diff --git a/MEMORY.md b/MEMORY.md index 2218802..a3d7fe9 100644 --- a/MEMORY.md +++ b/MEMORY.md @@ -1,10 +1,11 @@ # CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Memory -Last updated: 2026-06-11 20:14 CDT +Last updated: 2026-06-19 CDT ## Goal -Prepare to pass CompTIA A+ Core 2 by June 30, 2026. +Pass CompTIA A+ Core 2 on **July 7, 2026** (primary exam date). +Hard deadline: **July 17, 2026** — if July 7 is not a pass, retake and pass by July 17. Target exam: - Certification: CompTIA A+ Core 2 V15 @@ -45,8 +46,11 @@ Priority rule: ## Progress State Current status: -- Study system created. +- Study system created. All lessons, labs, and quizzes built for all 4 domains. - Objective 1.1 / OS-5 studied on 2026-06-11; quiz score 7/7. Status: Strong. Lab still pending. +- June 17: SEC-6 (10-Step Malware Removal) studied and updated. OS-4 updated with DISM/bootrec/taskkill. FLASH_NOTES.md created. Sybex baseline ~50% — weak area: "Next Step" troubleshooting logic. +- June 18: OS-1 and OS-2 quizzes completed. +- June 19 (today): OS-3 Admin Tools lab — current task. - Baseline quiz replaced by section quizzes after study. - OS-1 lesson/lab/quiz created: Windows editions and system information. - OS-2 lesson/lab/quiz created: Windows installation, boot, and recovery. @@ -67,11 +71,9 @@ Current status: - User can sometimes access a friend's Mac. Do not block progress on Mac access, but include real Mac labs for objective 1.8. Next action: -- User should run the OS-5 lab when convenient, then continue to objective 1.2: OS installation and upgrade. -- If skipping the OS-5 lab for now, begin OS-2 study and quiz for objective 1.2. -- OS-3 is ready after OS-2: Windows administrative tools. -- OS-1 quiz now has 7 questions. -- OS-4 is ready after OS-3: Windows command line. +- June 19 (today): OS-3 Admin Tools lab + 3 "Next Step" scenario drills. +- Continue the sprint in SCHEDULE.md through July 7. +- If July 7 exam is not a pass, execute the retake plan (July 8–17) in SCHEDULE.md. - OS-5 is ready and covers objective 1.1. It can be studied before OS-1 if starting from fundamentals. - OS-6 is ready after OS-4: Windows Control Panel and Settings. - OS-7 is ready after OS-6: Windows networking. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 56ffdd9..171b54b 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,82 +1,42 @@ -# CompTIA A+ Core 2 — Study Workspace +# CompTIA A+ Core 2 Study Project -Everything for passing CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) lives here. +Private study workspace for CompTIA A+ Core 2 `220-1202`. -**Exam goal:** July 7, 2026 -**Hard deadline:** July 12, 2026 -**Status:** Active study — Phase 2 (Security) +## Clone ---- +```bash +git clone https://gitforge.kitestacks.com/kenpat/comptia-a-plus-core2.git +cd comptia-a-plus-core2 +``` -## Quick Navigation +This is a private Forgejo repository, so cloning requires an account or access token with repository read access. -| File/Folder | What's in it | -|-------------|--------------| -| `SCHEDULE.md` | Day-by-day study plan (June 10 – July 7) | -| `MEMORY.md` | Current state, progress, what's next | -| `quiz-log.md` | Every quiz attempt with score and missed concepts | -| `lab-log.md` | Hands-on lab progress | -| `notes/` | Study notes organized by objective (OS-1, SEC-1, etc.) | -| `quizzes/` | Quiz question sets by topic | -| `labs/` | Hands-on lab exercises | -| `flashcards/` | Quick-review cards for memorization-heavy topics | -| `mind-maps/` | Visual maps of each domain | -| `reference-materials/` | Index of study resources | -| `certifications/` | Certification roadmap and exam details | +## Goal ---- +Pass Core 2 on **July 7, 2026** (primary exam). +Hard deadline: **July 17, 2026** — retake window if July 7 is not a pass. -## How to Study Each Day +## How To Continue -1. Open `MEMORY.md` — it tells you exactly where you left off -2. Read the matching note from `notes/` (e.g., `notes/SEC-1-security-fundamentals.md`) -3. Do the matching lab from `labs/` if practical -4. Take the matching quiz from `quizzes/` -5. Update `quiz-log.md` with your score and any weak concepts -6. Update `MEMORY.md` with today's progress and tomorrow's next step +Start with `MEMORY.md` for the current state, progress, and next action. ---- +Useful files: +- `SCHEDULE.md`: day-by-day study plan +- `quiz-log.md`: quiz attempts and missed concepts +- `lab-log.md`: hands-on lab progress +- `mind-maps/core2-status.html`: visual objective status map +- `notes/`: lessons by objective +- `labs/`: hands-on exercises +- `quizzes/`: section quizzes +- `reference-materials/REFERENCE_INDEX.md`: