Virtual, hands-on learning labs allow you to apply your technical skills using live hardware and software hosted in the cloud. So Sybex has bundled CompTIA IT Fundamentals labs from Practice Labs, the IT Competency Hub, with our popular CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide: Exam FC0-U61, 2nd Edition. Working in these labs gives you the same experience you need to prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals FC0-U61 that you would face in a real-life setting. Used in addition to the book, the labs are a proven way to prepare for the certification and for work in theIT field.
Information Technology is not just about what applications you can use; it is about the systems you can support. The CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification is an introduction to the skills required to become a successful systems support professional, progressing onto more advanced certifications and career success.
The Sybex CompTIA IT Fundamentals Study Guide covers 100% of the exam objectives in clear and concise language and provides you authoritatively with all you need to know to succeed in the exam. Along with gaining preventative maintenance skills, you will also develop the tools to complete troubleshooting and fault resolution and resolve common issues experienced by the majority of computer systems.
The exam focuses on the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals alike, including:
- Identifying and explaining computer components
- Setting up a workstation, including conducting software installations
- Establishing network connectivity
- Identifying compatibility issues and identifying and preventing security risks
- Managing the safety and preventative maintenance of computers
Practical examples, exam highlights and review questions provide real-world applications and uses. The book includes Sybex's interactive online learning environment and test bank with an assessment test, chapter tests, flashcards, and a practice exam. Our study tools can help you prepare for taking the exam--and increase your chances of passing the exam the first time!
And with this edition you also get Practice Labs virtual labs that run from your browser. The registration code is included with the book and gives you 6 months unlimited access to Practice Labs CompTIA IT Fundamentals Labs with 32 unique lab modules to practice your skills.
Table of Contents
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
