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CompTIA Server+ Certification Guide

Table of Contents
Certification Sample Questions ........................................................................................................1 Exam Objectives.............................................................................................................................11 CompTIA Test Taking Tips.............................................................................................................25 CompTIA Retake Policy .................................................................................................................27

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Transcender Practice Exams and Sample Questions

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Click here to download Transcenders Practice Exam Sample Questions

Guiding IT Certification Success

Transcenders award winning exam simulations allow the user to learn their strengths and weaknesses to better understand the material they need to know to succeed in their career and to pass the actual certification exam. Recognizing the uniqueness of each exam and each person taking the exam, Transcenders commitment is to provide an arsenal of tools to match the learners personal study and learning styles and maximize their valuable study time. When preparing with our exam simulations, each user can confidently approach the actual test knowing that they are prepared because our practice exams provide: Comprehensive coverage of material to ensure the learner is knowledgeable and fully prepared. Thorough explanations and tutorials designed to increase the learners mastery of exam topics. Realistic questions that simulate the actual exam format. A detailed Score Report that allows the user to focus on weak areas and save study time.

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Mode Selection Guide

Mode selection allows easy navigation. Each Transcender exam simulation has three components: 1) Optimize Exam Experience Questions, answers, and detailed explanations. Each experience is customizable depending on learners study needs. 2) Preset Exam Experience has three exams with same question count and time limitations that will be found on the real exam. 3) TranscenderFlash Flashcards with questions on key must know concepts and terms (with the capability to customize each experience based on the users individual study needs.)

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IT Exam Vouchers

Exam Customization Page

The exam customization page is where the student can select from the pool of exam-centered questions, the number and type of questions he wants to be tested on and configure the learning preferences to maximize the study time. This interface gives the student the ability to focus on particular objectives, keywords, or questions that may have been missed previously.

Question Interface
The interface page for each question is clean and easy to navigate. Its features include the Grade Item button which displays the tutorial and reference information for immediate clarification. When the student clicks on Notes, a window is displayed where the student can type notes that are stored for later reference.

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IT Exam Vouchers

Grade Item Answers and Explanations

When Grade Item is selected, the correct answer is highlighted in yellow and a full explanation of the answer is provided. In addition, the incorrect answers are explained as well. At the bottom, complete reference information is provided for future study.

Question Interface Exhibit Question

The actual exam will have complex questions Transcender exam have the same type of questions to help individuals learn how to master answering these questions before exam day.

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IT Exam Vouchers

Question Interface Drag and Drop Question

Another example of a complex question type that will appear on the actual exam.

Detailed Score Report

Comprehensive test scoring helps identify the areas where additional study time focus is required. The test history shows how the student is progressing and when they are ready to take the exam.

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IT Exam Vouchers

Email Scores
Score reports can be automatically emailed to instructors to monitor student progress.

Flash Cards
Flashcards provide questions on the must know concepts and terms necessary for exam success. Each flashcard session concludes with a Score Report and the opportunity to review answers. A variety of print options means study can continue regardless of whether a computer is available.

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IT Exam Vouchers

CompTIA Server+ Sample Exam Answers

Question 1
(corresponding objective: 1A01) After a new server was installed, a large number of errors occurred during in-page operations. The technician noticed that the memory was not correct for the new server. Which of the following steps did the installing technician neglect to perform? A. Verification of virtual memory capacity B. Verification of the pre-installation plan C. Confirmation of fast page mode capability D. Use of single, rather than dual, in-line memory modules

Question 2
(corresponding objective: 1A04) When following an installation plan, the technician should verify availability of which of the following? I. Power source II. UPS capacity III. Physical space IV. Network access A. I and II only B. II and III only C. I, III, and IV only D. I, II, III, and IV

Question 3
(corresponding objective: 2A01) A new hardware RAID controller has been installed but is not recognized by the server BIOS. Which of the following could be done to solve the problem? I. Update the system firmware. II. Update the RAID controller firmware. III. Make the IRQ available. IV. Install the Network OS driver. A. I and II only B. III and IV only C. I, II, and III only D. I, II, III, and IV

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Server+ Sample Questions

SK0-002

Question 4
(corresponding objective: 2B01) After upgrading a server from a software RAID solution to a hardware RAID solution, the administrator notices a substantial increase in performance. Which of the following would best explain the increase? A. Hardware solutions support additional RAID levels for improved performance. B. Processing is now performed by the controller, resulting in less system CPU usage. C. The implementation of hardware RAID would not increase performance of the overall system. D. The new controller works together with the system CPU, providing improved hard drive seek time.

