REDMOND, Wash., April 7, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Microsoft Press® A+ Certification Training Kit, a self-paced training kit designed to help people prepare for CompTIA’s A+ Certification Core and Specialty exam. The A+ certification shows competency in supporting Intel-based personal computer hardware and software and is an excellent starting point for individuals launching an IT career. It is also a common first step toward training and certification in the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program.
Developed by Specialized Solutions Inc. and published by Microsoft Press, A+ Certification Training Kit is based on A+ Certification, a testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) that certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry.
The modular kit includes a 700-page book that maps to A+ certification exam goals and objectives and a companion CD-ROM that lets users access the entire course ¾ including skill-building exercises and demonstration files ¾ in a searchable electronic version. It also features a system of hands-on, self-paced lessons that demonstrate the intricacies of installing, configuring and trouble-shooting personal computer systems in a professional environment.
Entry-level IT professionals, computer service technicians and other computer science-track students can use this self-paced training any time and anywhere to build real-world expertise with systems hardware and operating systems while preparing for the corresponding skill areas of the A+ certification exam. Upon completing this course, users will be able to provide administration and support for both hardware and MS-DOS® and Microsoft® Windows® operating systems.
Hardware topics include installation, configuration and upgrading; diagnosis and trouble-shooting; safety and preventive maintenance; motherboard, processors and memory; printers; portable systems; and basic networking. Topics for MS-DOS and Windows operating systems include function, structure, operation and file management; memory management; installation, configuration and upgrading; diagnosis and trouble-shooting; and networks.
Microsoft Press’ A+ Certification Training Kit is just one way that Microsoft is taking measures to help people train to become highly skilled IT workers. The Microsoft Skills 2000 initiative ( http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageID=training & SubSite=itcr ) is a series of programs designed to increase public awareness of the hundreds of thousands of jobs currently unfilled in the technology industry and to reach out to those interested in developing IT careers. Microsoft’s training and certification program ( http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/ ) aims to train those individuals through self-paced, online and instructor-led training offered through its independent training centers – Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (Microsoft CTECs) and Authorized Academic Training Progams (AATPs). Upon completing rigorous training, people can take the MCP exams to prove their expertise in specific Microsoft technologies.
“CompTIA’s A+ Certification gives individuals a solid software and hardware background that can serve as an excellent stepping stone into the Microsoft Certified Professional program,”
said Donna Senko, director of certification at Microsoft.
Availability, Pricing and Additional Resources
The A+ Certification Training Kit (ISBN 0-7356-0635-8) is available now in bookstores and software stores throughout North America, or directly from Microsoft Press at (800) MSPRESS [677-7377]. In Canada, customers can call (800) 667-1115. The recommended retail price is $69.99 ($104.99 CDN). The A+ Certification Training Kit is part of Microsoft’s Training Kit series, which provides proven resources for IT professionals studying for Microsoft certification and skill development. With customers acquiring more than 1 million kits, Microsoft Training Kits are a preferred resource for serious IT professionals and are known for technical accuracy and reliability. A no-cost (connect-time charges may apply) 15-day online evaluation of Microsoft Training Kits is available at http://mspress.microsoft.com/reslink/ .
Microsoft Press is a division of Microsoft Corp. and the leading source of comprehensive self-paced learning, training, evaluation and support resources designed to help everyone from developers and IT professionals to end users get the most from Microsoft technology. More than 250 current titles in print, multimedia and network-ready formats are available – learning solutions made by Microsoft. More information can be found at http://mspress.microsoft.com/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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