In the newly updated third edition of the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide: Exam FC0-U71, veteran IT professional and tech trainer Quentin Docter delivers an up-to-date resource for effectively and efficiently preparing for the popular new introductory Tech+ certification from CompTIA. This Sybex Study Guide is the gold-standard exam prep roadmap, offering complete coverage of every exam domain, including IT concepts and terminology, infrastructure, applications and software development, data and database fundamentals, security, and more.
Perfect for practicing and aspiring entry-level IT pros as well as those preparing to take the CompTIA Tech+ test, this book includes complementary access to online learning resources, two practice exams, flashcards, and practice questions with answer explanations. You'll also find: - Optimized learning resources to get you up to speed as fast as possible - Exam resources designed to reduce test anxiety and familiarize you with testing procedure and content - One full year of access to the Sybex online learning environment, complete with real-world examples and scenarios, objective maps, and a glossary of useful terminology
The new, entry-level CompTIA Tech+ certification has been created to get you ready for further certification paths, like the A+, Security+, and Network+ credentials, and prepare you for an exciting career in tech. Whether you're an IT beginner or you've already begun your tech journey and are looking for a refresher on foundational concepts, CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide: Exam FC0-U71 is the book you've been waiting for.
Table of Contents
Introduction xxv
Assessment Test xxxiv
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 34
Storage Devices 34
Other Internal Expansion Devices 47
Exploring Power and Cooling 52
Power Supplies 52
Cooling Systems 55
Summary 58
Exam Essentials 59
Chapter 1 Lab 60
Review Questions 62
Chapter 2 Peripherals and Connectors 67
Installing and Configuring Audio and Video Devices 70
Audio Connectors 71
Display Devices and Connectors 73
Understanding External Storage and Communications Connectors 88
External Storage Devices 88
Communications Connectors 96
Understanding Input, Output, and Power Devices 101
Keyboards 101
Pointing Devices 105
Uninterruptible Power Supplies 112
Printers 114
Understanding Installation Basics 124
Internal Devices 124
External Devices 125
IP- and Web-Based Devices 125
Reviewing Connector Types 127
Summary 128
Exam Essentials 129
Chapter 2 Lab 130
Review Questions 131
Chapter 3 Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 135
Exploring Larger Computing Devices 138
Servers and Workstations 138
Laptops 140
Exploring Handheld and Mobile Devices 147
Comparing and Contrasting Mobile Devices 148
Using Mobile Devices 150
Understanding Augmented and Virtual Reality 176
Exploring Gaming Consoles 179
Understanding the Internet of Things 182
A Brief History of the Internet of Things 182
Consumer Uses 183
Commercial Uses 189
Potential Issues 191
Summary 193
Exam Essentials 193
Chapter 3 Lab 194
Review Questions 195
Chapter 4 Operating Systems 199
Operating System Fundamentals 201
A Brief History of Operating Systems 202
Basic Functions of Operating Systems 206
Types of Operating Systems 210
Managing an Operating System 228
Managing Features and Interfaces 229
Managing Folder and File Structures 248
Summary 264
Exam Essentials 264
Chapter 4 Lab 265
Review Questions 270
Chapter 5 Software Applications 275
Understanding Application Installation and Management 277
Considerations for Installing Software 278
Installing and Uninstalling Software 285
Updating and Patching Software 293
Exploring Common Application Types 299
File Extensions 299
Productivity Software 302
Collaboration Software 307
Utility Software 310
Using Web Browsers 323
Configuring Web Browsers 323
Understanding Basic Browser Security 336
Private Browsing 343
Summary 344
Exam Essentials 345
Chapter 5 Lab 346
Review Questions 348
Chapter 6 Software Development 353
Exploring Programming Languages 355
Assembly Language 356
Compiled Languages 362
Interpreted Languages 364
Query Languages 368
Understanding Programming Concepts and Techniques 369
Programming Logic 370
Organizing Code 373
Summary 377
Exam Essentials 378
Chapter 6 Lab 379
Review Questions 380
Chapter 7 Database Fundamentals 385
Understanding Databases 387
Exploring Database Concepts and Structures 388
Working With Databases 398
Summary 411
Exam Essentials 412
Chapter 7 Lab 412
Review Questions 415
Chapter 8 Networking Concepts and Technologies 419
Exploring Connection Types and Features 422
Choosing External Network Connections 423
Choosing Internal Network Connections 435
Understanding Network Connectivity Essentials 444
Common Networking Devices 444
Networking Protocol Basics 449
TCP/IP Essentials 449
Network Storage Options 459
Setting Up a Small Wireless Network 463
Basic Configuration 463
Wireless Router Security 469
Additional Wireless Router Services 472
Summary 476
Exam Essentials 477
Chapter 8 Lab 478
Part 1: Setting Up Your Wireless Router 478
Part 2: Testing Your Neighbors 479
Review Questions 480
Chapter 9 Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence 485
Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing 486
Virtual Machines 487
Cloud Computing 492
Exploring Artificial Intelligence 498
How AI Works 499
Types of AI 501
Summary 509
Exam Essentials 509
Chapter 9 Lab 510
Review Questions 512
Chapter 10 Security Concepts and Threats 517
Understanding Hackers and Motives 519
Understanding Security Threats 523
Confidentiality Concerns 524
Integrity Concerns 530
Availability Concerns 531
Privacy Expectations 534
Software-Based Security Threats 538
Understanding Access Control 546
Authentication 546
Authorization 549
Accounting 551
Nonrepudiation 553
Summary 554
Exam Essentials 554
Chapter 10 Lab 556
Review Questions 557
Chapter 11 Security Best Practices 561
Understanding Security Best Practices 564
Device Hardening 564
Managing Users and Passwords 591
Using Data Encryption 597
Summary 607
Exam Essentials 608
Chapter 11 Lab 609
Review Questions 611
Chapter 12 Data Continuity and Computer Support 615
Understanding Data Continuity 616
Fault Tolerance 616
Disaster Recovery 631
Exploring Computer Support Concepts 633
Understanding the Troubleshooting Methodology 633
Troubleshooting Examples 645
Summary 666
Exam Essentials 666
Chapter 12 Lab 667
Review Questions 669
Appendix A Answers to Written Labs 673
Chapter 1 Lab Answers 674
Chapter 2 Lab Answers 674
Chapter 3 Lab Answers 675
Chapter 4 Lab Answers 675
Chapter 5 Lab Answers 676
Chapter 6 Lab Answers 676
Chapter 7 Lab Answers 677
Chapter 8 Lab Answers 677
Chapter 9 Lab Answers 678
Chapter 10 Lab Answers 679
Chapter 11 Lab Answers 679
Chapter 12 Lab Answers 680
Appendix B Answers to Review Questions 681
Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components 682
Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors 683
Chapter 3: Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 685
Chapter 4: Operating Systems 686
Chapter 5: Software Applications 687
Chapter 6: Software Development 688
Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals 690
Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies 691
Chapter 9: Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence 692
Chapter 10: Security Concepts and Threats 694
Chapter 11: Security Best Practices 695
Chapter 12: Data Continuity and Computer Support 697
Index 699