E-readers (especially those using e-ink displays) are specifically designed for reading in bright environments. E-ink mimics the appearance of ink on paper, offering excellent visibility in sunlight with minimal glare and very low power consumption.

“E-readers use e-ink technology which makes the screen easily readable in bright environments like sunlight. This makes them ideal for reading documentation outdoors.” — CompTIA ITF+ Guide

Laptops, tablets, and smartphones may suffer from glare or screen dimming in direct sunlight.

Correct answer: C

Satellite internet typically suffers from higher latency due to the long distances signals must travel to orbit and back. Even with high download speeds, the time delay in communication is significant.

“Satellite internet often experiences high latency due to the long signal travel time between Earth and orbiting satellites.” — CompTIA ITF+ Networking Concepts

Correct answer: C

Encryption protects files by converting them into unreadable formats unless the correct decryption key is provided. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide explains:

"Encryption is the process of converting data into a secure format that cannot be read without a decryption key. Only users with the proper key can access the original data."

File permissions control user access based on OS-level rules, but encryption specifically ensures that only those with the key can read the file even if they access the file storage.

Hidden folders merely conceal files but don’t protect content. Compression reduces file size but doesn’t protect access.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“Solid-state drives (SSDs) use flash memory, which is non-magnetic and non-volatile. They have no moving parts, unlike HDDs, which use magnetic platters.”

It further notes:

“Conventional hard drives have spinning platters and read/write heads, whereas SSDs use flash memory. SSDs are faster but generally more expensive than their HDD counterparts.”

Therefore, SSD (solid-state drive) meets all the listed requirements.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components — “Exploring Storage and Expansion Devices” (pp. 35–60).

A console or command-line interface (CLI) allows users to input text-based commands that the computer can execute.

“The console (or command prompt or terminal) allows direct command input to control an operating system or application without using a graphical interface.” — CompTIA ITF+ Guide

Services are background processes.

Attributes define properties of objects or elements.

Processes are executing programs but are not used for inputting commands.

Correct answer: D

A cable lock (also called a Kensington lock) physically secures the laptop to a fixed object, making it difficult to steal in public spaces.

“Cable locks are physical security devices used to deter laptop theft by anchoring the device to a desk or other stationary object.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

A. Firewall is software-based and protects data, not the device.

B. Privacy shields prevent screen visibility, not theft.

C. USB locks prevent port access but not physical theft.

Correct answer: D

For locations without cable or cellular towers, satellite internet is the most viable solution. Satellite does not require terrestrial infrastructure beyond a dish and has global coverage.

“Satellite is often used in remote or rural locations where wired and cellular connectivity is not available. It uses a dish to communicate with orbiting satellites for internet access.” — CompTIA ITF+ Curriculum

Fiber optic and IDSL require ground cabling.

Cellular requires nearby towers, which the scenario rules out.

Correct answer: D. Satellite

The requirement to change passwords every 60 days is a policy known as password expiration. It is part of enforcing secure authentication by limiting the amount of time a password is valid.

“Password expiration is a security measure that requires users to change their passwords after a specific period, such as every 60 or 90 days, to reduce the risk of compromised credentials being used over time.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

Password complexity refers to rules about what characters are required.

Password management refers to overall policies and tools for handling passwords.

Password privacy relates to confidentiality but not periodic resets.

Thus, the correct choice is C.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide discusses social engineering prevention:

“Social engineering relies on manipulating people rather than technology. The best protection against social engineering is user awareness and verifying identity before sharing information.”

Verifying a user’s identity via a phone call before taking any action (such as password reset or data access) is an essential safeguard against impersonation attempts.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Recognizing Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks” (pp. 586–588).

When a new vulnerability is discovered in software, the best way to secure it is by applying updates (patches) released by the software vendor. According to the CompTIA ITF+ objectives:

“Vendors regularly release software updates and security patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Installing these patches promptly is crucial for maintaining system security.”

Although configuring a firewall and authentication improves overall security, they do not directly patch or fix the vulnerability. Uninstalling may be an option only if a patch is unavailable or the software is no longer needed. Therefore, the best and most proactive response is B: Apply updates.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“A compiled programming language is one that requires the use of a compiler to translate it into machine code. Creating and using a program using a compiled language consists of three steps:

Write the source code.

Use a compiler to translate the source code into machine code.

Execute the program file, which usually has an .exe extension.”

Compiled languages package programs into executable files.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Compiled Languages” (pp. 361–363).

Anti-malware software is specifically designed to detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software from a system. It is the most appropriate tool for protecting a computer after a suspicious or infected file is downloaded.

“Anti-malware software scans downloaded files and running processes to identify and remove malicious software, providing real-time protection against viruses, trojans, and spyware.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Other options:

B. Firewall – Prevents unauthorized access but doesn’t clean infections

C. Patching – Prevents exploitation of known vulnerabilities, not infection removal

D. Permissions – Limit access but do not remove malware

Correct answer: A

Process management in an operating system is responsible for controlling the execution of applications, assigning CPU time, and prioritizing active processes to optimize performance.

“Process management allocates resources, prioritizes applications, and ensures multitasking is efficiently handled by the OS.” — CompTIA ITF+ Operating Systems Guide

Correct answer: B

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide states:

“Floats are numbers that include decimals. Integers are whole numbers with no decimals, and strings are text.”

An example from the book:

“It’s a float data type, which is a number with a decimal place.”

Therefore, -2.34 represents a float.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Data Types and Structures” (pp. 372–373).

Clicking the lock icon next to a website’s URL allows users to view the security certificate, verify its issuer, expiration date, and encryption level—validating that the site is using HTTPS and is trusted.