Question 5
(corresponding objective: 3C01) A company's file server currently uses an Ultra SCSI controller and Ultra SCSI hard disk drives. The server hardware technician is instructed to improve performance with a new SCSI solution that provides 80 MB/sec transfer rate. Which type of SCSI solution best meets the requirement? A. Upgrade the controller and drives to Ultra2 Wide B. Upgrade the controller to Ultra 160 and the drives to Wide SCSI C. Use the existing drives and upgrade the controller to Ultra2 Wide D. Use the existing controller and upgrade the existing drives to Ultra2 Wide

Question 6
(corresponding objective: 6A02) A customer is using a DAT drive for data backup. The drive will backup intermittently, usually stopping towards the end of the backup job. The customer claims to have cleaned the drive just two days ago, but the problem still exists. What should be the next step in troubleshooting the backup problem? A. Ask the customer to replace the backup tapes. B. Ask the customer to reload the backup software. C. Replace the tape drive with a known good drive. D. Replace the controller with a known good controller.

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Server+ Sample Questions

SK0-002

Question 7
(corresponding objective: 6B01) The file servers regularly download antivirus updates from the vendor's FTP server. The automatic updates have not occurred on these servers for the last three updates. Which of the following actions should be taken to isolate this problem? I. Verify connectivity to the vendor's FTP server. II. Ping another server on the network. III. Check the server logs for errors. IV. Reboot the server to restart all services. A. I and II only B. II and IV only C. I, II, and III only D. I, II, III, and IV

Question 8
(corresponding objective: 6B07) While performing a daily review of the system logs, a server manager notices that the latest error entry in the log indicates that a specific service or function has stopped operating. What should be the next diagnostic step taken by the server manager? A. Attempt to manually restart the service or function. B. Examine the log for previous instances of this error. C. Determine which enterprise functions are being affected by this stoppage. D. Erase the log to make it easier to locate the next occurrence of this error.

Question 9
(corresponding objective: 7A01) A server is required to recover after a single disk failure. Which of the following solutions will provide the required level of fault tolerance? I. RAID 0 II. RAID 1 III. RAID 3 IV. RAID 5 A. I and IV only B. II and III only C. I, II, and IV only D. II, III, and IV only

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Server+ Sample Questions

SK0-002

Question 10
(corresponding objective: 7A03) A customer is contemplating creating a two-node cluster with a SCSI shared storage configuration to provide quick fault recovery. For which of the following failures will this cluster provide quick fault recovery?

A. One server in the cluster loses all power. B. The computer room loses all power for an hour or more. C. The shared SCSI storage system for the cluster loses all power. D. The shared SCSI storage system for the cluster loses two disk drives.

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

Introduction

IT Exam Vouchers

The skills and knowledge measured by this examination are derived from an industry-wide job task analysis (JTA) and have been validated by Subject Matter Experts from around the globe. A typical Server+ candidate should have at least 18 to 24 months hands-on experience installing, configuring, diagnosing and troubleshooting. In addition, candidates are encouraged to have at least one other IT certification such as CompTIA A+, or Network+ certifications. However these are not required. This examination blueprint includes weighting, test objectives and example content. Example topics and concepts are included to clarify the test objectives but are not comprehensive listing of the content of this examination. The exam is in the conventional linear format. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the approximate extent to which they are represented.

