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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

12:22

Episode 81: Core 2 Overview — Operating Systems,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode introduces the second half of the A Plus certification—Core 2—and provides a roadmap of the topics you’ll encounter throughout this portion of the exam. We begin by outlining the four Core 2 domains: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each area is explained in terms of its real-world relevance and how it builds upon the foundational knowledge covered in Core 1.You’ll learn how the Core 2 exam focuses more on software environments

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12:49

Episode 80: Network Outages — Slow Speeds, Port...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

When the network stops working or slows to a crawl, multiple causes could be at play, and this episode helps you navigate them. We begin with slow speeds caused by congestion, bad cabling, duplex mismatches, or faulty devices. Then we move into port flapping, where a switch port goes up and down repeatedly due to link negotiation failures or failing hardware.Finally, we explore DNS-related issues and how a simple misconfiguration or unreachable server can prevent users from accessing

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12:31

Episode 79: Network Troubleshooting — Interference,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/17

This episode introduces the invisible issues that often plague network performance—factors like wireless interference, signal jitter, and high latency. We begin by explaining electromagnetic interference and how nearby devices, dense walls, or overlapping channels can affect Wi-Fi performance. Then we cover jitter—variability in packet arrival times—which affects voice and video applications most.We conclude with a discussion of latency, what causes it, and how to measure or reduce it using

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12:48

Episode 78: Printer Hardware Failures — Rollers,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses specifically on hardware components inside laser and inkjet printers and how their failure manifests in print quality issues or mechanical malfunctions. We start with paper feed rollers—how they degrade over time and how to recognize signs like double feeds or jams. Then we cover the fuser unit, which melts toner to the page, and explain symptoms like smudged prints or toner that flakes off.Next, we explore the transfer belt and transfer roller, key parts of the image

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12:37

Episode 77: Printer Symptoms — Jams, Ghosting, Faded...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Printers might not seem exciting, but they’re a vital part of many IT environments—and they cause plenty of headaches. This episode explores the most common symptoms: paper jams caused by worn rollers, ghosting due to bad fusers, and garbled output often linked to driver mismatches or damaged print queues. We help you learn to decode what each symptom typically indicates about the underlying issue.You’ll also learn how to ask the right diagnostic questions when users report vague problems

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13:25

Episode 76: Mobile Connectivity Problems — Bluetooth,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Connectivity issues are common on mobile devices, and this episode addresses some of the most testable areas. We begin with Bluetooth pairing failures, connection drops, and interference issues, walking through how to resolve them through settings resets or re-pairing. Then we discuss charging problems, such as slow charging, no charging, or battery not detected—often related to worn cables, dirty ports, or faulty power adapters.Lastly, we examine problems with data transfer and external

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13:24

Episode 75: Mobile Battery, Overheating, and Display...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Mobile devices introduce their own unique set of problems, particularly with power and display components. In this episode, we begin by examining battery-related issues—such as devices that won’t charge, lose power quickly, or show inconsistent battery level readings. We explain the role of calibration, battery health monitoring, and common signs of battery degradation.We also cover overheating in mobile devices, which can trigger performance throttling or even automatic shutdowns. Finally,

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12:43

Episode 74: Projector and External Display Failures

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses specifically on projectors and external monitors—devices that can introduce a new layer of complexity during troubleshooting. We explain common failure symptoms such as no signal, dim output, incorrect resolution, or color distortion, and how to systematically test video sources, cables, and display settings. You’ll also hear about keystone adjustments, lamp replacement, and how environmental factors like ambient light can affect image quality.We cover display mode

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13:21

Episode 73: Display Problems — Burn-In, Dead Pixels,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Display issues can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, and this episode helps you diagnose the most common ones. We begin with screen burn-in and image retention, explaining how older panel technologies can leave ghosted images and what can be done to minimize or reverse them. Next, we cover dead and stuck pixels, their visual symptoms, and whether they’re considered a defect by manufacturers.Input mismatch is another frequent concern—especially when resolution settings,

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12:53

Episode 72: RAID Troubleshooting — Degraded and...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

RAID systems are designed to provide performance and redundancy, but when they fail, they introduce complexity. This episode focuses on how to troubleshoot issues within various RAID configurations, such as identifying a degraded array in RAID 5 or dealing with a rebuild failure in RAID 10. We walk through the typical symptoms, such as missing volumes, excessive rebuild times, or inconsistent parity calculations.We also explain the importance of knowing your array’s health before initiating

