATION
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam is accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024
standard and, as such, undergoes regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.

EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject-matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey results
regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT professional.

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effort to more clearly communicate CompTIA’s exam policies on use of unauthorized study materials,
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[email protected] to confirm.

PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of
technologies, processes, or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam,
although not listed or covered in this objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the
content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our exams are current, and the security
of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated exams based on existing exam
objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

Copyright © 2021 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved.
TEST DETAILS
Required exam A+ Core 1 (220-1101)
Number of questions Maximum of 90
Types of questions Multiple-choice and performance-based
Length of test 90 minutes
Recommended experience 12 months of hands-on experience in a help
desk support technician, desktop support
technician, or field service technician job role
Passing score 675 (on a scale of 100–900)

EXAM OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)

The table below lists the domains measured by this examination
and the extent to which they are represented.

DOMAIN PERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 Mobile Devices 15%

2.0 Networking 20%
3.0 Hardware 25%
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 29%
Total 100%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 1.0 Mobile Devices
1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware
and components.
• Hardware/device replacement - Hard disk drive (HDD)/solid- • Physical privacy and security
- Battery state drive (SSD) migration components
- Keyboard/keys - HDD/SSD replacement - Biometrics
- Random-access memory (RAM) - Wireless cards - Near-field scanner features

1.2 Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices.

• Types • Mobile display components • Touch screen/digitizer
- Liquid crystal display (LCD) • WiFi antenna connector/ • Inverter
M In-plane switching (IPS) placement
M Twisted nematic (TN) • Camera/webcam
M Vertical alignment (VA) • Microphone
- Organic light-emitting diode
(OLED)

1.3 Given a scenario, set up and configure accessories and ports

of mobile devices.
• Connection methods • Accessories • Docking station
- Universal Serial Bus (USB)/ - Touch pens • Port replicator
USB-C/microUSB/miniUSB - Headsets • Trackpad/drawing pad
- Lightning - Speakers
- Serial interfaces - Webcam
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- Bluetooth
- Hotspot

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 1.0 | Mobile Devices

1.4 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile-device network

connectivity and application support.
• Wireless/cellular data network • Location services • Mobile device synchronization
(enable/disable) - Global Positioning System (GPS) - Account setup
- 2G/3G/4G/5G services M Microsoft 365
- Hotspot - Cellular location services M Google Workspace
- Global System for Mobile • Mobile device management M iCloud
Communications (GSM) vs. (MDM)/mobile application - Data to synchronize
code-division multiple access management (MAM) M Mail
(CDMA) - Corporate email configuration M Photos
- Preferred Roaming List (PRL) - Two-factor authentication M Calendar
updates - Corporate applications M Contacts
• Bluetooth M Recognizing data caps
- Enable Bluetooth
- Enable pairing
- Find a device for pairing
- Enter the appropriate PIN code
- Test connectivity

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 2.0 Networking

2.1 Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.
• Ports and protocols - 137/139 – Network Basic Input/ - 3389 – Remote Desktop Protocol
- 20/21 – File Transfer Protocol Output System (NetBIOS)/ (RDP)
(FTP) NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) • TCP vs. UDP
- 22 – Secure Shell (SSH) - 143 – Internet Mail Access - Connectionless
- 23 – Telnet Protocol (IMAP) M DHCP
- 25 – Simple Mail Transfer - 161/162 – Simple Network M Trivial File Transfer Protocol
Protocol (SMTP) Management Protocol (SNMP) (TFTP)
- 53 – Domain Name System - 389 – Lightweight Directory - Connection-oriented
(DNS) Access Protocol (LDAP) M HTTPS
- 67/68 – Dynamic Host - 443 – Hypertext Transfer M SSH
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
- 80 – Hypertext Transfer Protocol - 445 – Server Message Block
(HTTP) (SMB)/Common Internet File
- 110 – Post Office Protocol 3 System (CIFS)
(POP3)

2.2 Compare and contrast common networking hardware.

• Routers • Firewall • Cable modem
• Switches • Power over Ethernet (PoE) • Digital subscriber line (DSL)
- Managed - Injectors • Optical network terminal (ONT)
- Unmanaged - Switch • Network interface card (NIC)
• Access points - PoE standards • Software-defined networking
• Patch panel • Hub (SDN)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 2.0 | Networking

2.3 Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking.