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

Domain General Server Hardware Knowledge Installation Configuration Upgrading Proactive Maintenance Environment Troubleshooting and Problem Determination Disaster Recovery Total

% of Examination 30% 11% 13% 13% 6% 3% 18% 6% 100%

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

IT Exam Vouchers

Domain 1.0 General Server Hardware Knowledge

1.1 Know the characteristics, purpose, function, limitations, and performance of the following system bus architectures. PCI Bus Mastering PCI Hot swap PCI-Express PCI-X Hierarchical PCI Bus Peer PCI Bus I2O Intelligent Input-Output Hot Plug PCI PCI Expansion Slots PCI Interrupts EISA Know the characteristics of adapter fault tolerance. adapter load balancing adapter teaming Know the basic purpose and function of the following types of servers. Server types include: o Server as a Gateway o Server as a Router o Server as a Bridge o Firewall Server o Proxy Server o Database Server o Client/Server o Application Server o Mail Server o FTP Server o SNA Server o RAS Server o File and Print Server o Fax Server o DNS Server o WINS Server o DHCP Server o Web Server Description of the following hardware types, including module types, basic spec, limitations and requirements (especially power and cooling) o Blade servers o Tower servers o Rack-mount servers Know the function of the following application server models. Dedicated Application Distributed Application Peer to peer application

1.2

1.3

1.4

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1.5

Know the characteristics of the following types of memory and server memory requirements. Memory types o EDO o SDRAM o DDR o DDR-2 o RAMBUS Memory Interleaving ECC vs. Non ECC vs. Extended ECC Unbuffered vs. buffered vs. registered Hardware compatibility list Memory caching Know differences between different SCSI solutions, their advantages, and their specifications. SCSI-1, 2, & 3 SCSI Bus Width (Narrow and Wide) SCSI Bus Speed (Fast and Ultra, Ultra Wide, Ultra 2, Ultra 160, Ultra 320, iSCSI, SAS) SCSI connectors, cables, termination (passive, active, multi-mode) SCSI IDs and LUNs Single Ended Devices Low Voltage Differential (LVD) High Voltage Differential (HVD) BUS lengths Multi-tasking Multi-threading Disconnect and reconnect Know differences between different ATA (IDE) solutions, their advantages, limitations, and specifications. ATA 33 ATA 66 ATA 100 ATA 133 Serial ATA SATA SATA II (SATA II v1.2) Ultra DMA Cabling and connectors Master/slave/cable select (CSEL) Jumper settings Know the features and benefits of fibre channel hardware. Storage arrays Disk drives Adapters Cables, connectors, GBICs, SFP GBICs Single and Multi-mode 1 Gbit, 2 Gbit, 10 Gbit bus lengths

1.6

1.7

1.8

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

point-to-point vs. switched vs. LOOP

IT Exam Vouchers

1.9

Know the features and benefits of iSCSI and FCIP. Storage arrays Adapters Cables, connectors 1 Gbit, 2 Gbit, 10 Gbit bus lengths Know the features and capabilities of the following RAID levels, when they apply, and how each relates to fault tolerance or high availability: (non-proprietary). RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 3 RAID 5 RAID 5+1 RAID 0+1 RAID 1+0 RAID 5+0 Zero Channel RAID Differences between hardware RAID and software RAID and the advantages of one over the other. Know the characteristics of hot swap drives and hot plug boards. Know the features, advantages, and disadvantages of multiprocessing. Know the attributes, purpose, function, and advantages of clustering, scalability, high availability and fault tolerance. Understand the processor subsystem of a server. Multiprocessing systems o What they are o How they differ from dual-processor systems 64-bit Server Environments o What they are o Why and when they are important o What are the different architectures Know the basic specifications of and differences between SAN and NAS. Block and file

1.10

1.11 1.12 1.13

1.14

1.15

Domain 2.0 Installation

2.1 Conduct pre-installation planning activities. Activities include: o Plan the installation. o Verify the installation plan. o Verify hardware compatibility with operating system. o Verify power sources, space, UPS and network availability. o Verify network protocols, naming conventions, domain names. o Verify that all correct components and cables have been delivered.

