Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course

This episode covers critical system utilities that allow deep access to Windows configurations and diagnostics. We begin with msconfig—the System Configuration tool—and explore its tabs for managing boot options, startup apps, and services. You’ll learn how it’s used in troubleshooting slow startups or disabling conflicting software during diagnosis. We then move to regedit, the powerful and dange...

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) tools are central to system diagnostics and configuration, and this episode walks through the most exam-relevant ones. We start with Device Manager—how to identify driver issues, update hardware, and interpret warning icons. Next, we explore Event Viewer, which helps troubleshoot system crashes, login issues, and application errors by reviewing logs in real time....

File and disk management are critical skills for any support technician, and this episode covers the tools you’ll need to manipulate files, drives, and directories via the command line. We begin with format—how it prepares a drive for use and what options are available for file systems and volume labels. Then we move on to xcopy and robocopy, powerful tools for copying large sets of files, includi...

This episode focuses on essential command-line networking tools that appear regularly on the A Plus exam. We begin with ipconfig—how it displays network adapter information, shows current IP configuration, and helps diagnose connectivity issues. You’ll learn the difference between ipconfig and ipconfig slash all, and how to renew and release DHCP leases. Next, we cover ping and tracert, two tools...

In this episode, we return to the fundamentals by exploring command-line usage, especially within Windows environments. We start with basic navigation commands like CD, DIR, and CLS, explaining how to move between directories and view contents. You’ll also hear how command syntax works, including spacing, parameters, and command chaining. The episode also covers how to launch the command prompt as...

This episode dives into the rules and limitations surrounding Windows upgrades and memory capacity. You’ll learn about supported upgrade paths—for example, which versions of Windows can be upgraded in-place and which require a clean install. We explain why architecture matters, and how moving between 32-bit and 64-bit environments affects compatibility and software availability. We also cover RAM...

Building on the previous episode, this one zooms in on specific Windows features that frequently appear on the exam. We explain domain membership and why joining a domain is essential for centralized user management in enterprise environments. You’ll also learn about BitLocker encryption—how it protects data at rest, when it’s available, and what hardware it requires. We also cover Remote Desktop...

This episode focuses on the different editions of Microsoft Windows and the specific features each version provides. We begin by exploring Windows Home—its role in consumer devices, its limitations in terms of domain access, and which features it lacks compared to professional versions. From there, we look at Windows Pro, which adds features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, and group policy capabil...

Operating systems form the backbone of every computer environment, and this episode gives you a high-level tour of the first domain in Core 2. We explain what operating systems do—managing files, memory, processes, and users—and how the exam tests your ability to install, configure, and maintain various OS platforms. Windows takes center stage, but macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS are also par...

This episode introduces the second half of the A Plus certification—Core 2—and provides a roadmap of the topics you’ll encounter throughout this portion of the exam. We begin by outlining the four Core 2 domains: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each area is explained in terms of its real-world relevance and how it builds upon the foundational know...

When the network stops working or slows to a crawl, multiple causes could be at play, and this episode helps you navigate them. We begin with slow speeds caused by congestion, bad cabling, duplex mismatches, or faulty devices. Then we move into port flapping, where a switch port goes up and down repeatedly due to link negotiation failures or failing hardware. Finally, we explore DNS-related issues...

This episode introduces the invisible issues that often plague network performance—factors like wireless interference, signal jitter, and high latency. We begin by explaining electromagnetic interference and how nearby devices, dense walls, or overlapping channels can affect Wi-Fi performance. Then we cover jitter—variability in packet arrival times—which affects voice and video applications most....

This episode focuses specifically on hardware components inside laser and inkjet printers and how their failure manifests in print quality issues or mechanical malfunctions. We start with paper feed rollers—how they degrade over time and how to recognize signs like double feeds or jams. Then we cover the fuser unit, which melts toner to the page, and explain symptoms like smudged prints or toner t...

Printers might not seem exciting, but they’re a vital part of many IT environments—and they cause plenty of headaches. This episode explores the most common symptoms: paper jams caused by worn rollers, ghosting due to bad fusers, and garbled output often linked to driver mismatches or damaged print queues. We help you learn to decode what each symptom typically indicates about the underlying issue...

Connectivity issues are common on mobile devices, and this episode addresses some of the most testable areas. We begin with Bluetooth pairing failures, connection drops, and interference issues, walking through how to resolve them through settings resets or re-pairing. Then we discuss charging problems, such as slow charging, no charging, or battery not detected—often related to worn cables, dirty...

Mobile devices introduce their own unique set of problems, particularly with power and display components. In this episode, we begin by examining battery-related issues—such as devices that won’t charge, lose power quickly, or show inconsistent battery level readings. We explain the role of calibration, battery health monitoring, and common signs of battery degradation. We also cover overheating i...

This episode focuses specifically on projectors and external monitors—devices that can introduce a new layer of complexity during troubleshooting. We explain common failure symptoms such as no signal, dim output, incorrect resolution, or color distortion, and how to systematically test video sources, cables, and display settings. You’ll also hear about keystone adjustments, lamp replacement, and h...

Display issues can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, and this episode helps you diagnose the most common ones. We begin with screen burn-in and image retention, explaining how older panel technologies can leave ghosted images and what can be done to minimize or reverse them. Next, we cover dead and stuck pixels, their visual symptoms, and whether they’re considered a defect by...

RAID systems are designed to provide performance and redundancy, but when they fail, they introduce complexity. This episode focuses on how to troubleshoot issues within various RAID configurations, such as identifying a degraded array in RAID 5 or dealing with a rebuild failure in RAID 10. We walk through the typical symptoms, such as missing volumes, excessive rebuild times, or inconsistent pari...

Drive-related issues are among the most frequent problems encountered in IT support, and this episode helps you identify, diagnose, and resolve them. We begin by explaining boot-related errors, such as “no boot device found” or “inaccessible boot volume,” and explore how BIOS misconfigurations, corrupted boot sectors, or failed drives contribute to these problems. We also dive into system lockups...

The power supply unit—or PSU—is a foundational component, and this episode explains how its failure can lead to a wide range of confusing symptoms. We begin with the most obvious issue: a system that won’t power on. You’ll learn how to check for power delivery at the outlet, wall cord, and mainboard connectors, and when to use multimeters or PSU testers. We also cover reboot loops caused by unstab...

When systems freeze, crash, or reboot unexpectedly, the underlying issue often traces back to either the CPU or RAM. This episode explores the symptoms and diagnostics associated with overheating processors, including improper heatsink installation, dried thermal paste, and failed fans. You’ll also learn how BIOS settings like thermal shutdown thresholds and clock multipliers affect CPU stability....

This episode targets one of the most frustrating and high-stakes categories of hardware failure: motherboard issues. We begin with POST codes and beep sequences, explaining what each code represents and how to interpret them using manufacturer reference charts. Then we move on to diagnosing systems that show no power at all—walking through the role of power connectors, voltage regulation modules,...

After you’ve implemented a solution, it’s not enough to walk away. This episode focuses on verifying that the fix worked and that the system is fully operational. We explain how to check not only the repaired component, but also other functions that may have been affected. You’ll learn to look for secondary issues, confirm with the end user, and conduct final diagnostics to ensure all systems are...

Once the root cause has been confirmed, it's time to fix the issue. This episode explains how to create a resolution plan that minimizes disruption and addresses the problem completely. We cover how to communicate with the user, determine the appropriate fix, and prepare for any risks, such as data loss or system downtime. Whether the solution involves replacing hardware, updating software, or cha...