How to Prepare for 220-601 exam

The CompTIA test 220-601 (A+ Essentials) is meant for entry-level computer technicians. This test measures an individual’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware on a stand-alone computer as well as on a computer in a network. Before taking the 220-601 test, you should practice the following:

1. Identify the name of different parts in a computer and their functions and characteristics.
2. Install the motherboard in the computer case.
3. Identify the components on the motherboard, such as hard disk controller, floppy disk controller, CMOS chip, expansion slots, etc.
4. Install and remove memory modules on the motherboard.
5. Install add-on cards, such as display card, sound card, internal modem, etc., on the motherboard.
6. Install device drivers for add-on cards installed on the motherboard.
7. Install a CPU fan.
8. Connect power supply connectors to the motherboard, hard disk drive, floppy drive, etc.
9. Create partitions on the hard disk drive and format partitions.
10. Install operating systems.
11. Identify system resource conflicts, such as IRQ conflict and I/O address conflict, between devices.
12. Configure important settings such as boot sequence, date and time, floppy disk drive parameters, hard disk drive parameters, etc., in BIOS.
13. Install and remove CMOS battery.
14. Provide and erase an existing password from BIOS.
15. Identify various types of communication ports such as serial port, parallel port, USB port, IEEE 1394 port, etc.
16. Identify procedures for installing and configuring common SCSI devices.
17. Identify types of network cables, their characteristics and connectors.
18. Install network interface cards on two computers and create a computer network using RG-58 co-axial cable.
19. Create a network using hub.
20. Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of the common network cables and connectors.
21. Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for printers and scanners.
22. Identify various types of preventive maintenance measures, products, and procedures including liquid cleaning compounds, types of materials to clean contacts and connections, monitors, removable media devices, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), suppressors, etc.
23. Identify potential safety hazards.
24. Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent documentation and appropriate equipment documentation.
25. Install service packs, patches, malicious software prevention tools.
26. Recognize and respond appropriately to social engineering attack situations.
27. Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of wireless security such as Wireless encryption (e.g., WEP.x and WPA.x), and Access points (e.g., disable DHCP/use static IP, change SSID from default, disable SSID broadcast, MAC filtering, change default username and password, update firmware, and firewall)
28. Identify characteristics of hardware and software security such as Smart cards/biometrics and Authentication technologies.
29. Practice using clear, concise, and direct statements while discussing with customers.
30. Practice to maintain a positive attitude and tone of voice when talking to customers.