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.

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.

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 Other Numbering Systems. . . . . . . . . 26

Exercise 1.2 Assessing Your Computer’s RAM and Virtual Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Exercise 1.3 Determining the Type of Installed RAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Exercise 1.4 Examining Hard Drives in Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Exercise 2.1 Adjusting a Desktop Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Exercise 2.2 Changing the Settings for Multiple Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Exercise 2.3 Changing Your Keyboard Layout in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Exercise 2.4 Disabling a Touchpad in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Exercise 2.5 Configuring a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Exercise 2.6 Installing an IP Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Exercise 3.1 Changing Security Settings on IOS 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Exercise 4.1 Creating a User Account in Windows 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Exercise 4.2 Creating a User Account in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Exercise 4.3 Changing Windows User Account Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Exercise 4.4 Creating a Task with Task Scheduler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Exercise 4.5 Managing Virtual Memory in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Exercise 4.6 Managing Storage Space in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

Exercise 4.7 Manipulating Files in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Exercise 4.8 Creating a Shortcut in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Exercise 5.1 Installing and Uninstalling Operating System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Exercise 5.2 Installing 7-Zip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

Exercise 5.3 Installing Free Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

Exercise 5.4 Configuring Windows Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Exercise 5.5 Using 7-Zip to Create an Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

Exercise 5.6 Downloading and Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

Exercise 5.7 Managing Cookies and Cache in Microsoft Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Exercise 5.8 Configuring the Edge Pop-Up Blocker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Exercise 6.1 Converting Between Decimal and Other Numbering Systems. . . . . . . . 330

Exercise 6.2 Creating “Hello, world!” in HTML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

Exercise 7.1 Creating a Database and Tables in Microsoft Access 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . 372

Exercise 7.2 Importing Data from Excel to Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374

Exercise 8.1 Pricing Internet Connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

Exercise 8.2 The Cost of Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

Exercise 8.3 Finding Your IP Configuration Information in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . 422

Exercise 9.1 Testing Social Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461

Exercise 10.1 Securing a Windows 10 PC from Unauthorized Local Use . . . . . . . . . . . 495

Exercise 10.2 Starting and Stopping Services in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505

Exercise 10.3 Configuring SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512

Exercise 10.4 Encrypting Local Folders in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522

Exercise 10.5 Backing Up a Windows Security Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524

Exercise 11.1 Setting Up a Backup in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 548

Exercise 11.2 Booting into Safe Mode in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

Exercise 11.3 Using System Restore in Windows 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

Exercise 11.4 Using the System Configuration Utility in Windows 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570

Exercise 11.5 Creating a Desktop Shortcut for MSCONFIG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571

Exercise 11.6 Running an Application in Compatibility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574

Exercise 11.7 Checking TCP/IP Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578

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CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide Exam FC0-U61

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Summary

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Table of Contents

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