CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)

Study Guide

NOTE: Many Topics Are Linked To Help you

Navigate Around the Study Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices

○ 1.1 Laptop Hardware and Components

○ 1.2 Display Components

○ 1.3 Accessories and Ports

○ 1.4 Mobile Device Network Connectivity

2. Domain 2.0: Networking

○ 2.1 TCP/UDP Ports and Protocols

○ 2.2 Networking Hardware

○ 2.3 Wireless Networking

○ 2.4 Network Services and Protocols

○ 2.5 SOHO Network Configuration

3. Domain 3.0: Hardware

○ 3.1 Cables and Connectors

○ 3.2 RAM Types and Installation

○ 3.3 Storage Devices

○ 3.4 Motherboards and CPUs

○ 3.5 Power Supplies and Configuration

○ 3.6 Printers and Multifunction Devices

4. Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

○ 4.1 Cloud Computing Concepts

○ 4.2 Client-side Virtualization

5. Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

○ 5.1 Troubleshooting Methodology

○ 5.2 Troubleshooting Motherboards, RAM, and CPUs

○ 5.3 Storage Troubleshooting

○ 5.4 Display Troubleshooting

○ 5.5 Mobile Device Troubleshooting

 ○ 5.6 Printer Troubleshooting

○ 5.7 Network Troubleshooting

6. Appendices

○ Appendix A: Resource List

○ Appendix B: Mock Exam

Introduction

1.1 Overview of the CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to test foundational IT skills across

hardware, networking, troubleshooting, and more. It’s especially useful for those

pursuing entry level roles such as help desk technician, desktop support, and

field technician.

1.2 Exam Details and Structure

● Exam Code: Core 1 (220-1101)

● Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

● Maximum Questions: 90
 ● Time Limit: 90 minutes

● Passing Score: 675 out of 900

● Domains Covered:

○ Mobile Devices (15%)

○ Networking (20%)

○ Hardware (25%)

○ Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

○ Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)

1.3 How to Use This Study Guide

This guide is organized into sections that map to each of the exam domains.

Each domain contains detailed explanations, examples, troubleshooting steps,

and pro tips. I hope this helps you :))

● My Pro Tip: Break down your study sessions to focus on one domain at a

time. Use the quizzes provided after each section to test your knowledge.

1.4 Study Tips and Resources

● Create a Study Plan: Allocate more time to domains you are less familiar

with.

● Use Multiple Resources: Include practice exams, YouTube tutorials, and

flashcards.
 ● Hands-On Practice: Set up a virtual lab or work with actual hardware

whenever possible.

Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices

👉Link for full article about theory and the “why”

behind Mobile Devices 👈

1.1 Laptop Hardware and Components

☝️ Laptop Hardware & Components Video ☝️

Installing and Configuring Laptop Hardware

Laptops are composed of modular components, many of which can be replaced

or upgraded. Understanding how to work with each part is crucial for repair and

optimization.

Key Components:
 ● Battery: Ensure the laptop is powered off before removing or replacing the

battery. Some modern laptops feature internal batteries that require

disassembly.

● RAM: Identify the RAM type (e.g., DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5) supported by

the system. Ensure the RAM is inserted into the correct slots with the

contacts facing down.

● SSD Installation: Choose between a 2.5” SATA SSD or M.2 SSD, based

on the laptop's available slots. Clone the existing drive for easy migration

or perform a clean OS installation.

Troubleshooting:

● No Power: Check if the power adapter is functional and ensure that the

battery is charged. If the laptop remains unresponsive, a component like

the motherboard or power jack could be the issue.

● No Display: Test with an external monitor to determine if the problem is

with the internal display. If the external monitor works, inspect the display

cables or consider replacing the laptop screen.

Quiz: 👉 Laptop Hardware And Components Quiz 👈

1.2 Display Components

Types of Displays

● LCD (Liquid Crystal Display):

○ IPS (In-Plane Switching): Superior color accuracy and wide viewing

angles, ideal for professional applications like video editing.

○ TN (Twisted Nematic): Faster response times, but lower color

accuracy—often preferred for gaming due to its speed.

● OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): Offers higher contrast ratios and

deeper blacks but is prone to burn-in.

Troubleshooting:

● Dim or Flickering Screen: Check the inverter or backlight settings. A

failing inverter in an older LCD display can lead to these issues.

● No Display: Connect to an external monitor to determine if the issue lies

with the laptop’s display or the internal GPU.

1.3 Accessories and Ports

☝️ Mobile Device Accessories Video ☝️

Connection Methods

● USB Ports:

○ USB 2.0: Data transfer speed of 480 Mbps.

○ USB 3.0: Speed up to 5 Gbps.

● Video Ports:

○ HDMI: Supports both audio and video signals. Commonly used to

connect to external monitors or TVs.

○ DisplayPort: Often used for high-definition video or multiple monitor

setups.

Troubleshooting Ports:

● Unresponsive Ports: Update the drivers or check for hardware damage.

Ports clogged with debris may cause intermittent connection issues.

● Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both

devices and that they are in pairing mode.

Quiz: 👉 Computer Ports and Accessories Quiz 👈

1.4 Mobile Device Network Connectivity

Configuring Wireless and Cellular Networks

● WiFi Bands:

○ 2.4 GHz: Longer range but slower speeds, suitable for home use

where there’s less interference.

○ 5 GHz: Offers faster speeds but shorter range, ideal for office

environments or streaming.

● Cellular Networks: Enable or disable mobile data through the cellular

settings. Use a SIM card with the correct APN settings to access 4G/5G

networks.

Mobile Device Management (MDM):

● Used to enforce policies, deploy updates, and secure corporate devices.

Administrators can configure settings like email, VPN, and security

policies from a central MDM platform.

Quiz: 👉 Mobile Device Connectivity Quiz 👈

Domain 2.0: Networking

🔗📖 Read the Full Article on Network Hardware and the

History of Networking 📖🔗
2.1 TCP/UDP Ports and Protocols

Common Ports and Protocols

● FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Ports 20/21, used for transferring files.

● DNS (Domain Name System): Port 53, resolves domain names to IP

addresses.

● HTTPS: Port 443, used for secure web browsing.

TCP vs. UDP:

● TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Connection-oriented and ensures

that data is delivered in the correct order. Used for applications like HTTP,

HTTPS, and FTP.

● UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Connectionless, faster but less reliable.

Used for services like DNS and VoIP.

Pro Tip: Memorize common port numbers such as FTP (20/21), HTTP (80),

and HTTPS (443), as they are frequently tested.

Quiz: 👉 Networking Protocols and Ports Quiz 👈

2.2 Networking Hardware

Overview of Networking Devices

● Routers: Manage traffic between networks (e.g., between a LAN and the

internet). Typically found in homes and businesses to distribute internet

connections.

● Switches: Connect devices within a local network (LAN) and can be either

managed (offering configuration options) or unmanaged.

● Access Points (APs): Provide wireless connectivity to a network by

creating a WiFi network.

Network Topologies:

● Star Topology: All devices are connected to a central hub (usually a

switch or router). Common in most LANs.

● Mesh Topology: Each node is connected to multiple other nodes,

ensuring redundancy and reliability.

Quiz: 👉Networking Hardware Overview Quiz👈

2.3 Wireless Networking

WiFi Standards and Frequencies

● 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax: Each standard offers different speeds and

frequencies.

○ 802.11ac (WiFi 5): Operates on 5 GHz, offering up to 1 Gbps.

○ 802.11ax (WiFi 6): Latest standard, offers improved performance in

dense environments.

Wireless Security:

● Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to secure wireless networks. Avoid using

outdated security protocols like WEP, which are vulnerable to attacks.

Troubleshooting Wireless Networks:

● Slow Speeds: Check for interference from nearby networks or physical

obstructions. Use a WiFi analyzer to determine if the channel is

congested.

● No Connectivity: Verify the SSID and password. Restart the router or

access point if necessary.

Quiz: 👉 Wireless Networking Standards Quiz 👈

2.4 Network Services and Protocols

DHCP, DNS, and NAT

● DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Automatically assigns IP

addresses to devices on a network.

