REAL PROBLEM 12-2: Researching the Latest Technology

1. AMD Processors - Phenom x4
Offers the ultimate megatasking experience by providing direct and rapid information flow between processor cores, main memory and graphics and video accelerators. Low Latency and supports 1080p high definition video and extreme total system bandwidth. It also offers direct access to DDR2 memory. This is recommended for Vista 64 bit. Desktop.

AMD Athlon x2 Dual-Core
Contains two processing cores that perform calculations on two streams of data to increas effiency and speed. Contains the Cool n quite technology for energy rating. Used with Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Vista Enhanced. Can be used with 64 bit technology. Compatible with Vista. Desktop.

AMD Sempron
Handles up to 256KB total high-performance cach, one 16-bit/16-bit link and up to 1600 MHz bus technology. DDR2 memory controller. It is designed for day to day computing. Smooth streaming of the video and audio on the internet. Includes the AMD64 technology. works with XP SP2. Desktop.


2. SATA UV cables 150Mb/s maximum transfer rate.S ATA2 hard drive is capable of 300Mb/s transfer speeds . I found this link to be of great assistance as well:
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=16014

3. I think the intended users were both home and business to not only make a wireless system for printers and other office devices but to reduce energy. It is a reflection of short range, high bandwidth applications.

The transfer rate from WUSB is 480 Mbps (60 MB/s) if the device is within 3 meters (9.84 feet) from the PC.

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REAL PROBLEM 12-1: Looking for a PC Support Job

1. Qualifications are as follows:
Network Administrator
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or equivalent. Formal training in Microsoft 2003 Server, IP Networking (Net+), Cisco Experience (CCNA)and SAN Storage.
Field Engineer
Must have A+ Certification, 3-6 Years of Printer Repair Experience, Xerox Manufacture Certification, Certification on other Printers, Tools and Auto
Desktop Support
A+ Certification, Knowledge of Phone Systems (Nortel)

2. Salary:

Network Administrator $21.37 to $22.68/hour
Field Engineer $Undisclosed - I assume in the $20/hour range
Desktop Support $Undisclosed - I assume in the $10-15/hour range

3. Additional Experience/Certifications:

Network Administrator - Alot more schooling! Bachelors in Computer Science, get Certified in Microsoft 2003 Server, Net+ and CCNA

Field Engineer - Printer Certifications

Desktop Support - Knowledge of phone system - Nortel

4. 1st Choice would obviously be Desktop Support - as I would not have any other certification and do understand how to program phones.

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REAL PROBLEM 11-1: Selecting a Color Printer for a Small Business

1. HP Office Pro K8600 - Ink Jet
Xerox Phaser 6125
HP Color Laser Jet CP6015dn
2. I have instant messaged both Xerox and HP and the only maintenance is changing the ink cartridges and the drum if its the Laser Jet.
3. See Print out.
4. All the costs below include the cost of the printer
5. Advantages for the Office Pro K8600 is the cost and the quality of the prints. When you look at the cost on an annual basis is the lowest. Disadvantages are that it only has one paper tray which and the monthly max is a bit under the 8,000. Therefore the longevity may not be there and is not network capable. The HP Color Laserjet CP6015dn has the longevity (with a monthly duty cycle of 175,000) therefore the a great buy. Faster machine than the other two and the most memory. The annual cost is just over $1,000 over the Office Pro, but is laser quality for only pennies a copy more. Network capable. Disadvantages upfront cost is high as it retails for just under $4200. The Xerox Office Phaser 6125 is a laser printer with great quality. Its upfront cost is low and the only maintenance is changing the toner. It is network compatible and has a mid range of 40,000 maximum pages per month. Disadvantage is that it is the most expensive on an annual basis.
6. I recommend the HP Color LaserJet CP6015dn. Its an expensive upfront cost, but you will not be replacing the unit every year because it can handle the large amount of prints. There is low maintenance and its well worth the extra $1000 for the time it will save on the speed of the copies as well as the quality (laser vs ink jet). Honestly, if you look at the annual costs against the upfront costs there is no reason not to get the quality of the better printer with more possibilties

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REAL PROBLEM 10-2: E-Mail Hoax

This is my Email hoax that I received today. I tried several of the web sites in the book but none showed in detail the email fraud I received.

