CompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: 220-901
About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-901. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-901 measures the necessary skills for an entry-level IT professional. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to:
• Assemble components based on customer requirements
• Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users
• Understand the basics of networking and security/forensics
• Properly and safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
• Apply troubleshooting skills
• Provide appropriate customer support
• Understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment
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
CompTIA A+ 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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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 Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
TEST DETAILS
Required exam
CompTIA A+ 220-901
Number of questions
Maximum of 90
Types of questions
Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of test
90 minutes
Recommended experience Six to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field
Passing score
CompTIA A+ 220-901: 675 (on a scale of 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 Hardware
2.0 Networking
3.0 Mobile Devices
4.0 Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Total
34%
21%
17%
28%
100%
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
1.0 Hardware
1.1
Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC.
• Firmware upgrades/flash BIOS
• BIOS component information - RAM - Hard drive - Optical drive - CPU
• BIOS configurations - Boot sequence
1.2
• Monitoring - Temperature monitoring - Fan speeds - Intrusion detection/notification - Voltage - Clock - Bus speed
Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose and properties.
• Sizes - ATX - Micro-ATX - Mini-ITX - ITX
• Expansion slots - PCI - PCI-X - PCIe - miniPCI
1.3
- Enabling and disabling devices - Date/time - Clock speeds - Virtualization support - BIOS security (passwords, drive encryption: TPM, LoJack, secure boot)
• Built-in diagnostics
• RAM slots
• CPU sockets
• Chipsets - Northbridge - Southbridge
• CMOS battery
• Power connections and types
• Fan connectors
• Front/top panel connectors - USB - Audio - Power button - Power light - Drive activity lights
• Bus speeds
• Reset button
Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.
• Types - DDR - DDR2 - DDR3 - SODIMM - DIMM - Parity vs. non-parity
- ECC vs. non-ECC - RAM configurations - Single channel vs. dual channel vs. triple channel - Single sided vs. double sided - Buffered vs. unbuffered
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
• RAM compatibility
1.0 Hardware
1.4
Install and configure PC expansion cards.
• Sound cards
• Video cards
• Network cards
• USB cards
• Firewire cards
• Thunderbolt cards
1.5
Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.
• Optical drives - CD-ROM/CD-RW - DVD-ROM/DVD-RW/DVD-RW DL - Blu-ray - BD-R - BD-RE
• Magnetic hard disk drives - 5400 rpm - 7200 rpm - 10,000 rpm
• Hot swappable drives
• Solid state/flash drives - Compact flash
1.6
• Storage cards
• Modem cards
• Wireless/cellular cards
• TV tuner cards
• Video capture cards
• Riser cards
- SD - MicroSD - MiniSD - xD - SSD - Hybrid - eMMC
• RAID types -0 -1 -5 - 10
• Tape drive
• Media capacity - CD - CD-RW - DVD-RW - DVD - Blu-ray - Tape - DVD DL
Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods.
• Socket types - Intel: 775, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1150, 2011 - AMD: AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+
• Characteristics - Speeds - Cores - Cache size/type - Hyperthreading - Virtualization support
- Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) - Integrated GPU - Disable execute bit
• Cooling - Heat sink - Fans - Thermal paste - Liquid-based - Fanless/passive
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
1.0 Hardware
1.7
Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose.
• Physical connections - USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 - Connector types: A, B, mini, micro - Firewire 400 vs. Firewire 800 - SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA - Other connector types - VGA - HDMI - DVI
1.8
- IR - NFC
• Characteristics - Analog - Digital - Distance limitations - Data transfer speeds - Quality - Frequencies
Install a power supply based on given specifications.
