Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software

Master IT hardware and software installation, configuration, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting and fully prepare for the CompTIA® A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams

This is your all-in-one, real-world, full-color guide to connecting, managing, and troubleshooting modern devices and systems in authentic IT scenarios. Its thorough instruction built on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exam objectives includes coverage of Windows 11, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, cloud-based software, mobile and IoT devices, security, Active Directory, scripting, and other modern techniques and best practices for IT management.

Award-winning instructor Cheryl Schmidt also addresses widely-used legacy technologies—making this the definitive resource for mastering the tools and technologies you’ll encounter in real IT and business environments. Schmidt’s emphasis on both technical and soft skills will help you rapidly become a well-qualified, professional, and customer-friendly technician.

Learn more quickly and thoroughly with these study and review tools:

• Learning Objectives and chapter opening lists of CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives make sure you know exactly what you’ll be learning, and you cover all you need to know
• Hundreds of photos, figures, and tables present information in a visually compelling full-color design
• Practical Tech Tips provide real-world IT tech support knowledge
• Soft Skills best-practice advice and team-building activities in every chapter cover key tools and skills for becoming a professional, customer-friendly technician
• Review Questions—including true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions—carefully assess your knowledge of each learning objective
• Thought-provoking activities help students apply and reinforce chapter content, and allow instructors to “flip” the classroom if they choose
• Key Terms identify exam words and phrases associated with each topic
• Detailed Glossary clearly defines every key term
• Dozens of Critical Thinking Activities take you beyond the facts to deeper understanding
• Chapter Summaries recap key concepts for more efficient studying
• Certification Exam Tips provide insight into the certification exam and preparation process

Now available online for free, the companion Lab Manual!

The companion Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual provides students hands-on practice with various computer parts, mobile devices, wired networking, wireless networking, operating systems, and security. The 140 labs are designed in a step-by-step manner that allows students to experiment with various technologies and answer questions along the way to consider the steps being taken. Some labs include challenge areas to further practice the new concepts. The labs ensure students gain the experience and confidence required to succeed in industry.

Cheryl Schmidt is a professor of Network Engineering Technology at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Prior to joining the faculty ranks, she oversaw LAN and PC support for the college and other organizations. She started her career as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy. She teaches computer repair and various networking topics, including CCNA, network management, and network design. She has published other works with Pearson, including IP Telephony Using CallManager Express and Routing and Switching in the Enterprise Lab Guide.

Cheryl has won awards for teaching and technology, including Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Innovative Teacher of the Year, Cisco Networking Academy Instructor Excellence Award, and Cisco Networking Academy Stand Out Instructor. She has presented at U.S. and international conferences. Cheryl keeps busy maintaining her technical certifications and teaching but also loves to travel, hike, do all types of puzzles, and read.

Christopher Lee teaches Information Technology and Electronics at Florida State College at Jacksonville. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Chris earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He taught his first computer programming classes at age 14! Since then, he has worked for a variety of companies including IBM, Nortel Networks, Evans Solutions, Convergys Corporation, NGA Human Resources, and himself. His experience spans several industries: Telecommunications, Youth Outside the Educational Mainstream, Information Technology, Higher Education, Human Resources Outsourcing, and Community Development.

Chris has devoted countless volunteer hours in technology outreach. He enjoys helping children and adults (especially those in underserved communities) learn the skills or access the resources they need to be competitive in today’s technological society. He has built strong partnerships with and implemented successful programs in organizations such as National Society of Black Engineers Jr (NSBE Jr), For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology(FIRST) LEGO League, Northeast Florida STEM2 Hub, Tristan’s Acceleration Academy, and Renaissance JAX.