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

Domain 1.0: Installation, Configuration and Upgrading 1 Domain 3.0: Preventive Maintenance

This domain requires the ability to apply knowledge relating to diagnosing and troubleshooting, module problems and system malfunctions. This includes knowledge of the symptoms relating to common problems.

2.1 Identify common symptoms and problems associated with each module and have to troubleshoot and isolate the problems:

• Processor/memory symptoms
  
  
• Mouse
  
  
• Floppy drive
  
  
• Parallel ports
  
  
• Hard drives
  
  
• DVD
  
  
• Sound
  
  
• Sound card/audio
  
  
• Monitor/video
  
  
• Motherboards
  
  
• Modems
  
  
• BIOS
  
  
• USB
  
  
• NIC
  
  
• CMOS
  
  
• Power supply
  
  
• Slotcovers
  
  
• POST audible/visual error codes
  
  
• Troubleshooting tools e.g. Multimeter
  
  
• Large LBA, LBA
  
  
• Cables
  
  
• Keyboard
  
  
• Peripherals

2.2 Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and how to elicit problem symptoms from customers:

• Troubleshooting/isolation problems determination procedures
  
  
• Determine whether hardware or software problem
  
  
• Gather information from user regarding, e.g.
  
  
• Customer environment
  
  
• Symptoms/error codes
  
  
• Situation when the problem occurred

Domain 1.0: Installation, Configuration and Upgrading 1 Domain 3.0: Preventive Maintenance