processed reference inventory -## Exam Info +## Current Flow -- **Test code:** 220-1202 -- **Questions:** 90 questions in 90 minutes -- **Passing score:** 700 / 900 (about 78%) -- **Format:** Multiple choice + performance-based questions (PBQs) +1. Study one objective from `notes/`. +2. Run the matching lab from `labs/` when practical. +3. Take the matching quiz from `quizzes/`. +4. Update `quiz-log.md`, `lab-log.md`, `MEMORY.md`, and `mind-maps/core2-status.html`. -## Domain Weights +## Reference Policy -| Domain | Weight | Strategy | -|--------|--------|----------| -| Operating Systems | 27% | Heaviest — memorize Windows CLI tools and edition features | -| Security | 24% | Strong from homelab experience | -| Software Troubleshooting | 26% | Practical — use real-world analogies | -| Operational Procedures | 23% | Most memorization — review late in study plan | - ---- - -## Background Strengths (from homelab) - -Running KiteStacks homelab already covers real-world versions of many exam topics: -- **Security:** firewall rules, TLS certificates, OAuth2/OIDC SSO, VPN (Tailscale) -- **Linux CLI:** file permissions, process management, networking tools, SSH -- **Troubleshooting:** diagnosed and fixed production-level distributed systems issues -- **Documentation:** maintains active RUNBOOK and git-tracked change history -- **Networking:** Cloudflare Tunnel, Docker networking, DNS, reverse proxy - ---- - -## Study Resources - -- **Professor Messer** — free YouTube videos + paid practice exams (professormesser.com) -- **CompTIA CertMaster** — official practice platform -- **Sybex** — used for cold diagnostic (harder than real exam, ~60-65% equivalent) -- **Jason Dion practice exams** — Udemy backup -- **r/CompTIA** — community forum -- **Professor Messer Discord** — accountability and study partner replacement - ---- - -## Core 1 Result - -CompTIA A+ Core 1 — **PASSED** — highest score in a class of 22 students. +Full extracted text from commercial PDFs is intentionally not committed. Use summarized project notes and the reference index for continuity. diff --git a/SCHEDULE.md b/SCHEDULE.md index 2823a7f..5c5854a 100644 --- a/SCHEDULE.md +++ b/SCHEDULE.md @@ -1,94 +1,120 @@ -# CompTIA A+ Core 2 Schedule +# CompTIA A+ Core 2 Final Sprint Schedule -**Exam goal: July 7, 2026 (hard deadline: July 12)** -Dates: June 10 through July 7, 2026 +**Current Date:** June 19, 2026 +**Primary Exam:** July 7, 2026 — 18 days +**Hard Deadline:** July 17, 2026 — retake window if July 7 is not a pass -## Phase 1: Baseline and Operating Systems +--- -June 10: -- Review exam structure and domain map. -- Study small section OS-1: Windows editions and system information. -- Enter system information commands. -- Lab: identify system edition, version, build, CPU, RAM, and architecture. -- Quiz: OS-1 only, after study. +## What's Been Completed -June 11: -- Windows command-line tools: `ipconfig`, `ping`, `tracert`, `netstat`, `nslookup`, `chkdsk`, `sfc`, `dism`, `gpupdate`, `gpresult`, `shutdown`. -- Lab: collect network and system info from a Windows or Linux machine. +| Date | Task | Status | +|------|------|--------| +| Before June 11 | All lessons, labs, quizzes created — OS (1–11), SEC (1–11), TRB (1–4), OPS (1–10) | ✅ Done | +| June 11 | OS-5 quiz: 7/7. Lab pending. | ✅ Done | +| June 17 | SEC-6 (10-Step Malware Removal) studied. Updated OS-4 with DISM/bootrec/taskkill. FLASH_NOTES.md created. Sybex baseline: ~50% — "Next Step" logic identified as weak area. | ✅ Done | +| June 18 | OS-1 and OS-2 quizzes | ✅ Done | -June 12: -- Windows administrative tools: Task Manager, Services, Event Viewer, Disk Management, Device Manager, System Configuration, Local Users and Groups, Performance Monitor. -- Quiz: Operating Systems set 1. +--- -June 13: -- Linux basics: file systems, terminal commands, app installation, permissions, backups, system settings. -- Lab: Linux command practice. +## Sprint to July 7 -June 14: -- Mobile operating systems: Android/iOS settings, accounts, synchronization, app management, connectivity, backups. -- Quiz: Operating Systems set 2. +### Week 1 — Core Domains (June 19–23) -## Phase 2: Security +- **June 19 (Today):** + - Study: Windows Admin Tools (Disk Mgmt, Event Viewer, Performance Monitor) + - Lab: OS-3 Admin Tools Practice + - Drill: 3 "Next Step" scenarios -June 15: -- Security fundamentals: authentication, authorization, least privilege, MFA, password policies, account types. +- **June 20:** + - Study: Command Line (sfc, dism, chkdsk, gpupdate, bootrec, taskkill) + - Lab: OS-4 Command Line Practice + - Drill: SFC vs DISM trap — know when to switch -June 