CompTIA A+ Essentials (2009 Edition) Objectives
Exam Number: 220-701
 In order to receive CompTIA A+ certification a candidate must pass two exams. The first exam is
CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam number 220-701. The CompTIA A+
Essentials examination measures
necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent knowledge of at least 500
hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. Successful candidates
will have the knowledge required to
understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security, and will have the skills
required to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security
components. Successful candidates will
understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology, practice
proper safety procedures, and will effectively interact with customers and peers.
CompTIA A+ is ISO 17024 Accredited (Personnel Certification Accreditation) and, as such, undergoes
regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives. The following CompTIA A+ Essentials objectives
reflect the subject areas in the 2009 Edition of the exam and result from subject matter expert workshops
and industry-wide survey results regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT
professional. The percentages in this document represent the relative importance of the subject areas
(domains) in the associated body of knowledge, and together establish the foundation of an entry-level IT
professional.
This examination blueprint includes domain weighting, test objectives, and example content. Example
topics and concepts are included to clarify the test objectives and should not be construed as a
comprehensive listing of all the content of this examination.
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to guide their studies. The contents of the examination
blueprint help prioritize topics and provide a guide of what to expect on the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam.
The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are
represented. The CompTIA A+ Essentials (2009 Edition) exam is based on these objectives.
Domain Percentage of Examination
1.0 Hardware 27%
2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair & Maintenance 20%
3.0 Operating System and Software 20%
4.0 Networking 15%
5.0 Security 8%
6.0 Operational Procedure 10%
Total 100%
**Note: The lists of examples provided in bulleted format below each objective are not exhaustive lists. Other
examples of technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam although
not listed or covered in this objectives document.
CompTIA is constantly reviewing the content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our
exams are current and the security of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated
exams based on existing exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still
be valid.
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 2 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives are subject to change without notice.
1.0 Hardware
1.1 Categorize storage devices and backup media
• FDD
• HDD
o Solid state vs. magnetic
• Optical drives
o CD / DVD / RW / Blu-Ray
• Removable storage
o Tape drive
o Solid state (e.g. thumb drive, flash, SD cards, USB)
o External CD-RW and hard drive
o Hot swappable devices and non-hot swappable devices
1.2 Explain motherboard components, types and features
• Form Factor
o ATX / BTX,
o micro ATX
o NLX
• I/O interfaces
o Sound
o Video
o USB 1.1 and 2.0
o Serial
o IEEE 1394 / Firewire
o Parallel
o NIC
o Modem
o PS/2
• Memory slots
o RIMM
o DIMM
o SODIMM
o SIMM
• Processor sockets
• Bus architecture
• Bus slots
o PCI
o AGP
o PCIe
o AMR
o CNR
o PCMCIA
• PATA
o IDE
o EIDE
• SATA, eSATA
• Contrast RAID (levels 0, 1, 5)
• Chipsets
• BIOS / CMOS / Firmware
o POST
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 3 of 17
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o CMOS battery
• Riser card / daughterboard
1.3 Classify power supplies types and characteristics
• AC adapter
• ATX proprietary
• Voltage, wattage and capacity
• Voltage selector switch
• Pins (20, 24)
1.4 Explain the purpose and characteristics of CPUs and their features
• Identify CPU types
o AMD
o Intel
• Hyper threading
• Multi core
o Dual core
o Triple core
o Quad core
• Onchip cache
o L1
o L2
• Speed (real vs. actual)
• 32bit vs. 64 bit
1.5 Explain cooling methods and devices
• Heat sinks
• CPU and case fans
• Liquid cooling systems
