220-1202 - CompTIA A+ Core 2 Cheat Sheet

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202, V15) exam is the second of the two exams required to earn the industry-standard A+ credential, and it shifts focus from hardware to the software side of IT support: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. It launched March 25, 2025 with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based), and a passing score of 700 on a 900-point scale. Because A+ is vendor-neutral and scenario-driven, the exam rewards a technician's judgment: choosing the right tool, security control, or remediation step for a situation, not just recalling definitions. Learn the malware-removal best-practice procedure and the difference between NTFS and share permissions early, because both surface repeatedly across the Security and Software Troubleshooting domains.

What This Cheat Sheet Covers

This topic spans 37 focused tables and 440 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.

Table 1: Windows Editions and Feature DifferencesTable 2: OS Installation and Boot MethodsTable 3: macOS Features and ToolsTable 4: Linux Commands and FeaturesTable 5: Mobile and Common Operating System TypesTable 6: Windows Command-Line ToolsTable 7: Windows Management Tools and UtilitiesTable 8: Control Panel and Windows SettingsTable 9: Windows Networking and Application ConfigurationTable 10: File Systems and Disk PartitioningTable 11: OS Updates and Upgrade ConsiderationsTable 12: Physical and Logical Security ConceptsTable 13: Active Directory and Authentication MethodsTable 14: Data EncryptionTable 15: Wireless Security ProtocolsTable 16: SOHO Network and Browser SecurityTable 17: Windows Security Settings and PermissionsTable 18: Workstation and Mobile Device Security Best PracticesTable 19: Data Destruction and DisposalTable 20: Malware TypesTable 21: Malware Detection, Removal, and Prevention ToolsTable 22: Social Engineering, Threats, and VulnerabilitiesTable 23: Common Windows OS SymptomsTable 24: Windows Troubleshooting Tools and Repair StepsTable 25: Mobile OS and Application TroubleshootingTable 26: PC Security Issues and Malware SymptomsTable 27: Malware Removal Best Practice ProcedureTable 28: Mobile OS and App Security TroubleshootingTable 29: Documentation and Support Best PracticesTable 30: Change ManagementTable 31: Safety ProceduresTable 32: Environmental Impacts and ControlsTable 33: Communication Techniques and ProfessionalismTable 34: Privacy, Licensing, and Incident ResponseTable 35: Backup and Recovery MethodsTable 36: Remote Access TechnologiesTable 37: Scripting Basics

Table 1: Windows Editions and Feature Differences

Operating systems (28%) - OS installation: compares the four Windows 11 client editions (Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Enterprise) and which business features (domain join, BitLocker, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy, Hyper-V) each one includes, plus the 32-bit vs 64-bit RAM limits that drive an edition or architecture choice.

Edition	Example	Description
Windows Home	Consumer laptop on a Microsoft account or workgroup, no `gpedit.msc`	Retail/OEM consumer edition. Cannot join an AD domain, no BitLocker enablement (Device Encryption only), no Hyper-V, no Local Group Policy Editor, RDP client only; 128 GB RAM cap.
Windows Pro	Business PC joined to `corp.local` with BitLocker on the OS drive	Adds the core business set over Home: • domain join • BitLocker • Group Policy • Remote Desktop host • Hyper-V. 2 TB RAM cap.
Windows Pro for Workstations	CAD/render box with ReFS mirrored volumes + NVDIMM-N	Pro superset for high-end hardware: • ReFS resilient file system • persistent memory (NVDIMM-N) • SMB Direct (RDMA) • up to 4 CPU sockets and 6 TB RAM.
Windows Enterprise	Org rolls out E3/E5 via volume licensing, enabling Credential Guard	Volume/subscription-licensed (E3/E5) edition for large orgs; adds Credential Guard, Personal Data Encryption, and Windows Experience lockdown over Pro. Not sold at retail; 6 TB RAM cap.
Domain Join	`System > Access work or school > Join this device to a domain` (greyed out on Home)	Joining an on-prem Active Directory domain for central logon and policy needs Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Home is limited to a workgroup or Microsoft account.

Table 1: Windows Editions and Feature Differences

Edition	Example	Description
Windows Home	Consumer laptop on a Microsoft account or workgroup, no `gpedit.msc`	Retail/OEM consumer edition. Cannot join an AD domain, no BitLocker enablement (Device Encryption only), no Hyper-V, no Local Group Policy Editor, RDP client only; 128 GB RAM cap.
Windows Pro	Business PC joined to `corp.local` with BitLocker on the OS drive	Adds the core business set over Home: • domain join • BitLocker • Group Policy • Remote Desktop host • Hyper-V. 2 TB RAM cap.
Windows Pro for Workstations	CAD/render box with ReFS mirrored volumes + NVDIMM-N	Pro superset for high-end hardware: • ReFS resilient file system • persistent memory (NVDIMM-N) • SMB Direct (RDMA) • up to 4 CPU sockets and 6 TB RAM.
Windows Enterprise	Org rolls out E3/E5 via volume licensing, enabling Credential Guard	Volume/subscription-licensed (E3/E5) edition for large orgs; adds Credential Guard, Personal Data Encryption, and Windows Experience lockdown over Pro. Not sold at retail; 6 TB RAM cap.
Domain Join	`System > Access work or school > Join this device to a domain` (greyed out on Home)	Joining an on-prem Active Directory domain for central logon and policy needs Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Home is limited to a workgroup or Microsoft account.