Audience
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals course is designed to help you learn more about the world of information technology (IT). It’s ideal if you’re considering a career in IT or if you work in an allied field that requires a broad understanding of IT. CompTIA IT Fundamentals can also be a stepping stone to more advanced certifications such as CompTIA A+ Certification and, with specialized experience, CompTIA Network+ Certification and CompTIA Security+ Certification.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Duration
2 days. Hands on.
Course Objectives
This course teaches the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals. The course includes the CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam (Exam FC0-U61) to certify your new skills and understanding to show you have the ability to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, application and software, software development, database fundamentals and security. The certification is considered good for life and does not need to be renewed.
What Skills Will You Learn?
- IT Concepts and Terminology
- Comprehend notational systems, illustrate the basics of computing and explain the value of data and troubleshooting.
- Infrastructure
- Know how to set up and install common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC or secure a basic wireless network.
- Applications and Software
- Manage applications software, understand the various components of an operating system and explain the purpose of methods of application architecture.
- Software Development
- Comprehend programming language categories, interpret logic, and understand the purpose of programming concepts.
- Database Fundamentals
- Explain database concepts, structures, and purpose, as well as understand the methods used to interface with a database.
- Security
- Understand confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns of secure devices and best practice methods.
Course Content
IT Concepts and Terminology
Compare and contrast notational systems
Binary
Hexadecimal
Decimal
Data representation
Compare and contrast fundamental data types and their characteristics
Char
Strings
Numbers
Boolean
Illustrate the basics of computing and processing
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
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
Digital products
Data-driven business decisions
Compare and contrast common units of measure
Storage unit
Throughput unit
Processing speed
Explain the troubleshooting methodology
Identify the problem
Research knowledge base/Internet, if applicable
Establish a theory of probable cause
Test the theory to determine the cause
Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects
Implement the solution or escalate as necessary
Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes
Infrastructure
Classify common types of input/output device interfaces
Networking
Peripheral device
Graphic device
Given a scenario, set up and install common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC
Devices
Installation types
Explain the purpose of common internal computing components
Motherboard/system board
Firmware/BIOS
RAM
CPU
Storage
GPU
Cooling
NIC
Compare and contrast common Internet service types
Fiber optic
Cable
DSL
Wireless
Compare and contrast storage types
Volatile vs. non-volatile
Local storage types
Local network storage types
Cloud storage service
Compare and contrast common computing devices and their purposes
Mobile phones
Tablets
Laptops
Workstations
Servers
Gaming consoles
IoT
Explain basic networking concepts
Basics of network communication
Device addresses
Basic protocols
Devices
Given a scenario, install, configure and secure a basic wireless network
802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Best practices
Applications and Software
Explain the purpose of operating systems
Interface between applications and hardware
Disk management
Process management/scheduling
Application management
Memory management
Device management
Access control/protection
Types of OS
Compare and contrast components of an operating system
File systems
Features
File management
Services
Processes
Drivers
Utilities
Interfaces
Explain the purpose and proper use of software
Productivity software
Collaboration software
Business software
Explain methods of application architecture and delivery models
Application delivery methods
Application architecture models
Given a scenario, configure and use web browsers
Caching/clearing cache
Deactivate client-side scripting
Browser add-ons/extensions
Private browsing
Proxy settings
Certificates
Popup blockers
Script blockers
Compatible browser for application(s)
Compare and contrast general application concepts and uses
Single-platform software
Cross-platform software
Licensing
Software installation best practices
Software Development Concepts
Compare and contrast programming language categories
Interpreted
Compiled programming languages
Query languages
Assembly language
Given a scenario, use programming organizational techniques and interpret logic
Organizational techniques
Logic components
Explain the purpose and use of programming concepts
Identifiers
Containers
Functions
Objects
Database Fundamentals
Explain database concepts and the purpose of a database
Usage of database
Flat file vs. database
Records
Storage
Compare and contrast various database structures
Structured vs. semi-structured vs. non-structured
Relational databases
Non-relational databases
Summarize methods used to interface with databases
Relational methods
Database access methods
Export/import
Security
Summarize confidentiality, integrity and availability concerns
Confidentiality concerns
Integrity concerns
Availability concerns
Explain methods to secure devices and best practices
Securing devices (mobile/workstation)
Device use best practices
Summarize behavioral security concepts
Expectations of privacy
Written policies and procedures
Handling of confidential information
Compare and contrast authentication, authorization, accounting and non-repudiation concepts
Authentication
Authorization
Accounting
Non-repudiation
Explain password best practices
Password length
Password complexity
Password history
Password expiration
Password reuse across sites
Password managers
Password reset process
Explain common uses of encryption
Plain text vs. cipher text
Data at rest
Data in transit
Explain business continuity concepts
Fault tolerance
Disaster recovery