x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

12:45

Episode 61: Client-Side Requirements — CPU, RAM,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode explains the hardware and software requirements that must be met for clients to effectively run various types of applications, especially in virtualized or remote environments. We begin by exploring how processor capabilities—such as virtualization support and clock speed—can affect the performance of local V M s or remote desktop sessions. Then we move on to RAM requirements, discussing how insufficient memory can cause application crashes or sluggish multitasking in both

en

12:40

Episode 60: Application Virtualization and Legacy...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Application virtualization allows software to run in isolated containers, even if the underlying system doesn't support the app natively. In this episode, we explore how virtualized apps differ from traditionally installed ones and what technologies enable them—such as Microsoft App-V or Citrix environments. We also examine how this method can reduce conflicts between programs and allow for better version control.Legacy support is another use case, especially when modern operating systems

en

13:47

Episode 59: VDI and Remote Desktop Virtualization

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, allows users to interact with desktop environments hosted on centralized servers, and this episode unpacks how the technology works. We explain how VDI differs from local virtualization, what components are required, and how user experience is affected by latency, connection quality, and endpoint devices. The discussion also includes how IT teams manage desktop pools, update virtual machines, and secure user sessions.We then explore Remote Desktop

en

13:08

Episode 58: File Sync and Cloud-Based Storage Use Cases

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

In this episode, we explore one of the most common cloud services used by both consumers and businesses: cloud-based storage and file synchronization. You’ll learn how services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox allow users to access files across multiple devices and automatically back up critical data. We explain how syncing works in terms of versioning, conflict resolution, and offline availability.This episode also walks through different use cases, such as personal file sharing,

en

11:12

Episode 57: Key Cloud Features — Elasticity,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

What makes the cloud “cloud-like”? This episode answers that question by introducing key features that define cloud computing platforms. We start with elasticity—the ability to rapidly scale resources up or down depending on workload—and explain how this affects cost and system responsiveness. Then we cover resource pooling and metering, which allow cloud providers to bill customers based on actual usage.Redundancy and fault tolerance are also explored, with a focus on how cloud providers

en

13:43

Episode 56: Cloud Service Models — Software as a...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Cloud service models describe what level of control and responsibility a customer has in a cloud environment, and this episode explains the big three: Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service. We begin with SAAS, which provides end-user applications like email, word processing, or storage without requiring any backend management. Next, we cover PAAS, which gives developers tools and environments to build and deploy applications.Lastly, we explain IAAS,

en

13:02

Episode 55: Cloud Deployment Models — Public,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode dives into the different ways cloud infrastructure can be deployed, each with its own use case, control level, and security implications. We begin with public cloud models, where infrastructure is shared and managed by third-party providers like Amazon or Microsoft. Then we explore private clouds, which are dedicated to a single organization and offer full control over security, resource allocation, and compliance.Hybrid clouds combine both models for flexibility and

en

14:10

Episode 54: Domain 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud —...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Virtualization and cloud computing are among the most transformative technologies in modern IT, and this episode introduces the concepts as laid out in the Core 1 exam’s Domain 4.0. You’ll learn the difference between local virtualization, such as running a VM on a workstation, and cloud-based services like Infrastructure as a Service or Software as a Service. We explain how virtualization affects hardware requirements, licensing, and performance.This overview also sets up the episodes that

en

14:12

Episode 53: Motherboard Interfaces — SATA, PCIe,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode covers the various internal interfaces found on a motherboard and what role each plays in system function. We begin with SATA connectors, explaining their use in connecting storage devices such as hard drives and optical drives. From there, we move to PCIe slots—detailing how different lane configurations like x1, x4, x8, and x16 are used for graphics cards, network adapters, and expansion cards.We also explore power connectors such as 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU connectors, and

en

14:52

Episode 52: CPU Sockets and Chipsets — Intel and AMD

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Understanding how processors connect to the motherboard is critical for both real-world system builds and the A Plus exam. This episode dives into the various CPU socket types, including popular Intel designs like LGA 1200 and LGA 1700, and AMD sockets like AM4 and sTRX4. We explore the differences between Land Grid Array and Pin Grid Array formats and explain why socket compatibility is key during upgrades.You’ll also learn how chipsets govern what a motherboard can support—from RAM speed

en

15:33

Episode 51: Motherboards and Form Factors — ATX,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses on one of the most important hardware components you'll encounter: the motherboard. We begin by breaking down motherboard form factors, including full-sized ATX, compact Micro A TX, and ultra-small Mini ITX, explaining how each varies in terms of size, expansion slots, power connectors, and compatibility. You’ll hear how form factor selection affects airflow, case design, and upgrade potential, which are all important factors when building or servicing systems.We also

