Chapter 1
Welcome to CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
This chapter introduces you to the new CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ FC0-U61 (ITF+) certification exam domains and objectives. In this chapter, we discuss what the exam is designed to do, who would benefit from taking the exam, where to register for the exam, what to expect on the exam, and the tools and software you should use to prepare for the exam.
What the ITF+ Exam Is Designed to Do
If you’re wondering whether a career in information technology (IT) is right for you, or if you want a broader understanding of IT, the ITF+ exam is designed to provide the guidance you need. Here’s why:
CompTIA ITF+ is the only certification designed for pre-career professionals, whether students or career changers. You don’t need to commit to an IT career to take it. Instead, it helps you decide if IT is the right career for you and it shows you more facets of IT than you might know about.
ITF+ is the only single certification that covers all major IT foundational topics, so it’s perfect for non-technical users who want to know more about IT.
ITF+ is also designed for middle school and high school students who need an IT education framework.
Who Benefits from Taking the ITF+ Exam?
Many different types of people will find ITF+ useful, including the following:
Students (middle school, high school, tech school, and college age) who are thinking about an IT career
Professionals who need a broad understanding of IT to prosper in their chosen fields
Non-technical staff (marketing, sales, operations) in IT-based organizations
What the Exam Covers
The exam is designed to certify that the successful candidate knows enough and has the skills needed to identify and explain the following IT basics:
Computing
IT infrastructure
Software development
Database use
The candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Installing software
Establishing basic network connectivity
Identifying/preventing basic security risks
The candidate will also need to have knowledge of troubleshooting theory and preventive maintenance of devices.
Exam Domains
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Certification Exam FC0-U61 has six different domains. These are listed in Table 1-1, along with the percentage that each domain has of questions on the exam.
Table 1-1 IT Fundamentals+ Exam FC0-U61 Objectives
Domain Number |
Domain Name |
Percentage of Examination |
1.0 |
IT Concepts and Terminology |
17% |
2.0 |
Infrastructure |
22% |
3.0 |
Applications and Software |
18% |
4.0 |
Software Development Concepts |
12% |
5.0 |
Database Fundamentals |
11% |
6.0 |
Security |
20% |
Total |
|
100% |
Exam Details
The FC0-U61 exam contains 75 multiple-choice questions. Sixty minutes is the time limit, and the passing score is 650 out of 900. Although no prior experience is necessary, you’ll be glad you’re reading this book as part of your test preparation!
For information on registering for the exam and exam preparation, see Chapter 35, “Final Preparation.”
Domain 1.0—IT Concepts and Terminology
IT Concepts and Terminology questions represent 17% of the questions on the exam. There are six objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 Objectives in Domain 1.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
1.1 |
Compare and contrast notational systems |
|
1.2 |
Compare and contrast fundamental data types and their characteristics |
|
1.3 |
Illustrate the basics of computing and processing |
|
1.4 |
Explain the value of data and information |
|
1.5 |
Compare and contrast common units of measure |
|
1.6 |
Explain the troubleshooting methodology |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Domain 2.0—Infrastructure
Infrastructure questions represent 22% of the questions on the exam. There are eight objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 Objectives in Domain 2.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
2.1 |
Classify common types of input/output device interfaces |
|
2.2 |
Given a scenario, set up and install common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC |
|
2.3 |
Explain the purpose of common internal computing components |
|
2.4 |
Compare and contrast common Internet service types |
|
2.5 |
Compare and contrast storage types |
|
2.6 |
Compare and contrast common computing devices and their purposes |
|
2.7 |
Explain basic networking concepts |
|
2.8 |
Given a scenario, install, configure, and secure a basic wireless network |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Domain 3.0—Applications and Software
Applications and Software questions represent 18% of the questions on the exam. There are six objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4 Objectives in Domain 3.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
3.1 |
Explain the purpose of operating systems |
|
3.2 |
Compare and contrast components of an operating system |
|
3.3 |
Explain the purpose and proper use of software |
|
3.4 |
Explain methods of application architecture and delivery models |
|
3.5 |
Given a scenario, configure and use web browsers |
|
3.6 |
Compare and contrast general application concepts and uses |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Domain 4.0—Software Development Concepts
Software Development Concepts questions represent 12% of the questions on the exam. There are three objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-5.
Table 1-5 Objectives in Domain 4.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
4.1 |
Compare and contrast programming language categories |
|
4.2 |
Given a scenario, use programming organizational techniques and interpret logic |
|
4.3 |
Explain the purpose and use of programming concepts |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Domain 5.0—Database Fundamentals
Database Fundamentals questions represent 11% of the questions on the exam. There are three objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-6.
