What’s New in the A+ Exams, Part II: OS Techologies
An objective-by-objective guide to what's new in the 2003 A+ exams.
by Faithe Wempen
11/30/2003 -- On Nov. 26, new versions of CompTIA’s A+ exams went live. These versions are based on new 2003 objectives that incorporate some of the technology changes we’ve seen in the industry since the previous update in 2001. These include not only the latest hardware (up to the P4) but also the latest Windows versions (up to Windows XP). For a complete list of the new objectives and their topics, click here.
One of the biggest changes I noted in the new objectives is the better, clearer wording, making it easier to figure out how one objective differs from another. Several objectives have also been split in two (or in three) so that each objective is more specific. For example, in a couple of cases portable computers have been split out from desktops.
In the secord part of this two-part article, I provide an objective-by-objective report on what’s changed in A+ OS Technologies 2003 and what it means to A+ students. (To access Part I: Core Hardware, click here.)
OS Technologies: Objective 1.1
Identify the major desktop components and interfaces, and their functions. Differentiate the characteristics of Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP.
This objective and the next one (1.2) were previously a single objective; it has been split and the topic specifics expanded, and Windows Me and XP have been added. The original objective was worded as follows:
Identify the operating system's functions, structure, and major system files to navigate the operating system and how to get to needed technical information
For this objective, you should be able to compare and contrast each Windows version in terms of the major OS components, Registry, virtual memory usage, networking capabilities, and file systems.
OS Technologies: Objective 1.2
Identify the names, locations, purposes, and contents of major system files.
As noted above, is a new objective, having been split off from Objective 1.1. The topics here are virtually identical to the previous version, except for being under a different objective number now. The one addition to the list is NTUSER.DAT.
OS Technologies: Objective 1.3
Demonstrate the ability to use command-line functions and utilities to mange the operating system, including the proper syntax and switches.
This is another new objective. Most of the topics were previously located in other objectives, including 1.1 and 1.2. It focuses on using a command line interface for various purposes. Commands added include DELTREE, TYPE, ECHO, SET and PING.
OS Technologies: Objective 1.4
Identify basic concepts and procedures for creating, viewing, and managing disks, directories, and files. This includes procedures for changing file attributes and the ramifications of those changes (for example, security issues).
This objective is almost a word-for-word repeat of the previous version. The only changes to it involve some further definition of the topics. The topic of partitions is more specific now, including active, primary, extended, and logical partitions. You should know how to create and navigate folder structures and how to create and manage files with encryption, compression and permissions.
OS Technologies: Objective 1.5
Identify the major operating system utilities, their purpose, location, and available switches.
This is a new objective, but it was split off from the Objectives 1.1 and 1.2 so the topics are not really new. Two minor topics have been added: Disk Cleanup and Format.
OS Technologies: Objective 2.1
Identify the procedures for installing Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP, and bringing the operating system to a basic operational level.
This objective is unchanged except for the addition of Windows Me and Windows XP.
Many of the topics have been made more specific than in the earlier specifications, but there are no dramatic surprises. You should know about installation methods including bootable CD, boot floppy, network installation, and drive imaging.
OS Technologies: Objective 2.2
Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade from Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP. Given an upgrade scenario, choose the appropriate next steps.
This objective covers the same basic concept as it previously did, but the topics are completely reworded for clarity. It also covers Windows Me and XP now. The original wording was:
Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade.
For this objective area, you'll need to identify upgrade paths for various OS versions and be able to start and run Setup programs and apply service packs and patches.
OS Technologies: Objective 2.3
Identify the basic system boot sequences and boot methods, including the steps to create an emergency boot disk with utilities installed for Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP.
This objective's wording has not changed except for the addition of Windows Me and XP. There is a new focus here on alternative boot methods available from the Startup menu, dual booting, and using the Recovery Console.
OS Technologies: Objective 2.4
Identify procedures for installing/adding a device, including loading, adding, and configuring device drivers and required software.
This objective's wording has been changed a bit, but it's still the same concept. The original wording was:
Identify procedures for loading/adding and configuring application device drivers, and the necessary software for certain devices.
Some of the new topics here include Internet driver search, signed drivers and permissions.
OS Technologies: Objective 2.5
Identify procedures necessary to optimize the operating system and major operating system subsystems.
This is a new objective, but all its topics are taken from other previous objectives so there is no new material here.
OS Technologies: Objective 3.1
Recognize and interpret the meaning of common error codes and startup messages from the boot sequence, and identify steps to correct the problems.
The wording here is identical to the previous version. There are some new topics on the list, though, including some added boot failure types, Registry corruption, and the use of boot disks and the Event Viewer.
OS Technologies: Objective 3.2
Recognize when to use common diagnostic utilities and tools. Given a diagnostic scenario involving one of these utilities or tools, select the appropriate steps needed to resolve the problem.
This is a new objective, but most of its topics were covered in other objectives before. The objectives give much more specific detail now about which startup modes are covered, and the list of diagnostic tools, utilities, and resources is much longer.
OS Technologies: Objective 3.3
Recognize common operational and usability problems and determine how to resolve them.
This objective is the same as before except for the addition of the phrase "operational and usability." See the new objectives for new details on exactly what virus-related topics are included.
OS Technologies: Objective 4.1
Identify the networking capabilities of Windows. Given configuration parameters, configure the operating system to connect to a network.
This objective is much the same as it was before in wording, but many topics have been added. Most of these were implicitly included earlier, but the new topics clarify their existence. The original wording was:
Identify the networking capabilities of Windows including procedures for connecting to the network.
Some of the newly expanded topics include the TCP/IP protocol (and all it entails, including gateways, subnet masks, DNS, WINS, APIPA, DHCP, and WINS), IPX/SPX, Appletalk, NetBEUI, and understanding the capabilities and limitations of shared resources under various Windows versions.
OS Technologies: Objective 4.2
Identify the basic Internet protocols and terminologies. Identify procedures for establishing Internet connectivity. In a given scenario, configure the operating system to connect to and use Internet resources.
This objective has been made more specific, but is conceptually the same as before. The previous wording was:
Identify concepts and capabilities relating to the Internet and basic procedures for setting up a system for Internet access.
New topics have been added dealing with e-commerce, such as HTTPS and SSL. You should also know about the software involved in various connectivity technologies from dial-up on up to LAN, and how to install and configure browser software for security and privacy settings.
If you’re still studying from older prep materials (pre-fall 2003), don’t panic; as you can see from these articles, most things have stayed the same in the new A+ objectives. With this comprehensive look at each objective’s specific changes, you can evaluate your current study materials confidently and decide whether new materials will be worth your money in your quest for A+ certification. 
Faithe Wempen, M.A.,is a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor and an instructor in the Computer Technology Department of Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis. She is the author of over 50 books on computer hardware and software, including A+ Jumpstart: PC Hardware and Operating System Basics. She also co-owns the Sycamore Knoll Bed and Breakfast.
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