CompTIA Strata Study Guide -- Contents -- Preface -- Introduction -- Assessment Test -- Part I: Understanding Computer Hardware -- Chapter 1: Processing and Memory -- Processors -- Processor Brands -- Processor Sockets -- Processor Speed and Performance -- Processor Cache -- Multicore Processors -- Cooling Fans and Heat Sinks -- Memory -- Memory Bus Speeds -- Physical Characteristics of RAM -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 2: Input and Storage Devices -- Core Input Devices -- Keyboards -- Pointing Devices -- Internal and External Storage Devices -- Hard Drives -- Compact Disc Drives -- DVD Drives -- Flash RAM Storage -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 3: Peripherals and Networking -- Peripheral Devices -- Printers -- Monitors -- Sound Systems -- Scanners -- Digital Cameras -- TV Tuners -- Networking -- Clients and Servers -- Ethernet -- Wireless Networking -- Bluetooth -- Networking Protocols -- TCP/ IP -- Internet Connections -- Hardware for Internet Connections -- DNS Servers -- HTTP and HTTPS -- POP, SMTP, and IMAP -- FTP -- VoIP -- Web Browser Features -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Part II: Installation, Maintenance, and Upgrades -- Chapter 4: Setting Up a Computer -- Choosing a Computer Type -- Setting Up a Computer -- Desktop Computer Form Factors -- Unpacking a New Computer -- Verifying Voltage and Power Requirements -- Connecting Components to a PC's Ports -- Turn On and Use the PC and Peripherals -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 5: Maintaining a Computer -- Cleaning a Computer -- Cleaning Supplies -- Cleaning a Monitor -- Cleaning External Surfaces -- Cleaning a Keyboard -- Cleaning a Mouse.

Cleaning the Inside of a PC -- Cleaning a Printer and Replacing Consumables -- Cleaning Removable Media -- Preventing Damage to Equipment -- Preventing Electrical Damage -- Preventing Other Types of Damage -- Preventing Data or Service Loss -- Battery Conservation -- Backup Solutions -- Drive Recovery -- Managing Files and Folders -- Using Software Tools for PC Maintenance -- Tools for Managing Disks and Data Storage -- Tools for Optimizing Performance and Fixing Problems -- Tools for Customizing the User Experience -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 6: Installing and Configuring Software -- Configuring the Operating System -- Working with User Accounts -- Adjusting the Sound Volume -- Changing the Date and Time -- Changing the Screen Resolution -- Other Ways to Customize the User Experience -- Updating and Upgrading the Operating System -- Updating the Operating System -- Upgrading the Operating System -- Installing Applications -- Assessing Compatibility and Minimum Requirements -- Securing Administrative Rights and Firewall Access -- Internet Access Issues -- Installing a New Application -- Understanding Licenses and Usage Permissions -- Repairing or Reinstalling an Application -- Removing an Application -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 7: Updating and Upgrading Hardware -- Evaluating a Computer for Upgrades -- Updating Device Drivers -- Analyzing Current System Performance -- Selecting Upgrade Parts -- Assessing the Risks Involved in Hardware Upgrades -- Installing Upgrades -- Safety Considerations -- Installing Memory -- Installing an Internal Disk Drive -- Installing a Circuit Board -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Part III: Troubleshooting and Security.

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Operational Problems -- Startup Failure -- Nothing on the Monitor -- Black-Screen or Blue-Screen Error Message -- Windows Won't Load -- Mac OS X Won't Load -- Operating System Error Messages -- OS Slowdown or Lockup -- Application Failures -- Application Fails to Install or Fails to Run -- A Previously Working Application Won't Work Anymore -- Application Crashes -- Device Failures -- Hardware/Driver Compatibility -- Malfunctioning Input Devices -- Troubleshooting Network Connectivity -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 9: Security and Access Control -- Understanding Hacking -- Physical Security -- Preventing Hardware Theft -- Preventing Data Theft -- Securing Backup Media -- Access Control -- User IDs and Passwords -- Smart Cards -- Biometric Devices -- Data and Usage Permission -- Controlling Screen Visibility -- Managing User Types -- Controlling File and Folder Sharing -- Locally Securing and Encrypting Files and Folders -- Network Control -- Open Wireless Networks -- Wireless Encryption -- Firewalls -- Internet Privacy and Security -- Identity Fraud and Social Engineering -- Web Browser Risks -- Understanding and Preventing Malware Attacks -- OS and Application Exploits -- Viruses -- Trojan Horses -- Worms -- Adware -- Spyware -- Software for Defending Against Malware -- Diagnosing and Fixing Malware Infections -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Chapter 10: Safe, Legal, and Green Computer Usage -- Safe and Legal Disposal of Hazardous Substances -- Restriction of Hazardous Substances ( RoHS) -- Battery Disposal -- Computer Recycling and Disposal -- Monitor Disposal -- Toner Disposal -- Cleaning-Supply Disposal -- IT-Related Laws -- Data Protection Directive -- Computer Misuse Act -- Freedom of Information Act.

Copyright Act -- Energy-Efficient Personal Computing -- Power-Management Plans -- Power-Conserving Equipment -- Virtualization and Multiple OSs -- Efficient Printing -- Energy-Efficient Server Usage -- Efficient Server Hardware -- Combining Server Functions -- Terminal Servers -- Remote Desktops -- Network Attached Storage -- Energy Conservation in Business IT -- Green Building Infrastructure -- Cloud Computing -- Voice over IP (VoIP) -- Telecommuting -- Summary -- Exam Essentials -- Review Questions -- Answers to Review Questions -- Appendix: About the Companion CD -- Glossary -- Index.