I did however find it when I did a google search for Angela White
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_fraud
www.scamdex.com/MHON/L/msg00094.php


Hello,

My name is Barrister Thomas Harry. I am the attorney of Late Mrs. Angela White, who died in London UK. I have a business proposition for you.

Before the death of my late client, she lodged huge amount of money in a security vault/company here in Europe, amounting to Ј3,000,000 (three million pounds) that is $6,000,000.00 (Six million dollars). And she left behind strict instructions on secrecy and top confidentiality of her funds in the security company. And the only person aware of the funds is me been her attorney. And she left instructions with the security company that, it is only her lawyer that knows about the funds in their custody.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Angela had no next of kin as she had no children and she didn't appoint any inheritance. It is on this note,that you come in, I would like you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin whom I will appoint and notify the security company that you are the actual next of kin appointed by Mrs. Angela White before her death. Please, have nothing to worry about, as I will commence processing all legal documentations certifying you as the Sole-Beneficiary to Late Angela White, Be rest assured that all documents will be processed according to the law.

If you agree to do this with me, we shall both share the total amount of $6 million USD 40/60 %, which means $2.4M( Two million four hundred thousand dollars)for you, while $3.6M (Three million six hundred thousand dollars) would be mine. If you oblige then kindly send me your full name, Age, address, telephone and country, in order for me to prepare the necessary documents for the funds to be released to you.

Kindly note that this transaction requires maximum secrecy. Kindly response to me ( thomasharry45@inMail24.com). I await your response.

Regards
Thomas Harry

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REAL PROBLEM 10-1: Cleaning Your System of Malware

I, as you know, have a new computer for this class. I have Norton and ran it for this assignment and came up with no infections. I also went to the Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx - please note this takes roughly 45 minutes.

If something had come about I would then check to see if there were any start up errors. If there were I would go into the MSconfig and see if the Dll is launched. I could then go and delete this fine using the CMD and delete the file. Also make sure my recycle bin is emptied. I would then purge restore points and clean the registry.

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REAL PROBLEM 9-1: FIREWALLING YOUR HOME NETWORK

The solution here is to purchase a Wireless Router with the built in firewall protection. I would recommend that the wireless router (roughly $50) be installed to the cable modem. The two computers can be connected to the router (most can hold up to 4 additional users by patch cables). This would eliminate the need for a host computer.

Configuring the software and firewall with the router is the key to success with intrusions. This will also take care of the daughter and her laptop needs. Most laptops now have built in wireless connection, but USB or network adapters (recommend the same brand as the router for success!) for roughly $40. So for under $100 you can have everything needed to have a secure internet connection - without any additional software or mess.

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BLOG: Installing Windows 9x/Me

I do not have access to install Windows 9x/Me to any computer nor do I currently have the software to perform the task involved. However, I have found the following link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/221829

This supports questions and answers regarding a clean install of Windows 98 including the following:

SUMMARY

MORE INFORMATION

Determine Which Product to Use

Minimum Hardware Requirements to Install Windows 98

System Updates, Device Drivers, and Other Considerations

CMOS Antivirus Utility

Drive Overlay Software

System Updates and Device Drivers

Real-Mode CD-ROM Support

How to Prepare the Hard Disk for the Windows 98 Installation Procedure

How to Partition the Hard Disk

How to Install Windows 98

REFERENCES

This is directly from Microsoft, for a clean install with no operating system.

In regards to expected problems and solutions and technical questions, I found this link to be productive: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/ and then doing a search for 98 installation.

I also found more information at http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=ph;en-us;1139 which is the solution center which gives much more information

Non Microsoft I found one exceptionally good site that gives step by step advice on upgrading:
http://www.dansdata.com/sbs30.htm

Other sites:
http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/software/windows/upgrade/intro.htm
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=14700253
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

In regards to time to install, I would block out an entire afternoon to get everything working properly, 2 hours minimum!

