CompTIA · Free, ad-free audio course
A structured, audio-first learning route for CompTIA Server+, designed for focused review and practical understanding.
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Independent BMC learning practice—not official exam items, a full mock exam, or an exam-readiness score.
Companion Books
The study guide helps you organize and revisit the material. The flashcards book adds active recall and rapid review across the course objectives.
Study Guide
Use the companion study guide to organize the material, compare important concepts, annotate key ideas, and build a written reference for review.
Flashcards Book
Use the flashcards book for active recall, terminology checks, rapid review, and repeated practice across the course objectives.
Complete Lesson Directory
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
Getting Started
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.…
Getting Started
In this episode, we define what the CompTIA Server+ certification is and how it fits into the larger IT certification landscape.…
Getting Started
This episode focuses on the exam’s structure, ensuring you know exactly what to expect before sitting for the CompTIA Server+ test.…
Getting Started
Here we present a structured approach to preparing for the Server+ exam, beginning with assessing your current knowledge against the official objectives.…
Getting Started
This episode catalogs the range of study resources available to Server+ candidates, starting with official CompTIA materials such as the objectives document, CertMaster training, and practice exams.…
Getting Started
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.…
Getting Started
This episode teaches you how to approach the Server+ exam strategically, with an emphasis on maximizing your time and efficiency during the test.…
Getting Started
In this glossary-focused episode, we define and explain key terms related to server hardware and storage that are critical for both the exam and real-world work.…
Getting Started
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.…
Getting Started
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode introduces Domain 1 of the CompTIA Server+ exam, which covers the complete lifecycle of server hardware installation and ongoing management.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode focuses on managing airflow and temperature within server racks to ensure stable performance and prevent hardware degradation.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode covers the safety protocols and physical considerations involved in installing and maintaining server equipment.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode explains the role of power distribution units (PDUs) in delivering stable and organized electrical power to servers and other rack-mounted equipment.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode focuses on the installation and placement of keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) systems within server racks.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode explains the role of redundant power systems in maintaining server availability during outages or electrical faults.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode covers structured power cable management techniques that ensure both safety and operational efficiency in server environments.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode explores how network cable redundancy supports uninterrupted connectivity in server environments.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode reviews the core differences between twisted pair and fiber optic cabling, including their construction, signal transmission methods, and performance characteristics.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
streamline maintenance. You’ll learn how proper cable routing, bundling, and securing techniques help minimize crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and physical damage.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
In this episode, we review the primary server chassis types and their design trade-offs.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode explores the variety of expansion interfaces and cards available to extend server functionality.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode introduces the fundamental RAID levels covered in the Server+ exam, detailing how each configuration balances performance, redundancy, and storage capacity.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
This episode explains how hybrid drives combine solid-state storage with traditional spinning disks to balance performance and capacity.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
In this episode, we review the most common storage interface types and their technical characteristics.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
In this episode, we dive deeper into SAN technologies, focusing on three key methods of block-level storage connectivity.…
Domain 1 · Server Hardware Installation and Management
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.…
Domain 2 · 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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
In this episode, we cover how to use hardware compatibility lists (HCLs) to confirm OS support for all server components.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains how to perform graphical user interface (GUI)-based installations of server operating systems.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains the process of performing a bare metal installation, where an operating system is installed directly onto physical hardware without any prior OS present.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode focuses on installing server operating systems in virtualized environments, covering both Type 1 (bare metal) and Type 2 (hosted) hypervisors.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explores how to install server operating systems remotely, using methods such as PXE boot, remote media mounting via IPMI or iLO, and cloud-based deployment tools.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains how to create slipstreamed installations by integrating service packs, patches, and drivers directly into OS installation media.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode reviews the various media sources used to install server operating systems and the scenarios where each is most appropriate.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains how cloning and imaging streamline server deployments by replicating preconfigured systems.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode covers the process of converting a physical server into a virtual machine, enabling easier management, backup, and resource optimization.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
In this episode, we explore how to configure storage partitions and volumes, starting with the differences between Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) formats.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode focuses on Logical Volume Management (LVM) and its role in providing flexible, dynamic storage allocation.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode focuses on Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configuration and its role in logically segmenting network traffic.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains the role of default gateways in directing traffic from a server to destinations outside its local subnet.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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).…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode reviews IPv4 and IPv6 addressing protocols, including their structure, address classes, and the differences between public and private ranges.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explores the role of Media Access Control (MAC) addresses as unique identifiers for network interfaces.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode explains how to configure servers for specific roles, including print servers, file servers, database servers, web servers, and application servers.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode focuses on integrating servers into directory services such as Microsoft Active Directory or LDAP-based systems.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode covers the core elements of server storage management, beginning with provisioning storage volumes and assigning them to appropriate applications or users.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode examines tools and methods for migrating data between servers or storage systems.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
This episode outlines the different interfaces used to manage servers locally and remotely.…
Domain 2 · Server Administration
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode introduces Domain 3 of the CompTIA Server+ exam, which focuses on securing server environments and preparing for disaster recovery.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode covers the process of evaluating the value of data in terms of its role in business operations, legal obligations, and competitive advantage.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode covers secure access control methods that rely on card reader systems and multifactor authentication for physical entry into server facilities.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode explains fire suppression methods used in server environments to protect equipment while minimizing collateral damage.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode examines the role of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and environmental sensors in maintaining stable operating conditions for servers.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode explains how audit mechanisms track and record user and system activities to support accountability, security investigations, and compliance requirements.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode explains multifactor authentication (MFA) and how combining factors—something you know, something you have, and something you are—enhances security.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
This episode explains the dangers of backdoors—hidden access methods intentionally or unintentionally left in systems—and how they can be exploited by attackers.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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).…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 3 · Security and Disaster Recovery
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode explains how replicating an issue helps confirm the root cause and ensures that corrective measures address the actual problem.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode explains how to diagnose Power-On Self-Test (POST) errors and intermittent system lockups that indicate potential hardware problems.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode focuses on diagnosing problems with host bus adapters (HBAs) and storage controllers, which are critical for connecting servers to storage devices.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode addresses troubleshooting operating system and application problems, including failed logins, service outages, and patch installation errors.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode explains how dependency issues and update conflicts can cause application or service failures.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
This episode focuses on diagnosing network connectivity failures by examining IP assignment, name resolution, and routing paths.…
Domain 4 · Troubleshooting
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.…
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A Practical Study Routine
Use the free audio course during a commute, walk, workout, or focused study session.
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Systems security conceptBIOS and UEFI Security concerns the secure design, configuration, operation, monitoring, or recovery of computing platforms and connected devices.
