Comptia A+ Lesson 3

Problem Solving

Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences.

Context

Corporate Policies, Procedures, Impacts

Troubleshooting step 1

Identify the problem

Troubleshooting step 2

Establish a theory

Troubleshooting step 3

Test the theory

Troubleshooting step 4

Establish a Plan of Action

Troubleshooting step 5

Verify full system functionality

Troubleshooting step 6

Document findings

System Firmware

Software that is embedded in a hardware device. It provides low-level control for the device and is often stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM, Flash ROM, or EPROM. It provides the basic instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A firmware that is crucial for initializing hardware during the booth process. It runs self-test (POST), loads the operating system, and manages data flow between the OS an attached devices.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

Modern firmware interface replacing BIOS, offering improved functionality, security, and hardware support.

Accessing system setup

Accessing system setup involves pressing a specific key during boot (Del, F2, etc.) to configure hardware settings and boot order.

Boot device selection and priority

Boot device selection sets the order a computer uses to boot from storage devices in BIOS or UEFI, essential for OS installation and troubleshooting.

USB permissions

USB permissions manage access rights for USB devices, crucial for security and data protection.

Fan considerations

Fan considerations are important for managing system temperature to prevent overheating.

System password

User-defined password required to access the system. Ensures security.

User password

Password for user account security.

Secure Boot

Security feature ensuring only trusted software runs during startup.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

A specification for hardware-based storage of digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and hashed passwords.
Compares hashes of key system state data to ensure they have not been tampered with.

Hardware Security Module

a tamper-resistant physical device that protects and manages cryptographic keys and performs cryptographic functions

No Power Symptoms

No indicator lights, Fans do not start

No Power possible causes

• Circuit fault or power blackout

• Socket fault

• Switches and cables/connectors

• Overloaded and faulty devices

• Power Supply