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

IT Exam Vouchers

Supporting knowledge includes: o How to get drivers and BIOS updates o Cables and connectors required o UPS sizes and types o Server power requirements o Power issues (stability, spikes, etc.) o BTUs for the UPS and associated equipment o Server storage issues (rack requirements, rack sizes) o Uses of the common server types (desk server, rack mount server, vs. blade server) and the pros and cons of each

2.2

Install hardware using best practices. Hardware includes: o Boards o Drives o Processors and power modules o Memory o Internal cable o Internal fans Installation activities include: o Mount the rack installation (if appropriate) o Cut and crimp network cabling o Install UPS (depending on environment) o Verify SCSI ID configuration and termination o Install external devices (e.g. keyboards, monitors, subsystems, modem rack, etc.) o Verify power-on via power-on sequence Supporting knowledge includes: o Physical infrastructure requirements (e.g., proper layout of equipment in the rack, adequate air flow, etc.) o SCSI cabling, termination, and hot plug configuration o Basic understanding of network cabling and connector types o Cable management o KVM implementation o Rack mount security Characteristics of common network interface protocols o Ethernet o Fast Ethernet o Gigabit Ethernet Develop the server management plan (in-band and out-of-band management).

2.3

Domain 3.0 Configuration

3.1 Check/upgrade BIOS/firmware levels (system board, RAID controller, hard drive, etc.). Configure RAID. Activities include: o Use manufacturers tool to configure the array o Testing (simulate a failure)

3.2

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IT Exam Vouchers

Supporting knowledge includes: o Familiarity with OCE o Characteristics of fail over and spare drive types (i.e., cold, hot, warm, dedicated and global) o Characteristics, purpose, and function of RAID cache including when to turn off write caching o How to calculate storage capacity o Functionality of RAID controller battery

3.3 3.4

Install NOS. Configure external peripherals. Peripherals include: o Ups o Backup device o Data storage subsystems Supporting knowledge includes: o Proper layout of equipment o Requirements of the server installation environment (UPS, network availability, space, power) o SCSI cabling and termination o Fibre channel cabling o Know available cable types for peripheral devices Firewire USB Serial ATA Install NOS and driver updates to design specifications. Activities include: o Obtain update o Ensure that there is a backup and recovery plan o Make sure that the old drivers are available for reinstallation o Lab testing o Installation o Testing Supporting knowledge includes: o Know how to obtain OS updates o Why updates might be needed o How updates can be used o How to decide whether an update is necessary Install service tools (SNMP, backup software, system monitoring agents, event logs, etc.). Service tools include: o SNMP o Backup software o System monitoring agents o Event logs Supporting knowledge includes: o Identity, purpose, and function of service tools o How to set up SNMP o How system monitoring software and MIBs. are implemented on hardware o Purpose of event logs

3.5

3.6

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

3.7 Perform server baseline. Supporting knowledge includes: o Purpose and types of baseline Processor utilization Page file Disk utilization Memory utilization Network utilization o Conditions under which different baselines might be useful o When baselines should be updated

IT Exam Vouchers

3.8

Document the configuration. Supporting knowledge includes: o Document contents: What components are in the box Where components are located in the box What updates have been applied Warranty information Baseline Server configuration information (e.g., BIOS information, RAID levels used, what drives were put into what arrays, server network information) Install date Implement the server management plan (OS-dependent and OS-independent components). Plans typically include: o Server management software installation o Availability o Server change management requirements o Security plan o Remote management hardware Supporting knowledge includes: o Purposes and function of server management tools

3.9

Domain 4.0 Upgrading

4.1 Perform backup. Activities include: o Update the ERD/recovery disk (if applicable) o Verify backup Supporting knowledge includes: o When full backups might be necessary o How to select the appropriate type of backup Differential Appended Copy Full

4.2

Add processors. Activities include:

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

On single processor upgrade, verify compatibility Verify N+1 stepping Verify speed and cache matching Perform BIOS upgrade Perform OS upgrade to support multiprocessors Ensure proper ventilation Perform upgrade checklist, including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade Supporting knowledge includes: o What it means to verify stepping o o o o o o o

IT Exam Vouchers

4.3

Add hard drives. Activities include: o Verify that drives are the appropriate type o Confirm SCSI termination and cabling o For ATA/IDE drives, confirm cabling, master/slave and potential cross-brand compatibility o Verify connections on serial ATA drives o Upgrade mass storage o Make sure the RAID controller can support additions o Add drives to array o Replace existing drives o Integrate into storage solution and make it available to the operating system o Perform upgrade checklist, including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade.

