A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Articles covering CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam objectives. These guides focus on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, and advanced IT support topics essential for your A+ Core 2 certification.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.1: Explain Common Operating System (OS) Types and Their Purposes
Comprehensive guide to understanding common operating system types including workstation systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS), mobile OSs (iPadOS, iOS, Android), filesystem types (NTFS, ReFS, FAT32, ext4, XFS, APFS, exFAT), vendor life-cycle limitations, and compatibility concerns in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.2: Perform OS Installations and Upgrades in a Diverse Environment
Comprehensive guide to performing OS installations and upgrades including boot methods (USB, network, solid-state/flash drives, internet-based, external/hot-swappable drive, internal hard drive partition, multiboot), installation types (clean install, upgrade, image deployment, remote network installation, zero-touch deployment, recovery partition, repair installation, third-party drivers), partitioning (GPT, MBR), drive format, upgrade considerations, and feature updates in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.3: Compare and Contrast Basic Features of Microsoft Windows Editions
Comprehensive guide to comparing and contrasting Microsoft Windows editions including Windows 10 editions (Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise), Windows 11 editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise), N versions, feature differences (domain vs. workgroup, desktop styles/user interface, RDP availability, RAM support limitations, BitLocker, gpedit.msc), upgrade paths (in-place upgrade, clean install), and hardware requirements (TPM, UEFI) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.4: Use Microsoft Windows Operating System Features and Tools
Comprehensive guide to using Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools including Task Manager (Services, Startup, Performance, Processes, Users), Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins (Event Viewer, Disk Management, Task Scheduler, Device Manager, Certificate Manager, Local User and Groups, Performance Monitor, Group Policy Editor), and additional tools (System Information, Resource Monitor, System Configuration, Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragment, Registry Editor) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.5: Use Appropriate Microsoft Command-Line Tools
Comprehensive guide to using appropriate Microsoft command-line tools including navigation (cd, dir), network (ipconfig, ping, netstat, nslookup, net use, tracert, pathping), disk management (chkdsk, format, diskpart), file management (md, rmdir, robocopy), informational (hostname, net user, winver, whoami, [command name] /?), and OS management (gpupdate, gpresult, sfc) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.6: Configure Microsoft Windows Settings
Comprehensive guide to configuring Microsoft Windows settings including Internet Options, Devices and Printers, Programs and Features, Network and Sharing Center, System, Windows Defender Firewall, Mail, Sound, User Accounts, Device Manager, Indexing Options, Administrative Tools, File Explorer Options (view hidden files, hide extensions, general options, view options), Power Options (hibernate, power plans, sleep/suspend, standby, choose what closing the lid does, turn on fast startup, USB selective suspend), Ease of Access, Time and Language, Update and Security, Personalization, Apps, Privacy, System, Devices, Network and Internet, Gaming, and Accounts in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.7: Configure Microsoft Windows Networking Features on a Client/Desktop
Comprehensive guide to configuring Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop including domain joined vs. workgroup (shared resources, printers, file servers, mapped drives), local OS firewall settings (application restrictions and exceptions, configuration), client network configuration (IP addressing scheme, DNS settings, subnet mask, gateway, static vs. dynamic), establish network connections (VPN, wireless, wired, WWAN/cellular network), proxy settings, public network vs. private network, File Explorer navigationânetwork paths, and metered connections and limitations in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.8: Explain Common Features and Tools of the macOS/Desktop Operating System
Comprehensive guide to explaining common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system including installation and uninstallation of applications (file types .dmg, .pkg, .app, App Store, uninstallation process), system folders (/Applications, /Users, /Library, /System, /Users/Library), Apple ID and corporate restrictions, best practices (backups, antivirus, updates/patches, Rapid Security Response), System Preferences (Displays, Networks, Printers, Scanners, Privacy, Accessibility, Time Machine), features (multiple desktops, Mission Control, Keychain, Spotlight, iCloud including iMessage, FaceTime, Drive, gestures, Finder, Dock, Continuity), Disk Utility, FileVault, Terminal, and Force Quit in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.9: Identify Common Features and Tools of the Linux Client/Desktop Operating System
Comprehensive guide to identifying common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system including file management (ls, pwd, mv, cp, rm, chmod, chown, grep, find), filesystem management (fsck, mount), administrative (su, sudo), package management (apt, dnf), network (ip, ping, curl, dig, traceroute), informational (man, cat, top, ps, du, df), text editors (nano), common configuration files (/etc/passwd, /etc/shadow, /etc/hosts, /etc/fstab, /etc/resolv.conf), OS components (systemd, kernel, bootloader), and root account in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.10: Given a Scenario, Install Applications According to Requirements
