Apple Portable Service Exam (9L0-206)

Exam Objectives and Sub-Objectives:

Following are the objectives of this exam

1. Troubleshooting and Administrative References

• Access Service Source, the Knowledge Base, and Discussions.
• Gather technical information using Service Source and the Knowledge Base
• Identify the appropriate resources to locate specific information such as part
  numbers, service news, product specifications, compatibility information, upgrade information, etc.
• Indicate the type of information included within the service manuals, i.e., Take Apart, Troubleshooting, Upgrades.

2. Troubleshooting Tools, Diagnostics, Utilities

• Identify how to use Mac OS X components such as Apple System Profiler, Disc Utility, Terminal, Network Utility, etc.
• Apple Portable Service Exam
• Skills Assessment Guide
• Skills Assessment Guide 2
• Apple Portable Service Exam
• Identify quick fixes, such as starting up from an Install CD or resetting Open Firmware, and when to use them.
• Identify how to use software tools, including software install and restore CDs, Apple Hardware Test, and Disk Copy.
• Identify the most appropriate diagnostic tools (i.e., Apple Hardware Test, Mac Test Pro, Apple Service Diagnostic, TechTool Deluxe) to test the basic operation of the computer’s components and the integrity of the directory and file systems.

3. General Troubleshooting Theory (Hardware)

• From a problem description, identify the most appropriate diagnostic procedures to
  use.
• From a problem description, identify the most appropriate reference sources to use in troubleshooting (Service Source, Knowledge Base, etc.).
• From a problem description, find the probable cause by applying knowledge of parts and functions of Apple products.
• Indicate the recommended troubleshooting steps to take prior to performing a repair.
• Identify the most appropriate questions of a customer to help identify the cause of a technical issue.
• Identify the benefits of verifying the root cause of an issue.
• Determine whether a problem is hardware or software related by using appropriate tools and strategies as recommended by Apple.
• Indicate why a technician should test the complete range of functionality when verifying a repair Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Prevention
• Recognize what ESD is and how it causes damage.
• Identify the eight ESD prevention rules.
• Identify the equipment necessary to reduce the risk of ESD damage.
• Describe how to set up an ESD safe environment (proper grounding, proper ESD mat, etc).

4. Basic Networking

• Identify the requirements and features of AirPort hardware and software.
• Troubleshoot common AirPort issues.
• Identify steps that demonstrate how to set up and/or restore a basic AirPort Network.
• Identify how to locate and fix trouble which prevents files from being shared between computers.
• Define common networking terms and how they relate to troubleshooting.
• Identify and explain networking error messages or faults.

5. Displays: types, theory of operation, and troubleshooting

• Identify different types of display technologies used in LCD displays.
• Identify whether or not a LCD problem is a result of a product issue or usage issue (i.e., cracked screen or damage due to sun exposure or dead pixels).
• Choose the best color and resolution settings for each LCD (i.e., scaling gives low quality)
• Identify LCD pixel anomalies

6. Component Isolation Troubleshooting

• Identify steps in Apple-recommended component isolation troubleshooting
• procedure and select steps that demonstrate grasp of the theory behind thecomponent isolation approach to troubleshooting.
• Basics and Usage: Differentiate between PowerBook and iBook models and identify procedures for setting up disk modes
• Differentiate between PowerBook models, beginning with the PowerBook G4, and between models in the iBook family.
• Identify the upgrade options for PowerBook and iBook models (RAM, AirPort, etc.)
• Differentiate between various PowerBook and iBook cables and adapters. Know which adapters work with each type of computer.
• Define and identify procedures for setting up Target disk mode.
• Power Management: Locate and identify the function and use of power management features.
• Identify and indicate how to use and troubleshoot power modes: wake, sleep, and
  shutdown.
  
  7. Describe Energy Saver preferences features and functions.
   
• Identify specific low-power warning messages and symptoms, and indicate the appropriate action to take in response to them.
• Identify the function of a power manager reset procedure, indicate how to reset it,
  and what problems resetting it resolves.

8. Battery usage: Identify cautions and procedures

• Battery Calibration: Determine the appropriate procedures to calibrate a PowerBook
• G4's or iBook's main battery to ensure best performance.
• Battery usage: Identify the appropriate procedures to maximize PowerBook G4 and iBook battery life.
• Identify battery handling cautions
• Macintosh Portables: Identifying Parts and their functions
• From pictures, identify major modules (e.g. logic board, Hard Drive, etc.) common
  to various families of Apple portables.
• Identify cross compatibility of modules (i.e., RAM, hard drives, modems) across multiple Apple portable models.
• Identify functions of major modules common to various families of Apple portable models.
• Recognize common symptoms and problems associated with modules in various families of Apple portables.
• From pictures, identify the function of controls, buttons, ports, and switches COMMON to PowerBook and iBook computers: for example, the reset button.
• Identify the correct module to exchange, when a hardware issue indicates anexchange is needed.
• Troubleshooting: Identify repair information and procedures, and identify cautions and the function of special tools.
• Identify cautions specific to repairing PowerBook and iBook computers.
• Identify the function of and indicate when to use special tools when repairing portable computers.

Exam Detail: