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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

13:31

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode explores the filesystems used by various operating systems, each with its own capabilities and use cases. We begin with NTFS, the default for Windows, explaining its support for file permissions, compression, encryption, and large volume sizes. Then we cover exFAT, which bridges compatibility between Windows and macOS, and is commonly used on USB drives and SD cards for its broad device support.Next, we introduce ext4, the most widely used filesystem for Linux, known for

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13:38

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Not all operating systems are created equal, and this episode explores the strengths, purposes, and distinctions among the most common ones. We start with Windows—still the dominant OS in enterprise environments—and explore its versatility, support base, and administration tools. Next, we cover macOS, highlighting its tight hardware integration and common use in creative industries.Linux follows, with emphasis on its open-source nature, distribution variety, and use in servers and

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12:45

Episode 99: App Impact — Device, Network, Business

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode focuses on the broader implications of application use and performance in business environments. We begin by analyzing how resource-hungry applications can affect system performance—leading to slow response times, overheating, or reduced battery life. We also examine how apps may consume excessive network bandwidth, resulting in congestion and reduced productivity.From a business perspective, we explore how software reliability, update frequency, and licensing models can

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12:59

Episode 98: Installation Sources and Distribution...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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, we explore the most common installation types: local setup files, network shares, Group Policy deployment, and web-based installers. We also discuss digital storefronts like the Microsoft Store and their advantages and limitations.You’ll learn how installation methods affect update behavior, permissions required for setup, and troubleshooting

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13:01

Episode 97. Application Requirements and Compatibility

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Before installing software, it’s essential to confirm that a system meets the application’s requirements. This episode explains how to assess compatibility based on OS version, architecture, memory, storage, and graphics capabilities. We also cover how to interpret software documentation and compare it against system specs to avoid installation failures.We go on to discuss compatibility settings within Windows, including the Compatibility tab in application properties and how to run legacy

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13:12

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode explores a variety of network connection types and how they're configured or supported within a Windows environment. We begin with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)—how they provide secure tunneling for remote access and what authentication methods are commonly used. Next, we explain proxy settings and their effect on web access and application communication.We also walk through the setup and troubleshooting of wired Ethernet connections, wireless network profiles, and

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13:51

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

IP addressing is the foundation of network communication, and this episode provides a deep dive into how it's configured on Windows systems. We explain how to assign a static I P address manually, including setting the subnet mask, default gateway, and primary and secondary DNS servers. Then we show how to switch back to dynamic addressing using DHCP when appropriate.We also review how improper IP settings can cause connectivity issues, such as inability to browse the internet or

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12:16

Episode 94: Workgroup vs. Domain Setup

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Understanding the difference between workgroups and domains is essential for both configuring and supporting business environments. In this episode, we define what a workgroup is—typically a decentralized network for home or small office setups where each machine manages its own users. We contrast that with a domain, where a central domain controller handles user authentication, permissions, and policy enforcement across all connected machines.We also discuss the prerequisites for domain

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13:44

Episode 93: Windows Settings — Update, Privacy,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode moves into the modern Windows Settings interface, highlighting how it’s used to manage essential system configurations. We start with Windows Update—how updates are delivered, paused, and configured in terms of restart behavior and update types. Next, we cover privacy settings, including location tracking, app access to camera and microphone, and diagnostics data collection.We also explore the Devices section, which manages printers, scanners, Bluetooth accessories, and input

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12:07

Episode 92: File Explorer and Power Options

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Windows File Explorer is the graphical gateway to your files, drives, and folders, and this episode focuses on how to use it efficiently and troubleshoot common issues. We cover view settings, file extensions, hidden items, and folder options that affect how users interact with the file system. You’ll learn how to access mapped drives, navigate the address bar, and manage file types through properties and associations.We also explore Power Options—a critical utility for configuring energy

