Table 8-2 Comparing Laptop and Tablet Hardware

Feature	Laptop	Tablet
Field-serviceable	Memory, power adapter, battery, mass	None
parts	storage
Upgrade options	Memory, battery, mass storage	None (most models)
Interface	Touch pad, mouse	Touch screen supporting
	(touch screen on a few models)	touch flow and multitouch
Mass storage	SATA hard disk (SSD on a few models)	SSD
	DVD or Blu-ray drive
	Flash memory card reader
	USB 2.0/3.0 ports
	eSATA (some models)

Chapter 8: Mobile Devices 159

Mobile Device Synchronization

You can synchronize these types of data between your PC and your mobile device:

Contacts Programs Email

Pictures Music Videos

To synchronize an Android device to a PC, follow these steps:

1.Install the synchronization software provided with the device on the PC.

2.Connect the device via USB.

3.Choose the Disk Drive option. (You might need to tap Mount on older devices to have the device show up in Windows Explorer as a removable-media drive.)

4.Start the synchronization software (see Figure 8-8) and choose what you want to sync.

Figure 8-8 shows an example of HTCSync software with the Android-based HTC EVO connected via USB and set to HTCSync. Note that the device has been renamed LampSmart.

Figure 8-8 HTCSync Software on a PC.

160 CompTIA A+ Quick Reference

Use third-party software to perform a file sync via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

To synchronize an iOS device to a PC, follow these steps:

1.Install iTunes on the PC.

2.Connect the device to your PC via USB.

3.To sync mail, contacts, and calendars, select Mail > Contacts > Calendars (see Figure 8-9). Use iTunes for other types of files.

iPad2 Sync Option

Figure 8-9 Apple iPad2 synchronization example.

Chapter 9

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the ultimate requirement for any computer or network technician: to apply the knowledge learned to solve a problem for a client. It is not surprising that the Troubleshooting domain is 36% of the CompTIA A+ Certification 220-802 exam, the highest percentage of any domain in this exam, and the second highest of all objectives on both the 220-801 and 220-802 exams (exceeded only by PC Hardware, at 40%).

The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting

Process

This troubleshooting process is important to understand for two reasons: it’s on the exam, and it will save you a lot of time and frustration in your day-to-day work.

Here’s the basic outline:

1.Identify the problem: Question the user and identify user changes to computer and perform backups before making changes.

2.Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious).

3.Test the theory to determine cause. Once the theory is confirmed, determine the next steps to resolve problem. If the theory is not confirmed, reestablish a new theory or escalate.

4.Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.

5.Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventive measures.

6.Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to accomplish these steps.