CompTIA Certifications

A+ Certification: Part 2 – Hardware: System Architecture

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 detailed look into the System Architecture of a computer system.

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:

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 System Architecture Course

Section 1

II. System Architecture Overview

III. Components of a Motherboard

IV. The CPU

V. Characteristics of a CPU

VI. CPU Sockets

Section 1 Review

Section 2

VII. BIOS & CMOS

VIII. Types of Memory

IX. Memory Packages

X. RAM’s Integral Part of the Computer System

Section 2 Review

Section 3

XI. IRQs

XII. DMA Channels

XIII. Common I/O Addresses

XIV. COM Port Addresses

Section 3 Review

Section 4

XV. Cable Connections

XVI. Serial vs. Parallel

XVII. Computer Port Identification

Section 4 Review