Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course

This episode dives into advanced cabling types used in high-speed and long-distance network infrastructure: fiber optic and direct burial cables. We start with fiber optic cables, explaining the differences between single-mode and multimode fiber, including core size, wavelength, maximum distance, and typical use cases in enterprise networks. You'll also learn about common connectors like LC, SC,...

This episode extends your knowledge of cabling by focusing on three specific types often overlooked: shielded twisted pair, coaxial cable, and plenum-rated cable. We explain when to use shielded twisted pair instead of unshielded, especially in high-interference environments or near heavy machinery. Next, we break down coaxial cable construction, including the center conductor, dielectric insulato...

Ethernet cables are the physical backbone of modern networks, and this episode focuses on the different categories of twisted-pair cabling you’ll need to recognize. We explain the differences between Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a in terms of bandwidth, maximum distance, shielding, and application. You’ll learn why Cat 5 is becoming obsolete and why Cat 6a is preferred for environments requiring...

This episode introduces the third domain of the Core 1 exam—Hardware—arguably the most hands-on and detail-heavy section of the certification. We outline what’s covered, from motherboards, CPUs, and RAM, to internal storage, power supplies, connectors, and form factors. You'll hear how CompTIA expects you to identify components, select appropriate hardware for different use cases, and troubleshoot...

In this episode, we look at the physical tools that IT technicians use to install, test, and troubleshoot network cables and infrastructure. We start with crimpers, explaining how they're used to attach RJ45 connectors to twisted-pair cable, including wire order considerations. Punchdown tools come next, highlighting how they’re used with patch panels and keystone jacks in structured cabling insta...

This episode covers the small office/home office (SOHO) networking environment with a focus on IP configuration methods. We begin by distinguishing between static and dynamic IP addressing, explaining how each is assigned, maintained, and best used within a small environment. You’ll learn how devices like printers and routers often require static IPs, while workstations typically rely on DHCP for...

As networks expand into more than just traditional computing devices, this episode explores the role of internet-connected appliances, industrial control systems like SCADA, and the rapidly growing world of IoT. We start with internet appliances such as smart TVs, printers, and streaming boxes that rely on both Wi-Fi and wired connections. Then we introduce SCADA systems and their use in industria...

Host services are critical to how devices function on modern networks, and this episode explains the most essential ones covered on the exam. We begin with D H C P—how it dynamically assigns IP addresses, leases, and default gateway information to network clients. Then we move to D N S, which translates domain names into IP addresses and plays a key role in nearly every web-based application. We a...

This episode explores a set of wireless technologies that extend beyond traditional Wi-Fi, many of which play crucial roles in mobile and IoT environments. We begin with Bluetooth—covering pairing modes, version updates, range limitations, and bandwidth considerations. Then we move to Near Field Communication, or N F C, which is used for short-range authentication, payments, and device pairing wit...

This episode provides a deep dive into the evolution of Wi-Fi standards, focusing on the specific versions tested in the Core 1 exam: 802.11 a, b, g, n, a c, and a x. We begin by explaining how each standard introduced new capabilities in terms of speed, frequency band, and bandwidth. You'll learn the max throughput, channel widths, and typical use cases for each version, allowing you to distingui...

Wireless communication relies on specific frequency bands and channel structures, and this episode breaks down exactly how they work in the context of Wi-Fi networking. We begin by explaining the 2.4 gigahertz band, its 11 to 14 channels depending on region, and the overlapping interference that often affects performance. Then we move to the 5 gigahertz band, which offers more non-overlapping chan...

This episode dives into the technologies that bring internet service into homes and small offices—focusing on cable modems, DSL, and fiber-based Optical Network Terminals, or ONT s. You’ll learn how cable internet uses coaxial infrastructure with shared bandwidth, while DSL operates over twisted pair telephone lines and can degrade over distance. We also explain the key characteristics of ONTs and...