• Thermal compound
1.6 Compare and contrast memory types, characteristics and their purpose
• Types
o DRAM
o SRAM
o SDRAM
o DDR / DDR2 / DDR3
o RAMBUS
• Parity vs. Non-parity
• ECC vs. non-ECC
• Single sided vs. double sided
• Single channel vs. dual channel
• Speed
o PC100
o PC133
o PC2700
o PC3200
o DDR3-1600
o DDR2-667
1.7 Distinguish between the different display devices and their characteristics
• Projectors, CRT and LCD
• LCD technologies
o Resolution (e.g. XGA, SXGA+, UXGA, WUXGA)
o Contrast ratio
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 4 of 17
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o Native resolution
• Connector types
o VGA
o HDMi
o S-Video
o Component / RGB
o DVI pin compatibility
• Settings
o Refresh rate
o Resolution
o Multi-monitor
o Degauss
1.8 Install and configure peripherals and input devices
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Bar code reader
• Multimedia (e.g. web and digital cameras, MIDI, microphones)
• Biometric devices
• Touch screen
• KVM switch
1.9 Summarize the function and types of adapter cards
• Video
o PCI
o PCIe
o AGP
• Multimedia
o Sound card
o TV tuner cards
o Capture cards
• I/O
o SCSI
o Serial
o USB
o Parallel
• Communications
o NIC
o Modem
1.10 Install, configure and optimize laptop components and features
• Expansion devices
o PCMCIA cards
o PCI Express cards
o Docking station
• Communication connections
o Bluetooth
o Infrared
o Cellular WAN
o Ethernet
o Modem
• Power and electrical input devices
o Auto-switching
o Fixed input power supplies
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o Batteries
• Input devices
o Stylus / digitizer
o Function keys
o Point devices (e.g. touch pad, point stick / track point)
1.11 Install and configure printers
• Differentiate between printer types
o Laser
o Inkjet
o Thermal
o Impact
• Local vs. network printers
• Printer drivers (compatibility)
• Consumables
2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair and Maintenance
2.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
• Identify the problem
o Question the user and identify user changes to computer and perform backups
before making changes
• Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
• Test the theory to determine cause
o Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem
o If theory is not confirmed re-establish new theory or escalate
• Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
• Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures
• Document findings, actions and outcomes
2.2 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common hardware and operating system
symptoms and their causes
• OS related symptoms
o Bluescreen
o System lock-up
o Input/output device
o Application install
o Start or load
o Windows specific printing problems
Print spool stalled
Incorrect / incompatible driver
• Hardware related symptoms
o Excessive heat
o Noise
o Odors
o Status light indicators
o Alerts
o Visible damage (e.g. cable, plastic)
• Use documentation and resources
o User / installation manuals
o Internet / web based
o Training materials
2.3 Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers
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• Manage print jobs
• Print spooler
• Printer properties and settings
• Print a test page
2.4 Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the
appropriate basic troubleshooting method
• Issues
o Power conditions
o Video
o Keyboard
o Pointer
o Stylus
o Wireless card issues
• Methods
o Verify power (e.g. LEDs, swap AC adapter)
o Remove unneeded peripherals
o Plug in external monitor
o Toggle Fn keys or hardware switches
o Check LCD cutoff switch
o Verify backlight functionality and pixilation
o Check switch for built-in WIFI antennas or external antennas
2.5 Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques
• Physical inspection
• Updates
o Driver
o Firmware
o OS
o Security
• Scheduling preventative maintenance
o Defrag
o Scandisk
o Check disk
o Startup programs
• Use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials
o Compressed air
o Lint free cloth
o Computer vacuum and compressors
• Power devices
o Appropriate source such as power strip, surge protector or UPS
• Ensuring proper environment
• Backup procedures
3.0 Operating Systems and Software - Unless otherwise noted, operating systems
referred to within include Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, XP Home, XP
MediaCenter, Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.
