Reddit reviews CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802)
We found 51 Reddit comments about CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Used Book in Good Condition
I took it not that long ago. It is composed of 2 tests. Information on them can be found here http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/a.aspx
Testing centres and booking can be found here http://www.pearsonvue.com/
I don't remember the exact cost but I think it was somewhere between $350 and $400 for both tests. If you are interested in taking the A+ exam, I would recommend getting some study material such as http://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381873535&sr=8-1&keywords=a%2B+certification
I worked as a computer technician for ~2 years before taking the test and still used a study guide before taking it.
I'm using this to study
Start here:
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/free-a-plus/
This guy's uploaded great video guides on the entire A+ exam for free. I'm sure he has some literature if you learn better from a book. Also these books are pretty good: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007179512X/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1118324056&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0NNPTGHSPZBPVBMZCYB9
It may not be a source as simple as just a link, but I have been studying for the CompTIA A+ exam and they go over a lot of this stuff pretty well. If you get any of the textbooks or look up some of the online study guides, they will have a decent amount of information on these topics.
This is the textbook I have been reading recently. It has a ton of information about the different technologies and standards involved in each component, and can really make those specifications you see on your hardware make sense.
I have been really happy with my new-found ability to look up something complex, like a motherboard, and understand the advantages and disadvantages almost immediately.
Professor Messer also has a popular guide for the A+ in a pdf format, but I have not used it and cannot vouch for it being what you seek.
Good luck!
I just bought this book the other day and begun reading it. If you have any understanding of computers at all, it will be very easy to understand (so far).
College made me a more well-rounded individual. Science, philosophy, literature, mathematics, history, all these things helped me learn how to think.
College did absolutely nothing whatsoever to teach me how to be a systems administrator.
Want to get ahead in IT, out of that lowly helpdesk position? Here's what you do:
Get this book. Study it for a few months. Next, save a few hundred dollars and schedule an appointment to take the A+ Certification.
Congratulations, you are now professionally qualified to work a series of contract jobs or maybe a full time position fixing computer hardware all day. You will get these jobs by spending a lot of time on www.monster.com and filling out your resume completely. Update that resume every few days by moving words around to ensure your resume continues to be on the top of the new resumes list for recruiters to see. Congratulations, you've just advanced your career. It's still not a lot of money, but it's more interesting, and pays more. Regardless, you will be making significantly more money than at a helpdesk, and it's a lot less frustrating.
After this, I recommend you get this book and repeat the process. I should caution you, the Network+ is more difficult than the A+. With an A+ and a Network+, a hiring manager deemed me qualified for entry level at a web hosting company, where my career really took off. I learned everything I could, focusing on Linux administration.
Why Linux? Because there's too many Windows administrators and not enough Linux administrators. Your opportunities will be more lucrative and easier to obtain because there will be less competition.
My certifications, in order of receiving:
It's never too late, you just have to show your willingness to learn. That being said, you should read the CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802) https://www.amazon.com/dp/007179512X/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-Wznub1NKQ5X0. This book is very in depth for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience.
Also watch Professor Messer's A+ videos on YouTube. http://youtu.be/v6sJjIQzdbE
Also, go through the posts in the sub. You will find a lot of helpful information within it.
If you are going to be a one-man IT solution, your work will break down four ways, each of which are a specialty unto themselves and will require different amounts of your effort at different times of the year. I'm going to go into a bit more than reading material, because frankly, you should have some warning about what the future might bring.
All four will require setup, upgrade, and troubleshooting in event of breakdown or customer complaint. The exception here is that your other coast's IT department probably has an inventory system already in place, you'll just want to get to know it well. Also, learn all about how your company handles shipping (which shipper they use, how they charge, who has authority to approve shipping, etc) and what security rules are in place for storing company equipment and data.
In terms of Hardware, get and read just about any A+ book. It's going to be boring--I warn that in advance--but I've learned a ton of useful things from every A+ book I've looked at. The best one I've read is CompTIA's own A+ book because of how well put together it is, plus its written by the guy who writes the tests. There are a lot of things you may never use, but it makes a great reference, and your IT department might cover certification. Which becomes a great argument point for receiving a raise later.
