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CompTIA · Free, ad-free audio course

CompTIA Server+

A structured, audio-first learning route for CompTIA Server+, designed for focused review and practical understanding.

Listen to the complete course Browse 124 lessons

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The study guide helps you organize and revisit the material. The flashcards book adds active recall and rapid review across the course objectives.

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Practice CompTIA Server+ concepts

Try 50 original BMC questions, review every explanation, and return to the lessons behind the answer. No login is required. Earn Challenge achievements and share your progress as you go.

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Independent BMC learning practice—not official exam items, a full mock exam, or an exam-readiness score.

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Complete Lesson Directory

Choose the exact subject you want to study.

Search by topic or narrow the directory by exam domain. Courses with multiple editions are organized below so every season remains easy to find. Each lesson includes its own audio player, full description, transcript when available, and previous-or-next navigation.

124 lessons available

S01E01Transcript

Getting Started

Welcome to the Server Plus PrepCast — Your Exam Roadmap

This episode introduces listeners to the complete structure and flow of the Server Plus PrepCast, providing a clear roadmap for mastering the CompTIA Server+ certification objectives.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E06

Getting Started

Hands-On Skills for the Server Plus Exam — Lab and Simulation Readiness

This episode emphasizes the importance of developing strong practical skills to meet the performance-based demands of the CompTIA Server+ exam. We explore how hands-on proficiency allows you to move beyond memorizing concepts and instead apply them in realistic scenarios.…

August 24, 2025
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S01E09Transcript

Getting Started

Glossary Deep Dive — Server Administration and Virtualization Terms

This episode focuses on administrative and virtualization-related terminology essential for the Server+ exam. You’ll learn the meaning of terms connected to operating system installation, network configuration, server roles, and clustering.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E10Transcript

Getting Started

Glossary Deep Dive — Security, Disaster Recovery, and Troubleshooting Terms

In this final glossary deep dive, we focus on vocabulary from the security, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting domains of the Server+ exam. You’ll learn terms that define access control models, backup types, encryption methods, and physical security measures.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E12Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Racking Standards — Unit Sizes and Rack Enclosure Options

This episode examines industry-standard racking practices, starting with the definition and measurement of rack units (U) and how they dictate space allocation for servers and related hardware.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E13Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Rack Layout — Equipment Placement and Design Priorities

In this episode, we discuss how to plan and implement an effective rack layout that balances functionality, airflow, and accessibility. You’ll learn how to position equipment to optimize cooling paths, reduce cable congestion, and maintain clear access for maintenance.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E14Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Cooling Management — Server Rack Thermal Considerations

This episode focuses on managing airflow and temperature within server racks to ensure stable performance and prevent hardware degradation.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E16Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Power Distribution Units — Rack-Level Power Configuration

This episode explains the role of power distribution units (PDUs) in delivering stable and organized electrical power to servers and other rack-mounted equipment.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E17Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

KVM Placement — Access Control and Rack Integration

This episode focuses on the installation and placement of keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) systems within server racks.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E18Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Rail Kits — Mounting and Sliding Rail Installation

In this episode, we cover the purpose and installation process for rail kits, which secure rack-mounted servers and allow them to slide in and out for maintenance.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E19Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Redundant Power — UPS Systems, Circuits, and Providers

This episode explains the role of redundant power systems in maintaining server availability during outages or electrical faults.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E20Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Power Connector Types — Compatibility and Pinout Awareness

This episode reviews the various power connector types used in server environments, from standard IEC connectors to specialized high-amperage plugs. You’ll learn how connector selection is determined by server requirements, PDU compatibility, and regional electrical standards.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E23Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Twisted Pair and Fiber Cabling — Media Type Fundamentals

This episode reviews the core differences between twisted pair and fiber optic cabling, including their construction, signal transmission methods, and performance characteristics.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E24Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Fiber Connector Types — SC, LC, Single-Mode, Multi-Mode

This episode explains the most common fiber optic connector types and how they pair with single-mode and multi-mode fiber. We detail the physical design and locking mechanisms of SC and LC connectors, their respective advantages, and how they are matched to cable specifications.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E25Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