3.1 Compare and contrast the different Windows Operating Systems and their features
• Windows 2000, Windows XP 32bit vs. 64bit, Windows Vista 32 bit vs. 64bit
o Side bar, Aero, UAC, minimum system requirements, system limits
o Windows 2000 and newer – upgrade paths and requirements
o Terminology (32bit vs. 64bit – x86 vs. x64)
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 7 of 17
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o Application compatibility, installed program locations (32bit vs. 64bit),
Windows compatibility mode
o User interface, start bar layout
3.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate proper use of user interfaces
• Windows Explorer
• My Computer
• Control Panel
• Command prompt utilities
o telnet
o ping
o ipconfig
• Run line utilities
o msconfig
o msinfo32
o Dxdiag
o Cmd
o REGEDIT
• My Network Places
• Task bar / systray
• Administrative tools
o Performance monitor, Event Viewer, Services, Computer Management
• MMC
• Task Manager
• Start Menu
3.3 Explain the process and steps to install and configure the Windows OS
• File systems
o FAT32 vs. NTFS
• Directory structures
o Create folders
o Navigate directory structures
• Files
o Creation
o Extensions
o Attributes
o Permissions
• Verification of hardware compatibility and minimum requirements
• Installation methods
o Boot media such as CD, floppy or USB
o Network installation
o Install from image
o Recover CD
o Factory recovery partition
• Operating system installation options
o File system type
o Network configuration
o Repair install
• Disk preparation order
o Format drive
o Partition
o Start installation
• Device Manager
o Verify
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 8 of 17
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o Install and update devices drivers
o Driver signing
• User data migration – User State Migration Tool (USMT)
• Virtual memory
• Configure power manangement
o Suspend
o Wake on LAN
o Sleep timers
o Hibernate
o Standby
• Demonstrate safe removal of peripherals
3.4 Explain the basics of boot sequences, methods and startup utilities
• Disk boot order / device priority
o Types of boot devices (disk, network, USB, other)
• Boot options
o Safe mode
o Boot to restore point
o Recovery options
Automated System Recovery (ASR)
Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)
Recovery console
4.0 Networking
4.1 Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and
protocols
• Basics of configuring IP addressing and TCP/IP properties (DHCP, DNS)
• Bandwidth and latency
• Status indicators
• Protocols (TCP/IP, NETBIOS)
• Full-duplex, half-duplex
• Basics of workgroups and domains
• Common ports: HTTP, FTP, POP, SMTP, TELNET, HTTPS
• LAN / WAN
• Hub, switch and router
• Identify Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
• Basics class identification
4.2 Categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations
• Cables
o Plenum / PVC
o UTP (e.g. CAT3, CAT5 / 5e, CAT6)
o STP
o Fiber
o Coaxial cable
• Connectors
o RJ45
o RJ11
4.3 Compare and contrast the different network types
• Broadband
o DSL
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 9 of 17
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o Cable
o Satellite
o Fiber
• Dial-up
• Wireless
o All 802.11 types
o WEP
o WPA
o SSID
o MAC filtering
o DHCP settings
• Bluetooth
• Cellular
5.0 Security
5.1 Explain the basic principles of security concepts and technologies
• Encryption technologies
• Data wiping / hard drive destruction / hard drive recycling
• Software firewall
o Port security
o Exceptions
• Authentication technologies
o User name
o Password
o Biometrics
o Smart cards
• Basics of data sensitivity and data security
o Compliance
o Classifications
o Social engineering
5.2 Summarize the following security features
• Wireless encryption
o WEPx and WPAx
o Client configuration (SSID)
• Malicious software protection
o Viruses
o Trojans
o Worms
o Spam
o Spyware
o Adware
o Grayware
• BIOS Security
o Drive lock
o Passwords
o Intrusion detection
o TPM
• Password management / password complexity
• Locking workstation
o Hardware
o Operating system
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• Biometrics
o Fingerprint scanner
6.0 Operational Procedure
6.1 Outline the purpose of appropriate safety and environmental procedures and given a
scenario apply them
• ESD
• EMI
o Network interference
o Magnets
• RFI
o Cordless phone interference
o Microwaves
• Electrical safety
o CRT
o Power supply
o Inverter
o Laser printers
o Matching power requirements of equipment with power distribution and UPSs
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Cable management
o Avoiding trip hazards
• Physical safety
o Heavy devices
o Hot components
• Environmental – consider proper disposal procedures
6.2 Given a scenario, demonstrate the appropriate use of communication skills and
professionalism in the workplace
• Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Listen and do not interrupt a customer
• Be culturally sensitive
• Be on time
o If late contact the customer
• Avoid distractions
o Personal calls
o Talking to co-workers while interacting with customers
o Personal interruptions
• Dealing with a difficult customer or situation
o Avoid arguing with customers and/or being defensive
o Do not minimize customers' problems
o Avoid being judgmental
o Clarify customer statements
Ask open-ended questions to narrow the scope of the problem
Restate the issue or question to verify understanding
• Set and meet expectations / timeline and communicate status with the customer
o Offer different repair / replacement options if applicable
o Provide proper documentation on the services provided
o Follow up with customer / user at a later date to verify satisfaction
• Deal appropriately with customers confidential materials
o Located on computer, desktop, printer, etc.
