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PODCAST

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course

Dr. Jason Edwards

The A+ Audio Course is your full-spectrum audio study guide for the CompTIA A+ certification (Core 1 and Core 2). Whether you"re brand new to IT or brushing up before exam day, this Audio Course breaks down every topic in the official exam objectives into clear, structured, and accessible episodes. Each lesson focuses on what matters most, helping you understand, retain, and apply essential IT concepts—from hardware and networking to operating systems, security, troubleshooting, and professional

technology courses

All Episodes

12:41

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses on the common video and peripheral cables that A Plus candidates must be able to identify, differentiate, and troubleshoot. We begin with HDMI, explaining its support for audio and video signals, cable types, and compatibility with newer standards like DisplayPort. From there, we move into VGA—a legacy analog connector still present in older systems—and explore its limitations in resolution and signal degradation.Next, we break down DVI, a transitional digital standard

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13:25

Episode 40: Fiber Optic and Direct Burial Cables

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode dives into advanced cabling types used in high-speed and long-distance network infrastructure: fiber optic and direct burial cables. We start with fiber optic cables, explaining the differences between single-mode and multimode fiber, including core size, wavelength, maximum distance, and typical use cases in enterprise networks. You'll also learn about common connectors like LC, SC, and ST and the importance of precise installation practices.Next, we cover direct burial cable,

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11:52

Episode 39: Shielded, Coaxial, and Plenum Cabling

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode extends your knowledge of cabling by focusing on three specific types often overlooked: shielded twisted pair, coaxial cable, and plenum-rated cable. We explain when to use shielded twisted pair instead of unshielded, especially in high-interference environments or near heavy machinery. Next, we break down coaxial cable construction, including the center conductor, dielectric insulator, shielding, and common connector types like BNC and F connectors.Finally, we explore what

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7:24

Episode 38: Ethernet Cabling — Cat 5 through Cat 6a

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Ethernet cables are the physical backbone of modern networks, and this episode focuses on the different categories of twisted-pair cabling you’ll need to recognize. We explain the differences between Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a in terms of bandwidth, maximum distance, shielding, and application. You’ll learn why Cat 5 is becoming obsolete and why Cat 6a is preferred for environments requiring high speed over longer distances.We also explore which standards support GIGABIT Ethernet and

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13:22

Episode 37: Domain 3.0 Hardware — Overview

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode introduces the third domain of the Core 1 exam—Hardware—arguably the most hands-on and detail-heavy section of the certification. We outline what’s covered, from motherboards, CPUs, and RAM, to internal storage, power supplies, connectors, and form factors. You'll hear how CompTIA expects you to identify components, select appropriate hardware for different use cases, and troubleshoot installation or compatibility issues.The Hardware domain also includes numerous topics that

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12:06

Episode 36: Network Tools — Crimper, Punchdown,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

In this episode, we look at the physical tools that IT technicians use to install, test, and troubleshoot network cables and infrastructure. We start with crimpers, explaining how they're used to attach RJ45 connectors to twisted-pair cable, including wire order considerations. Punchdown tools come next, highlighting how they’re used with patch panels and keystone jacks in structured cabling installations.We also explain toners and probes for cable tracing, as well as network analyzers that

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13:05

Episode 35: SOHO IP Configuration — Static, Dynamic,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode covers the small office/home office (SOHO) networking environment with a focus on IP configuration methods. We begin by distinguishing between static and dynamic IP addressing, explaining how each is assigned, maintained, and best used within a small environment. You’ll learn how devices like printers and routers often require static IPs, while workstations typically rely on DHCP for dynamic configuration.We also explore the role of default gateways, subnet masks, and DNS

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12:56

Episode 34: Internet Appliances, SCADA, and IoT Devices

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

As networks expand into more than just traditional computing devices, this episode explores the role of internet-connected appliances, industrial control systems like SCADA, and the rapidly growing world of IoT. We start with internet appliances such as smart TVs, printers, and streaming boxes that rely on both Wi-Fi and wired connections. Then we introduce SCADA systems and their use in industrial automation and critical infrastructure.The discussion then shifts to Internet of Things

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13:26

Episode 33: Networked Host Services — DHCP, DNS,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Host services are critical to how devices function on modern networks, and this episode explains the most essential ones covered on the exam. We begin with D H C P—how it dynamically assigns IP addresses, leases, and default gateway information to network clients. Then we move to D N S, which translates domain names into IP addresses and plays a key role in nearly every web-based application.We also explore common print services and discuss authentication and authorization systems, commonly

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14:34

Episode 32: Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, and Long-Range...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode explores a set of wireless technologies that extend beyond traditional Wi-Fi, many of which play crucial roles in mobile and IoT environments. We begin with Bluetooth—covering pairing modes, version updates, range limitations, and bandwidth considerations. Then we move to Near Field Communication, or N F C, which is used for short-range authentication, payments, and device pairing with just a tap.We also cover R F I D systems, used in access control and asset tracking, and

