A+ Certification For Dummies, 3rd Edition
by Ron Gilster
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
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Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
Copyright 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2003105687
ISBN: 0-7645-4187-0
Manufactured in the United States of America
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About the Author
Ron Gilster (A+, Network+, i-Net+, Server+, CCSE, CCNA, MBA, and AAGG) has been operating, programming, and repairing computers for more than 30 years. Ron has extensive experience training, teaching, and consulting in computer-related areas, including working on mainframes, minicomputers, and virtually every type of personal computer and operating system that exists. In addition to a wide range of positions that have included College Instructor, Customer Service Manager, Data Processing Manager, Management Information Systems Director, and Vice President of Operations in major corporations and small businesses, Ron has been a management consultant with an international auditing firm and has operated his own computer systems consulting firm.
Ron has authored a number of certification books, including Network+ Certification For Dummies, i-Net+ Certification For Dummies, Server+ Certification For Dummies, CCNA For Dummies, Cisco Networking For Dummies, MCSA All-in-One Reference For Dummies, and PC Repair Bench Book (all for Wiley Publishing), as well as several books on computer and information literacy, applications programming, and other computer hardware topics. Ron also acted as the series editor for Wiley Publishings End to End series and Network+ Certification Bible.
Dedication
To Connie, Carly, Markus, Kirstie, and Jessica.
Authors Acknowledgments
I would like to thank the virtual cast of thousands at Wiley who helped to get this book published, especially Melody Layne, Carol Sheehan, Pat OBrien, John Edwards, Jean Rogers, Dan DiNicolo, Laura Moss, Laura Carpenter VanWinkle, and Amanda Foxworth, all of whom were on my side all the way.
Publishers Acknowledgments
Were proud of this book; please send us your comments through our online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/ .
Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:
Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development
Project Editor:
Pat OBrien
Acquisitions Editor:
Melody Layne
Copy Editors:
John Edwards
Jean Rogers
Technical Editor:
Dan DiNicolo
Editorial Manager:
Kevin Kirschner
Media Development Manager:
Laura VanWinkle
Media Development Supervisor:
Richard Graves
Editorial Assistant:
Amanda Foxworth
Cartoons:
Rich Tennant ( www.the5thwave.com )
Production
Project Coordinator:
Ryan Steffen
Layout and Graphics:
Carrie Foster
Joyce Haughey
Michael Kruzil
Heather Ryan
Jacque Schneider
Julie Trippetti
Proofreaders:
Laura Albert
David Faust
John Greenough
Dwight Ramsey
Charles Spencer
TECHBOOKS Production Services
Indexer:
TECHBOOKS Production Services
Publishing and Editorial for Technology Dummies
Richard Swadley, Vice President and Executive Group Publisher
Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher
Mary C. Corder, Editorial Director
Publishing for Consumer Dummies
Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher
Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director
Composition Services
Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services
Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services
Introduction
Overview
If you have bought or are considering buying this book, you probably fit one of the following categories:
You know how valuable A+ Certification is to a professional personal computer (PC) technicians career and advancement.
Youre wondering just what A+ Certification is all about.
You think that reading this book may be a fun, entertaining way to learn about computer hardware maintenance and repair.
You love all ...For Dummies books and wait impatiently for each new one to come out.
Youre a big fan of mine and cant wait to read all of my new books.
Well, if you fit any of the first four scenarios, this is the book for you! However, Im not certified in the appropriate medical areas to help you if you are in the last category!
If youre already aware of the A+ Certified Computer Technician program and are just looking for an excellent study aid, you can skip the next few sections of this introduction because your search is over. However, if you dont have the foggiest idea of what A+ Certification is, how it can benefit you, or how to prepare for it, read on!
Why Use This Book?
With over 20 years and layer upon layer of microcomputer hardware and software technology to study, even the most knowledgeable technician needs help getting ready for the A+ exams. This book is intended to shorten your preparation time for the A+ exams.