Comprehensive guide to installing applications according to requirements including system requirements for applications (32-bit vs. 64-bit dependent application requirements, dedicated vs. integrated graphics card, video random-access memory (VRAM) requirements, RAM requirements, central processing unit (CPU) requirements, external hardware tokens, storage requirements, application to OS compatibility), distribution methods (physical media vs. mountable ISO file, downloadable package, image deployment), and impact considerations for new applications (device, network, operation, business) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 1.11: Given a Scenario, Install and Configure Cloud-Based Productivity Tools
Comprehensive guide to installing and configuring cloud-based productivity tools including email systems, storage (sync/folder settings), collaboration tools (spreadsheets, videoconferencing, presentation tools, word processing tools, instant messaging), identity synchronization, and licensing assignment in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.1: Summarize Various Security Measures and Their Purposes
Comprehensive guide to summarizing various security measures and their purposes including physical security (bollards, access control vestibule, badge reader, video surveillance, alarm systems, motion sensors, door locks, equipment locks, security guards, fences), physical access security (key fobs, smart cards, mobile digital key, keys, biometrics including retina scanner, fingerprint scanner, palm print scanner, facial recognition technology, voice recognition technology, lighting, magnetometers), and logical security (principle of least privilege, Zero Trust model, access control lists, multifactor authentication, SAML, single sign-on, just-in-time access, privileged access management, mobile device management, data loss prevention, identity access management, directory services) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.2: Given a Scenario, Configure and Apply Basic Microsoft Windows OS Security Settings
Comprehensive guide to configuring and applying basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings including Defender Antivirus (activate/deactivate, update definitions), Firewall (activate/deactivate, port security, application security), User and groups (local vs. Microsoft account, standard account, administrator, guest user, power user), Log-in OS options (username and password, PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition, SSO, passwordless/Windows Hello), NTFS vs. share permissions (file and folder attributes, inheritance), Run as administrator vs. standard user, User Account Control (UAC), BitLocker, BitLocker-To-Go, Encrypting File System (EFS), and Active Directory (joining domain, assigning log-in script, moving objects within organizational units, assigning home folders, applying Group Policy, selecting security groups, configuring folder redirection) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.3: Compare and Contrast Wireless Security Protocols and Authentication Methods
Comprehensive guide to comparing and contrasting wireless security protocols and authentication methods including protocols and encryption (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), WPA3, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)), and authentication (Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS), Terminal Access Controller Access-control System (TACACS+), Kerberos, Multifactor) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.4: Summarize Types of Malware and Tools/Methods for Detection, Removal, and Prevention
Comprehensive guide to summarizing types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention including malware (Trojan, rootkit, virus, spyware, ransomware, keylogger, boot sector virus, cryptominer, stalkerware, fileless), adware (potentially unwanted program (PUP)), and tools and methods (recovery console, endpoint detection and response (EDR), managed detection and response (MDR), extended detection and response (XDR), antivirus, anti-malware, email security gateway, software firewalls, user education regarding common threats including antiphishing training, OS reinstallation) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.5: Compare and Contrast Common Social Engineering Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
Comprehensive guide to comparing and contrasting common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities including social engineering (phishing including vishing, smishing, QR code phishing, spear phishing, whaling, shoulder surfing, tailgating, impersonation, dumpster diving), threats (denial of service (DoS), distributed denial of service (DDoS), evil twin, zero-day attack, spoofing, on-path attack, brute-force attack, dictionary attack, insider threat, Structured Query Language (SQL) injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), business email compromise (BEC), supply chain/pipeline attack), and vulnerabilities (non-compliant systems, unpatched systems, unprotected systems (missing antivirus/missing firewall), EOL, bring your own device (BYOD)) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.6: Given a Scenario, Implement Procedures for Basic Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Malware Removal
Comprehensive guide to implementing procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal including investigate and verify malware symptoms, quarantine infected system, disable System Restore in Windows Home, remediate infected systems, update anti-malware software, scan and removal techniques (e.g., safe mode, preinstallation environment), reimage/reinstall, schedule scans and run updates, enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows Home, and educate the end user in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.7: Given a Scenario, Apply Workstation Security Options and Hardening Techniques
