CompTIA Certifications

A+ Certification: Part 1 – Computer Hardware, System Boards, and Storage Devices

Course Overview

The A+ Hardware Service Technician exam will cover in detail the different hardware components and peripheral components you may experience in a normal technician’s daily job. Though you may have extensive experience with troubleshooting computer problems or issues, there are many “details” that the exam covers which you may not have experienced yet or may need to refresh your knowledge on.

This courses will give a broad overview of computer hardware, provide detailed information into the System Board, and provide a detailed look into storage devices. Throughout the course, you may be stopped at different points to be given a “pop” quiz about details in the section you have just learned. You can skip these quizzes and return to them later if you wish to continue studying. In addition, the links on the right can lead you to more study destinations for the exams.

Throughout the exam you may see icons which indicate something you need to know for the exam or something from the author’s life experience:

Study This!
When you see this icon, study the topic thoroughly, there is material in this section with specific questions on the exam.

Indicates an example from the Author’s experience in the IT world.

Course Outline

I. Introduction to the Computer Hardware, System Boards, and Storage Devices Course

Section 1

II. Types of Computers

III. PDAs

IV. Types of PC Cases

V. Safety and Care and ESD

VI. Parts of a PC

Section 1 Review

Section 2

VII. System Board Overview

VIII. Expansion Bus

Section 2 Review

Section 3

IX. Storage Devices

X. SCSI

XI. Preparing Your Hard Drive

XII. CD-ROMs

XIII. Tape Backup Devices

XIV. Floppy Drives

Section 3 Review