• Frequencies • 802.11 • Long-range fixed wireless
- 2.4GHz - a - Licensed
- 5GHz - b - Unlicensed
• Channels - g - Power
- Regulations - n - Regulatory requirements for
- 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz - ac (WiFi 5) wireless power
• Bluetooth - ax (WiFi 6) • NFC
• Radio-frequency identification
(RFID)

2.4 Summarize services provided by networked hosts.

• Server roles • Internet appliances • Legacy/embedded systems
- DNS - Spam gateways - Supervisory control and data
- DHCP - Unified threat management acquisition (SCADA)
- Fileshare (UTM) • Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Print servers - Load balancers
- Mail servers - Proxy servers
- Syslog
- Web servers
- Authentication, authorization,
and accounting (AAA)

2.5 Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless small

office/home office (SOHO) networks.
• Internet Protocol (IP) addressing
- IPv4
M Private addresses
M Public addresses
- IPv6
- Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)
- Static
- Dynamic
- Gateway

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 2.0 | Networking

2.6 Compare and contrast common network configuration

concepts.
• DNS • DHCP
- Address - Leases
M A - Reservations
M AAAA - Scope
- Mail exchanger (MX) • Virtual LAN (VLAN)
- Text (TXT) • Virtual private network (VPN)
M Spam management
(i) DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
(ii) Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
(iii) Domain-based Message Authentication,
Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)

2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types,

and their features.
• Internet connection types • Network types
- Satellite - Local area network (LAN)
- Fiber - Wide area network (WAN)
- Cable - Personal area network (PAN)
- DSL - Metropolitan area network (MAN)
- Cellular - Storage area network (SAN)
- Wireless Internet service - Wireless local area network
provider (WISP) (WLAN)

2.8 Given a scenario, use networking tools.

• Crimper • Toner probe • Loopback plug
• Cable stripper • Punchdown tool • Network tap
• WiFi analyzer • Cable tester

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 3.0 Hardware
3.1 Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features,
and purposes.
• Network cables - High-Definition Multimedia • Adapters
- Copper Interface (HDMI) • Connector types
M Cat 5 - DisplayPort - RJ11
M Cat 5e - Digital Visual Interface (DVI) - RJ45
M Cat 6 - Video Graphics Array (VGA) - F type
M Cat 6a • Hard drive cables - Straight tip (ST)
M Coaxial - Serial Advanced Technology - Subscriber connector (SC)
M Shielded twisted pair Attachment (SATA) - Lucent connector (LC)
(i) Direct burial - Small Computer System - Punchdown block
M Unshielded twisted pair Interface (SCSI) - microUSB
- Plenum - External SATA (eSATA) - miniUSB
- Optical - Integrated Drive Electronics - USB-C
M Fiber (IDE) - Molex
- T568A/T568B - Lightning port
• Peripheral cables - DB9
- USB 2.0
- USB 3.0
- Serial
- Thunderbolt
• Video cables

3.2 Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM.

• RAM types • Single-channel
- Virtual RAM • Dual-channel
- Small outline dual inline memory • Triple-channel
module (SODIMM) • Quad-channel
- Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3)
- Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4)
- Double Data Rate 5 (DDR5)
- Error correction code (ECC)
RAM

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 3.0 | Hardware

3.3 Given a scenario, select and install storage devices.

• Hard drives • SSDs • Drive configurations
- Speeds - Communications interfaces - Redundant Array of Independent
M 5,400rpm M Non-volatile Memory Express (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID) 0,
M 7,200rpm (NVMe) 1, 5, 10
M 10,000rpm M SATA • Removable storage
M 15,000rpm M Peripheral Component - Flash drives
- Form factor Interconnect Express (PCIe) - Memory cards
M 2.5 - Form factors - Optical drives
M 3.5 M M.2
M mSATA

3.4 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central

processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
• Motherboard form factor - Desktop - Multithreading
- Advanced Technology eXtended - Mobile - Virtualization support
(ATX) • Basic Input/Output System • Expansion cards
- Information Technology (BIOS)/Unified Extensible - Sound card
eXtended (ITX) Firmware Interface (UEFI) settings - Video card
• Motherboard connector types - Boot options - Capture card
- Peripheral Component - USB permissions - NIC
Interconnect (PCI) - Trusted Platform Module (TPM) • Cooling
- PCI Express (PCIe) security features - Fans
- Power connectors - Fan considerations - Heat sink
- SATA - Secure Boot - Thermal paste/pads
- eSATA - Boot password - Liquid
- Headers • Encryption
- M.2 - TPM
• Motherboard compatibility - Hardware security module
- CPU sockets (HSM)
M Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. • CPU architecture
(AMD) - x64/x86
M Intel - Advanced RISC Machine (ARM)
- Server - Single-core
- Multisocket - Multicore

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 3.0 | Hardware

3.5 Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power

supply.
• Input 110-120 VAC vs. 220-240 VAC • Redundant power supply
• Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V • Modular power supply
• 20-pin to 24-pin motherboard adapter • Wattage rating

3.6 Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/

printers and settings.
• Properly unboxing a device – • Public/shared devices • Security
setup location considerations - Printer share - User authentication
• Use appropriate drivers for a - Print server - Badging
given OS • Configuration settings - Audit logs
- Printer Control Language (PCL) - Duplex - Secured prints
vs. PostScript - Orientation • Network scan services
• Device connectivity - Tray settings - Email
- USB - Quality - SMB
- Ethernet - Cloud services
- Wireless • Automatic document feeder
(ADF)/flatbed scanner

3.7 Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables.

