The Basics of A+ Course

This course starts off by covering everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ industry-standard certification exams. Then you'll learn what it takes to be a professional IT technician, followed by a foundational understanding of computers, including a tour of Windows 10, 11, macOS, and Linux.

2 hours, 5 minutes

Course description

CompTIA creates IT certifications that cover topics such as how to build and fix computers or how to secure businesses from internal and external threats. Every major IT manufacturer is part of CompTIA. The CompTIA A+ certification is a popular entry point for people looking to work in IT. The certification requires you to pass two exams, the Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), but requires no experience or study (though, as Mike points out, study is good!)

Syllabus

Touring Linux OS

Video - 00:08:00
The free and popular Linux OS is taking over the world, though it’s still rare on desktops. Linux’s customization via distributions is perfect for IoT devices, routers, servers and even desktops.
Touring the macOS

Video - 00:06:00
macOS is the equivalent of Windows on Apple computers. Although it’s a completely different operating system, macOS and Windows actually have a lot in common.
Touring Windows 10 and 11

Video - 00:05:00
While you can expect to see Linux and macOS questions on the test, the large majority of the CompTIA A+ exam covers the Microsoft Windows operating system. The modern Windows OS comes in two primary versions, Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let’s pull them up side-by-side and look at the similarities and differences between each.
Why Windows?

Video - 00:08:00
Why is Microsoft Windows so dominant on desktop systems? Features such as domains and active directory are so popular that even macOS and Linux systems have built-in tools to access Microsoft Windows networks.
Users and super users

Video - 00:05:00
All operating systems provide security through user accounts. User accounts define what a person can or cannot do on a system. Every operating system also has some form of superuser that has complete control over all other users on that system.
What is an operating system?

Video - 00:09:00
We use computers to get work done via programs called applications. Another program, called the operating system, supports the applications, hardware, and storage devices inside our computers.
What is a computer?

Video - 00:07:00
Computers are everywhere if you know where to look! What are the parts and the functions of a computer? What do all these devices have in common?
Touring a PC

Video - 00:06:00
Learn the basic parts of a PC.
Common safety procedures

Video - 00:04:00
Before we get hands-on with any component, we always want to make sure we follow a few simple safety procedures. Let’s take a moment to talk about some common hardware concerns and operational procedures that will be critical to ensuring your success as a PC technician.
Primary PC components

Video - 00:05:00
Mike takes you on a tour of the primary PC components: the computer case, monitor, and various peripherals, including the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and more.
Troubleshooting theory

Video - 00:10:00
The CompTIA A+ defines a very specific workflow process to troubleshoot any problem on a system. These steps will help you mentally break down the steps to diagnose and repair a computer problem.
Tools of the trade

Video - 00:06:00
Technicians need the right tools to do their job. These tools include PC toolkits, mobile device toolkits, voltmeters and circuit testers.
Physical safety

Video - 00:07:00
As much as we need to protect our computers, we must also protect ourselves in our work environment. Good techs understand how to use anti-ESD tools, protect their fingers, and employ proper lifting technique.
Dealing with difficult customers

Video - 00:05:00
Not every client interaction can be pleasant and knowing how to deal with difficult customers is a key soft skill that you will need to master. The wrong response can and often does make the situation worse. In this video we will learn how to effectively communicate with particularly difficult customers and examine some phrases that you can immediately use in similar encounters.
Professional communication, part 2

Video - 00:07:00
Knowing what to say and how to say it is a start, but good communication takes practice. Until you get a chance to try this out in the real world, the next best thing is seeing these skills in action.
Professional communication, part 1

Video - 00:06:00
Technical skills are only part of what makes a great tech. Techs must also possess professional communication skills to ensure users get the support they need in using their systems to get their work done. This is the first of two parts that cover the communication skills every tech needs to provide this level of support.
How to use this learning path

Video - 00:02:00
Steve shows you how to use this learning path alongside the CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition. He also shows you helpful hints about the videos.
How to pass the CompTIA A+ exams

Video - 00:02:00
In this video, Steve describes the CompTIA A+ exam process, plus explores a good strategy for prepping for the exam. Schedule the exam first! The pressure will have you hitting the books or videos in no time! vvv
What is on the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam?

Video - 00:04:00
The Core 2 (220-1102) exam covers four big subject areas: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Steve dives into the sub-objectives and provides an overview of what you need to know for success on the Core 2 exam.
What is on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam?

Video - 00:04:00
The Core 1 (220-1101) exam tackles five big subject areas: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Steve dives into the sub-objectives and provides an overview of what you need to know for success on the Core 1 exam.
How to take the A+ exam

Video - 00:02:00
In this video, Steve walks through how to take the CompTIA A+ exam, including the at-home and in-person options through Pearson Vue.
Why get CompTIA A+ certified?

Video - 00:05:00
Certifications power the IT industry. CompTIA A+ is the de facto entry point for IT techs, the first certification you should get. It provides a common language for people in IT, and prepares you for work in the industry.
What is the CompTIA A+?

Video - 00:02:00
CompTIA creates IT certifications that cover topics such as how to build and fix computers or how to secure businesses from internal and external threats.

Meet the author

Mike Meyers

Mike Meyers, affectionately called the "Alpha Geek," is the industry's leading authority on CompTIA certifications. He is the president and co-founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a provider of PC and network repair seminars, books, videos and courseware for thousands of organizations throughout the world. Mike has been involved in the computer and network repair industry since 1987 as a technician, instructor, author, consultant and speaker. He has sold over a million IT and certification books, including the best-selling CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide. He has personally taught thousands of students, including U.S. senators, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, members of the United Nation, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, many branches of the Department of Justice, hundreds of corporate clients and academic students at every level.
Learn More

Unlock 7 days of free training

  • 1,400+ hands-on courses and labs
  • Certification practice exams
  • Skill assessments
Start a Free Trial

Plans & pricing

Infosec Skills Personal

$299 / year

Buy Now 7-Day Free Trial
  • 190+ role-guided learning paths (e.g., Ethical Hacking, Threat Hunting)
  • 100s of hands-on labs in cloud-hosted cyber ranges
  • Custom certification practice exams (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
  • Skill assessments
  • Infosec peer community support

Infosec Skills Teams

$799 per license / year

Book a Meeting
  • Team administration and reporting
  • Dedicated client success manager
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
    Easily authenticate and manage your learners by connecting to any identity provider that supports the SAML 2.0 standard.
  • Integrations via API
    Retrieve training performance and engagement metrics and integrate learner data into your existing LMS or HRS.
  • 190+ role-guided learning paths and assessments (e.g., Incident Response)
  • 100s of hands-on labs in cloud-hosted cyber ranges
  • Create and assign custom learning paths
  • Custom certification practice exams (e.g., CISSP, CISA)
  • Optional upgrade: Guarantee team certification with live boot camps

Learn about scholarships and financing with

Affirm logo

Award-winning training you can trust