Table 1-6 Objectives in Domain 5.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
5.1 |
Explain database concepts and the purpose of a database |
|
5.2 |
Compare and contrast various database structures |
|
5.3 |
Summarize methods used to interface with databases |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Domain 6.0—Security
Security questions represent 20% of the questions on the exam. There are seven objectives in this domain, as listed in Table 1-7.
Table 1-7 Objectives in Domain 6.0
Objective Number |
Domain Name |
Chapter Number |
6.1 |
Summarize confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns |
|
6.2 |
Explain methods to secure devices and best practices |
|
6.3 |
Summarize behavioral security concepts |
|
6.4 |
Compare and contrast authentication, authorization, accounting, and nonrepudiation concepts |
|
6.5 |
Explain password best practices |
|
6.6 |
Explain common uses of encryption |
|
6.7 |
Explain business continuity concepts |
The details of each objective are listed at the beginning of each chapter.
Hardware, Equipment, and Tools
As you prepare to take the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam, you will find it very useful to set up a training lab and use as much of the following equipment as you can buy or borrow. Table 1-8 provides an annotated list of recommended CompTIA hardware and equipment items, along with the chapters where the items are discussed.
Table 1-8 Recommended Hardware, Equipment, and Tools
Item |
Recommended Uses |
Chapter(s) |
Workstation—unpackaged workstations (desktop PCs) |
Learn external ports and internal components; experiment with assembly/disassembly; create a small network. |
|
Wireless router |
Set up a wireless network. |
|
Cable modem (and broadband Internet service) |
Connect to the Internet; if cable Internet not available, substitute other broadband service (DSL, fiber optic, satellite) and suitable modem. |
|
Laptop |
Learn external ports and internal components (prefer a model that allows RAM and hard drive upgrades); create a small network. |
|
Basic printer |
Learn print configuration; can also use basic multifunction (print/scan) device. |
|
External (USB) hard drive |
Prepare for use (format, partition, file systems); use for backup. |
|
External (USB) flash drive |
Prepare for use (format); use to test USB ports. |
|
External (USB) solid-state drive (SSD) |
Prepare for use (format, partition, file systems); use for backup. |
|
Tablet/smartphone |
Use with wireless network; connect to app store; learn basic mobile device security and configuration. |
|
Power strip/UPS |
Power protection; power multiple devices from a single outlet. |
|
Physical networking devices |
Add-on wired or wireless network card (NIC) for workstation/desktop; USB wired or wireless adapter for workstation/desktop or laptop. Learn TCP/IP configuration. |
|
Display |
Can connect to HDTV if PC display is not available. |
|
Cables |
USB 2.0, 3.0, Type C; SATA; VGA, DVI-I, DVI-D, DisplayPort, Lightning, and so on. Select as needed for equipment purchased. |
|
Electrostatic discharge (prevention) wrist strap (ESD) |
Protects computer internals from damage. |
|
Computer tool kit |
Enables disassembly of desktop or some laptop computers to view internal parts; might include an ESD prevention wrist strap |
Software
As you prepare to take the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam, you will find it very useful to set up a training lab and use as much of the following software as you can. Table 1-9 provides an annotated list of recommended operating systems, apps, and utilities for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam. Most of the software listed in Table 1-9 can be downloaded free of charge from the sources given in various chapters.
Table 1-9 Recommended Software
Item |
Recommended Uses/Notes |
Chapter(s) |
Linux operating system media |
Install, configure, and use Linux apps and commands (many are similar to macOS commands). To find download links for most Linux distributions, go to https://www.linux.org/pages/download/. |
|
Windows operating system media |
Install, configure, and use Windows apps and commands. Free trial of Windows 10 Enterprise available from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/windows-10-enterprise. Download Windows 7 from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 (you can use it as a trial version for up to 30 days). |
|
Unconfigured OS images |
After you install an OS, use imaging software to make a copy. You can then restore the image faster than a full installation. |
|
Anti-malware software |
Protect and test your test computers and your production computers. This author recommends that you use Malwarebytes (https://www.malwarebytes.com/) along with your preferred anti-malware software. For a list of free providers (some of which also have Linux or macOS versions), see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/18900/consumer-antivirus-software-providers-for-windows. |
|
Productivity software |
Download and use OpenOffice or other open source apps. |
|
Collaboration software |
Download and use an open source app. |
|
Browser software |
Use browsers provided by the operating system and third-party vendors. |
|
Backup software |
Use to make backups of your test and production systems; backup software is available from many sources, including free third-party products, operating system utilities, apps bundled with external storage, and commercial products/services. |
|
Database software |
Use to experiment with databases and SQL. |
|
Software development packages (IDE) |
Use to experiment with writing code; can be downloaded or used online. |