• Laser • Inkjet • Impact
- Imaging drum, fuser assembly, - Ink cartridge, print head, roller, - Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
transfer belt, transfer roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, - Impact paper
pickup rollers, separation pads, carriage belt - Maintenance: Replace ribbon,
duplexing assembly - Calibration replace print head, replace paper
- Imaging process: processing, - Maintenance: Clean heads, • 3-D printer
charging, exposing, developing, replace cartridges, calibrate, - Filament
transferring, fusing, and cleaning clear jams - Resin
- Maintenance: Replace toner, • Thermal - Print bed
apply maintenance kit, calibrate, - Feed assembly, heating element
clean - Special thermal paper
- Maintenance: Replace paper,
clean heating element, remove
debris
- Heat sensitivity of paper

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 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud
Computing
4.1 Summarize cloud-computing concepts.
• Common cloud models • Cloud characteristics • Desktop virtualization
- Private cloud - Shared resources - Virtual desktop infrastructure
- Public cloud - Metered utilization (VDI) on premises
- Hybrid cloud - Rapid elasticity - VDI in the cloud
- Community cloud - High availability
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) - File synchronization
- Software as a service (SaaS)
- Platform as a service (PaaS)

4.2 Summarize aspects of client-side virtualization.

• Purpose of virtual machines
- Sandbox
- Test development
- Application virtualization
M Legacy software/OS
M Cross-platform virtualization
• Resource requirements
• Security requirements

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives Version 5.0

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 5.0 Hardware and Network
Troubleshooting
5.1 Given a scenario, apply the best practice methodology to resolve
problems.
• Always consider corporate 2. Establish a theory of probable 4. Establish a plan of action
policies, procedures, and impacts cause (question the obvious) to resolve the problem and
before implementing changes - If necessary, conduct external implement the solution
1. Identify the problem or internal research based on - Refer to the vendor’s
- Gather information from the symptoms instructions for guidance
user, identify user changes, and, 3. Test the theory to determine the 5. Verify full system functionality
if applicable, perform backups cause and, if applicable, implement
before making changes - Once the theory is confirmed, preventive measures
- Inquire regarding determine the next steps to 6. Document the findings, actions,
environmental or infrastructure resolve the problem and outcomes
changes - If the theory is not confirmed,
re-establish a new theory or
escalate

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards,

RAM, CPU, and power.
• Common symptoms - Black screen - Intermittent shutdown
- Power-on self-test (POST) beeps - No power - Application crashes
- Proprietary crash screens - Sluggish performance - Grinding noise
(blue screen of death [BSOD]/ - Overheating - Capacitor swelling
pinwheel) - Burning smell - Inaccurate system date/time

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 5.0 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with

storage drives and RAID arrays.
• Common symptoms - Bootable device not found (S.M.A.R.T.) failure
- Light-emitting diode (LED) - Data loss/corruption - Extended read/write times
status indicators - RAID failure - Input/output operations per
- Grinding noises - Self-monitoring, Analysis, second (IOPS)
- Clicking sounds and Reporting Technology - Missing drives in OS

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and

display issues.
• Common symptoms - Fuzzy image - Incorrect color display
- Incorrect data source - Display burn-in - Audio issues
- Physical cabling issues - Dead pixels - Dim image
- Burned-out bulb - Flashing screen - Intermittent projector shutdown

5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with mobile

devices.
• Common symptoms - Improper charging - Digitizer issues
- Poor battery health - Poor/no connectivity - Physically damaged ports
- Swollen battery - Liquid damage - Malware
- Broken screen - Overheating - Cursor drift/touch calibration

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 5.0 | Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues.

• Common symptoms - Paper not feeding - Finishing issues
- Lines down the printed pages - Multipage misfeed M Staple jams
- Garbled print - Multiple prints pending in queue M Hole punch
- Toner not fusing to paper - Speckling on printed pages - Incorrect page orientation
- Paper jams - Double/echo images on the print
- Faded print - Incorrect color settings
- Incorrect paper size - Grinding noise

5.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless

networks.
• Common symptoms - Limited connectivity - Port flapping
- Intermittent wireless - Jitter - High latency
connectivity - Poor Voice over Internet - External interference
- Slow network speeds Protocol (VoIP) quality

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CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Acronym List
The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA A+
Core 1 (220-1101) exam. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete
list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as part of a
comprehensive exam preparation program.

