Free CompTIA A+ Exam Flashcards
Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 1 & Core 2). See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The 'brain' of the computer that executes instructions. Key specs: clock speed (GHz), cores, cache size. Sockets: Intel LGA, AMD AM4/AM5. Requires thermal paste and cooling (heatsink/fan or liquid cooling).
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About These CompTIA A+ Flashcards
These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 1 & Core 2). Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.
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Complete Flashcard Reference
Review every term in this set. Open any term to reveal its definition.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The 'brain' of the computer that executes instructions. Key specs: clock speed (GHz), cores, cache size. Sockets: Intel LGA, AMD AM4/AM5. Requires thermal paste and cooling (heatsink/fan or liquid cooling).
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Volatile memory for active data and programs. Types: DDR4 (288 pins), DDR5 (288 pins, different notch). Installed in matched pairs for dual-channel. Check motherboard specs for max capacity and speed.
SSD vs HDD
SSD (Solid State Drive): No moving parts, faster, more durable, expensive per GB. Uses NAND flash. HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Spinning platters, cheaper per GB, slower, mechanical failure risk. Measured in RPM (5400, 7200).
NVMe vs SATA
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): Uses PCIe lanes, much faster (up to 7000 MB/s), M.2 or PCIe slot. SATA: Older interface, max 600 MB/s, uses SATA cables. NVMe preferred for boot drives.
Motherboard Form Factors
ATX: Full-size, most expansion slots (12×9.6 in). Micro-ATX: Smaller, fewer slots (9.6×9.6 in). Mini-ITX: Compact builds, 1 PCIe slot (6.7×6.7 in). Must match case size.
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
Converts AC to DC power for components. Wattage must exceed system needs. 80 Plus ratings indicate efficiency (Bronze, Gold, Platinum). Modular PSUs allow custom cable management. Key connectors: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, PCIe.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Handles graphics processing. Integrated: built into CPU (Intel UHD, AMD Radeon). Dedicated: separate card with own VRAM (NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon RX). Needs PCIe x16 slot and adequate PSU.
BIOS/UEFI
Firmware that initializes hardware and boots OS. BIOS: legacy, 16-bit, MBR partitions, 2TB limit. UEFI: modern, 64-bit, GPT partitions, Secure Boot, faster boot. Access via Del, F2, or F12 during POST.
IP Address
Unique identifier for network devices. IPv4: 32-bit, format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (e.g., 192.168.1.1). IPv6: 128-bit, hexadecimal. Private ranges: 10.x.x.x, 172.16-31.x.x, 192.168.x.x. DHCP assigns automatically, or set static.
Subnet Mask
Defines network vs host portion of IP address. Common masks: /24 (255.255.255.0) = 254 hosts, /16 (255.255.0.0) = 65,534 hosts. Used with IP to determine if destination is local or needs routing.
Default Gateway
Router IP address that connects local network to other networks/internet. Packets destined for outside the subnet go to gateway. Usually ends in .1 (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Essential for internet access.
DNS (Domain Name System)
Translates domain names to IP addresses. Common DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google), 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). Configured in network settings or via DHCP. DNS cache stores recent lookups. ipconfig /flushdns clears cache.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet mask, gateway, DNS. Server maintains pool of addresses. Lease time determines how long assignment lasts. DORA process: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge.
Common Ports
FTP: 20/21. SSH: 22. Telnet: 23. SMTP: 25. DNS: 53. HTTP: 80. HTTPS: 443. POP3: 110. IMAP: 143. RDP: 3389. SMB: 445. Know port numbers for troubleshooting and security.
Ethernet Cable Categories
Cat 5: 100 Mbps. Cat 5e: 1 Gbps, 100m. Cat 6: 1 Gbps (10 Gbps at 55m). Cat 6a: 10 Gbps, 100m. Cat 7/8: Data centers. Use appropriate category for network speed. RJ-45 connectors.
WiFi Standards
802.11n (WiFi 4): 2.4/5 GHz, 600 Mbps. 802.11ac (WiFi 5): 5 GHz, 3.5 Gbps. 802.11ax (WiFi 6/6E): 2.4/5/6 GHz, 9.6 Gbps. 2.4 GHz: better range, more interference. 5 GHz: faster, shorter range.
Windows 10/11 Editions
Home: Basic features, consumer use. Pro: BitLocker, Remote Desktop, domain join, Hyper-V. Enterprise: Volume licensing, advanced security. Education: Similar to Enterprise for schools. Check edition with winver.
