CompTIA A+ 220-1201 & 220-1202 Full Course and Test 2026

Learn the foundational components and architecture of a computer by exploring motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and storage connectors, including how they interact to power modern systems.

Understand how RAM functions as your computer’s fast, temporary memory, including its types, architecture, and role in performance, multitasking, and CPU integration.

Explore the fundamentals of computer storage technologies, including HDDs, SSDs, and RAID systems, to understand their structure, performance, interfaces, and reliability for data management

Gain a clear understanding of PSU types, wattage and voltage requirements, efficiency certifications, modular designs, and connector types to select the right power supply for any system build.

Learn about various printer types, their technologies, performance features, connectivity options, cost considerations, and basic troubleshooting techniques.

Master essential troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and startup issues using structured steps and diagnostic tools for efficient problem-solving.

Understand the roles of video, capture, sound, and network interface cards in enhancing graphics, audio, connectivity, and performance for modern computing and media setups

Review key concepts of computer hardware including power supplies, cooling systems, motherboards, storage, RAM, CPUs, printers, and troubleshooting methods to reinforce core technical skills

Explore the hardware components, display types, connectivity options, and data networking features of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

Understand mobile networking principles and synchronization methods, including Wi-Fi standards, hotspot setup, VPN use, and syncing data across cloud and local platforms

Engage in practical exercises to apply mobile device concepts, including network settings, synchronization, and troubleshooting through guided, real-world lab scenarios.

Learn to configure mobile device applications, including setting permissions, managing notifications, integrating accounts, and optimizing user preferences for functionality and security.

Learn how to diagnose and resolve common mobile hardware problems, including screen damage, battery issues, connectivity faults, and malware infections, with practical troubleshooting steps.

Understand core networking protocols including TCP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP, along with port functions and addressing methods essential for reliable and efficient data communication.

Deepen your understanding of IP addressing with subnetting, public vs. private IPs, IPv4 and IPv6 configurations, NAT, and DHCP, essential for effective network management and troubleshooting.

Learn the fundamentals of computer networking, including LAN, WAN, data centers, switches, hubs, cabling standards, and essential components that enable efficient and secure network communication.

Explore wireless networking fundamentals including Wi-Fi standards, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, access points, and network topologies to understand their roles in modern connectivity

Review and reinforce your understanding of networking concepts, components, protocols, topologies, security, virtualization, and troubleshooting in this comprehensive summary of modern network infrastructure.

Learn how to configure network addressing and internet connections, covering modems, routers, firewalls, TCP/IP protocols, and IPv4 addressing for secure and efficient network setup.

Apply practical skills in configuring DNS records, VPNs, VLANs, file and web servers, and secure email systems, reinforcing core concepts of modern network services and security.

Perform hands-on configurations of network hardware and software, including setting up routers, firewalls, IP addressing, and verifying connectivity through practical, guided exercises.

Use Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic, identifying protocols, IP addresses, and data flow between devices for practical insights into network communication and troubleshooting

Learn effective troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing connectivity, speed, and wireless issues by testing hardware, analyzing drivers, checking configurations, and isolating network faults.

Understand virtualization and cloud computing fundamentals, including hypervisors, virtual machines, cloud models, and their benefits for cost efficiency, scalability, and resource management.

Learn the fundamentals of cloud computing models including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, alongside Azure architecture, benefits like scalability and reliability, and key services such as virtual machines, storage, and Active Directory.

Review key virtualization and cloud computing concepts including hypervisors, cloud service models, deployment types, and Azure architecture for efficient IT resource management and scalability.

Follow a step-by-step lab to install VMware Workstation Pro and set up a Windows 11 virtual machine, gaining practical experience in virtualization configuration and system requirements.

Learn the step-by-step process of installing Windows on a system, including BIOS setup, disk partitioning, and configuring user settings for a clean and functional OS installation.

Follow a guided lab to install Windows 11 Pro on a virtual machine using VMware Workstation Pro, including setup, configuration, system requirements, and best practices for virtualization.

