Comptia A+ certification is a well-respected certification that many employers look for. A+ stands for Apple computer accessories, as the certification originally was designed for technicians to know how to work with Apple computers.
Now, A+ certifications are given for overall computer knowledge, including hardware, software, and other computing concepts. A+ is now offered in two versions: Computer Hardware and Mobile Devices.
Obtaining an A+ certification can set you on the path to a new career or can bolster your resume with additional credentials. This guide is for the newer version of the A+ certification- Computer Hardware.
This guide will go into detail about the topics covered on the exam and provide you with ample information to succeed.
Exam 901
The first exam you should take as a new A+ certified tech is exam 901. This exam encompasses the basics of computer technology, including hardware, software, networking, and safety awareness.
Exam 901 covers all Apple products, including MacOS and iOS. Because this is the entry-level certification for A+ certified techs, it does not go into deep detail on any topic. All the concepts are introduced and tested within the exam.
If you are looking to get started in the tech field or want to be an entry-level technician, examination 901 is appropriate for you!
Head over to ExamCollection.com to register for this exam.
Exam 902
The last A+ exam is 902. This exam was updated in February of 2018, so it is the newest A+ exam. Just like the other exams, CompTIA updates components it tests on and the number of questions it asks per component to ensure it is testing all knowledge bases.
CompTIA typically changes about twenty percent of the content it tests on for a new exam. This means you will need to study all areas of computer hardware and software and not just the latest technology, although that is important too.
Like with all exams, you should study with resources that have correct answers and explanations.
Hardware components
When it comes to hardware, most people know about the basics. You know what a CPU, hard drive, and monitor are, and you probably even know the specifications of those components.
CPUs come in several brands, speeds (GHz), and architectures (Intel vs AMD). For the A+ exam, just know the basic specs for each type of CPU and that they can be either 64 or 32 bit.
Memory comes in two types: RAM and storage. Both are very important for a computer to function properly. RAM is the short-term memory a computer uses to run applications. It is very expensive per unit so it is important to have enough!
Computers need both internal and external storage to function. Internal storage is in the form of a hard drive or SSD which store data long term. External storage is in the form of a USB drive which stores data temporarily.
Software components
Once you have decided on a operating system, the next thing to look at is the software components that will be necessary for your needs.
These components can be categorized in several ways. The first way is into operating system components and third-party software components.
Operating system components include things like the kernel, drivers, and shell. The kernel is the central part of the OS that manages hardware and provides a standardized interface for applications to access hardware. Drivers enable other software to interact with the OS in order to use hardware functions. A shell is a user interface that allows users to run commands and access other features of the OS.
Third-party software components include things like anti-virus, browsers, office productivity software, etc. These can be important to consider as some may not work with other ones.
Networking concepts
In this section, we will discuss some key concepts in networking that all CompTIA A+ certified individuals should know. Some of these topics include network topologies, network devices, networking protocols, and cloud based services.
Network topologies refers to the layout or structure of a network. There are five common topologies used in modern networks. These are bus, ring, star, mesh, and hybrid. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Bus networks have a single communication line that transmits information from one device to the next until it reaches the end of the line where it is dropped off. This makes it difficult to maintain connectivity should there be a disruption in the line.
Ring networks have a circular pattern with each device connected to the next via a communication line. This topology is self-maintaining as it transfers connectivity to the next device in the ring should one go down.
Star networks have one device that serves as a center point for all other devices to connect to called a router or gateway. All other devices connect to this router creating a star shape topology. This is considered the most common network layout due to its simplicity and ease of use..
Mesh networks are similar to bus networks in that there is a single communication line between devices but they also have multiple paths so if one goes down, there are still ways to transmit information.-Hybrid networks combine two or more of the above mentioned topologies creating their own unique layout.
Connectors and cables
When configuring cables and connectors, you should be careful not to stress the cable itself or the connectors.
Too much force can break the shielding that protects the wires inside the cable or the connector itself. The worst case scenario is having no connectivity because of a broken wire or damaged connector.
Make sure that the cable is seated properly into the connector and that there is no damage to the outer casing or internal components. If you are unsure, ask someone who is knowledgeable about electronics to take a look.
When connecting cables to your devices, make sure that they are compatible. For example, some devices have different size ports for charging cables, so making sure that you have the correct one is important.
Storage devices
There are a few things to know about storage devices before answering this question. Most computers have some form of internal storage, be it a hard drive or a solid state drive.
Hard drives have been replaced by SSDs in laptops, as SSDs are much faster. Both of these storage devices come in different sizes, or capacities.
Internal storage cannot be replaced by external storage, as internal storage is the computer’s hardware and external storage is an accessory that stores data.
There are two main types of external storage: portable (usb) and stationary (usb or ethernet connection). Portable external storage can be taken from place to place, such as a flash drive or an external hard drive. Stationary cannot be moved once it is plugged in. Both have different capacities as well.
Laptop considerations
When choosing a laptop, there are a few things to consider. The first is the budget you have to spend on the laptop. Laptops can range in price considerably, so find one in your budget that has the features you need.
The second consideration is what type of laptop you want. You can either get a Chromebook, which is a Google-operated device that runs on its own operating system, or you can get an Apple MacBook, which runs on MacOS. Both have their pros and cons, so look into both and see which one fits your needs more.
The last consideration is whether or not to get a refurbished laptop or a new one. Refurbished laptops are used laptops that have been checked out by the company that sells them and fixed if needed, then resold at a reduced price. They are usually very similar to new ones except for maybe some minor details.
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