As for Software... that will change based on every software package you ever handle. Ask the distant IT team if they have a knowledgebase, and if so, what it will take to access it. If they don't, compile yourself a bookmarks list for the forums of every piece of software you will use regularly. If its Microsoft software, Google will work just fine. The problems tend to be so widespread that answers will jump up. They won't always work, but it'll help you troubleshoot. Also find out how the company handles its software licenses. That can be a real headache.
Now the networking... That gets a bit more complicated. Depending on what your office is using for their network, it could be as easy as flipping power on and off on a few boxes hooked up to a broadband connection. If its more complicated, you'll want to learn about what solution is used for network administration. Good odds if its a major company that they'll be using Windows servers and Active Directory. Find out and learn about their account management solution. As for network hardware... you'll probably need to lean on the bigger IT team for awhile until you get comfortable with it. Proactively learn about routers, switches, domain controllers, DNS servers, and anything their Wikipedia pages link to that doesn't read like a Latin textbook. Most of your job won't be dealing with the theory, it will be trying to figure out where in the hose it is kinked, so that you can keep the Internet flowing and computers talking to each other. Learn about LAN cables and the different speeds, that'll help as well.
For inventory, well, hopefully that's all in place. If not, secure a locked space if one isn't already in use. Talk to whoever is in charge of your facility and at least try to get a secure closet with a lock. You'll probably want to request a small supply of replacement parts or whole computers, dependent on what your overall IT department uses as their policy. Find out if they lease the hardware, and track everything you receive, ship, or disburse in a log. Keep that log backed up somewhere really safe. Track inventory info, serial numbers, company designations (if they're tagging hardware), dates of activity, and notes on things like shipping numbers. This will save your butt often.
Good chance that for the first while, your job will be the same every entry level IT person ends up doing for awhile... You'll be someone else's hands. You'll have a problem, you'll try to fix it, you'll find out you can't or don't have privileges to do it, then you'll ask for help... then that person who would normally fly out to you will have you do the things on your end that they normally would, so they can finish things at their end. You'll be their hands in place. It can feel like monkey work, but eh, it can be a lot worse. You could be Migrating XP machines to Windows 7 for 3-10 months on 3rd shift, locked in a basement or storage unit. Folks all across North America have been enjoying that experience over the past 2-3 years.
For A+ I always recommend Mike Myers' book and Professor Messer's videos.
CCNA, I used Wendell Odom's books and the CBT Nuggets videos.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/007179512X/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1368170121&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
Hey man, I took the A + recently. There is some awesome study material online.
For studying material I used the following:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/007179512X/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SL500_SY115&simLd=1
http://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG49S3nxzAnnmMVTdd4v4ryJ7_qoQCrF4
http://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG49S3nxzAnlfszEOQ-Ih03S6MsnZLd6k
For practice exams I used the free ones in Mike Myers book and the following sites.
http://m.crucialexams.com/exams/a+/
http://www.examcompass.com/comptia-a-plus-practice-test-1-exam-220-801
Also look at the comptia subreddit, you can get some good advice on studying for simulation questions.
A+ study guides are probably the best text books for learning about computers. I used the Mike Meyers guide somewhat when I took the test: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007179512X/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0782142435&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H8DP0ZA3TBNDB81D5FG
Should be available at your local library.
It covers a hell of a lot more than just PC hardware though. Networking, windows, mobile devices, printers, etc.
I find them very helpful. I'm also studying the Mike Myers book, All In One Exam Guide CompTIA+ Certification, 8th Edition. Using both interchangeably is helping me really grasp the material.
Yeah, I got my A+ back in May to get my foot in the door with IT. There are two tests that aren't that difficult if you have a decent understanding of computers. The first tests you on hardware, the second is focused on the Windows OS.
To study, I used the Mike Meyers A+ Cert guide and Professor Messer's videos. I cannot speak highly enough about those videos.
Ah! Okay. Now it makes a lot of sense. Also Is the book you were talking about?
I'm in a similar situation as yourself, studying for A+ and onward from there. I've heard Micheal Meyers All-in-One Exam Guide (8th edition) is very good. I'm not nearly through it enough to give my opinion on it, but I have never heard someone speak poorly of it.
I'm also going through Professor Messer's A+ videos. You can buy them, or you can watch them all totally free right on his site. I think it's a very good resource, and again I've only heard good things. They're broken down very well, and easy to handle in small chunks.
Beyond that I'm just a noob myself and can't offer much else.
I passed 801 on Friday and 802 on Monday.