Explore Windows 11 features, file systems, and system requirements, including comparisons with Windows 10 and guidance on choosing the right storage format for various devices and OS platforms

Understand post-installation tasks in Windows setup, including user account configuration, device driver installation, system updates, and initial personalization for optimal performance.

Learn how to create and manage disk partitions using both graphical and command-line tools in Windows, gaining hands-on experience with Disk Management and DiskPart utilities

Gain hands-on experience using Task Manager to monitor system performance, manage processes, control startup programs, and troubleshoot services in Windows environments.

Explore key Windows utilities like System Configuration (msconfig) and Event Viewer to manage startup processes, troubleshoot system issues, and analyze performance logs effectively.

Learn to use Windows utilities like System Information, Resource Monitor, and Reliability Monitor to diagnose hardware issues, monitor performance, and ensure system stability.

Develop practical troubleshooting skills for Windows systems by identifying and resolving startup issues, application crashes, and hardware conflicts using built-in tools and structured approaches.

Review key concepts from Module 6, including Windows installation, system utilities, file systems, and troubleshooting techniques essential for maintaining and optimizing Windows environments.

Learn about various types of malware, including viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and phishing scams, and discover essential strategies for prevention, detection, and safe computing practices.

Explore antivirus tools and best practices for identifying, removing, and preventing malware infections, while understanding quarantine processes, signature updates, and real-time protection features.

Understand cryptography fundamentals, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, SSL/TLS, email encryption, and BitLocker, to secure data, communications, and devices from unauthorized access.

This lecture covers the most common security challenges in cybersecurity, including ransomware attacks like WannaCry, zero-day exploits, AI-powered attacks, phishing, misconfigured cloud storage, insider risks, weak passwords, lack of multi-factor authentication, outdated software, slow patch management, and employee unawareness. You will learn how these threats operate, real-world examples, and essential prevention techniques such as regular backups, advanced threat detection, employee training, strict access controls, and automated patching. This session provides a comprehensive overview to strengthen your cybersecurity awareness and defense strategies.

In this lab, you will learn how to detect, analyze, and create malware, as well as how to remove it safely. We will explore tools like VirusTotal and Malware Bazaar to check the legitimacy of websites, files, and URLs for malware or phishing threats. You’ll see practical demonstrations on analyzing files, understanding malware behavior, creating simple viruses, and how antivirus systems respond. Additionally, you will learn how to verify IP addresses and URLs to identify potential security risks. This hands-on session equips you with essential skills for malware detection and analysis.

In this module, you will learn how to enable and manage BitLocker encryption on Windows. BitLocker protects your data by encrypting local drives, while BitLocker To Go secures USB drives and external disks. We’ll walk through checking TPM 2.0 support, adding and partitioning a new disk in a virtual machine, and then enabling BitLocker with password protection and recovery key backup. You’ll also see how to choose between encrypting used space or the entire drive, and how to disable BitLocker when needed. This hands-on session helps you secure your data effectively with Windows built-in encryption.

In this module, you’ll learn how to diagnose and resolve common software issues such as boot failures and Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors. We’ll cover basic troubleshooting steps like checking power connections, unplugging external devices, entering BIOS to verify hard drive detection, and using Safe Mode to isolate software conflicts. You’ll also explore repair tools including Startup Repair, chkdsk, and system file checks, along with hardware diagnostics for RAM and drives. For blue screen errors, you’ll learn how to note stop codes, update device drivers, run memory diagnostics, analyze crash dump files, and rollback problematic Windows updates. This module equips you with practical skills to fix critical startup problems and maintain system stability.

In this module, you will learn how to diagnose and fix common software issues like boot failures and blue screen errors (BSoD). We cover step-by-step troubleshooting including checking hardware basics, unplugging external devices, entering BIOS to verify drive detection, and using safe mode to isolate software conflicts. You’ll also learn to run repair tools like Startup Repair, chkdsk, and system file scans, plus how to test hardware components such as RAM and hard drives. For blue screen errors, we explain how to note stop codes, update drivers, run memory diagnostics, analyze crash dump files, and rollback problematic Windows updates. This comprehensive session empowers you to resolve critical system errors and maintain system stability.

