Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 Welcome to CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
What the ITF+ Exam Is Designed to Do
Who Benefits from Taking the ITF+ Exam?
What the Exam Covers
Exam Domains
Exam Details
Domain 1.0—IT Concepts and Terminology
Domain 2.0—Infrastructure
Domain 3.0—Applications and Software
Domain 4.0—Software Development Concepts
Domain 5.0—Database Fundamentals
Domain 6.0—Security
Hardware, Equipment, and Tools
Software
Part 1: Domain 1.0 – IT Concepts and Terminology
Chapter 2 How Computers Store Data: Notational Systems
Foundation Topics
Binary
Powers of Two
Hexadecimal
Hex Color Values
IPv6 Addresses
Decimal
Data Representation
ASCII
ANSI
Code Pages
Unicode
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 1.1
Your Next Steps
Chapter 3 Compare and Contrast Fundamental Data Types and Their Characteristics
Foundation Topics
Char
Strings
Numbers
Integers
Floats
Boolean
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 1.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 4 Input, Output, and More: The Basics of Computing and Processing
Foundation Topics
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 1.3
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 5 Explain the Value of Data and Information
Foundation Topics
Data and Information as Assets
Importance of Investing in Security
Relationship of Data to Creating Information
Intellectual Property
Trademarks
Trademarks, Service Marks, and Registered Trademarks
Copyrights
Copyright Terms and Conditions/Terms of Use
Copyright Infringement
Patents
Digital Products
Data-Driven Business Decisions
Data Capture and Collection
Data Correlation
Meaningful Reporting
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 1.4
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 6 Common Units of Measure: Storage, Throughput, and Speed
Foundation Topics
Storage Units
Bit
Bits
Byte
KB
MB
GB
TB
PB
Capacity Comparison
Throughput Unit
bps
Kbps
Mbps
Gbps
Tbps
Processing Speed
MHz
GHz
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 1.5
Your Next Steps
Chapter 7 Explain the Troubleshooting Methodology
Foundation Topics
Identify the Problem
Gather Information
Duplicate the Problem, If Possible
Question Users
Identify Symptoms
Determine if Anything Has Changed
Approach Multiple Problems Individually
Research Knowledge Base/Internet, If Applicable
Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
Question the Obvious
Consider Multiple Approaches
Divide and Conquer
Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
Once the Theory Is Confirmed (Confirmed Root Cause), Determine the Next Steps to Resolve the Problem
If the Theory Is Not Confirmed, Establish a New Theory or Escalate
Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem and Identify Potential Effects
Implement the Solution or Escalate as Necessary
Verify Full System Functionality and, If Applicable, Implement Preventive Measures
Document Findings/Lessons Learned, Actions, and Outcomes
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Practice Questions for Objective 1.6
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Part 2: Domain 2.0 – Infrastructure
Chapter 8 I/O: Input/Output Device Interfaces
Foundation Topics
Networking
Wired
Telephone Connector (RJ-11)
Ethernet Connector (RJ-45)
Wireless
Bluetooth
NFC
Peripheral Devices
USB
FireWire
Thunderbolt
Bluetooth
RF
Graphic Device
VGA
DVI
HDMI
DisplayPort
Mini DisplayPort
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.1
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 9 Connecting and Configuring Peripherals
Foundation Topics
Devices
Printer
Scanner
Keyboard
Mouse
Camera
Connecting a Webcam
Connecting a Digital Camera
External Hard Drive
Speakers
3.5mm Mini-Jack
HDMI
S/PDIF
Display
Connecting VGA
Connecting DVI
Connecting HDMI and DisplayPort
Configuring Multiple Displays
Installation Types
Plug-and-Play vs. Driver Installation
Other Required Steps
IP-based Peripherals
Web-based Configuration Steps
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 10 Explain the Purpose of Common Internal Computer Components
Foundation Topics
Motherboard/System Board
SATA Ports
Port Cluster
Expansion Slots
Laptop Motherboard
Firmware/BIOS
RAM
CPU
ARM
Mobile Phone
Tablet
System on a Chip (SoC)
32-bit Processors
Laptop
Workstation
