Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course

Welcome to the A+ Certification Audio Course

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 138: Scripting and Remote Access — .bat, RDP, SSH, Risks

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Automating tasks and supporting systems remotely are part of modern IT workflows. In this episode, we begin with scripting—specifically .bat and Pow...

Episode 137: Handling Confidential Materials

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Protecting sensitive data requires not only digital safeguards but also physical and procedural awareness. This episode teaches you how to properly ha...

Episode 136: Communication and Customer Service Skills

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Technical skills are vital, but soft skills are what turn technicians into trusted professionals. This episode focuses on communication techniques tha...

Episode 135: Data Privacy and Licensing — DRM, Chain of Custody

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores the legal and ethical responsibilities of handling data and software in IT environments. We start with licensing—understanding...

Episode 134: Environmental Controls — Ventilation, Disposal, MSDS

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Maintaining the physical environment around IT systems is just as important as managing the systems themselves. This episode begins with ventilation a...

Episode 133: Safety Procedures — ESD, Handling, Fire Safety

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping yourself and your equipment safe is foundational to effective IT work. This episode covers essential safety practices beginning with Electrost...

Episode 132: Backup and Recovery Methods — GFS, 3-2-1, Testing

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the backup strategies and data recovery techniques that every IT professional must know. We begin with the Grandfather-Father-...

Episode 131: Change Management Process

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Change is a constant in IT, but managing that change responsibly is what keeps systems stable. This episode introduces the formal change management pr...

Episode 130: IT Documentation Types — AUP, SOP, Diagrams

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s more than one kind of documentation in I T, and this episode explains the major types that appear on the A Plus exam. We start with Acceptab...

Episode 129: Asset and Inventory Management

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping track of hardware, software, and configuration data is vital for organizations of all sizes, and this episode explores how asset and inventory...

Episode 128: Documentation and Ticketing Systems

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the importance of clear, consistent documentation in every phase of IT support. We begin by explaining ticketing systems—how...

Episode 127: Domain 4.0 Operational Procedures — Overview

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The final domain in the Core 2 exam is Operational Procedures, and this episode introduces its wide-ranging content. You’ll learn what this domain i...

Episode 126: Mobile Malware — Rooted Devices, Data Leaks, Ads

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Malware isn’t limited to desktops. In this episode, we explore the types of malicious threats that target mobile devices. We begin with adware, spyw...

Episode 125: Mobile App Issues — Crashing, Connectivity, Updates

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobile devices introduce their own unique troubleshooting challenges, particularly when it comes to application behavior. In this episode, we start wi...

Episode 124: Malware Removal Steps — Quarantine, Clean, Restore

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Successfully removing malware requires following the right sequence, and this episode lays out that process according to CompTIA’s expectations. We ...

Episode 123: PC Security Symptoms — Alerts, File Changes, Redirection

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Security issues don’t always come with flashing warnings—sometimes they hide behind subtle behavior. This episode helps you identify the symptoms ...

Episode 122: Repair Techniques — SFC, Reimage, Rollback

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When something breaks in Windows, there are several tools you can use to restore functionality, and this episode breaks them down step by step. We beg...

Episode 121: Windows Symptoms — BSOD, Boot Issues, Low Memory

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers some of the most common and dramatic symptoms you'll face when troubleshooting Windows systems. We begin with the infamous Blue Sc...

Episode 120: Domain 3.0 Software Troubleshooting — Overview

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Troubleshooting software problems is a core responsibility in IT, and this episode introduces Domain 3.0 of the Core 2 exam. You’ll learn what kinds...

Episode 119: Data Disposal and Destruction Techniques

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Properly disposing of storage media is a critical part of data security, and this episode outlines the methods you need to know. We begin with data wi...

Episode 118: Mobile and Embedded Device Security

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobile and embedded devices require a tailored approach to security, and this episode explains how to apply protections without compromising usability...

Episode 117: Workstation Security Best Practices

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Securing a user’s workstation is about more than antivirus—it involves a full spectrum of proactive configurations. This episode outlines best pra...

Episode 116: User Account Controls and SSO

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover two important mechanisms for managing user access and security: User Account Control (UAC) and Single Sign-On (SSO). We begi...

Episode 115: OS Security Settings — Defender, BitLocker, NTFS

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Securing a system starts with built-in operating system tools, and this episode walks you through three key Windows security features. First is Window...

