IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual is a supplemental book that helps the students in the Cisco^® Networking Academy course prepare to take the CompTIA^® A+ exams (based on the 2009 objectives). The hands-on labs, worksheets, and class discussions from the course are printed within this book to practice performing tasks that will help you become a successful PC technician. By reading and completing this book, you have the opportunity to review all key concepts that the CompTIA exams cover and reinforce those concepts with hands-on exercises.

Related titles

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide,
Fourth Edition

ISBN-10: 1-58713-263-X

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-263-6

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Course Booklet, Version 4.1

ISBN-10: 1-58713-261-3

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-261-2

31 Days Before Your A+ Exams, Second Edition

ISBN-10: 1-58713-260-5

ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-260-5

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer.......................................................... 1

1.1.2 Worksheet: Job Opportunities...................................................................................... 1

1.4.7 Worksheet: Research Computer Components............................................................... 2

Chapter 2: Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use................................................................ 6

2.2.2 Worksheet: Diagnostic Software................................................................................... 6

2.3.4 Lab: Computer Disassembly......................................................................................... 7

Chapter 3: Computer Assembly—Step by Step............................................................. 11

3.2 Lab: Install the Power Supply........................................................................................ 11

3.3.3 Lab: Install the Motherboard....................................................................................... 12

3.5.2 Lab: Install the Drives................................................................................................. 13

3.6.3 Lab: Install Adapter Cards.......................................................................................... 14

3.7.2 Lab: Install Internal Cables.......................................................................................... 15

3.8.2 Lab: Complete the Computer Assembly...................................................................... 16

3.9.2 Lab: Boot the Computer............................................................................................. 17

Chapter 4: Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................ 20

Chapter 5: Fundamental Operating Systems.................................................................. 21

5.2.2 Worksheet: NOS Certifications and Jobs.................................................................... 21

5.3.2 Worksheet: Upgrade Hardware Components.............................................................. 21

5.4.2 Lab: Install Windows XP............................................................................................ 23

5.4.2 Optional Lab: Install Windows Vista........................................................................... 34

5.4.5 Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows XP.................................. 48

5.4.5 Optional Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows Vista................. 53

5.4.8 Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows XP............................... 59

5.4.8 Optional Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows Vista............... 71

5.4.9 Worksheet: Answer NTFS and FAT32 Questions...................................................... 83

5.5.1 Lab: Run Commands in Windows XP......................................................................... 83

5.5.1 Optional Lab: Run Commands in Windows Vista........................................................ 85

5.5.3 Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows XP.......................... 89

5.5.3 Optional Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in
Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 109

5.5.4 Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows XP..................................................... 130

5.5.4 Optional Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows Vista.................................... 138

5.6.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP......................................................................... 146

5.6.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista........................................................ 155

5.6.3 Lab: Registry Backup and Recovery in Windows XP................................................ 165

5.7.2 Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows XP........................ 178

5.7.2 Optional Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in
Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 184

Chapter 6: Fundamental Laptops and Portable Devices.............................................. 191

6.1.2 Worksheet: Research Laptops, Smartphones, and PDAs.......................................... 191

6.2.3 Worksheet: Complete Docking Stations True or False Questions............................... 193

6.3.4 Worksheet: Answer Laptop Expansion Questions..................................................... 193

6.4.1 Worksheet: Match ACPI Standards......................................................................... 194

6.7.2 Worksheet: Research Laptop Problems.................................................................... 194

Chapter 7: Fundamental Printers and Scanners........................................................... 196

7.4.2 Lab: Install All-in-One Device and Software............................................................. 196

Chapter 8: Fundamental Networks............................................................................... 201

8.3.2 Worksheet: Identify IP Address Classes................................................................... 201

8.9.1 Worksheet: Internet Search for NIC Drivers............................................................. 201

8.9.2 Lab: Configure an Ethernet NIC to use DHCP in Windows XP................................. 202

8.9.2 Optional Lab: Configure an Ethernet NIC to use DHCP in Windows Vista................ 212

8.10.3 Worksheet: Answer Broadband Questions.............................................................. 221

8.12.2 Worksheet: Diagnose a Network Problem.............................................................. 222

8.12.2 Worksheet: Diagnose a Network Problem.............................................................. 224

Chapter 9: Fundamental Security.................................................................................. 225

9.1 Worksheet: Security Attacks....................................................................................... 225

9.2.1 Worksheet: Third-Party Anti-Virus Software............................................................ 225

9.4.2 Worksheet: Operating System Updates..................................................................... 227

9.5.2 Worksheet: Gather Information from the Customer.................................................... 227

Chapter 10: Communication Skills................................................................................ 230

10.1 Worksheet: Technician Resources.............................................................................. 230

10.2.2 Class Discussion: Controlling the Call...................................................................... 230

10.2.3 Class Discussion: Identifying Difficult Customer Types............................................. 231

10.3 Class Discussion: Customer Privacy........................................................................... 232

Chapter 11: Advanced Personal Computers................................................................. 233

11.1 Worksheet: Job Opportunities................................................................................... 233

11.2.2 Lab: Using a Multimeter and a Power Supply Tester............................................... 234

11.2.2 Lab: Testing UTP Cables Using a Loopback Plug and a Cable Meter...................... 238

11.3.7 Worksheet: Research Computer Components......................................................... 241

11.4.1 Lab: Install a NIC in Windows XP.......................................................................... 246

11.4.1 Optional Lab: Install a NIC in Windows Vista......................................................... 266

11.4.3 Lab: Install Additional RAM in Windows XP.......................................................... 285

11.4.3 Optional Lab: Install Additional RAM in Windows Vista......................................... 288

11.4.4 Lab: BIOS File Search........................................................................................... 291