Supporting knowledge includes: o Available types of hard drive array additions and when they are appropriate Expansions Extensions o What hot-swappable means o Difference between a RAID partition and an OS partition o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

4.4

IT Exam Vouchers

Increase memory. Supporting knowledge includes: o Verify hardware and OS support for capacity increase o Verify memory is on hardware/vendor compatibility list o Verify memory compatibility Speed Brand Capacity EDO DDR RAMBUS ECC/hon-ECC SDRAM/RDRAM o Perform upgrade checklist including Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. o Verify that server and OS recognize the added memory o Perform server optimization to make use of additional RAM (BIOS and OS level) Supporting knowledge includes: o Number of pins on each type of memory o How servers deal with memory pairings o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Upgrade BIOS/firmware. Activities include: o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o When BIOS/firmware upgrades should be performed o How to obtain the latest firmware o Be aware that most hardware companies include self-installing installation applications for their components o Implications of a failed firmware upgrade Multi-BIOS systems Firmware recovery options available Backup flashing (when applicable) Failed flash implies inoperable device o Issues surrounding multi-BIOS systems (how to properly upgrade, etc.) o Need to follow manufacturers flash instructions o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

4.5

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

4.6

IT Exam Vouchers

Upgrade adapters (e.g., NICs, SCSI cards, RAID, etc.). Supporting knowledge includes: o Perform backup o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o Available bus types PCI-X PCI Express Hot swap PCI PCI (bus architecture, bus speed) EISA o Implementation of hot swappable PCI in servers o Implications on the array of changing RAID controller types o Characteristics of SCSI Levels Cabling Termination Signaling o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Upgrade peripheral devices, internal and external. Verify appropriate system resources (e.g., expansion slots, IRQ, DMA, etc.). Peripheral devices include: o Disk drives o Backup devices o Optical devices o KBM devices Resources include: o Expansion slots o IRQ o DMA o SCSI Ids o Expansion cards Activities include: o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o Potential effects on performance of adding devices o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) o Validation via hardware compatibility list, tips, documentation and FAQs.

4.7

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

4.8

IT Exam Vouchers

Upgrade system monitoring agents. Activities include: o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o Purpose and function of the following Management Protocols SNMP DMI IPMI 1.5 & 2.0 o Function of monitoring agents o Dependencies between SNMP and MIBs o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Upgrade service tools (e.g., diagnostic tools, EISA configuration, diagnostic partition, SSU, etc.). Service tools include: o RAID utility o SCSI utility o System configuration utility o External storage utility Activities include: o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o Most utilities are vendor specific o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Upgrade UPS. Activities include: o Firmware updates o Battery replacement Battery disposal o Determine physical requirements o Determine load requirements o Verify whether UPS supports hot swap replacement o Perform upgrade checklist including: Locate/obtain latest drivers, OS updates, software, etc. Review FAQs, instruction, facts and issues Test and pilot Schedule downtime

4.9

4.10

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

IT Exam Vouchers

Implement ESD best practices Confirm that upgrade has been recognized Review and baseline Document upgrade. Supporting knowledge includes: o Some UPS support hot swap battery replacement o Some UPS support smart cabling o What can be upgraded UPS MIBs Management card Management software o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

Domain 5.0 Proactive Maintenance

5.1 Perform regular backup. Activities include: o Update the ERD/recovery disk (if applicable) o Verify backup Supporting knowledge includes: o When full backups might be necessary o How to select the appropriate type of backup Differential Appended Copy Full Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Create baseline and compare performance. Activities include: o Regular comparisons to the original baseline Verify backup Supporting knowledge includes: o Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation) Adjust SNMP thresholds. Perform physical housekeeping. Activities include: o Periodic checks for dust buildup o Cable management Monitor, maintain and follow the server management and service plan. Activities include: o Follow change management protocol