Episode 114: Threats and Vulnerabilities — Zero-Day, SQLi, XSS

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explains the technical underpinnings of some of the most dangerous threats and vulnerabilities in modern systems. We start with zero-day ...

Episode 113: Social Engineering — Phishing, Impersonation, Tailgating

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all threats are technical—some are psychological. This episode focuses on social engineering attacks, which trick users into revealing informati...

Episode 112: Detection and Prevention — Antivirus, Firewalls, Education

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Preventing malware infections involves more than just scanning files—it’s about layering multiple defenses. In this episode, we start with antivir...

Episode 111: Malware Types — Virus, Worms, Keyloggers, Rootkits

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into the various types of malicious software, or malware, that technicians must be able to recognize and address. We begin with vir...

Episode 110. Authentication — RADIUS, TACACS+, Kerberos

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Authentication protocols ensure that users are who they say they are, and this episode covers three of the most important ones for the A Plus exam. We...

Episode 109: Wireless Protocols — WPA2, WPA3, TKIP, AES

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wireless security standards are a frequent source of exam questions, and this episode breaks down the differences between key protocols. We start with...

Episode 108: Active Directory — Group Policy, Scripts, Domains

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode introduces Active Directory (AD), Microsoft’s central system for managing users, computers, and security in domain-based environments. ...

Episode 107: Logical Security — MFA, ACLs, Tokens

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we move into the digital layer of defense, exploring logical security techniques that help ensure users access only what they’re au...

Episode 106: Physical Security — Locks, Guards, Surveillance

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Protecting physical assets is the first line of defense in cybersecurity, and this episode explores the methods used to safeguard devices and faciliti...

Episode 105: Domain 2.0 Security — Overview

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode introduces Domain 2.0 of the Core 2 exam: Security. We provide an overview of the key areas covered, including physical security measures...

Episode 104: Partitioning, Formatting, Feature Updates

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on disk setup and system maintenance—key areas tested on the A Plus exam and vital for support professionals. We begin with par...

Episode 103: Installation Methods — USB, PXE, Network, ISO

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Installing an operating system requires choosing the right method for the environment, and this episode explores all the major approaches. We start wi...

Episode 102. OS Life Cycle and Compatibility Concerns

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Operating systems, like all software, go through a defined life cycle—from launch to end of support—and this episode walks you through what each s...

Episode 101: Filesystems — NTFS, exFAT, ext4, APFS

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores the filesystems used by various operating systems, each with its own capabilities and use cases. We begin with NTFS, the default...

Episode 100: O S Types — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all operating systems are created equal, and this episode explores the strengths, purposes, and distinctions among the most common ones. We start ...

Episode 99: App Impact — Device, Network, Business

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the broader implications of application use and performance in business environments. We begin by analyzing how resource-hungr...

Episode 98: Installation Sources and Distribution Methods

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Installing software isn’t just about double-clicking an installer anymore—it can come from a wide range of sources and methods. In this episode, w...

Episode 97. Application Requirements and Compatibility

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before installing software, it’s essential to confirm that a system meets the application’s requirements. This episode explains how to assess comp...

Episode 96. VPN, Proxy, Wired, Wireless, WWAN

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores a variety of network connection types and how they're configured or supported within a Windows environment. We begin with Virtua...

Episode 95: IP Configuration — Static, DNS, Subnet, Gateway

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

IP addressing is the foundation of network communication, and this episode provides a deep dive into how it's configured on Windows systems. We explai...

Episode 94: Workgroup vs. Domain Setup

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the difference between workgroups and domains is essential for both configuring and supporting business environments. In this episode, w...

Episode 93: Windows Settings — Update, Privacy, Devices, Apps

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode moves into the modern Windows Settings interface, highlighting how it’s used to manage essential system configurations. We start with W...

Episode 92: File Explorer and Power Options

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Windows File Explorer is the graphical gateway to your files, drives, and folders, and this episode focuses on how to use it efficiently and troublesh...

Episode 91: Control Panel Utilities — Firewall, User Accounts, Mail

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores the legacy yet still-relevant Control Panel utilities that continue to play an essential role in Windows system management. We b...

Episode 90: System Utilities — msconfig, regedit, resmon

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers critical system utilities that allow deep access to Windows configurations and diagnostics. We begin with msconfig—the System Co...

Episode 89: MMC Tools — Device Manager, Event Viewer, Scheduler

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) tools are central to system diagnostics and configuration, and this episode walks through the most exam-relevant on...

