Many A+ certification guides prepare aspiring PC technicians to pass the exam, but don’t put test objectives in a "practical use" context. Other PC repair guides cover A+ exam objectives in a real-world setting, but don’t prepare students well enough to pass the test and get certified. The A+ Certification and PC Repair Handbook solves this problem by combining a complete test preparation for the new A+ examinations (220-301 and 220-302) with a hands on guide that reflects how the A+ exam questions apply to real-world PC repair problems. The book teaches users how to install and troubleshoot hardware, and provides solutions to common operating system-related problems for machines running Microsoft Windows 9x, Me, 2000, and XP. Each chapter includes numerous diagrams and photographs, and explains PC repair techniques using easy-to-understand language and accessible terms. For each chapter explaining these PC repair tactics, another chapter is included on how to effectively pass the corresponding portion of the A+ exam, with sample exam questions based on the actual tests. Test-taking techniques are also covered, including the test’s recent return to conventional linear testing, as opposed to the adaptive format of previous years. The book’s companion CD-ROM contains video tutorials that illustrate PC repair techniques, and full-length, timed, 80- question conventional practice tests covering both modules (Core Hardware and OS Technology) of the A+ certification exam.
KEY FEATURES
* Covers all of the CompTIA 2003 A+ objectives for exams 220-301 and 220-302
* Covers the repair of personal computers running, Windows 9x, Millennium, 2000, and XP with numerous photographs and diagrams showing how to perform various tasks
* Integrates sample A+ exam questions after the appropriate PC Repair chapters
* Includes a companion CD-ROM with 320 A+ Certification review questions, timed tests, video tutorials, beep codes, and industry contacts
Customer Reviews & Comments
After reading the two excellent reviews for this book, I purchased it to ensure I was ready for the two required A+ tests. That and it was one of the few books at the time which covered the new 220-301 & 302 exam objectives. The only reason I am writing this review is to ensure other A+ certification seekers out there that this book will not be a great deal of help with the OS/220-302 test. $290 is not cheap for an entry level certification and I would hope that anyone prepping for these tests only has to take each test once. On a good note, this book would be a decent PC Hardware Repair Handbook.
The reason it received 3 stars from me was for its weak OS coverage, which is half the certification. When I received the book from Amazon.com, I noticed how short the OS section was compared to the Hardware/Core section. Even the basics of 9x, NT, 2k, and XP cannot be covered in a few short sections like it was done in this book.
I did manage to pass the tests regardless, but my hands on experience and MCSE certification got me through the OS test.
Good luck to all of you!
