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. 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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: 978-0-7897-5631-2 ISBN-10: 0-7897-5631-5 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015956432 Printed in the United States of America Fourth Printing: April 2017 Associate Publisher Dave Dusthimer Acquisitions Editor Betsy Brown Development Editor Eleanor C. Bru Managing Editor Sandra Schroeder Senior Project Editor Tonya Simpson Copy Editor Box Twelve Communications Indexer Lisa Stumpf Proofreader Chuck Hutchinson Technical Editor 4 Chris Crayton Publishing Coordinator Vanessa Evans Media Producer Lisa Matthews Cover Designer Alan Clements Compositor Studio Galou Trademarks All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. 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For questions about sales outside the U.S., please contact [email protected]. 5 Contents at a Glance Introduction CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Troubleshooting CHAPTER 2 Motherboards CHAPTER 3 The CPU CHAPTER 4 RAM CHAPTER 5 Power CHAPTER 6 Storage CHAPTER 7 Mobile Device Hardware CHAPTER 8 Installing and Upgrading Windows CHAPTER 9 Configuring Windows CHAPTER 10 Maintaining Windows CHAPTER 11 Troubleshooting Windows CHAPTER 12 Video and Audio CHAPTER 13 Peripherals and Custom Computing CHAPTER 14 Printers CHAPTER 15 Computer Networking Part I CHAPTER 16 Computer Networking Part II CHAPTER 17 Security CHAPTER 18 Android, iOS, OS X, and Linux CHAPTER 19 Safety, Procedures, and Professionalism CHAPTER 20 Taking the Real Exams Practice Exam 1: CompTIA A+ 200-901 Questions Practice Exam 2: CompTIA A+ 200-902 Questions 6 Appendix A: Real-World Scenarios Index DVD Only: Appendix B: Additional Reading and Resources Practice Exam 1 Answers Practice Exam 2 Answers Practice Exam 3 Practice Exam 4 Exam Alerts Cram Quizzes 7 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Troubleshooting The Six-Step A+ Troubleshooting Process Step 1: Identify the Problem Step 2: Establish a Theory of Probable Cause (Question the Obvious) Step 3: Test the Theory to Determine Cause Step 4: Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution Step 5: Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventative Measures Step 6: Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Troubleshooting Examples and PC Tools Troubleshooting Example 1—Basic: Display Issue Troubleshooting Example 2—Intermediate: Power Issue Troubleshooting Example 3—Advanced: Wireless Issue PC Tools More Troubleshooting Tidbits Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers CHAPTER 2 Motherboards Motherboard Components and Form Factors Motherboard Components Form Factors Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers The BIOS/UEFI BIOS, CMOS, and the Lithium Battery 8 The POST Accessing and Configuring the BIOS Flashing the BIOS Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Installing and Troubleshooting Motherboards Installing Motherboards Troubleshooting Motherboards Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers CHAPTER 3 The CPU CPU 101 CPU Technology Cooling Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Installing and Troubleshooting CPUs Installing CPUs Troubleshooting CPUs Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers CHAPTER 4 RAM RAM Basics and Types of RAM RAM Basics Types of RAM RAM Technologies Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Installing and Troubleshooting DRAM Installing DRAM Troubleshooting DRAM Cram Quiz 9 Cram Quiz Answers CHAPTER 5 Power Understanding and Testing Power Testing an AC Outlet with a Receptacle Tester Testing an AC Outlet with a Multimeter Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Power Devices Power Strips Surge Protectors Uninterruptible Power Supplies Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers Power Supplies Planning Which Power Supply to Use Installing the Power Supply Troubleshooting Power Supply Issues Heating and Cooling Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers CHAPTER 6 Storage Hard Drives Hard Disk Drives Solid-State Drives SATA Hard Drive Specifications Installing Hard Drives Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting Hard Drives Network Attached Storage Cram Quiz Cram Quiz Answers RAID 10