220-1102Free Study Guide

CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1102The Complete Beginner's Guide

Complete A+ Core 2 220-1102 study guide — operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

131 chapters
~55 hours total read
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This guide works best as a loop: read a chapter, test yourself with practice questions, look up unfamiliar terms in the glossary, then move to the next chapter.

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Study Chapters

131 chapters covering every exam objective. Each chapter includes key concepts, exam tips, common traps, comparison tables, and a 5-question quiz at the end.

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Glossary

Every 220-1102term defined and searchable. Use it when a chapter mentions a concept you haven't seen before or want a quick refresher on.

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Exam Overview

Exam blueprint, domain weights, passing score, duration, cost, and registration links. Start here if you're new to this certification.

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Operating Systems (27%)

42 chapters

Domain overview
1

Windows Editions and Features

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
2

Windows Command Line Tools

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
3

Windows Registry

Objective 1.3 · Operating Systems

25m
4

File Systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT

Objective 1.4 · Operating Systems

25m
5

Windows Networking and File Sharing

Objective 1.5 · Operating Systems

25m
6

macOS and Linux Basics for A+

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
7

Virtualization and Client-Side

Objective 1.7 · Operating Systems

25m
23

Windows Installation Methods

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
24

Windows Upgrade Paths and Edition Compatibility

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
25

Windows Task Manager

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
26

Windows Event Viewer

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
27

Windows Performance Monitor

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
28

Windows Services Management

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
29

Windows Startup Items and Services

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
30

Windows User Accounts and Groups

Objective 1.3 · Operating Systems

25m
31

Group Policy for A+

Objective 1.3 · Operating Systems

25m
32

Windows Disk Management

Objective 1.4 · Operating Systems

25m
33

Windows Device Manager

Objective 1.4 · Operating Systems

25m
34

Windows Shares and NTFS Permissions

Objective 1.5 · Operating Systems

25m
35

Workgroup vs Domain Join

Objective 1.5 · Operating Systems

25m
36

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Objective 1.5 · Operating Systems

25m
37

BitLocker Drive Encryption

Objective 1.7 · Operating Systems

25m
38

User Account Control (UAC)

Objective 1.3 · Operating Systems

25m
39

Windows Safe Mode Types

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
40

Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
41

System Restore Points

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
42

Windows Reset and Refresh Options

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
43

macOS System Preferences and Settings

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
44

macOS Terminal Commands

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
45

macOS Updates and App Store

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
46

macOS Time Machine Backup

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
47

Linux Basic Commands

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
48

Linux File System Structure

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
49

Linux Package Management: apt and yum

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
50

Linux Users and File Permissions

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
51

Disk Imaging and OS Deployment

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
52

Windows Activation Methods

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
53

Chrome OS for A+

Objective 1.6 · Operating Systems

25m
125

Windows Update Configuration

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
126

Windows Backup and File History

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m
127

PXE Boot and Windows Deployment Services

Objective 1.1 · Operating Systems

25m
131

PowerShell Basics for A+

Objective 1.2 · Operating Systems

25m

Security (24%)

28 chapters

Domain overview
8

Malware Types and Removal

Objective 2.1 · Security

25m
9

Windows Security Features

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
10

Data Destruction and Disposal

Objective 2.3 · Security

25m
11

SOHO Network Security

Objective 2.4 · Security

25m
12

Social Engineering for A+

Objective 2.5 · Security

25m
54

Malware Classification: Virus, Worm, Ransomware, Rootkit

Objective 2.1 · Security

25m
55

Browser Security Settings and Add-ons

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
56

Email Security: Spam and Phishing Detection

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
57

MFA Types for Users

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
58

Encryption Concepts for A+

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
59

TPM and Secure Boot

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
60

VPN Client Configuration

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
61

Certificate Management for A+

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
62

Wireless Encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3

Objective 2.4 · Security

25m
63

Physical Security: Locks, Cameras, Access Badges

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
64

Tailgating and Piggybacking Prevention

Objective 2.5 · Security

25m
65

Vishing and Smishing Attacks

Objective 2.5 · Security

25m
66

Data Sanitization: Wipe, Degauss, Shred, Incinerate

Objective 2.3 · Security

25m
67

Secure Disposal of Electronic Equipment

Objective 2.3 · Security

25m
68

SOHO Router Security Configuration

Objective 2.4 · Security

25m
69

Software Patch Management

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
70

Principle of Least Privilege

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
71

Account Lockout Policies

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
72

Audit Logging and Review

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
73

Incident Response for A+

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
74

Data Classification Levels

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
75

Basic Compliance: GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m
128

Password Managers and Best Practices

Objective 2.2 · Security

25m

Software Troubleshooting (26%)

