CompTIA A+ Core 1(220-1201) Personal Study deck

Studying for A+ Comptia Cert 2026

PC

Input, processing, storage, and output

Workstations

Typical desktop computer/PC with a tower based cased of all-in-one design

Servers

Powerful machines that can multitask simultaneously and host services. Only gets remoted into for configurations.

Tablets

Touchscreen interface, very portable. Runs OS (IOS, Android) without keyboard & mouse. Slimmed down laptops with specialized PS, mostly for consumption

Smart phone

Smaller tablets that also run OS( IOS, Android) with computing and communication abilities

Laptops

Portable workstations that run desktop OS (Mac OS, Windows, Linux). Operating with batteries that help with mobility

Smart Devices

Performs specific functions, usually lacking traditional input (mouse/keyboard), usually with voice recognition

Internet of Things (IOT)

Devices that connect to a network but doesn’t fit neatly into other categories

Key Types of Computers

• Workstations

• Servers

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Smart phones

• Smart Devices

• Internet of Things (IOT)

4 Main Areas of Safety

• Personal

• Component

• Electrical

• Chemical

3 Main Computer Components

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Firmware

Hardware

All physical parts of a computer, input and output

• Input: Mouse, keyboard, central/graphics processing units (CPU/GPU)

• Output: Speakers, monitors, printers

Software

Programs and OS that instruct hardware on what to do

1. OS (Windows, linux, etc)

2. Application Software (Microsoft word & Powerpoint)

3. Drivers (Help OS communicate with underlying hardware of a computer system

Firmware

Software embedded in hardware components. Often referred to as software on a chip and crucial for hardware functions. Usually updated by process known as flashing

Personal Safety

Preventing injuries while working

• Avoid trip hazards

• proper lifting techniques

• Safety goggles, gloves and masks

Electrical Safety

Computers, servers, etc equipment— protection from electrocution

• Always unplug computers before working inside one

Component Safety

Preventing damage to components

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

• Prevention can include antistatic bags, ESH wriststrap, & ESD mat

Electrostatic Dischage (ESD)

Primary component threat, Occurs when electrons transfer from a statically charged boidy to an uncharged component which can damage it via electric shock

Chemical Safety

Hazardous materials that need protective hear & proper disposal methods

• Material Safety Data Sheet: Provides details on ingredients, health risks, precautions, and first aid measures

Computer Parts

• Motherboard

• CPU

• Power Supply

• Memory

• Storage

• Cooling Fan

Troubleshooting Methology

1. Identify the problem

2. Establish theory of probable cause

3. Test the theory to find the cause

4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution

5. Verify full system functionality

6. Document findings, actions, & outcome

Bits/Bytes

How computers measure data transfer & storage

Bit

Binary digit; Can only store only 1 or 2 values (1 or 0)

Nibble

4 bits

Byte / Octet

8 Bits

Data Transfer measured in

Bits or magnitude of bits

Data Storage measured in

bytes

HDMI Port

HDMI Plug

Displayport

Displayport Cable

CD / DVD “Optical Device”

Allows to read/write info to system with optical device

Blue USB Ports

For super speed which operate at speeds of 5 GBps for SuperSpeed USB 3.0

Black USB Ports

For USB 2.0 which are better for mics, headphones, keyboards, etc

White USB Ports

For USB 1.0 types, up to 12 Mbps

Red USB Ports

For USB 3.1/3.2 for Fast Charging, up to 10 Gbps+

Yellow USB Ports

For sleeping and charging, “always-on power” with variable speeds so the port is always-on even if the computer is in sleep mode or turned off. Can be USB 2.0, or 3.0, must identify further with SS symbol

USB 3.0 ports have this symbol, 5 Gbps

USB 3.0 port for 10 Gbit/s

Serial Port

Serial Port

For PDAs (perosnal digital assistant aka old mobile handheld computers) and serial devices, transfers info one bit at a time

DVI (Digital Video Interface)

Older stle that’s largely replaced with HDMI & Displayports with modern machines

DVI Port

Mini displayport

Mini DVI

Micro DVI

S-Video Port

S-Video Port

transmit standard-definition analog video signals between devices (typically for older gaming consoles, laptops/computers, or old video capture cards like VHS tapes

Ethernet Port/Network Jack/RJ45
For ethernet access to local area network over wired connection for high speed internet

VGA Port

PS/2 Port for mouse (Green) /keyboard (purple)

Microphone audio mini jack socket

Stereo line-in audio jack socket to capture audio from external devices

ex. MP3 players, CD players, etc

Stereo line-out audio jack socket, primary audio output for most computers/motherboards.

