You've earned an A+ - Top PC Hardware Topics in Studying for A+ Certification

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by Willa O'Neill

You've earned an A+ - Top PC Hardware Topics in Studying for A+ Certification

Congratulations! You have already taken a huge step in your future by enrolling in an A+ Certification course. Now you just have to make sure that you pass it. Many have stood in these same shoes before and made it out the other side alive.

You have chosen to get into one of the few career fields that are booming at this time. This could be your first step in the right direction. Your starting salary will be comfortable. And with electronics starting up at even the most unlikely of places, business is showing no sign of dying off, computers are here to stay. You are likely to make a decent living if you break into the computer field with you're A+ Certification.

Before taking the test for you're A+ Certification, make sure you have the most recent information possible. Don't just scour books and don't rely strictly on a hands-on approach. Use manuals, the internet, and the actual hardware as study guides. A combination of these measures is sure to bring you a passing mark on your A+ Certification.

Know the Motherboard like the back of your hand. This is the central meeting point of the computer so it is an area you will be working with on a regular basis. Remember that once you find out the properties of the Motherboard of a computer, you can troubleshoot it. If you are an ace in the Motherboard area, you are half way there.

Be well versed on PCI slots, chipsets, the Central Processing Unit, and the other components of the computer. Take one apart and examine it closely. Read about all of the accessories that can be hooked into a Motherboard.

Be savvy about the various names for different computer items or accessories. For example, a video adapter is sometimes called a graphics card or a video card. It also has been known to go by a number of other terms. All of which refer to the same item. Don't be fooled by unfamiliar lingo that is used in reference to something you know.

If you are going to do anything with computers, the internet is your friend. Without the information highway and all of the perks it has given us, it is doubtful that computers would be such a huge, mega deal. So give respect where it is due. Know the internet well.

Quote of the Day

But [Jonas] quickly understood that a disciple was not necessarily someone who wishes to learn something. More often, on the contrary, one became a disciple for the unselfish pleasure of teaching one’s master.

—Albert Camus (1913–1960)

Windows is a major part of our computer driven lives. You need to know a great deal of information about Windows. Know how to remove and install it; troubleshoot any problems, and all of the computer's applications. Be able to recall the differences that exist between Windows XP, NT, 95, 98 and 2000.

It is good to know some about the history of computers. Don't under estimate the worth of knowing where computers have been. It will help you understand where they are now, and where they might be going. Technology usually improves in a scaffolding manner. Computer scientists build on to existing technology. You will need to know a little about the history of computers as a computer technician.

Computer memory has expanded far beyond Random Access Memory and Read Only Memory. With the rise of digital cameras and various video game consoles, flash memory is very popular. There are memory sticks and other forms of memory receptacles you should study up on.

Since disk drives are essential elements of all computers you will need to know loads about them. Disk drives come a long way from their birth in the 1950's. Today they are changing more than ever. With the impending death of the Floppy Disk and the rise of new types of storage units means there is plenty to learn.

As the computer monitor world continues to grow, gathering as much knowledge on the latest systems will help you achieve your goals. You should be able to answer questions about many types of monitors and also be able to troubleshoot them. Know the logistics surrounding LCD monitors, flat panels and more.

Take your time to prepare for your A+ Certification exams. Be as knowledgeable about computers as you can be. If you don't pass the first time, don't give up. Second chances can be very sweet.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "You've earned an A+ - Top PC Hardware Topics in Studying for A+ Certification" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by SloanSemester.org.

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