• Connector types and their voltages - SATA - Molex - 4/8-pin 12v - PCIe 6/8-pin - 20-pin - 24-pin
1.9
- Audio - Analog - Digital (Optical connector) - RJ-45 - RJ-11 - Thunderbolt
• Wireless connections - Bluetooth - RF
• Specifications - Wattage - Dual rail - Size - Number of connectors - ATX - MicroATX - Dual voltage options
Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom
PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
• Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation - Multicore processor - High-end video - Maximum RAM
• Audio/video editing workstation - Specialized audio and video card - Large fast hard drive - Dual monitors
• Virtualization workstation - Maximum RAM and CPU cores
• Gaming PC - Multicore processor
- High-end video/specialized GPU - High-definition sound card - High-end cooling
• Home theater PC - Surround sound audio - HDMI output - HTPC compact form factor - TV tuner
• Standard thick client - Desktop applications - Meets recommended requirements for selected OS
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
• Thin client - Basic applications - Meets minimum requirements for selected OS - Network connectivity
• Home server PC - Media streaming - File sharing - Print sharing - Gigabit NIC - RAID array
1.0 Hardware
1.10
Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features.
• Types - LCD - TN vs. IPS - Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting - Plasma - Projector - OLED
1.11
• Aspect ratios - 16:9 - 16:10 - 4:3
Identify common PC connector types and associated cables.
• Display connector types - DVI-D - DVI-I - DVI-A - DisplayPort - RCA - HD15 (i.e., DE15 or DB15) - BNC - miniHDMI - miniDin-6
• Display cable types - HDMI - DVI - VGA - Component - Composite - Coaxial
1.12
• Refresh/frame rates
• Resolution
• Native resolution
• Brightness/lumens
• Analog vs. digital
• Privacy/antiglare filters
• Multiple displays
• Device cables and connectors - SATA - eSATA - USB - Firewire (IEEE1394) - PS/2 - Audio
• Adapters and convertors - DVI to HDMI - USB A to USB B - USB to Ethernet - DVI to VGA - Thunderbolt to DVI - PS/2 to USB - HDMI to VGA
Install and configure common peripheral devices.
• Input devices - Mouse - Keyboard - Scanner - Barcode reader - Biometric devices - Game pads - Joysticks - Digitizer - Motion sensor
- Touch pads - Smart card readers - Digital cameras - Microphone - Webcam - Camcorder
• Output devices - Printers - Speakers - Display devices
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
• Input & output devices - Touch screen - KVM - Smart TV - Set-top Box - MIDI-enabled devices
1.0 Hardware
1.13
Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings.
• Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system - Configuration settings - Duplex - Collate - Orientation - Quality
• Device sharing - Wired
1.14
• Public/shared devices - Sharing local/networked device via operating system settings - TCP/Bonjour/AirPrint - Data privacy - User authentication on the device - Hard drive caching
Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process.
• Laser - Imaging drum, fuser assembly, transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup rollers, separate pads, duplexing assembly - Imaging process: processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing and cleaning
• Inkjet - Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, carriage and belt - Calibration
1.15
- USB - Serial - Ethernet - Wireless - Bluetooth - 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - Infrastructure vs. ad hoc - Integrated print server (hardware) - Cloud printing/remote printing
• Thermal - Feed assembly, heating element - Special thermal paper
• Impact - Print head, ribbon, tractor feed - Impact paper
• Virtual - Print to file - Print to PDF - Print to XPS - Print to image
Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.
• Laser - Replacing toner, applying maintenance kit, calibration, cleaning
• Thermal - Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris
• Impact - Replace ribbon, replace print head, replace paper
• Inkjet - Clean heads, replace cartridges, calibration, clear jams
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
2.0 Networking
2.1
Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.
• Fiber - Connectors: SC, ST and LC
• Twisted Pair - Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45 - Wiring standards: T568A, T568B
2.2
Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling.
• Fiber - Types (single-mode vs. multi-mode) - Speed and transmission limitations
2.3
• Twisted pair - Types: STP, UTP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6e, CAT7, plenum, PVC - Speed and transmission limitations - Splitters and effects on signal quality
• Coaxial - Types: RG-6, RG-59 - Speed and transmission limitations - Splitters and effects on signal quality
Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
• IPv4 vs. IPv6
• Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local
• Static vs. dynamic
• Client-side DNS settings
2.4
• Coaxial - Connectors: BNC, F-connector
• Client-side DHCP
• Subnet mask vs. CIDR
• Gateway
Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose.
