Author: Chuck Easttom and Richard M. Roberts

Computer Service and Repair is written for individuals wishing to pursue a career in information technology with a specific focus on troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, or support. The text provides specific content about IT as well as career information needed for employment. This introductory text can be used by students with no PC experience, as well as technicians who have limited formal training. Written in an easy-to-understand format with hundreds of illustrations, this text takes the reader from basic instruction to test preparation for CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 objectives. With a focus on employment in the industry, an entire chapter is dedicated to walking students through job applications, résumés, cover letters, and interviews, and it emphasizes the importance of soft skills and digital citizenship.

Table of Contents

Abbreviated Contents

Computer Service and Repair 6e, Online Textbook

• Computer Service and Repair
• Copyright © 2025 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
• Preface
• About the Authors
• Reviewers
• CompTIA A+ Certification
• • How to Become CompTIA Certified
  • CompTIA A+ Correlation Charts
• How to Use This Text
• New to This Edition
• Focus on Certification
• • Chapter Opening Materials
  • A+ Objectives
  • Tech Tip
  • A+ Note
  • Caution!
  • End-of-Chapter Content
• Tools For Student and Instructor Success
• • Student Tools
  • Instructor Tools
• Brief Contents
• Contents
• Chapter 1 Introduction to a Typical PC
• • Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 1 Key Terms
  • 1.1 The Role of Computers
  • 1.2 Digital Electronics
  • 1.3 What Is a Computer?
  • 1.4 Computer Data Codes
  • 1.5 Outside the Computer Case
  • 1.6 Inside the Computer Case
  • 1.7 How the Major Parts Work Together
  • 1.8 Integrated Circuits
  • 1.9 Tool Kit
  • 1.10 Safety
  • Chapter 1 Summary
• Chapter 2 Operating Systems
• • Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 2 Key Terms
  • 2.1 What Is an Operating System?
  • 2.2 Operating System Characteristics
  • 2.3 Microsoft Windows Operating System
  • 2.4 Microsoft Windows Installation
  • 2.5 Microsoft Windows Boot Sequences
  • 2.6 Apple Macintosh OS
  • 2.7 Linux OS
  • 2.8 Best Practices for Linux and macOS
  • 2.9 Common Mobile Devices and Operating Systems
  • 2.10 Common Operating System Terminology
  • Chapter 2 Summary
• Chapter 3 Motherboards
• • Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 3 Key Terms
  • 3.1 Motherboard Construction
  • 3.2 Form Factors
  • 3.3 Motherboard Bus System Architecture
  • 3.4 RAM Compatibility
  • 3.5 Expansion Card Slots
  • 3.6 System Resources
  • 3.7 Administrative Tasks
  • 3.8 Identifying Motherboard Components
  • Chapter 3 Summary
• Chapter 4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• • Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 4 Key Terms
  • 4.1 Instructions and Data
  • 4.2 CPU Operation
  • 4.3 Enhancing CPU Operation
  • 4.4 Processor Features
  • 4.5 Processor Manufacturers and Evolution
  • 4.6 Multicore and Multi-Socket CPUs
  • 4.7 Installing a Processor
  • 4.8 Cooling the Processor
  • Chapter 4 Summary
• Chapter 5 Power Supplies
• • Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 5 Key Terms
  • 5.1 What Is Electrical Energy?
  • 5.2 Using a Digital Multimeter
  • 5.3 Branch Circuits
  • 5.4 PC Power Supply
  • 5.5 Surge-Protection Devices
  • 5.6 Batteries
  • 5.7 Power-Management Standards
  • 5.8 Backup and Recovery
  • Chapter 5 Summary
• Chapter 6 Memory
• • Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 6 Key Terms
  • 6.1 Factors to Consider before Upgrading Memory
