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CompTIA Server+®
Study Guide




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Troy McMillan




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For my wife Heike, who makes the hard work all worth it

Acknowledgments

Special thanks go to David Clark for keeping me on schedule and ensuring all the details are correct. Also I’d like to thank Robin Abernathy and Quentin Docter for the excellent technical edit that saved me from myself at times. Finally, as always I’d like to acknowledge Kenyon Brown for his continued support of all my writing efforts.

About the Author

Troy McMillan writes practice tests, study guides, and online course materials for Kaplan IT Cert Prep, while also running his own consulting and training business. He holds over 30 industry certifications. Troy can be reached at mcmillantroy@hotmail.com.

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Introduction

The Server+ certification program was developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to provide an industry-wide means of certifying the competency of computer server technicians. The Server+ certification, which is granted to those who have attained the level of knowledge and troubleshooting skills that are needed to provide capable support to the most commonly used server and storage systems, is similar to other certifications in the computer industry. The theory behind these certifications is that if you needed to have service performed on any of their products, you would sooner call a technician who has been certified in one of the appropriate programs than you would just call the first so-called “expert” in the phone book.

CompTIA’s Server+ exam objectives are periodically updated to keep the certification applicable to the most recent hardware and software. This is necessary because a technician must be able to work on the latest equipment. The most recent revisions to the objectives—and to the whole program—were introduced in 2015 and are reflected in this book.

This book and Sybex’s CompTIA Server+ Complete Study Guide (both the Standard and Deluxe Editions) are tools to help you prepare for this certification—and for the new areas of focus of a modern server technician’s job.

What Is Server+ Certification?

The Server+ certification program was created to offer a wide-ranging certification, in the sense that it’s intended to certify competence with servers from many different makers/ vendors. Everyone must take and pass one exam: SK0-004.

The Server+ certification isn’t awarded until you’ve passed the test. For the latest pricing on the exams and updates to the registration procedures, call Pearson VUE at (877) 551-7587. You can also go to the website, www.vue.com, for additional information or to register online. If you have further questions about the scope of the exams or related CompTIA programs, refer to the CompTIA website at www.comptia.org.

Who Should Buy This Book?

If you want to acquire a solid foundation in servers and the storage systems they use, and your goal is to prepare for the exams by filling in any gaps in your knowledge, this book is for you. You’ll find clear explanations of the concepts you need to grasp and plenty of help to achieve the high level of professional competency you need in order to succeed in your chosen field.

If you want to become certified as a Server+ holder, this book is definitely what you need. However, if you just want to attempt to pass the exam without really understanding the basics of personal computers, this guide isn’t for you. It’s written for people who want to acquire skills and knowledge of servers and storage systems.

What Does This Book Cover?

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the CompTIA Server+ exam.

What’s Included in the Book

We’ve included several learning tools throughout the book:

Objective map and opening list of objectives We have included a detailed exam objective map showing you where each of the exam objectives is covered. In addition, each chapter opens with a list of the exam objectives it covers. Use these resources to see exactly where each of the exam topics is covered.

Assessment test We have provided an assessment test that you can use to check your readiness for the exam at the end of this Introduction. Take this test before you start reading the book; it will help you determine the areas on which you might need to brush up. The answers to the assessment test questions appear on a separate page after the last question of the test. Each answer includes an explanation and a note telling you the chapter in which the material appears.

Exam essentials Each chapter, just before the summary, includes a number of exam essentials. These are the key topics that you should take from the chapter in terms of areas on which you should focus when preparing for the exam.

Chapter Review Questions To test your knowledge as you progress through the book, there are review questions at the end of each chapter. As you finish each chapter, answer the review questions and then check your answers—the correct answers appear in the Appendix. You can go back to reread the section that deals with each question you got wrong to ensure that you answer correctly the next time you’re tested on the material.

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

The interactive online learning environment that accompanies CompTIA Server+ Exam SK0-004 provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exams and increase your chances of passing them the first time! The test bank includes the following elements:

Sample tests All of the questions in this book are provided, including the assessment test, which you’ll find at the end of this introduction, and the chapter tests that include the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two practice exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.

Flashcards One set of questions is provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.

Glossary The key terms from this book and their definitions are available as a fully searchable PDF.

How to Use This Book

If you want a solid foundation for preparing for the Server+ exam, this is the book for you. I’ve spent countless hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you prepare for the exams.

This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your study time if you understand how we put the book together. Here’s a list that describes how to approach studying:

  1. Take the assessment test immediately following this introduction. It’s okay if you don’t know any of the answers—that’s what this book is for. Carefully read over the explanations for any question you get wrong, and make note of the chapters where that material is covered.
  2. Study each chapter carefully, making sure you fully understand the information and the exam objectives listed at the beginning of each one. Again, pay extra-close attention to any chapter that includes material covered in questions you missed on the assessment test.
  3. Read over the summary and exam essentials. These will highlight the sections from the chapter with which you need to be familiar before sitting for the exam.
  4. Answer all of the review questions at the end of each chapter. Specifically note any questions that confuse you, and study the corresponding sections of the book again. Don’t just skim these questions! Make sure that you understand each answer completely.
  5. Go over the electronic flashcards. These help you prepare for the latest Server+ exam, and they’re really great study tools.
  6. Take the practice exam.

