CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) - Full-Length Training Course - Provided FREE By Certification Cynergy

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Complete Training Course Summary

Key Concepts:

• CompTIA A+ Core 1 Certification
• IT Foundations (ITF+)
• Mobile Device Hardware & Security
• Display Technologies (LCD, OLED)
• Mobile Device Accessories & Ports
• Network Protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP)
• Networking Hardware (Hub, Switch, Router, Access Point)
• Wireless Networking (Frequencies, Channels, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID)
• Networked Host Services (DNS, DHCP, File Server, Print Server, Mail Server, Syslog, Web Server, AAA)
• Internet Appliances (Spam Gateway, UTM, Load Balancer, Proxy Server)
• Legacy & Embedded Systems (SCADA)
• IoT Devices
• SoHo Network Configuration
• IP Addressing (IPv4, IPv6, Static, Dynamic, Private, Public, APIPA)
• Default Gateway
• VLANs
• VPNs
• Internet Connection Types (Fiber, Cable, DSL, Satellite, Cellular, WISP)
• Network Types (PAN, LAN, WLAN, WAN, MAN, SAN)
• Networking Tools (Cable Stripper, Crimper, Cable Tester, Punchdown Tool, Toner Probe, Loopback Plug, Network Tap, Wi-Fi Analyzer)
• Cable Types (Copper, Fiber, Peripheral, Video, Hard Drive)
• Connectors (RJ11, RJ45, F-Type, ST, SC, LC, Punchdown Block, USB, Lightning, DB9, Molex)
• Adapters
• RAM (Types, Installation, Memory Channels)
• Storage Devices (HDD, SSD, RAID, Removable Storage)
• Motherboards (Connectors, Form Factors, CPU Socket Compatibility)
• CPU Architecture (Instruction Sets, Cores, Multi-threading, Virtualization)
• Expansion Cards (Sound, Video, Capture, NIC)
• Cooling (Heat Sink, Fan, Liquid Cooling, Thermal Paste)
• Encryption (Plain Text, Cipher Text, TPM, HSM)
• BIOS/UEFI
• Power Supply (Voltage, Wattage, Modular, Redundant, UPS)
• Multifunction Devices (Printers, Scanners)
• Printer Settings & Connectivity
• Printer Sharing & Networking
• Printer Security
• Printer Consumables (Inkjet, Laser, Thermal, Impact, 3D)
• Troubleshooting Methodology

1. Mobile Devices

• Mobile Device Definition: Portable, battery-powered computing devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) with wireless connectivity.
• Safety First: Disconnect from power and remove the battery before working inside a mobile device.
• Keyboards and Keys: Prone to wear and tear, require careful removal and cleaning.
• RAM:
  • Laptops: SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module) - compact, low power, upgradable.
  • Smartphones/Tablets: RAM soldered directly onto the motherboard - not user upgradable.
• Laptop Storage:
  • HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Cost-effective for large storage, mechanical parts.
  • SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster data access, reduced power consumption, improved durability, no moving parts.
  • Upgrade Considerations: Single drive bay limits options to replacement or data migration.
• Wireless Cards:
  • Wireless NICs (Network Interface Cards) or wireless network adapters allow connection to wireless networks.
  • Bluetooth: Peripherals (keyboards, mice, speakers).
  • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Wi-Fi networks.
  • WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network): Mobile phone networks.
  • Installation: Power down, detach antenna cables carefully (note routing), reroute cables to prevent signal interference.
• Mobile Device Security:
  • Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint Recognition): Common on laptops for quick access.
  • NFC (Near Field Communication): Rapid touch-based pairing, useful for connecting to peripherals.