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 11 of 17
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CompTIA A+ Acronyms
Introduction
The following is a list of acronyms which appear on the CompTIA A+ exams. Candidates are encouraged
to review the complete list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a part of a
comprehensive exam preparation program.
ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
AC alternating current
ACL access control list
ACPI advanced configuration and power interface
ACT activity
ADSL asymmetrical digital subscriber line
AGP accelerated graphics port
AMD advanced micro devices
APIPA automatic private internet protocol addressing
APM advanced power management
ARP address resolution protocol
ASR automated system recovery
AT advanced technology
ATA advanced technology attachment
ATAPI advanced technology attachment packet interface
ATM asynchronous transfer mode
ATX advanced technology extended
BIOS basic input/output system
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or British Naval Connector
BTX balanced technology extended
CD compact disc
CD-ROM compact disc-read-only memory
CD-RW compact disc-rewritable
CDFS compact disc file system
CFS Central File System, Common File System, Command File System
CMOS complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
COMx communication port (x=port number)
CPU central processing unit
CRT cathode-ray tube
DAC discretionary access control
DB-25 serial communications D-shell connector, 25 pins
DB-9 9 pin D shell connector
DC direct current
DDOS distributed denial of service
DDR double data-rate
DDR RAM double data-rate random access memory
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 12 of 17
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The CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives are subject to change without notice.
DDR SDRAM double data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory
DFS distributed file system
DHCP dynamic host configuration protocol
DIMM dual inline memory module
DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm
DIP dual inline package
DLT digital linear tape
DLP digital light processing
DMA direct memory access
DMZ demilitarized zone
DNS domain name service or domain name server
DOS denial of service
DPMS display power management signaling
DRAM dynamic random access memory
DSL digital subscriber line
DVD digital video disc or digital versatile disc
DVD-RAM digital video disc-random access memory
DVD-ROM digital video disc-read only memory
DVD-R digital video disc-recordable
DVD-RW digital video disc-rewritable
DVI digital visual interface
ECC error correction code
ECP extended capabilities port
EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
EFS encrypting file system
EIDE enhanced integrated drive electronics
EMI electromagnetic interference
EMP electromagnetic pulse
EPROM erasable programmable read-only memory
EPP enhanced parallel port
ERD emergency repair disk
ESD electrostatic discharge
EVGA extended video graphics adapter/array
EVDO evolution data optimized or evolution data only
FAT file allocation table
FAT12 12-bit file allocation table
FAT16 16-bit file allocation table
FAT32 32-bit file allocation table
FDD floppy disk drive
Fn Function (referring to the function key on a laptop)
FPM fast page-mode
FRU field replaceable unit
FSB Front Side Bus
FTP file transfer protocol
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 13 of 17
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FQDN fully qualified domain name
Gb gigabit
GB gigabyte
GDI graphics device interface
GHz gigahertz
GUI graphical user interface
GPS global positioning system
GSM global system for mobile communications
HAL hardware abstraction layer
HCL hardware compatibility list
HDD hard disk drive
HDMi high definition media interface
HPFS high performance file system
HTML hypertext markup language
HTTP hypertext transfer protocol
HTTPS hypertext transfer protocol over secure sockets layer
I/O input/output
ICMP internet control message protocol
ICR intelligent character recognition
IDE integrated drive electronics
IDS Intrusion Detection System
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IIS Internet Information Services
IMAP internet mail access protocol
IP internet protocol
IPCONFIG internet protocol configuration
IPP internet printing protocol
IPSEC internet protocol security
IPX internetwork packet exchange
IPX/SPX internetwork packet exchange/sequenced packet exchange
IR infrared
IrDA Infrared Data Association
IRQ interrupt request
ISA industry standard architecture
ISDN integrated services digital network
ISO Industry Standards Organization
ISP internet service provider
JBOD just a bunch of disks
Kb kilobit
KB Kilobyte or knowledge base
LAN local area network