Episode 88: Disk and File Tools — format, xcopy, robocopy

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

File and disk management are critical skills for any support technician, and this episode covers the tools you’ll need to manipulate files, drives, ...

Episode 87: CLI Networking Tools — ipconfig, ping, tracert

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on essential command-line networking tools that appear regularly on the A Plus exam. We begin with ipconfig—how it displays net...

Episode 86: Command Line Basics — Navigation and Syntax

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we return to the fundamentals by exploring command-line usage, especially within Windows environments. We start with basic navigation...

Episode 85: Upgrade Paths and RAM Support

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into the rules and limitations surrounding Windows upgrades and memory capacity. You’ll learn about supported upgrade paths—for...

Episode 84: Feature Differences — Domains, UI, BitLocker, RDP

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Building on the previous episode, this one zooms in on specific Windows features that frequently appear on the exam. We explain domain membership and ...

Episode 83: Windows Editions — Home, Pro, Enterprise

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the different editions of Microsoft Windows and the specific features each version provides. We begin by exploring Windows Hom...

Episode 82: Domain 1.0 Operating Systems — Overview

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Operating systems form the backbone of every computer environment, and this episode gives you a high-level tour of the first domain in Core 2. We expl...

Episode 81: Core 2 Overview — Operating Systems, Security, Troubleshooting, Procedures

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode introduces the second half of the A Plus certification—Core 2—and provides a roadmap of the topics you’ll encounter throughout this...

Episode 80: Network Outages — Slow Speeds, Port Flapping, DNS Failures

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the network stops working or slows to a crawl, multiple causes could be at play, and this episode helps you navigate them. We begin with slow spe...

Episode 79: Network Troubleshooting — Interference, Jitter, Latency

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode introduces the invisible issues that often plague network performance—factors like wireless interference, signal jitter, and high laten...

Episode 78: Printer Hardware Failures — Rollers, Fuser, Transfer Belt

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses specifically on hardware components inside laser and inkjet printers and how their failure manifests in print quality issues or m...

Episode 77: Printer Symptoms — Jams, Ghosting, Faded or Garbled Output

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Printers might not seem exciting, but they’re a vital part of many IT environments—and they cause plenty of headaches. This episode explores the m...

Episode 76: Mobile Connectivity Problems — Bluetooth, Charging, Ports

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Connectivity issues are common on mobile devices, and this episode addresses some of the most testable areas. We begin with Bluetooth pairing failures...

Episode 75: Mobile Battery, Overheating, and Display Issues

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mobile devices introduce their own unique set of problems, particularly with power and display components. In this episode, we begin by examining batt...

Episode 74: Projector and External Display Failures

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses specifically on projectors and external monitors—devices that can introduce a new layer of complexity during troubleshooting. W...

Episode 73: Display Problems — Burn-In, Dead Pixels, Input Mismatch

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Display issues can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, and this episode helps you diagnose the most common ones. We begin with scre...

Episode 72: RAID Troubleshooting — Degraded and Rebuild Issues

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

RAID systems are designed to provide performance and redundancy, but when they fail, they introduce complexity. This episode focuses on how to trouble...

Episode 71: Drive Failures — Boot Errors, Data Loss, S.M.A.R.T

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drive-related issues are among the most frequent problems encountered in IT support, and this episode helps you identify, diagnose, and resolve them. ...

Episode 70: Power Supply Issues — No Boot, Reboot Loop, Noise

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The power supply unit—or PSU—is a foundational component, and this episode explains how its failure can lead to a wide range of confusing symptoms...

Episode 69: CPU and RAM Failures — Overheating, Freezes, Crashes

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When systems freeze, crash, or reboot unexpectedly, the underlying issue often traces back to either the CPU or RAM. This episode explores the symptom...

Episode 68: Motherboard Issues — POST Codes, No Power

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode targets one of the most frustrating and high-stakes categories of hardware failure: motherboard issues. We begin with POST codes and beep...

Episode 67: Verifying Full System Functionality and Documenting

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After you’ve implemented a solution, it’s not enough to walk away. This episode focuses on verifying that the fix worked and that the system is fu...

Episode 66: Creating and Implementing a Resolution Plan

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once the root cause has been confirmed, it's time to fix the issue. This episode explains how to create a resolution plan that minimizes disruption an...

Episode 65: Establishing and Testing a Theory of Cause

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once you’ve verified that a problem exists, the next step is to develop and test a theory about what’s causing it. In this episode, we explain how...