5.2

5.3 5.4

5.5

Domain 6.0 Environment

6.1 Recognize and report on physical security issues. Activities include: o Limit access to server room and backup tapes o Ensure physical locks exist on doors o Establish anti-theft devices for hardware (lock server racks)

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

IT Exam Vouchers

Supporting knowledge includes: o Fundamentals of server security (Importance of physically securing a server)

6.2

Recognize and report on server room environmental issues. Issues include: o Temperature o Humidity o ESD o Power surges o Back-up generator o Fire suppression o Flood considerations

Domain 7.0 Troubleshooting and Problem Determination

7.1
Perform problem determination Activities include: o Problem isolation Determine whether the problem is hardware or software related Use questioning techniques to determine what, how, when. Identify contact(s) responsible for problem resolution Use senses to observe problem (e.g., smell of smoke, observation of unhooked cable, etc.) Bringing it down to base Removing one component at a time Use diagnostic hardware and software tools and utilities. Activities include: o Perform shut down across the following OSs: Microsoft Windows NT/2000/2003, Novell NetWare, UNIX, Linux o Select the appropriate tool o Use the selected tool effectively o Replace defective hardware components as appropriate o Identify defective FRUs and replace with correct part o Interpret error logs, operating system errors, health logs, and critical events o Use documentation from previous technician successfully o Locate and effectively use hot tips (e.g, fixes, OS updates, E-support, web pages, CDs) o Gather resources to get problem solved: Identify situations requiring call for assistance Acquire appropriate documentation Supporting knowledge includes: o Know common diagnostic tools PING IPCONFIG TRACEROUTE FDISK Basic hard disk tools TELNET o NOS shutdown procedures Novell NetWare Microsoft Windows NT/2000/2003 UNIX/Linux

7.2

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CompTIA Server+ 2005 Examination Objectives

o

IT Exam Vouchers

Importance and use of maintenance logs and service logs (documentation)

7.3

Identify bottlenecks. Bottlenecks include: o Processor o Bus transfer o I/O o Disk I/O o Network I/O o Memory Activities include: o Run performance tool and compare against baseline Supporting knowledge includes: o How to run performance tools and compare against baseline Processor utilization Page file Disk utilization Memory utilization Network utilization

Domain 8.0 Disaster Recovery

8.1
Read and follow the disaster recovery plan. Activities include: o Find, read, and implement the recovery plan o Confirm and use off site storage for backup o Participate in testing of disaster recovery Supporting knowledge includes: o The need for redundancy (e.g., hard drives, power supplies, fans, NICs, processors, UPS) o Ability to read and comprehend a disaster recovery plan. o Types of backup hardware and media DAT SDAT DLT Super DLT Optical backup device AIT LTO Disk to disk Libraries vs. stand-alones o Identify types of backup and restoration schemes Grandfather schemes Differential and incremental backups o Concept of hot, cold and warm sites.

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CompTIA Test Taking Tips

It is possible to study and learn about a topic and still not find success on a certification exam. Studying develops specific skills and knowledge, but it is the presentation of your skill and knowledge that satisfies the exam. This difference is vital to successful exam study.

Multiple choice: Whats right and whats wrong?

Knowing what is wrong (and why it is wrong) as well as what is right, demonstrates mastery, and can lead you safely through the minefield of exam distracters (incorrect answer choices). Ineffective study may leave you with a narrow vision of what is right in a particular circumstance. Multiple choice certification exams simulate real world knowledge, descriptions and information. For example: On the job, a customer may: Not provide information in a standard way every time Present you with information that is irrelevant to the job End up confusing several different issues, but mistakenly present just one issue

Memorizing obvious factual knowledge may not deliver enough. Certification exams probe beyond knowledge of a simple fact for mastery-level ability. You must be able to actively apply your knowledge in skills such as troubleshooting, installing or configuring.

Follow a balanced study diet

Look at an exam topic from several perspectives: In a hands-on lab, in a book, from an instructor, on test preparation products or in the exam objectives. All of these together will reveal contextual knowledge. With sufficient contextual knowledge, spotting the reasons why distracters are wrong becomes a simple process of elimination. Understand the actual exam objectives. Review the objectives and know the emphasis (percentage) for each exam domain. Know your learning preferences and select study methods suited to them. You will likely learn faster if you know you get it by seeing, doing or hearing it.