  • 6.2 Physical Memory Packages
  • 6.3 ROM and RAM
  • 6.4 Installing RAM Modules
  • 6.5 Matching RAM Characteristics
  • 6.6 Flash Memory Devices
  • 6.7 Memory Map Structure and Development
  • 6.8 Virtual Memory
  • 6.9 Troubleshooting Memory
  • Chapter 6 Summary
• Chapter 7 Input Devices
• • Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 7 Key Terms
  • 7.1 USB Implementers Forum
  • 7.2 Keyboard
  • 7.3 Optical Mouse
  • 7.4 Other Input Devices
  • 7.5 Touch Screens
  • 7.6 Wireless Input Devices
  • 7.7 Managing Input Devices
  • 7.8 Managing Mobile Device Hardware and Components
  • Chapter 7 Summary
• Chapter 8 Video Systems
• • Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 8 Key Terms
  • 8.1 Video System and Display Characteristics
  • 8.2 Types of Video Displays
  • 8.3 Display Terminology
  • 8.4 Video Adapter Cards
  • 8.5 Maintaining and Personalizing Video Displays
  • 8.6 Television and Computers
  • 8.7 Graphic Coding
  • Chapter 8 Summary
• Chapter 9 Audio Systems
• • Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 9 Key Terms
  • 9.1 What Is Sound?
  • 9.2 Audio Devices
  • 9.3 Installing a Sound Card
  • 9.4 Multimedia
  • 9.5 Building a Custom Computer System
  • Chapter 9 Summary
• Chapter 10 Magnetic and Solid-State Storage Devices
• • Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 10 Key Terms
  • 10.1 Magnetic Storage Devices
  • 10.2 Disk Geometry
  • 10.3 Disk Partition Systems
  • 10.4 File System Formats
  • 10.5 Disk and File Maintenance
  • 10.6 PATA and SATA Hard Disk Interfaces
  • 10.7 SCSI System
  • 10.8 Solid-State Drives
  • 10.9 Virtual Hard Disk
  • 10.10 Troubleshooting Hard Drives and RAID Arrays
  • Chapter 10 Summary
• Chapter 11 Optical Storage Technology
• • Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 11 Key Terms
  • 11.1 CD
  • 11.2 Magneto-Optical
  • 11.3 DVD
  • 11.4 HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc
  • 11.5 Disc Drive Interface
  • 11.6 Digital Rights Management
  • 11.7 Troubleshooting CD, DVD, and BD
  • Chapter 11 Summary
• Chapter 12 Printers
• • Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 12 Key Terms
  • 12.1 Printer Types
  • 12.2 Printer Installation and Configuration
  • 12.3 Print Spooling
  • 12.4 Printer Memory
  • 12.5 Troubleshooting Printers
  • 12.6 Fonts
  • Chapter 12 Summary
• Chapter 13 Laptops and Mobile Devices
• • Chapter 13 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 13 Key Terms
  • 13.1 Mobile Devices
  • 13.2 Portable PC Components
  • 13.3 Power Management
  • 13.4 Mobile Operating Systems
  • 13.5 Wireless Connections
  • 13.6 Security
  • 13.7 Disassembling Process for Proper Reassembly
  • 13.8 Upgrading the Laptop
  • 13.9 Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance
  • Chapter 13 Summary
• Chapter 14 Modems and Transceivers
• • Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 14 Key Terms
  • 14.1 Public Telephone System
  • 14.2 Telephone Modems
  • 14.3 Digital Subscriber Lines
  • 14.4 Cable
  • 14.5 Satellite
  • 14.6 T-Carrier Lines
  • 14.7 Mobile Broadband
  • 14.8 Setting Up a Residential Internet Connection
  • 14.9 Troubleshooting Modems
  • Chapter 14 Summary
• Chapter 15 Physical Security and Authentication
• • Chapter 15 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 15 Key Terms
  • 15.1 Physical Security
  • 15.2 Authentication and Workstation Security
  • 15.3 User Security Education
  • Chapter 15 Summary
• Chapter 16 Security Applications and Malware
• • Chapter 16 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 16 Key Terms
  • 16.1 Microsoft Security Applications
  • 16.2 Malicious Software
  • 16.3 Threats beyond Malware