2. Display Components

• Display Types:
  • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Backlight illuminates pixels controlled by liquid crystals, cost-effective, high resolution.
    • IPS (In-Plane Switching): Bright, true colors from all angles.
    • TN (Twisted Nematic): Super fast, not the best at showing colors accurately.
    • VA (Vertical Alignment): Better at showing colors and can be seen from wider angles than the TN type display.
  • OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode): Each pixel generates light, thinner, superior color contrast, true blacks, wide viewing angles.
• Display Components Integration:
  • Display is a complex hub where various system components and peripherals converge.
  • Disassembling one part can often involve navigating around or temporarily removing others increasing the risk of damage.
  • Wi-Fi Antenna Routing: Delicately threaded to minimize signal interference.
  • Webcam/Microphone: Placement for optimal function and form, delicate cables.
  • Touchscreen/Digitizer: Digitizer detects touch input, display provides visual feedback.
  • Inverters: Convert low voltage DC to high voltage AC for older non-LED backlights (obsolete in newer laptops).

3. Mobile Device Accessories and Ports

• Touch Pens (Stylus):
  • Passive: No battery, conducts user's electrical charge.
  • Active: Battery-powered, pressure sensitivity, electronic erasing.
• Audio Accessories (Headsets, Speakers):
  • Enhance audio quality, noise cancellation, dedicated microphones.
  • Ensure correct audio output and input devices are selected in device settings.
• External Webcams:
  • Improved resolution, low-light performance, accurate color.
  • Secure on a stable surface, adjust angle, manage access to avoid glitches.
• Drawing Pads/Trackpads:
  • Control and comfort, gesture-based inputs.
  • Calibration is essential to avoid ghost cursor movements or pointer drift.
  • Ensure trackpad is enabled in device settings.
• FN Keys (Function Keys):
  • Shortcuts for specific tasks (volume, brightness, trackpad toggle).
• Mobile Device Connections:
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): Data transfer and charging.
    • USB-C: Reversible, faster data transfer.
    • Micro-USB/Mini-USB: Older, still prevalent.
  • Lightning: Exclusive to Apple devices, data transfer and charging.
  • Serial Interfaces: Connect to console ports of network devices (switches, routers).
  • NFC (Near Field Communication): Short-range wireless data sharing (authentication, mobile payments).
  • Bluetooth: Short-range wireless data sharing (peripherals, file sharing, audio streaming).
  • Hotspot: Mobile device as a wireless access point.
• Port Replicator:
  • Provides additional ports for peripherals (USB, HDMI, Ethernet).
  • No additional features.
• Docking Station:
  • Provides additional ports and additional features (power supply, graphics cards, storage, network ports).
• KVM Switch (Keyboard, Video, Mouse):
  • Controls multiple computers from a single set of peripherals.

4. Mobile Device Network Connectivity

• Cellular Connectivity:
  • Communication over long distances using radio waves and cell towers.
  • Generations:
    • 2G: Calls and basic texting.
    • 3G: Mobile web browsing and video streaming.
    • 4G: High-definition video streaming, gaming.
    • 5G: High speed, low latency, augmented reality, autonomous vehicles.
  • Enable/Disable Cellular Connection: Save battery, avoid charges, secure device.
• GSM vs. CDMA:
  • GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications): SIM card, international roaming.
  • CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access): Identity tied to device, robust network stability.
• PRL (Preferred Roaming List):
  • List of frequency bands and service provider IDs for roaming.
  • Ensures connectivity without manual input.
  • Update PRL: Mobile device settings menu.
• Hotspot:
  • Mobile device as a wireless access point.
  • Enable hotspot feature in settings menu.
  • Conserves battery life and increases security by turning off when not in use.
• Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network):
  • Exchange of data between devices (smartphones, computers, headphones).
  • Pairing: Secure wireless connection.
  • Pen Code: Security measure to prevent unauthorized connections.
  • Disabling Bluetooth: Conserves battery life and increases security.
• Location Services:
  • GPS (Global Positioning System): Network of satellites for location and time information.
  • Cellular Signals: Device triangulation using signal strength from cell towers.
  • Application Permissions: Grant or deny access to location data.
  • Location Settings:
    • High Accuracy: GPS and cellular networks (high battery usage).
    • Battery Saving: Cellular networks only.
    • Device Only: GPS only.
• MDM/MAM (Enterprise Mobility Management):
  • Securing and enabling mobile devices within a business setting.
  • MDM (Mobile Device Management): Control, secure, and enforce policies on mobile devices.
  • MAM (Mobile Application Management): Control and secure access to corporate applications.
• Mobile Device Synchronization:
  • Ensuring the same data is available on all mobile devices.
  • Account Setup: Apple ID (iCloud), Google account (Google Workspaces), Office 365.
  • Data Selection: Email, photos, calendar, contacts.
  • Sync over Wi-Fi to avoid data charges.

