A+ Certification Software (CompTIA A+ Core 2 / Operating Systems)

Course Description

CET1179C is a combined lecture and laboratory course in the Computer Engineering Technology discipline that prepares students for the software/operating systems portion of the CompTIA A+ Certification examination. Students learn the fundamentals of digital electronics, computer hardware, and operating systems in this course. The A+ certification exam was created by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and is targeted at entry-level computer service technicians with at least six months of on-the-job experience. The course provides a thorough, step-by-step process for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer operating systems, thereby better preparing students to pass the CompTIA A+ Operating System Technologies exam. The A+ certification is recommended as the foundation knowledge before attempting other courses that lead to Microsoft (MCSE) or other vendor certifications.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Install, configure, and upgrade common operating systems (Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes).
• Explain the boot process and startup sequence of a personal computer and troubleshoot boot failures.
• Manage files, directories, partitions, and file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ext4, APFS).
• Use operating system command-line utilities and administrative tools for system maintenance.
• Apply security best practices, including authentication, permissions, malware prevention, and data protection.
• Troubleshoot common software, OS, and security issues using a structured methodology.
• Perform operational procedures related to safety, environmental impact, communication, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate readiness to sit for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102 or current) certification exam.

Optional Outcomes

• Configure and manage virtualization and basic cloud-computing services.
• Implement scripting basics (PowerShell, Bash, Python) for system administration tasks.
• Configure mobile device synchronization, MDM policies, and remote access tools.
• Document support activities using ticketing systems and knowledge bases.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Operating Systems – features, editions, and installation of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS
• Boot Process & System Startup – BIOS/UEFI, bootloaders, recovery environments
• File Systems & Storage Management – partitioning, formatting, permissions
• Command-Line Tools – Windows CMD/PowerShell and Linux/macOS shell commands
• OS Configuration & Administration – Control Panel, Settings, Task Manager, MMC snap-ins
• Security Fundamentals – physical/logical security, malware types and removal, social engineering, encryption
• Software Troubleshooting – OS issues, application crashes, security incidents, mobile OS problems
• Operational Procedures – safety, ESD, documentation, change management, incident response, professional communication
• Networking from the OS Perspective – IP configuration, sharing, remote access (RDP, SSH, VPN)

Optional Topics

• Virtualization (Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware) and cloud service models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS)
• Backup and disaster recovery strategies
• Scripting basics for automation
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) and BYOD policies
• Practice exams and CompTIA exam-objective mapping exercises

Resources & Tools

• Current CompTIA A+ exam-objectives study guide (e.g., Mike Meyers, Jean Andrews, or CompTIA Official) aligned to the latest 220-110x series
• Lab access to Windows, Linux, and macOS environments — physical or virtualized
• Virtualization software (VirtualBox, VMware Workstation Player, or Hyper-V)
• CompTIA CertMaster Learn / Labs / Practice (where licensed)
• TestOut PC Pro or equivalent simulation platform
• Learning Management System (e.g., Blackboard or Canvas) for course delivery

Career Pathways

Successful completion of this course, combined with the companion hardware course and CompTIA A+ certification, prepares students for entry-level positions such as:

• Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist
• PC / Desktop Support Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Technical Support Representative
• Junior Systems Administrator

The course also serves as a foundation for further study toward CompTIA Network+, Security+, and vendor certifications such as Microsoft and Cisco credentials.

Special Information

Industry Certification Preparation: This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (Operating Systems / Software) certification exam, currently 220-1102 (objectives are updated by CompTIA on a multi-year cycle). It is typically paired with CET1178/CET1178C (A+ Hardware / Core 1) to provide complete A+ exam preparation.

Course Format: The “C” suffix in CET1179C indicates a combined lecture and laboratory course that meets in the same place at the same time. Students should expect significant hands-on lab work installing, configuring, and troubleshooting operating systems.

Articulation: CET1179C is part of Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System and credits typically articulate into A.S. degree programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Network Systems Technology, and related Information Technology pathways at Florida College System institutions.