  • 16.4 Firewall
  • Chapter 16 Summary
• Chapter 17 PC Troubleshooting
• • Chapter 17 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 17 Key Terms
  • 17.1 Common-Sense Practices
  • 17.2 Troubleshooting by Boot Stage
  • 17.3 Commonly Encountered Problems
  • 17.4 Windows Diagnostic Utilities
  • 17.5 Boot Sequences
  • 17.6 Preventive Maintenance
  • 17.7 CompTIA A+ Troubleshooting Objectives
  • Chapter 17 Summary
• Chapter 18 Data Recovery
• • Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 18 Key Terms
  • 18.1 Recovering from System Startup Failure
  • 18.2 Data Recovery Concepts
  • 18.3 Backups
  • Chapter 18 Summary
• Chapter 19 Introduction to Networking
• • Chapter 19 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 19 Key Terms
  • 19.1 Network Benefits
  • 19.2 Network Administrative Models
  • 19.3 Network Classifications and Topologies
  • 19.4 Network Equipment and Resources
  • 19.5 Network Interface Card Installation and Features
  • 19.6 OSI Model
  • 19.7 Network Security
  • 19.8 IEEE 802 Standards
  • Chapter 19 Summary
• Chapter 20 Network Communication, Media, and Tools
• • Chapter 20 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 20 Key Terms
  • 20.1 How Networks Communicate
  • 20.2 Network Media
  • 20.3 Networking Tools
  • Chapter 20 Summary
• Chapter 21 Managing Networks
• • Chapter 21 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 21 Key Terms
  • 21.1 Network Administration
  • 21.2 Permissions
  • 21.3 Network Organization
  • 21.4 Server Roles
  • 21.5 Windows Server
  • 21.6 Network Unattended Installation
  • 21.7 Fault Tolerance via RAID Systems
  • 21.8 Basic Network Troubleshooting
  • Chapter 21 Summary
• Chapter 22 Network Operation and Connectivity
• • Chapter 22 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 22 Key Terms
  • 22.1 TCP/IP Addressing
  • 22.2 Network Equipment
  • 22.3 Network Diagnostic Utilities
  • 22.4 Internet Navigation
  • 22.5 E-Mail Communication
  • 22.6 Internet Protocols
  • 22.7 Cloud Services
  • 22.8 Network Troubleshooting
  • Chapter 22 Summary
• Chapter 23 Small-Office/Home-Office (SOHO) Networking
• • Chapter 23 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 23 Key Terms
  • 23.1 Designing the SOHO Network
  • 23.2 Configuring the SOHO Network with Windows
  • 23.3 Troubleshooting the SOHO Network
  • 23.4 Remote Desktop
  • Chapter 23 Summary
• Chapter 24 Customer Support, Communication, and Professionalism
• • Chapter 24 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 24 Key Terms
  • 24.1 Customer Support
  • 24.2 Documentation Types
  • 24.3 Change Management Best Practices
  • 24.4 Employability Skills
  • 24.5 Managing Prohibited Content or Activity
  • Chapter 24 Summary
• Chapter 25 CompTIA A+ Certification Exams Preparation
• • Chapter 25 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 25 Key Terms
  • 25.1 A+ Certification Exams
  • 25.2 Exam Preparation
  • 25.3 Sample CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Exam
  • 25.4 Sample CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam
  • Chapter 25 Summary
• Chapter 26 Employment and Advanced Education
• • Chapter 26 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 26 Key Terms
  • 26.1 Career Opportunities
  • 26.2 Job Interviews
  • 26.3 Keeping a Job
  • Chapter 26 Summary
• Appendix A CompTIA A+ Exam Correlation
• • Exam 220-1101 (Core 1)
  • Exam 220-1102 (Core 2)
• Appendix B Scripting Basics
• • PowerShell Scripting
  • Linux Shell Scripting
• Appendix C Binary Math
• • Counting and Converting Binary Numbers
• Appendix D Number Conversion Table
• Glossary
• • #
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