CompTIA Server+ Certification

The CompTIA Server+ certification is an international vendor neutral credential. The CompTIA Server+ exam (Exam SK0-004) is a validation of “foundation” level server skills and knowledge, and is used by organizations and IT professionals around the globe. Day five of the course is the exam day.  The course includes one CompTIA Server+ exam voucher, which can either be taken on day five of the course, or if preferred used at any PearsonVUE testing centre and is valid for one year.

The modules are as follows:

Server Architecture

Explain the purpose and function of server form factors
Rack mount
Tower
Blade technology

Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain server components
CPU
RAM
Bus types, bus channels and expansion slot
NICs
Hard drives
Riser cards
RAID controllers
BIOS/UEFI
Firmware
USB interface/port
Hotswap vs. non-hotswap components

Compare and contrast power and cooling components
Power
Cooling

Server Administration

Install and configure server operating systems
Determine server role/purpose
Update firmware
BIOS/UEFI configuration
Disk preparation
Configure host name
Local account setup
Connect to network
Join domain/directory
Address security concerns
Enable services
Install features/roles/applications/drivers
Performance baseline
Unattended/remote installations

Compare and contrast server roles and requirements for each
Web server
Application server
Directory server
Database server
File server
Print server
Messaging server
Mail server
Routing and remote access server
Network services server

Given a scenario, use access and control methods to administer a server
Local hardware administration
Network-based hardware administration
Network-based operating system administration

Given a scenario, perform proper server maintenance techniques
Change management
Patch management
Outages and service level agreements
Performance monitoring
Hardware maintenance
Fault tolerance and high availability techniques

Explain the importance of asset management and documentation
Asset management
Documentation
Secure storage of sensitive documentation

Explain the purpose and operation of virtualization components
Hosts and guests
Management interface for virtual machines
Hypervisor
Hardware compatibility list
Resource allocation between guest and host

Storage

Given a scenario, install and deploy primary storage devices based on given specifications and interfaces
Disk specifications
Interfaces
Hard drive vs. SSD

Given a scenario, configure RAID using best practices
RAID levels and performance considerations
Software vs. hardware RAID
Configuration specifications
Hotswap support and ramifications
Hot spare vs. cold spare
Array controller

Summarize hardware and features of various storage technologies
DAS
NAS
SAN
JBOD
Tape
Optical drive
Flash, compact flash and USB drive

Given a scenario, calculate appropriate storage capacity and plan for future growth
Base10 vs. Base2 disk size calculation (1000 vs. 1024)
Disk quotas
Compression
Capacity planning considerations

Security

Compare and contrast physical security methods and concepts
Multifactor authentication
Security concepts

Given a scenario, apply server hardening techniques
OS hardening
Application hardening
Endpoint security
Remediate security issues based on a vulnerability scan
Hardware hardening

Explain basic network security systems and protocols
Firewall
Port security/802.1x/NAC
Router access list
NIDS
Authentication protocols
PKI
VPN
IPsec
VLAN
Security zones

Implement logical access control methods based on company policy
ACLs
Permissions

Implement data security methods and secure storage disposal techniques
Storage encryption
Storage media

Given a scenario, implement proper environmental controls and techniques
Power concepts and best practices
Safety
HVAC

Networking

Given a scenario, configure servers to use IP addressing and network infrastructure services
IPv4 vs. IPv6
Default gateway
CIDR notation and subnetting
Public and private IP addressing
Static IP assignment vs. DHCP
DNS
WINS
NetBIOS
NAT/PAT
MAC addresses
Network Interface Card configuration

Compare and contrast various ports and protocols
TCP vs. UDP
SNMP 161
SMTP 25
FTP 20/21
SFTP 22
SSH 22
SCP 22
NTP 123
HTTP 80
HTTPS 443
TELNET 23
IMAP 143
POP3 110
RDP 3389
FTPS 989/990
LDAP 389/3268
DNS 53
DHCP 68

Given a scenario, install cables and implement proper cable management procedures
Copper
Fiber
Connectors
Cable placement and routing
Labeling
Bend radius
Cable ties

Disaster Recovery

Explain the importance of disaster recovery principles
Site types
Replication methods
Continuity of operations

Given a scenario, implement appropriate backup techniques
Methodology
Backup media
Media and restore best practices
Media storage location

Troubleshooting

Explain troubleshooting theory and methodologies
Identify the problem and determine the scope
Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
Test the theory to determine cause
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and notify impacted users
Implement the solution or escalate as appropriate
Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures
Perform a root cause analysis
Document findings, actions and outcomes throughout the process

Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot hardware problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
Common problems
Causes of common problems
Environmental issues
Hardware tools

Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot software problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
Common problems
Cause of common problems
Software tools

Given a scenario, effectively diagnose network problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
Common problems
Causes of common problems
Networking tools

Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot storage problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
Common problems
Causes of common problems
Storage tools

Given a scenario, effectively diagnose security issues, selecting the appropriate tools and methods
Common problems
Causes of common problems
Security tools

Virtual Live Classroom

• Enquire for dates

Who’s it for?

All IT staff involved in the technical support of corporate servers and developers of Client/Server applications. In particular it will benefit those wishing to gain their CompTIA Server+ Qualification from the disciplines of solution sales specialists, software developers, systems engineers, IT server administrators and authorized service technicians.

What are the Course Requirements?

This course is targeted towards individuals with 18-24 months of IT experience. Although not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended that candidates pursuing the CompTIA Server+ certification hold a CompTIA A+ Certification or have equivalent experience.

Are any Financial Options Provided?

• 0% Interest Free payments available.

Reward
Informal assessment will take place through group discussion, class room activities, and questions and answers sessions as guided by your tutor. Course Completion Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the course.

What is provided with the Course?

• Course Material
• Aftercare Course Support