CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Core 2 Hands-On Course - Full Training

Explore different operating systems and file system types used in work and home, including Windows 10/11, Linux, Mac OS, Chrome OS, and iOS and iPad OS.

Examine end-of-life concepts for operating systems and the impact on updates and patches, with date examples. Compare cross-platform compatibility for apps like Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and Adobe software.

Learn how to install Windows on a physical computer by booting from a USB, using BIOS/UEFI boot order, and completing a custom NVMe installation with later product key activation.

Create a bootable Windows 10 installation USB with the Microsoft media creation tool, format the 128 gb stick as ntfs, and install Windows on the target machine.

Explore how to partition hard drives using GPT vs MBR, create primary and logical partitions, assign drive letters, and enable data separation with Windows disk management.

Learn the full spectrum of Windows installation types, from clean installs and upgrades to network, image, and recovery deployments. Also cover hardware requirements, boot sources, and driver considerations.

Understand what an operating system is and how it enables hardware, runs applications, and manages files and networks, with open versus closed source and GUI versus command-line interfaces.

Explore Windows 10 editions—home, pro, and enterprise—and how to choose the right version. Understand hardware requirements, 32-bit vs 64-bit limits, and features like DirectX, remote desktop, and BitLocker.

Compare Windows 11 editions—home, Pro, and Enterprise—and their features such as domains, workgroups, remote desktop, BitLocker, and encryption, including the N edition and October 2025 Windows 10 end of support.

Discover why Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 cryptoprocessor and a uEFI bios. See how BitLocker uses the TPM for secure boot key storage and encryption protection.

Understand in-place upgrades from Windows seven or eight to ten and from ten to eleven, preserve data and apps, back up files, and verify compatibility and upgrade paths.

Learn to install Windows 10 on VirtualBox using a Windows 10 ISO, creating a vanilla VM with dynamic disk, 50 GB storage, and ample RAM.

Learn to install Windows 11 on a custom PC using a USB boot drive, creating installation media with the Windows Media Creation Tool and performing a Windows 11 Pro installation.

Perform a fresh Windows 11 install from a bootable USB, then install drivers from the manufacturer’s site using Asus Driver Hub and verify with Device Manager.

Learn to use task manager to view running processes and monitor CPU, memory, and GPU usage. Manage startup programs and services and end non-responsive tasks to keep Windows running smoothly.

Discover how the Microsoft Management Console centralizes Windows administration tools—snap-ins like Device Manager, Event Viewer, and Group Policy Editor—into a single configurable console for easier management.

Learn to use event viewer to monitor Windows logs for troubleshooting, focusing on system, security, and application logs, and interpret red errors, yellow warnings, and white information.

Explore how the Microsoft management console uses snap-ins—disk management, task scheduler, device manager, certificate manager, performance monitor, and group policy—to manage partitions, drivers, certificates, local users and groups.

Explore how to use system information (msinfo32) and msconfig to inspect hardware, drivers, and software on Windows, identify conflicts, and manage startup and services for troubleshooting.

Use disk cleanup to free space by removing temporary files and recycled items, and run the disk fragmentation tool to optimize HDD performance. Recognize that the registry editor should only be used with trusted guidance, and practice these tools hands-on.

Learn how to navigate windows with the command prompt, use commands to list, open, create, delete folders and files, and view help and drive navigation.

Learn to use ping and ipconfig to test connectivity and view network details, including icmp, unicast, and switches such as -t, -n, -l, -4/-6, and /all for interface data.

Map network drives with net use and monitor connections with net stat. Trace routes with traceroute and pathping, query DNS with nslookup, and check hostname.

Explore essential disk management commands in Windows, including chkdsk to fix errors and detect bad sectors, format to perform command-line formatting, and convert to change FAT32 to NTFS.

Learn essential Windows administrative commands for workstation management, including system file checker, shutdown options, and querying/updating group policies to ensure policy consistency whether standalone or domain-connected.

Open the control panel to access its applets and manage Windows 10 configurations. Switch to large icons for easier navigation.

Discover how to navigate the Windows control panel and its applets, including Internet options, devices and printers, programs and features, network settings, system, firewall, and power options.

Explore how the settings app centralizes Windows customization and maintenance. Navigate time and language, updates, privacy, personalization, devices, network, gaming, and accounts in one easy interface.

Discover how workgroups differ from domains, and how a domain controller with Active Directory centralizes user management and group policies, including joining and renaming computers.