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Real Problem 6-1 Using Batch Files

Your friend, Dennis, has asked for your help writing a batch file. He keeps a word document on his Windows XP desktop named MyList.doc, which is a list of things to do. He wants another icon on the desktop that represents a batch file with a single command in the file. The purpose of the batch file is to put a copy of his to-do list document in this location: c:\data\mylist.doc Do the Following:

1. On your desktop, create a word document file named MyList.doc. What is the path to this file? c:\mylist.doc

2. Create a folder named C:\Data

3. Use Notepad to create a batch file with a single copy command, and store the batch file on your desktop. c:\mylist.doc

4. After you have tested the batch file, print its contents. What is the path to your batch file? c:\documents and settings\legaltemp\desktop\mylist.doc

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Real Problem 5-1 Problems Starting Windows XP

Tim, a coworker who uses many different applications on his Windows XP system, complains to you that his system is very slow starting up and responding when he loads and unloads applications. You suspect the system is loading too many services and programs during startup that are sucking up system resources. Write down at least 10 things you should do or try, as discussed in the chapter to speed up a sluggish Windows XP installation.up processes and eliminate the unnecessary ones? If you have access to a Windows

1. The very first step I would do is question the user - what is happening, what were you doing, what was the error message. The very next step is to ask him if there are any items that need to be backed up, and if necessary get the files from going into Safe Mode! Then I would see if I can get the error to occur for me. Extract as much information from the user, including error messages. Checking Task Manager is also a main one to check right off for information!

2. The second step I would probably do is to determine if it is Software or Hardware related. If it is hardware, check the simple items, checking cables, and switches. If I think it is Software, I would try booting from the Last Known Good Configuration from the Advanced Options (F8 when Windows is loading.)

3. If I can load windows, but is it sluggish, suspect a virus! Run antivirus from the Safe Mode and run the software.

4. If the system has been changed recently, check the installation using Device Manager to disable or uninstall the device. If this solves the problem then try updated drivers for the device.

5. If you know that a new application or utility program has been installed, uninstall the software, reboot and see if the problem goes away. If it does then reinstall the software and check the manufacturers website and download any updates.

6. There is a possibility that the hard drive might be full or the file system is corrupted. Try using Disk Cleanup to clean up and delete unwanted files. Using Defrag and Chkdsk to optimize and repair the drive. If the system is slow while trying to do this - go into Safe Mode.

7. There is also a possibility of unknown software bogging down the system. Again going into Safe Mode and run the up to date antivirus and re-run it to make sure its all gone. Add or remove any unwanted software from the Control Panel will also assist. Checking all the folders that contain start up entries and move or delete any start up programs and scripts (including fonts) that might bog it down. Also using the Services Console to permanently disable any services that might be causing a problem.

8. The possibility of some of the Windows system files are missing or corrupt will interfere with your performance. Using the System File Checker utility will work or Recovery Console.

9.If I have the NTbackup I can use this to restore to the system state as well.

10. If nothing really works, try the Recovery console and do a Automated System Recovery to the last ASR back up. If this does not work, a clean install.

Obviously, the simpler the fix the better for the system!

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Real Problem 4.1: Corrupted Windows Installation

As a PC support technician for a small organization, it’s your job to support the PCs, the small network, and the users. One of your coworkers, Jason, comes to you in a panic. His Windows XP system won’t boot, and he has lots of important data files in several locations on the drive. He has no idea in which folder some of the files are located. Besides the applications data on which he’s currently working, he’s especially concerned about losing e-mail addresses, e-mail, and his Internet Explorer Favorites links.

After trying everything you know about recovering Windows XP, you conclude the OS is corrupted beyond repair. Based on what you have learned in this and previous chapters, list the steps you would take to reinstall Windows XP and recover all the data that Jason needs.