High-Speed Interfaces — Gigabit, 10 GigE, SFP, and QSFP

This episode examines high-speed networking interfaces and their roles in modern server connectivity. We compare Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in terms of throughput, cabling requirements, and typical use cases.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E26Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Network Cable Management — Signal Integrity and Labeling

streamline maintenance. You’ll learn how proper cable routing, bundling, and securing techniques help minimize crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and physical damage.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E28Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Core Server Components — CPU, GPU, Memory, and Bus Types

This episode examines the critical internal components that define server performance and capabilities. We start with CPUs, covering core count, clock speed, and cache considerations, followed by GPUs for workloads requiring accelerated processing such as virtualization or AI.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E30Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Hardware Compatibility Lists — Verifying Server Component Support

This episode covers the use of hardware compatibility lists (HCLs) to ensure that all components in a server build are validated for use with the intended operating system and platform.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E31Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

RAID Concepts — RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD

This episode introduces the fundamental RAID levels covered in the Server+ exam, detailing how each configuration balances performance, redundancy, and storage capacity.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E32Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Hardware vs. Software RAID — Performance and Implementation

This episode explains the differences between hardware RAID, which is managed by a dedicated controller, and software RAID, which relies on the host operating system.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E33Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Capacity Planning — Forecasting Storage Needs

In this episode, we focus on the process of predicting and allocating sufficient storage capacity for current and future requirements. Candidates will learn how to analyze usage patterns, growth trends, and retention policies to determine optimal storage configurations.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E34Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

SSD Technologies — Wear Factors and Use Cases

This episode examines the operational characteristics of solid-state drives (SSDs), with a focus on how wear leveling, write endurance, and read/write cycles affect performance and lifespan.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E35Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

HDD Technologies — R P M Levels and Drive Selection

This episode details the mechanics and performance metrics of hard disk drives (HDDs), focusing on rotational speed (RPM) as a key factor in read/write performance.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E36Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Hybrid Drives — Blending SSD and HDD Performance

This episode explains how hybrid drives combine solid-state storage with traditional spinning disks to balance performance and capacity.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E38Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Shared Storage Concepts — NAS and SAN Environments

This episode introduces network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area networks (SAN) as two primary shared storage solutions. We define NAS as file-level storage accessible over a network, and SAN as block-level storage that functions like locally attached drives for servers.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E39Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

SAN Technologies — iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and FCoE

In this episode, we dive deeper into SAN technologies, focusing on three key methods of block-level storage connectivity.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E40Transcript

Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management

Installing Physical Drives — Connection and Mounting Best Practices

This episode covers the procedures and considerations for installing physical drives in a server environment. We explain how to ensure compatibility by checking interface types, form factors, and firmware requirements before installation.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E41Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Domain 2 Overview — Understanding Server Administration

This episode introduces Domain 2 of the CompTIA Server+ exam, which focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to install, configure, and maintain server operating systems and services.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E42Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Minimum Operating System Requirements — Compatibility Essentials

This episode focuses on the importance of verifying minimum OS requirements before installation. We explain how CPU architecture, RAM, storage space, and firmware compatibility determine whether an OS can be deployed on a given server.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E45Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Core Installations — Minimal Server Footprints Explained

This episode covers core installations, which provide a minimal OS footprint without a traditional desktop interface. We explain how core installations reduce the attack surface, improve performance, and require fewer system resources compared to full GUI installations.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E55Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

File System Types — ext4, NTFS, ReFS, ZFS, and VMFS

This episode examines the most common file systems encountered in server environments, including ext4 for Linux, NTFS and ReFS for Windows, ZFS for advanced data integrity features, and VMFS for VMware virtualization.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E56Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

IP Configuration — Address Assignment and Network Setup

This episode explains how to configure Internet Protocol (IP) settings for servers, including assigning IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways. We cover the importance of proper configuration for connectivity, name resolution, and service availability.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E57Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

VLAN Configuration — Logical Network Segmentation

This episode focuses on Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configuration and its role in logically segmenting network traffic.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E58Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Gateways and Routing — Default Gateway Essentials

This episode explains the role of default gateways in directing traffic from a server to destinations outside its local subnet.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E59Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Name Resolution — DNS, Hosts Files, and FQDN Use

This episode covers how servers resolve hostnames to IP addresses using Domain Name System (DNS) servers, local hosts files, and fully qualified domain names (FQDNs).…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E60Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Addressing Protocols — IPv4, IPv6, and Private Ranges

