CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide with Online Labs

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