CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Objectives - Comprehensive Notes

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Certification Exam Objectives

About the Exam

  • The CompTIA Tech+ exam certifies that candidates possess the knowledge and skills to:
    • Identify and explain computing basics.
    • Understand IT infrastructure.
    • Work with applications and software development.
    • Understand database use and security concepts.
    • Install peripherals.
    • Configure web browsers and wireless networks.
    • Troubleshoot and identify basic security risks.
  • This exam is for advanced end-users and those potentially pursuing professional-level certifications like A+.

Exam Development

  • CompTIA exams are developed through subject matter expert workshops and industry-wide surveys.

CompTIA Authorized Materials Use Policy

  • CompTIA prohibits the use of unauthorized third-party training sites (brain dumps).
    • Using these materials can lead to certification revocation and suspension from future testing.
  • Candidates should review the CompTIA Certification Exam Policies and agree to the CompTIA Candidate Agreement.
  • Questions about unauthorized materials should be directed to examsecurity@comptia.org.

Important Note

  • Examples provided are not exhaustive; the exam may include other relevant technologies, processes, or tasks.
  • CompTIA updates exam content to ensure currency and security.
  • Updated exams may be published based on existing objectives, and related preparation materials remain valid.

Test Details

  • Required exam: FC0-U71
  • Number of questions: Not specified
  • Types of questions: Multiple-choice
  • Length of test: Not specified
  • Recommended experience: High school students or non-IT professionals
  • Passing Score: Not specified

Exam Objectives (Domains)

The exam covers the following domains with their respective weights:

  • IT Concepts and Terminology: 13%
  • Infrastructure: 24%
  • Applications and Software: 18%
  • Software Development Concepts: 13%
  • Data and Database Fundamentals: 13%
  • Security: 19%
  • Total: 100%

1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology

1.1 Identify notational systems.
  • Binary
  • Hexadecimal
  • Decimal
  • Octal
1.2 Explain the basics of computing.
  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage
1.3 Compare and contrast common units of measure.
  • Storage unit
    • Bit
    • Byte
    • Kilobyte (KB)
    • Megabyte (MB)
    • Gigabyte (GB)
    • Terabyte (TB)
    • Petabyte (PB)
  • Throughput unit
    • Bits per second (bps)
    • Kilobits per second (Kbps)
    • Megabits per second (Mbps)
    • Gigabits per second (Gbps)
    • Terabytes per second (Tbps)
  • Processing speed
    • Megahertz (MHz)
    • Gigahertz (GHz)
1.4 Explain the troubleshooting methodology.
  • Identify the problem.
  • Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious).
    • Research knowledge base/internet, if applicable.
  • Test the theory to determine the cause.
  • Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
  • Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
  • Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes.

2.0 Infrastructure

2.1 Explain common computing devices and their purposes.
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • E-readers
  • Laptops
  • Workstations
  • Servers
  • Gaming consoles
  • Virtual reality systems
  • Augmented reality systems
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Home appliances
    • Home automation devices
      • Thermostats
      • Security systems
      • Home assistants
      • Deadbolts/door locks
      • Video doorbells
    • Vehicles
    • Internet Protocol (IP)/security cameras
    • Streaming media devices
    • Medical devices
    • Exercise equipment
    • Wearable devices
2.2 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components.
  • Motherboard/system board
  • Firmware/basic input/output system (BIOS)
  • Random-access memory (RAM)
  • Central processing unit (CPU)
  • Graphics processing unit (GPU)
  • Storage
  • Network interface card (NIC)
    • Wired vs. wireless
    • Onboard vs. expansion card
2.3 Compare and contrast storage types.
  • Volatile vs. non-volatile
  • Local storage
    • RAM
    • Read-only memory (ROM)
    • Storage drive
      • Magnetic disks/hard disk drive (HDD)
      • Solid-state drive (SSD)
      • Non-volatile memory express (NVMe)
    • Optical
    • External flash drives
  • Local network storage
    • Network-attached storage (NAS)
    • File server
    • Cloud storage service
2.4 Given a scenario, install and configure common peripheral devices.
  • Devices
    • Printer
    • Scanner
    • Keyboard
    • Mouse
    • Web camera
    • External drive
    • Speakers/headset
    • Display
      • Smart TV
      • Projector
      • Monitor
    • Uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
  • Installation types
    • Plug-n-play vs. driver installation
    • Other required steps
    • IP-based peripherals
    • Web-based configuration steps
2.5 Compare and contrast common types of input/output device interfaces.
  • Networking
    • Wired
      • Ethernet connector (RJ45)
      • Fiber connector small form-factor pluggable (SFP)
    • Wireless
      • Bluetooth
      • Near-field communication (NFC)
      • 802.11X
    • Networking devices and tools
      • Crimpers
      • Cable testers
  • Peripheral devices
    • USB (A/B/C)
    • Thunderbolt
    • Bluetooth
    • Radio frequency (RF)
    • Lightning
  • Display ports
    • Video Graphics Array (VGA)
    • Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
    • High Definition Media Interface (HDMI)
    • DisplayPort
    • USB-C
  • Display technology
    • Mirroring
    • Casting
2.6 Compare and contrast virtualization and cloud technologies.
  • Virtualization
    • Hypervisor
    • Guest operating system (OS)
  • Cloud concepts
    • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
    • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Deployment models
    • On-premises
    • Cloud
    • Hybrid
2.7 Compare and contrast common internet service types.
  • Fiber optic
  • Cable
  • Digital subscriber line (DSL)
  • Wireless
    • RF
    • Satellite
    • Cellular
2.8 Identify basic networking concepts.
  • Basics of network communication
  • Network identifiers
    • IP address
    • Media access control (MAC) address
    • Ports
  • Basic network services
    • Secure web browsing
    • File transfer
    • Email
  • Networking devices
    • Modem
    • Router
    • Switch
    • Access point
    • Firewall
  • Networking models
    • Client/server
    • Peer-to-peer
  • Local area network (LAN)
  • Wide area network (WAN)
2.9 Explain the basic capabilities of a small wireless network.
  • 802.11n/ac/ax
    • Speed considerations
    • Interference and attenuation factors
  • Older vs. newer standards
  • Band options
    • 2.4GHz
    • 5GHz
    • 6GHz

3.0 Applications and Software

3.1 Identify components of an OS.
  • Filesystem characteristics
    • Compression
    • Encryption
    • Types and extensions
  • File management
    • Folders/directories
    • Permissions
    • Naming restrictions
  • System applications and utilities
  • Services
  • Processes
  • Drivers
  • Interfaces
    • Console/command line
    • Graphical user interface (GUI)
  • File attributes and properties
3.2 Explain the purpose of operating systems.
  • Interface between applications and hardware
  • Disk management
  • Task and process management
  • Application management
  • Device management
  • Access control
  • OS types
    • Mobile device
    • Desktop/workstation
    • Server
    • Embedded
3.3 Explain the purpose and proper use of software.
  • Productivity software
    • Word processing
    • Spreadsheet
    • Presentation
    • Visual diagramming
  • Collaboration software
    • Email client
    • Conferencing
    • Online workspace
    • Document sharing
  • Instant messaging software
  • Web-browsing software
  • Remote support software
3.4 Given a scenario, configure and use web browser features.
  • Private browsing
  • Browser add-ons/extensions
    • Add
    • Remove
    • Enable/disable
  • Caching/clearing cache
  • Pop-up blockers
  • Compatible browser for application(s)
  • Profile synchronization
  • Organizing features
    • Bookmarks
  • Default search engine
  • Password management
  • Accessibility
  • Appearance
3.5 Identify common uses of artificial intelligence (AI).
  • AI chatbots
  • AI assistants
  • Generative AI
    • AI-generated code
    • AI-generated content
  • AI predictions and suggestions

4.0 Software Development Concepts

4.1 Compare and contrast programming language categories.
  • Interpreted
    • Scripting languages
    • Markup languages
  • Compiled programming languages
  • Query languages
  • Assembly languages
4.2 Identify fundamental data types and their characteristics.
  • Char
  • Strings
  • Numbers
    • Integers
    • Floats
  • Boolean
4.3 Explain the purpose and use of programming concepts.
  • Identifiers
    • Variables
    • Constants
  • Arrays
  • Functions
  • Objects
    • Properties
    • Attributes
    • Methods
4.4 Identify programming organizational techniques and logic concepts.
  • Organizational techniques
    • Pseudo code concepts
    • Object-oriented methods
    • Comments and documentation
    • Flow chart concepts
      • Sequence
  • Logic concepts
    • Branching
    • Looping