Episode 64: Identifying and Verifying the Problem

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses entirely on the first step in the troubleshooting process: identifying and verifying the problem. We begin by exploring how to ga...

Episode 63: Troubleshooting Methodology — The Six-Step Process

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before you can fix a problem, you need a process—and CompTIA provides one. This episode walks you through the six-step troubleshooting methodology t...

Episode 62: Domain 5.0 Troubleshooting — Overview

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Troubleshooting is a core skill for any IT professional, and Domain 5.0 of the Core 1 exam focuses exclusively on this area. In this overview episode,...

Episode 61: Client-Side Requirements — CPU, RAM, Security

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explains the hardware and software requirements that must be met for clients to effectively run various types of applications, especially...

Episode 60: Application Virtualization and Legacy Support.

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Application virtualization allows software to run in isolated containers, even if the underlying system doesn't support the app natively. In this epis...

Episode 59: VDI and Remote Desktop Virtualization

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, allows users to interact with desktop environments hosted on centralized servers, and this episode unpacks how...

Episode 58: File Sync and Cloud-Based Storage Use Cases

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore one of the most common cloud services used by both consumers and businesses: cloud-based storage and file synchronization....

Episode 57: Key Cloud Features — Elasticity, Metering, Redundancy

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes the cloud “cloud-like”? This episode answers that question by introducing key features that define cloud computing platforms. We start ...

Episode 56: Cloud Service Models — Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cloud service models describe what level of control and responsibility a customer has in a cloud environment, and this episode explains the big three:...

Episode 55: Cloud Deployment Models — Public, Private, Hybrid, Community

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into the different ways cloud infrastructure can be deployed, each with its own use case, control level, and security implications....

Episode 54: Domain 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud — Overview

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Virtualization and cloud computing are among the most transformative technologies in modern IT, and this episode introduces the concepts as laid out i...

Episode 53: Motherboard Interfaces — SATA, PCIe, Power Connectors

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the various internal interfaces found on a motherboard and what role each plays in system function. We begin with SATA connectors,...

Episode 52: CPU Sockets and Chipsets — Intel and AMD

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding how processors connect to the motherboard is critical for both real-world system builds and the A Plus exam. This episode dives into the...

Episode 51: Motherboards and Form Factors — ATX, Micro ATX, ITX

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on one of the most important hardware components you'll encounter: the motherboard. We begin by breaking down motherboard form fa...

Episode 50: Optical Drives and Media Types

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Although optical drives are less common today, they’re still covered on the exam and used in legacy and specialty environments. This episode explore...

Episode 49: Flash Drives and Memory Cards

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flash memory is everywhere, from USB drives to camera storage, and this episode focuses on the types, capacities, and formats you’ll encounter on th...

Episode 48: RAID Configurations — Zero, One, Five, Ten

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores the most common RAID configurations tested on the A Plus exam and found in real-world systems. We begin with RAID 0, also known ...

Episode 47: SSD Interfaces — SATA, PCI E, M.2, and M SATA

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses exclusively on the different interface types used to connect SSD drives. We begin with SATA-based SSDs and describe how they offe...

Episode 46: HDD and SSD Speed, Form Factor, and Features

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores how storage device performance and form factor impact system behavior, reliability, and installation. We begin by comparing rota...

Episode 45: RAM Channel Configurations — Single through Quad

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding memory channel configurations is key to improving performance in both desktops and laptops, and this episode covers them in detail. We b...

Episode 44: RAM Types — DDR Three, DDR Four, DDR Five, SODIMM, ECC

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the various types of system memory covered in the A Plus exam. We start by distinguishing between DDR 3, DDR 4, and DDR 5, out...

Episode 43: Adapter and Connector Types — RJ45, USB C, Molex, SC

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode breaks down the many adapter and connector types you're likely to encounter in hardware installation and cabling questions. Starting with...

Episode 42: Hard Drive Interfaces — SATA, SCSI, NVMe, IDE

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we examine the interface types used to connect hard drives and solid-state drives to computing systems. We start with SATA, the most ...

Episode 41: Peripheral and Video Cables — HDMI, VGA, DVI

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the common video and peripheral cables that A Plus candidates must be able to identify, differentiate, and troubleshoot. We be...

Episode 40: Fiber Optic and Direct Burial Cables

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into advanced cabling types used in high-speed and long-distance network infrastructure: fiber optic and direct burial cables. We s...