CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)

Master Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. Use flashcards for active recall and the quick reference guides for rapid review before exam day.

DOMAIN 1.0
Operating Systems
31%
DOMAIN 2.0
Security
25%
DOMAIN 3.0
Software Troubleshooting
22%
DOMAIN 4.0
Operational Procedures
22%
90
Max Questions
90
Minutes
700
Passing Score (900)
4
Exam Domains

🎯 Exam Strategy

  • For troubleshooting questions, always follow the 6-step methodology in exact order.
  • Know the difference between Windows, macOS, and Linux command-line tools.
  • Memorize the 6 steps of malware removal and the 7 steps of printer troubleshooting.
  • Pay attention to "FIRST", "BEST", and "MOST likely" qualifiers in questions.

🔥 High-Frequency Topics

  • OS: File systems (NTFS, APFS, ext4), boot methods, virtualization.
  • Security: Physical security, logical security (BitLocker, FileVault), UAC.
  • Troubleshooting: Mobile device issues, common printer errors (ghosting, streaks).
  • Procedures: Change management, ESD safety, disaster recovery (RTO/RPO).

Flashcards

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Quick Reference

Essential commands, methodologies, and specifications for rapid review.

Windows CLI Essentials

  • ipconfig /all – View full network configuration.
  • ipconfig /flushdns – Clear local DNS resolver cache.
  • sfc /scannow – Scan and repair protected system files.
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth – Repair Windows image.
  • chkdsk C: /f /r – Check disk for errors and recover bad sectors.
  • bootrec /fixmbr – Repair Master Boot Record.
  • gpupdate /force – Immediately apply Group Policy settings.
  • netstat -an – Show active network connections and ports.

macOS / Linux CLI Essentials

  • ls -la – List all files, including hidden, with detailed permissions.
  • chmod 755 file – Change file permissions (rwxr-xr-x).
  • chown user:group file – Change file ownership.
  • sudo – Execute a command with superuser (root) privileges.
  • grep "text" file – Search for a specific string within a file.
  • ps aux – Display currently running processes.
  • kill -9 [PID] – Forcefully terminate a process by ID.
  • df -h – Display disk space usage in human-readable format.

CompTIA 6-Step Troubleshooting

  1. Identify the problem: Gather info, question user, identify symptoms, establish theory.
  2. Establish a theory of probable cause: Question the obvious, consider multiple approaches.
  3. Test the theory: If confirmed, move to next step. If not, re-establish theory or escalate.
  4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects.
  5. Implement the solution or escalate as necessary.
  6. Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures. Document findings.

6 Steps of Malware Removal

  1. Investigate and verify malware symptoms.
  2. Quarantine the infected systems.
  3. Disable System Restore in Windows (to prevent reinfection from restore points).
  4. Remediate the infected systems (update anti-malware, scan, delete).
  5. Schedule scans and run updates.
  6. Enable System Restore and educate the end user.

Logical Security Features

  • BitLocker: Full-disk encryption for Windows (requires TPM).
  • FileVault: Full-disk encryption for macOS.
  • LUKS: Linux Unified Key Setup (full-disk encryption for Linux).
  • UAC: User Account Control (prevents unauthorized system changes).
  • Firewall: Filters inbound/outbound network traffic based on rules.

Physical Security Controls

  • Cable lock: Secures laptops to a desk.
  • Mantrap: Double-door entry system to prevent tailgating.
  • Smart card / Badge: Proximity-based physical access control.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprint, retina, or facial recognition scanners.
SymptomMost Likely CauseResolution
Vertical white streaksDirty or damaged imaging drum / low tonerClean drum or replace toner cartridge.
Ghosting (repeating images)Failing fuser assemblyReplace the fuser assembly.
Paper jams at pickupWorn or dirty pickup rollerClean or replace the pickup roller.
Creased or wrinkled paperMisaligned paper guides or damp paperAdjust guides, use fresh, dry paper.
Faint or light printLow toner or incorrect print density settingsShake toner cartridge or adjust density.
Printer outputs blank pagesSealed toner cartridge not opened / emptyRemove sealing tape or replace cartridge.

Domain Notes

Condensed, high-yield study notes organized by exam objective.

OS Installation & Configuration 31%

  • Installation Methods: Network boot (PXE), USB flash drive, optical media, solid-state drive cloning.
  • Partitioning: Primary (bootable), Extended (contains logical drives), Logical (inside extended).
  • File Systems: NTFS (Windows default, supports permissions/encryption), FAT32 (max 4GB file size, highly compatible), exFAT (optimized for flash drives, >4GB files), APFS (macOS default), ext4 (Linux default).
  • Boot Methods: UEFI (modern, supports Secure Boot, faster, uses GPT) vs. Legacy BIOS (older, uses MBR).

Windows Features & Tools

  • Task Manager: Monitor processes, performance, startup apps.
  • Event Viewer: View system, security, and application logs.
  • Device Manager: Update, rollback, or disable hardware drivers.
  • Disk Management: Initialize disks, create partitions, format drives.
  • System Configuration (msconfig): Manage boot options and services.

Physical & Logical Security 25%

  • Physical: Badge readers, biometric scanners, cable locks, privacy filters, mantraps.
  • Logical (Windows): BitLocker (requires TPM), EFS (Encrypting File System), UAC (prompts for admin approval), Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Logical (macOS): FileVault (full-disk encryption), Gatekeeper (blocks unsigned apps), SIP (System Integrity Protection).
  • Logical (Linux): LUKS (disk encryption), iptables/ufw (firewall), sudo (privilege escalation).

Wireless & Network Security

  • SOHO Security: Change default SSID and admin passwords, disable WPS, use WPA2/WPA3, disable remote management.
  • Firewalls: Software (host-based) vs. Hardware (network-based). Filter by IP, port, and protocol.
  • Malware: Know the difference between viruses (need host), worms (self-propagating), Trojans (disguised), and ransomware (encrypts for ransom).

Mobile Device Troubleshooting 22%

  • Battery draining quickly: Close background apps, reduce screen brightness, disable GPS/Bluetooth, check for rogue apps.
  • Overheating: Remove case, close intensive apps, avoid direct sunlight, check for malware.
  • Frozen / unresponsive: Force restart (hard reset), clear app cache, safe mode boot.
  • Poor connectivity: Toggle Airplane mode, forget/rejoin Wi-Fi network, check APN settings (cellular).

PC & Printer Troubleshooting

  • Slow performance: Check Task Manager for high CPU/RAM usage, disable startup programs, scan for malware, check for failing HDD.
  • BSOD (Blue Screen of Death): Note the stop code. Common causes: faulty RAM, corrupt drivers, failing storage, overheating.
  • Printer offline: Check physical connections, set as default printer, clear print queue, restart print spooler service.

Safety & Environmental Procedures 22%

  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge): Use anti-static wrist straps, anti-static mats, and self-grounding before touching internal components.
  • Physical Safety: Proper lifting techniques (lift with legs, not back), be aware of heavy equipment, manage cables to prevent tripping.
  • Hazardous Materials: Follow local regulations for disposing of batteries (Li-ion), toner cartridges, and chemical solvents.

Change Management & Documentation

  • Change Management: Purpose is to minimize disruption. Steps: Request → Review (CAB) → Approve → Schedule → Implement → Document.
  • Documentation Types: Network diagrams (logical/physical), asset management (inventory), knowledge base (solutions to common problems), standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Disaster Recovery: RTO (Recovery Time Objective = max downtime), RPO (Recovery Point Objective = max data loss).

Acronym Glossary

Searchable database of essential A+ Core 2 terminology.

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