Comprehensive guide to applying workstation security options and hardening techniques including data-at-rest encryption, password considerations (length, character types, uniqueness, complexity, expiration), basic input/output system (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) passwords, end-user best practices (use screensaver locks, log off when not in use, secure/protect critical hardware (e.g., laptops), secure personally identifiable information (PII) and passwords, use password managers), account management (restrict user permissions, restrict log-in times, disable guest account, use failed attempts lockout, use timeout/screen lock, apply account expiration dates), change default administrator's user account/password, disable AutoRun, and disable unused services in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.8: Given a Scenario, Apply Common Methods for Securing Mobile Devices
Comprehensive guide to applying common methods for securing mobile devices including hardening techniques (device encryption, screen locks including facial recognition, PIN codes, fingerprint, pattern, swipe, configuration profiles), patch management (OS updates, application updates), endpoint security software (antivirus, anti-malware, content filtering), locator applications, remote wipes, remote backup applications, failed log-in attempts restrictions, and policies and procedures (MDM, BYOD vs. corporate-owned devices, profile security requirements) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.9: Compare and Contrast Common Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
Comprehensive guide to comparing and contrasting common data destruction and disposal methods including physical destruction of hard drives (drilling, shredding, degaussing, incineration), recycling or repurposing best practices (erasing/wiping, low-level formatting, standard formatting), outsourcing concepts (third-party vendor, certification of destruction/recycling), and regulatory and environmental requirements in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.10: Given a Scenario, Apply Security Settings on SOHO Wireless and Wired Networks
Comprehensive guide to applying security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks including router settings (change default passwords, IP filtering, firmware updates, content filtering, physical placement/secure locations, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), screened subnet, configure secure management access), wireless specific (changing the service set identifier (SSID), disabling SSID broadcast, encryption settings, configuring guest access), and firewall settings (disabling unused ports, port forwarding/mapping) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 2.11: Given a Scenario, Configure Relevant Security Settings in a Browser
Comprehensive guide to configuring relevant security settings in a browser including browser download/installation (trusted sources, hashing, untrusted sources), browser patching, extensions and plug-ins (trusted sources, untrusted sources), password managers, secure connections/sitesâvalid certificates, settings (pop-up blocker, clearing browsing data, clearing cache, private-browsing mode, sign-in/browser data synchronization, ad blockers, proxy, secure DNS), and browser feature management (enable/disable plug-ins, extensions, features) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 3.1: Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Windows OS Issues
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common Windows OS issues including blue screen of death (BSOD), degraded performance, boot issues, frequent shutdowns, services not starting, applications crashing, low memory warnings, USB controller resource warnings, system instability, no OS found, slow profile load, and time drift in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 3.2: Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Mobile OS and Application Issues
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common mobile OS and application issues including application failures (launch, close/crashes, update, install), slow response times, OS update failures, battery life issues, random reboots, connectivity problems (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC), and screen autorotation issues in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 3.3: Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Mobile OS and Application Security Issues
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common mobile OS and application security issues including security concerns (application source/unofficial stores, developer mode, root access/jailbreak, unauthorized/malicious applications, application spoofing) and common symptoms (high network traffic, degraded response time, data-usage limit notifications, limited/no internet connectivity, high number of ads, fake security warnings, unexpected application behavior, leaked personal files/data) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 3.4: Given a Scenario, Troubleshoot Common Personal Computer (PC) Security Issues
Comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common personal computer (PC) security issues including common symptoms (unable to access the network, desktop alerts, false alerts regarding antivirus protection, altered system or personal files, missing/renamed files, inability to access files, unwanted notifications within the OS, OS update failures) and browser-related symptoms (random/frequent pop-ups, certificate warnings, redirection, degraded browser performance) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.1: Given a Scenario, Implement Best Practices Associated with Documentation and Support Systems Information Management
Comprehensive guide to implementing best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management including ticketing systems (user information, device information, description of issues, categories, severity, escalation levels, clear concise written communication, issue description, progress notes, issue resolution), asset management (inventory lists, configuration management database (CMDB), asset tags and IDs, procurement life cycle, warranty and licensing, assigned users), and types of documents (incident reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), software package custom installation procedure, new user/onboarding setup checklist, user off-boarding checklist, service-level agreements (SLAs), knowledge base/articles) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.2: Given a Scenario, Apply Change Management Procedures
