About This E-Book EPUB is an open, industry-standard format for e-books. However, support for EPUB and its many features varies across reading devices and applications. Use your device or app settings to customize the presentation to your liking. Settings that you can customize often include font, font size, single or double column, landscape or portrait mode, and figures that you can click or tap to enlarge. For additional information about the settings and features on your reading device or app, visit the device manufacturer’s Web site. Many titles include programming code or configuration examples. To optimize the presentation of these elements, view the e-book in single-column, landscape mode and adjust the font size to the smallest setting. In addition to presenting code and configurations in the reflowable text format, we have included images of the code that mimic the presentation found in the print book; therefore, where the reflowable format may compromise the presentation of the code listing, you will see a “Click here to view code image” link. Click the link to view the print-fidelity code image. To return to the previous page viewed, click the Back button on your device or app. Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software SEVENTH EDITION CHERYL A. SCHMIDT FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE 800 EAST 96TH STREET INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 466240 Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software, Seventh Edition Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-5645-9 ISBN-10: 0-7897-5645-5 Library of Congress Control Number: 2016938552 Printed in the United States of America First Printing: June 2016 Editor-in-Chief Mark Taub Executive Editor Mary Beth Ray Development Editor Ginny Munroe Managing Editor Sandra Schroeder Project Editor Mandie Frank Copy Editor Deadline Driven Publishing Indexer WordWise Publishing Services Proofreader Chuck Hutchinson Technical Editor and Contributors Chris Crayton Jeff Burns Melodie Schmidt Karl Schmidt Publishing Coordinator Vanessa Evans Cover Designer Chuti Prasertsith Compositor Tricia Bronkella Art Production Justin Ache Katherine Martin Marc Durrence Amanda McIntosh KC Frick Vived Graphics Photographers Raina Durrence George Nichols Trademarks All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Pearson IT Certification cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. Warning and Disclaimer Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an “as is” basis. The author and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this book. Special Sales For information about buying this title in bulk quantities, or for special sales opportunities (which may include electronic versions; custom cover designs; and content particular to your business, training goals, marketing focus, or branding interests), please contact our corporate sales department at Contents at a Glance Introduction Features of This Book Part I CompTIA 220-901 Exam Focus Chapter 1: Intro to the World of IT Chapter 2: Connectivity Chapter 3: On the Motherboard Chapter 4: Introduction to Configuration Chapter 5: Disassembly and Power Chapter 6: Memory Chapter 7: Storage Devices Chapter 8: Multimedia Devices Chapter 9: Video Technologies Chapter 10: Printers Chapter 11: Mobile Devices Chapter 12: Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review Chapter 13: Internet Connectivity Chapter 14: Introduction to Networking Part II CompTIA 220-902 Exam Focus Chapter 15: Basic Windows Chapter 16: Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 Chapter 17: OS X and Linux Operating Systems Chapter 18: Computer and Network Security Chapter 19: Operational Procedures Appendix A: Subnetting Basics Appendix B: Certification Exam Objectives (Online) Glossary Index Contents Introduction Features of this Book Part I CompTIA 220-901 Exam Focus Chapter 1: Intro to the World of IT Who Needs This Book? Technician Qualities Breaking into IT with the CompTIA A+ Certification Basic Skills for This Course Types of Computers Basic Computer Parts Mice and Keyboards 1s and 0s Safety Notes Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises Exercise 1.1 Identifying Tower Computer Parts Exercise 1.2 Identifying Computer Parts Activities Internet Discovery Soft Skills Critical Thinking Skills Labs Lab 1.1 Getting Started in Windows 7 Lab 1.2 Getting Started in Windows 8 Lab 1.3 Getting Started in Windows 10 Lab 1.4 Using a Search Engine Lab 1.5 Screen Capture with Snipping Tool Lab 1.6 Creating a Text File Chapter 2: Connectivity Introduction to Connectivity External Connectivity Mouse and Keyboard Ports Video Ports USB Ports Installing Extra USB Ports Audio Ports IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Ports eSATA Ports Network Ports Modem Ports Integrated Motherboard Ports Getting to Know Ports Wireless Connectivity for Input Devices Soft Skills—Use Appropriate Titles Chapter Summary Key Terms Review Questions Exercises Exercise 2.1 Computer Port Identification Exercise 2.2 More Computer Port Identification Exercise 2.3 Display Port Identification Activities Internet Discovery Soft Skills Critical Thinking Skills