Comptia Academy : A+ 1201 - 1202

Explore the major operating system types—Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android—and key file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, ext3/4, exFAT, and APFS.

Explore operating system installations and upgrades through USB, optical, network (PXE), SSD, internet, external, and internal boot methods, and learn about upgrades, recoveries, clean installs, and image deployments.

Explore the four Windows 10 and 11 editions: home, pro, pro for workstations, and enterprise, highlighting domain support, RDP, security features, and memory scales.

Master Windows tools for troubleshooting and performance, including Task Manager with its five tabs, Event Viewer, Disk Management, and Device Manager and Registry Editor.

Explore the Microsoft command line with ipconfig, ping, nslookup, netstat, traceroute, diskpart, pathping, winver, and copy, xcopy, robocopy, plus gpupdate and gpresult.

Explore Windows settings via the control panel, including Internet options, devices and printers, programs and features, network sharing, firewall, mail, sound, user accounts, Device Manager, and accessibility options.

Master Windows networking concepts, including work group setups, domain with Active Directory, shared resources, drive mapping, and firewall management.

Explore Mac OS basics, including dmg, pkg, app bundles, and the App Store. Understand Apple ID, single sign-on, MFA, Time Machine backups, keychain, Spotlight, iCloud, and system preferences.

Explore the Linux operating system, its open-source distributions, and essential command-line tools. Learn file management, permissions, system monitoring, backups, updates, and cross-platform sharing with Samba.

Learn to install applications by checking minimum requirements, operating system and driver compatibility, 32-bit vs 64-bit apps, ram and vram limits, and trusted download or media sources.

Explore cloud tools including email, storage, synchronization, spreadsheets, video conferencing, and word processing for cross-device collaboration. Learn about licensing agreements and SaaS models that govern cloud use.

Explore logical security concepts like the principle of least privilege, ACLs, MFA, and Active Directory group policies to control access and protect network resources.

Explore physical security basics, from access control vestibules and mantraps with interlocking doors to authentication via badge readers and biometrics, plus alarms and video surveillance.

Explore windows security basics, including defender antivirus, updates, firewall rules, and port security. Learn about mac address spoofing protection, ntfs permissions, uac, bitlocker, efs, and account types.

Explore wireless protocols from WEP to WPA2 and WPA3, contrast AES key lengths, and compare authentication methods including TACACS+, RADIUS, Kerberos, and multi-factor authentication.

Learn malware prevention: trojans, rootkits, viruses, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, boot sector virus, and crypto miners. Discover recovery mode, antivirus software, firewalls, CVE database access, and user education as defenses.

Explore phishing, whaling, shoulder surfing, tailgating, impersonation, spoofing, dumpster diving, and evil twin attacks, plus DDoS, zero-day, on-path, brute force, SQL injection, XSS, BYOD.

Identify and verify malware symptoms in soho networks, quarantine and analyze infections, disable system restore, scan in safe mode, and keep antivirus updated while training users to prevent phishing.

Apply data at rest encryption on disks, enforce password complexity and expiration, secure UEFI bios with strong passwords, implement least privilege and restricted login times, and disable autorun and autoplay.

Explore mobile device security concepts, including screen lock types (PIN, biometric, pattern, swipe), remote wipe, locator apps, operating system updates, device encryption, and BYOD vs corporate ownership.

Explore data destruction and disposal methods such as drilling, shredding, degaussing, incineration, and wiping, and learn how third party vendors and certificates of destruction ensure compliance.

Secure soho networks by changing default passwords, applying ip filtering, updating firmware, enabling content filtering, configuring dhcp reservations and static wan ip, and enforcing encryption and ssid best practices.

Explore browser security basics: verify downloads and certificates, use hashing and password managers, enable secure connections, and manage privacy with history, cache, and private browsing.

Identify and troubleshoot Windows issues from blue screen errors to boot problems and performance slowdowns. Use tools like Task Manager, Disk Cleanup, and SFC to repair and optimize the system.

Explore common mobile operating systems and applications issues, including app launch failures, crashes, update problems, and connectivity, with practical troubleshooting steps like restart, reinstall, update, and cache cleanup.

Verify android apk sources and signatures to prevent malware; enforce secure development modes, avoid rooting or jailbreaking, and guard against spoofed apps, data leaks, and fake warnings.

Master PC troubleshooting for network connectivity, desktop alerts, and security threats by diagnosing cables, IP settings, updates, malware, certificate warnings, and browser redirection with practical steps.

Explore support systems, including ticketing, escalation, and end-user communication, plus asset management, inventory tagging, warranties and licensing, and onboarding and termination procedures.

Master change management by designing rollback plans, testing with sandbox environments, and coordinating with the RSM, board, and end users to ensure risk analysis, impact assessments, and successful implementation.

Explore backup and recovery concepts, including full, incremental, differential, and synthetic backups, testing frequency, on-site and off-site storage, and the 3-2-1 rule.

Explore common safety procedures in IT work, including ESD grounding, straps and mats, power handling with surge protectors, anti-static bags, and safe component handling.

Explore environmental controls for IT infrastructure, including MSDS, battery and toner disposal, chemical disposal, temperature and humidity management with HVAC and sensors, and power protection with UPS and generators.

Explore incident response steps from preparation to recovery, including chain of custody and data integrity, then explain licensing, DRM, and EULA, plus regulatory standards like PCI DSS, PII, and HIPAA.

Develop professionalism in IT support through dress codes, hygiene, and plain language. Practice active listening, cultural sensitivity, punctuality, and clear customer communication, including clarifying statements, setting expectations, and data protection.

Discover how scripting automates tasks across Windows and Linux using batch, PowerShell, VBScript, SSH, JavaScript, and Python, for automation, backups, updates, and software deployments.

Explore remote access technologies including RDP, VPN, VNC, SSH and SFTP, with emphasis on encryption, secure remote administration, file transfers, RMM, screen sharing, and desktop management.

Explore how artificial intelligence powers chatbots, AI assistants, and generative AI—including text, images, audio content and machine learning—while identifying copyright, biases, and ethical concerns.