In this lecture, you will learn the common causes of app crashes and freezing, including insufficient RAM or CPU, software bugs, outdated drivers, incompatible software, corrupted system files, overheating, malware, and low storage space. We’ll explore practical fixes like restarting devices, updating apps and drivers, running system scans, and managing background applications. Additionally, you’ll understand battery optimization techniques for Windows, Android, and iOS devices—covering power modes, battery health checks, disabling background apps, enabling battery saver modes, and calibrating batteries. This session equips you with essential tips to improve app stability and extend battery life.

In this lecture, you will learn the common causes of slow mobile performance, such as too many background apps, low storage, outdated software, cache buildup, malware, battery degradation, and overheating. We’ll explore practical solutions like clearing cache, uninstalling unused apps, performing factory resets, and using trusted antivirus tools. Additionally, you’ll discover tips to speed up your phone and how to troubleshoot mobile network connectivity issues including weak signals, SIM card problems, and incorrect settings. This session equips you with essential steps to optimize your device’s speed and maintain reliable network connections.

In this lab, you’ll explore common software problems like boot failures and Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors, understand their causes, and learn practical troubleshooting techniques. Topics include diagnosing boot failures due to corrupted files, failed updates, disk errors, and incorrect boot configurations, along with solutions like Windows Startup Repair, recovery environment (WinRE), and command-line tools such as chkdsk and bootrec. You’ll also dive into BSoD causes including faulty drivers, hardware failures, software conflicts, and overheating, plus learn how to note stop codes, update or roll back drivers, run memory diagnostics, scan and repair system files, and check for overheating. This hands-on session equips you with essential skills to fix critical system errors and keep your computer running smoothly.

In this session, you’ll learn how to understand and troubleshoot the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) using easy analogies, stop code identification, driver updates, memory diagnostics, system restore, and Windows reinstallation. We’ll then explore step-by-step solutions to fix a slow computer—covering task manager usage, disabling startup apps, increasing virtual memory, defragmenting HDDs, upgrading RAM and SSDs, cleaning junk files, and malware scans. You’ll also discover how to fix failed Windows updates with the troubleshooter, clearing update cache, and manual update installation. Finally, basic Linux troubleshooting commands for checking system logs, Wi-Fi issues, and disk repair will be introduced. This comprehensive guide equips you to maintain and repair both Windows and Linux systems effectively.

In this video, you’ll learn essential troubleshooting steps for network problems, including testing connectivity with ping, checking IP addresses, restarting network services, and force-killing frozen programs in Linux and Windows. You’ll get a quick Windows update fix cheat sheet covering update troubleshooter, clearing cache, and manual update installation. Linux users will find simple commands to view system logs, check hardware status, repair disk errors, and monitor disk space. For app crashes and freezing, you’ll discover how to update, reinstall, and run apps in compatibility mode, use Event Viewer to identify errors, clear app cache, and update drivers. Finally, tips on system restore, driver rollback, and factory reset provide ways to recover when other fixes fail. This practical guide equips you to tackle common PC and Linux issues effectively.

In this lab, you’ll learn practical battery optimization techniques to extend your device’s battery life, including monitoring power-hungry apps, using power saver modes, calibrating batteries, and managing screen brightness and connectivity settings. You’ll also discover how to troubleshoot slow mobile performance by clearing cache, uninstalling unused apps, managing storage, and using safe mode to identify problematic apps. Finally, we cover mobile network troubleshooting steps like toggling airplane mode, resetting network settings, verifying SIM and APN configurations, and tips to improve signal strength. This session provides end-to-end guidance to optimize and troubleshoot your mobile device for peak performance.

In this module, you’ll learn the fundamentals of backup and disaster recovery—essential for protecting your data and systems from crashes, malware, or hardware failures. We cover backup methods across different platforms: Windows (File History, System Image, Recovery Drive, OneDrive), Linux (manual copying, Timeshift, Clonezilla, BorgBackup), and iOS (iCloud and iTunes/Finder backups). You’ll understand key backup types—full, incremental, differential—and learn the 3-2-1 rule for data safety: keep three copies on two different media, with one offsite. The module also explains cloud versus local backups, automated tools, and practical disaster recovery tips to keep your data secure and restore systems quickly after failure.