Windows File Systems
NTFS: Windows standard, supports permissions, encryption (EFS), compression, large files. FAT32: Legacy, 4GB file limit, no permissions, cross-platform. exFAT: Large files, flash drives, no permissions.
Safe Mode
Windows diagnostic mode loading minimal drivers. Access: hold Shift during restart, or msconfig. Safe Mode: basic. Safe Mode with Networking: adds network. Safe Mode with Command Prompt: CLI only. Use for troubleshooting.
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Built-in recovery tools. Access: Settings > Recovery, or boot from installation media. Options: System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, Reset this PC, System Image Recovery.
Task Manager
Ctrl+Shift+Esc or Ctrl+Alt+Del. Tabs: Processes (running apps/services), Performance (CPU/RAM/disk/network graphs), Startup (boot programs), Services, Users. End unresponsive tasks, monitor resource usage.
Command Line Tools
ipconfig: Network config. ping: Test connectivity. tracert: Trace route. nslookup: DNS queries. netstat: Network connections. sfc /scannow: System file checker. chkdsk: Disk errors. diskpart: Disk management.
Linux File System
Hierarchical structure starting at root (/). Key directories: /home (user files), /etc (config), /var (logs), /bin (binaries), /dev (devices). Case-sensitive. Use ext4 file system typically.
macOS Features
Finder: File management. Time Machine: Backup solution. Spotlight (Cmd+Space): Search. Mission Control: Window management. FileVault: Full disk encryption. Terminal: Command line (Unix-based).
Malware Types
Virus: Attaches to files, needs user action. Worm: Self-replicating across networks. Trojan: Disguised as legitimate software. Ransomware: Encrypts data for payment. Spyware: Monitors user activity. Rootkit: Hides deep in OS.
Social Engineering
Manipulating people to bypass security. Phishing: Fake emails/sites. Vishing: Voice phishing. Smishing: SMS phishing. Tailgating: Following into secure areas. Shoulder surfing: Watching screens/keyboards.
Authentication Factors
Something you know: Password, PIN. Something you have: Smart card, token, phone. Something you are: Biometrics (fingerprint, face). MFA/2FA uses multiple factors. More factors = more secure.
Encryption
Symmetric: Same key encrypts/decrypts (AES, faster). Asymmetric: Public/private key pair (RSA, secure key exchange). BitLocker: Windows full disk encryption, requires TPM. EFS: File-level encryption on NTFS.
Firewall
Filters network traffic based on rules. Software firewall: Windows Defender Firewall, runs on computer. Hardware firewall: Network device, protects entire network. Blocks by port, IP, protocol. Stateful tracks connections.
Wireless Security
WEP: Deprecated, easily cracked. WPA: Improved, TKIP encryption. WPA2: AES encryption, current standard. WPA3: Latest, strongest. Enterprise versions use RADIUS server. Always use WPA2 or WPA3.
Troubleshooting Methodology
1) Identify problem. 2) Establish theory of cause. 3) Test theory. 4) Establish plan of action. 5) Implement solution. 6) Verify full system functionality. 7) Document findings. Always backup before changes.
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Windows stop error indicating critical system failure. Note error code and message. Common causes: driver issues, hardware failure, RAM problems, overheating. Check Event Viewer, update drivers, run memory diagnostic.
No Display/POST Issues
POST (Power-On Self-Test) beeps indicate hardware issues. Check: power connected, monitor cable, RAM seated, GPU seated. Listen for beep codes. Clear CMOS if needed. Try minimal hardware config.
Slow Computer Performance
Check: running processes (Task Manager), available storage (<10% is problem), malware scan, startup programs, RAM usage, disk health. Solutions: disable startup items, add RAM, upgrade to SSD, clean disk.
Network Connectivity Issues
Check physical: cables connected, link lights. Software: IP address (ipconfig), gateway reachable (ping gateway), DNS working (nslookup). Try: release/renew IP, reset network adapter, check firewall.
Mobile Device Sync
iOS: iCloud, iTunes/Finder sync. Android: Google account sync. Data synced: contacts, calendar, photos, app data. Enable sync in settings. Check storage space. Use WiFi for large backups.
Mobile Security
Screen lock: PIN, pattern, biometric. Find My Device: locate, lock, wipe remotely. App permissions: review what apps access. Update regularly. Avoid unknown sources (Android). MDM for enterprise control.
