Mastering A+ Certification and Lab Manual (Install Computer...

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 817 pages
• Published by: New Riders Press January 7, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0130944319
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0130944313
• Book Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches
• Weighs: 4.8 pounds

Back Cover Copy


Mastering A+ Certification contains 50 exercises divided into two parts: Microcomputer hardware and Microcomputer Software. This text, written by A+ certified instructors, is designed to prepare readers to take and pass the two A+ certification exams. Windows 9x, NT, and 2000, computer networking, and microcomputer hardware are extensively covered in an easy-to-follow approach.

A companion lab manual (ISBN 0-13-094433-5) containing 50 hands-on experiments is available to enhance learning and instruction.

Two CD-ROMs, containing the following items, are packaged with the text:

• Exam Gear, an automated testing software designed to simulate the computer-based testing environment used in A+ certification. A test bank of 500 questions thoroughly tests your knowledge of the material.
• A demonstration version of McAfee Utilities^™.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.


A+ certification is becoming increasingly important as computers play greater roles in our schools and workplaces. Being able to diagnose a hardware or software problem, install a new software application or operating system, or replace/upgrade a motherboard are just a few of the many skills needed by computer technicians in today's marketplace. The purpose of this book is to enable students to acquire these necessary skills and prepare them for A+ certification. No prior knowledge of computers or electronics is required or assumed, and math and theory are held to a minimum. Instead, emphasis is placed on the development of troubleshooting and maintenance skills.

Mastering A+ Certification prepares you to take and pass the A+ Certification exam. Over forty years of combined experience with personal computer hardware and software has been translated into an easy-to-read, practical approach to learning the many details of personal computer installation, maintenance, and repair. To get the most out of the information provided in Mastering A+ Certification, you should combine your reading with hands-on lab experience (or similar on-the-job experience), instruction from a professional, and personal research into the many different topics that make up the personal computer hardware and software world. Take practice tests to gauge your knowledge of new material, using the Exam Gear testing software packaged with this book, as well as the web-based testing services provided at http://www.2prep.com.

ORGANIZATION

This book is divided into two main parts, each containing 25 exercises. Part 1 covers all aspects of microcomputer hardware from motherboards to Plug-and-Play adapters, disk drives, and memory. Networking hardware is also presented. Part 2 provides extensive coverage of the suite of Windows operating systems, from Windows 95 up through Windows 2000. software installation, virus protection, and performance enhancements are some of the many topics presented.

Each exercise in Mastering A+ Certification (with the exception of the first two introductory exercises) is organized into the following sections:

• Introduction sets the stage for the exercise by looking at how Joe Tekk, a fictitious technician at a fictitious company (RWA Software), deals with the exercise topic.
• Performance Objectives state exactly what new skills the reader will have at the completion of the exercise.
• Key Terms found in the exercise are listed for examination before you read the Background Information.
• Background Information presents all of the technical information and theory necessary to achieve the performance objectives.
• Troubleshooting Techniques are included to show real-world situations and their solutions.
• Summary section lists the main items covered in the exercise.
• Self-Test is provided for readers to test their understanding of the Background Information. Answers to Odd-Numbered Self-Test Questions are found at the end of this book.
• Questions/Activities allow readers to draw their own conclusions about the experience gained from the exercise. Readers may be required to do further research into a specific topic. This section is optional and may be assigned according to the instructor's course objectives.
• Review Quiz is given at the end of the exercise and outlines exactly what tasks readers are expected to be able to complete.

A detailed glossary of microcomputer-related terms is provided for quick reference. An extensive set of appendices provide additional information on such topics as DOS, hand tools, and integrated circuit insertion and removal.

SUPPLEMENTS

Mastering A+ Certification is supported by the following materials:

• A web page that provides files to help support the exercise topics, including spreadsheets, text files, Word documents, images, and Web pages. Visit the web page at http://www.sunybroome.edu/~antonakos_j/aplus.
• A CD-ROM containing McAfee Utilities is also included, providing a demonstration version of many important system utilities.
• A companion laboratory manual (ISBN: 0-13-094433-5) is available that provides hands-on experiments for each exercise.
• An instructor's manual is available, which contains teaching suggestions, sample syllabi and tests, and other helpful items.
• ExamGear, an adaptive test engine on CD-ROM packaged with this text, provides 500 review questions designed to prepare the reader for the A+ examinations.
• Prentice-Hall Test Manager, an instructor's supplement on CD-ROM, allows the instructor to create customized tests. Contact your Prentice-Hall representative for more information.
• CourseCompass and BlackBoard, on-line course delivery systems that can be used in conjunction with the book. Contact your local Prentice-Hall representative for more information, or go to http://cms.prenhall.com.

Reader Reviews
CompTia has changed the A+ exam and the newest exam has new objectives. With this book and lab manual you have a very good chance of passing and overall this book does cover each objective for the newest exam. It is broken down in to 2 section Hardware and Operating systems. The 800 plus page book has 50 exercises. With part 1 tackling the Hardware test. Labs for safety, number systems, number conversions, CPUs, IRQs, memory types, expansion slots, POST, BIOS, CMOS, storage devices and systems, video, modems, printers and networking, although the last 2 sections needs a little more information. Part 2 the Operating Systems include coverage of 95, 98, NT and 2000 which included installation, configuration, settings, virus, Windows CE, Novell, Linux, networking and finally troubleshooting, internet and email. Although each objective is covered areas outside the exam are also covered and should be removed and focused on the actual exam. There is review questions, self test, activities at the end of each chapter. The first of 2 cds included has demo version of McAfee Utilities and the second had Exam Gear practice software with over 500 questions. Fix the small areas and re-release and this book may be the choice for those trying to self study for the exam. Comment | | (Report this)