CompTIA A+ version 15 - Core 1 (220-1201) - 2026

Learn exam strategies for CompTIA A+ core 1, including managing time, prioritizing multiple-choice questions, flagging PBCs, and using elimination to answer confidently.

Learn to identify the most probable cause in troubleshooting by comparing plausible options. A print job example shows that a too-big file is more likely than failures or driver issues.

Prioritize fixes that restore internet for the most end users by evaluating which hardware solves the most devices, such as choosing a router over NICs, switches, or access points.

Install a Kali Linux virtual machine in VirtualBox by downloading the Kali image, extracting with seven zip, importing the .vbox file, then booting and configuring display settings for lab use.

Open VirtualBox, select a virtual machine, and take a preview snapshot; create a file in Ubuntu, then restore to post file to demonstrate safe, reversible changes.

Learn to download and install Wireshark on Windows 11, launch the app, and begin capturing network traffic to analyze networking protocols.

Install and run Wireshark on Ubuntu Linux via the terminal, then start capture with sudo wireshark; read traffic by double-clicking the interface.

Discover how to use ChatGPT to study for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, while validating AI answers against course materials and noting potential AI hallucinations.

Configure a soho router through the browser by accessing 192.168.10.1 and creating a password. Confirm settings after login, selecting country us and time zone, with a factory reset if needed.

Factory reset the Soho router by holding the back reset button for five seconds, then release and wait for the wifi light to indicate completion.

Learn how to create a free AWS account, verify email and phone, enter billing info, and log in to explore AWS services, useful for the CompTIA exam.

Learn to create a free Linux cloud server on AWS EC2, select Ubuntu Server 24, configure a key pair for SSH login, and terminate the instance when finished.

Explore the differences between a gui and a cli for configuring networking devices, noting gui for visuals and cli for speed and automation; the course uses both for wireless configurations.

Learn why Cisco dominates networking, especially in Ethernet switching and routers, and explore Cisco iOS as the operating system for devices; see how Cisco configuration translates to other vendors' gear.

Enter privileged exec mode with enable, use config t (or configure terminal) to enter global configuration mode, the baseline command for configuring any Cisco device.

Use the up and down arrows to cycle through Cisco's iOS command history in Packet Tracer, reusing or correcting earlier commands without retyping.

Master Cisco iOS shorthand commands to type incomplete inputs for speed and efficiency, using config t and int g01 while avoiding ambiguous, competing options that block autofill.

Demonstrates using Cisco Packet Tracer cables to connect a 2911 router and a 2960 switch, showing straight-through and automatic cable options, selecting interfaces, moving, and deleting cables.

Demonstrates how Ctrl+Shift+6 cancels Packet Tracer's attempt to find non-existent PCs when DNS isn't used, saving time during lab setup.

Define a pc as a personal computer and identify common computing devices—desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone—and note that pc often means desktop, though not on the exam.

Explore the nine core computer hardware components essential to building or troubleshooting a PC, including case, motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, PSU, RAM, hard drive, GPU, and peripherals.

Demonstrates using pcpartpicker to build a pc by choosing a Ryzen 7 5700, compatible components, and price comparisons across retailers for buying.

Understand CPU, the brain of the computer, with its cores and hyperthreading, and x86/x64 instructions. Learn to match CPU form factors and sockets and install a cooler with thermal paste.

Explore cpu cooler types for laptops and desktops, including heat spreaders, aluminum blocks, and liquid cooling, and learn installation basics, thermal paste importance, and how to read cooler specs.

Explore random access memory as the computer's short-term memory, covering form factor, ddr generations, speed and latency, capacity, and best practices for matching sticks and installation.

Explore hard drives as non-volatile storage and compare HDDs and SSDs by capacity, form factor (3.5, 2.5, m.2), and speed, with installation and pcpartpicker research tips.

Compare and contrast PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones by size and form factor, while noting they share core components: case, motherboard, processor, memory, hard drives, power supply, GPU, and peripherals.

Learn how to safely disassemble a laptop by removing the back panel with screwdrivers and a shim, gaining access to replaceable components beneath the bottom panel.

Understand wireless NICs and wifi cards used in laptops and mobile devices. Learn plug-and-play driver behavior, and step-by-step to swap a laptop wireless card and reattach antennas.

Explore built-in privacy and security components on laptops and mobile devices. Review camera covers, biometrics like fingerprint and facial scanners, near-field key card readers, and the plug-and-play drivers.

Learn to close a laptop after a repair by sliding the bottom in with the tabs, closing the panel, and tightening the screws to finish the assembly.

Understand real world IT priorities beyond the A+ exam for mobile device hardware. Recognize how RAM and hard drive upgrades fit enterprise IT, and how warranties outsource repairs.