Since Jason is on a domain network that works on a Server his information is saved on the server. If his Windows XP is corrupt beyond repair all he needs to do is have him log in on another computer and he will have all his information. Should any items be on the C drive – just repair off of back ups. As a PC tech a clean re-install of the computer and put him back on the system.

I would also make a floppy of his password for him just in case he forgets his password and then also put him on a schedule for back up and on a regular schedule – including his personal files and keep a log as to items he saves on the C drive.

Using a back up system such as Norton Ghost which “copies” your hard drive and saves time and money.

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REAL PROBLEM 3-1: Problems Starting Windows XP

Tim, a coworker who uses many different applications on his Windows XP system, complains to you that his system is very slow starting up and responding when he loads and unloads applications. You suspect the system is loading too many services and programs during startup that are sucking up system resources. What do you do to check for startup processes and eliminate the unnecessary ones?

This is a very frustrating situation as all of us have experienced. Any Windows environment needs to be configured for optimum performance.

For me the first step would be to shut down the computer and do a hard start. Once the computer has finished its system checks and is ready to start up, I would bring up the Task Manager. I would go then to Applications and confirm that nothing was running and then proceed to Processes tab. Knowing the bare-bones that this company should be running, I would begin inspecting and see what is running that should not be running, and either take notes or do a print screen. Investigate the process and then proceed to Services Console (RUN: Services.msc). Find the applications in question that are not required to be running and either disable start up or make them disabled, depending on the program. A reboot and check the process again to see if it was all running correctly.


Write down at least 10 things you should do or try that were discussed in the chapter to speed up a sluggish Windows XP installation.

1. Back up the system’s state before making any changes, just incase. Make sure that Windows is up to date on its downloads. This can repair fixes that could slow down a computer.
2. Check the Task Manager “Processes” for the processes that are running when no programs are running. Please refer to the first part of this answer.
3. Remove any and all unwanted items using the uninstall feature (not just deleting the shortcut!) Either by using the add/remove function or through deleting program files.
4. Only when you HAVE NO CHOICE go and delete registry entries, just make sure to back up the uninstall key incase you need to backtrack.
5. Check possible malicious software with Support.microsoft.com and see if this process is legitimate, and follow up with a Google search. Always do this before “stopping the process” following this up with malicious third party software (including antivirus software) and checking your firewall.
6. Refer to the Performance tab and identify which applications and processes use the most of the CPU. This will also show you the amount of Ram being used and the virtual memory. This can also show if you need to upgrade the computer. Checking and adjusting the performance options as necessary can change the memory settings and page file sizes can also assist with speed.
7. Within the Task Manager you can set priority of the processes and see if by changing the priority level this way if your performance is affected.
8. Trouble shoot using MSCONFIG (Run: msconfig.exe) to diagnose startup issues before making permanent fixes to the computer.
9. Use a third party software utility to diagnose problems.
10. Go straight to the services console and control Windows and all third party services installed. Reconfigure the Startup type manual status to have only the necessary items start up.

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BLOG: A Corrupted Windows Installation

As a PC support technician for a small organization, it’s your job to support the PC’s, the small network, and the users. One of your coworkers, Jason, comes to you in a panic. His Windows XP system won’t boot, and he has lots of important data files on several locations on the drive. He has no idea in which folder some of the files are located. Besides the applications data he’s currently working on, he’s especially concerned about losing e-mail addresses, e-mail, and his Internet Explorer Favorites links.

After trying everything you know about recovering Windows XP, you conclude that the OS is corrupted beyond repair. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, list the steps you would take to reinstall Windows XP and recover all the data that Jason needs.

In answering this I am assuming that this is a Windows domain (a group of networked computers that share a centralized database) in which case Jason’s information is really stored on a server, which also is backed up by back up domain controllers (BDC’s) therefore his data is NOT lost. The domain controller stores and controls the following: 1) User accounts, 2) Group Accounts and 3) Computer Accounts.

