CertiGuide to A+ (Core Hardware)  9  Introduction and “Guide to the Guide”       9  CompTIA A+ Core Technologies Exam Blueprint

Response Limits 1 Domain 2.0: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting

This domain requires the knowledge and skills to Identify , install, configure, and upgrade microcomputer modules and peripherals, the following established basic procedures for system assembly and disassembly of field replaceable modules. Elements included are listed below with each test objective.

1.1 Identify basic terms, concepts, and functions of system modules, including how each module should work during normal operation and during the boot process:

• System Board
  
  
• Power Supply
  
  
• Processor/CPU
  
  
• Memory
  
  
• Storage Devices
  
  
• Monitor
  
  
• Modem
  
  
• Firmware
  
  
• CMOS
  
  
• LCD
  
  
• Ports
  
  
• PDA

1.2 Identify basic procedures for adding removing field replaceable modules for both desktop and portable systems:

• Module Types:
  
  
• System Board
  
  
• Storage Devices
  
  
• Power Supply
  
  
• Processor/CPU
  
  
• Memory
  
  
• Input Devices
  
  
• Hard Drive
  
  
• Keyboard
  
  
• Video Board
  
  
• Mouse
  
  
• Network Interface Card
  
  
• Portable system components:
  • AC adapter
    
    
  • Digital camera
    
    
  • DC Controller
    
    
  • LCD panel
    
    
  • PC Card
    
    
  • Pointing devices

1.3 Identify available IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses and procedures for device installation and configuration:

• Standard IRQ settings
  
  
• Modems
  
  
• Floppy drive controllers
  
  
• Hard drive controllers
  
  
• USB ports
  
  
• Infrared ports
  
  
• Hexadecimal/addresses

1.4 Identify comment reports, associate cabling, and their connectors:

• Cable types
  
  
• Cable orientation
  
  
• Serial vs. parallel
  
  
• Pin connections
  
  
• Types of connectors:
  • DB-9
    
    
  • DB-25
    
    
  • RJ-11
    
    
  • RJ-45
    
    
  • BNC
    
    
  • PS2/Mini-DIN
    
    
  • USB
    
    
  • IEEE 1394

1.5 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring IDE devices:

• Master/slave
  
  
• Devices per channel
  
  
• Primary/secondary

1.6 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring SCSI devices:

• Address/termination conflicts
  
  
• Cabling types (example: regular, wide, ultra-wide); internal vs. external expansion slots, EISA, ISA, PCI
  
  
• Jumper block settings (binary equivalents)

1.7 Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring peripheral devices:

• Monitor/video card
  
  
• Modem
  
  
• USB peripherals and hubs
  
  
• IEEE 1284
  
  
• IEEE 1394
  
  
• External storage
  
  
• Portables:
  • Docking stations
    
    
  • PC cards
    
    
  • Port replicators
    
    
  • Infrared devices

1.8 Identify hardware methods of upgrading system performance, procedures for replacing the basic subsystem components, unique components and when to use them:

• Memory
  
  
• Hard drives
  
  
• CPU
  
  
• Upgrading BIOS
  
  
• When to upgrade BIOS
  
  
• Portables:
  • Battery
    
    
  • Hard drive
    
    
  • Types 1, II, III cards
    
    
  • Memory

Response Limits 1 Domain 2.0: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting