CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide

QUENTIN DOCTER, Tech+ A+, started in the IT industry in 1994 as a tech support agent for Packard Bell. Since then he has worked in tech support, network administration, consulting, training, web development, and project management. During his career, he has achieved certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and Sun Microsystems. He is the author of over a dozen books, including Sybex’s CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Study Guide.

• Introduction  xxvAssessment Test xxxivChapter 1 Core Hardware Components 1Introducing Internal Components 3Exploring Motherboards, Processors, and Memory 4Motherboards 4Processors 22Memory 27Exploring Storage and Expansion Devices 34Storage Devices 34Other Internal Expansion Devices 47Exploring Power and Cooling 52Power Supplies 52Cooling Systems 55Summary 58Exam Essentials 59Chapter 1 Lab 60Review Questions 62Chapter 2 Peripherals and Connectors 67Installing and Configuring Audio and Video Devices 70Audio Connectors 71Display Devices and Connectors 73Understanding External Storage and Communications Connectors 88External Storage Devices 88Communications Connectors 96Understanding Input, Output, and Power Devices 101Keyboards 101Pointing Devices 105Uninterruptible Power Supplies 112Printers 114Understanding Installation Basics 124Internal Devices 124External Devices 125IP- and Web-Based Devices 125Reviewing Connector Types 127Summary 128Exam Essentials 129Chapter 2 Lab 130Review Questions 131Chapter 3 Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 135Exploring Larger Computing Devices 138Servers and Workstations 138Laptops 140Exploring Handheld and Mobile Devices 147Comparing and Contrasting Mobile Devices 148Using Mobile Devices 150Understanding Augmented and Virtual Reality 176Exploring Gaming Consoles 179Understanding the Internet of Things 182A Brief History of the Internet of Things 182Consumer Uses 183Commercial Uses 189Potential Issues 191Summary 193Exam Essentials 193Chapter 3 Lab 194Review Questions 195Chapter 4 Operating Systems 199Operating System Fundamentals 201A Brief History of Operating Systems 202Basic Functions of Operating Systems 206Types of Operating Systems 210Managing an Operating System 228Managing Features and Interfaces 229Managing Folder and File Structures 248Summary 264Exam Essentials 264Chapter 4 Lab 265Review Questions 270Chapter 5 Software Applications 275Understanding Application Installation and Management 277Considerations for Installing Software 278Installing and Uninstalling Software 285Updating and Patching Software 293Exploring Common Application Types 299File Extensions 299Productivity Software 302Collaboration Software 307Utility Software 310Using Web Browsers 323Configuring Web Browsers 323Understanding Basic Browser Security 336Private Browsing 343Summary 344Exam Essentials 345Chapter 5 Lab 346Review Questions 348Chapter 6 Software Development 353Exploring Programming Languages 355Assembly Language 356Compiled Languages 362Interpreted Languages 364Query Languages 368Understanding Programming Concepts and Techniques 369Programming Logic 370Organizing Code 373Summary 377Exam Essentials 378Chapter 6 Lab 379Review Questions 380Chapter 7 Database Fundamentals 385Understanding Databases 387Exploring Database Concepts and Structures 388Working With Databases 398Summary 411Exam Essentials 412Chapter 7 Lab 412Review Questions 415Chapter 8 Networking Concepts and Technologies 419Exploring Connection Types and Features 422Choosing External Network Connections 423Choosing Internal Network Connections 435Understanding Network Connectivity Essentials 444Common Networking Devices 444Networking Protocol Basics 449TCP/IP Essentials 449Network Storage Options 459Setting Up a Small Wireless Network 463Basic Configuration 463Wireless Router Security 469Additional Wireless Router Services 472Summary 476Exam Essentials 477Chapter 8 Lab 478Part 1: Setting Up Your Wireless Router 478Part 2: Testing Your Neighbors 479Review Questions 480Chapter 9 Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence 485Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing 486Virtual Machines 487Cloud Computing 492Exploring Artificial Intelligence 498How AI Works 499Types of AI 501Summary 509Exam Essentials 509Chapter 9 Lab 510Review Questions 512Chapter 10 Security Concepts and Threats 517Understanding Hackers and Motives 519Understanding Security Threats 523Confidentiality Concerns 524Integrity Concerns 530Availability Concerns 531Privacy Expectations 534Software-Based Security Threats 538Understanding Access Control 546Authentication 546Authorization 549Accounting 551Nonrepudiation 553Summary 554Exam Essentials 554Chapter 10 Lab 556Review Questions 557Chapter 11 Security Best Practices 561Understanding Security Best Practices 564Device Hardening 564Managing Users and Passwords 591Using Data Encryption 597Summary 607Exam Essentials 608Chapter 11 Lab 609Review Questions 611Chapter 12 Data Continuity and Computer Support 615Understanding Data Continuity 616Fault Tolerance 616Disaster Recovery 631Exploring Computer Support Concepts 633Understanding the Troubleshooting Methodology 633Troubleshooting Examples 645Summary 666Exam Essentials 666Chapter 12 Lab 667Review Questions 669Appendix A Answers to Written Labs 673Chapter 1 Lab Answers 674Chapter 2 Lab Answers 674Chapter 3 Lab Answers 675Chapter 4 Lab Answers 675Chapter 5 Lab Answers 676Chapter 6 Lab Answers 676Chapter 7 Lab Answers 677Chapter 8 Lab Answers 677Chapter 9 Lab Answers 678Chapter 10 Lab Answers 679Chapter 11 Lab Answers 679Chapter 12 Lab Answers 680Appendix B Answers to Review Questions 681Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components 682Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors 683Chapter 3: Computing Devices and the Internet of Things 685Chapter 4: Operating Systems 686Chapter 5: Software Applications 687Chapter 6: Software Development 688Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals 690Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies 691Chapter 9: Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence 692Chapter 10: Security Concepts and Threats 694Chapter 11: Security Best Practices 695Chapter 12: Data Continuity and Computer Support 697Index 699