Automating tasks and supporting systems remotely are part of modern IT workflows. In this episode, we begin with scripting—specifically .bat and PowerShell scripts—and explain how they’re used to automate routine tasks like file transfers, user creation, or system reboots. Then we introduce remote access tools like R D P and S S H, showing how they allow technicians to manage systems without being physically present.

We also explore the risks involved with remote access—such as unsecured ports, weak passwords, or man-in-the-middle attacks—and how to mitigate them through encryption, access control, and logging. CompTIA expects you to identify secure and insecure remote management practices, especially in troubleshooting and policy scenarios. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

Protecting sensitive data requires not only digital safeguards but also physical and procedural awareness. This episode teaches you how to properly handle confidential information, whether it's on printed documents, storage devices, or screens. We cover methods like locked cabinets, badge-restricted rooms, and screen privacy filters to prevent unauthorized access.

You’ll also learn about secure printing, shredding, and transporting sensitive materials between locations. These practices are often part of organizational policy and may be legally required in regulated industries. Expect exam questions that test your ability to recognize when extra precautions are needed and which techniques to apply. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

Technical skills are vital, but soft skills are what turn technicians into trusted professionals. This episode focuses on communication techniques that improve user experiences and foster trust. We start with active listening—how to give users your full attention and confirm your understanding through paraphrasing and clarification. Then we cover tone and professionalism, especially when users are frustrated or confused.

We also discuss documentation and follow-up, including how to set clear expectations, provide written summaries, and avoid technical jargon when communicating with non-technical users. The A Plus exam includes questions about interpersonal behavior and professionalism, so mastering these skills is essential. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

This episode explores the legal and ethical responsibilities of handling data and software in IT environments. We start with licensing—understanding the difference between OEM, volume, and subscription licenses, and how misuse can result in compliance violations. Then we discuss Digital Rights Management (DRM), which limits copying or modifying media and software based on licensing terms.

We also explore chain of custody procedures, especially for incidents involving stolen devices, legal evidence, or internal investigations. Maintaining a documented path of who accessed what, when, and how is essential for both legal and security purposes. CompTIA expects technicians to know not just how to use tools, but how to do so within legal boundaries. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

Maintaining the physical environment around IT systems is just as important as managing the systems themselves. This episode begins with ventilation and cooling requirements—how airflow affects server performance, what happens when heat builds up, and how to monitor environmental thresholds. We explain how to position equipment in racks, monitor for overheating, and implement failover systems like redundant fans or power supplies.

We also cover proper disposal methods for batteries, toner cartridges, and electronic waste in compliance with environmental regulations. Lastly, we introduce the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which provides safety information for handling chemicals and components. These details may appear in both compliance- and scenario-based exam questions. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

Keeping yourself and your equipment safe is foundational to effective IT work. This episode covers essential safety practices beginning with Electrostatic Discharge (E S D) prevention—why grounding matters and how to properly use wrist straps, mats, and anti-static bags. We explain how improper handling can damage sensitive components like CPUs, RAM, and storage devices even before they’re installed.

We also walk through best practices for lifting heavy equipment, handling tools in tight environments, and managing fire safety with the correct type of extinguisher for electrical equipment. CompTIA expects you to identify safe behavior in support scenarios, and this episode ensures you’re prepared to answer those questions accurately. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

This episode focuses on the backup strategies and data recovery techniques that every IT professional must know. We begin with the Grandfather-Father-Son (GFS) backup rotation model, explaining how it balances data redundancy and storage space. Then we dive into the 3-2-1 rule—keeping three copies of your data, on two different media types, with one copy off-site.

We also explore full, incremental, and differential backups, as well as the importance of regularly testing restores to ensure recovery plans actually work when needed. These strategies often appear in scenario-based exam questions, where you’ll need to select the best approach for business continuity or disaster recovery. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

Change is a constant in IT, but managing that change responsibly is what keeps systems stable. This episode introduces the formal change management process, starting with the identification of proposed changes and their potential impact on systems, users, and business operations. You’ll learn about documentation requirements, stakeholder approvals, and the importance of scheduling changes during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.

We also cover the post-implementation review process—verifying success, collecting feedback, and updating related documentation. CompTIA expects you to recognize not just technical solutions, but the policies and workflows that govern responsible IT behavior. Whether you're replacing equipment, upgrading software, or rolling out patches, understanding change management ensures smooth transitions. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.

There’s more than one kind of documentation in I T, and this episode explains the major types that appear on the A Plus exam. We start with Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs), which define what users are permitted to do with company devices and networks. These documents are key to setting boundaries and providing grounds for enforcement.

Next, we cover Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which describe routine tasks and ensure consistency in system administration, user onboarding, or backup operations. Finally, we explore the use of network diagrams, wiring charts, and configuration maps to visualize systems and support faster diagnostics. These documents not only support daily operations but also play an important role in onboarding and audits. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.