Yes, they did have random questions about pins of RAM. IIRC, the question was, your lab has 184-pin memory sticks, what kind of RAM is it?
The most random question of all on 801 was identifying, in order, the colors of wire on an RJ-11 pin. WTF? I just guessed and moved on.
I used the Mike Meyers book and this practice exam book.
The Meyers book is good for learning the material, but the questions are kind of easy. The Practice Exam book has much more difficult question, but the difficulty of the questions helps you learn more.
Problem with both books is that they don't cover simulations at all. I had no idea they were going to be on the exam until I took the exam on Friday. Turns out that the Practice Exam book does mention simulations, but does not actually give you a sample situation.
The simulations on 802 actually aren't that hard, because everything that is not relevant is disabled. For example, there was one question where you have to set a password for a user and everything in control panel was disabled except for the way to set the password. So even if you couldn't remember exactly how to get to the user account page, it's easy to find.
Feel free to ask any other questions while it's fresh in my mind.
Obligatory Professor Messer link.
Those videos and a good book like this one or this one seem to do the trick for most people.
Just scored 827 on the 220-801 exam. I'm using this text though I hear great things about the Meyers book. Watch these videos and puchase his study guides they're excellent value. Read a chapter then watch the appropriate video, a few a week is a great pace. Then once you get through and are somewhat confident in answering the questions in the book, book your exam and have a week where you really blitz the material (around 3 chapters a day). Practice exams would be bonus, I used the ones that came with this but that was a loaner from a friend.
Ok, I just passed the A+ a few weeks ago (didn't need it, but figured I needed something to get me over the hump and actually start getting my certs).
I used Mike Meyer's CompTIA Cert Guide (I took the 2009 version of the test btw)
I used Transcender test prep (it was provided for free as part of the 5 day class I took)
I watched all of the Professor Messor videos on youtube.
I took a class (more on this below)
I used Exam Cram
The first exam is the difficult one. It's not difficult in that you'll need to have a lot of experience or that the questions are tricky. It's difficult in the sense that you'll need to know a little about a LOT of stuff. For example, do you know how many pins are in a centronics cable? Do you know if it's serial or parallel? Do you know what device it's primarily used for? (36, parallel, printer) I studied for about 2-3 weeks pretty seriously (daily sample tests, questions, etc...did it during free time at work and after work at home). This study took place after I had read both of the books cover to cover (it's boring).
The second example (practical application) is cake walk if you've a) passed the essentials and b) have worked in IT support at all. Just a bunch of scenario questions. I studied about 3 hours for this exam.
I passed both exams on the first try about 2 months apart (I took a vacation in between).
The class was pointless knowledge wise. I've been in IT for a long time so it really was just for people who have ZERO experience. It helped since my work paid for the class and it included the Exam Cram book, transcender test prep access, and vouchers for both exams.
So to summarize my huge wall of text.
There will be people who disagree or study differently. More power to them. This is how it worked for me though. I will say that it's probably possible to pass the exam without doing some of this, but I really hate wasting money and would have been devastated if I had to re-take the exam.
Anyway. Here are some links. I'm sending you the 800 exam stuff since I imagine you'll be doing that instead of the 700 series (which is discontinued in a few months).
Mike Meyers
Exam Cram
Transcender test prep
Professor Messor videos
Seems really expensive for what should be a maybe a 1/3rd of the price.
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
If you've failed it 5 times, you know you are studying the wrong way. What are your study methods? Did you read the A+ holy bible by Mike Meyers?
Read this from front to back. All of it. I know it's going to take you while. It is a freaking huge book...but you can do it within a few weeks. Even if you've already read it before. Read it again and take notes. And if you're already computer savvy, you don't have to read line by line. Scan through it, anything you already know you can skip. The parts that state 801, you can skip, since I assume you already passed that.
Make sure you watch all of the 802 Professor Messer videos right before the exam. They don't cover absolutely everything on the exam objectives in depth but the majority of it is there. The few days before you take the exam, find and take every online practice test you can find on the internet. Google: Comptia A+ 802 free practice exam and make sure you're getting scores of 90% or more.
I got a mid-800 score on the 802 on the first try but I can tell you know it's not a cakewalk like most people will say. It's only easy if you study the proper way. I can't imagine acing without studying...and I've been been building my own rigs, setting up SOHOs and installing/configuring windows for 20 years.
Change your study habits because it's not working.
