A+ Certification Guide
Chapter 1
Technician Essentials
and PC Anatomy
Chapter 1
Objectives
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The Essential Parts of Any Computer:
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The vital components of a PC—an overview
Hardware, Software, and Firmware:
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Explain how hardware, software, and firmware interact, and define
the major types of software and utility programs.
Points of Failure:
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Learn about possible issues that could cause the computer to fail—
for example, overheating, hard drive failure, or loose adapter cards.
The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process
PC Tools:
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Demonstrate how to assemble/disassemble the computer safely.
Resources to prepare for the exam:
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Websites and exam resources.
Essential Parts of a Computer
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Storage devices
Motherboards
Power supplies
Processors/CPUs
Memory
Display devices
Input, multimedia, and biometric devices
Adapter cards
Ports and cables
Cooling systems
Front Side of PC
What Are All Those Connections
and Lights For?
Motherboard Components
Example: A Laptop PC Side View
Figure 1-4
01fig04
Illustration: Please add callouts as indicated and initial-cap
Proprietary.
Example: A Laptop PC side view
Illustration: Please add callouts as indicated remove hyphen
and space for DVD multioptical drive.
Figure 1-5
01fig05
Points of Failure
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Overheating:
– Failure of the fans in the power supply or those attached to the
processor, northbridge chip, or video card can cause overheating.
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Loose peripheral card:
– A loose add-on card might not be detected by plug-and-play or might
have intermittent failures after installation.
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Inability to start the computer:
– Loose processor/memory module can prevent the computer from
starting.
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Drive failures:
– Improperly connected power or data cables, or improperly configured
jumper blocks, will not work properly.
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Front panel failures:
– Cables connecting the case switch, reset switch, and status lights.
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Battery failure
BIOS chip failure
Hardware, Software, and
Firmware
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Hardware:
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Components that can generally be touched or seen.
Often a source of failure:
• Loose connections
• Physical damage
• Electrical damage (electrostatic, voltage spikes/surges)
• Incompatibility of devices with other devices
Software:
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Drivers used to control the hardware
Applications used to generate user data
Protocols to transmit data over the network
Internal/external commands to control the system
The CompTIA Six-Step
Troubleshooting Process
Step
Description
Step 1
Identify the problem.
Step 2
Establish a theory of probable cause. (Question
the obvious.)
Step 3
Test the theory to determine the cause.
Step 4
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
and implement the solution.
Step 5
Verify full system functionality and, if
applicable, implement preventative measures.
Step 6
Document findings, actions, and outcomes.
Tools: Working Inside the PC
Opening the Case:
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Different manufacturers have different case access mechanisms.
Protect your system against electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Common Tasks:
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Connecting internal and external data cables.
– Recheck periodically; can work loose over time.
Installing a PCI card (for example, video or sound card).
Replacing the power supply.
Replacing the hard drive.
Replacing the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
Upgrading memory.
Installing a USB support.
Basic Tools for Assembly/Disassembly of
Computers
Illustration: This is a pick up of Figure 1-1 from "CompTIA A+
220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide“ 2e (ISBN: 978-0-7897-47907).
Figure 1-7
01fig07
Illustration: This is a pick up of Figure 2-6 from "CompTIA A+ 220701 and 220-702 Cert Guide“ 2e (ISBN: 978-0-7897-4790-7).
Figure 1-8
System and Testing Tools
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Multimeter:
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AC/DC voltage
Ohms
Amperage
Power Supply Tester:
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Can save a motherboard from being ruined by a bad power
supply
Loopback plugs:
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Serial, network, and USB port testing
Network Testing Tools
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Cable tester
Punch-down tool
Loopback plugs
Toner probes
Wire strippers
Crimper
What Have You Learned?
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Name four common hardware failures.
How does the CPU receive data?
What device has the IRQ with the highest priority?
Why is it important to use ESD precaution?
What is a resource conflict?
How is software different from firmware?
Exercise
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Activity 2.2: The motherboard and CPU.
Chapter 1
Summary
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Essential Parts of a Computer:
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Motherboards, CPUs, video cards, and how to identify them.
Hardware, Software, and Firmware
Points of Failure:
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Issues that could cause the computer to fail—for example,
overheating, hard drive failure, or loose adapter cards.
Six-Step CompTIA Troubleshooting Process
Working Inside Your PC:
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How to assemble/disassemble the computer safely.
Next Lesson: Chapter 2