• Ports - 21 – FTP - 22 – SSH - 23 – TELNET - 25 – SMTP - 53 – DNS - 80 – HTTP - 110 – POP3 - 143 – IMAP
- 443 – HTTPS - 3389 – RDP - 137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBT - 445 – SMB/CIFS - 427 – SLP - 548 – AFP
• Protocols - DHCP - DNS
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
- LDAP - SNMP - SMB - CIFS - SSH - AFP
• TCP vs. UDP
2.0 Networking
2.5
Compare and contrast various WiFi networking standards and encryption types.
• Standards - 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - Speeds, distances and frequencies
2.6
Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/ wired router and apply appropriate settings.
• Channels
• Port forwarding, port triggering
• DHCP (on/off)
• DMZ
2.7
- ISDN - Cellular - Tethering - Mobile hotspot - Line-of-sight wireless Internet service
• Network Types - LAN - WAN - PAN - MAN
Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features.
• Hub
• Switch
• Router
• Access point
2.9
• NAT/DNAT
• Basic QoS
• Firmware
• UPnP
Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types and their features.
• Internet connection types - Cable - DSL - Dial-up - Fiber - Satellite
2.8
• Encryption types - WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
• Bridge
• Modem
• Firewall
• Patch panel
Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
• Crimper
• Cable stripper
• Multimeter
• Tone generator and probe
• Cable tester
• Loopback plug
• Punchdown tool
• WiFi analyzer
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
• Repeaters/extenders
• Ethernet over Power
• Power over Ethernet injector
3.0 Mobile Devices
3.1
Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Expansion options - Expresscard /34 - Expresscard /54 - SODIMM - Flash - Ports/Adapters - Thunderbolt - DisplayPort - USB to RJ-45 dongle - USB to WiFi dongle
3.2
- Wireless card
- Mini-PCIe
- Screen
- DC jack
- Battery
- Touchpad
- Plastics/frames
- Speaker
- System board
- CPU
Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop.
• Types - LCD - TN vs. IPS - Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting - OLED
3.3
- USB to Bluetooth - USB Optical Drive
• Hardware/device replacement - Keyboard - Hard drive - SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk - 1.8in vs. 2.5in - Memory - Smart card reader - Optical drive
• WiFi antenna connector/placement
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Inverter
• Digitizer
Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
• Special function keys - Dual displays - Wireless (on/off) - Cellular (on/off) - Volume settings - Screen brightness - Bluetooth (on/off)
- Keyboard backlight
- Touch pad (on/off)
- Screen orientation
- Media options (fast forward/rewind)
- GPS (on/off)
- Airplane mode
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
• Docking station
• Physical laptop lock and cable lock
• Rotating/removable screens
2.0 Mobile Devices
3.4
Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Wearable technology devices - Smart watches
3.5
- Fitness monitors - Glasses and headsets
• Phablets
• e-Readers
• Smart camera
• GPS
Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
• Connection types - NFC - Proprietary vendor-specific ports (communication/power) - MicroUSB/miniUSB - Lightning - Bluetooth
- IR - Hotspot/tethering
• Accessories - Headsets - Speakers - Game pads - Docking stations
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
- Extra battery packs/battery chargers
- Protective covers/water proofing
- Credit card readers
- Memory/MicroSD
4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
4.1
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Unexpected shutdowns - System lockups - POST code beeps - Blank screen on bootup - BIOS time and settings resets - Attempts to boot to incorrect device - Continuous reboots
4.2
- No power
- Overheating
- Loud noise
- Intermittent device failure
- Fans spin – no power to other devices
- Indicator lights
- Smoke
- Burning smell
- Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel) - Distended capacitors
• Tools - Multimeter - Power supply tester - Loopback plugs - POST card/USB
Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and
RAID arrays with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Read/write failure - Slow performance - Loud clicking noise - Failure to boot - Drive not recognized - OS not found - RAID not found
4.3
- RAID stops working
- Proprietary crash screens
(BSOD/pin wheel) - S.M.A.R.T. errors
• Tools - Screwdriver - External enclosures - CHKDSK
- FORMAT
- File recovery software
- Bootrec
- Diskpart
- Defragmentation tool
- Distorted geometry
- Burn-in
- Oversized images and icons
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues.
