CompTIA - Systems Support Specialist (A+/ Linux+)

Curriculum

CompTIA A+ 220-901

Hardware

• Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC
• Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose and properties
• Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features
• Install and configure PC expansion cards
• Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
• Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods
• Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose
• Install a power supply based on given specifications
• Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs
• Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features
• Identify common PC connector types and associated cables
• Install and configure common peripheral devices
• Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings
• Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process
• Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance

Networking

• Identify the various types of network cables and connectors
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling
• Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
• Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose
• Compare and contrast various Wi-Fi networking standards and encryption types
• Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/ wired router and apply appropriate settings
• Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types and their features
• Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features
• Use appropriate networking tools

Mobile Devices

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components
• Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop
• Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
• Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
• Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
• Troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools

CompTIA A+ 220-902

Windows Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1)
• Install Windows PC operating systems using appropriate methods
• Apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools
• Use appropriate Microsoft operating system features and tools
• Use Windows Control Panel utilities
• Install and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
• Perform common preventive maintenance procedures using the appropriate Windows OS tools

Other Operating Systems and Technologies

• Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and Linux operating systems
• Set up and use client-side virtualisation
• Identify basic cloud concepts
• Summarise the properties and purpose of services provided by networked hosts
• Identify basic features of mobile operating systems
• Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email
• Summarise methods and data related to mobile device synchronisation

Security

• Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities
• Compare and contrast common prevention methods
• Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS security settings
• Deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation
• Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices
• Use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
• Secure SOHO wireless and wired networks

Software Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common PC security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
• Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues with appropriate tools

Operational Procedures

• Use appropriate safety procedures
• Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts, apply the appropriate controls
• Summarise the process of addressing prohibited content/ activity, and explain privacy, licensing and policy concepts
• Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism
• Explain the troubleshooting theory

CompTIA Linux+ Exam 103

Topic 101: System Architecture

• Determine and configure hardware settings
• Boot the system
• Change runlevels / boot targets and shutdown or reboot system

Topic 102:Linux Installation and Package Management

• Design hard disk layout
• Install a boot manager
• Manage shared libraries
• Use Debian package management
• Use RPM and YUM package management

Topic 103: GNU and Unix Commands

• Work on the command line
• Process text streams using filters
• Perform basic file management
• Use streams, pipes and redirects
• Create, monitor and kill processes
• Modify process execution priorities
• Search text files using regular expressions
• Perform basic file editing operations using vi

Topic 104: Devices, Linux Filesystems, Filesystem Hierarchy Standard

• Create partitions and filesystems
• Maintain the integrity of filesystems
• Control mounting and unmounting of filesystems
• Manage disk quotas
• Manage file permissions and ownership
• Create and change hard and symbolic links
• Find system files and place files in the correct location

CompTIA Linux+ Exam 104

Topic 105: Shells, Scripting and Data Management

• Customise and use the shell environment
• Customise or write simple scripts
• SQL data management

Topic 106: User Interfaces and Desktops

• Install and configure X11
• Setup a display manager
• Accessibility

Topic 107: Administrative Tasks

• Manage user and group accounts and related system files
• Automate system administration tasks by scheduling jobs
• Localisation and internationalisation

Topic 108: Essential System Services

• Maintain system time
• System logging
• Mail Transfer Agent (MTA) basics
• Manage printers and printing

Topic 109: Networking Fundamentals

• Fundamentals of internet protocols
• Basic network configuration
• Basic network troubleshooting
• Configure client side DNS

Topic 110: Security

• Perform security administration tasks
• Setup host security
• Securing data with encryption