Server
64-bit Processors
Laptop
Workstation
Server
GPU
Storage
Hard Drive
SSD
Cooling
NIC
Wired vs. Wireless
Onboard vs. Add-on Card
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.3
Your Next Steps
Chapter 11 Internet Service Types
Foundation Topics
Fiber Optic
Cable
DSL
Wireless
Radio Frequency
Satellite
Cellular
Comparing Internet Services
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.4
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 12 Compare and Contrast Storage Types
Foundation Topics
Volatile vs. Nonvolatile
Local Storage Types
RAM
Hard Drive
Solid State
Spinning Disk (HDD, SSHD)
Optical
Windows Drive Letter Assignments
Flash Drive
Local Network Storage Types
NAS
File Server
Cloud Storage Service
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.5
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 13 Compare and Contrast Common Computing Devices and Their Purposes
Foundation Topics
Mobile Phones
Tablets
Laptops
Workstations
Servers
Gaming Consoles
IoT
Home Appliances
Home Automation Devices
Thermostats
Security Systems
Modern Cars
IP Cameras
Streaming Media Devices
Medical Devices
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.6
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 14 Explain Basic Networking Concepts
Foundation Topics
Basics of Network Communication
Basics of Packet Transmission
DNS
URL to IP Translation
LAN vs. WAN
Device Addresses
IP Address
MAC Address
Basic Protocols
HTTP/S
POP3
IMAP
SMTP
Devices
Modem
Router
Switch
Access Point
Firewall
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.7
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 15 Given a Scenario, Install, Configure, and Secure a Basic Wireless Network
Foundation Topics
802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Types of Wireless Hardware
Older vs. Newer Standards
802.11b
802.11a
802.11g
802.11n
802.11ac
Speed Limitations
Interference and Attenuation Factors
Interference
Attenuation
Best Practices
Change the SSID
Change the Default Password
Unencrypted
Open
Captive Portal
Encrypted
WEP
WPA
WPA2
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 2.8
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Part 3: Domain 3.0 – Applications and Software
Chapter 16 Explain the Purpose of Operating Systems
Foundation Topics
Interface Between Applications and Hardware
Disk Management
Process Management/Scheduling
Kill Process/End Task
Application Management
Microsoft Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Memory Management
Windows
macOS
Linux
Device Management
Windows
macOS
Linux
Access Control/Protection
Types of OS
Mobile Device OS
Android
iOS
Windows Mobile
Workstation OS
Windows
macOS
Linux
Server OS
Windows Server
macOS Server
Linux Server
Embedded OS
Firmware
Hypervisor (Type 1)
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.1
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 17 Operating Systems 101: Features, Processes, UI, and Management
Foundation Topics
File Systems and Features
File Systems
NTFS
FAT32
HFS and HFS Plus
Ext4
Features
Compression
Compression in NTFS
Compression in HFS Plus
Creating Archive Files
Encryption
NTFS Encryption with EFS
BitLocker Encryption
HFS Plus Encryption with FileVault 2
ext4 Encryption
Permissions
NTFS Permissions
HFS Plus Permissions
Ext4 Permissions
Journaling
Limitations
Naming Rules
FAT32 File Naming Rules
FAT32 and NTFS File Naming Rules
NTFS File Naming Rules
HFS and HFS Plus File Naming Rules
Ext4 File Naming Rules
File Management
Folders/Directories
Windows Folder/Directory Commands
Linux/macOS Folder/Directory Commands
File Types and Extensions
Windows File Types and Extensions
Linux File Types and Extensions
macOS File Types and Extensions
Services
Viewing and Managing Services in Microsoft Windows
Viewing and Managing Services in macOS
Viewing and Managing Services in Linux
Processes
Viewing and Managing Processes in Microsoft Windows
Viewing and Managing Processes in macOS
Viewing and Managing Processes in Linux
Drivers
Obtaining Drivers for Microsoft Windows
Obtaining Drivers for macOS
Obtaining Drivers for Linux
Utilities
Windows Utilities
macOS Utilities
Linux Utilities
Task Scheduling
Interfaces
Console/Command Line
GUI
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Complete the Tables and Lists from Memory
