CompTIA Tech+ CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified!
Description
Prepare for, practice, and pass the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam on your first try
In the newly updated second edition of CompTIA Tech+ CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! Get Certified! for exam FC0-U71, veteran IT expert and IT educator, Mike Chapple, skips the fluff and dives straight into exactly what you need to ace the entry-level CompTIA Tech+ certification exam on your first try. Filled with the kind of no-nonsense, straight-to-business info you're looking for, the book includes coverage of every relevant exam domain, a full practice exam, and additional multiple choice practice questions with detailed answer explanations.
You'll learn all about IT infrastructure, software development, database use, software installation, network connectivity, and more, as well as how all this valuable knowledge applies to common on-the-job scenarios. You'll also find:
- Complimentary links to audio recordings of the book's Exam Essentials sections to help you review for the test
- Access to additional online study tools
- The information you need to reduce test anxiety and boost your confidence when you walk into the testing room on exam day
Prepare smarter and faster for the Tech+ certification exam with proven strategies created by the bestselling Mike Chapple and his team at CertMike. This book's perfect for people just getting interested in information technology and working towards a more advanced certification, like the CompTIA A+ or Security+ credentials. It's also a can't-miss resource for anyone who wants to learn basic computer literacy skills. Grab your copy today!
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Mike Chapple, PhD, Security+, CySA+, CISSP, is Senior Director for IT Service Delivery at Notre Dame. He oversees information security, data governance, IT architecture, project management, strategic planning, and product management functions. He also teaches courses on information security. He is the author of several bestselling Sybex Study Guides, including the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide.
Content
Introduction xiii
Part I Domain 1.0: It Concepts and Terminology 1
Chapter 1 Computing Basics: Objective 1.1 3
Chapter 2 Notational Systems: Objective 1.2 9
Chapter 3 Units of Measure: Objective 1.3 17
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting: Objective 1.4 25
Part II Domain 2.0: Infrastructure 33
Chapter 5 Computing Devices: Objective 2.1 35
Chapter 6 Internal Computing Components: Objective 2.2 47
Chapter 7 Storage: Objective 2.3 57
Chapter 8 Installing Peripherals: Objective 2.4 67
Chapter 9 Input/Output Device Interfaces: Objective 2.5 77
Chapter 10 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies: Objective 2.6 89
Chapter 11 Internet Service Types: Objective 2.7 97
Chapter 12 TCP/IP Networking: Objective 2.8 103
Chapter 13 Application Protocols: Objective 2.8 115
Chapter 14 Network Devices: Objective 2.8 121
Chapter 15 Wireless Networks: Objective 2.9 129
Part III Domain 3.0: Applications and Software 137
Chapter 16 Filesystems: Objective 3.1 139
Chapter 17 Services and Processes: Objective 3.1 149
Chapter 18 Drivers, Utilities, and Interfaces: Objective 3.1 155
Chapter 19 Operating Systems: Objective 3.2 163
Chapter 20 Software Types: Objective 3.3 171
Chapter 21 Web Browsers: Objective 3.4 181
Chapter 22 Artificial Intelligence: Objective 3.5 193
Part IV Domain 4.0: Software Development Concepts 201
Chapter 23 Programming Languages: Objective 4.1 203
Chapter 24 Data Types: Objective 4.2 211
Chapter 25 Programming Concepts: Objective 4.3 219
Chapter 26 Programming Organizational Techniques: Objective 4.4 229
Chapter 27 Logic Components: Objective 4.4 237
Part V Domain 5.0: Data and Database Fundamentals 243
Chapter 28 The Value of Data: Objective 5.1 245
Chapter 29 Database Concepts: Objective 5.2 253
Chapter 30 Database Structures: Objective 5.3 261
Chapter 31 Backups: Objective 5.4 271
Part VI Domain 6.0: Security 277
Chapter 32 Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability: Objective 6.1 279
Chapter 33 Privacy: Objective 6.1 287
Chapter 34 Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and Nonrepudiation: Objective 6.1 295
Chapter 35 Security Awareness: Objective 6.2 305
Chapter 36 Securing Devices: Objective 6.2 313
Chapter 37 Software Licensing: Objective 6.2 321
Chapter 38 Password Best Practices: Objective 6.3 327
Chapter 39 Encryption: Objective 6.4 335
Chapter 40 Securing Wireless Networks: Objective 6.5 341
Index 347
Introduction
If you're preparing to take the Tech+ 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 Get Certified series, this book is designed to help you focus on the specific knowledge that you'll need to pass the Tech+ 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 Tech+ 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 Tech+ 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 TECH+ EXAM
The Tech+ 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:
- IT Concepts and Terminology
- Infrastructure
- Applications and Software
- Software Development Concepts
- Data and Database Fundamentals
- 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 Tech+ certification for those in any IT-related field.
The Tech+ exam uses only standard multiple-choice questions. Unlike other CompTIA exams, you won't find performance-based questions (PBQs) on the Tech+ 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 $138 in the United States, with roughly equivalent prices in other locations around the globe. More details about the Tech+ exam and how to take it can be found at www.comptia.org/certifications/tech.
You'll have 60 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:
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":
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. 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 Tech+ 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 Tech+ certification, you're certified for life! Unlike many other CompTIA certifications that must be renewed on a periodic basis, the Tech+ certification is permanent and remains with you throughout your career.
Many people who earn the Tech+ credential use it as a steppingstone 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 Tech+ exam. It is organized into six parts, each corresponding to one of the six Tech+ domains.
Part I: IT Concepts and Terminology
Chapter 1: Computing Basics
Chapter 2: Notational Systems
Chapter 3: Units of Measure
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
Part II: Infrastructure
Chapter 5: Computing Devices
Chapter 6: Internal Computing Components
Chapter 7: Storage
Chapter 8: Installing Peripherals
Chapter 9: Input/Output Device Interfaces
Chapter 10: Virtualization and Cloud Technologies
Chapter 11: Internet Service Types
Chapter 12: TCP/IP Networking
Chapter 13: Application Protocols
Chapter 14: Network Devices
Chapter 15: Wireless Networks
Part III: Applications and Software
Chapter 16: Filesystems
Chapter 17: Services and Processes
Chapter 18: Drivers, Utilities, and Interfaces
Chapter 19: Operating Systems
Chapter 20: Software Types
Chapter 21: Web Browsers
Chapter 22: Artificial Intelligence
Part IV: Software Development Concepts
Chapter 23: Programming Languages
Chapter 24: Data Types
Chapter 25: Programming Concepts
Chapter 26: Programming Organizational Techniques
Chapter 27: Logic Components
Part V: Data and Database Fundamentals
Chapter 28: The Value of Data
Chapter 29: Database Concepts
Chapter 30: Database Structures
Chapter 31: Backups
Part VI: Security
Chapter 32: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
Chapter 33: Privacy
Chapter 34: Authentication, Authorization, Accounting, and Nonrepudiation
Chapter 35: Security Awareness
Chapter 36: Securing Devices
Chapter 37: Software Licensing
Chapter 38: Password Best Practices