• Common symptoms - VGA mode - No image on screen - Overheat shutdown - Dead pixels
- Artifacts
- Color patterns incorrect
- Dim image
- Flickering image
- Distorted image
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
4.4
Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - No connectivity - APIPA/link local address - Limited connectivity - Local connectivity - Intermittent connectivity - IP conflict - Slow transfer speeds - Low RF signal - SSID not found
4.5
• Command line tools - PING - IPCONFIG/IFCONFIG - TRACERT - NETSTAT - NBTSTAT - NET - NETDOM - NSLOOKUP
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
• Common symptoms - No display - Dim display - Flickering display - Sticking keys - Intermittent wireless - Battery not charging - Ghost cursor/pointer drift - No power - Num lock indicator lights
4.6
• Hardware tools - Cable tester - Loopback plug - Punchdown tools - Tone generator and probe - Wire strippers - Crimper - Wireless locator
- No wireless connectivity
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Cannot display to external monitor
- Touchscreen non-responsive
- Apps not loading
- Slow performance
- Unable to decrypt email
- Extremely short battery life
- Overheating
- Frozen system
- No sound from speakers - GPS not functioning - Swollen battery
• Disassembling processes for proper re-assembly - Document and label cable and screw locations - Organize parts - Refer to manufacturer resources - Use appropriate hand tools
Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Streaks - Faded prints - Ghost images - Toner not fused to the paper - Creased paper - Paper not feeding - Paper jam - No connectivity
- Garbled characters on paper
- Vertical lines on page
- Backed up print queue
- Low memory errors
- Access denied
- Printer will not print
- Color prints in wrong print color
- Unable to install printer
- Error codes
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
- Printing blank pages - No image on printer display
• Tools - Maintenance kit - Toner vacuum - Compressed air - Printer spooler
CompTIA A+ Acronyms
The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA A+ exams. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a part of a comprehensive exam preparation program.
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
AC
Alternating Current
ACL
Access Control List
ACPI
Advanced Configuration Power Interface
ACT Activity
ADSL
Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port
AHCI
Advanced Host Controller Interface
AP
Access Point
APIPA
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
APM
Advanced Power Management
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol
ASR
Automated System Recovery
ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment
ATAPI
Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode
ATX
Advanced Technology Extended
AUP
Acceptable Use Policy
A/V
Audio Video
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System
BNC
Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or British Naval Connector
BTX
Balanced Technology Extended
CAPTCHA
Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart
CCFL
Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp
CD
Compact Disc
CD-ROM
Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory
CD-RW
Compact Disc-Rewritable
CDFS
Compact Disc File System
CFS
Central File System or Common File System or Command File System
CIFS
Common Internet File System
CMOS
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
CNR
Communications and Networking Riser
COMx
Communication Port (x=Port Number)
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
CPU
CRT
DAC
DB-25
DB-9
DC
DDoS
DDR
DDR RAM
DDR SDRAM DFS
DHCP
DIMM
DIN
DLT
DLP
DMA
DMZ
DNS
DoS
DRAM
DRM
DSL
DVD
DVD-RAM
DVD-ROM
DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVI
ECC
ECP
EEPROM
Central Processing Unit
Cathode Ray Tube
Discretionary Access Control
Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 Pins
9 Pin D Shell Connector
Direct Current
Distributed Denial of Service
Double Data Rate
Double Data Rate Random-Access Memory
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic
Random-Access Memory
Distributed File System
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Dual Inline Memory Module
Deutsche Industrie Norm
Digital Linear Tape
Digital Light Processing
Direct Memory Access
Demilitarized Zone
Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server
Denial of Service
Dynamic Random Access Memory
Digital Rights Management
Digital Subscriber Line
Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc
Digital Video Disc-Random-Access Memory
Digital Video Disc-Read-Only Memory
Digital Video Disc-Recordable
Digital Video Disc-Rewritable
Digital Visual Interface
Error Correcting Code or
Error Checking and Correction
Extended Capabilities Port
Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
EFS
Encrypting File System
EIDE
Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics
EMI
Electromagnetic Interference
EMP
Electromagnetic Pulse
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EPP
Enhanced Parallel Port
ERD
Emergency Repair Disk
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge
EULA
End-User License Agreement
EVGA
Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array
EVDO
Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only
FAT
File Allocation Table
FAT12
12-Bit File Allocation Table