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14:10

Episode 31: Wi-Fi Standards — 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode provides a deep dive into the evolution of Wi-Fi standards, focusing on the specific versions tested in the Core 1 exam: 802.11 a, b, g, n, a c, and a x. We begin by explaining how each standard introduced new capabilities in terms of speed, frequency band, and bandwidth. You'll learn the max throughput, channel widths, and typical use cases for each version, allowing you to distinguish between standards during exam scenarios.We also explore backward compatibility, regulatory

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12:33

Episode 30: Wireless Frequencies and Channels — 2.4...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Wireless communication relies on specific frequency bands and channel structures, and this episode breaks down exactly how they work in the context of Wi-Fi networking. We begin by explaining the 2.4 gigahertz band, its 11 to 14 channels depending on region, and the overlapping interference that often affects performance. Then we move to the 5 gigahertz band, which offers more non-overlapping channels, less congestion, and higher throughput at shorter range.We also introduce concepts like

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12:02

Episode 29: Cable Modems, DSL, ONTs, and Interfaces

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode dives into the technologies that bring internet service into homes and small offices—focusing on cable modems, DSL, and fiber-based Optical Network Terminals, or ONT s. You’ll learn how cable internet uses coaxial infrastructure with shared bandwidth, while DSL operates over twisted pair telephone lines and can degrade over distance. We also explain the key characteristics of ONTs and how they convert fiber-optic signals into usable Ethernet for end-user equipment.We compare

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11:50

Episode 28: Firewalls, NICs, SDN, and PoE

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

In this episode, we explore a variety of hardware and software technologies that control traffic, enable communication, and deliver power across network devices. We begin with firewalls—both hardware and software-based—explaining how they inspect traffic based on rules and determine what should be allowed or denied. Then we move to network interface cards, also known as NIC s, which enable devices to physically connect to networks via Ethernet or wireless adapters.Next, we introduce

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11:55

Episode 27: Access Points, Hubs, Patch Panels

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode covers three often-confused networking components that play very different roles: access points, hubs, and patch panels. We start by explaining how wireless access points bridge Wi-Fi traffic into wired networks and how they differ from routers with integrated Wi-Fi. Then we move on to hubs—now largely obsolete—but still testable, especially in contrast to switches in terms of collision domains and broadcast behavior.Patch panels, on the other hand, are physical cable

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11:45

Episode 26: Routers and Switches — Managed vs. Unmanaged

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Routers and switches are the backbone of every network, and this episode breaks down how each one functions and differs in an enterprise or home setting. You’ll learn that routers operate at Layer 3 of the O S I model and handle IP address assignment and routing decisions, while switches operate at Layer 2 and handle MAC address forwarding within a local network. We also explain managed switches, which support VLANs, Quality of Service, and remote configuration, versus unmanaged switches,

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12:39

Episode 25: TCP vs. UDP — Connectionless and...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode explains one of the most fundamental networking concepts tested on the A Plus exam: the difference between Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol. We begin with TCP’s key features, such as reliable delivery, session establishment, and ordered packet sequencing. Then we contrast that with UDP’s speed-focused, connectionless nature, which allows for lower latency but less reliability.We walk through common applications of both protocols, such as TCP for web

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10:07

Episode 24: Common Ports and Protocols — FTP, HTTP,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Understanding common network ports and protocols is essential for both the A Plus exam and real-world troubleshooting. This episode dives deep into the most important ones—such as File Transfer Protocol on port 21, Hypertext Transfer Protocol on port 80, Domain Name System on port 53, and Remote Desktop Protocol on port 3389. You’ll hear clear, repeated pronunciation and definitions of each protocol, their port numbers, and how they operate in a networked environment.We also explore how

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11:55

Episode 23: Domain 2.0 Networking — Overview

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Networking is one of the most critical domains in Core 1, and this overview episode sets the stage by introducing the topics covered under Domain 2.0. You’ll get an outline of what CompTIA expects you to know about network cables, ports, protocols, hardware devices, configuration, and wireless technologies. We explain how this domain fits into the bigger picture of troubleshooting and supporting modern IT environments, especially for help desk and support technician roles.We also provide

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12:29

Episode 22: Touchpads and Drawing Pads

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Touchpads and drawing pads are common input devices found on laptops and used by graphic professionals, and the A Plus exam expects you to understand both. This episode begins with touchpad technology—capacitive versus resistive—and explains how integrated laptop touchpads interact with operating system drivers, gestures, and firmware settings. We also cover common troubleshooting scenarios, such as unresponsive input, ghost touches, or disabled gestures due to outdated drivers or user

en

141 results

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