In this episode, we explore a variety of hardware and software technologies that control traffic, enable communication, and deliver power across network devices. We begin with firewalls—both hardware and software-based—explaining how they inspect traffic based on rules and determine what should be allowed or denied. Then we move to network interface cards, also known as NIC s, which enable devices...

This episode covers three often-confused networking components that play very different roles: access points, hubs, and patch panels. We start by explaining how wireless access points bridge Wi-Fi traffic into wired networks and how they differ from routers with integrated Wi-Fi. Then we move on to hubs—now largely obsolete—but still testable, especially in contrast to switches in terms of collisi...

Routers and switches are the backbone of every network, and this episode breaks down how each one functions and differs in an enterprise or home setting. You’ll learn that routers operate at Layer 3 of the O S I model and handle IP address assignment and routing decisions, while switches operate at Layer 2 and handle MAC address forwarding within a local network. We also explain managed switches,...

This episode explains one of the most fundamental networking concepts tested on the A Plus exam: the difference between Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol. We begin with TCP’s key features, such as reliable delivery, session establishment, and ordered packet sequencing. Then we contrast that with UDP’s speed-focused, connectionless nature, which allows for lower latency but l...

Understanding common network ports and protocols is essential for both the A Plus exam and real-world troubleshooting. This episode dives deep into the most important ones—such as File Transfer Protocol on port 21, Hypertext Transfer Protocol on port 80, Domain Name System on port 53, and Remote Desktop Protocol on port 3389. You’ll hear clear, repeated pronunciation and definitions of each protoc...

Networking is one of the most critical domains in Core 1, and this overview episode sets the stage by introducing the topics covered under Domain 2.0. You’ll get an outline of what CompTIA expects you to know about network cables, ports, protocols, hardware devices, configuration, and wireless technologies. We explain how this domain fits into the bigger picture of troubleshooting and supporting m...

Touchpads and drawing pads are common input devices found on laptops and used by graphic professionals, and the A Plus exam expects you to understand both. This episode begins with touchpad technology—capacitive versus resistive—and explains how integrated laptop touchpads interact with operating system drivers, gestures, and firmware settings. We also cover common troubleshooting scenarios, such...

In this episode, we explore docking stations and port replicators—two essential technologies that expand the functionality of laptops in business and multi-monitor environments. You’ll learn how docking stations offer full hardware integration by connecting displays, USB peripherals, network cables, and audio devices through a single proprietary or USB-C connector. We also break down the key diffe...

Peripheral setup plays a larger role in IT support than many learners expect, and this episode focuses on the devices most commonly connected to laptops and tablets. We cover the installation and configuration of headsets, digital pens, Bluetooth speakers, USB webcams, and other external accessories. Listeners will learn which peripherals require driver installation, how to manage compatibility is...

Connectivity is a major part of mobile device functionality, and this episode covers the ports and wireless interfaces you’ll need to recognize for the A Plus exam. We explain the key differences between USB C, Micro USB, and proprietary connectors like Apple Lightning, including their roles in data transfer and charging. You’ll also learn about wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, their operatio...

Inside every laptop display is a set of components that enable backlighting, touch input, and video capture—and this episode dives deep into each one. We start with inverters, which are used in older L C D screens to convert DC to AC for powering backlights. You’ll also learn about integrated webcams, microphones, and how these devices interact with motherboard connections and driver settings. Las...

This episode explores the different display technologies used in mobile and laptop screens, focusing on exam-relevant differences among L C D, O L E D, I P S, T N, and V A panels. We explain each display type’s core attributes—such as color depth, power usage, refresh rates, and viewing angles—and how those traits influence performance and usability. You’ll also learn how these display types impac...

Mobile devices increasingly rely on physical security features to prevent unauthorized access, and this episode explores those mechanisms in depth. We discuss biometric authentication options such as fingerprint readers and facial recognition systems, including where they are integrated into devices and how they are managed through software settings or group policy. You’ll also hear about token-ba...