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

Domain 2.0: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 1 Domain 4.0: Motherboards / Processors / Memory

This domain requires the knowledge of safety and preventative maintenance. With regard to safety, it includes the potential hazards to personnel and equipment and working with lasers, high-voltage equipment, ESD, and items that require special disposal procedures to comply with environmental guidelines. With regard to preventive maintenance, this includes knowledge of preventive maintenance products, procedures, environmental hazards, and precautions when working on microcomputer systems.

3.1 Identify the purpose of various types of preventive maintenance products and procedures and when to use them:

• Liquid cleaning compounds
  
  
• Types of materials to clean contacts and connections
  
  
• Non-static vacuums (chassis, power supplies, fans)

3.2 Identify issues, procedures and devices for protection within the computing environment, including people, hardware and the surrounding workplace:

• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and suppressors
  
  
• Determining the signs of power issues
  
  
• Proper methods of storage of components for future use
  
  
• Potential hazards of public safety procedures relating lasers:
  • High-voltage equipment
    
    
  • Power supply
    
    
  • CRT
  
  
  
• Special disposal procedures that comply with environmental guidelines:
  • Batteries
    
    
  • CRT's
    
    
  • Toner kits/cartridges
    
    
  • Chemical solvents and cans
    
    
  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
  
  
  
• ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions and procedures:
  • What ESD can do, how may be apparent, or hidden
    
    
  • Common ESD protection devices
    
    
  • Situations that could present a danger or hazard

Domain 2.0: Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 1 Domain 4.0: Motherboards / Processors / Memory