CompTIA A+ 220-1102: Windows 10 and 11

Windows on the Core 2 Exam

• 220-1102 exam released in January 2022.
• Two Windows versions are available: Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• CompTIA considers all in-support Windows versions to be in scope for the exam.
• Mainstream support lasts for 5 years after release.
• Windows versions are listed in the objectives.
• Windows 10 and 11 are remarkably similar.

Windows 10

• Released on July 29, 2015; Windows 9 was skipped.
• Windows 10 is a single platform usable across desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, and all-in-one devices.
• There have been more than twelve different released versions.
• The November 2021 version is also known as Version 21H2.

Windows 10 Home

• Intended for home users and retail sales.
• Integrated with Microsoft account, with Microsoft OneDrive backup
• Includes Windows Defender for anti-virus and anti-malware protection.
• Cortana is available to talk to the operating system.

Windows 10 Pro

• The business version of Windows.
• Includes additional management features.
• Includes Remote Desktop host.
• Includes BitLocker, which is Full Disk Encryption (FDE).
• Can join a Windows domain.
• Supports Group Policy management.

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

• An edition for high-end desktops.
• Offers enhanced performance and storage options.
• Supports up to four physical CPUs.
• Maximum RAM support up to 6 TB.
• Supports ReFS (Resilient File System).
• Same as Windows Server.

Windows 10 Enterprise

• Designed for large implementations.
• Uses volume licensing.
• AppLocker controls which applications can run.
• BranchCache enables remote site file caching.
• Offers granular User Experience (UX) control.
• Useful for kiosk and workstation customization.

Windows 10 Minimum Requirements

• Processor/CPU: 1 GHz processor or faster.
• Memory (x86): 1 GB RAM
• Memory (x64): 2 GB RAM
• Free disk space: 32 GB or larger.
• Video: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver, minimum of 800 x 600.

Windows 10 Edition Features

• Home:
  • No Domain Access
  • No BitLocker
  • Client only Remote Desktop
  • No Group Policy Management.
  • 4GB x86 RAM
  • 128 GB x64 RAM
• Pro:
  • Has Domain Access
  • Has BitLocker
  • Client and Host Remote Desktop
  • Has Group Policy Management.
  • 4GB x86 RAM
  • 2 TB x64 RAM
• Pro for Workstations:
  • Has Domain Access
  • Has BitLocker
  • Client and Host Remote Desktop
  • Has Group Policy Management.
  • 4GB x86 RAM
  • 6 TB x64 RAM
• Enterprise:
  • Has Domain Access
  • Has BitLocker
  • Client and Host Remote Desktop
  • Has Group Policy Management.
  • 4GB x86 RAM
  • 6 TB x64 RAM

Windows at Work

• Windows is used for large-scale support with thousands of devices.
• It addresses security concerns related to mobile devices with important data and local file shares.
• It supports working on a spreadsheet.
• It supports watching a movie.
• It deals with geographical sprawl by caching data between sites.

Domain Services

• Offers Active Directory Domain Services with a large database of your network.
• Features a distributed architecture using many servers, which is unsuitable for home use.
• Documents everything in one place, including user accounts, servers, volumes, and printers.
• Has many different uses, including authentication and centralized management.