The Integrated CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) Study Guide [155 Minute Read]

A First-Principles Approach to Operating Systems, Security, Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures

Welcome to your integrated study guide for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam. This guide is designed to build your knowledge from foundational truths—the first principles of IT support. You won't just memorize what to do; you will understand why you are doing it, preparing you to solve real-world problems with the confidence and skill of a true professional.

This guide is meticulously structured to align 1:1 with the official CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam objectives. Each objective is given its own dedicated section with detailed explanations, practical scenarios, and diagnostic paths, targeting the skills required for success on the exam and in your career as an IT support specialist.

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(Table of Contents - For Reference)

• Phase 1: Foundational Technician Concepts

  • 1.1. Exam Foundations
    • 1.1.1. Understanding the A+ Core 2 Exam: Purpose & Domains
  • 1.2. The Technician's Mindset
    • 1.2.1. The Technician's Mindset: A Problem-Solving Approach
    • 1.2.2. The Core Troubleshooting Methodology
      • 1.2.2.1. 💡 First Principle: Identify the Problem
      • 1.2.2.2. 💡 First Principle: Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
      • 1.2.2.3. 💡 First Principle: Test the Theory to Determine Cause
      • 1.2.2.4. 💡 First Principle: Establish a Plan and Implement the Solution
      • 1.2.2.5. 💡 First Principle: Verify Full System Functionality
      • 1.2.2.6. 💡 First Principle: Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
  • 1.3. Reflection Checkpoint: Foundational Concepts Mastery

• Phase 2: Operating Systems

  • 2.1. Domain 1.0 - Operating Systems
    • 2.1.1. Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes. (Obj. 1.1)
    • 2.1.2. Perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment. (Obj. 1.2)
    • 2.1.3. Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions. (Obj. 1.3)
    • 2.1.4. Use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools. (Obj. 1.4)
    • 2.1.5. Use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools. (Obj. 1.5)
    • 2.1.6. Configure Microsoft Windows settings. (Obj. 1.6)
    • 2.1.7. Configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop. (Obj. 1.7)
    • 2.1.8. Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system. (Obj. 1.8)
    • 2.1.9. Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system. (Obj. 1.9)
    • 2.1.10. Install applications according to requirements. (Obj. 1.10)
    • 2.1.11. Install and configure cloud-based productivity tools. (Obj. 1.11)
  • 2.2. Reflection Checkpoint: Operating Systems Mastery

• Phase 3: Security

  • 3.1. Domain 2.0 - Security
    • 3.1.1. Summarize various security measures and their purposes. (Obj. 2.1)
    • 3.1.2. Configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings. (Obj. 2.2)
    • 3.1.3. Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods. (Obj. 2.3)
    • 3.1.4. Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention. (Obj. 2.4)
    • 3.1.5. Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities. (Obj. 2.5)
    • 3.1.6. Implement procedures for basic small office/home office (SOHO) malware removal. (Obj. 2.6)
    • 3.1.7. Apply workstation security options and hardening techniques. (Obj. 2.7)
    • 3.1.8. Apply common methods for securing mobile devices. (Obj. 2.8)
    • 3.1.9. Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods. (Obj. 2.9)
    • 3.1.10. Apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks. (Obj. 2.10)
    • 3.1.11. Configure relevant security settings in a browser. (Obj. 2.11)
  • 3.2. Reflection Checkpoint: Security Mastery

• Phase 4: Software Troubleshooting

  • 4.1. Domain 3.0 - Software Troubleshooting
    • 4.1.1. Troubleshoot common Windows OS issues. (Obj. 3.1)
    • 4.1.2. Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues. (Obj. 3.2)
    • 4.1.3. Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues. (Obj. 3.3)
    • 4.1.4. Troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues. (Obj. 3.4)
  • 4.2. Reflection Checkpoint: Software Troubleshooting Mastery

• Phase 5: Operational Procedures

  • 5.1. Domain 4.0 - Operational Procedures
    • 5.1.1. Implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems. (Obj. 4.1)
    • 5.1.2. Apply change management procedures. (Obj. 4.2)
    • 5.1.3. Implement workstation backup and recovery methods. (Obj. 4.3)
    • 5.1.4. Use common safety procedures. (Obj. 4.4)
    • 5.1.5. Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls. (Obj. 4.5)
    • 5.1.6. Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts. (Obj. 4.6)
    • 5.1.7. Use proper communication techniques and professionalism. (Obj. 4.7)
    • 5.1.8. Explain the basics of scripting. (Obj. 4.8)
    • 5.1.9. Use remote access technologies. (Obj. 4.9)
    • 5.1.10. Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI). (Obj. 4.10)
  • 5.2. Reflection Checkpoint: Operational Procedures Mastery

• Phase 6: Exam Readiness & Beyond

  • 6.1. Exam Preparation Strategies
    • 6.1.1. Exam Structure, Question Types, and Scoring
    • 6.1.2. Tackling Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
    • 6.1.3. Sample Questions (Categorized by Domain)
  • 6.2. Beyond the Exam: A Career in IT
    • 6.2.1. Beyond the Exam: A Career in IT
  • 6.3. Reflection Checkpoint: Exam Readiness & Beyond Mastery

• Phase 7: Glossary

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