In this lecture, we explore various backup media and storage solutions to protect your data. You’ll learn about external drives (HDDs and SSDs) for portable, offline backups, their pros and cons, and best use cases. We cover Network Attached Storage (NAS) as a private cloud for home or business, highlighting its RAID protection and shared access features. Cloud backup solutions like Google Drive and BlackBlaze are explained, emphasizing accessibility, automation, and offsite safety, along with their cost and speed considerations. Finally, tape drives are introduced as a low-cost, ultra-durable archival method mainly used by enterprises for long-term storage and legal compliance. A comparison table outlines each option’s ideal scenarios, costs, durability, and usability to help you choose the right backup solution.

In this lecture, we explore key backup methods in detail. Incremental backups save only the changes since the last backup, making them fast and space-efficient but requiring all increments plus the full backup to restore data. Differential backups save all changes since the last full backup, simplifying restores with just the full plus latest differential, though they use more storage than incremental. We also cover cloud backups, which automatically sync your data to remote servers like iCloud or Google Drive, offering offsite protection and accessibility but with subscription costs and slower large-file transfers. Local backups store data on devices you control, such as external drives or NAS, providing fast, private backups ideal for large files but vulnerable to physical damage or loss. Combining local and cloud backups ensures comprehensive data safety.

In this module, you’ll learn about disaster recovery (DR), the emergency plan for restoring data and operations after major incidents like cyberattacks, hardware failures, or natural disasters. DR focuses on minimizing downtime (Recovery Time Objective, RTO) and data loss (Recovery Point Objective, RPO) to ensure business continuity. You’ll understand key components of a DR plan—backups, recovery scripts, and emergency tools—and explore failover, where backup systems instantly take over during failure, and failback, the careful return to normal operations. This session highlights why regular testing and planning are vital to protect your digital life and business from catastrophic losses.

In this lab, you’ll learn how to effectively respond to cybersecurity incidents by analyzing and resolving high CPU utilization issues on a Windows system. Using a practical demo on a virtual machine, we’ll explore monitoring CPU usage with Task Manager, identifying resource-heavy processes, and ending tasks to optimize performance. You’ll understand the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling high CPU usage incidents and learn how to document and report resolution steps. Additionally, we’ll review Windows Event Viewer logs to identify system errors and warnings, interpret event IDs, and use online resources to troubleshoot common issues. This hands-on session equips you with essential skills to manage system performance and incident response effectively.

In this lecture, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot common Windows 11 backup problems such as failed or stuck backups, slow backup speeds, missing backup files, and unrecognized backup drives. We cover solutions like running system file checker (SFC) and DISM tools to repair corrupted files, freeing up storage space, disabling antivirus interference, restarting backup services, and using alternative backup software. You’ll also discover ways to optimize backup speed by defragmenting HDDs, upgrading to SSDs, and pausing background processes. For missing or disappearing backups, we explore drive connection checks, cloud sync issues, file recovery options, and prevention tips. Finally, we explain how to fix unrecognized drives by reformatting with NTFS, assigning drive letters, testing hardware, and safe ejecting. This session helps you maintain reliable backups and secure your data effectively.

In this lecture, we dive into Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), a crucial part of many certification exams. You’ll learn how to approach and solve these hands-on scenario questions effectively. We’ll cover strategies to analyze tasks, manage time, and apply your knowledge practically to ensure success. Whether you’re new to PBQs or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will build your confidence and prepare you for real exam challenges.

In this lecture, we dive into Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), a crucial part of many certification exams. You’ll learn how to approach and solve these hands-on scenario questions effectively. We’ll cover strategies to analyze tasks, manage time, and apply your knowledge practically to ensure success. Whether you’re new to PBQs or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will build your confidence and prepare you for real exam challenges.

In this lecture, we dive into Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), a crucial part of many certification exams. You’ll learn how to approach and solve these hands-on scenario questions effectively. We’ll cover strategies to analyze tasks, manage time, and apply your knowledge practically to ensure success. Whether you’re new to PBQs or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will build your confidence and prepare you for real exam challenges.