FAT16
16-Bit File Allocation Table
FAT32
32-Bit File Allocation Table
FDD
Floppy Disk Drive
Fn
Function (referring to the function key on a laptop)
FPM
Fast Page Mode
FRU
Field Replaceable Unit
FSB
Front Side Bus
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name
Gb Gigabit
GB Gigabyte
GDI
Graphics Device Interface
GHz Gigahertz
GUI
Graphical User Interface
GPS
Global Positioning System
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communications
HAL
Hardware Abstraction Layer
HAV
Hardware-Assisted Virtualization
HCL
Hardware Compatibility List
HDD
Hard Disk Drive
HDMI
High-Definition Media Interface
HPFS
High-Performance File System
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
HTPC
Home Theater PC
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Over Secure Sockets Layer
I/O Input/Output
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
ICR
Intelligent Character Recognition
IDE
Integrated Drive Electronics
IDS
Intrusion Detection System
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IIS
Internet Information Services
IMAP
Internet Mail Access Protocol
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identity
IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
IP
Internet Protocol
IPCONFIG
Internet Protocol Configuration
IPP
Internet Printing Protocol
IPS
In-Plane Switching
IPSec
Internet Protocol Security
IR Infrared
IrDA
Infrared Data Association
IRP
Incident Response Plan
IRQ
Interrupt Request
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network
ISO
International Organization for Standardization/ Industry Standards Organization
ISP
Internet Service Provider
JBOD
Just a Bunch Of Disks
Kb Kilobit
KB
Kilobyte or Knowledge Base
LAN
Local Area Network
LBA
Logical Block Addressing
LC
Lucent Connector
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LI-ON Lithium-Ion
LPD/LPR
Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote
LPT
Line Printer Terminal
LVD
Low Voltage Differential
MAC
Media Access Control or Mandatory Access Control
MAPI
Messaging Application Programming Interface
MAU
Media Access Unit or Media Attachment Unit
Mb Megabit
MB Megabyte
MBR
Master Boot Record
MBSA
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
MFD
Multi-Function Device
MFP
Multi-Function Product
MHz Megahertz
MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
MIMO
Multiple Input Multiple Output
MMC
Microsoft Management Console
MP3
Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio
MP4
Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4
MPEG
Moving Picture Experts Group
MSCONFIG Microsoft Configuration
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
MUI
Multilingual User Interface
NAC
Network Access Control
NAS
Network Attached Storage
NAT
Network Address Translation
NetBIOS
Networked Basic Input/Output System
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
input/output system
NetBEUI
Networked Basic
NFS
NIC
NiCd
NiMH
NLX
NNTP
NTFS
NTLDR
NTP
OCR
OEM
OLED
OS
PAN
PATA
PC
PCI
PCIe
PCIX
PCL
PCMCIA PE
PGA
PGA2
PII
PIN
PKI
PnP
POP3
PoS
POST
POTS
PPP
PPTP
PRI
PRL
PROM
PS/2
PSTN
PSU
PVC
PXE
QoS
RAID RAM
RAS
RDP
RF
RFI
Extended User Interface
Network File System
Network Interface Card
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Metal Hydride
New Low profile Extended
Network News Transfer Protocol
New Technology File System
New Technology Loader
Network Time Protocol
Optical Character Recognition
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Organic Light Emitting Diode
Operating System
Personal Area Network
Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
Personal Computer
Peripheral Component Interconnect
Peripheral Component Interconnect express
Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended
Printer Control Language
Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association
Preinstallation Environment
Pin Grid Array
Pin Grid Array 2
Personally Identifiable Information
Personal Identification Number
Public Key Infrastructure
Plug and Play
Post Office Protocol 3
Point of Sale
Power On Self Test
Plain Old Telephone Service
Point-to-Point Protocol
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
Primary Rate Interface
Preferred Roaming List
Programmable Read-Only Memory
Personal System/2 Connector
Public Switched Telephone Network
Power Supply Unit
Permanent Virtual Circuit
Preboot Execution Environment
Quality of Service
Redundant Array of Independent
(or Inexpensive) Discs
Random Access Memory
Remote Access Service
Remote Desktop Protocol
Radio Frequency
Radio Frequency Interference
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
RGB
Red Green Blue
RIP
Routing Information Protocol
RIS
Remote Installation Service
RISC
Reduced Instruction Set Computer
RJ-11
Registered Jack Function 11
RJ-45
Registered Jack Function 45
RMA
Returned Materials Authorization
ROM
Read-Only Memory
RTC
Real-Time Clock
SAN
Storage Area Network
SAS
Serial Attached SCSI
SATA
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
SC
Subscription Channel
SCP
Secure Copy Protection
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface
SCSI ID
Small Computer System Interface Identifier
SD Card
Secure Digital Card
SDRAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory
SEC
Single Edge Connector
SFC
System File Checker
SFF
Small Form Factor
SLI
Scalable Link Interface or System Level Integration or Scanline Interleave Mode
S.M.A.R.T.
Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology
SMB
Server Message Block or Small To Midsize Business
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SoDIMM
Small outline Dual Inline Memory Module
SOHO
Small Office, Home Office
SP
Service Pack
SPDIF
Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format
SPGA
Staggered Pin Grid Array
SRAM
Static Random-Access Memory
SSH
Secure Shell
SSID
Service Set Identifier
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer
ST
Straight Tip
STP
Shielded Twisted Pair
SXGA
Super Extended Graphics Array
TB Terabyte
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TDR
Time Domain Reflectometer
TFTP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol
TKIP
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
TPM
Trusted Platform Module
UAC
User Account Control
UDF
User Defined Functions or Universal Disk Format or Universal Data Format
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
UEFI
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
UNC
Universal Naming Convention
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply
ACRONYM
SPELLED OUT
URL
USB
USMT
UTP
UXGA
VESA
VFAT
VGA
VM
VoIP
VPN
VRAM
WAN
WAP
WEP
WiFi
WINS
WLAN
WPA
WPS
WUXGA
XGA
ZIF
ZIP
Uniform Resource Locator
Universal Serial Bus
User State Migration Tool
Unshielded Twisted Pair
Ultra Extended Graphics Array
Video Electronics Standards Association
Virtual File Allocation Table
Video Graphics Array
Virtual Machine
Voice over Internet Protocol
Virtual Private Network
Video Random-Access Memory
Wide Area Network
Wireless Access Protocol or Wireless Access Point
Wired Equivalent Privacy
Wireless Fidelity
Windows Internet Name Service
Wireless Local Area Network
Wireless Protected Access
WiFi Protected Setup
Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array
Extended Graphics Array
Zero Insertion Force
Zig-zag Inline Package
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)
A+ Proposed Hardware and Software List
CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist candidates as they prepare for the A+ exam. This list may also be helpful for training companies who wish to create a lab component to their training offering.
The bulleted lists below each topic are a sample list and not exhaustive.
EQUIPMENT
• Apple tablet/smartphone
• Android tablet/smartphone
• Windows tablet/smartphone
• Windows laptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop
• Windows desktop/Mac desktop/
Linux desktop
• Monitors
• Projectors
• SOHO router/switch
• Access point
• VoIP phone
• Printer - Laser/inkjet - Wireless
• Surge suppressor
• UPS
SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE
• Motherboards
• RAM
• Hard drives
• Power supplies
• Video cards
• Sounds cards
• Network cards
• Wireless NICs
• Fans/cooling devices/heat sink
• CPUs
• Assorted connectors/cables - USB - HDMI - etc
• Adapters
• Network cables
• Unterminated network cable/connectors
• AC adapters
• Optical drives
• Screws/stand-offs
• Cases
• Maintenance kit
• Mice/keyboards
TOOLS
• Screw drivers
• Multimeter
• Wire cutters
• Punchdown tool
• Crimper
• Power supply tester
• Cable stripper
• POST cards
• Standard technician toolkit
• ESD strap
• Thermal paste
• Cable tester
• WiFi analyzer
• SATA to USB connectors
SOFTWARE
• Operating system disks
• Antivirus software
• Virtualization software
• Anti-malware
• Driver software
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Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA Properties, LLC or of their respective owners. Reproduction or dissemination prohibited without written consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 02082-Dec2015 