5. Networking Fundamentals

• Networking Protocols: Set of rules and standards that govern the exchange of information between devices or systems.
• Networking Ports: Virtual point where network connections start and end, identified by port numbers.
• Common Networking Protocols and Port Numbers:
  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): 20 (data), 21 (control) - File transfer, unsecured.
  • SSH (Secure Shell): 22 - Secure remote access.
  • Telnet: 23 - Remote access, unsecured.
  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): 25 - Sending emails, unsecured.
  • DNS (Domain Name System): 53 - Translating domain names to IP addresses.
  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): 67 (server), 68 (client) - Automating IP address configuration.
  • TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol): 69 - Simple file transfer, unsecured.
  • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): 80 - Web content transfer, unsecured.
  • POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): 110 - Email retrieval, unsecured.
  • NetBIOS (Network Basic Input Output System): 137 (name service), 139 (session service) - File sharing and printer access in LANs.
  • IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): 143 - Email retrieval, synchronized.
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): 161 (requests), 162 (responses) - Network device monitoring and management.
  • LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): 389 - Managing and accessing directory information.
  • HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): 443 - Secure web communication.
  • SMB (Server Message Block): 445 - File and printer sharing.
  • RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): 3389 - Remote access with GUI.
• TCP vs. UDP:
  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Connection-oriented, reliable, guaranteed delivery (HTTPS, SSH).
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Connectionless, fast, non-guaranteed delivery (DHCP, TFTP).
• Networking Hardware:
  • Hub: Broadcasts data to all connected devices (obsolete).
  • Switch: Intelligently forwards data to the intended recipient.
    • Unmanaged: Basic connectivity, no configuration.
    • Managed: Configurable, advanced features (security, traffic control).
  • Access Point (AP): Wireless version of a switch, connects Wi-Fi devices.
  • Router: Directs data packets between different networks.
  • SoHo Router: Multi-function device (switch, access point, router) for small office/home office environments.
• Patch Panel:
  • Manages and organizes cable connections, central location for network cables.
  • Streamlines troubleshooting, simplifies maintenance, protects physical integrity.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE):
  • Transmits data and power over a single network cable.
  • PoE Switch: Provides power over Ethernet.
  • PoE Injector: Adds power to the Ethernet cable.
  • Standards:
    • 802.3af (PoE): Up to 15.4 watts per port.
    • 802.3at (PoE+): Up to 30 watts per port.
    • 802.3bt (PoE++): Up to 60 watts (Type 3) or 90 watts (Type 4) per port.
• Network Firewall:
  • Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
  • Access Control List (ACL): Defines security rules for allowed/denied traffic.
• Modem:
  • Converts data between digital and analog formats.
  • Cable Modem: Uses coaxial cable.
  • DSL Modem: Uses telephone lines.
  • ONT (Optical Network Terminal): Uses fiber optic cable.
• NIC (Network Interface Card):
  • Connects a computing device to a network.
  • Wired: Ethernet cables, faster, reliable.
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, cellular, mobility.
  • Onboard: Integrated into the motherboard.
  • Add-on: Separate expansion card.
• Software Defined Networking (SDN):
  • Allows network changes to be implemented using software applications.
  • Control Plane: Decides where data should go (centralized in SDN).
  • Data Plane: Forwards data based on instructions from the control plane.

