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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

13:35

Episode 121: Windows Symptoms — BSOD, Boot Issues,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode covers some of the most common and dramatic symptoms you'll face when troubleshooting Windows systems. We begin with the infamous Blue Screen of Death—also known as BSOD—explaining what causes it, how to interpret error codes, and what logs or tools to use when diagnosing the issue. Then we move into boot problems, such as systems getting stuck on the Windows logo, reboot loops, or messages like “Operating System Not Found.”We also explore low memory symptoms, including system

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13:48

Episode 120: Domain 3.0 Software Troubleshooting —...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 of software issues are covered, including application crashes, boot problems, security alerts, and general OS instability. We explain how this domain connects to others, such as security and user support, and how CompTIA expects you to diagnose problems using a methodical approach.We also preview some of the tools and techniques you’ll use—such

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13:08

Episode 119: Data Disposal and Destruction Techniques

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 wiping—using software to overwrite existing files—and explain why a single delete or format isn’t enough. Then we move on to degaussing, which uses magnetic fields to scramble data on hard drives and magnetic tapes.Physical destruction is also discussed, including shredding, drilling, or incinerating drives, which is often required for

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15:11

Episode 118: Mobile and Embedded Device Security

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Mobile and embedded devices require a tailored approach to security, and this episode explains how to apply protections without compromising usability. We begin with passcodes, biometrics, and auto-lock timers as primary defenses. Next, we explore mobile device management (MDM), including how organizations use it to enforce encryption, remotely wipe lost devices, and manage application permissions.We also touch on embedded systems—devices like smart thermostats, printers, and routers—and

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15:11

Episode 117: Workstation Security Best Practices

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Securing a user’s workstation is about more than antivirus—it involves a full spectrum of proactive configurations. This episode outlines best practices for maintaining a secure endpoint. We begin with patch management, including automatic updates and reboot scheduling, then move to account management, such as disabling unused accounts and enforcing password complexity.We also cover security policies like disabling auto-run features, using standard user accounts instead of admin-level

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14:20

Episode 116: User Account Controls and SSO

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

In this episode, we cover two important mechanisms for managing user access and security: User Account Control (UAC) and Single Sign-On (SSO). We begin with UAC—how it prompts users before executing administrative tasks, how to configure its sensitivity level, and what role it plays in limiting malware execution. Understanding UAC’s purpose and behavior is key to answering questions about privilege management.Next, we discuss Single Sign-On—how it allows users to authenticate once and gain

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15:29

Episode 115: OS Security Settings — Defender,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Securing a system starts with built-in operating system tools, and this episode walks you through three key Windows security features. First is Windows Defender, which provides real-time protection against malware, network attacks, and unwanted software changes. We explain how to configure scanning, quarantines, and exclusion lists. Next is BitLocker, Microsoft’s full-disk encryption solution, which protects data even if a drive is removed from its host system.We conclude with NTFS

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14:20

Episode 114: Threats and Vulnerabilities — Zero-Day,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode explains the technical underpinnings of some of the most dangerous threats and vulnerabilities in modern systems. We start with zero-day exploits, where attackers take advantage of unknown software flaws before patches can be released. These are especially damaging because traditional defenses often can’t detect them. Next, we explore structured query language injection—SQLi—an attack that targets poorly secured databases.We also explain cross-site scripting, or XSS, which

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13:40

Episode 113: Social Engineering — Phishing,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Not all threats are technical—some are psychological. This episode focuses on social engineering attacks, which trick users into revealing information or granting access through manipulation rather than code. We start with phishing, covering both traditional email attacks and newer variants like spear phishing and smishing. You’ll learn what signs to look for and how users can be trained to respond appropriately.We then explore impersonation, where attackers pose as trusted figures like IT

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14:01

Episode 112: Detection and Prevention — Antivirus,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Preventing malware infections involves more than just scanning files—it’s about layering multiple defenses. In this episode, we start with antivirus and antimalware software, explaining how they use signature detection, heuristic analysis, and behavioral monitoring to stop threats. We describe how these tools are managed, updated, and configured for real-time protection across operating systems.Next, we examine the role of software and hardware firewalls in blocking unauthorized inbound and

