How to prepare for 220-603 exam.

A+ 220-603 tests the candidate’s ability in troubleshooting and interacting with customers remotely via the telephone or e-mail. The updated CompTIA A+ credential requires two tests. CompTIA A+ Essentials plus CompTIA A+ 220-603 Exam credential validates hardware and software, with added elements of security and soft skills, as well as safety and environmental issues. Before taking the 220-603 test, a candidate should practice the following:

1. Install add-on cards such as display card, sound card, internal modem, etc., on the motherboard.
2. Install device drivers for add-on cards installed on the motherboard.
3. Connect power supply connectors to motherboard, hard disk drive, floppy drive, etc.
4. Create partitions on the hard disk drive and format partitions.
5. Install operating systems.
6. Identify system resource conflicts such as IRQ conflict and I/O address conflict between devices.
7. Configure important settings such as boot sequence, date and time, floppy disk drive parameters, hard disk drive parameters, etc., in BIOS.
8. Identify various types of communication ports such as serial port, parallel port, USB port, IEEE 1394 port, etc.
9. Identify procedures for installing and configuring common SCSI devices.
10. Identify types of network cables, their characteristics and connectors.
11. Install network interface cards on two computers and create a computer network using RG-58 co-axial cable.
12. Create a network by using a hub.
13. Identify names, purposes and characteristics of common network cables and connectors.
14. Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for printers and scanners.
15. Identify various types of preventive maintenance measures, products, and procedures, including liquid cleaning compounds, types of materials to clean contacts and connections, monitors, removable media devices, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), suppressors, etc.
16. Identify potential safety hazards.
17. Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent documentation and appropriate equipment documentation.
18. Install service packs, patches, and malicious software prevention tools.
19. Recognize and respond appropriately to social engineering attack situations.
20. Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of wireless security such as Wireless encryption (e.g., WEP.x and WPA.x), and Access points (e.g., disable DHCP / use static IP, change SSID from default, disable SSID broadcast, MAC filtering, change default username and password, update firmware, firewall).
21. Identify characteristics of hardware and software security such as Smart cards/biometrics and Authentication technologies.
22. Practice using clear, concise, and direct statements during discussion with customers.
23. Practice maintaining a positive attitude and tone of voice while talking to customers.