v
Using This Text
Each chapter begins with a number of learning objectives. These are the
goals you should set to accomplish while working through the chapter. In
addition to your objectives, each chapter begins with a list of these new terms,
which are important for you to learn as you move through the chapter. When
these words are introduced in the text, they are printed in a bold typeface.
As you read this text, you will also notice some other words or phrases that
stand out. File names that you encounter will appear like notepad.exe, student.txt,
or io.sys. Any data you must enter, be it by typing at the command and Run
prompts or button/tabs/menus that you will click on with your mouse are
set out like
dir C:
or
Start | All Programs | Accessories | System
Tools. Any
Internet addresses within the text are in the traditional Web style and in blue,
such as www.g-w.com. Internet addresses listed under Interesting Web Sites for
More Information at the end of each chapter are in the traditional Web style,
underlined, and in blue, such as www.g-w.com. Be sure to read any A+ Notes,
Tech Tips, Warnings, Cautions, and Dangers that you encounter. A+ Notes
contain tips that will help you study for the CompTIA A+ Certification exams.
Tech Tips are useful tidbits that might come in handy in the field. Take heed
when you see Warnings, Cautions, and Dangers. Warnings alert you of minor
injury that may occur to yourself or to others. Cautions alert you when an act
may damage your computer and incur minor injury to yourself. Losing all of
your data is the most common act to be cautious of. Dangers alert you of possible
serious or fatal injury to yourself or others. For example, you may encounter some
dangerous voltages, especially when dealing with monitors. Most of those repairs
should be left to special technicians.
Each chapter concludes with a summary of some of the key information
you should take from the chapter, a large number of questions, a list of useful
Web sites, and laboratory activities for you to try. Each chapter has two sets of
questions. The first set of questions tests your general comprehension of the
material in the chapter. The second set of questions mimics the style of the
CompTIA A+ Certification exams. The questions asked here are on topics that the
exams commonly probe.
Hands-on experience is the only way to become proficient in PC repair, so be
sure to attempt the activities at the end of each chapter. If you can complete the
activities in this text and in the accompanying laboratory manual, you should have
no problem passing the A+ Certification exams. Each chapter concludes with a
complete Lab Activity. Be sure to work through each of these activities. Suggested
Laboratory Activities are also included. These activities are loosely structured
proceedings that you can attempt on your own or if you have free time in class.
Never forget, the world of computers and mobile devices changes rapidly.
Consequently, computer repair and the CompTIA A+ Certification exams must
change with it. Each chapter includes a list of Web sites where you can find the
latest information on the topics covered. Be sure to check the CompTIA Web site
(www.comptia.org) frequently for the latest information on what subjects are
being added to the exams and what subjects are being dropped. Also, check the
author’s Web site (www.RMRoberts.com) for text updates, interesting links, and
bonus laboratory material.