With this assumption, all the PC technician would have to do is reinstall the OS system and network it back to the server. Once he signs in using his user name and password; his files, applications, email, are right where they were including his desktop settings! A good technician will also confirm that all network settings including the printer, internet, and scanners also on the network are tested before returning the computer back to Jason. In the meantime Jason could log on to another computer on the system and continue to work using his personal log in. This would eliminate any down time.

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BLOG: Becoming a PC Support Technician

1. A history professor calls you into his office and tells you he thinks the memory on his computer needs upgrading. He wants you to tell him how much RAM is currently installed. What do you do?

The fastest is Win+Break feature if using Windows Vista.

If you are using XP you need to open the System Properties window and right click on My Computer and select Properties and go to the General Tab this will show you the RAM that is currently installed. Another short cut is Go into the Control Panel from Start and go into System.


2. A PE instructor discovers the history professor has Windows XP on his desktop. She thinks she has a version of Windows 9x/Me on her desktop and wants you to tell her exactly which OS she has installed. What do you do?

Follow the instructions for the 1st Question above. The OS system being used is included in the General tab as well.

3. The Office Administrator for Career Education is working from home today. She calls you to say she must connect to the internet but her dial up connection is not working. Walk her through the steps to verify that Windows XP is recognizing her modem correctly. What are these steps?

This will be in your Device Manager. I prefer to use the Run option from Start button and type in Devmgmt.msc. However, you can get there by Start, right click on My Computer and select Properties on the submenu. Click on the Hardware tab and locate her modem. If her modem is listed, click on it and it will tell you if it is working properly. If it is then check her network connection. If her network connection is not listed, add one for this modem.

The question asked the steps to verify that Windows XP is recognizing her modem correctly, but my very first steps would be to make sure connections are all in place, i.e., its plugged in to the wall and the computer.

4. A student in a computer lab is trying to answer a question in the lab about Windows XP automatic Updates. She needs to know if the system is set to receive Windows updates automatically. What steps do you give her to find the answer?

There are two ways, my first choice would be to go to Start and then Programs and select Windows Update this will give her the status on when she will receive updates.

The second way is to go to the System Properties (same steps as Question #1) and choose Automatic Updates. This will also give you the information and choices.

5. A student in the Media Center complains that his monitor is flickering. you suspect the resolution is set too low under Windows XP. List the steps to find out the current resolution on your Windows XP system. What is the highest resolution possible for your monitor?

This will be in the Control Panel to get there you go to Start click Control Panel and then Display. You will choose the tab settings and check the resolution. You adjust by using the slider bar. My computer's highest resolution is 1280x800 Pixels.

6. A student in a computer lab asks you how much space is free on her drive C using Windows XP. What steps do you use?

I would go to Start and then My Computer, Right click on the C drive and go to Properties in the submenu this will display the free space available on the C Drive.

7. Your boss asks you to go down the hall to the Windows XP computer in the break room and find out the path and the name of the device driver for the optical drive (CD drive or DVD Drive ) that is installed. What steps do you use? What is the path and the name of the optical drive device driver on your Windows XP System?

The easiest way I found to retrieve this information is in the System Information. To get to the system information you go to Start, click run and type Msinfo32.exe and press ok. Then you click Components and pull up the CD-ROM. This will give you the information requested.

The path and the name of the optical device driver on my Windows System is:

Name PIONEER DVDRW DR-KD08HB ATA Device

Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys (6.0.6001.18000, 78.00 KB (79,872 bytes), 1/20/2008 5:46 PM)

Please note that you can also get this information through your Device Properties (instructions on Question #3) and choose the Device and then choose Driver Details and there you go.

Name PIONEER DVDRW DR -KD08HB ATA Device

C:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys

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BLOG: What is an Operating System?

What is an operating system?

The OS (Operating System) provides the direction that users and the applications require to dictate and use the hardware. In layman's terms, it controls the computer and tells it how to operate. The book refers to the OS system as the middleman between applications and hardware, between user(s) and hardware and/or the user(s) and applications. A computer simply cannot run without an OS system. It would be like trying to run our body without a brain.

