5 Day Course

Performance-based objectives

The A+ Core Hardware Fundamentals course prepares A+ certification candidates for the CompTIA A+ hardware exam. Students will learn about PC hardware and system maintenance procedures. Topics include a detailed look at hardware components, power supply, upgrades, networking, maintenance and troubleshooting. In hands-on exercises, students will assign configuration settings, upgrade systems, configure SCSI devices, install printers and monitors, remove and replace components, and troubleshoot POST errors.

Course content:

Computer Fundamentals

• Introduction to Computers
• Common PC Terms and Concepts

Component Overview

• Computer Terms
• System Modules
• Boot Process

System Power

• Power Supply
• Voltage Concerns
• Additional Power and Voltage Concerns
• Safety Concerns

Motherboard

• Motherboard Forms Factors
• Microprocessors
• Handling Motherboards and Chips
• Memory
• System Configuration

Installation and Configuration

• IRQ, DMA, I/O Addresses and ROM
• BIOS
• Bus Structures
• Adapter Board Installation and
• Configuration
• Specialized Devices Resource
• Assignments

Disk Drives

• Introduction to Data Storage
• Floppy Disk Drives
• Hard Disk Drive Fundamentals
• IDE and EIDE Disk Drives
• Investigating LBA and ECHS
• Serial ATA (SATA) Disk Drives
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
• Portable System Storage Devices
• Removable, Unique Storage Devices
• CD-ROMs and Writable CD-ROMs

Peripherals

• Ports, Connectors and Cables
• Common Input Devices
• Monitors
• Video RAM
• Printers
• Modems, Cable Modems and DSL
• Portable Systems

System Upgrades

• Basic System Upgrade Concepts
• Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
• Microprocessor (CPU) Upgrade
• Memory Upgrade
• Hard Disk Drive Upgrade
• Video Card Upgrade
• Upgrading Portable Systems

Networking

• Networking Concepts
• Communication Path
• Network Access Methods
• Network Implementation
• Network Software
• Network Support Issues
• Wireless Networking

System Maintenance

• Maintenance Overview
• Preventive Maintenance (PM)
• Device/Component Storage
• Desktop Removal and Replacement
• Portable Removal and Replacement

Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Fundamentals
• Role of Information
• Practical Troubleshooting
• Common Problems (Quick Checks)
• Examining the POST
• Common System Errors
• Following a Decision Tree

For more information on Acumen Classes
Please contact Deb Wagnon 314.333.3330
or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it