The first module of the CompTIA A+ course focuses on installing motherboards and connectors, covering topics such as cable types, connectors, and legacy cable types. It provides detailed explanations on different computer cases, motherboard components, and various types of cables, including USB, HDMI, and SATA, while also discussing electrical safety and ESD precautions.

The chapter explains the differences between RJ45 and RJ11 connectors, highlighting their uses in network and telephone systems, respectively. RJ45 connectors are used for LAN cables with eight copper pins, while RJ11 connectors, used in old telephone systems, have four pins and are associated with POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).

The chapter revisits the concept of expansion cards, focusing on network interface cards (NICs), which are crucial for connecting devices to networks. It explains the role of the MAC address as a unique identifier for NICs, its importance in network security, and the possibility of changing or spoofing it.

The chapter discusses the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) cables, also known as PATA cables, which were used in older computer systems to connect hard drives and optical drives to the motherboard. It explains the significance of the colored stripe on the cable for correct orientation, the concept of master and slave drives, and the use of jumpers to configure drive settings, highlighting the transition from these legacy cables to modern SATA cables.