Sim-Ex™ Tutorial for A+ Essentials

1.0 Personal Computer Components

1.1 Identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers

1.2 Install, configure, optimize and upgrade personal computer components
  • Add, remove and configure internal and external storage devices
    • Drive preparation of internal storage devices including format / file systems and imaging technology
  • Install display devices
  • Add, remove and configure basic input and multimedia devices

1.3 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components

  • Recognize the basic aspects of troubleshooting theory for example:
    • Perform backups before making changes
    • Assess a problem systematically and divide large problems into smaller components to be analyzed individually
    • Verify even the obvious, determine whether the problem is something simple and make no assumptions
    • Research ideas and establish priorities
    • Document findings, actions and outcomes
  • Identify and apply basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for example:
    • Identify the problem including questioning user and identifying user changes to computer 
    • Analyze the problem including potential causes and make an initial determination of software and / or hardware problems
    • Test related components including inspection, connections, hardware / software configurations, device manager and consult vendor documentation
    • Evaluate results and take additional steps if needed such as consultation, use of alternate resources, manuals
    • Document activities and outcomes
  • Recognize and isolate issues with display, power, basic input devices, storage, memory, thermal, POST errors (e.g. BIOS, hardware)
  • Apply basic troubleshooting techniques to check for problems (e.g. thermal issues, error codes, power, connections including cables and / or pins, compatibility, functionality, software / drivers ) with components for example:
    • Motherboards
    • Power supply
    • Processor / CPUs
    • Memory
    • Display devices
    • Input devices
    • Adapter cards
  • Recognize the names, purposes, characteristics and appropriate application of tools for example: BIOS, self-test, hard drive self-test and software diagnostics test

1.4 Perform preventive maintenance on personal computer components

  • Identify and apply basic aspects of preventive maintenance theory for example:
    • Visual / audio inspection
    • Driver / firmware updates
    • Scheduling preventive maintenance
    • Use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials
    • Ensuring proper environment
  • Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for devices such as input devices and batteries

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