Learn to share folders and printers on a Windows network, map a network drive via UNC or IP, and access shared resources from Windows Server and Windows 10.

Configure Windows Defender firewall rules to block all inbound traffic by default while allowing specific exceptions, such as FTP port 21, via inbound and outbound rules.

Unbox and explore the Mac M1, Mac OS hardware basics, ports, and system-on-a-chip design while comparing Mac and Windows for certification study, including virtualization notes and exam implications.

Explore macOS features essential for the CompTIA A+ exam, including app store downloads, dmg/pkg installers, Apple ID setup, time machine backups, updates, and system utilities like mission control and keychain.

Learn Mac OS basics, including VNC remote access, system preferences, display and network settings, printers, privacy, Time Machine backups, Mission Control, Keychain, Terminal, and Disk Utility.

Learn to download an ISO of a popular Linux distribution, install it on a VirtualBox virtual machine, allocate memory and disk space, and start practicing Linux commands with updates.

Explore the Linux interface and basic usage, configure network settings (dhcp or manual ip), adjust display, manage users and home folders, and practice Linux commands in the terminal.

Master Linux administration through the terminal, with occasional graphical use, and Samba for Windows interoperability. Practice essential Linux commands and permissions, including chmod and chown, plus backups and updates.

Learn additional linux commands, including dig for dns information, ip for ip addresses, and nano, cat, and less for editing, viewing, and navigating files on the desktop.

Learn Linux permissions and ownership with chown and chmod, assigning read, write, and execute to owner, group, and others, using sudo and user/group basics.

Learn essential Linux commands for the exam, including dd to copy partitions or disks, mount and format drives, grep with pipes, ps and kill for processes, and shutdown or reboot.

Learn to manage Linux software with apt-get commands for install, upgrade, and remove, and compare Debian-based apt with Red Hat's yum for updating and maintaining applications.

Explore how to install applications and assess 32-bit versus 64-bit software, system requirements, and distribution methods, using examples like QuickBooks and Office.

Understand physical security controls as part of a layered approach. Review access control vestibules, rfid, cctv, video surveillance, alarms, locks, biometrics, lighting, and guards.

Explore Windows security settings, including Defender antivirus with real-time protection, firewall and port configurations. Manage user accounts, local and Microsoft accounts, and sign-in options like pin, fingerprint, and single sign-on.

Explore Windows security configuration, covering NTFS and share permissions, inheritance, and the most restrictive rule, plus run as administrator, UAC, BitLocker with TPM, BitLocker to go, and EFS.

Understand how active directory and domain controllers manage log in and log off scripts, group policy, organizational units, roaming profiles, and folder redirection within a Windows environment.

discover how organizations replace shared keys with centralized authentication using radius or tacacs servers, enabling enterprise wireless with eap, kerberos, active directory, and multifactor options.

Explore wireless encryption protocols and how to secure networks with WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, including the role of pre-shared keys, RC4, and AES.

Discover malware types including viruses, worms, memory and boot viruses, macro viruses, ransomware such as cryptolocker, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and keyloggers, plus defenses like offline backups and anti-malware tools.

Update antivirus signatures automatically and enable the firewall to prevent malware, train users to spot phishing, and know how to use Windows recovery mode or safe mode to repair infections.

Explore common security threats, including DDoS and DoS attacks, botnets, zero-day exploits, spoofing, DNS poisoning, and password attacks, plus insider threats and web app flaws like XSS and SQL injection.

Identify common vulnerabilities by examining non-compliant systems, unpatched and unprotected machines, end-of-life OS, and BYOD risks, and learn how baseline policies, patch management, antivirus, firewalls, and MDM mitigate them.

Execute a seven-step malware removal process: verify symptoms, quarantine the system, disable restore, remediate with antivirus tools, use safe mode if needed, schedule scans, and train users to avoid phishing.

Learn practical workstation security by enabling BitLocker and EFS, enforcing strong, time-limited passwords, BIOS and screen-lock policies, and disabling autorun to protect PII and hardware.

Learn best practices for managing user accounts in Active Directory on Windows Server, including minimum privileges, login time restrictions, guest account removal, and password and lockout policies.

Master essential mobile device security practices for exams, including screen locks, biometrics or PINs, remote wipe, and regular updates. Cover encryption, backups, anti-malware, MDM, and IoT device safety.