Comprehensive guide to applying change management procedures including documented business processes (rollback plan, backup plan, sandbox testing, responsible staff members) and change management (request forms, purpose of the change, scope of the change, change type (standard change, normal change, emergency change), date and time of change (change freeze, maintenance windows), affected systems/impact, risk analysis (risk level), change board approvals, implementation, peer review, end-user acceptance) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.3: Given a Scenario, Implement Workstation Backup and Recovery Methods
Comprehensive guide to implementing workstation backup and recovery methods including backup types (full, incremental, differential, synthetic full), recovery methods (in-place/overwrite, alternative location), backup testing (frequency), backup rotation schemes (onsite vs. offsite), and backup strategies (Grandfather-father-son (GFS), 3-2-1 backup rule) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.4: Given a Scenario, Use Common Safety Procedures
Comprehensive guide to using common safety procedures including electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection (ESD straps, ESD mats), electrical safety (equipment grounding), proper component handling and storage, cable management, antistatic bags, compliance with government regulations, and personal safety (disconnect power before repairing PC, lifting techniques, fire safety, safety goggles, air filter mask) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.5: Summarize Environmental Impacts and Local Environment Controls
Comprehensive guide to summarizing environmental impacts and local environment controls including material safety data sheet (MSDS) documentation for handling and disposal (proper battery disposal, proper toner disposal, proper disposal of other devices and assets), temperature, humidity-level awareness, and proper ventilation (location/equipment placement, dust cleanup, compressed air/vacuums), and power surges, brownouts, and blackouts (uninterruptible power supply (UPS), surge suppressor) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.6: Explain the Importance of Prohibited Content/Activity and Privacy, Licensing, and Policy Concepts
Comprehensive guide to explaining the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts including incident response (chain of custody, informing management/law enforcement as necessary, copy of drive (data integrity and preservation), incident documentation, order of volatility), licensing/digital rights management (DRM)/end-user license agreement (EULA) (valid licenses, perpetual license agreement, personal-use license vs. corporate-use license, open-source license), non-disclosure agreement (NDA)/mutual non-disclosure agreement (MNDA), regulated data (credit card payment information, personal government-issued information, PII, healthcare data, data retention requirements), acceptable use policy (AUP), and regulatory and business compliance requirements (splash screens) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.7: Given a Scenario, Use Proper Communication Techniques and Professionalism
Comprehensive guide to using proper communication techniques and professionalism including presenting a professional appearance and wearing appropriate attire (match the required attire of the given environment, formal, business casual), using proper language and avoiding jargon, acronyms, and slang when applicable, maintaining a positive attitude/project confidence, actively listening and avoiding interrupting the customer, being culturally sensitive (use appropriate professional titles and designations when applicable), being on time (if late, contact the customer), avoiding distractions (personal calls, texting/social media sites, personal interruptions), appropriately dealing with difficult customers or situations (do not argue with customer and/or be defensive, avoid dismissing customer issues, avoid being judgmental, clarify customer statements, use discretion and professionalism when discussing experiences/encounters), setting and meeting expectations/timeline and communicating status with the customer (offer repair/replacement options as needed, provide proper documentation on the services provided, follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction), and appropriately handling customers' confidential and private materials (located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc.) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.8: Explain the Basics of Scripting
Comprehensive guide to explaining the basics of scripting including script file types (.bat, .ps1, .vbs, .sh, .js, .py), use cases for scripting (basic automation, restarting machines, remapping network drives, installation of applications, automated backups, gathering of information/data, initiating updates), and other considerations when using scripts (unintentionally introducing malware, inadvertently changing system settings, browser or system crashes due to mishandling of resources) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.9: Given a Scenario, Use Remote Access Technologies
Comprehensive guide to using remote access technologies including methods/tools (RDP, VPN, Virtual network computer (VNC), Secure Shell (SSH), Remote monitoring and management (RMM), Simple Protocol for Independent Computing Environments (SPICE), Windows Remote Management (WinRM), third-party tools (screen-sharing software, videoconferencing software, file transfer software, desktop management software)), and security considerations of each access method in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.
A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Objective 4.10: Explain Basic Concepts Related to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Comprehensive guide to explaining basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI) including application integration, policy (appropriate use, plagiarism), limitations (bias, hallucinations, accuracy), and private vs. public (data security, data source, data privacy) in A+ Core 2 certification exam preparation.