CompTIA A_ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition - Michael Meyers [11]
Assuming CompTIA stays true to form, the chances of Windows 7 making it onto this version of the CompTIA A+ are very small. Adding Windows 7 is a major undertaking that would require CompTIA to change their clearly defined exam objectives. Don’t worry about Windows 7. Structurally it is identical to Windows Vista. Even Microsoft has stated that Windows 7 is “a refined version of Windows Vista.” If you know Vista, you will know Windows 7—and CompTIA isn’t going to ask you about Windows 7 until the next update, probably around 2012.
Essentials (Exam 220–701)
The questions on the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam fit into one of six objectives. The number of questions for each objective is based on the percentages shown in Table 1-1.
The Essentials exam tests your knowledge of computer components, expecting you to be able to identify just about every common device on PCs, including variations within device types. Here’s a list:
Floppy drives
Hard drives
Optical media drives
Solid state drives
Motherboards
Power supplies
CPUs
RAM
Monitors
Input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and touchscreens
Video and multimedia cards
Network and modem cards
Cables and connectors
Heat sinks, fans, and liquid cooling systems
Laptops and portable devices
Printers
Scanners
Network switches, cabling, and wireless adapters
Biometric devices
The Essentials exam tests your ability to install, configure, and maintain all the standard technology involved in a personal computer. You need to be able to install and set up a hard drive, for example, and configure devices in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. You have to understand drivers. You have to know your way around Windows and understand the tasks involved in updating, upgrading, and installing the operating systems. You need to know the standard diagnostic tools available in Windows—not only so you can fix problems, but also so you can work with higher-level techs to fix things.
Table 1-1 Essentials exam objectives and percentages
You’re tested on your knowledge of computer security, including identifying, installing, and configuring security hardware and software. You need to know security tools and diagnostic techniques for troubleshooting. Again, you’re not expected to know everything, just enough to be competent.
Finally, the Essentials exam puts a lot of emphasis on operational procedures, such as safety and environmental issues and also communication and professionalism. You need to know how to recycle and dispose of computer gear properly. You have to understand and avoid hazardous situations. The exams test your ability to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers. You need to understand professional behavior and demonstrate that you have tact, discretion, and respect for others and their property.
Practical Application (Exam 220-702)
The CompTIA A+ 220-702 exam covers four objectives. Table 1-2 lists the objectives and percentages.
The Practical Application exam covers the same hardware and software as Essentials, but with a much more hands-on approach to determining the appropriate technology for a situation—running diagnostics and troubleshooting—rather than identification of hardware or operating system utilities. The exam tests your knowledge of computer components and programs so you can make informed recommendations to customers. You need to understand how all the technology should work, know the proper steps to figure out why something doesn’t work, and then fix it.
The first domain, Hardware, provides a stark example of the difference in focus between the exams. Essentials talks about identifying names, purposes, and characteristics