e-academy – IT training excellence in Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and South Wales

Course details
Fee £1,495
Days 5
Code A600
Course dates
Feb 
Mar12
Apr 
May21
Jun 
Jul 

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0845 650 6500

A+ IT Technician (Fast Track)

The A+ IT Technician (Fast Track) training course is available at our Cardiff training centre in Wales, which is also within easy reach of Newport, Bristol and South Wales

Overview

 

This practical "hands-on" course is the essential foundation for newcomers to PC support. It provides students with the necessary training to ensure proficiency in PC installation and troubleshooting skills. The course has been developed to produce competent PC support engineers who are capable of taking and
passing CompTIA's A+ Certification exams or other similar qualifications.

 

Students will learn the fundamental principles of supporting desktop and portable computers and operating systems plus network and print devices and applications.

 

On course completion, students will be able to:

 

  • Identify types and characteristics of PC components, including motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage, input, and output devices.
  • Install and configure peripheral devices.
  • Identify types and characteristics of portable computers. 
  • Install and configure Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, and Microsoft Windows 7.
  • Perform basic PC maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Understand fundamental principles of securing IT systems and working safely.
  • Communicate effectively with customers.
  • Install and configure print devices.
  • Understand fundamental principles of implementing LANs and internet access.
  • Manage and optimize Windows using command line tools, administrative consoles, and Remote Desktop.
  • Manage and optimize disks and volumes using command line tools and administrative consoles.
  • Diagnose and resolve Windows troubleshooting scenarios.
  • Use anti-virus tools to prevent and recover from malware infections.
  • Configure and troubleshoot local network and wireless connections and client applications.
  • Configure and manage users, groups, and shared resources.
  • Configure and troubleshoot access control measures, such as BIOS security, authentication, encryption, and firewalls.
  • Perform preventive maintenance using approved tools and products.

 

Examination Information

 

This course will prepare students for the following exams:


220-701 CompTIA A+ Certification Essentials
• 220-702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application


Content is prepared for version 2.0 of the 2009 edition objectives (including Windows 7 content) and is approved under the CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum program. A+ Certification is internationally endorsed and recognized as the only benchmark vendor-neutral qualification for PC support and troubleshooting. Indeed, A+ Certification is a prerequisite qualification for employment (and is endorsed) by many leading computer manufacturers and vendors on a global basis.

 

Prerequisites

 

Students should have successfully completed the gtslearning course "PC Fundamentals" or have equivalent experience of using a PC, Windows and browsing the Web. The following key skills are recommended:

 

  • Use a keyboard and mouse.
  • Recognize the main components of a PC (such as case, monitor, mouse, and keyboard) and different data media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs.
  • Start the computer and navigate the Desktop.

 

Outline

 

A+ Essentials

 

Module 1 / PC and Notebook Hardware


Types of Computer • Personal Computers • Desktop Computers • Portable Computers • Units, Signaling, and Circuits


Motherboards • Motherboard Layout • Bus Architecture • Motherboard Components • Expansion Bus and Adapter Cards • Motherboard Form Factors • Power Supply Unit (PSU) • Cooling Systems


Processors • Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Features of CPUs • Intel Processors • AMD Processors • CPU Packaging • Notebook Processors


Memory • Memory Types • Memory Characteristics


Storage Devices • Storage Devices • Hard Drives • Drive Controllers • Floppy Drives • Optical Disc Storage • Flash Memory • Tape Drives


Input and Peripheral Devices • I/O Ports and Cables • Input Devices • I/O Devices • Communications Devices • Installing and Configuring Peripherals


Video and Sound Devices • Display Devices • Video Adapters • Audio Devices • Multimedia Input Devices

 


Module 2 / Operating Systems


Windows Operating System • What is an Operating System? • Windows Architecture • Early Versions of Windows • Windows 2000 • Windows XP • Windows Vista • Windows 7


Managing Windows • Windows Administrative Tools • Configuring Hardware • Screen Savers andPower Management • Managing Software • Managing Services • Windows Registry

 

Windows Storage Management • Preparing a Hard Disk • Navigating Windows • Working with Folders • Working with Files • Searching For Files • The Recycle Bin • File and Folder Management in Vista • File and Folder Management in Windows 7


Installing and Upgrading Windows • Overview of OS Installations • Installing Windows from CD /DVD • Upgrading the OS • Options for Deploying Windows


Windows Boot Process • Windows Boot Process • The BOOT.INI File • Windows Vista/7 Boot Process • Configuring Boot Devices • Advanced Startup Options

 


Module 3 / Networking and Printing

 

Network Concepts • What is a Network? • The OSI Model • Network Devices • Network Transport Protocols • The Internet


Local, Wireless, and Remote Networks • Network Cabling • Wireless Networks • Accessing the Internet • My Network Places • Homegroups

 

Printers • The Print Process • Printer Types • Installing and Configuring a Printer • MaintainingPrinters

 


Module 4 / PC Support

 

Troubleshooting Techniques • Troubleshooting Models and Processes • Approaching Troubleshooting • Troubleshooting Resources

 

Basic Troubleshooting Scenarios • Common Hardware Symptoms • Windows Errors •Troubleshooting Applications • Troubleshooting Printers • Network Troubleshooting Basics


Preventive Maintenance • Health and Safety • Static Electricity and ESD • Materials Handling • Disposal of Consumables and Computer Equipment • Physical Inspections • Patch Management • Data Backup


Security • Security Fundamentals • Access Control • Authentication • Accounting • Social Engineering • Malware • Data Security


Professionalism and Communication • Customer Service Skills • Communication Skills • Professionalism • Handling Customer Complaints

 

 

A+ Practical

 

Module 1 / Supporting Windows

 

Monitoring and Performance Tools • Command Prompt and Text Editors • System Information and Monitoring • Performance Options • Remote Utilities


Disk and File Management Tools • Disk and Volume Management • Navigating Directories at the Command Prompt • File Management using a Command Prompt

 

Troubleshooting Windows • Windows Troubleshooting • Troubleshooting Applications • WindowsPrinter Troubleshooting


Viruses and Malware • Malware Symptoms • Anti-virus Software

 

Module 2 / Supporting Networks

 

Installing a SOHO Network • Implementing a LAN • Configuring Network Properties • Implementing Wireless Networks • Configuring Client Options • Configuring Internet Connections • Voice-over-IP


Network Security • User and Group Accounts • Setting Share Permissions • NTFS Folder and File Permissions • Troubleshooting File System Security • Implementing Other Security Mechanisms


Troubleshooting Networks • Troubleshooting Networks • Testing TCP/IP • Troubleshooting Client Connectivity • Electronic Mail (Email)

 


Module 3 / Supporting PC Hardware

 


Maintaining PCs • Maintenance Toolkit • Preventive Maintenance

 

Upgrading and Troubleshooting PCs • General Installation and Upgrade Advice • Upgrading and Optimizing Hardware • Disassembling a PC • Installing Components on the Motherboard • CMOS Setup • Troubleshooting Motherboard Components

 

Upgrading and Troubleshooting Peripherals and Notebooks • Storage Devices • Adding and Removing Peripheral Devices • Upgrading and Troubleshooting Notebooks


Maintaining and Troubleshooting Printers • Dot Matrix Printers • Inkjet Printers • Laser Printers • Other Printer Types • Maintaining and Upgrading Printers • Printer Troubleshooting