This episode reviews IPv4 and IPv6 addressing protocols, including their structure, address classes, and the differences between public and private ranges.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E61Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Static vs. Dynamic IPs — DHCP and APIPA Behavior

This episode explains the differences between static IP addressing, where configuration is manually assigned, and dynamic addressing, where a DHCP server automatically provides network settings.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E62Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Firewall Configuration — Ports, Rules, and Access Control

This episode covers how to configure and manage server firewalls to control inbound and outbound traffic. We explain how rules are created based on IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers, and how these rules enforce access control to protect server resources.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E67Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Server Monitoring — Metrics, Logs, and Alerting Strategies

This episode explains the purpose and methods of monitoring server health and performance. We detail common metrics, including CPU utilization, memory usage, disk IOPS, network throughput, and system uptime, and how these indicators reveal the operational status of a server.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E70Transcript

Domain 2 · Server Administration

Clustering Concepts — Active-Active, Failover, and Heartbeat Protocols

This episode explains clustering concepts used to enhance server availability and load distribution. We define active-active clusters, where multiple nodes share workloads simultaneously, and active-passive configurations, where standby nodes take over during a failure.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E72Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Encryption Paradigms — Securing Data at Rest and in Transit

This episode explains how encryption protects data both while stored and while transmitted across networks. We detail the principles behind symmetric and asymmetric encryption, discuss common algorithms, and explore when each approach is most effective.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E73Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Retention Policies — Data Lifespan and Compliance Requirements

This episode covers how retention policies define the duration data is stored before being archived or deleted, helping organizations meet compliance, operational, and legal requirements.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E74Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Data Storage Locations — On-Site vs. Off-Site Considerations

This episode examines the advantages and risks of storing data on-site versus off-site. On-site storage offers fast access and easier control but can be more vulnerable to localized disasters, while off-site storage provides geographic redundancy at the cost of increased access time.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E75Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

BIOS and UEFI Passwords — Protecting Low-Level Access

This episode focuses on securing BIOS and UEFI firmware settings with administrative passwords to prevent unauthorized hardware configuration changes. We explain how these passwords protect boot order, enable or disable hardware components, and secure low-level system controls.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E76Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Bootloader Passwords — Preventing Unauthorized Boot Access

This episode explains how bootloader passwords add an extra layer of protection by preventing unauthorized users from altering boot parameters or starting an operating system without permission.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E78Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Physical Security Controls — Fencing, Guards, and Mantraps

This episode examines physical security measures designed to restrict unauthorized access to server facilities. We discuss perimeter defenses like fencing, on-site security personnel, and advanced entry systems such as mantraps, which control access between two secured doors.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E79Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Architectural Security — Camouflage, Blocking, and Reinforcements

This episode focuses on architectural techniques for securing server facilities, including camouflage to conceal data center locations, structural barriers to block physical intrusion, and reinforcements to strengthen walls, doors, and entry points.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E80Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Biometric and RFID Locks — Advanced Physical Access Systems

This episode reviews advanced locking mechanisms, including biometric systems that authenticate based on fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial recognition, and RFID locks that use encoded cards or tags.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E83Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

HVAC and Sensor Systems — Environmental Controls for Servers

This episode examines the role of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and environmental sensors in maintaining stable operating conditions for servers.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E84Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

User Account Security — Roles, Groups, and Permissions

This episode focuses on managing user accounts to enforce security policies and maintain proper access control within server environments. We explain how to assign users to groups, apply role-based permissions, and ensure the principle of least privilege is maintained.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E86Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Password Policies — Strength, Lockouts, and Enforcement Rules

This episode explains how to design and implement password policies that balance security with usability. We discuss key elements such as minimum length, complexity requirements, and expiration periods, as well as how account lockout policies deter brute-force attacks.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E87Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Role-Based and Rule-Based Access — Models for Control Enforcement

This episode compares role-based access control (RBAC), where permissions are tied to job roles, with rule-based access control, where access is determined by specific conditions or rules.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E88Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Segregation of Duties — Delegation and Least Privilege

This episode examines how segregation of duties reduces the risk of fraud, errors, and insider threats by dividing responsibilities among multiple individuals. We explain how this principle supports compliance frameworks and strengthens overall security posture.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E90Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Single Sign-On (SSO) — Streamlined Identity Access Control

