CompTIA® A+ Certification Prep 2: Software (Self-Paced Tutorial)

Lesson 1

Building a PC

The first lesson reviews common types of specialized PCs and discuss the hardware components that support their individualized roles. Then you will learn about installing contemporary Windows versions. You will learn about the preparation required, such as checking hardware requirements and backing up your personal files. To ensure a smooth installation process, you don't want to skip this step.

Understanding Operating Systems

In this lesson, you will learn basic operating system concepts and the various operating systems (and versions) covered on the CompTIA A+ exams. You will explore common OS functions that enable users, software, and hardware to interact with each other. Next, you will learn the primary user interfaces—the graphic user interface and the command line interface—and how the GUI manifests in recent versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Installing Windows

This lesson is all about Windows. You will learn the final preparation steps for installing or upgrading Windows, how to actually install the OS, what to do when you're done, and how to troubleshoot any problems that occur. Finally, you will practice the boot process for each version of Windows.

Windows in Depth

Get ready to explore the structures that power Windows. This lesson covers the Registry, a database that stores everything about your PC. You will also learn how Windows uses processes and services, the building blocks for everything running in Windows. Finally, you will explore the special Windows tools for programmers.

The Command-Line Interface

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the text-based command-line interface. You will explore the command prompt and find out how to use it to navigate the folder structure. You will learn about basic commands for listing files and creating new directories and advanced commands for moving and copying files.

Maintaining Operating Systems

Maintaining operating systems is critical. Because Microsoft Windows looms large in the CompTIA A+ objectives, you will learn how to download the latest Windows updates and service packs from Microsoft. You will also learn about the tools and utilities included in Windows that keep it healthy, like Disk Defragmenter and the System Configuration tool. Finally, this lesson will teach you how to automate your maintenance procedures with the Windows Task Scheduler.

Optimizing Operating Systems

In this lesson, you will learn about how to improve the performance of your system by optimizing your hardware and software. Additionally, you will learn how to install and remove applications and features, as well as updating and rolling back hardware drivers using Device Manager.

Troubleshooting Operating Systems: Boot

This lesson focuses on troubleshooting the boot process. You will explore some problems you may encounter and how to deal with them. You will also learn how to use specific utilities like the Windows Recovery Environment. Finally, this explores using command-line commands to fix boot errors.

Troubleshooting Operating Systems: GUI

A necessary skill every tech needs is to know how to troubleshoot an OS from multiple perspectives. This lesson focuses on what to do when the GUI fails to load normally, and several troubleshooting tools and the scenarios that are most useful.

Virtual Machines

This lesson explores virtualization—using special software to run a second operating system within your real OS. In addition, you will learn what virtualization is and explain its many benefits. Finally, explore the different types of virtualization and popular virtualization software.

Printers and Multifunction Devices

The CompTIA A+ certification strongly stresses the area of multifunction devices (MFDs) and printing, so you will need a high degree of technical knowledge about all types of printers. This lesson starts your exploration of printers and MFDs. You will learn about the types of printers and scanners in common use today.

Installing and Troubleshooting Multifunction Devices

The final lesson will introduce you to installing and troubleshooting multifunction devices and printers. First, you will learn installation, setup, and optimization techniques for all kinds of printers. Lastly, you will learn troubleshooting techniques for impact, thermal, inkjet, and laser printers.