Acronym Definition Acronym Definition

AAA Authentication, Authorization, and DBaaS Database as a Service
Accounting DC Direct Current
AC Alternating Current DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
ACL Access Control List DDR Double Data Rate
ADF Automatic Document Feeder DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
AES Advanced Encryption Standard DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module
AP Access Point DKIM DomainKeys Identified Mail
APFS Apple File System DMA Direct Memory Access
APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol DMARC Domain-based Message Authentication,
Addressing Reporting, and Conformance
APK Android Package DNS Domain Name System
ARM Advanced RISC [Reduced Instruction Set DoS Denial of Service
Computer] Machine DRaaS Disaster Recovery as a Service
ARP Address Resolution Protocol DRAM Dynamic Random-Access Memory
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DRM Digital Rights Management
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DSL Digital Subscriber Line
ATX Advanced Technology Extended DVI Digital Visual Interface
AUP Acceptable Use Policy DVI-D Digital Visual Interface-Digital
AV Antivirus ECC Error Correcting Code
BIOS Basic Input/Output System EFS Encrypting File System
BSOD Blue Screen of Death EMI Electromagnetic Interference
BYOD Bring Your Own Device EOL End of Life
CA Certificate Authority eSATA External Serial Advanced Technology
CAD Computer-aided Design Attachment
CAPTCHA Completely Automated Public Turing Test ESD Electrostatic Discharge
to Tell Computers and Humans Apart EULA End-User License Agreement
CD Compact Disc exFAT Extensible File Allocation Table
CDFS Compact Disc File System ext Extended File System
CDMA Code-Division Multiple Access FAT File Allocation Table
CERT Computer Emergency Response Team FAT12 12-bit File Allocation Table
CIFS Common Internet File System FAT16 16-bit File Allocation Table
CMD Command Prompt FAT32 32-bit File Allocation Table
CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide FSB Front-Side Bus
Semiconductor FTP File Transfer Protocol
CNAME Canonical Name GFS Grandfather-Father-Son
CPU Central Processing Unit GPS Global Positioning System
CRL Certificate Revocation List GPT GUID [Globally Unique Identifier] Partition
DaaS Data as a Service Table

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Acronym Definition Acronym Definition
GPU Graphics Processing Unit MDM Mobile Device Management
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications MFA Multifactor Authentication
GUI Graphical User Interface MFD Multifunction Device
GUID Globally Unique Identifier MFP Multifunction Printer
HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer MMC Microsoft Management Console
HAV Hardware-assisted Virtualization MOU Memorandum of Understanding
HCL Hardware Compatibility List mSATA Mini-Serial Advanced Technology
HDCP High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection Attachment
HDD Hard Disk Drive MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface MSRA Microsoft Remote Assistance
HHD Hybrid Hard Drive MX Mail Exchange
HSM Hardware Security Module NAC Network Access Control
HTML Hypertext Markup Language NAT Network Address Translation
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol NDA Non-Disclosure Agreement
HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure NetBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System
I/O Input/Output NetBT NetBIOS over TCP/IP [Transmission Control
IaaS Infrastructure as a Service Protocol/Internet Protocol]
ICR Intelligent Character Recognition NFC Near-Field Communication
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics NFS Network File System
IDS Intrusion Detection System NIC Network Interface Card
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics NTFS New Technology File System
Engineers NTP Network Time Protocol
IMAP Internet Mail Access Protocol NVMe Non-Volatile Memory Express
IOPS Input/Output Operations Per Second OCR Optical Character Recognition
IoT Internet of Things OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
IP Internet Protocol OLED Organic Light-emitting Diode
IPS Intrusion Prevention System ONT Optical Network Terminal
IPS In-Plane Switching OS Operating System
IPSec Internet Protocol Security PaaS Platform as a Service
IR Infrared PAN Personal Area Network
IrDA Infrared Data Association PC Personal Computer
IRP Incident Response Plan PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
ISO International Organization for PCL Printer Command Language
Standardization PDU Power Distribution Unit
ISP Internet Service Provider PE Preinstallation Environment
IT Information Technology PII Personally Identifiable Information
ITX Information Technology eXtended PIN Personal Identification Number
KB Knowledge Base PKI Public Key Infrastructure
KVM Keyboard-Video-Mouse PoE Power over Ethernet
LAN Local Area Network POP3 Post Office Protocol 3
LC Lucent Connector POST Power-On Self-Test
LCD Liquid Crystal Display PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol PRL Preferred Roaming List
LED Light-Emitting Diode PSU Power Supply Unit
MAC Media Access Control/Mandatory Access PXE Preboot Execution Environment
Control RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service
MAM Mobile Application Management RAID Redundant Array of Independent [or
MAN Metropolitan Area Network Inexpensive] Disks
MBR Master Boot Record RAM Random-Access Memory