This episode focuses on Single Sign-On (SSO) technology, which allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple systems or applications without re-entering credentials.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E91Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Hardware Failure Risks — Power, Components, and Environmental

This episode covers the common risks that can lead to hardware failures in server environments, starting with power-related issues such as surges, brownouts, and outages.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E92Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Malware and Insider Threats — Detection and Prevention Concepts

This episode explores two major security risks: malicious software infections and insider threats. We explain how malware types such as ransomware, trojans, and worms can impact servers, along with the indicators of compromise that signal infection.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E93Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Data Loss Prevention — Duplication, Access, and Disclosure Controls

This episode focuses on data loss prevention (DLP) strategies used to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, duplication, or disclosure. We explain how DLP technologies monitor data movement across networks, block risky transfers, and enforce encryption requirements.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E94Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Backdoors and Social Engineering — Recognizing Hidden Threats

This episode explains the dangers of backdoors—hidden access methods intentionally or unintentionally left in systems—and how they can be exploited by attackers.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E95Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Breach Identification — Event Recognition and Disclosure Requirements

This episode covers how to identify potential security breaches through event monitoring, anomaly detection, and forensic investigation. We discuss the signs of compromise, such as unusual network traffic, unauthorized configuration changes, or unexpected data transfers.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E96Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Security Monitoring — SIEM, Log Analysis, and Role Separation

This episode explains how security monitoring systems, particularly Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, collect and correlate logs from multiple sources to detect suspicious activity.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E97Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Regulatory Constraints — PII, PCI DSS, and Legal Retention

This episode reviews the regulatory and legal frameworks that affect server administration, focusing on requirements for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) and complying with industry-specific standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E98Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Server OS Hardening — Patches, Ports, and Service Reduction

This episode focuses on securing a server operating system by applying hardening techniques that minimize vulnerabilities. We cover the importance of keeping systems fully patched, closing unused network ports, and disabling unneeded services.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E99Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Host and Application Hardening — Antivirus and Updates Explained

This episode explains how to secure individual server hosts and applications through targeted hardening measures. We discuss deploying antivirus and anti-malware tools, ensuring timely application of patches, and disabling unnecessary application features or services.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E100Transcript

Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery

Hardware Hardening — Physical Ports, BIOS, and Boot Order Settings

This episode covers hardware-level security measures that prevent unauthorized use or modification of server systems. We explain how to disable unused physical ports, set administrative BIOS passwords, and configure boot order to restrict booting from external media.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E101Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Domain 4 Overview — Troubleshooting Methodologies and Practices

This episode introduces Domain 4 of the CompTIA Server+ exam, which focuses on structured troubleshooting processes and the tools needed to resolve hardware, software, network, and security issues.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E102Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Identifying Problems — Scoping and User Input Techniques

This episode focuses on the first step of the troubleshooting process: accurately identifying and scoping a problem. We discuss gathering user reports, reviewing monitoring data, and determining the affected systems or services.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E104Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Theory of Probable Cause — Narrowing Down Server Failures

This episode discusses how to form a theory of probable cause after gathering information about a problem. We explain how to use evidence from logs, performance metrics, and user reports to eliminate unlikely factors and focus on the most probable source of the issue.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E105Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Testing the Theory — Verification and Adjustment Techniques

This episode focuses on testing the theory of probable cause to confirm whether it explains the observed issue. We discuss performing controlled changes, using diagnostic tools, and monitoring system behavior for improvement or recurrence of the problem.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E106Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Establishing a Plan of Action — Solution Planning and Notifications

This episode explains how to create a detailed plan of action once the root cause of a problem is identified. We discuss outlining step-by-step remediation tasks, sequencing changes to minimize downtime, and identifying potential risks before implementation.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E107Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Change Implementation — Testing and Controlled Changes

This episode focuses on executing the planned solution in a controlled environment. We cover making one change at a time, monitoring for its effect, and ensuring each adjustment aligns with the overall remediation strategy.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E108Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Functional Verification — Ensuring System Stability Post-Fix

This episode explains the importance of verifying that a system is fully functional after implementing a fix. We discuss running validation tests, confirming service availability, and ensuring performance metrics are within acceptable ranges.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E109Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Root Cause Analysis — Preventing Future Incidents

