Recommended Tools, Hardware & Software
Every job requires tools, and the A+ is no different. You won’t need the tools for your exam, but you will need them for your job.
I recommend that you
- Purchase high quality tools that will last a long time. Cheap tools are more expensive in the long term. They break down and cause frustration.
- Ask for advice, read reddit reviews, read reviews on Amazon, and watch YouTube videos until you find the tools that are best for you. Ask me for advice too!
Recommended Tools, Supplies, & Equipment
- Apple tablet/smartphone
- Android tablet/smartphone
- Windows tablet/Smartphone
- Chromebook
- Windows laptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop
- Windows desktop/Mac desktop/Linux desktop
- Windows Server with Active Directory and Print Management
- Server with a hypervisor
- Monitors
- Projectors
- SOHO router/switch
- Access point
- VoIP phone
- Printer – Laser/inkjet – Wireless – 3D printer – Thermal
- Surge suppressor
- UPS
- VR headset
- Smart devices (IoT devices)
- Console cable
- Motherboards
- RAM
- Hard drives
- Power supplies
- Video cards
- Sounds cards
- Network cards
- Wireless NICs
- Fans/cooling devices/heat sink
- CPUs
- Assorted connectors/cables
- Adapters
- Network cables
- Unterminated network cables/connectors
- AC adapters
- Optical drives
- Screws/stand-offs
- Cases
- Maintenance kit
- Mice/keyboards
- KVM
- Console cable
- Screw drivers
- Multimeter
- Wire cutters
- Punchdown tool
- Crimper
- Power supply tester
- Cable stripper
- Standard technician toolkit
- ESD strap
- Thermal paste
- Cable tester
- Cable toner
- Wi-Fi analyzer
- SATA to USB connectors
- Operating systems – Linux – Chrome OS – Microsoft Windows – Mac OS – Android – iOS
- PE Disk/Live CD
- Antivirus software
- Virtualization software
- Anti-malware
- Driver software