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12:49

Episode 111: Malware Types — Virus, Worms,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode dives into the various types of malicious software, or malware, that technicians must be able to recognize and address. We begin with viruses, which attach to legitimate files and require user interaction to spread, then move into worms, which self-replicate across networks and can bring down systems without any user action. We explain how these differ in propagation methods and damage potential, which is a frequent point of confusion on the exam.Next, we discuss

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12:52

Episode 110. Authentication — RADIUS, TACACS+, Kerberos

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 begin with RADIUS—Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service—and explain how it centralizes authentication for wireless and VPN access. Next, we look at TACACS Plus, a Cisco-designed protocol that separates authentication, authorization, and accounting into distinct processes.Finally, we introduce Kerberos, a ticket-based authentication

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12:33

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Wireless security standards are a frequent source of exam questions, and this episode breaks down the differences between key protocols. We start with WPA2 and WPA3, explaining how each provides encryption and authentication for wireless traffic, and why WPA3 is considered more secure with protections like forward secrecy and better brute-force resistance. We then contrast older protocols like WEP and TKIP, explaining why they are no longer recommended for use.We finish with AES—the

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12:19

Episode 108: Active Directory — Group Policy,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode introduces Active Directory (AD), Microsoft’s central system for managing users, computers, and security in domain-based environments. We explain how AD organizes resources into domains, trees, and forests, and how Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are used to enforce settings across multiple systems automatically. You'll learn about domain controllers and how they authenticate logins and apply access rights based on security groups.We also cover login scripts and startup

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12:33

Episode 107: Logical Security — MFA, ACLs, Tokens

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

In this episode, we move into the digital layer of defense, exploring logical security techniques that help ensure users access only what they’re authorized to. We start with multi-factor authentication (MFA), detailing its components—something you know, have, or are—and why it’s so effective. Then we look at access control lists (ACLs), which define who can access files, folders, and systems based on roles or permissions.We also explore physical and virtual security tokens, including USB

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11:46

Episode 106: Physical Security — Locks, Guards,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Protecting physical assets is the first line of defense in cybersecurity, and this episode explores the methods used to safeguard devices and facilities. We begin with door locks, cable locks, and biometric scanners—tools used to restrict access to equipment and data. Then we move into mantraps and security guards, which provide controlled entry to secure zones and deter unauthorized personnel.We also cover surveillance tools such as security cameras and badge systems, including how they

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12:40

Episode 105: Domain 2.0 Security — Overview

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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, logical access controls, malware prevention, authentication protocols, and data destruction practices. You’ll hear how CompTIA frames security as both a technical and procedural discipline that must be applied to desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and even networks.We also touch on the balance between user convenience and system protection,

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11:50

Episode 104: Partitioning, Formatting, Feature Updates

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 partitioning: the process of dividing a physical disk into logical sections. You’ll learn the difference between MBR and GPT partitioning, and how to configure primary, extended, and logical partitions using Disk Management or command-line tools.Formatting is next—converting partitions into usable file systems like NTFS or exFAT and preparing them

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12:28

Episode 103: Installation Methods — USB, PXE,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Installing an operating system requires choosing the right method for the environment, and this episode explores all the major approaches. We start with the most familiar: bootable USB drives created using tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool. Then we introduce PXE booting, which allows network-based installations using a centralized server and is commonly used in enterprise environments.We also explain the use of network shares and mapped drives for installations, as well as

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12:30

Episode 102. OS Life Cycle and Compatibility Concerns

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 stage means. We begin by outlining the general stages: mainstream support, extended support, and end of life. You’ll learn how these stages affect security updates, driver support, and vendor troubleshooting assistance. We also examine how OS life cycle status impacts business compliance and risk management.Compatibility concerns are also

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141 results

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