6. Wireless Networking

• Wireless Frequencies:
  • 2.4 GHz: Better range, penetrates objects, prone to interference.
  • 5 GHz: Faster, less interference, shorter range.
• Wireless Channels:
  • 2.4 GHz: 14 channels (22 MHz wide), channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping.
  • 5 GHz: 20+ non-overlapping channels (20 MHz wide), channel bonding (40, 80, 160 MHz).
  • Regional Regulations: Broadcast power limits, channel restrictions.
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity):
  • Technology for wireless communication between devices.
  • Standards:
    • 802.11: Original standard (1997).
    • 802.11a: 5 GHz, up to 54 Mbps (1999).
    • 802.11b: 2.4 GHz, up to 11 Mbps (1999).
    • 802.11g: 2.4 GHz, up to 54 Mbps (2003).
    • 802.11n: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, up to 600 Mbps (2009), MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output).
    • 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5): 5 GHz, up to 6.9 Gbps (2013), Multi-User MIMO.
    • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6): 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, up to 9.6 Gbps (2019), increased range.
    • Wi-Fi 6E: 6 GHz band.
• Long Range Fixed Wireless:
  • Uses radio waves to transmit data over significant distances.
  • Licensed: Requires authorization, less interference.
  • Unlicensed: Free to use, more susceptible to interference.
  • Transmission Power: Measured in dBm (decibels relative to 1 milliwatt).
  • Regulatory Requirements: FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the US.
• Bluetooth:
  • Wireless technology for data exchange between devices.
  • 2.4 GHz band.
  • Evolution: Improved pairing, faster data transfer, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
• NFC (Near Field Communication):
  • Short-range wireless data sharing (few centimeters).
  • 13.56 MHz, up to 424 kbps.
  • Applications: Building security systems, mobile payments.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification):
  • Wireless identification, tracking, and data exchange.
  • Passive: Tag relies on reader's energy.
  • Active: Tag uses battery.
  • Applications: Inventory control, security access control.

7. Networked Host Services

• Server Roles:
  • DNS Server: Translates domain names to IP addresses.
  • DHCP Server: Assigns IP addresses and configuration details.
  • File Server: Central location for storing and accessing files.
  • Print Server: Manages print requests.
  • Mail Server: Sends, receives, and stores emails.
  • Syslog Server: Collects logs and diagnostic information.
  • Web Server: Stores and serves website content.
  • AAA Server (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting): Verifies identity, determines permissions, tracks activities (RADIUS, TACACS+).
• Internet Appliances:
  • Spam Gateway: Filters out spam emails.
  • UTM (Unified Threat Management): Combines security measures (firewall, antivirus, anti-spam, intrusion detection/prevention, VPN, content filtering).
  • Load Balancer: Distributes traffic across multiple servers.
  • Proxy Server: Intercepts and monitors network traffic.
• Legacy and Embedded Systems:
  • Legacy System: Outdated system still in use.
  • Embedded System: Specialized computing system for dedicated functions.
  • SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): Systems for monitoring and controlling industrial environments.
• IoT Devices (Internet of Things):
  • Physical devices connected to the internet, collect and exchange data.
  • Applications: Home automation, automotive, IP cameras, streaming media, medical devices.

8. SoHo Network Configuration

• IP Address:
  • Unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to a network.
  • IPv4: 32-bit address, dotted decimal notation (0-255 per octet).
  • IPv6: 128-bit address, hexadecimal notation.
  • Static: Manually assigned, constant.
  • Dynamic: Automatically assigned by DHCP.
  • Private: Used within local networks, not routable on the internet.
    • 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
    • 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
    • 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
  • Public: Assigned to devices that connect directly to the internet.
• APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing):
  • Self-configured IP address when DHCP fails (169.254.0.0 - 169.254.255.255).
  • Local network communication only, no internet access.
• Default Gateway:
  • Router that connects a local network to the internet.
• VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network):
  • Divides a single physical network into multiple virtual networks.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network):
  • Creates a secure encrypted connection between your device and a remote server.

9. Internet Connection Types and Network Types

• Internet Connection Types:
  • ISP (Internet Service Provider): Provides access to the internet.
  • Fiber Optic: Fast, reliable, uses fiber optic cables.
  • Cable: Uses coaxial cable.
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Uses telephone lines.
  • Satellite: Uses communication satellites.
  • Cellular: Uses cellular networks.
  • WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider): Uses fixed wireless technology.
• Network Types:
  • PAN (Personal Area Network): Smallest, individual use (Bluetooth).
  • LAN (Local Area Network): Small geographical area (building, office).
  • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Wireless connectivity.
  • WAN (Wide Area Network): Large geographical area (cities, countries).
  • MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): City or metropolitan area.
  • SAN (Storage Area Network): Dedicated high-speed network for storage devices.

10. Networking Tools

• Cable Stripper: Removes outer jacket of a cable.
• Crimper: Affixes connectors to cables (RJ11, RJ45, F-Type).
• Cable Tester: Verifies integrity of network cables.
• Punchdown Tool: Inserts and trims wires in punchdown blocks.
• Toner Probe (Fox and Hound): Traces cables.
• Loopback Plug: Tests network ports and NIC functionality.
• Network Tap: Duplicates network traffic for monitoring.
• Wi-Fi Analyzer: Assesses Wi-Fi signal quality.

11. Cable Types and Connectors

• Copper Network Cables:
  • Phone Cables: Voice communication, dial-up/DSL internet.
  • Coaxial Cables: Broadband internet (cable internet).
  • Ethernet (Cat Cables):
    • Cat 5: 100 Mbps, 100m.
    • Cat 5e: 1000 Mbps, 100m.
    • Cat 6: 1000 Mbps, 100m; 10 Gbps, 55m.
    • Cat 6a: 10 Gbps, 100m.
    • Twisted Pair: Mitigates electromagnetic interference (EMI).
      • UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): No additional shielding.
      • STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): Additional shielding.
    • Plenum Rated: Fire retardant for plenum spaces.
    • Connector Pinouts: T568A, T568B.
• Fiber Optic Network Cables:
  • Uses light pulses to transmit data.
  • Single Mode Fiber: Long distance, high bandwidth.
  • Multimode Fiber: Short distance, cost-effective.
• Peripheral Cables:
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus):
    • USB 1.0: Up to 12 Mbps.
    • USB 2.0: Up to 480 Mbps.
    • USB 3.0: Up to 5 Gbps.
  • Serial Cable: Serial data transmission.
  • Thunderbolt: High-speed data transfer, versatile connectivity.
• Video Cables:
  • VGA (Video Graphics Array): Analog, 15-pin.
  • DVI (Digital Video Interface): Digital and analog, 29-pin.
    • DVI-A: Analog.
    • DVI-D: Digital.
    • DVI-I: Integrated (analog and digital).
  • HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Digital, 19-pin, audio and video.
  • DisplayPort: Digital, 20-pin, audio and video.
• Hard Drive Cables:
  • SCSI (Small Computer System Interface): Older, chain-like connection.
  • IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics): Older, parallel ATA.
  • SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment): Modern, high-speed.
  • eSATA (External SATA): External storage devices.
• Connector Types:
  • RJ11: Telephone.
  • RJ45: Ethernet.
  • F-Type: Coaxial cable.
  • ST (Straight Tip): Fiber optic (multimode).
  • SC (Subscriber Connector): Fiber optic (single mode).
  • LC (Lucent Connector): Fiber optic (single mode).
  • Punchdown Block: Copper cables.
  • USB: Type-A, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, Type-C.
  • Lightning: Apple devices.
  • DB9: Serial communication.
  • Molex: Power connector.
• Adapters:
  • Bridge connectivity gaps between devices with different ports and interfaces.

