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.

Master performance based questions (Pbqs) on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam by quick skimming, flagging, and prioritizing multiple choice questions over simulations.

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.

Identify the most specific, correct answer on exams with multiple correct options. Focus on specific causes like backlight failures and aging hardware to sharpen troubleshooting decisions.

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 VirtualBox on a Windows 11 host by downloading, accepting the EULA, and installing Python when prompted, then complete the setup for the VirtualBox manager used in the course labs.

Learn to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox, from downloading the ISO and configuring hardware to a local-account oobe setup. Then take a snapshot, enable networking, remove the ISO, and update.

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.

Demonstrates configuring vnic on VirtualBox virtual machines by switching from NAT to bridged adapter to enable internet connectivity and network visibility across devices.

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.

Demonstrate downloading and installing Putty on Windows 11, selecting the 64-bit x86 installer, and launching Putty, with notes on SSH for networking devices.

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.

Unbox a $30 Soho router and inspect its four antennas and activity lights. Review the LAN and WAN ports, power barrel connector, Ethernet cable, and activation instructions for wi-fi labs.

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.

Launch a free Windows cloud server on EC2, choose Windows Server 2025 base for free tier, create a key pair, connect via RDP, and terminate to avoid charges.

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.

Sign up for Cisco Networking Academy, download and install Cisco Packet Tracer on Windows, Mac OS, or Ubuntu, then log in to practice configuring networks with the emulation tool.

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.

Configure a PC in Cisco Packet Tracer via GUI, set global settings, assign a static IP on Fast Ethernet zero, and explore the command prompt and web browser.

Demonstrate configuring servers in Cisco Packet Tracer by dragging a server into the workspace, editing global settings for gateway and DNS, and setting a static IP, with server services illustrated.

Use the fast forward function in Cisco packet tracer to speed up convergence by advancing the emulation until switches communicate.

Create, move, and edit notes in Cisco Packet Tracer to document router interface details, such as an IP address, then exit with escape key and save updates, without configuring devices.

Explore how sniffers in Cisco's packet tracer read traffic between devices, selecting a single direction on port zero or port one, and inspect packets to study network protocols.

Save network configurations in Cisco Packet Tracer by using the save as option, choosing a location, and confirming the save, then reopen the saved file to resume work.

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.

Clarify hardware as tangible components you can touch, from cables and CPUs to RAM and drives, and software as downloadable or website-based programs.

Understand what an operating system is and how it lets you use the whole computer. Get a quick overview of Windows, Mac OS, and Linux for core one prep.

Explore how adapters convert hardware form factors or add functionality to a PC, from USB-C to USB-C and USB to Wi‑Fi to PCIe NIC expansion cards.

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.

Discover how the CMOS battery powers BIOS/UEFI settings and system time, why a failing battery causes lost BIOS changes and wrong time, and how to replace a CR2032.

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 the power supply unit and its role in powering a computer, including common connectors (molex, sata, 24-pin atx, cpu, pcie) and modular cables with 80 plus gold wattage.

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.

Explore how a graphics processing unit supports the CPU, from integrated to dedicated GPUs, and how 4K display, GDDR6 memory, PCIe Gen, power, and outputs shape GPU choices.

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.

Explore how mobile device microphones record audio and function like other computer mics, with pre-installed plug‑and‑play drivers and replaceable hardware.

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.