Definitely! I've been studying from Mike Meyers All in One Exam Guide, Professor Messer, Carey Holzman from Tech-Vets, and the Exam Cram Practice Question Book. They are all great resources, especially Carey's hands-on build videos. Which will help if your never built a PC yourself. I will update you tomorrow on my opinion of the test and things I came across.
should i do more research before buying this book you think?
i have watched a lot of professer messers videos too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007179512X?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ANN4GKF47H0QL
I went through Mike Meyers' All-in-One A+ Certification exam guide in about a months' time of reading a couple chapters a day, and averaged 95% on the tests. Started off feeling like it was mindlessly simple, then ended up learning a lot. Not to say this is the best exam guide to use, but it worked great for me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007179512X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: The book also comes with the basic exams, that I took a bunch of times throughout. That helped a lot (but isn't a substitute for actually learning the material, because the practical application questions require you to actually know what you're doing).
It is definitely something that you can pass without taking a course. I used this book back when it was in it's 4th edition haha It is really good though and had a disc with loads of practice test questions.
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368555413&sr=8-1&keywords=Comptia+A%2B+Certification+All-In-One+Exam+Guide
The first half of this book will tell you everything about computer hardware that you will ever need to know.
http://www.amazon.ca/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
So far I've been happy with this. It comes with a digital edition and a discount for the exam fee, so it pays for itself.
You might also want to look into a local community college course if you'd prefer having a class.
this book
I just took mine last month. I borrowed this from the library:
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375413680&sr=8-1&keywords=a%2B+certification
I think it's an excellent guide. It details what you need to know for each exam (801 & 802).
I just got certified in June. As many people have recommended in here already, I bought this book, did a couple chapters a night for a couple of weeks, then took several practice tests. Once I was consistently passing the practice tests I could find, I took the actual test. If you end up buying a book, make sure it's for the right test. They're starting the new test in October I think, which is probably the one you should takes since it's the most relevant. One word of advice I would give is do a search for a website that offers discounted testing rates. I was able to save something like $80 by doing that. Lots of places sell vouchers, just look around a little and I'm sure you'll find something.
The go-to answer for "what should I use to study for the A+?" is either Professor Messer's video series (available on Youtube) or Mike Meyer's massive tome
Neither covers the 90x series yet, though.
Oh you're very welcome!
For resumes, the cleaner the better. You want it to stand out, but, please, do not make it flashy. When I was a technical support supervisor, I was able to assist with the hiring and interview of techs. First we'd run through the resumes and throw out the ones that were covered in glitter, fancy paper, bright paper, and this one was covered in Windows logos... the paper was watermarked with a Windows logo and even the bullet points were Windows logos (we were a Windows-based web hosting company). These kind of resumes leave a bad taste in your prospective employer's mouth. Here's a great template that is similar to how I have my professional resume setup. Minus the sidebar and the header (this stuff I just placed at the top of the page formatted like all the other sections with the exception of my name and contact info), this pretty much lines up how you should have a professional resume. This one is probably a better example. I'd also suggest getting a LinkedIn profile if you don't already and mirror your professional resume on there. Head hunters do frequent LinkedIn and you could get a future job offer from there as well.
I would focus on getting your A+ and Network+ upfront because they substitute some experience. Just take note that CompTIA has changed the tests so that re-certification every 3 years (I think) is required to keep your cert(s) in good standing. This book is shipping in August, and should be considered the Holy A+ Bible. It is pricy ($60), but worth it. Before I get too further along, it's worth mentioning that the A+ is 2 parts. Part 1: Hardware, Part 2: Software (Windows). I heard rumors that CompTIA was supposed to finally axe Windows 9X from the exam (yes, I know... you have/had to know Windows 95 for the exam...) but no idea if they actually did or not. This guide seems like a great starting ground.
I used the "Exam Cram" series which include several practice tests along with lesson reviews and chapter tests. But there are a wide variety. I'd really suggest going to your local Barnes & Nobel and browsing the selection of A+ and Network+ books they have and find one you feel will help you learn the most out of.
Let me know if you have any questions!
