Information Technology is not just about what applications you can use; it is about the systems you can support. The CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification is an introduction to the skills required to become a successful systems support professional, progressing onto more advanced certifications and career success. The Sybex CompTIA IT Fundamentals Study Guide covers 100% of the exam objectives in clear and concise language and provides you authoritatively with all you need to know to succeed in the exam.

·Core Hardware Components
·Peripherals and Connectors
·Operating Systems
·Software Applications
·Networking Technologies and Wireless Routers
·Lab
·Mobile Devices
·Security Threats
·Security Best Practices
·Buying and Configuring a Workstation
·Computer Support and Backups
·Environmental and Safety Concepts

About the Author

Quentin Docter A+, MCSE, CNE, CCNA and SCSA, has over 17 years IT experience. During his career, he has worked as a technician, network administrator, consultant, trainer, author and web developer. He is now working as an IT consultant and author.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Assessment Test Chapter 1 Core Hardware Components ·Introducing Internal Components ·Exploring Motherboards, Processors and Memory ·Motherboards ·Processors ·Memory ·Exploring Storage and Expansion Devices ·Hard Drives ·Optical Drives ·Video Cards ·Sound Cards ·Network Cards ·Modems ·Exploring Power and Cooling ·Power Supplies ·Cooling Systems ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Written Labs ·Review Questions Chapter 2 Peripherals and Connectors ·Audio, Video and Printers ·Audio Connectors ·Display Devices and Connectors ·Printers ·Input Devices ·Keyboards ·Pointing Devices ·External Storage and Other Connectors ·External Storage Devices ·Communications Connectors ·Reviewing Connector Types ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Written Labs ·Review Questions Chapter 3 Operating Systems ·Operating System Fundamentals ·A Brief History of Operating Systems ·Basic Functions of Operating Systems ·Types of Operating Systems ·Navigating an Operating System ·Managing Folder and File Structures ·Additional Operating System Features ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 3 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 4 Software Applications ·Common Software Applications and File Types ·Key Software Concepts ·Productivity Software ·Collaboration Software ·Utility Software ·Specialized Software ·Software Management Best Practices ·Considerations for Installing Software ·Installing and Uninstalling Software ·Updating and Patching Software ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 4 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 5 Networking Technologies and Wireless Routers ·Connection Types and Features ·Choosing a Connection Type ·Choosing External Network Connections ·Choosing Internal Network Connections ·Comparing and Contrasting Data Connections ·Network Connectivity Essentials ·Networking Protocol Basics ·TCP/IP Essentials ·Setting Up a SOHO Router ·Basic Configuration ·Wireless Router Security ·Additional Wireless Router Services ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 5 Lab ·Part 1: Setting Up Your Wireless Router ·Part 2: Testing Your Neighbors ·Review Questions ·Chapter 6 Network Sharing and Storage ·Local Network Sharing ·Network Types ·Storage Options ·Types of Local Sharing ·Web-Based Sharing and Access ·Cloud Concepts ·Accessing Web-Based Resources ·Summary ·Exam Essentials Chapter 6 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 7 Mobile Devices ·Using Wireless Devices ·Wireless Usability Options ·Configuring External Connections ·Getting Additional Apps ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 7 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 8 Security Threats ·Understanding Hacking ·Understanding Security Threats ·Physical Security Threats ·Social Engineering ·Software Based Security Threats ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 8 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 9 Security Best Practices ·Computer and Network Security Best Practices ·Device Hardening ·User Account Management ·Internet Security Best Practices ·Web Browsing Preparation and Maintenance ·Safe Internet Browsing ·Using Email Safely ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 9 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 10 Buying and Configuring a Workstation ·Buying and Configuring a Workstation ·Selecting the Right Computer ·Categories of Home and SOHO Computers ·Setting Up a Workstation ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 10 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 11 Computer Support and Backups ·Basic Computer Support Concepts ·Understanding Troubleshooting Theory ·Troubleshooting Examples ·Computer Backups ·Understanding the Importance of Backups ·Understanding How Backups Work ·Understanding Backup Options ·Verifying and Testing Backups ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 11 Lab ·Review Questions Chapter 12 Environmental and Safety Concepts ·Safe Interactions with Computers ·Using Proper Ergonomics ·Understanding Power and Electricity ·Practicing Good Device Care and Placement ·Using Proper Disposal Methods ·Summary ·Exam Essentials ·Chapter 12 Lab ·Review Questions Appendixes Appendix A Answers to Written Labs Appendix B Answers to Review Questions Index