12. RAM

• RAM (Random Access Memory):
  • Volatile memory, stores working data and programs.
  • Virtual RAM: Uses storage as an extension of RAM.
    • Page File: Area on the hard disk for storing less frequently used pages.
    • Page Swapping: Moving pages between RAM and page file.
• RAM Types:
  • DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module):
    • DDR (Double Data Rate):
      • DDR3.
      • DDR4.
      • DDR5.
  • SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module): Laptops.
  • ECC RAM (Error Correction Code RAM): Servers, data integrity.
• RAM Specifications:
  • Capacity (GB).
  • DDR Type.
  • Speed (MHz).
  • Bandwidth (MB/s).
• RAM Memory Channels:
  • Single Channel.
  • Dual Channel.
  • Triple Channel.
  • Quad Channel.

13. Storage Devices

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive):
  • Magnetic storage on spinning discs.
  • Large storage capacities, lower cost.
  • Mechanical parts, slower data access.
  • RPM (Revolutions Per Minute): Speed of the rotating platter.
  • Form Factors: 3.5" (desktop/server), 2.5" (laptop).
• SSD (Solid State Drive):
  • Non-volatile flash memory chips.
  • Faster data access, more resistant to physical shocks, silent.
  • More expensive per unit of storage.
  • NAND Flash Memory.
  • SSD Controller.
  • Cache.
  • Interfaces:
    • SATA: Decent speeds, broad compatibility.
    • PCIe: Faster data transfer.
    • NVMe: Optimized for SSD performance.
  • Form Factors:
    • M SATA: Compact, laptops.
    • M.2: Slim, modern devices.
• RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs):
  • Combines multiple hard drives for performance and/or redundancy.
  • RAID 0: Striping, performance, no redundancy.
  • RAID 1: Mirroring, redundancy.
  • RAID 5: Striping with parity, performance and redundancy.
  • RAID 10: Striping and mirroring, performance and redundancy.
• Removable Storage:
  • Flash Drive: Portable, USB connector.
  • Memory Cards:
    • SD (Secure Digital).
    • Micro SD.
    • Compact Flash (CF).
    • XD (Extreme Digital).
  • Optical Drives:
    • CD (Compact Disc): 700 MB.
    • DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): 17 GB.
    • Blu-ray Disc: 128 GB.

14. Motherboards, CPUs, and Expansion Cards

• Motherboard Connector Types:
  • PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): Older expansion slots.
  • PCIe (PCI Express): Modern expansion slots.
  • 20-pin/24-pin/20+4-pin: Motherboard power connectors.
  • SATA: Storage device connectors.
  • eSATA: External storage device connectors.
  • M.2: SSD connectors.
  • Header Connectors: USB ports, audio jacks, front panel controls, fans.
• Motherboard Form Factors:
  • ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): Versatile, multiple expansion slots.
  • ITX (Information Technology Extended): Compact, space-efficient.
• Motherboard Compatibility:
  • CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel (LGA), AMD (PGA).
  • Multi-Socket Motherboards: Servers.
  • Mobile Devices: ARM-based CPUs.
• CPU Architecture:
  • Instruction Sets: x86 (32-bit), x64 (64-bit).
  • Cores: Single-core, multi-core.
  • Multi-threading: Simultaneous execution of multiple threads.
  • Virtualization: Support for virtual machines (Intel VT, AMD-V).
• Expansion Cards:
  • Sound Card: Audio processing.
  • Video Card (Graphics Card): Rendering graphics.
    • GPU (Graphical Processing Unit): Part of the graphics card that handles processing.
    • VRAM (Video Random Access Memory): Dedicated memory for graphics.
  • Capture Card: Captures audio and video signals.
  • NIC (Network Interface Card): Connects to a network.
• Cooling:
  • Heat Sink: Absorbs and disperses heat.
  • Fan: Increases air flow.
  • Liquid Cooling: Superior cooling.
  • Thermal Paste: Facilitates heat transfer between CPU and heat sink.
• Encryption:
  • Plain Text: Unencrypted data.
  • Cipher Text: Encrypted data.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Hardware-based security, stores encryption keys.
  • HSM (Hardware Security Module): Robust security for cryptographic operations and Key Management.
• BIOS/UEFI:
  • Firmware: Software embedded in hardware.
  • BIOS (Basic Input Output System): Initializes hardware, POST (Power On Self Test).
  • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): Modern, graphical interface, secure boot.

