CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide

NOTE: The name of the exam has changed from IT Fundamentals to IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+). However, the FC0-U61 exam objectives are exactly the same. After the book was printed with IT Fundamentals in the title, CompTIA changed the name to IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+). We have corrected the title to IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) in subsequent book printings, but earlier printings that were sold may still show IT Fundamentals in the title. Please rest assured that the book content is 100% the same.

The ultimate study guide for the essential entry-level IT cert!

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals Study Guide: Exam FC0-U61, Second Edition is your ideal companion for comprehensive exam preparation. Covering 100 percent of the latest exam objectives, this book contains everything you need to know to pass with flying colors--the first time! Clear, concise language breaks down fundamental IT concepts to help you truly grasp important concepts, and practical examples illustrate how each new skill is applied in real-world situations. You'll learn your way around hardware and software, conduct installations, and connect to networks to get a workstation up and running smoothly; you'll also develop the knowledge base needed to identify compatibility and security issues, mitigate risks, and conduct all-important preventative maintenance that keeps the end-user problem-free.

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification validates your skills as a systems support specialist, and gets your foot in the door to a successful IT career. This book is your ultimate preparation resource, with expert guidance backed by online tools to take your preparation to the next level!

• Master 100 percent of Exam FC0-U61 objectives
• Learn real-world applications and practical on-the-job skills
• Know what to expect with exam highlights and review questions
• Access online study tools including flashcards, chapter tests, a practice exam, and more!

The IT department is instrumental in keeping any organization on its feet. As support staff, you will be called upon to assess and repair common problems, set up and configure workstations, address individual issues, and much more. If you decide to continue on to more advanced IT positions, the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification is a great springboard; if you're ready to launch your career, the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Study Guide offers complete, practical prep to help you face the exam with confidence.

Autorentext

QUENTIN DOCTER, A+, MCSE, CNE, CCNA, SCSA, has spent more than 17 years in the IT field. His experience includes technician, network administrator, consultant, trainer, author, and web developer. He is presently an IT consultant and well-respected author.

Inhalt

Introduction xxi Assessment Test xxxi Chapter 1 Core Hardware Components 1 Introducing Internal Components 3 Exploring Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 4 Motherboards 4 Processors 22 Memory 27 Exploring Storage and Expansion Devices 33 Hard Drives 33 Optical Drives 42 Video Cards 43 Sound Cards 45 Network Cards 46 Modems 47 Exploring Power and Cooling 48 Power Supplies 48 Cooling Systems 52 Summary 55 Exam Essentials 56 Chapter 1 Written Lab 56 Review Questions 59 Chapter 2 Peripherals and Connectors 63 Understanding Common Peripherals, Interfaces, and Connectors 65 Audio and Video Devices 66 External Storage and Communications Connectors 80 Input and Output Devices 92 Understanding Installation Basics 109 Reviewing Connector Types 113 Summary 114 Exam Essentials 115 Chapter 2 Lab 116 Review Questions 117 Chapter 3 Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 121 Exploring Common Computing Devices 123 Servers and Workstations 123 Laptops 125 Tablets and Smartphones 132 Gaming Consoles 155 Understanding the Internet of Things 158 A Brief History of the Internet of Things 158 Consumer Uses 159 Commercial Uses 162 Potential Issues 165 Summary 167 Exam Essentials 167 Chapter 3 Lab 168 Review Questions 169 Chapter 4 Operating Systems 173 Operating System Fundamentals 175 A Brief History of Operating Systems 176 Basic Functions of Operating Systems 180 Types of Operating Systems 185 Managing an Operating System 207 Managing Features and Interfaces 208 Managing Folder and File Structures 229 Summary 241 Exam Essentials 241 Chapter 4 Lab 242 Review Questions 247 Chapter 5 Software Applications 251 Understanding Application Architecture and Installation 254 Application Design Concepts 255 Software Management Best Practices 260 Exploring Common Application Types 276 File Extensions 277 Productivity Software 280 Collaboration Software 285 Business Software 289 Utility Software 293 Web Browsers 304 Summary 318 Exam Essentials 319 Chapter 5 Lab 320 Review Questions 321 Chapter 6 Software Development 325 Exploring Programming Languages 327 Assembly Language 328 Compiled Languages 333 Interpreted Languages 335 Query Languages 339 Understanding Programming Concepts and Techniques 340 Programming Logic 341 Organizing Code 343 Summary 347 Exam Essentials 348 Chapter 6 Lab 349 Review Questions 350 Chapter 7 Database Fundamentals 355 Understanding Databases 357 Exploring Database Concepts and Structures 358 Working with Databases 367 Summary 380 Exam Essentials 380 Chapter 7 Lab 381 Review Questions 384 Chapter 8 Networking Concepts and Technologies 389 Exploring Connection Types and Features 391 Choosing External Network Connections 392 Choosing Internal Network Connections 403 Understanding Network Connectivity Essentials 411 Common Networking Devices 411 Networking Protocol Basics 415 TCP/IP Essentials 416 Network Storage Options 424 Setting Up a Wireless Network 428 Basic Configuration 428 Wireless Router Security 438 Additional Wireless Router Services 440 Summary 445 Exam Essentials 445 Chapter 8 Lab 446 Part 1: Setting Up Your Wireless Router 446 Part 2: Testing Your Neighbors 446 Review Questions 447 Chapter 9 Security Concepts and Threats 451 Understanding Hackers and Motives 454 Understanding Security Threats 457 Confidentiality Concerns 458 Integrity Concerns 463 Availability Concerns 465 Software-Based Security Threats 468 Understanding Access Control 476 Authentication 476 Authorization 479 Accounting 480 Nonrepudiation 482 Summary 482 Exam Essentials 483 Chapter 9 Lab 484 Review Questions 485 Chapter 10 Security Best Practices 489 Understanding Security Best Practices 491 Device Hardening 491 Managing Users 515 Using Data Encryption 520 Summary 527 Exam Essentials 528 Chapter 10 Lab 529 Review Questions 530 Chapter 11 Business Continuity and Computer Support 535 Understanding Business Continuity 537 Fault Tolerance 537 Disaster Recovery 551 Exploring Computer Support Concepts 552 Understanding Troubleshooting Theory 552 Troubleshooting Examples 563 Summary 581 Exam Essentials 582 Chapter 11 Lab 583 Review Questions 584 Appendix A Answers to Written Labs 589 Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components 590 Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors 590 Chapter 3: Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 591 Chapter 4: Operating Systems 592 Chapter 5: Software Applications 592 Chapter 6: Software Development 592 Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals 593 Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies 593 Chapter 9: Security Concepts and Threats 594 Chapter 10: Security Best Practices 594 Chapter 11: Business Continuity and Computer Support 594 Appendix B Answers to Review Questions 597 Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components 598 Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors 599 Chapter 3: Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 600 Chapter 4: Operating Systems 601 Chapter 5: Software Applications 602 Chapter 6: Software Development 604 Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals 605 Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies 606 Chapter 9: Security Concepts and Threats 607 Chapter 10: Security Best Practices 609 Chapter 11: Business Continuity and Computer Support 610 Index 613 Table of Exercises Exercise 1.1 Converting Between Decimal and Othe…