What four things do all operating systems have in common?

All OS systems share the four main functions:

1. Providing user interface which is basically performing housekeeping functions requested by the user - copying files, changing time and date formatting, etc.
2. Managing Files on the hard drives, DVD drives, CD drives, floppy drives. This also includes creating, storing, retrieving and moving of files (documents).
3. Managing Applications to include installing and un-installing applications (software) and running applications and managing the connection to the hardware on behalf of the applications being ran.
4. Managing hardware to include managing the BIOS, memory (the temporary place to store data), diagnosing problems with the software and hardware, and the interfacing between both the hardware and software (interpretation of the needs of the hardware and software so that they can effectively work together.)

Trace the evolution of the Windows operating system in your own words.

Disk Operating System (DOS) was the first of the OS systems for IBM and IBM compatible computers (non Apple systems). This was the required base for all hardware and software before Bill Gates developed Windows.

In the 1990's the early versions of Windows, which includes Windows 3.1 and 3.11 (Windows 3.x) DOS was the OS system, providing the user a very user-friendly environment between DOS, applications and the user. Windows 3.x was no more than a middle man.

When Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows ME (Windows 9x/ME) came out these versions were supported by the underlying DOS system. At this point Windows and the DOS Core worked in partnership with each other. I like to refer to this partnership as the bone that needed the muscle. This partnership provided a bridging of two worlds. These operating systems allowed the OS to be backward-compatible with the older software and hardware at the same time the ability to take full advantage of newer technology. As newer versions of Window's were released the requirements of the processor, RAM and free hard drive space increased.

The introduction of Windows New Technology (Windows NT) came in two versions, one was Windows NT for Workstations and the other was Windows NT Server (to control a network). This was where the Windows version corrected the problems that Windows 9x/ME was having with stability by completely rewriting the OS Core, eliminating the DOS Core.

Windows 2000 came out and corrected the issues that Windows NT introduced. Windows 2000 was designed for all users at the private and corporate level. There are many versions of Windows 2000; Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server. Windows 2000 produced a stable environment over its predecessors. It introduced Plug and Play, Recovery Console, Active Directory, better network support, and features that targeted notebook computers.

Windows XP is the upgrade to Windows 2000. Windows XP came in many versions including Windows XP Home Editions, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Windows' goal here was to integrate Windows 9x/Me and 2000 and provide added support for multimedia and the advancing networking technologies. Windows XP gave the user a new and different look from its previous editions and more versatility and advanced security features.

Windows also introduced, for businesses that operate on servers, the Windows Server 2003. This OS system is used for companies that operate on servers and require different uses than the personal computer.

Windows Vista was introduced to business users in November of 2006, and released to the public in January 2007. Vista is the next generation of Windows. Its benefits are that it has incorporated a new graphical interface, revamped engine and introduced a new interface between the OS and the applications. Microsoft’s goal with the Vista system is to really incorporate multimedia with speed and user friendly control functions. Vista currently has on the market Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

Also new to the market for businesses that have servers is Windows Server 2008. This has a new feature of lowering the power consumption of the servers, minimize environmental byproducts, and increase server efficiency. I am sure this will be a huge hit!

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BLOG: Book Introduction

After reviewing the CompTIA A+ Essentials 2006 Examination Objectives section and the Introduction of your text are you more or less confused about what you'll be learning?

Honestly, I am a bit over-whelmed as to all the objectives and the terminology associated with the course. I know I am just going to have to take it one step at a time to attempt to understand it all. I don't think I am confused, as I have never learned this material previously be to confused by it. Over-whelmed is what I am!

Did you find anything to be particularly interesting or noteworthy?

I find the Introduction to be true on the screen shots and how much they will help me navigate through this course. I, as the introduction states, have reviewed the text in the book and it appears to be clear and balanced. My concern is that it states a companion book, A+ Guide to Hardware, as a resource for many of the references in the Objectives as well as in the Introduction section. Will this be hampering my learning ability, or will everything I need to learn be covered in the main textbook?

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