Tips for Taking the Server+ Exam

Here are some general tips for taking your exams successfully:

The CompTIA Server+ Exam Objectives

CompTIA goes to great lengths to ensure that its certification programs accurately reflect the IT industry’s best practices. The company does this by establishing Cornerstone Committees for each of its exam programs. Each committee consists of a small group of IT professionals, training providers, and publishers who are responsible for establishing the exam’s baseline competency level and who determine the appropriate target audience level.

Once these factors are determined, CompTIA shares this information with a group of hand-selected Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These folks are the true brainpower behind the certification program. They review the committee’s findings, refine them, and shape them into the objectives you see before you. CompTIA calls this process a Job Task Analysis (JTA).

Finally, CompTIA conducts a survey to ensure that the objectives and weightings truly reflect the job requirements. Only then can the SMEs go to work writing the hundreds of questions needed for the exam. And, in many cases, they have to go back to the drawing board for further refinements before the exam is ready to go live in its final state. So, rest assured, the content you’re about to learn will serve you long after you take the exam.

CompTIA also publishes relative weightings for each of the exam’s objectives. The following tables list the objective domains and the extent to which they’re represented on each exam.

SK0-004 Exam Domains % of Exam
1.0 Server Architecture 12%
2.0 Server Administration 24%
3.0 Storage 12%
4.0 Security 13%
5.0 Networking 10%
6.0 Disaster Recovery 9%
7.0 Troubleshooting 20%
Total 100%

The following sections look at the objectives beneath each of these domains in more detail.

CompTIA SK0-004 Exam

1.1 Explain the purpose and function of server form factors

1.2 Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain server components

1.3 Compare and contrast power and cooling components

2.1 Install and configure server operating systems

2.2 Compare and contrast server roles and requirements for each

2.3 Given a scenario, use access and control methods to administer a server

2.4 Given a scenario, perform proper server maintenance techniques

2.5 Explain the importance of asset management and documentation

2.6 Explain the purpose and operation of virtualization components

3.1 Given a scenario, install and deploy primary storage devices based on given specifications and interfaces

3.2 Given a scenario, configure RAID using best practices

3.3 Summarize hardware and features of various storage technologies

3.4 Given a scenario, calculate appropriate storage capacity and plan for future growth

4.1 Compare and contrast physical security methods and concepts

4.2 Given a scenario, apply server hardening techniques

4.3 Explain basic network security systems and protocols

4.4 Implement logical access control methods based on company policy

4.5 Implement data security methods and secure storage disposal techniques

4.6 Given a scenario, implement proper environmental controls and techniques

5.1 Given a scenario, configure servers to use IP addressing and network infrastructure services

5.2 Compare and contrast various ports and protocols

5.3 Given a scenario, install cables and implement proper cable management procedures

6.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery principles

6.2 Given a scenario, implement appropriate backup techniques

7.1 Explain troubleshooting theory and methodologies

7.2 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot hardware problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

7.3 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot software problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

7.4 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose network problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

7.5 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot storage problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

7.6 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose security issues, selecting the appropriate tools and methods

Objective Map

The following objective map shows you where the exam objectives are covered in the chapters. Use it as a reference to find the information you’re looking for.

CompTIA Server + Study Guide

SK0-004 Exam Objectives

Objective Chapter
1.0 Server Architecture
1.1 Explain the purpose and function of server form factors 1
1.2 Given a scenario, install, configure and maintain server components 1
1.3 Compare and contrast power and cooling components 1
2.0 Server Administration
2.1 Install and configure server operating systems 2
2.2 Compare and contrast server roles and requirements for each 3
2.3 Given a scenario, use access and control methods to administer a server 2
2.4 Given a scenario, perform proper server maintenance techniques 3
2.5 Explain the importance of asset management and documentation 3
2.6 Explain the purpose and operation of virtualization components 2
3.0 Storage
3.1 Given a scenario, install and deploy primary storage devices based on given specifications and interfaces 4
3.2 Given a scenario, configure RAID using best practices 5
3.3 Summarize hardware and features of various storage technologies 4
3.4 Given a scenario, calculate appropriate storage capacity and plan for future growth 5
4.0 Security
4.1 Compare and contrast physical security methods and concepts 6
4.2 Given a scenario, apply server hardening techniques 6
4.3 Explain basic network security systems and protocols 7
4.4 Implement logical access control methods based on company policy 7
4.5 Implement data security methods and secure storage disposal techniques 7
4.6 Given a scenario, implement proper environmental controls and techniques 6
5.0 Networking
5.1 Given a scenario, configure servers to use IP addressing and network infrastructure services 8
5.2 Compare and contrast various ports and protocols 8
5.3 Given a scenario, install cables and implement proper cable management procedures 8
6.0 Disaster Recovery
6.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery principles 9
6.2 Given a scenario, implement appropriate backup techniques 9
7.0 Troubleshooting
7.1 Explain troubleshooting theory and methodologies 10
7.2 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot hardware problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods 10
7.3 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot software problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods 10
7.4 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose network problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods 11
7.5 Given a scenario, effectively troubleshoot storage problems, selecting the appropriate tools and methods 12
7.6 Given a scenario, effectively diagnose security issues, selecting the appropriate tools and methods 11