Email Configuration
POP3: Downloads email, typically deletes from server, port 110/995. IMAP: Syncs email, keeps on server, port 143/993. SMTP: Sends email, port 25/465/587. Configure: server, port, SSL/TLS, credentials.
Laser Printer Process
Seven steps: 1) Processing (receive data), 2) Charging (uniform negative charge), 3) Exposing (laser writes image), 4) Developing (toner adheres), 5) Transferring (to paper), 6) Fusing (heat bonds toner), 7) Cleaning.
Inkjet vs Laser
Inkjet: Liquid ink, better for photos, cheaper printer/expensive ink, slower. Laser: Toner powder, better for text, expensive printer/cheaper per page, faster. Inkjet can dry out if unused.
Printer Troubleshooting
Paper jam: Remove paper gently, check rollers. Streaks: Clean heads (inkjet), replace drum (laser). Faded: Low ink/toner. Spooler issues: Restart Print Spooler service. Offline: Check connection, set as default.
Virtualization
Running multiple OS on one physical machine. Hypervisor manages VMs. Type 1 (bare metal): VMware ESXi, Hyper-V Server. Type 2 (hosted): VirtualBox, VMware Workstation. Requires hardware virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V).
Cloud Service Models
IaaS: Infrastructure (VMs, storage)—you manage OS up. PaaS: Platform (databases, app hosting)—you manage apps. SaaS: Software (Office 365, Gmail)—provider manages everything. Shared responsibility model.
Cloud Deployment Models
Public: Shared infrastructure, pay-as-you-go (AWS, Azure). Private: Dedicated to one organization. Hybrid: Mix of public and private. Community: Shared by related organizations.
ESD Prevention
Electrostatic Discharge can damage components. Prevention: anti-static wrist strap, anti-static mat, touch case before components, avoid carpet, humidity helps. Store components in anti-static bags.
Data Backup Types
Full: All selected data, longest time, fastest restore. Incremental: Changes since last backup (any type), shortest time, slowest restore. Differential: Changes since last full, medium time/restore.
3-2-1 Backup Rule
Keep 3 copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite. Example: Original on computer, backup on external drive, cloud backup. Protects against hardware failure and disasters.
Documentation Best Practices
Document: network diagrams, procedures, asset inventory, configurations, passwords (secure storage), changes made. Keep up to date. Include knowledge base for common issues. Critical for handoffs and troubleshooting.
Change Management
Process for making changes safely. Steps: document proposed change, assess risk, get approval, plan implementation and rollback, communicate to stakeholders, implement, verify, document results.
Incident Response
Steps for security incidents: 1) Identify/detect, 2) Contain (isolate affected systems), 3) Eradicate (remove threat), 4) Recover (restore systems), 5) Document and lessons learned. Preserve evidence for analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate for CompTIA A+ exam?
CompTIA does not officially publish pass rates, but training providers report that approximately 70-80% of first-time test-takers pass the CompTIA A+ exam. Students who consistently score 85% or higher on practice tests have a 92% pass rate according to training organizations that track thousands of certification attempts yearly.
How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost in 2025?
The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two exams, each costing $265 (as of June 2025), bringing the total exam cost to $530. Students in eligible institutions can access 40-65% off through the CompTIA Academic Store. Including study materials, the total cost ranges from $600 for self-learners to $2,000 for comprehensive preparation programs.
How long should I study for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA officially recommends 80 hours of training time. New IT professionals should expect to spend 120-160 total hours (60-80 hours per exam) over 2-4 months. CompTIA recommends candidates have 9-12 months of hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Studying 10-15 hours per week, most beginners are ready in 3-4 months.
What is the difference between CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
The A+ certification requires passing two separate exams. Core 1 (220-1201) focuses on mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing with a passing score of 675/900. Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures with a passing score of 700/900. Both exams have up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit each.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it for beginners in 2025?
Yes, CompTIA A+ remains the industry-standard entry-level IT certification. It appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential and can place you above non-certified candidates for interviews. The average salary for A+ certified professionals is around $50,000 per year, with opportunities for growth. It also serves as a foundation for advancing to Network+, Security+, or cloud certifications.
What is the CompTIA A+ retake policy?
If you fail your first attempt, you can retake immediately with no waiting period. After your second failed attempt, you must wait at least 14 calendar days before trying again. There is no limit on retake attempts, but you must pay the full exam fee ($265 per exam) each time. CompTIA does not offer free retakes unless you purchased a bundle that includes one.
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