Chapter One. Introduction to the 220-801 Exam

The CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam is all about PC hardware, networking, and procedures. The majority of this exam covers the nuts and bolts of computer building.

In this chapter we’ll briefly discuss how the exam is categorized, give you some test-taking tips, and then prepare you to take the three 220-801 exams that follow this chapter.

Exam Breakdown

The CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam is divided up by domain. Each domain makes up a certain percentage of the test. The five domains of the A+ 220-801 exam and their respective percentages are listed in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1. 220-801 Domains

The 220-801 exam concentrates on the installation and configuration of hardware and devices. It doesn’t really get into troubleshooting—that is saved for the 220-802 exam.

Chances are that when you take the real CompTIA exam, you will see approximately 40 questions on PC hardware, 27 questions on networking, and so on. So it stands to reason that PC hardware should be the most important subject of your studies, due to the sheer bulk of the questions you will see.

Each domain has several or more objectives. There are far too many to list in this book (20 pages or so), but I do recommend you download a copy of the objectives for yourself. You can get them from:

http://www.comptia.org

Let’s talk about each domain briefly.

Domain 1.0: PC Hardware (40%)

This domain concerns building a computer and upgrading it. The core of a PC includes the motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Those are the guts of the computer so to speak. They are installed inside a computer case.

You are required to understand motherboard form factors and compatibility concerns as well as the ports, connectors, busses, and expansion slots of a motherboard. You should also know how to access, configure, and update the BIOS and understand the relationship between the BIOS, CMOS, and lithium battery.

Then there’s everything that connects to the motherboard: CPU and fan, RAM, expansion cards, hard drives, and optical drives. Plus there are all of the ports on a computer such as USB, FireWire, video, and audio ports. And finally, you should know some custom PC configurations such as gaming PCs, CAD/CAM workstations, and HTPCs and the hardware that those different types of systems require.

Domain 2.0: Networking (27%)

The Networking domain covers network standards, cabling, connectors, and tools. TCP/IP is also a big portion of this domain; you will undoubtedly see questions on IP addresses, ports, and protocols. You should be able to compare wired and wireless technologies and describe the various types of networking hardware available.

Domain 3.0: Laptops (11%)

The Laptops domain is a much smaller percentage than the PC Hardware domain. But remember that every domain is important. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to install and configure laptop hardware and software. You also should know how to operate laptops’ special functions such as dual displays, wireless, and Bluetooth.

Domain 4.0: Printers (11%)

Printer technologies such as laser, inkjet, thermal, and impact will definitely present themselves as questions on the exam. You should know how to install, configure, and share printers as well as perform printer maintenance.

Domain 5.0: Operational Procedures (11%)

This domain covers safety, environmental controls, how to deal with prohibited content, how to act professionally, and how to use proper communication skills.

Test-Taking Tips

My first recommendation is to take the exams slowly. Don’t rush it, especially on the first exam. Carefully read through each question. Some questions are tricky by design. Others may seem tricky if you lack knowledge in certain areas. Still other questions are somewhat vague, and that is intentional as well. You need to place yourself in the scenario of the question. Think of

yourself actually installing a CPU and heat sink, or imagine that you are upgrading a video card. Picture in your head the steps you must take to accomplish what the question is asking of you. Envision what you do with computers step-by-step, and the answers will come easier to you.

Next, read through all of the answers. Don’t just jump on the first one that seems correct to you. Look at each answer and ask yourself whether it is right or wrong. And if it is wrong, define why it is wrong. This will help you to eliminate wrong answers in the search for the correct answer. When you have selected an answer, be confident in your decision.

Finally, don’t get stuck on any one question. You can always mark it and return to it later. I’ll have more tips as we progress through the book, and I summarize all test-taking tips at the end of this book.

Getting Ready for the Practice Tests

The next three chapters feature practice tests based on the 220-801 exam. The first exam (Practice Exam A) is categorized by domain to help you study the concepts in order. It is also designed to be an easier exam than the other two. The other exams (Practice Exam B and Practice Exam C) are freestyle, which means the questions are mixed up to better simulate the real exam. Each exam is followed by in-depth explanations. Be sure to read them carefully. Don’t move on to another exam until you have mastered the first one. And by mastered I mean you should be scoring 90% or higher on the exam as well as within each of the individual domains. Really understand the concepts before moving on to another exam. This will make you an efficient test-taker and allow you to benefit the most from this book.

Consider timing yourself. Give yourself 90 minutes to complete each exam. Write down your answers on a piece of paper. When you are finished, if there is still time left, review your answers for accuracy.

Each exam gets progressively more difficult. Don’t get overconfident if you do well on the first exam; your skills will be tested more thoroughly as you progress. And don’t get too concerned if you don’t score 90% on the first try. That just means you need to study more and try the test again later. Keep studying and practicing!

After each exam is an answer key, followed by the in-depth answers/explanations. Don’t skip the explanations, even if you think you know the concept. I often insert little tidbits of knowledge that are on the periphery of the concept, but they serve to build you a stronger foundation of knowledge in general. In other words, I might branch off the main topic, but this is done so you can get a clearer, bigger picture of the 220-801 exam.

So take a deep breath, and let’s go!