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 18 Purpose and Proper Use of Software
Foundation Topics
Productivity Software
Word Processing Software
Spreadsheet Software
Presentation Software
Web Browser
Visual Diagramming Software
Collaboration Software
Email Client
Conferencing Software
Instant Messaging Software
Online Workspace
Document Sharing
Business Software
Database Software
Project Management Software
Business-Specific Applications
Accounting Software
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.3
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 19 Getting Apps From Source to Your Device
Foundation Topics
Application Delivery Methods
Locally Installed
Local Network Hosted
Cloud Hosted
Application Architecture Models
One Tier
Two Tier
Three Tier
N-Tier
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.4
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 20 Configuring and Using Web Browsers
Foundation Topics
Caching/Clearing Cache
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Deactivate Client-Side Scripting
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Browser Add-Ons/Extensions
Add
Enable/Disable
Remove
Private Browsing
Proxy Settings
Certificates
Valid
Invalid
Popup Blockers
Script Blockers
Compatible Browser for Application(s)
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.5
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 21 Compare and Contrast General Application Concepts and Uses
Foundation Topics
Single-Platform Software
Cross-Platform Software
Compatibility Concerns
Licensing
Single Use
Group Use/Site License
Concurrent License
Open Source vs. Proprietary
Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase
Product Keys and Serial Numbers
Software Installation Best Practices
Reading Instructions
Reading Agreements
Advanced Options
Exam Preparation Topics
Review Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 3.6
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Part 4: Domain 4.0 – Software Development Concepts
Chapter 22 Compare and Contrast Programming Language Categories
Foundation Topics
Interpreted
Scripting Languages
BASIC
Perl
JavaScript
Python
Ruby
PowerShell
Scripted Languages
Markup Languages
HTML
XML
Compiled Programming Languages
C
C++
COBOL
Java
VBA
Query Languages
SQL
XQuery
Assembly Language
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 4.1
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 23 Using Programming Organizational Techniques and Interpret Logic
Foundation Topics
Organizational Techniques
Pseudocode Concepts
Flow Chart Concepts
Sequence
Logic Components
Branching
Looping
While Loop
For Loop
Do…While
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 4.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 24 Explain the Purpose and Use of Programming Concepts
Foundation Topics
Identifiers
Variables
Constants
Containers
Arrays
Vectors
Functions
Objects
Properties
Attributes
Methods
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 4.3
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Part 5: Domain 5.0 – Database Fundamentals
Chapter 25 Explain Database Concepts and the Purpose of a Database
Foundation Topics
Usage of Database
Create
Import/Input
Query
Reports
Flat File vs. Database
Multiple Concurrent Users
Scalability
Speed
Variety of Data
Records
Storage
ACID
Data Persistence
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 5.1
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 26 Compare and Contrast Various Database Structures
Foundation Topics
Structured vs. Semi-Structured vs. Nonstructured
Structured Data
Semi-Structured Data
Non-Structured Data
Relational Databases
Schema
Tables
Rows/Records
Fields/Columns
Primary Key
Foreign Key
Constraints
Nonrelational Databases
Key/Value Databases
Document Databases
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 5.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 27 Summarize Methods Used to Interface with Databases
Foundational Topics
Relational Methods
Data Manipulation
Select
Insert
Delete
Update
Data Definition
Create
Alter
Drop
Permissions
Database Access Methods
Direct/Manual Access
Programmatic Access
User Interface/Utility Access
Query/Report Builders
Export/Import
Database Dump
Backup
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 5.3
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Part 6: Domain 6.0 – Security