5.0 Data and Database Fundamentals

5.1 Explain the value of data and information.
  • Data and information as an asset
    • Critical vs. non-critical data
  • Data-driven business decisions
    • Data capture and collection
    • Data correlation
    • Meaningful reporting
  • Data monetization
  • Data analytics
  • Big Data
5.2 Explain database concepts and the purpose of a database.
  • Database uses
    • Create
    • Import/input
    • Query
    • Reports
  • Flat file vs. database
    • Multiple concurrent users
    • Scalability
    • Speed
    • Variety of data
  • Database records
  • Storage
    • Data persistence
  • Data availability
    • Cloud vs. local
    • Online vs. offline
5.3 Compare and contrast various database structures.
  • Structured vs. semistructured vs. non-structured
  • Relational databases
    • Schema
    • Tables
      • Rows/records
      • Fields/columns
        • Primary key
        • Foreign key
    • Constraints
  • Non-relational databases
    • Key/value databases
    • Document databases
5.4 Explain basic data backup concepts.
  • Data
    • File backups
    • System backups
  • Restoring data
  • Location
    • Stored locally
      • Flash drive
      • External hard drive
      • Secure digital (SD) card
    • Cloud storage

6.0 Security

6.1 Explain fundamental security concepts and frameworks.
  • Confidentiality, integrity, and availability
  • Privacy
    • Social networking sites
    • Email
    • File sharing
    • Instant messaging
    • Personally identifiable information (PII)
    • Government regulations (e.g., General Data Protection Regulations [GDPR])
    • Cookie consent
  • Authentication, authorization, accounting, and non-repudiation concepts
    • Authentication
      • Single factor
      • Multifactor
      • Single sign-on
    • Authorization
      • Permissions
        • Administrator vs. user accounts
      • Least privilege model
    • Accounting
      • Logs
      • Location tracking
      • Web browser history
6.2 Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices.
  • Security awareness
    • Social engineering
      • Phishing
    • Malicious or compromised content
  • Securing devices (mobile/workstation)
    • Authentication
    • Anti-malware
    • Firewall
    • Patching/updating
    • Physical device security
      • Cable locks
      • USB locks
  • Device use best practices
    • Licensing
      • Open source vs. proprietary
      • Subscription vs. one-time purchase vs. perpetual
      • Product keys and serial numbers
    • Software sources
      • Researching and validating legitimate sources
      • Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) websites vs. third-party websites
      • Application stores
    • Removal of software
      • Unwanted
      • Unnecessary
      • Malicious
    • Software piracy
  • Safe browsing practices
    • Certificates
      • Valid
      • Invalid
    • Privacy considerations
      • Social networking sites
      • Email
      • File sharing
      • Instant messaging
      • AI
6.3 Explain password best practices.
  • Password length
  • Password complexity
  • Password history
  • Password expiration
  • Password reuse across sites
  • Password managers
  • Password privacy
  • Password reset process
  • Changing default usernames and passwords
  • Enabling passwords
6.4 Identify common use cases for encryption.
  • Plain text vs. cipher text
  • Data at rest
    • File level
    • Disk level
    • Mobile device
  • Data in transit
    • Email
    • HTTPS
    • VPN
    • Mobile application
6.5 Given a scenario, configure security settings for a small wireless network.
  • Changing the service set identifier (SSID)
  • Changing the default password
  • Encrypted vs. unencrypted
    • Open
    • Pre-shared key
    • Wireless Protected Access (WPA)
    • Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
    • Wireless Protected Access 3 (WPA3)