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Acronym Definition Acronym Definition
RDP Remote Desktop Protocol SSO Single Sign-On
RF Radio Frequency ST Straight Tip
RFI Radio-Frequency Interference STP Shielded Twisted Pair
RFID Radio-Frequency Identification TACACS Terminal Access Controller Access-Control
RJ11 Registered Jack Function 11 System
RJ45 Registered Jack Function 45 TCP Transmission Control Protocol
RMM Remote Monitoring and Management TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
RTO Recovery Time Objective Protocol
S/MIME Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol
SaaS Software as a Service TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
SAN Storage Area Network TLS Transport Layer Security
SAS Serial Attached SCSI [Small Computer TN Twisted Nematic
System Interface] TPM Trusted Platform Module
SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment UAC User Account Control
SC Subscriber Connector UDP User Datagram Protocol
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
SCP Secure Copy Protection UNC Universal Naming Convention
SCSI Small Computer System Interface UPnP Universal Plug and Play
SD Secure Digital UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
SDD Super Density Disk USB Universal Serial Bus
SDN Software-Defined Networking USB-C Universal Serial Bus Type C
SFTP Secure File Transfer Protocol UTM Unified Threat Management
SIM Subscriber Identity Module UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
SIMM Single Inline Memory Module VA Vertical Alignment
S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting VDI Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Technology VGA Video Graphics Array
SMB Server Message Block VLAN Virtual LAN [Local Area Network]
SMS Short Message Service VM Virtual Machine
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol VNC Virtual Network Computer
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
SNTP Simple Network Time Protocol VPN Virtual Private Network
SOA Start of Authority VRAM Video Random-Access Memory
SODIMM Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module WAN Wide Area Network
SOHO Small Office/Home Office WAP Wireless Access Point
SPF Sender Policy Framework WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy
SQL Structured Query Language WISP Wireless Internet Service Provider
SRAM Static Random-Access Memory WLAN Wireless LAN [Local Area Network]
SRV Service WMN Wireless Mesh Network
SSD Solid-State Drive WPA WiFi Protected Access
SSH Secure Shell WWAN Wireless Wide Area Network
SSID Service Set Identifier XSS Cross-Site Scripting
SSL Secure Sockets Layer

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CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)
Proposed Hardware and Software List
**CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist
candidates as they prepare for the A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam. This list may
also be helpful for training companies that wish to create a lab component
to their training offering. The bulleted lists below each topic are sample
lists and are not exhaustive.

Equipment Spare parts/hardware Tools

• Apple tablet/smartphone • Motherboards • Screwdriver
• Android tablet/smartphone • RAM • Multimeter
• Windows tablet • Hard drives • Wire cutters
• Chromebook • Power supplies • Punchdown tool
• Windows laptop/Mac laptop/Linux • Video cards • Crimper
laptop • Sound cards • Power supply tester
• Windows desktop/Mac desktop/ • Network cards • Cable stripper
Linux desktop • Wireless NICs • Standard technician toolkit
• Windows server with Active • Fans/cooling devices/heat sink • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) strap
Directory and Print Management • CPUs • Thermal paste
• Monitors • Assorted connectors/cables • Cable tester
• Projectors - USB • Cable toner
• SOHO router/switch - HDMI • WiFi analyzer
• Access point - DisplayPort • SATA to USB connectors
• VoIP phone - DVI
• Printer - VGA Software
- Laser/inkjet • Adapters • Operating systems
- Wireless - Bluetooth adapter - Linux
- 3-D printer • Network cables - Chrome OS
- Thermal • Unterminated network cable/ - Microsoft Windows
• Surge suppressor connectors - macOS
• Uninterruptible power supply • Alternating current (AC) adapters - Android
(UPS) • Optical drives - iOS
• Smart devices (IoT devices) • Screws/standoffs • Preinstallation environment (PE)
• Server with a hypervisor • Cases disk/live compact disc (CD)
• Punchdown block • Maintenance kit • Antivirus software
• Patch panel • Mice/keyboards • Virtualization software
• Webcams • Keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) • Anti-malware
• Speakers • Console cable • Driver software
• Microphones • SSD

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