Details

This online Intermediate CompTIA A+ Certification Prep course will teach you how to install, organize, maintain, and troubleshoot three different versions of Windows, plus explore similar features in macOS and Linux. You will examine and compare the features and structures of Windows 7, 8/8.1, and 10. Toward the end of the course, you will get a deeper understanding of virtualization and virtual machines in modern networks. Plus, you will learn about printers and multifunction devices, from the various technologies in use to installing and troubleshooting. This course takes you through the second of three steps you need to become both a highly-competent PC tech and a CompTIA A+ certified technician, using the 1001 and 1002 competencies.

Enrollment Options:

Instructor-Led
6 Weeks Access Course Code: ac2
Start Dates* Mar 13 | Apr 17 | May 15 | Jun 19
*Choose start date in cart

$129.99

USD
Self-Paced
3 Months Access Course Code: T9223
No Instructor, Start Anytime

$129.99

USD

Enroll before 28th February and get high quality lamination on your hardcopy certificate absolutely free! Use your certificate to your advantage by showing your certified credentials to prospective employers and recruiters.

Syllabus

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'll 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, Mac OS X, 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

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. Lesson 9 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 that are commonly used.

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.

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or newer.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Instructor

Scott Jernigan, an A+ and Network+ Certified Technician, holds a Master of Arts degree in Medieval History. He teaches A+ Certification and PC hardware classes. He has taught at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, Lucent Technologies in Baltimore, MD, and at the United Nations in New York City. Jernigan has also edited numerous computer books, including the best-selling All in One A+ Certification Exam Guide and the Network+ Certification Exam Guide.

Reviews

The median annual pay for computer technicians was $55,510 in May 2021.


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the median annual pay for computer technicians was $55,510 in May 2021. As computer technician, you can be part of an IT support team for all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring the company functions smoothly. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred certification for technical support and IT operational roles. The employment of CompTIA A+ certified professionals is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all professions. Join the ranks of hundreds of individuals who have successfully completed the CompTIA A+ Certification through us and go on to work as a IT support specialist, IT field service technician, desktop support analyst, and much more.

About ExpertRating

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ExpertRating is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, which reflects that our courses and tests conform to the highest international quality standards. Our training material is prepared by thorough professionals with years of experience, and goes through several rounds of analysis by expert teams to help develop well-balanced, comprehensive and meaningful content.


By the end of the course, you will be ready to take the certification exams to qualify as an intermediate level IT technician, and you will do it all online at your own pace with a facilitator who will provide one-on-one interaction by answering questions and providing feedback on your performance. ExpertRating offers everything you need to succeed. ExpertRating gives you the flexibility to move ahead at your own pace, whether you have a full-time job, you are currently home, or you are looking to get back to work, you can enroll at any time. So, start preparing to be a certified IT technician today.