Acronym List

  • AI: Artificial Intelligence
  • ARM: Advanced RISC Machines
  • BD-ROM: Blu-ray Disc Read-only Memory
  • BIOS: Basic Input/Output System
  • BPS: Bits Per Second
  • CAD: Computer-aided Design
  • CAM: Computer-aided Manufacturing
  • CAN: Controller Area Network
  • CD: Compact Disc
  • CD-ROM: Compact Disc-Read-only Memory
  • CD-RW: Compact Disc-Rewritable
  • CLI: Command-line Interface
  • CPU: Central Processing Unit
  • DaaS: Desktop as a Service
  • DDR: Double Data Rate
  • DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
  • DIMM: Dual Inline Memory Module
  • DNS: Domain Name System
  • DSL: Digital Subscriber Line
  • DVD: Digital Video Disc
  • DVD-R: Digital Video Disc-Recordable
  • DVD-RW: Digital Video Disc-Rewritable
  • DVI: Digital Visual Interface
  • EMI: Electromagnetic Interference
  • eSATA: External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
  • ESD: Electrostatic Discharge
  • EULA: End User License Agreement
  • FTP: File Transfer Protocol
  • FTPS: File Transfer Protocol over Secure File Transfer Protocol
  • Gb: Gigabit
  • GB: Gigabyte
  • Gbps: Gigabit per second
  • GDPR: General Data Protection Regulations
  • GHz: Gigahertz
  • GPS: Global Positioning System
  • GPU: Graphics Processing Unit
  • GUI: Graphical User Interface
  • HDD: Hard Disk Drive
  • HDMI: High-definition Multimedia Interface
  • HTML: Hypertext Markup Language
  • HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
  • HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Sockets Layer
  • IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service
  • IDE: Integrated Development Environment
  • IMAP: Internet Mail Access Protocol
  • IMAPS: Internet Mail Access Protocol Secure
  • IoT: Internet of Things
  • IP: Internet Protocol
  • IR: Infrared
  • ISP: Internet Service Provider
  • Kb: Kilobit
  • KB: Kilobyte
  • Kbps: Kilobit per second
  • LAN: Local Area Network
  • LTE: Long-term Evolution
  • MAC: Media Access Control
  • MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
  • MB: Megabyte
  • Mb: Megabit
  • Mbps: Megabit per second
  • MHz: Megahertz
  • MP3: Moving Picture Experts Group Layer-3 Audio
  • MP4: Moving Picture Experts Group Layer-4
  • NAS: Network Attached Storage
  • NAT: Network Address Translation
  • NFC: Near Field Communications
  • NIC: Network Interface Card
  • NvME: Non-volatile Memory Express
  • OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
  • OS: Operating System
  • PaaS: Platform as a Service
  • PAN: Personal Area Network
  • PB: Petabyte
  • PC: Personal Computer
  • PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • PCIe: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
  • PHI: Personal Health Information
  • PII: Personally Identifiable Information
  • PIN: Personal Identification Number
  • POP: Post Office Protocol
  • POP3: Post Office Protocol 3
  • POP3S: Post Office Protocol 3 Secure
  • PSU: Power Supply Unit
  • RAM: Random-access Memory
  • RISC: Reduced Instruction Set Computer
  • RF: Radio Frequency
  • RJ: Registered Jack
  • RJ11: Registered Jack Function 11
  • RJ45: Registered Jack Function 45
  • ROM: Read-only Memory
  • SaaS: Software as a Service
  • SATA: Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
  • SD card: Secure Digital Card
  • SFP: Small Form-factor Pluggable
  • SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol
  • SID: System Identifier
  • SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
  • SMTPS: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Secure
  • SNMP: Single Network Management Protocol
  • SSD: Solid State Drive
  • SSH: Secure Shell
  • SSID: Service Set Identifier
  • SSL: Secure Sockets Layer
  • TB: Terabyte
  • Tbps: Terabyte per second
  • TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
  • TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • UPS: Uninterruptable Power Supply
  • URL: Uniform Resource Locator
  • USB: Universal Serial Bus
  • USB-A: Universal Serial Bus-A
  • USB-C: Universal Serial Bus-C
  • vCPU: Virtual Central Processing Unit
  • VGA: Video Graphics Array
  • vHDD: Virtual Hard Disk Drive
  • vNIC: Virtual Network Interface Card
  • VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol
  • VPN: Virtual Private Network
  • VR: Virtual Reality
  • vRAM: Virtual Random-access Memory
  • WAN: Wide Area Network
  • WEP: Wired Equivalency Privacy
  • WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network
  • WPA: Wireless Protected Access
  • WPA2: Wireless Protected Access 2
  • WPA3: Wireless Protected Access 3
  • WPAN: Wireless Personal Area Network

Hardware and Software List

Equipment
  • Workstations
  • Laptop
  • Home wireless router
  • Modem for internet service (WAN connection)
  • Basic printer
  • External storage devices
    • Hard drive
    • Solid state drive
  • Tablet/smartphone
  • Surge protector/UPS
  • Physical networking devices
    • Switch (unmanaged)
  • Wireless headphones
  • Casting devices
  • Smart TV/monitor
  • Webcams/IP cameras
  • Speakers
Spare parts/hardware
  • Flash drive (for backup)
  • Various cable types
  • Keyboards
  • Computer mice
Tools
  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) wristband (for demonstration)
  • Internet connectivity
  • Crimper
  • Cable tester
Software
  • OS media
    • Windows
    • Linux
  • Unconfigured OS images
  • Anti-malware software
  • Productivity software (local vs. cloud)
  • Collaboration software
  • Videoconferencing software
  • Browser software
  • Backup software
  • Database software
  • Software development packages (Integrated development environment [IDE])
  • Cloud accounts for demonstration purposes: virtual central processing unit (vCPU), virtual random-access memory (vRAM), etc.
  • Virtualization software