16: -- Malware types, symptoms, removal process, browser security, social engineering. -- Lab: malware response tabletop. +- **June 21:** + - Study: macOS & Linux client tools + - Quiz: OS-8 and OS-9 + - Note: macOS lab optional (use friend's Mac if available) -June 17: -- Wireless security, SOHO router hardening, encryption, firewalls, physical security. -- Quiz: Security set 1. +- **June 22:** + - Study: Windows Networking (IP config, DNS, firewall, shares) + - Quiz: OS-7 + - Drill: "Works by IP but not by name" scenario -June 18: -- Data protection: backups, recovery, EFS, BitLocker/FileVault concepts, secure disposal, privacy. +- **June 23:** + - Study: Workstation Hardening + Data Destruction + - Quiz: SEC-7 and SEC-9 + - Drill: Order of operations for secure disposal -June 19: -- Security review and mixed PBQ-style scenarios. -- Quiz: Security set 2. +### Week 2 — Troubleshooting + Procedures (June 24–30) -## Phase 3: Software Troubleshooting +- **June 24:** + - Study: Troubleshooting Windows OS (boot errors, BSOD, profile issues) + - Quiz: TRB-1 + - Drill: "Clicking hard drive = chkdsk /r" vs "BCD error = bootrec /rebuildbcd" -June 20: -- Windows symptoms: boot issues, BSOD, services failing, application crashes, slow performance. +- **June 25:** + - Study: Troubleshooting Mobile OS & Apps + - Quiz: TRB-2 -June 21: -- Application, browser, and network-related software issues. -- Lab: troubleshooting decision tree. +- **June 26:** + - Study: Operational Procedures — Documentation, Ticketing, SLAs + - Quiz: OPS-1 + - Note: Domain 4 is 21% — do not skip -June 22: -- Mobile app, OS, connectivity, and security troubleshooting. -- Quiz: Software Troubleshooting set 1. +- **June 27:** + - Study: Change Management + Backup/Recovery + - Quiz: OPS-2 and OPS-3 -June 23: -- Mixed troubleshooting scenarios with root cause analysis. +- **June 28:** + - Study: Scripting Basics (Batch, PowerShell, Bash syntax) + - Quiz: OPS-8 -## Phase 4: Operational Procedures +- **June 29:** + - Study: Professionalism, Safety (ESD), AI Concepts + - Quiz: OPS-7 and OPS-10 -June 24: -- Documentation, ticketing, change management, asset management, incident handling. +- **June 30:** + - **Mid-Sprint Full Practice Exam** (Professor Messer) + - Analyze every wrong answer — log weak domains -June 25: -- Safety, ESD, environmental controls, professionalism, communication. -- Quiz: Operational Procedures set 1. +### Final Push (July 1–7) -June 26: -- Backup types, recovery testing, disaster recovery, remote access etiquette. +- **July 1:** Targeted review of weak areas from June 30 exam +- **July 2:** **Full Practice Exam (Sybex)** — hardest questions, aim for explanation accuracy +- **July 3:** PBQ Marathon — Disk Management, Help Desk, Command Line simulations +- **July 4:** Acronyms, port numbers, and "Next Step" logic review +- **July 5:** **Final Full Practice Exam** — simulate real conditions (90 min, no notes) +- **July 6:** Light review only — 10-Step Malware Removal and Troubleshooting Methodology +- **July 7:** **EXAM DAY.** Trust the process. -## Phase 5: Final Review +--- -June 27: -- Full mixed practice exam 1. -- Review every missed question. +## Retake Window: July 8–17 (Only if July 7 is Not a Pass) -June 28: -- Targeted weak-domain labs and flash review. +- **July 8:** Review score report — identify exact weak objectives +- **July 9–10:** Intensive drill on the 2–3 weakest objectives only +- **July 11:** Full practice exam focused on weak domains +- **July 12–13:** PBQ simulations + "Next Step" scenario drilling +- **July 14:** Full timed practice exam — aim for 750+ +- **July 15:** Light review — acronyms, port numbers, order-of-operations +- **July 16:** Rest. Review the one thing you feel least confident about. +- **July 17:** **RETAKE EXAM — HARD DEADLINE. Must pass today.** -June 29: -- Full mixed practice exam 2. -- Final cram sheet. +--- -June 30: -- Light review only. -- Focus on missed-question log, acronyms, command syntax, and PBQ strategy. +## Domain Tracking + +- [ ] Domain 1.0 Operating Systems — 28% +- [ ] Domain 2.0 Security — 28% +- [ ] Domain 3.0 Software Troubleshooting — 23% +- [ ] Domain 4.0 Operational Procedures — 21% + +## Known Weak Areas (from June 17 Sybex baseline) + +- "Next Step" troubleshooting logic — official CompTIA order matters +- SFC vs DISM (when SFC fails → cache corrupt → run DISM RestoreHealth) +- Malware response order: quarantine BEFORE scanning +- Disk failures: clicking/missing = chkdsk /r vs BCD error = bootrec /rebuildbcd +- DNS: works by IP not name = nslookup +- Domain 4 Operational Procedures — highest risk for neglect