29 chapters

Domain overview
13

Troubleshoot: Windows Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
14

Troubleshoot: Malware Infections

Objective 3.2 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
15

Troubleshoot: Mobile OS Issues

Objective 3.3 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
16

Troubleshoot: Application Crashes

Objective 3.4 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
76

Troubleshoot: Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
77

Troubleshoot: Windows Boot Failures

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
78

Troubleshoot: Startup Program Conflicts

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
79

Troubleshoot: Driver Conflicts

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
80

Troubleshoot: Print Spooler Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
81

Troubleshoot: Application Crashes and Hangs

Objective 3.4 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
82

Troubleshoot: Application Compatibility Mode

Objective 3.4 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
83

Troubleshoot: Corrupt User Profile

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
84

Troubleshoot: Registry Errors

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
85

Troubleshoot: Low Disk Space Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
86

Troubleshoot: Slow Performance

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
87

Troubleshoot: Memory Leak Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
88

Troubleshoot: Permission Denied Errors

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
89

Troubleshoot: macOS Common Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
90

Troubleshoot: Linux Common Issues

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
91

Troubleshoot: iOS Common Issues

Objective 3.3 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
92

Troubleshoot: Android Common Issues

Objective 3.3 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
93

Troubleshoot: Cloud Application Issues

Objective 3.4 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
94

Windows Recovery Tools

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
95

System File Checker (sfc /scannow)

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
96

DISM Tool for Windows Repair

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
97

chkdsk Tool Usage

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
98

Troubleshoot: Network Issues from OS

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
99

Troubleshoot: Browser Issues

Objective 3.4 · Software Troubleshooting

25m
129

Troubleshoot: Windows Update Failures

Objective 3.1 · Software Troubleshooting

25m

Operational Procedures (23%)

32 chapters

Domain overview
17

Documentation and Ticketing Systems

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
18

Change Management Procedures

Objective 4.2 · Operational Procedures

25m
19

Backup and Recovery

Objective 4.3 · Operational Procedures

25m
20

Safety Procedures and Environmental Controls

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
21

Professionalism and Communication

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
22

Remote Support Tools and Techniques

Objective 4.6 · Operational Procedures

25m
100

Ticketing System Workflow

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
101

Knowledge Base Article Creation

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
102

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
103

IT Policies: AUP, BYOD, Password Policy

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
104

Change Management Process

Objective 4.2 · Operational Procedures

25m
105

Asset Disposal Policies

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
106

Environmental Controls: Temperature and Humidity

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
107

Fire Suppression Systems in Data Center

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
108

Electrical Safety Procedures

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
109

Lifting Techniques and Ergonomics

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
110

Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
111

3-2-1 Backup Strategy

Objective 4.3 · Operational Procedures

25m
112

Backup Verification and Testing

Objective 4.3 · Operational Procedures

25m
113

Disaster Recovery Planning

Objective 4.3 · Operational Procedures

25m
114

Scripting Basics: Batch, PowerShell, Bash

Objective 4.6 · Operational Procedures

25m
115

Task Scheduler Automation

Objective 4.6 · Operational Procedures

25m
116

Remote Desktop Tools: RDP, VNC, TeamViewer

Objective 4.6 · Operational Procedures

25m
117

Cultural Sensitivity in Tech Support

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
118

Active Listening Skills

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
119

Escalation Procedures

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
120

User Privacy Considerations

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
121

IT Professional Code of Ethics

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
122

GDPR Basics for Technicians

Objective 4.5 · Operational Procedures

25m
123

Network Topology Documentation

Objective 4.1 · Operational Procedures

25m
124

Sandbox Environments for Testing

Objective 4.4 · Operational Procedures

25m
130

Cloud Backup Solutions

Objective 4.3 · Operational Procedures

25m

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Free 220-1102 practice questions with full explanations. Test what you learn chapter by chapter.

220-1102 Practice Questions