Learn to permanently erase data on hard drives and solid state media using physical destruction, shredding, magnets, incineration, and standard or low-level formats, with third-party destruction certificates.

Explore a hands-on tp-link soho router setup for small office and home office, covering password changes, firmware updates, dhcp, ip reservation, static wan ip, port forwarding, dmz, and wpa2/3 security.

Explore browser security basics by selecting trusted sources, verifying certificates, managing extensions, using password managers, and enabling incognito mode, pop-up blockers, and data clearing to protect your privacy across devices.

Identify Windows issues such as blue screen of death, corrupted drivers or OS, memory dump and sluggish performance, and apply fixes using task manager, SFC, system repair, and reinstall options.

Learn practical Windows troubleshooting methods from rebooting and restarting services to uninstalling and reinstalling apps, verifying requirements, running SFC, reimaging, rolling back updates, and rebuilding user profiles.

Explore four core Windows troubleshooting utilities, including the Windows Recovery Environment, System Restore, Safe Mode, and Reset this PC, plus command prompts and System File Checker to repair the OS.

Learn practical fixes for common mobile device issues, including app crashes, updates, battery health, background apps, and connectivity, with step-by-step tips like uninstalling, reinstalling, and factory resets.

Explore mobile security concerns and malware risks on Android and iOS, including trusted sources, jailbreaking and root access risks, and symptoms like high network traffic.

Identify common security issues from malware, such as blocked network access and false antivirus alerts. Learn basic remediation like malware scans and system repair.

Use a ticketing system like SolarWinds to document user issues, track tickets, and prioritize and escalate problems. Manage assets with tags, barcodes, and RFID for inventory, lifecycle, licensing, and assignments.

Explore common IT documentation like acceptable use policy, SOPs, incident documentation, onboarding and termination checklists, while understanding regulatory compliance, data handling, encryption, and network diagrams.

Master change management by enforcing authorization, rollback plans, sandbox testing, and clear roles, including change request forms and change advisory boards, to prevent unauthorized changes and reduce risk.

Explore network backup essentials, including archive bit, backup testing, and daily backups; compare full, incremental, differential, and synthetic backups with rotation schemes and the 3-1 rule for offsite backups.

Protect computer equipment by managing static electricity with anti-static wrist straps, bags, and mats, maintain proper humidity, and follow safety procedures to disconnect power and use fire safety gear.

Learn environmental controls for computer hardware, including material safety data sheets, safe disposal of toner and batteries, temperature and humidity, dust cleaning, and power protection with ups and surge protectors.

Respond to incidents with documented procedures and preserve evidence through the chain of custody. Explore licensing and regulations, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, PII, and data retention requirements.

Cultivate professionalism by mastering customer communication, active listening, and respectful, distraction-free service. Learn to set expectations, preserve confidentiality, and de-escalate difficult calls to deliver the best client experience.

Explore core scripting concepts in Windows with PowerShell, batch files, and other scripts, focusing on automation and service management. Learn exam-ready knowledge of script types and how scripting improves administration.

Set up and use remote desktop and quick assist to connect to and control machines, explore VPN and VNC/SSH options, and consider security measures like multifactor authentication.

Prepare to take and pass your A+ exam on the first try. Then celebrate, share your certification on LinkedIn, and begin pursuing the next IT certification and career opportunities.

Explore how AI, though not new, evolves continuously and can perceive, learn from data, and communicate with humans to support project management tasks, while advising to verify results.

Explore the three core elements of artificial intelligence—perception, prediction, and planning—as they process company data to understand environments, forecast outcomes, and generate actionable plans.

Explore the two types of AI—narrow AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI)—and distinguish current narrow implementations like chatbots, predictive analytics, and facial recognition from the future potential of AGI.

Explore the technology underpinning AI, including machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing and generation, and computer vision, with real-world examples like ChatGPT and autonomous driving.

Explore generative AI, which creates new content from prompts—text, images, and video—and learn how large language models and prompts enable content generation and summarization.

Craft precise prompts to improve AI responses, starting broad and refining with region, project details, and examples. Treat prompts like conversations; use context to narrow results and boost accuracy.

Explore genai limitations, including security risks, data biases, inconsistencies, and potential ip or data exposure. See ai as a tool that supports experts, not a substitute for verification and ethics.

Off-the-shelf AI products excel at prompt-based tasks but may not handle anomaly detection, predictive analytics, or autonomous systems, and require alignment with use case, licensing, and biases.