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
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
- Input
- Processing
- Output
- Storage
1.4 Explain the value of data and information
- Data and information as assets
- Importance of investing in security
- Relationship of data to creating information
- Intellectual property: trademarks, copyright, patents
- Digital products
- Data-driven business decisions: data capture, correlation, meaningful reporting
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
