So many numbers, so much frustration.

I take my 801 exam in 2 weeks and I am freaking out. I can't seem to memorize all of the specs for different cables, expansion cards, hard drives, etc etc.

I am understanding concepts, but the numbers are proving to be more difficult.

Advice? Words of wisdom? CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE CALM ME DOWN?

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cyberguypr

Here you go:

http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/woah-woah-calm-down-woman.png

bloodshotbetty

Needs more cats.

E Double U

LOL @ cyberguy

Breathe betty! One day you will look back at A+ (the day after you pass) and realize what a joke that was.

f16jetman

Flash cards. Seriously the only way I learned that useless info was by making a huge stack of flash cards, and I mean big! Read them yourself, but also have someone else read them aloud while you answer them!

Not sure if I am allowed to post links like this but I used the info on this site to create my flash cards.
A+ Certification All-In-One For Dummies **** Sheet - For Dummies

The worst thing about the A+ is the insane amount of money it cost to take. But if you are lucky your job will pay for it!

Good luck and do not stress yourself out!

bloodshotbetty

I made some flashcards on Quizlet. I have been getting to work early in the morning to study and I think I am burning myself out a little bit. I am going to take this weekend off and just chill out and do some leisure reading.

TheFORCE

Betty, open up a laptop or a desktop pc, sometimes working with your hands and actually touching the cables and seeing the boards and equipment infront of you helps with the information sinking in.

SeaRip

This is exactly what I did and it really did help, but I only have access to 2 laptops. The hard thing for me is finding other desktops/laptops that you can rip apart so I can see a variety of connections. I have been scouring Craigslist for cheap ones that nobody wants, but believe it or not that has been a less then fruitful endeavor. I am sure I am just not putting enough effort into it, plus I am strapped for cash, so I would rather not pay for it or at least keep it under $20. I mean a non-working computer is nothing more then a paper weight to the common person so I figured I was helping them out taking it off their hands. Does anyone have any other ideas of ways to get your hands old PC's?

bloodshotbetty

SeaRip wrote: »

Does anyone have any other ideas of ways to get your hands old PC's?

I was lucky enough that my brother had a couple lying around. How much are you looking to spend? We have 2 and I don't need 2- I would be willing to ship one to you if you pay for shipping.

sysadmin101

Calm down relax . I know the feeling. All i can say study study. Good luck. I will be taking 802 this week if i don't chicken out.

Plantwiz

TheFORCE wrote: »

Betty, open up a laptop or a desktop pc, sometimes working with your hands and actually touching the cables and seeing the boards and equipment infront of you helps with the information sinking in.

Hands-on experience is the best way (IMNSHO) to understand how all the hardware 'numbers' work. You simply need to use the material to 'get' it. Hence the A+ candidate is one who has approximately 500 hours of work experience (and that would be more experience than a mere board swapper). Short of job experience (or intern or job shadow) getting some older equipment and going through the motions several (hundred) times helps. Now, many of the technologies overlap, so handling two or three different type/era will carry one a bit on this learning journey. The more you know, the better your troubleshooting skills will be.

(and when I walk into an Apple store, you won't be the kid who asks, "What's that" to my response, "It's a battery (from a MacBook Pro)". Then again, he was likely still in grade school when that laptop was released, but I should have been able to walk in and buy a battery...I digress.) Point being, don't be like that guy. Know your hardware!

Chuynh22

I definitely agree that hands on has helped memorize a lot of the parts.

bloodshotbetty

Looks like I will be ripping apart a computer this weekend! Exciting!

SeaRip

Bloodshotbetty, that is so nice of you to offer, but over the weekend one of the people from Craigslist that flaked out on me actually came through and it was only $20. So now I have an old Dell to dissect, but thank you very much for the offer!!

no!all!

I'm sure you'll do just fine. I didn't pass my A+ the first time around, don't sweat it!