Retake: Utilizing the Score Report

If you are retaking an exam, you already have a valuable study tool: your exam score report. Your CompTIA exam score report includes a list of specific subject areas identified as incorrectly marked areas. This is an excellent resource.

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IT Exam Vouchers

Look for common subject areas listed on the exam score report. Are you seeing verbs in the subject areas such as install, configure or set up? This could be an indicator of insufficient actual practice, or practice that is not 100 percent correct. Is there no pattern to what you see? Show your score report to your instructor or a skilled friend. They may see a pattern or have a suggestion. Or use the objectives you downloaded to compare to the score report and find the topic you struggled with.

Test taking skills

Slow down and carefully read the question. If you dont understand it, reread it. Do you know the material too well to waste time reading the question? CompTIA certification exams are written with the assistance of dozens of Subject Matter Experts. Do not expect to find clues in a consistent writing style for every question. The BEST choice is always the right choice. Some distracters will seem technically correct, but if there is a better way to approach the question, go with that choice. If you get stuck, you have options before skipping and returning. Slowly reread the question and all of the distracters individually. Give the question a shot before giving up and moving on. If youre still unsure, return to it with a fresh look later. Do not read more into the question than what is stated. This is most important. Only your knowledge and skills are needed to answer any question. It is not your job to create the circumstances surrounding the question; it is your job to answer it based on the information provided.

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CompTIA Certification Retake Policy The CompTIA retake policy was established to outline conditions under which a candidate may retake a CompTIA certification test. CompTIA addresses the following in the scope of this document: 1. Retake policy in the event that a candidate fails a CompTIA certification test 2. Retake policy in the event that a candidate passes a CompTIA certification test 3. Retake policy in the event that it is determined that a candidate violated CompTIA's candidate conduct policy 4. Remedies for violating the retake policy CompTIA beta certification examinations may only be taken one (1) time by each candidate. IN THE EVENT THAT A CANDIDATE FAILS A COMPTIA CERTIFICATION TEST - RETAKE POLICY: In the event that a candidate fails his or her first (1st) attempt to pass any CompTIA certification test, CompTIA does not require any waiting period between the first (1st) and second (2nd) attempt to pass that same CompTIA certification test. However, before any candidate's third (3rd) attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass any CompTIA certification test, such candidate shall be required to wait for a period of at least thirty (30) calendar days from the date of such candidate's last attempt to pass such test. IN THE EVENT THAT A CANDIDATE PASSES A COMPTIA CERTIFICATION TEST - RETAKE POLICY: In the event that any candidate passes any CompTIA certification test, such candidate shall be required to wait for a period of twelve (12) calendar months before retaking the same CompTIA certification test, unless CompTIA has changed the test objectives for such test. IN THE EVENT THAT IT IS DETERMINED THAT A CANDIDATE HAS VIOLATED COMPTIA'S CANDIDATE CONDUCT POLICY - RETAKE POLICY: If it is determined that a candidate has violated CompTIA's candidate conduct policy, such candidate may not be eligible to register and/or schedule any CompTIA certification test for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months from the date of such determination, if determined necessary or appropriate by CompTIA based upon the seriousness of the incident or violation. Remedies for Violating the Retake Policy Any candidate determined by CompTIA to have violated CompTIA's retake policy shall, if determined necessary or appropriate by CompTIA based upon the seriousness of the incident or violation:

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(a) be denied CompTIA certification for the applicable CompTIA certification test for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months from the date of such determination; (b) have the CompTIA certification for the applicable CompTIA certification test revoked, if such certification was previously granted by CompTIA; (c) have all other CompTIA certifications previously granted to such candidate revoked; (d) not be eligible to receive any CompTIA certification for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months from the date of such determination; and/or (e) be subject to any and all other appropriate action, including legal remedies, that CompTIA deems necessary or appropriate to enforce CompTIA's retake policy. Version 4-May 2002 2002 by CompTIA

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