Course Name: CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61) – Information Technology Fundamentals

Course Overview:

The CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61) certification is an entry-level IT credential designed for beginners who want to gain a solid foundation in information technology. This course introduces students to essential IT concepts, terminology, and basic skills across software, hardware, networking, security, and databases. It is perfect for individuals exploring a career in IT, looking to validate their knowledge before pursuing more advanced certifications, or seeking a better understanding of technology in the workplace.

Why We Need It:

In today’s technology-driven world, understanding basic IT concepts is crucial. Whether you plan to work in IT or simply want to improve your tech literacy, ITF+ provides foundational knowledge that helps you make informed decisions, troubleshoot problems, and communicate effectively with technical teams.

How It Is Useful / How It Can Help:

Career Path: Prepares for further IT certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cybersecurity fundamentals.
Practical Skills: Equips students with essential computer, software, and network knowledge useful in everyday IT tasks.
Confidence: Helps students confidently interact with technology and technical professionals.
Employability: Validates foundational IT knowledge for entry-level roles or internships.

Course Content Highlights:

Basic IT concepts and terminology
Understanding hardware and software fundamentals
Networking basics and security concepts
Database fundamentals and software development principles
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Exam Information:

Exam Code: FC0-U61
Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of Questions: Up to 75
Passing Score: 70%
Validity: Certification does not expire, but staying current with IT developments is recommended.

Who Should Take This Course:

Individuals new to IT
Students exploring IT careers
Non-technical professionals wanting basic IT knowledge
Anyone preparing for further IT certifications

CompTIA ITF FC0-U61 Exam Objectives Download

Exam Objectives

DOMAIN WEIGHTS

Domain	% of Exam
1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology	17%
2.0 Infrastructure	22%
3.0 Applications and Software	18%
4.0 Software Development	12%
5.0 Database Fundamentals	11%
6.0 Security	20%
Total	100%

1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology (17%)

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

Storage units: bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB
Throughput units: bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, Tbps
Processing speed: MHz, GHz

1.6 Explain the troubleshooting methodology

Identify the problem: gather info, duplicate if possible, question users, identify symptoms, determine changes, approach problems individually
Research knowledge base/internet
Establish and test theory of probable cause
Establish plan of action and implement solution/escalate
Verify system functionality and implement preventive measures
Document findings, actions, and outcomes

2.0 Infrastructure (22%)

2.1 Classify common types of input/output device interfaces

Networking: wired (RJ-11, RJ-45), wireless (Bluetooth, NFC)
Peripheral devices: USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, Bluetooth, RF
Graphic devices: VGA, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort

2.2 Set up and install common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC

Devices: printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, camera, external hard drive, speakers, display
Installation types: plug-and-play vs driver installation, IP-based, web-based configuration

2.3 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components

Motherboard/system board, BIOS/firmware
RAM, CPU (ARM/mobile/tablet, 32-bit laptop/workstation/server, 64-bit laptop/workstation/server)
Storage: HDD, SSD
GPU, cooling systems
NIC: wired/wireless, onboard/add-on

2.4 Compare and contrast common Internet service types

Fiber optic, cable, DSL
Wireless: radio frequency, satellite, cellular

2.5 Compare and contrast storage types

Volatile vs non-volatile
Local storage: RAM, HDD (SSD vs spinning disk), optical, flash
Local network storage: NAS, file server
Cloud storage services

2.6 Compare and contrast computing devices and their purposes

Mobile phones, tablets, laptops, workstations, servers, gaming consoles
IoT: home appliances, automation (thermostats, security systems), modern cars, IP cameras, streaming media, medical devices

2.7 Explain basic networking concepts

Network communication basics, packet transmission, DNS, LAN vs WAN
Device addresses: IP, MAC
Protocols: HTTP/S, POP3, IMAP, SMTP
Devices: modem, router, switch, access point, firewall

2.8 Install, configure, and secure a basic wireless network

Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (speed, interference, attenuation)
Best practices: change SSID, default password, encryption (open, captive portal, WEP, WPA, WPA2)

