Hardware, Windows, Networking & Troubleshooting
A fast technician-focused review of the concepts, symptoms and tools commonly used in entry-level IT support and CompTIA A+ preparation.
Save / Print as PDFPractice A+Hardware Essentials
Executes instructions and processing workloads.
Volatile working memory used by active processes.
Nonvolatile storage with no mechanical spinning disk.
Converts incoming power for computer components.
Windows Tools & Commands
Know what a tool tells you before memorizing syntax.
ping — basic reachability test
tracert — path toward a destination
nslookup — DNS query/troubleshooting
netstat — connections and listening information
sfc /scannow — checks protected Windows system files
Networking Clues
169.254.x.x: investigate DHCP/connectivity. IP works but hostname fails: investigate DNS. Local subnet works but remote networks fail: verify default gateway/routing. No link: begin with cable, port, adapter, power and interface state.
Security Basics
Use least privilege, strong authentication, appropriate patching, endpoint protection and safe handling of suspicious messages. Do not disable a security control simply to make a symptom disappear without understanding the risk.
Troubleshooting Method
Identify the problem → Establish a theory → Test the theory → Establish a plan → Implement → Verify full functionality → Document findings/actions.
Technician habit: change one relevant variable at a time when possible. Verify the fix and confirm the user's original function actually works before closing the issue.
Mini Check
A Windows PC can ping a website's IP address but cannot reach the same site by hostname. Which service should you investigate first?
Answer: DNS, because IP connectivity works while name resolution appears to fail.
Practice like a support technician
Use CertNivo scenarios to identify the likely cause, the best next step and the safest fix.
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