● DNS (Domain Name System): Translates domain names (like

google.com) into IP addresses.

● NAT (Network Address Translation): Allows multiple devices on a private

network to share a single public IP address.

Pro Tip: Understanding how DHCP works in a network environment is

crucial for troubleshooting issues like IP conflicts or unassigned

addresses.

Quiz: 👉 Network Services and Protocols Quiz 👈

2.5 SOHO Network Configuration

IP Addressing and Subnetting

● IPv4 Addresses: Consist of four octets, for example: 192.168.1.1.

● IPv6 Addresses: Provide a much larger address space using 128 bits, for

example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

Subnetting:
 ● Splits a network into smaller, more efficient sub-networks. For example, a

/24 subnet in an IPv4 address allows 256 IP addresses (2^8).

Quiz: 👉 IP Addressing and Subnetting Quiz 👈

Domain 3.0: Hardware

3.1 Cables and Connectors

Types of Cables

● Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet Cables: Used for wired networking, supporting

speeds of up to 1 Gbps (Cat5e) or 10 Gbps (Cat6).

● Fiber Optic Cables: Transmit data as light pulses, offering faster speeds

and longer distances than copper cables.

Connectors:

● RJ45: Standard connector for Ethernet cables.

 ● F-Type: Used for coaxial cables, typically in television and broadband

connections.

Troubleshooting Cable Issues

● Signal Loss: Caused by damaged cables or incorrect installations. Test

cables using a cable tester.

● Interference: Check for external electrical interference, especially in poorly

shielded cables.

Quiz: 👉 Cables and Connectors Overview Quiz 👈

3.2 RAM Types and Installation

Types of RAM

● DDR3/DDR4/DDR5: Common RAM types used in modern systems. DDR5

is the latest and fastest, offering double the bandwidth of DDR4.

Installation:

● Install RAM modules into the appropriate slots, ensuring the notch on the

module aligns with the slot. Apply firm pressure until it clicks into place.
Pro Tip: If your system is not booting after a RAM upgrade, double-check that

the modules are properly seated and compatible with the motherboard.

Quiz: 👉 RAM Types and Installation Quiz 👈

3.3 Storage Devices

Types of Storage

● HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Uses spinning disks and magnetic heads to

read/write data. Slower but more cost-effective.

● SSD (Solid-State Drive): No moving parts, uses NAND flash for storage.

Much faster than HDDs, with M.2 NVMe SSDs being the fastest available.

RAID Configurations

● RAID 0 (Striping): Splits data across multiple drives to improve speed, but

offers no redundancy.

● RAID 1 (Mirroring): Duplicates data on two drives for redundancy.

● RAID 5 (Striping with Parity): Offers both improved speed and

redundancy by distributing parity data across all drives.

Quiz: 👉 Storage Devices and Configurations Quiz 👈

3.4 Motherboards and CPUs

Motherboard Components

● CPU Sockets: The socket type (e.g., LGA 1200 or AM4) determines the

processors that are compatible with the motherboard.

● Chipsets: Control communication between the CPU, memory, and

peripherals.

Installing and Configuring CPUs

● Ensure that the CPU socket is compatible with the motherboard. Align the

gold triangle on the CPU with the triangle on the socket.

● Apply thermal paste to the top of the CPU before installing the heat sink

to ensure proper cooling.

Quiz: 👉 Motherboards and CPUs Overview Quiz 👈

3.5 Power Supplies and Configuration

Power Supply Types

● Modular Power Supplies: Allow cables to be attached or detached as

needed. This reduces clutter inside the case.

● Non-Modular Power Supplies: All cables are fixed to the PSU, making

cable management more difficult.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

● No Power: Test the PSU with a power supply tester to ensure it’s

delivering the correct voltages.

● Short Circuit: Check for improperly installed components or damaged

cables.

Quiz: 👉 Power Supply Types and Troubleshooting Quiz 👈

3.6 Printers and Multifunction Devices

Types of Printers
 ● Laser Printers: Use a drum and toner to print high-quality documents.

Ideal for office environments due to high page yields.