2.9 Explain the purpose and components of operating systems

Interface between applications and hardware
Disk, process, application, memory, device management
Access control/protection
OS types: mobile, workstation, server, embedded, firmware, hypervisor (Type 1)

2.10 Compare and contrast OS components

File systems: NTFS, FAT32, HFS, Ext4
Features: compression, encryption, permissions, journaling, limitations, naming rules
File management: folders, types, extensions, permissions
Services, processes, drivers, utilities (task scheduling), interfaces (CLI, GUI)

3.0 Applications and Software (18%)

3.1 Explain the purpose and proper use of software

Productivity: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web browsers, visual diagramming
Collaboration: email, conferencing, instant messaging, online workspace, document sharing
Business: databases, project management, business-specific apps, accounting

3.2 Application architecture and delivery models

Delivery: locally installed, local network hosted, cloud hosted
Architecture: one-tier, two-tier, three-tier, n-tier

3.3 Configure and use web browsers

Cache management, client-side scripting, add-ons/extensions
Private browsing, proxy settings, certificates (valid/invalid), popup/script blockers, browser compatibility

3.4 General application concepts

Single-platform vs cross-platform software, licensing (single, group/site, concurrent, open-source, subscription, one-time purchase), product keys/serial numbers
Installation best practices: instructions, agreements, advanced options

4.0 Software Development (12%)

4.1 Compare programming language categories

Interpreted: scripting, scripted, markup languages
Compiled languages
Query languages
Assembly language

4.2 Programming organizational techniques and logic

Pseudocode, flowcharts, sequencing
Logic: branching, looping

4.3 Purpose and use of programming concepts

Identifiers: variables, constants
Containers: arrays, vectors
Functions
Objects: properties, attributes, methods

5.0 Database Fundamentals (11%)

5.1 Explain database concepts and purpose

Usage: create, import/input, query, reports
Flat file vs database: concurrent users, scalability, speed, variety
Records, data persistence

5.2 Compare and contrast database structures

Structured, semi-structured, unstructured
Relational: schema, tables, rows/records, fields/columns, primary/foreign keys, constraints
Non-relational: key/value, document databases

5.3 Database interfacing methods

Relational: data manipulation (select, insert, delete, update), data definition (create, alter, drop, permissions)
Access methods: direct/manual, programmatic, UI/utility, query/report builders
Export/import: database dump, backup

6.0 Security (20%)

6.1 Summarize confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) concerns

Confidentiality: snooping, eavesdropping, wiretapping, social engineering, dumpster diving
Integrity: man-in-the-middle, replay, impersonation, unauthorized alteration
Availability: DoS, power outage, hardware failure, destruction, service outage

6.2 Methods to secure devices and best practices

Securing devices: antivirus/anti-malware, host firewall, changing default passwords, enabling passwords, safe browsing, patching/updates
Device use best practices: validate software sources (OEM vs third-party), removal of unwanted/unnecessary/malicious software

6.3 Behavioral security concepts

Privacy expectations: internet, mobile apps, desktop/business software, corporate networks
Written policies and procedures
Handling confidential information: passwords, personal, customer, company data

6.4 Authentication, authorization, accounting, non-repudiation

Authentication: single/multi-factor, SSO, factor examples (password, PIN, OTP, tokens, biometrics, location, security questions)
Authorization: permissions, least privilege, role-based, rule-based, mandatory, discretionary
Accounting: logs, tracking, browser history
Non-repudiation: video, biometrics, signatures, receipts

6.5 Password best practices

Length, complexity, history, expiration, reuse, password managers, reset process

6.6 Common uses of encryption

Plain text vs cipher text
Data at rest: file, disk, mobile device
Data in transit: email, HTTPS, VPN, mobile apps

6.7 Business continuity concepts

Fault tolerance: replication, redundancy (data, network, power), backup considerations (data/file/critical/database/OS), location (local/cloud, on-site/off-site), contingency plan
Disaster recovery: data restoration, prioritization, restoring access