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12:05

Episode 91: Control Panel Utilities — Firewall, User...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode explores the legacy yet still-relevant Control Panel utilities that continue to play an essential role in Windows system management. We begin with Windows Firewall, explaining how to allow or block applications, configure advanced rules, and manage notifications for both public and private networks. Next, we review the User Accounts utility—how to add or remove users, change account types, and set up parental controls or local policies.We also discuss the Mail utility, a less

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13:18

Episode 90: System Utilities — msconfig, regedit, resmon

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode covers critical system utilities that allow deep access to Windows configurations and diagnostics. We begin with msconfig—the System Configuration tool—and explore its tabs for managing boot options, startup apps, and services. You’ll learn how it’s used in troubleshooting slow startups or disabling conflicting software during diagnosis.We then move to regedit, the powerful and dangerous Registry Editor, explaining how to navigate it and make safe changes when necessary

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12:28

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) tools are central to system diagnostics and configuration, and this episode walks through the most exam-relevant ones. We start with Device Manager—how to identify driver issues, update hardware, and interpret warning icons. Next, we explore Event Viewer, which helps troubleshoot system crashes, login issues, and application errors by reviewing logs in real time.We finish with Task Scheduler, explaining how recurring tasks are created and how scheduled

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15:08

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

File and disk management are critical skills for any support technician, and this episode covers the tools you’ll need to manipulate files, drives, and directories via the command line. We begin with format—how it prepares a drive for use and what options are available for file systems and volume labels. Then we move on to xcopy and robocopy, powerful tools for copying large sets of files, including entire directory trees.We compare the syntax and features of each tool, explaining which is

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11:16

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

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode focuses on essential command-line networking tools that appear regularly on the A Plus exam. We begin with ipconfig—how it displays network adapter information, shows current IP configuration, and helps diagnose connectivity issues. You’ll learn the difference between ipconfig and ipconfig slash all, and how to renew and release DHCP leases.Next, we cover ping and tracert, two tools used to test reachability and trace network paths. We explain how to interpret results,

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12:13

Episode 86: Command Line Basics — Navigation and Syntax

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

In this episode, we return to the fundamentals by exploring command-line usage, especially within Windows environments. We start with basic navigation commands like CD, DIR, and CLS, explaining how to move between directories and view contents. You’ll also hear how command syntax works, including spacing, parameters, and command chaining.The episode also covers how to launch the command prompt as an administrator, and what error messages like “access denied” mean in context. CompTIA expects

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12:03

Episode 85: Upgrade Paths and RAM Support

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode dives into the rules and limitations surrounding Windows upgrades and memory capacity. You’ll learn about supported upgrade paths—for example, which versions of Windows can be upgraded in-place and which require a clean install. We explain why architecture matters, and how moving between 32-bit and 64-bit environments affects compatibility and software availability.We also cover RAM limitations across editions and architectures, such as how 32-bit systems are capped at around 4

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11:37

Episode 84: Feature Differences — Domains, UI,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

Building on the previous episode, this one zooms in on specific Windows features that frequently appear on the exam. We explain domain membership and why joining a domain is essential for centralized user management in enterprise environments. You’ll also learn about BitLocker encryption—how it protects data at rest, when it’s available, and what hardware it requires.We also cover Remote Desktop Protocol—where it’s used, how to configure it, and what limitations exist in different Windows

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11:52

Episode 83: Windows Editions — Home, Pro, Enterprise

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode focuses on the different editions of Microsoft Windows and the specific features each version provides. We begin by exploring Windows Home—its role in consumer devices, its limitations in terms of domain access, and which features it lacks compared to professional versions. From there, we look at Windows Pro, which adds features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, and group policy capabilities.We conclude with Windows Enterprise, a version designed for large-scale deployment in

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13:17

Episode 82: Domain 1.0 Operating Systems — Overview

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

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 explain what operating systems do—managing files, memory, processes, and users—and how the exam tests your ability to install, configure, and maintain various OS platforms. Windows takes center stage, but macOS, Linux, Android, and Chrome OS are also part of the curriculum.We also discuss how this domain blends technical knowledge with user

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141 results

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