IC3: Internet and Computing Core Certification Computing Fundamentals Study Guide

IC3: Internet and Computing Core Certification Computing Fundamentals Study Guide is your ideal study guide to focus on the Computing Fundamentals exam module in preparation for the IC3 exam. This book covers hardware, software, peripherals, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting, presented in a clear, concise style. Hands-on examples and self-paced exercises show you how to perform critical tasks needed to pass the exam, and the companion website offers a diverse set of study tools including the Sybex test engine, a preassessment test, practice questions, and videos. Readers also gain access to electronic flashcards, and the chapter files needed to complete the exercises in the book.

This guide focuses on the Computing Fundamentals module helping you test your skills and solidify your understanding in preparation for the exam.

• Review the various hardware components essential to the computer
• Understand which peripherals are crucial, and which are nice to have
• Brush up on basic troubleshooting for common minor issues
• Master your operating system and fundamental software

When you are serious about certification, IC3 provides the practice that inspires self-confidence.

Introduction xiii

Assessment Test xxiii

Chapter 1 Understanding Operating Systems 1

Operating Systems and Their Roles When Using Computers and Devices 3

What Is Hardware? 3

What Is Software? 4

What Is an Operating System? 4

How Do They All Work Together? 5

Accessing and Locking the Operating System 7

Software and System Updates 10

Working with Files, Folders, and Libraries 15

Accessing Your Files and Folders 16

Understanding File Types 20

Managing Your Files and Folders 22

Customizing Your Computer 30

Customizing the Desktop 30

Understanding User Accounts 43

Summary 49

Exam Essentials 50

Key Terms 50

Review Questions 51

Chapter 2 Understanding Hardware 53

The Internal Hardware Components of a Computer 55

Peripheral Devices That Can Be Connected to a Computer 57

The Most Common Types of Computers and Devices 60

How Information Is Transmitted inside a Computer 63

How to Evaluate the Performance of a Computer or Device 64

Summary 69

Exam Essentials 70

Key Terms 70

Review Questions 72

Chapter 3 Understanding Software 75

The Dependencies between Hardware and Software 77

Installing, Removing, or Reinstalling Software 79

Software Licensing and Its Implications 89

The Most Common Types of Office Applications 94

Using Templates to Get Started with an Application 96

Personal Entertainment Applications 99

Compressing Files to Save Space 99

Optimizing Your Computer’s Hard Disk Performance 101

Protecting Yourself from Malware 106

Summary 107

Exam Essentials 108

Key Terms 109

Review Questions 110

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting Problems with Your Computer 113

Dealing with Problems Caused by Software 115

Dealing with Incompatibilities between the Operating System Version and Your Applications 116

Dealing with Unresponsive Applications 119

Dealing with Applications That Consume Too Many Resources 122

Dealing with Malware Infections 124

Using Safe Mode to Fix Problems with Windows 127

Finding Help Online 129

Dealing with Problems Caused by Hardware 130

Dealing with Problems Caused by Cables and Connectors 130

Upgrading the Firmware for Your Computer’s Components and Peripherals 131

Dealing with Drivers for Your Computer’s Hardware 133

Creating Your Own Backup System 138

Backing Up Your Data with Backup and Restore 138

Restoring Your Data with Backup and Restore 143

Backing Up Your Data to the Cloud with OneDrive 148

Summary 154

Exam Essentials 154

Key Terms 155

Review Questions 156

Appendix A Answers to Review Questions 159

Appendix B Using the Practice Files 165

Index 167

Ciprian Adrian Rusen is a recognized Windows Consumer Expert - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). He has published several books about Windows and Microsoft Office, and he's an active tech blogger at http://www.7tutorials.com. At 7 Tutorials, he also provides complete tutorials for Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox One users.