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13:14

Episode 71: Drive Failures — Boot Errors, Data Loss,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Drive-related issues are among the most frequent problems encountered in IT support, and this episode helps you identify, diagnose, and resolve them. We begin by explaining boot-related errors, such as “no boot device found” or “inaccessible boot volume,” and explore how BIOS misconfigurations, corrupted boot sectors, or failed drives contribute to these problems. We also dive into system lockups and file access errors, both common signs of failing drives.We then examine SMART

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12:38

Episode 70: Power Supply Issues — No Boot, Reboot...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

The power supply unit—or PSU—is a foundational component, and this episode explains how its failure can lead to a wide range of confusing symptoms. We begin with the most obvious issue: a system that won’t power on. You’ll learn how to check for power delivery at the outlet, wall cord, and mainboard connectors, and when to use multimeters or PSU testers.We also cover reboot loops caused by unstable voltage, audible whining or buzzing from damaged capacitors, and the risks of using

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13:01

Episode 69: CPU and RAM Failures — Overheating,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

When systems freeze, crash, or reboot unexpectedly, the underlying issue often traces back to either the CPU or RAM. This episode explores the symptoms and diagnostics associated with overheating processors, including improper heatsink installation, dried thermal paste, and failed fans. You’ll also learn how BIOS settings like thermal shutdown thresholds and clock multipliers affect CPU stability.Next, we turn to RAM issues, such as failed modules, mismatched speeds, or slot

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13:04

Episode 68: Motherboard Issues — POST Codes, No Power

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode targets one of the most frustrating and high-stakes categories of hardware failure: motherboard issues. We begin with POST codes and beep sequences, explaining what each code represents and how to interpret them using manufacturer reference charts. Then we move on to diagnosing systems that show no power at all—walking through the role of power connectors, voltage regulation modules, and power button wiring.We also examine symptoms like bloated capacitors, burnt traces, or

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12:40

Episode 67: Verifying Full System Functionality and...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

After you’ve implemented a solution, it’s not enough to walk away. This episode focuses on verifying that the fix worked and that the system is fully operational. We explain how to check not only the repaired component, but also other functions that may have been affected. You’ll learn to look for secondary issues, confirm with the end user, and conduct final diagnostics to ensure all systems are “green.”We also explore the final step: documentation. This includes recording what the problem

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11:55

Episode 66: Creating and Implementing a Resolution Plan

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Once the root cause has been confirmed, it's time to fix the issue. This episode explains how to create a resolution plan that minimizes disruption and addresses the problem completely. We cover how to communicate with the user, determine the appropriate fix, and prepare for any risks, such as data loss or system downtime. Whether the solution involves replacing hardware, updating software, or changing configuration settings, having a plan is crucial.We also discuss how to escalate when

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11:28

Episode 65: Establishing and Testing a Theory of Cause

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Once you’ve verified that a problem exists, the next step is to develop and test a theory about what’s causing it. In this episode, we explain how to take what you know and form a hypothesis—whether it’s a failing power supply, bad memory, or driver conflict. You’ll learn how to prioritize possible causes based on likelihood, user behavior, and historical trends with similar hardware or configurations.Then, we walk through the testing phase, where you confirm or disprove your theory using

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12:14

Episode 64: Identifying and Verifying the Problem

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses entirely on the first step in the troubleshooting process: identifying and verifying the problem. We begin by exploring how to gather information from users, analyze symptoms, and check for obvious indicators like POST codes, beep patterns, or error messages. This phase often includes asking probing questions, checking connectivity, and using visual or audible clues to zero in on potential causes.We also discuss how to replicate the issue if it’s intermittent or

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11:42

Episode 63: Troubleshooting Methodology — The...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Before you can fix a problem, you need a process—and CompTIA provides one. This episode walks you through the six-step troubleshooting methodology that forms the foundation of effective problem-solving in IT. Starting with identifying the problem and ending with documenting the solution, each step is explained with examples and exam-relevant phrasing.We emphasize the importance of not skipping steps, especially the often-overlooked “establish a theory” and “verify full system functionality”

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12:25

Episode 62: Domain 5.0 Troubleshooting — Overview

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Troubleshooting is a core skill for any IT professional, and Domain 5.0 of the Core 1 exam focuses exclusively on this area. In this overview episode, we introduce the types of problems you’ll be expected to diagnose and resolve, such as boot errors, display issues, overheating, and hardware failures. You’ll learn how CompTIA frames troubleshooting questions, often providing vague symptoms that require logical deduction and step-by-step thinking.We also outline the types of devices included

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141 results

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