Chapter 28 Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Concerns
Foundation Topics
Confidentiality Concerns
Snooping
Eavesdropping
Wiretapping
Social Engineering
Dumpster Diving
Personally Identifiable Information
Integrity Concerns
Man-in-the-Middle Attack
Replay Attack
Impersonation
Unauthorized Information Alteration
Availability Concerns
Denial of Service
Power Outage
Hardware Failure
Destruction
Service Outage
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.1
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 29 Device Security Best Practices
Foundation Topics
Securing Devices (Mobile/Workstation)
Antivirus/Anti-Malware
Host Firewall
Changing Default Passwords
Enabling Passwords
Safe Browsing Practices
Patching/Updates
Microsoft Windows
Android
iOS
Device Use Best Practices
Software Sources
Validating Legitimate Sources
Researching Legitimate Sources
OEM Websites vs. Third-Party Websites
Removal of Unwanted Software
Removal of Unnecessary Software
Removal of Malicious Software
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.2
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 30 Summarize Behavioral Security Concepts
Foundation Topics
Expectations of Privacy When Using…
The Internet
Social Networking Sites
Email
File Sharing
Instant Messaging
Mobile Applications
Desktop Software
Microsoft Store
App Store (macOS)
Linux
Business Software
Corporate Network
Written Policies and Procedures
Handling of Confidential Information
Passwords
Personal Information
Customer Information
Company Confidential Information
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.3
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 31 Compare and Contrast Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and Nonrepudiation Concepts
Foundation Topics
Authentication
Single Factor
Multifactor
Examples of Factors
Password
PIN
One-Time Password
Software Token
Hardware Token
Biometrics
Specific Location
Somewhere You Are
Security Questions
Single Sign-On
Authorization
Permissions
Least Privilege Model
Role-Based Access
User Account Types
Rule-Based Access
Mandatory Access Controls
Discretionary Access Controls
Accounting
Logs
Tracking
Web Browser History
Nonrepudiation
Video
Biometrics
Signature
Receipt
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.4
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 32 Explain Password Best Practices
Foundation Topics
Password Length
Password Complexity
Password History
Password Expiration
Password Reuse Across Sites
Single Sign-On
Password Managers
Password Reset Process
How to Reset Your Password in Windows
How to Reset Your Password in macOS
How to Reset Your Password in Linux
How to Change Your Passcode in iOS
How to Change Your PIN in Android
How to Set Up a BIOS/UEFI Password
Password Policy
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.5
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 33 Explain Common Uses of Encryption
Foundation Topics
Plain Text vs. Cipher Text
Data at Rest
File Level
EFS (Windows)
macOS
Linux
Disk Level
Windows
MacOS
Linux
Mobile Device
Data in Transit
Email
Windows
macOS
Linux
HTTPS
VPN
Mobile Application
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.6
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 34 Explain Business Continuity Concepts
Foundation Topics
Fault Tolerance
Replication
Redundancy
Data
RAID Arrays
Network
Power
Backup Considerations
Data
File Backups
Critical Data
Database
OS Backups
Location
Stored Locally
Cloud Storage
On-Site vs. Off-Site
Contingency Plan
Disaster Recovery
Data Restoration
Prioritization
Restoring Access
Exam Preparation Tasks
Review All Key Topics
Define Key Terms
Practice Questions for Objective 6.7
Your Next Steps (More Certs)
Chapter 35 Final Preparation
Advice About the Exam Event
Think About Your Time Budget Versus Numbers of Questions
Miscellaneous Pre-Exam Suggestions
Exam-Day Advice
Reserve the Hour after the Exam in Case You Fail
Take Practice Exams
Advice on How to Answer Exam Questions
Study Suggestions after Failing to Pass
Other Study Tasks
Final Thoughts
Appendix A Answers to Practice Questions
Index
Online Elements:
APPENDIX B Memory Tables
APPENDIX C Memory Table Answers
APPENDIX D Study Planner
APPENDIX E Content Tracking to IT Fundamentals Domains and Objectives
Glossary
