A+ certification

[dar1again]

Hello
I am studying for the A+ certification, planning to take it in mid August. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to study for this test? Like what is the most important subjects to study or do anyone know a good website to check out? Please help with any suggestions, or simply share any experience with this test.

Thank you

[SpookyEddy]

I am also interested in taking my A+ & will try and dig out some links for you.

However this topic has occurred in the past (with some good advice/tips/sites) so try a search of the forum http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Good luck

Eddy

[waferdog]

SpookyEddy is correct. We had a good discussion on this issue about a month ago in the General Tech forum. Do a search for it and you will find a lot of info. Also, you can email me if you like when you get closer to test day and I'll offer up some advice to you at that time.

Waferdog

[rh71]

Off the top of my head, check out http://cramsession.brainbuzz.com and grab their cramsession/study guide. Also, check out forums like ExamNotes (http://www.examnotes.net/forums/index.php) to find out the latest news/tips for the exam. Oh yes, one more site for you: http://www.certifyexpress.com

[dar1again]

anyone have any stories about taking the test?

[radbasa]

wtf, that server crash must have deletedmy post about a+.
well, to start with a+ is two exams the first would tackle hardware.
1. basic terms, concepts, functions of system modules, including how they should normally work.
2. basic procedures for adding and removing field replaceable modules.
3. identify IRQs, DMAs, I/O addresses and configuring these
4. common peripheral ports, cabling, and connectors.
5. install and configure IDE/EIDE devices
6. install and configure SCSI devices
7. install and configure peripheral devices
8. concepts and procedures relating to BIOS
9. hardware methods of system optimization (overclocking not included)
10. common symptoms and procedures for troubleshooting
11. basic troubleshooting practices and how to explain problems to customers
12. preventive maintenance products and practices
13. procedures and devices against environmental hazards
14. potential hazards and safety procedures with lasers and high-voltage equipment
15. proper disposal of consumables
16. ESD
17. distinguish and differentiate between popular CPU chips
18. RAM technologies
19. motherboard technologies ( AT/ATX, bus, ports and sockets)
20. CMOS settings
21. printers
22. maintening printers
23. printer connections
24. portable systems
25. basic networking
26. NICs
27. effects while repairing the network

the second covers DOS and Windows
1. The different OSs (DOS, Win3.1, Win9x)
2. common tech procedures performed on these OSs
3. memory types (convention, EMS, XMS, high, virtual)
4. memory conflicts and optimization
5. installing OSs
6. upgrading OSs
7. basic boot sequence and alternate boot methods
8. device drivers
9. common error codes
10. printing problems
11. common problems and utilities to fix these
12. viruses
13. networking capabilities of DOS and Windows
14. internet networking concepts

As you might imagine it will cover everything you know and don't know about computers. Extensive practical experience goes a long way with the exams.
The exams by the way, are adaptive, meaning you get progressively more difficult questions as you give correct answers. Getting them all right may mean you just get as little as 20 questions, getting some wrong and the exam may take a little longer.
Don't think the question will all be about current technologies. For example, speed, socket, pins bitwidth of register data bus address bus of the 8088 may be asked.

Have fun!

[rh71]

Radbasa, I don't believe those are the objectives for the newly revised A+ exam. WIN3.1 is definitely not part of the examination as of March 31, 2001.
http://www.comptia.org/certification/aplus/all_about_aplus.htm

Sorry dar1again, I've only had hands-on experience with the old A+ exam.

[struggles]

Study,study,study!!!! If you do,you wont have a problem. If you spend more time on the braindumps, you may be disappointed. I took many sample tests only to find that the real questions were nothing like those found at braindumps.

I found the core to be ridiculously easy, but thats just me. I would reccommend spending more time on O\S and networking. That test was a little more difficult.Passed both in Dec.2000

Good luck!!

[Wombat]

Passed my A+, Studying helps ( www.examcram.com (http://www.examcram.com) )
Don't have the time or money at the moment to do MCSE but is the CompTia Network+ worth it?

[rh71]

Network+ is seen as the next logical step after A+ by many out there... think of it as a certification ladder.

[dar1again]

will do that after a+..

thank you all for the info...

need all information that i can have so keep posting!!!!!

[anavel gato]

I did the new A+ exams (got my certification yesterday by mail) and I must say, I was very disappointed by the exams for the price they charge us. You study what's in your A+ books, what you can find at cramsession.com and if you are very familiar with all the Windows OS family and know your hardware, you will pass those exams hands up.

Hint : For the core exam, only one question about "new" technologies" and it's about firewire/usb. Just to give you a taste of how outdated those exams are...

[rh71]

Cheaper priced COMPTIA, etc. exams here: http://cbt.stcc.mass.edu/Vdiscount.htm

My contact is Paula Goodreau.

[wyvrn]

Excellent study guides here (http://www.troytec.com/) .

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 06-20-2001).]