LBA logical block addressing
LC Lucent connector
LCD liquid crystal display
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 14 of 17
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LDAP lightweight directory access protocol
LED light emitting diode
Li-on lithium-ion
LPD/LPR line printer daemon / line printer remote
LPT line printer terminal
LPT1 line printer terminal 1
LVD low voltage differential
MAC media access control / mandatory access control
MAPI messaging application programming interface
MAU media access unit, media attachment unit
Mb megabit
MB megabyte
MBR master boot record
MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
MFD multi-function device
MFP multi-function product
MHz megahertz
MicroDIMM micro dual inline memory module
MIDI musical instrument digital interface
MIME multipurpose internet mail extension
MLI multiple link interface
MMC Microsoft management console
MMX multimedia extensions
MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio
MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4
MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group
MSCONFIG Microsoft configuration
MSDS material safety data sheet
MUI multilingual user interface
NAC network access control
NAS network-attached storage
NAT network address translation
NetBIOS networked basic input/output system
NetBEUI networked basic input/output system extended user interface
NFS network file system
NIC network interface card
NiCd nickel cadmium
NiMH nickel metal hydride
NLX new low-profile extended
NNTP network news transfer protocol
NTFS new technology file system
NTLDR new technology loader
NTP Network Time Protocol
OCR optical character recognition
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 15 of 17
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OEM original equipment manufacturer
OS operating system
PAN personal area network
PATA parallel advanced technology attachment
PC personal computer
PCI peripheral component interconnect
PCIe peripheral component interconnect express
PCIX peripheral component interconnect extended
PCL printer control language
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
PDA personal digital assistant
PGA pin grid array
PGA2 pin grid array 2
PIN personal identification number
PKI public key infrastructure
PnP plug and play
POP3 post office protocol 3
POST power-on self test
POTS plain old telephone service
PPP point-to-point protocol
PPTP point-to-point tunneling protocol
PRI primary rate interface
PROM programmable read-only memory
PS/2 personal system/2 connector
PSTN public switched telephone network
PSU power supply unit
PVC permanent virtual circuit
PXE preboot execution environment
QoS quality of service
RAID redundant array of independent (or inexpensive) discs
RAM random access memory
RAS remote access service
RDRAM RAMBUS dynamic random access memory
RDP Remote Desktop Protocol
RF radio frequency
RFI radio frequency interference
RGB red green blue
RIMM RAMBUS inline memory module
RIP routing information protocol
RIS remote installation service
RISC reduced instruction set computer
RJ registered jack
RJ-11 registered jack function 11
RJ-45 registered jack function 45
CompTIA A+ 220-701 Objectives 16 of 17
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RMA returned materials authorization
ROM read only memory
RS-232 or RS-232C recommended standard 232
RTC real-time clock
SAN storage area network
SATA serial advanced technology attachment
SC subscription channel
SCP secure copy protection
SCSI small computer system interface
SCSI ID small computer system interface identifier
SD card secure digital card
SDRAM synchronous dynamic random access memory
SEC single edge connector
SFC system file checker
SGRAM synchronous graphics random access memory
SIMM single inline memory module
SLI scalable link interface or system level integration or scanline interleave mode
S.M.A.R.T. self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology
SMB server message block or small to midsize business
SMTP simple mail transport protocol
SNMP simple network management protocol
SoDIMM small outline dual inline memory module
SOHO small office/home office
SP service pack
SP1 service pack 1
SP2 service pack 2
SP3 service pack 3
SP4 service pack 4
SPDIF Sony-Philips digital interface format
SPGA staggered pin grid array
SPX sequenced package exchange
SRAM static random access memory
SSH secure shell
SSID service set identifier
SSL secure sockets layer
ST straight tip
STP shielded twisted pair
SVGA super video graphics array
SXGA super extended graphics array
TB terabyte
TCP transmission control protocol
TCP/IP transmission control protocol/internet protocol
TDR time domain reflectometer
TFTP trivial file transfer protocol
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