Header image
 
A+ Video Tutorials  
    HOME   |  
 
 
Video Tutorials

from Professor Messor's A+ Certification Training Site: Click Here!

 
           
Tutorial Title
Standard/Competency
Information
Link
Introductory Module
A+ Course Overview
Introduction to Personal Computers
220-601, Section 1.1
If you’ve ever wanted to make sense of the jumble of chips, cables, and fans inside of a computer, this training module is for you! We’ll start the module with a tour of the outside of the computer, and then we’ll take off the cover and show you exactly what components you can expect to find on the inside of a computer. We’ll finish up the module with a primer on the operation of computer systems.
Introduction to Personal Computers (12:02)

Chapter 1: Soft Skills

Trouble Shooting Process

220-601, Section 1.3

“Soft skill” requirements are new to the latest CompTIA A+ exam objectives. These skills may be considered relatively non-technical, but they comprise a set of capabilities that are important to the organizations that employ technical professionals.

One of the most important aspects of the CompTIA A+ certification is the constant focus on resolving almost any technical issue. In this module, you’ll learn the five steps of troubleshooting theory and how each step is an important part of the process towards resolving problems.

Chapter 1: Soft Skills

Troubleshooting Process Best Practices

220-601, Section 1.3
Some troubleshooting techniques have universal appeal. In this module of Professor Messer’s Free CompTIA A+ Certification Training, you’ll learn the troubleshooting best practices used by IT professionals every day to solve difficult problems on some of the world’s largest computing environments.

Chapter 1: Soft Skills

The Human Component: Communication

220-601, Section 8.1
If you thought the CompTIA A+ certification was only about all-things-technical, then you might be surprised at the latest exam objectives that focus on communication skills. In this video, you’ll learn about three techniques that will allow you to communicate better with customers, fellow technicians, and even people outside of your work environment.

Chapter 1: Soft Skills

The Human Component: Professionalism

220-601, Section 8.2
As technology has become more pervasive, there’s been an increased emphasis across the IT industry on providing a professional work environment. In this CompTIA A+ video training module, we’ll provide you with seven essential skills that will help you maintain the highest levels of professionalism at every stage of your career.

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge

220-601, Section 7.2

One of the most important foundational elements of the CompTIA A+ certification involves the safety of computer professionals and those around them. In these videos, you’ll discover how to protect yourself when working around today’s high-voltage electrical environments and how the proper tools can be the difference when tackling big problems.

Static electricity can cause serious damage electronic components. Fortunately, there are some products and techniques that can help prevent electrostatic discharge. In this CompTIA A+ training module, we’ll learn about electrostatic discharge and discuss some products that can be used in your work environment to help prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity. We’ll also compare ESD to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and show how troubleshoot and eliminate sources of EMI.

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (13:36)

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

The CompTIA A+ Toolbag

220-601, Section 1.4 & 220-602, Section 1.2 Every CompTIA A+ technology professional needs a tool bag with the right mix of diagnostic tools, specialty tools, and cleaning products. In this video, we’ll walk you through the must-have tools that you’ll need for everyday troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. The CompTIA A+ Toolbag (13:56)

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

Keeping Things Clean

220-601, Section 1.4 Preventive maintenance of your computers is an essential component of the CompTIA A+ certification. In this module, we’ll show you how to clean both the outside and the inside of your computer, including the monitor, fan intakes, motherboard components, and connector contacts. Keeping Things Clean (12:05)

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

Software Tools

220-601, Section 3.3 CompTIA A+ certified professionals need more than screwdrivers and multimeters to properly troubleshoot and maintain computing systems. To provide the best troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, they must also have the right software tools. In this module, we’ll discuss the primary categories of software tools and show you where to download some free software compilations that will make your job much easier. Software Tools (9:30)

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

Managing Safety Hazards

220-601, Section 7.1, 7.2, & 7.3 As technology professionals, we occasionally have to operate in environments where safety hazards may exist. In this module, we’ll show you how to avoid problems with high voltage computer equipment and environmental hazards, and we’ll discuss the best ways to dispose of hazardous materials. More importantly, we’ll show you how to handle accident situations that might occur when working in our high-tech environments.