15. Power Supply

• Power Supply Unit (PSU):
  • Converts AC to DC power.
  • Voltage: Electrical potential difference (120 VAC, 240 VAC).
  • Wattage: Unit of measurement for electrical power.
  • Connectors: 20-pin, 24-pin, 20+4-pin (motherboard).
  • Modular Power Supplies: Detachable cables.
  • Redundant Power Supplies: Backup power.
  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Emergency power.

16. Multifunction Devices (Printers and Scanners)

• Printers:
  • Laser Printers: Toner cartridges, print Imaging process (processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, cleaning).
  • Inkjet Printers: Ink cartridges, print head, pickup roller, feed rollers, carriage belt.
  • Thermal Printers: Heat-sensitive paper, heating element.
  • Impact Printers: Print head strikes ink ribbon, impact paper (continuous form, carbon copies).
  • 3D Printers: Creates objects layer by layer, filament extruder, print bed.
• Scanners:
  • Flatbed Scanners.
  • Sheet-fed ADF Scanners.
• Printer Settings and Connectivity:
  • Connection Types: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
  • Drivers: Generic, manufacturer-specific.
  • Print Driver Languages: PCL (Printer Control Language), PostScript.
  • Duplex Printing: Prints on both sides of the paper.
  • Orientation: Portrait, landscape.
  • Tray Settings: Paper source.
  • Print Quality: Draft, normal, best.
• Printer Sharing and Networking:
  • Printer Sharing: Locally connected printers.
  • Print Servers: Dedicated devices for managing print jobs.
  • Network Connected Printers: Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • Network Scan Services: Email, SMB (Server Message Block), cloud storage.
• Printer Security:
  • User Authentication.
  • Badging.
  • Audit Logs.
  • Secured Printing.
  • Firmware Updates.
• Printer Consumables:
  • Inkjet: Ink cartridges, print heads.
  • Laser: Toner cartridges, fuser assemblies, transfer rollers, cleaning blades.
  • Thermal: Thermal paper.
  • Impact: Ribbons, print heads, paper.
  • 3D: Filaments, resin.

17. Troubleshooting Methodology

• Step 1: Identify the Problem:
  • Duplicate the problem.
  • Question users.
  • Identify symptoms.
  • Determine if anything has changed.
  • Perform a backup (if data loss is possible).
• Step 2: Establish a Theory of Probable Cause:
  • Start with easy-to-test theories.
  • Question the obvious.
  • Research knowledge base.
• Step 3: Test the Theory to Determine the Cause:
  • Experiment or action to confirm the cause.
  • If testing does not confirm your theory, establish a new theory.
  • Escalate the problem if necessary.
• Step 4: Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution:
  • Repair, replace, or ignore.
  • Identify potential side effects.
  • Minimize disruptions.
  • Obtain authorization.
• Step 5: Verify Full System Functionality:
  • Verify that the initial issue is resolved.
  • Verify that the system as a whole continues to function properly.
  • Prevent recurrence of the issue.
• Step 6: Document the Findings, Actions, and Outcomes:
  • Document symptoms, actions, outcomes, and lessons learned.

18. Troubleshooting Specific Hardware Issues

• Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power:
  • No Power: Faulty PSU, loose connections, no power from outlet.
  • Beep Codes: Motherboard, memory, or CPU issues.
  • Black Screen: Motherboard, graphics card, display, or power supply issues.
  • Proprietary Crash Screen (BSOD, Spinning Pinwheel): Driver conflicts, faulty hardware.
  • Overheating: Inadequate cooling, dust accumulation, malfunctioning fan.
  • Sluggish Performance: Insufficient compute resources, CPU overheating.
  • Intermittent Shutdowns: Faulty power supply, overheating.
  • Frequent Application Crashes: Faulty RAM, software conflicts, insufficient storage.
  • Burning Smell: Overheating or damage to internal components.
  • Sw