This episode covers how to conduct a root cause analysis (RCA) to determine why a problem occurred and how to prevent its recurrence. We explain how to gather evidence, map the sequence of events, and identify both technical and process-related contributing factors.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E110Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Documentation — Recording Actions and Outcomes

This episode focuses on documenting troubleshooting activities from the initial problem report to the final resolution. We discuss capturing details about symptoms, diagnostic steps, implemented changes, and verification results.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E111Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Predictive Failures — Early Warning Signs and Indicators

This episode explains how predictive failure technologies and monitoring tools can identify hardware issues before they cause outages. We discuss using SMART data for drives, temperature and fan speed sensors for CPUs, and vendor-specific monitoring utilities for servers.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E112Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Memory-Related Issues — Dumps, Crashes, and RAM Errors

This episode focuses on troubleshooting server memory problems, from application crashes to full system halts. We explain how to interpret memory dumps, identify faulty DIMMs, and use diagnostic tools to confirm suspected issues.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E114Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

CMOS Battery and Lockup Events — Diagnosing Time and Power Problems

This episode covers how a failing CMOS battery can cause time drift, loss of BIOS settings, and boot failures. We explain the function of the CMOS battery in maintaining system configuration when power is removed, and how to identify symptoms of failure.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E115Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Visual and Auditory Cues — LED, LCD, and Unusual Sounds or Smells

This episode examines how to use visual and auditory indicators to troubleshoot hardware problems. We discuss interpreting status LEDs, reading LCD panel error codes, and recognizing abnormal sounds such as failing fans or clicking drives.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E116Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

RAID Misconfigurations — Faulty Arrays, Rebuilds, and Bad Sectors

This episode explains how RAID misconfigurations can lead to degraded performance, data loss, or complete array failure. We discuss common causes such as incorrect drive order, mismatched drive sizes, incompatible RAID levels for the workload, and improper rebuild procedures.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E117Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Storage Failures — Mount Errors, Slow Access, and File Corruption

This episode covers how to identify and resolve storage-related failures in server environments. We explain symptoms such as inability to mount volumes, significantly degraded read/write speeds, and corrupted files.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E119Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Partition and Filesystem Errors — Misalignment, Corruption, and Boot Failures

This episode examines how partition and file system errors can impact server operations. We explain problems such as partition misalignment reducing performance, corruption preventing access to data, and boot failures caused by damaged boot sectors or missing system files.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E122Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Configuration and Service Failures — Improper Setup and Missing Resources

This episode covers how incorrect configurations and missing dependencies can prevent services from starting or functioning correctly. We discuss common causes, such as incorrect file paths, insufficient permissions, or disabled services.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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S01E124Transcript

Domain 4 · Troubleshooting

Misconfigured NICs and VLANs — Interface Troubleshooting Tactics

This episode explains how misconfigured network interface cards (NICs) and VLAN settings can disrupt server connectivity. We cover issues such as incorrect VLAN tagging, mismatched speed and duplex settings, and disabled interfaces.…

Transcript availableAugust 24, 2025
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A Practical Study Routine

Listen, read, and review in the order that works for you.

01

Listen

Use the free audio course during a commute, walk, workout, or focused study session.

02

Read

Use the study guide to organize the material, annotate key ideas, and build a reference you can return to.

03

Review

Use the flashcards book to practice active recall and quickly revisit weak areas.

Related Cyber Wiki

Continue with the concepts behind the course.

Mandatory access control

AppArmor Profile Enforcement

AppArmor profile enforcement confines programs with path-oriented rules that describe the files, capabilities, networking, and execution behavior each application is permitted to use.

Decision analysis practice

Architecture Trade-Off Analysis

Architecture trade-off analysis compares design options across security, mission, cost, performance, usability, resilience, complexity, and lifecycle consequences.

Threat terminology

Attack Vectors

An attack vector is the route, method, or mechanism an adversary uses to reach a target and attempt an unauthorized action.

Logging governance practice

Audit Log Retention and Integrity

Audit log retention and integrity controls preserve security-relevant records for operational analysis, investigations, accountability, compliance, and legal needs.

Digital identity

Authentication Factors

Authentication factors are independent categories of evidence used to prove control of an identity, commonly something known, possessed, or inherent to the user.

Systems security concept

BIOS and UEFI Security

BIOS and UEFI Security concerns the secure design, configuration, operation, monitoring, or recovery of computing platforms and connected devices.