/r/learnprogramming has a lot of great articles pinned. Python is a easy language to learn to start off. But if you want to hit the ground running, either learn web development languages or C++. From what I know though, when people refer to IT, they are referring those working in Networking or Help desk. With Networking, you learn a lot about computer/router hardware in the beginning, and then move onto learning protocols and best practices. Granted that second part is massively understating what there is out there to learn. But the sky is the limit when it comes that field. Help desk is the entry level for IT personnel. You help people over the phone or in-person with their computer related problems. Lots of networking guys don't like this because you loose whatever faith in humanity you have left, some like myself, really enjoy it. I like helping people either in a jam, or just generally better understand how to do their job with the aid of technology.
Sorry for the length.
TL;DR
Grab a A+ certification and then try for a Help Desk position. Here is a good book to get your education started, [Comptia A+ from Amazon].(http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382805315&sr=8-1&keywords=comptia+a%2B+certification+all-in-one+exam+guide+eighth+edition+exams+220-801+%26+220-802)
I did read the Myer's book (Specifically the All-in-One. He has others that are essentially the All-In-One book but with less crap.). I initially made the mistake of just trying to read it cover to cover, but there's too much material and it doesn't follow the order of the objectives, and that bothered me. To each their own ultimately.
I really must emphasize using the Objectives List as your guide. It even has a list of acronyms. Don't bother making a list from the textbook -- use the materials that CompTIA has already made available. There are also acronym and definition flashcards all over the internet. Just start looking around for study materials. You'll find piles of them.
I used this one: http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
But honestly if you have been playing around with hard ware and know the windows OS well, you'll pass without too much studying.
I used this book and really recommend it: http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
I read everything for the 801, took the exam, passed, and then read all the 802 stuff, took that exam, and passed. I found the 801 easier than 802, but that's just me.
Don't take too long, or you'll be frustrated when you finally take it. I studied for about 4 months and scored way higher than I needed to pass. I wish I had studied for 2 weeks instead.
EDIT: I used this book. You can pirate it pretty easily. Might be worth reading through once, then taking the test.
http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
Here is the one I used link
Sorry I didnt realize that the book said it was the fifth edition. I have the eight edition. Is that the most current one you have at the moment? THis is the one i have http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Edition-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1M6D4MYVV84RNV1CH443
Don't let it intimidate you. YouTube is infested with IT info. Check this guy out [ELI](https://www.youtube.com /playlist?list=PL6B10FA35AACFA6E7). If you want to get certified start HERE. This BOOK will help.
Professor Messer for the best free online resource and videos.
Mike Meyers' Exam Guide for the best print resource. It's a book. Whatever price you decide to pay for it, or not, is up to you.
Of course there are other options and resources, but these were great for me. And there could be something else out there that works better for you. Either way, hope this helps and good luck!
Yeah man, no problem.
Before I find some specific books, I wanna mention one series that you've definitely heard of: Blank for Dummies. From my experience, if you want to start from no knowledge and work up to an intermediate level of understanding, For Dummies books are great. A lot of experts beg to differ.
But, to be frank, people who are experts in their field are just that: experts in their field. I have friends who are excellent in their fields, but they are terrible teachers. They expect people to pick things up as quicky as they did. We're not all wired that way, and For Dummies books get that.
So, for my first two recommendations, here ya go:
Networking for Dummies
Building Your Own PC for Dummies
Both of those are less than 20 bucks on Amazon, and I'm sure you can find them at a library.
Now, if you really want to get into networking, and you want to get in to the IT field, you should read the A+ and Network+ certification books from Comptia. These will be harder to find in a library, but there will probably be some older editions lying around somewhere. If you know someone who works in the field, they probably have a copy, or can get you a copy, for free or cheap.
These books are more expensive, and more difficult, but they are peerless if you want to jumpstart a career in IT. I'm not going to claim that getting an A+ and/or a Network+ (or a Security+) certification is going to guarantee you a job. However it will definitely help you get your foot in the door.
Other books that you'll want to eventually check out if you want to check out things from O'Reilly. Most of their books are not meant for beginners, but they are the quintessential reference books in the IT field, including computer science, networking, and security. To give you an idea of just how many books they have, check out this picture of the programming section at the Noisebridge Hackerspace in San Francisco.
That band of colorful books in the middle? Those are (some of) the programming books they have available. They have just as many on every topic of IT. Here's their networking section. 19 pages. Of just networking books.
I hope that gives you a good idea of where to start.
For A+, try Professor Messer's site. His videos are an amazing resource. I do a chapter in book study then watch the corresponding video on Messer's site. Works pretty well.
