A+ 2001 Hardware and Operating System Certification

Computer Introduction

	Identify important computer diagnostic and repair tools
	Avoid many safety hazards involved with repairing computers
	Identify the properties of an antistatic work area
	Explain how grounds work
	Identify the components of a PC system

The System Board

	Identify common chip sets
	Define the functions of microprocessors
	Describe the memory structure of computers
	Explain how the computer system addresses components and peripherals
	Identify and install adapter cards
	Demonstrate how to troubleshoot common system board problems

Connecting Peripherals

	List the types and uses of expansion slots
	Explain parallel ports and their uses
	Describe serial ports and their uses
	Troubleshoot port problems
	Discuss power supplies and power supply protection
	Troubleshoot common peripheral problems

Operating Systems

	Identify functions structures and types of operating systems
	Define BIOS and explain its responsibilities
	Follow the bootup procedure and self-tests
	Set up CMOS and respond to bootup error codes

MS-DOS

	Describe the structure of MS-DOS
	Explain the DOS directory structure
	Use DOS disk directory and file names
	Use DOS commands and utilities
	Describe the DOS memory organization
	Configure DOS
	Install DOS

Windows 9X and 2000

	Install Windows 9x and 2000
	Perform operating system upgrades
	Explain the startup processes for Windows 9x and 2000
	Use the Start menu and Windows Explorer
	Adjust system settings in the Control Panel
	Install new hardware and software
	Describe the Windows 9x and 2000 Registry structure
	Access Registry editors

Disk Drives

	Explain how disk drives function
	Install and troubleshoot floppy disk drives
	Format and partition hard drives
	Describe hard drive interfaces
	Install hard drives
	Troubleshoot hard drives

Monitors

	Describe basic monitor operations
	Describe VGA standards
	Troubleshoot video problems
	Perform basic monitor repair

Modems

	Describe modem components and operation
	Identify the Xmodem Ymodem and Zmodem communication protocols and their parameters
	Describe serial interfaces and the development of the UART
	Use basic AT commands to operate modems
	Troubleshoot modem software and hardware problems including COM port and IRQ conflicts

Printers

	Identify the major types of printers
	Install printers in Windows 9x and 2000
	Operate and troubleshoot dot-matrix printers
	Operate and troubleshoot ink-jet printers
	Operate and troubleshoot laser printers
	Troubleshoot printing problems specific to Windows 9x and 2000

Networks

	Identify Local Area Network configurations
	Discuss LAN protocols
	Troubleshoot LANs
	Describe Wide Area Network and Internet operations
	Use common Internet features like e-mail and browsers

Troubleshooting

	Deal with clients professionally and gather important symptom information
	Find clues to help solve system problems
	Use software diagnostics to identify problems
	Test hardware problems
	Isolate system problems and dead system causes
	Find and resolve operating system problems

Maintenance Tasks

	Create a regular preventive maintenance schedule
	Prevent and remove viruses
	Perform software maintenance on hard disk drives
	Effectively clean floppy disk drives and printers