● Inkjet Printers: Use ink cartridges to print documents and photos.

Cheaper but require frequent cartridge replacements.

Troubleshooting Printer Issues

● Paper Jams: Clear any obstructions in the paper feed. Replace worn

rollers if the issue persists.

● Poor Print Quality: Clean the print heads or replace the toner cartridge.

Ensure the paper type matches the printer settings.

Quiz: 👉 Printers and Multifunction Devices Quiz 👈

Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

4.1 Cloud Computing Concepts

Cloud Models

● Private Cloud: A cloud environment dedicated to a single organization,

offering more control and security.

● Public Cloud: Services are provided by a third-party provider and shared

across multiple customers. Examples include AWS, Azure, and Google

Cloud.

Cloud Services

● IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing

resources over the internet.

● SaaS (Software as a Service): Delivers software applications over the

internet (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).

Quiz: 👉 Cloud Computing Concepts Quiz 👈

4.2 Client-side Virtualization

Virtual Machine (VM) Setup

 ● Virtualization Software: Use programs like VMware or VirtualBox to

create and manage virtual machines.

● Resource Allocation: Ensure that the virtual machine is allocated

sufficient CPU, RAM, and disk space for the task.

Security Considerations:

● Virtual machines need to be patched and updated like physical machines

to protect against vulnerabilities.

Quiz: 👉 Client-side Virtualization Concepts Quiz 👈

Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network

📖 Virtualization and Cloud Computing In Depth Article 📖

Troubleshooting
5.1 Troubleshooting Methodology

Steps and Best Practices

1. Identify the Problem: Gather information from the user and verify any

recent changes.

2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause: Use past experiences or

research to hypothesize the cause.

3. Test the Theory: Run tests or diagnostics to confirm the theory.

4. Establish a Plan of Action: Create a plan to resolve the issue.

5. Verify Full System Functionality: Ensure the system works as expected

after the fix.

6. Document Findings: Record the steps taken and the outcome for future

reference.

Quiz: 👉Troubleshooting Methodology Quiz👈

5.2 Troubleshooting Motherboards, RAM, and CPUs

Common Symptoms:
 ● POST Beeps: The number and type of beeps indicate different hardware

issues. Refer to the BIOS documentation for troubleshooting.

● Overheating: Clean the heat sink and fan, and reapply thermal paste if

necessary.

5.3 Storage Troubleshooting

RAID Failure

● Missing Drives: Verify that all drives are properly connected and

recognized in the BIOS.

● Data Loss: If RAID arrays fail, data recovery software can sometimes be

used to recover critical files.

Quiz: 👉 Motherboard and Storage Troubleshooting Quiz 👈

5.4 Display Troubleshooting

Common Symptoms:

● No Signal: Check the connection between the computer and monitor.

Ensure the correct input source is selected on the monitor.

● Flickering Display: Could indicate a loose cable or failing GPU.

5.5 Mobile Device Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

● Overheating: Avoid using the device in direct sunlight and check for

background processes that may be consuming excessive resources.

● Poor Connectivity: Restart the device or reset network settings. Ensure

the SIM card is properly seated.

5.6 Printer Troubleshooting

Common Symptoms:

● Garbled Output: Check the printer driver or ensure the correct printer

model is selected.
 ● Paper Jams: Remove stuck paper and check for worn rollers.

5.7 Network Troubleshooting

Common Symptoms:

● Slow Network Speeds: Use a network analyzer to detect bandwidth

bottlenecks or interference.

● Limited Connectivity: Check for IP conflicts or misconfigured network

settings (e.g., incorrect subnet mask or gateway).

Appendices

Appendix A: Resource List

Articles:

1. How do you prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam?

2. CompTIA A+ Certification Comprehensive Guide 2024 | by Amari

Williams | Medium

Quizzes:
 1. A+ 1101 Quiz

2. A+ 1102 Quiz

Courses:

1. CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Complete Course & Practice Exam |

Udemy

2. TOTAL: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Course + Exam | Udemy

Appendix B: Mock Exam

—-- 👉 A+ Core 1 Mock Exam 👈—-----