ex. earbuds, headphones, speakers

Subwoofer

Subwoofer

Surround sound: Only 1 needed for low frequency effects, whether it’s 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound

x rooms are better with 7.1 surround sound

Larger

x rooms are better with 5.1 surround sound

Smaller/ asymetric, or medium rooms sitting ~ 12 ft (4 meters) from the TV

S/PDIF Connector

(Optical Connector) that allows high quality audio to surround sound system, used instead of copper based 1/8th mini jacks

S/PDIF

Kensington Lock

Allows you to place a metal cable from desk to computer tower to make sure it can’t be stolen from that location

Populat with laptops

Superspeed USB 2.0 symbol

USB Superspeed Symbol for

• USB 3.2 Gen 1×1

• USB 3.1 Gen 1

• USB 3.0

SuperSpeed+ symbol for

• USB 3.2 Gen 2×1

• USB 3.1 Gen 2

• USB 3.1

USB Superspeed+ for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2

SuperSpeed+ for USB 4.0

USB Type A

Used with old 1.0, 1.1, & 2.0 standards and still supported in USB 3 and above.

• Only allows insertion in 1 direction, letting pins align

• commonly used on most desktops and laptops

• Most common USB

USB Type B

Older USB 2.0 devices that can only be inserted in 1 direction. Comes with a mini and micro version

Standard USB Type B Port for 2.0/1.1, usually on large devices (ex. printers)

Standard USB Type B for 3.0, usually o large devices (ex. printer)

USB Type B Mini Connector, often found on earlier tablets and smartphones, 2.0/1.1

USB Type B 2.0/1.1 Micro Connector which is shorter and skinnier compared to the mini. Usually on small devices (ex. smart watches)

USB Type B 3.0 micro connector which is shorter and skinnier when compared to Type B mini. Often used for portable storage devices (ex. external hard drive)

3 USB Type B Connectors

1. Standard

2. Mini

3. Micro

USB Type C

Used with USB 3 and USB 4

• Can be inserted either direction

• Common in modern tablets, laptops, and smart phones bc it’s small form factor and speed

USB 3.0 Type B

Usually for printers and scanners. Doesn’t have equivalent type B mini connectors like USB 1.0 & 2.0. Instead it uses a type B micro connector which is different from USB 2 Type B micro connector

USB 3.0 Type B Micro Connector

Figure 8 shape, often for portable storage devices (ex. external hard drive). Can operate at fast speeds of 6 Gbps or more. Comon with older tablets and smart phones

USB 4

Inside tech that determines how fast data moves & how much power the cable can handle. Offers compatibility so older 3.x devices can be plugged in and vice versa BUT speed will default to slowest component in the chain

• all use Type-C shapes but not all Type-C ports support this USB

Lightning port

USB Type A pic

USB Type C pic

Micro-USB B pic

Mini USB B pic

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Can provide power to smaller devices as long as you’re using the correct port and cable length. Can allow more than 1 device connection to a single USB port, up to 127 connected devices aka Daisy Chain

Daisy Chain

In multiple formats can turn 1 port to 4 and continously up to 127 devices. Ex. USB hub

Serial Cables

Older gen cables that originally connected to computers using DB9 or DB25 connectors. These connections can only have 1 device plugged into 1 port, making it limited as computers thend to have 1-3 of these ports.

• Very slow data transmissions because it’s sent 1 bit at a time and measured in bits per second with max speed of 115 Kbps.

• Largely replaced by faster USB connections but occasionally used in specific situations (ex. connecting to communication ports on routers or switches)

Serial cable Max Speed

115 Kbps

DB9 Serial Cable

• Common D-shape and requires thumb screws to secure cable to PC port.

• For slow speed connections, generally older mice, keyboards, and external modem

DB9 Serial Cable

DB25 Serial Cable

USB Cable Types

• 1.0

• 1.1

• 2.0

• 3.0

• 3.1 Gen 1

• 3.1 Gen 2

• 3.1 Gen 3

• 4.0

USB 1.0

Slow in modern day but first replacing serial devices for speed making it 10-12x more faster

USB 1.0 Speed

Max speed of 1.5 Mbps

USB 1.1

Allowed devices to transfer data up to 12Mbps, 10-12x faster than 1.0

USB 1.1 Speed

Up to 12 Mbps

USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 limits

5 meters (~15 ft) of cable distance

USB 2.0

High Speed USB, transfering data up to 480 Mbps

USB 3.0

• SuperSpeed USB

• Has multiple generations (3)

• Any time you see a port with SS

USB 3.0+ limits

Returns to 3 meters (~ 9 ft) of distance as otherwise speeds will drop quickly

Shorter cables of x ft or less have better signals

9