INTRODUCTION

If you're preparing to take the ITF+ (IT Fundamentals+) exam, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information. This exam covers a very broad range of topics, and it's possible to spend weeks studying each one of them. Fortunately, that's not necessary!

As part of the CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified! series, this book is designed to help you focus on the specific knowledge that you'll need to pass the ITF+ exam. CompTIA publishes a detailed list of exam objectives, and this book is organized around those objectives. Each chapter clearly states the single objective that it covers and then, in a few pages, covers the material you need to know about that objective.

You'll find two important things at the end of each chapter: CertMike Exam Essentials and Practice Questions. The CertMike Exam Essentials distill the major points from the chapter into just a few bullet points. Reviewing these CertMike Exam Essentials is a great way to prepare yourself right before taking the exam.

I've also recorded an audio version of the CertMike Exam Essentials that you can access online at www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep after registering and logging on. You can listen to the audio review when you're in the car, at the gym, or mowing the lawn!

Each chapter concludes with two practice questions that are designed to give you a taste of what it's like to take the exam. You'll find that they're written in the same style as the ITF+ exam questions and have very detailed explanations to help you understand the correct answer. Be sure to take your time and thoroughly study these questions.

Finally, the book's online test bank (www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep) includes a full-length practice exam that you can use to assess your knowledge when you're ready to take the test. Good luck on the ITF+ exam!

NOTE

Don't just study the questions and answers! The questions on the actual exam will be different from the practice questions included in this book. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or objective, so use this book to learn the objectives behind the questions.

THE ITF+ EXAM

The ITF+ exam is designed to be a vendor-neutral certification for those seeking to enter the information technology field. CompTIA recommends this certification for three types of people:

• Students considering starting a career in information technology
• Professionals working in fields that require an understanding of information technology
• Sales, marketing, and operations professionals in IT-focused companies

The exam covers six major domains of knowledge:

1. IT Concepts and Terminology
2. Infrastructure
3. Applications and Software
4. Software Development Concepts
5. Database Fundamentals
6. Security

These six areas include a range of topics, from installing printers to securing networks, while focusing heavily on the basic knowledge expected of all IT professionals. That's why CompTIA recommends the ITF+ certification for those in any IT-related field.

The ITF+ exam uses only standard multiple-choice questions. Unlike other CompTIA exams, you won't find performance-based questions (PBQs) on the ITF+ exam. This exam is designed to be straightforward and not to trick you. If you know the material in this book, you will pass the exam.

The exam costs $130 in the United States, with roughly equivalent prices in other locations around the globe. More details about the ITF+ exam and how to take it can be found at www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals.

You'll have 50 minutes to take the exam and will be asked to answer up to 75 questions during that time period. Your exam will be scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 900, with a passing score of 650.

NOTE

CompTIA frequently does what is called item seeding, which is the practice of including unscored questions on exams. It does so to gather psychometric data, which is then used when developing new versions of the exam. Before you take the exam, you will be told that your exam may include these unscored questions. So, if you come across a question that does not appear to map to any of the exam objectives-or for that matter, does not appear to belong in the exam-it is likely a seeded question. You never really know whether or not a question is seeded, however, so always make your best effort to answer every question.

Taking the Exam

Once you are fully prepared to take the exam, you can visit the CompTIA website to purchase your exam voucher:

https://store.comptia.org

Currently, CompTIA offers two options for taking the exam: an in-person exam at a testing center and an at-home exam that you take on your own computer.

TIP

This book includes a coupon that you may use to save 10 percent on your CompTIA exam registration.

In-Person Exams

CompTIA partners with Pearson VUE's testing centers, so your next step will be to locate a testing center near you. In the United States, you can do this based on your address or your ZIP code, while non-U.S. test takers may find it easier to enter their city and country. You can search for a test center near you at the Pearson Vue website, where you will need to navigate to "Find a test center":

www.pearsonvue.com/comptia

Now that you know where you'd like to take the exam, simply set up a Pearson VUE testing account and schedule an exam on their site.

On the day of the test, take two forms of identification, and make sure to show up with plenty of time before the exam starts. Remember that you will not be able to take your notes, electronic devices (including smartphones and watches), or other materials in with you.

At-Home Exams

CompTIA began offering online exam proctoring in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As of the time this book went to press, the at-home testing option was still available and appears likely to continue. Candidates using this approach will take the exam at their home or office and be proctored over a webcam by a remote proctor.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the at-home testing experience, candidates wishing to pursue this option should check the CompTIA website for the latest details.

After the ITF+ Exam

Once you have taken the exam, you will be notified of your score immediately, so you'll know if you passed the test right away. You should keep track of your score report with your exam registration records and the email address you used to register for the exam.

After you earn the ITF+ certification, you're certified for life! Unlike many other CompTIA certifications that must be renewed on a periodic basis, the ITF+ certification is permanent and remains with you throughout your career.

Many people who earn the ITF+ credential use it as a stepping-stone to earning other certifications in their areas of interest. Those interested in technical support roles pursue the A+ certification, those interested in networking work toward the Network+ credential, and the Security+ certification is a gateway to a career in cybersecurity.

WHAT DOES THIS BOOK COVER?

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the ITF+ exam. It is organized into six parts, each corresponding to one of the six ITF+ domains.

• Part I: Domain 1.0: IT Concepts and Terminology
• Chapter 1: Notational Systems
• Chapter 2: Data Types
• Chapter 3: Computing Basics
• Chapter 4: Value of Data
• Chapter 5: Units of Measure
• Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
• Part II: Domain 2.0: Infrastructure
• Chapter 7: Input/Output Device Interfaces
• Chapter 8: Installing Peripherals
• Chapter 9: Internal Computing Components
• Chapter 10: Internet Service Types
• Chapter 11: Storage
• Chapter 12: Computing Devices
• Chapter 13: TCP/IP Networking
• Chapter 14: Application Protocols
• Chapter 15: Network Devices
• Chapter 16: Wireless Networks
• Part III: Domain 3.0: Applications and Software
• Chapter 17: Operating Systems
• Chapter 18: Virtualization
• Chapter 19: Filesystems
• Chapter 20: Services and Processes
• Chapter 21: Drivers, Utilities, and Interfaces
• Chapter 22: Software Types
• Chapter 23: Application Architecture and Delivery
• Chapter 24: Web Browsers
• Chapter 25: Application Concepts and Uses
• Part IV: Domain 4.0: Software Development Concepts
• Chapter 26: Programming Languages
• Chapter 27: Programming Organizational Techniques
• Chapter 28: Logic Components
• Chapter 29: Programming Concepts
• Part V: Domain 5.0: Database Fundamentals
• Chapter 30: Database Concepts
• Chapter 31: Database Structures
• Chapter 32: Database Interfaces
• Part VI:...