en

16:36

Episode 50: Optical Drives and Media Types

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Although optical drives are less common today, they’re still covered on the exam and used in legacy and specialty environments. This episode explores the different types of optical media—CD, DVD, and Blu-ray—and explains the distinctions between read-only, writable, and rewritable formats. We also discuss capacity limits and common labeling conventions such as DVD-R and CD-RW.Drive technologies are examined in terms of laser wavelength, spin speed, and error correction capabilities. We also

en

14:08

Episode 49: Flash Drives and Memory Cards

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Flash memory is everywhere, from USB drives to camera storage, and this episode focuses on the types, capacities, and formats you’ll encounter on the A Plus exam. We start with USB flash drives—explaining differences in USB versions, transfer speeds, and bootable media options. Then we cover memory cards such a SSD, micro S D, CompactFlash, and x D, outlining their common use cases and compatibility concerns.We also discuss how formatting, write protection, and file systems affect how flash

en

13:33

Episode 48: RAID Configurations — Zero, One, Five, Ten

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode explores the most common RAID configurations tested on the A Plus exam and found in real-world systems. We begin with RAID 0, also known as striping, which offers performance benefits but no redundancy. Then we move to RAID 1, or mirroring, which provides full redundancy at the cost of storage efficiency. RAID 5 is explained as a balance between fault tolerance and disk usage through parity.Finally, we break down RAID 10—also called RAID 1 plus 0—which combines mirroring and

en

14:08

Episode 47: SSD Interfaces — SATA, PCI E, M.2, and M...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses exclusively on the different interface types used to connect SSD drives. We begin with SATA-based SSDs and describe how they offer improved speed over HDD but are still limited by the SATA bus. From there, we move into PCI Express-based SSDs, which leverage direct access to the motherboard for ultra-high throughput and extremely low latency.M.2 and mSATA are also explored in terms of physical size, keying notches, and compatibility with motherboard slots. Understanding

en

12:42

Episode 46: HDD and SSD Speed, Form Factor, and Features

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode explores how storage device performance and form factor impact system behavior, reliability, and installation. We begin by comparing rotational speeds of HDD drives—such as 5,400 and 7,200 RPM models—and how that affects read and write performance. Then we shift to SSDs and explain the dramatic speed improvements, reduced latency, and lack of mechanical parts that define solid-state drives.Form factors are also discussed in depth—from 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives to

en

13:07

Episode 45: RAM Channel Configurations — Single...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

Understanding memory channel configurations is key to improving performance in both desktops and laptops, and this episode covers them in detail. We begin with single-channel configurations and move up through dual-, triple-, and quad-channel arrangements. You’ll learn how motherboards support multi-channel setups and how matching module size, speed, and placement in correct slots affects throughput.We also cover exam-specific concerns like how to interpret motherboard documentation,

en

13:33

Episode 44: RAM Types — DDR Three, DDR Four, DDR...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode focuses on the various types of system memory covered in the A Plus exam. We start by distinguishing between DDR 3, DDR 4, and DDR 5, outlining differences in voltage, speed, and pin count. You’ll also hear how to identify these modules visually and understand which platforms or chipsets support each type. We emphasize backward compatibility and the risks of inserting the wrong module into a motherboard.Next, we explain the importance of SODIMM modules, typically used in

en

14:08

Episode 43: Adapter and Connector Types — RJ45, USB...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

This episode breaks down the many adapter and connector types you're likely to encounter in hardware installation and cabling questions. Starting with RJ45, we explore its use in Ethernet connections, cable crimping, and its role in structured cabling. From there, we cover USB C, highlighting its reversible design, support for data, power, and video transmission, and how it's becoming the universal connector across platforms.We also review older power connectors like Molex, which are still

en

12:20

Episode 42: Hard Drive Interfaces — SATA, SCSI, NVMe,...

Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course ·

2025/08/16

In this episode, we examine the interface types used to connect hard drives and solid-state drives to computing systems. We start with SATA, the most common interface in modern consumer devices, and discuss its evolution across generations in terms of data rate and cable design. We then introduce SCSI, a legacy technology often found in servers and older enterprise hardware, and explain how it differs from newer interfaces.NVMe is also covered in detail, with a focus on its blazing speed,

en

141 results

Similar Podcasts

Lead With AI

Tamara Nall

Linux in the Ham Shack

Black Sparrow Media

Data Engineering Podcast

Tobias Macey

Eye On A.I.

Craig S. Smith

Reflections

Livewire Labs