Managing Safety Hazards (14:24)

Chapter 2: Safety and Tools

PC Preventative Maintenance Best Practices

220-601, Section 1.4 & 220-602, Section 1.3 What techniques can you use to keep your personal computer running in peak condition? In this video, we’ll show you some simple preventive maintenance techniques for your external case, display devices, input devices, and other PC components. PC Preventive Maintenance Best Practices (19:11)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Motherboard Overview

220-601, Section 1.1

The motherboard is the heart of any personal computer. Every piece of a computer touches the motherboard, and the overall performance is directly related to the technologies embedded in the motherboard. In these videos you’ll learn how a motherboard works, how to instantly identify the major components of a motherboard, and how to solve motherboard problems when they occur.

Every CompTIA A+ professional needs to have a complete understanding of motherboards and the components that reside on today’s PC motherboard technology. In this video, we’ll provide you with the information you need to instantly identify the most important motherboard features, and you’ll learn how chipset architectures relate to real-world motherboard configurations.

Motherboard Overview  (15:02)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Bus Architecture

220-601, Section 1.1 The internal bus and expansion bus on a personal computer is a major factor in the overall speed an operation of the system. In this module, well discuss computer buses, PC expansion buses, and methods to calculate the speed and throughput of a computer bus. Bus Architecture (7:48)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Expansion Slots

220-601, Section 1.1 The expansion slots are the most modular part of the PC motherboard, but what are all of these different standards? This module will walk you through the most popular expansion slot bus types, such as PCI, PCIe, and AGP. Some older technologies, such as AMR and CNR will also be detailed. Expansion Slots (13:17)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Motherboard I/O Connections

220-601, Section 1.1 All motherboards have input and output ports on the back, but what do all those connections mean? In this module, we’ll turn the PC around and show you exactly how each port works and how to instantly recognize the most common input and output connections. Motherboard I/O Connections (9:47)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Motherboard Drive Connections

220-601, Section 1.1 The storage subsystem is an important part of any computer system. In this module, we’ll provide you with the details of motherboard connections for floppy drives, EIDE/PATA drives, SATA drives, and SCSI technology. Motherboard Drive Connections (6:17)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Motherboard Form Factors

220-601, Section 1.1 There are a number of different form factors to consider when replacing or upgrading a motherboard. This module provides an overview of many motherboard types, and provides some helpful tips for easily identifying ATX, NLX, microATX, BTX, microBTX, and picoBTX motherboard form factors. Motherboard Form Factors (11:56)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Installing Motherboards

220-602, Section 1.1 Installing a motherboard in your personal computer is easier than you may think. In this CompTIA A+ training module, we’ll step through every step you’ll need to know to successfully install a PC motherboard. You’ll learn about the selection process, the pre-installation steps, some useful installation tips, and the things you’ll want to check after everything is installed. Installing Motherboards (12:45)

Chapter 3: Motherboards

Troubleshooting Motherboards

220-602, Section 1.3 What’s the best way to troubleshoot a PC motherboard? In this module, we’ll show you how to troubleshooting motherboard problems such as heat, BIOS incompatibilities and failing hardware. Troubleshooting Motherboards (11:21)

Chapter 4: Processors & CPUs

Introduction to CPUs

220-601, Section 1.1 The CPU is the center of the personal computer universe, and these videos will help you understand everything you’ll need to pass the CompTIA A+ exams.  

Chapter 4: Processors & CPUs

CPU Technologies

220-601, Section 1.1    

Chapter 4: Processors & CPUs

CPU Sockets

220-601, Section 1.1    

Chapter 4: Processors & CPUs

A History of CPUs

220-601, Section 1.1    

Chapter 4: Processors & CPUs

Selecting, Installing, and Troubleshooting CPUs

220-601, Section 1.3

220-602, Sections 1.1 & 1.2