11.4.5 Lab: Install, Configure, and Partition a Second Hard Drive in Windows XP............. 293

11.4.5 Optional Lab: Install, Configure, and Partition a Second Hard Drive
in Windows Vista.......................................................................................................... 305

11.6.3 Lab: Repair Boot Problem...................................................................................... 314

11.6.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Repair Boot Problem....................................................... 315

11.6.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems in Windows XP..................................... 318

11.6.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems in Windows Vista..................... 320

Chapter 12: Advanced Operating Systems................................................................... 322

12.2.2 Lab: Advanced Installation of Windows XP............................................................ 322

12.2.2 Optional Lab: Advanced Installation of Windows Vista........................................... 346

12.2.3 Lab: Create a Partition in Windows XP................................................................... 374

12.2.3 Optional Lab: Create a Partition in Windows Vista.................................................. 388

12.2.4 Lab: Customize Settings in Windows XP................................................................. 402

12.2.4 Optional Lab: Customize Settings in Windows Vista................................................ 483

12.2.5 Optional Lab: Install an Alternate Browser.............................................................. 557

12.4.1 Lab: Schedule Task Using GUI and “at” Command in Windows XP........................ 565

12.4.1 Optional Lab: Schedule Task Using GUI and “at” Command in
Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 574

12.4.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP....................................................................... 584

12.4.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista...................................................... 593

12.5.3 Lab: Fix Operating System Problem........................................................................ 603

12.5.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix an Operating System Problem..................................... 603

12.5.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Operating System Problems in Windows XP.......................... 605

12.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Operating System Problems in
Windows Vista.............................................................................................................. 607

Chapter 13: Advanced Laptops and Portable Devices................................................. 609

13.2. Worksheet: Investigating Repair Centers................................................................... 609

13.3.1 Worksheet: Laptop Batteries.................................................................................. 610

13.3.2 Worksheet: Docking Station................................................................................... 611

13.3.3 Worksheet: Research DVD Drives......................................................................... 612

13.3.4 Worksheet: Laptop RAM....................................................................................... 613

13.5.3 Worksheet: Verify Work Order Information............................................................ 614

13.5.3 Worksheet: Investigating Support Websites and Repair Companies......................... 615

13.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Laptop Problems in Windows XP............................ 616

13.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Laptop Problems in Windows Vista......................... 617

Chapter 14: Advanced Printers and Scanners.............................................................. 619

14.2.4 Lab: Install an All-in-one Printer/Scanner................................................................ 619

14.3.2 Lab: Share the All-in-one Printer/Scanner in Windows XP...................................... 624

14.3.2 Optional Lab: Share the All-in-one Printer/Scanner in Windows Vista...................... 628

14.4.2 Lab: Optimize Scanner Output................................................................................ 634

14.5.1 Worksheet: Search for Certified Printer Technician Jobs.......................................... 636

14.6.3 Lab: Fix a Printer Problem...................................................................................... 637

14.6.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix a Printer Problem....................................................... 637

14.6.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Printer Problems in Windows XP........................................... 639

14.6.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Printer Problems in Windows Vista.......................... 644

Chapter 15: Advanced Networks.................................................................................. 650

15.2.2 Worksheet: Protocols............................................................................................. 650

15.3.2 Worksheet: ISP Connection Types......................................................................... 651

15.4.2 Lab: Configure Browser Settings in Windows XP.................................................... 652

15.4.2 Optional Lab: Configure Browser Settings in Windows Vista................................... 656

15.4.2 Lab: Share a Folder, Share a Printer, and Set Share Permissions in
Windows XP................................................................................................................ 663

15.4.2 Optional Lab: Share a Folder, Share a Printer, and Set Share Permissions
in Windows Vista.......................................................................................................... 670

15.5.1 Lab: Install a Wireless NIC in Windows XP............................................................ 675

15.5.1 Optional Lab: Install a Wireless NIC in Windows Vista........................................... 681

15.5.2 Lab: Configure Wireless Router.............................................................................. 687

15.5.3 Lab: Test the Wireless NIC in Windows XP........................................................... 692

15.5.3 Optional Lab: Test the Wireless NIC in Windows Vista.......................................... 696

15.8.3 Lab: Fix Network Problem..................................................................................... 699

15.8.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix Network Problem...................................................... 700

15.8.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Network Problems in Windows XP....................................... 702

15.8.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Network Problems in Windows Vista...................... 706

Chapter 16: Advanced Security..................................................................................... 711

16.1.1 Worksheet: Answer Security Policy Questions........................................................ 711

16.2.3 Worksheet: Research Firewalls............................................................................... 711

16.3.1 Lab: Configure Wireless Security............................................................................ 714

16.3.2 Lab: Configure Windows XP Firewall..................................................................... 723

16.3.2 Optional Lab: Configure Windows Vista Firewall.................................................... 727

16.4.3 Lab: Data Backup and Recovery in Windows XP................................................... 737

16.4.3 Optional Lab: Data Backup and Recovery in Windows Vista.................................. 752

16.5.3 Lab: Fix a Security Problem.................................................................................... 763

16.5.3 Lab: Remote Technician: Fix a Security Problem..................................................... 764

16.5.3 Lab: Troubleshooting Access Security with Windows XP........................................ 767

16.5.3 Optional Lab: Troubleshooting Access Security with Windows Vista....................... 772

9781587132629 TOC 3/31/2010

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