Also try Coursera, they have a lot of classes you can take for FREE from major universities. I am currently waiting on a networking class that starts June 24th. It's a high level class that offers a good amount of knowledge. No degree, but the knowledge is what you will need during interviews. And like u/esmith3498 said, F.R.E.E.!
Professor Messer - This is for 800 exams for a+, he also has training for net + and linux and the like.
Coursera - Use it!
A+ book - I love this book, very thorough.
GOOD LUCK!!! I am in the same boat as you. I am currently trying to get into the field too.
If you are just starting out, begin with A+ (not for the certification, but for the knowledge). Buy this book, get some old desktop PCs, and learn everything about computers. Then, buy the Network+ book by the same author and learn about networking.
This gives you some basic knowledge of computers and networking. From there, try to do what I did, if you like. Just get a basic "office job", and then see if you can either work your way into their IT department, or offer to fix their computers for them.
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This is what I used. Meyers and this one are also very popular.
Since you already have that school one, I'd wouldn't worry too much about it though. Though I do recomend a practice book, like this one. And remember that aside from multiple answer questions, there are also a few "labs."
Check out the links in the right hand column, especially Prof. Messer's Cert Videos.
As far as books go, I'd pick this up: Mike Meyers CompTIA certification guide.
Also, go to CompTIA's site and grab the 801/802 objectives PDF. Once you've read the Meyers book, or whichever book you decide to pick up, focus in on the objectives.
There are many resources online for free 801/802 testing. Google is your friend.
Finally, I recommend using Quizlet for flashcard-style drilling.
edit: additionally, there are lots of free Android/iOS practice test apps available.
Not really the forum for this question, but I'd say the easiest thing to do is buy this book (or even just borrow it from a library if you can find one, the books Edition (age) probably isn't that important): https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Certification-Guide-220-801-220-802/dp/007179512X
Read it.
Sign up at https://home.pearsonvue.com/, schedule an exam at a nearby location. (Probably costs you something like $150). There's practice tests you can find online if you just google them.
Now, granted, I've not taken the A+; I've take Cisco exams. I would imagine the entire thing is you, at a computer, answering multiple choice questions. Most exams go like that. So if you can read and remember and understand that book you can tackle the A+ easily enough.
There are a lot of great resources out there and it may be a bit overwhelming.
I would not rely solely on Professor Messer's videos. His videos are great, but lack some of the detail that a large certification book offers.
It also depends on yourself. Are you new to the IT field? Have you ever built a computer before, setup a wireless network, or done some troubleshooting?
Mike Meyer's Book
This book gets a lot of attention and is a good resource.
Exam Cram Series
This book is a great "cram" of all the information. It's shorter than Meyer's book but has a lot of great test preparation questions and strategies.
Those 2 books with supplements from Professor Messer's videos should give you more than enough help. Also don't be afraid to just reserach something that you are unsure of. I use other sources such as Reddit and YouTube just to further dive into things I am unsure of.
I am taking both exams on the 15th of this month and my study habits have been read the books. Then test yourself with exams. Find where your weak points are, and study them. Rinse and repeat. Everyone is different and it all depends on how quickly you want it. A lot of these questions are up to yourself and how you learn/retain knowledge.
Instead of name calling, I'm going to take you down a very basic path and hope that you keep up.
I turn on a fan and aim it directly at you. That fan is hitting you directly, and there is nothing obstructing it. And now I start placing lots of cables in front of the fan, or you, and maybe even a PVC pipe just cause of the size of what we're working with now. If you are going to tell me that you are still receiving unobstructed airflow with these objects in the way, then I can't discuss the topic any further with you.
And remember, even if the PC stays the same temperature with bad cable management, you could be running your fans at a faster rate than needed. This may not be a bad thing short term, but it's better to just not be lazy, do it right the first time, and not have to worry about it for a longer period of time.
The documentation I've read has usually been textbooks, but there are plenty of resources that will agree with me online too. Here are some quick references;
Mike Meyers A+
Jean Andrews Textbook
Toms Hardware post
And then on top of that, having loose cables can cause damage to other components as I originally mentioned, and if you have the ability to manage your cables better, don't be lazy and do it right the first time. It's not rocket science. You don't have to get upset and insult people because you were unwilling to learn.
If you need a job handling this kind of stuff to get a better idea of it, PM me and I'll help you find a nearby job. If you're close enough to me, I'll even put in a recommendation.