“Browsers display a lock symbol for secure (HTTPS) websites. Clicking it reveals the SSL/TLS certificate details to verify the site’s authenticity.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Essentials

Correct answer: A

An e-reader is specifically designed for reading digital books using e-ink displays, which are easy on the eyes and readable in bright sunlight. They are lightweight, power-efficient, and ideal for book reading.

“E-readers use electronic ink displays for reading digital books, providing long battery life and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.” — CompTIA ITF+

Correct answer: B

A byte consists of exactly 8 bits. Bits (binary digits) are the smallest unit of data, and eight of them grouped together form one byte, which is used to represent characters and numbers in digital systems.

“A byte is made up of 8 bits and is the standard unit of data used to represent information such as characters in computing.” — CompTIA ITF+ Fundamentals

Correct answer: C

The largest unit is determined by converting all values to the same unit:

2TB = 2,000GB

100GB = 100GB

4,000MB = 4GB

50KB = 0.00005GB

Thus, 2TB is the largest. As described in the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Study Guide:

“Data storage capacity is measured using standard units such as KB, MB, GB, and TB, where 1TB = 1,000GB.”

Recording user actions is an example of accounting, which helps track what users do on a system, especially for auditing purposes.

“Accounting refers to the recording and logging of system activities, including tracking user actions within applications or services.” — CompTIA ITF+

Correct answer: A

A touch screen functions as both an input and output device. According to the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide:

"A touchscreen display is a hybrid device combining input and output. It shows visual output like a standard monitor but also allows the user to interact directly by touching the screen."

"Input devices allow users to provide data or control signals (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen)."

"Output devices show results from the computer's processing (e.g., monitor, printer, touchscreen)."

Touchscreens display information (output) and receive user input through touch (input). They do not perform storage, networking, processing, or logging.

The syntax shown uses tags like and

, which are characteristic of a markup language, specifically HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Markup languages describe the structure and presentation of text.

“Markup languages, such as HTML and XML, are used to annotate text so that the computer can manipulate it. HTML is used to design the structure of web pages using tags like ,

,

, etc.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

Other options:

Query languages like SQL retrieve data.

Compiled languages require compilation into machine code (e.g., C++).

Scripting languages are used for automation but don’t use markup syntax.

Correct answer: A

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) clearly states:

“Assembly language is the lowest level of code in which people can write. It allows the developer to provide instructions directly to the hardware.”

Furthermore, in the Exam Essentials section of the same chapter, it emphasizes:

“Know which programming language is best for direct hardware access. For direct hardware access, a low-level programming language such as assembly is the best.”

Therefore, assembly (assembled) languages offer the highest level of hardware optimization because they operate closest to machine code and interact directly with CPU instructions.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Assembly Language” (pp. 356–357).

Chapter 6: Exam Essentials (p. 378).

Although basic scanner functionality may work with default drivers, full functionality (like programmable buttons) often requires the manufacturer's software suite. Installing the correct software from the vendor ensures that all features are supported.

“Peripheral devices may require manufacturer-specific drivers and utilities to enable full feature support. Downloading from the vendor’s website ensures compatibility.” — CompTIA ITF+

The question asks how the value 9 can be represented using only ones and zeros, which is the definition of binary. In binary, the decimal number 9 is represented as 1001.

“Binary is a base-2 numeral system that represents numeric values using only two symbols: 0 and 1. Computers use binary to process and store all data.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Correct answer: C

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet between the user and a remote network, enabling secure access from home or public networks.

“VPNs provide a secure tunnel for transmitting data over unsecured networks, such as the internet, by encrypting all traffic between the client and the network.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Topics

Other options:

A. LAN – Local and not for remote use

B. FTP – Transfers files but lacks modern encryption

C. DNS – Resolves domain names, not for access

Correct answer: D

An embedded operating system is used in dedicated devices such as smart appliances, printers, or industrial machines. It performs specific functions and interacts with other systems, like sending alerts.

“Embedded operating systems are designed to run on specialized hardware with a fixed function, such as in appliances or vehicles.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

Correct answer: B

Interference or poor signal strength is a common issue in Wi-Fi networks, especially in distant or obstructed locations like basements.

“Physical obstructions and electronic interference can weaken wireless signals, leading to connectivity issues in areas like basements.” — CompTIA ITF+ Networking Fundamentals

Correct answer: A

The most important consideration when opening a file on an Operating System Graphical User Interface (OS GUI) is the file extension. A file extension identifies the type of file and determines which software application can open it. In the official CompTIA ITF+ Student Guide, it is stated that:

“The last part of the file name represents an extension, which describes what type of file it is and is used by Windows to associate the file with an application.”

“Files are usually opened by double-clicking them. You may want to open a file in a software product other than the default, however. When you right-click a file, the shortcut menu displays a list of suitable choices, or you can choose Open With and browse for a different application. You can also use the Default Programs applet to configure file associations.”

“Do not change a file's extension if it is shown. If you delete or change the extension, the file will not be associated with the correct program for opening it.”

This means the OS uses the file extension to decide which application to use to open a file. Changing or deleting the extension can result in the file not opening properly because it no longer matches the program expected to open it.

Disk management is the OS feature used to create, delete, format, or partition storage devices. It allows users to manage drives and volumes locally.

“Disk management tools are used to manage and configure storage devices, including creating and formatting partitions and volumes.” — CompTIA ITF+ Operating System Features

Correct answer: D

A LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices in a limited geographical area such as a building or office.

“A LAN is a network that connects computers within a small geographical area such as a home, school, or office building.” — CompTIA ITF+ Networking Fundamentals

Correct answer: C

The pseudocode reads from a block of numbers listed in line 40. This collection of values is structured like an array—a group of data elements stored together.

“An array is a collection of similar data elements stored in a structured sequence, often referenced or processed in loops.” — CompTIA ITF+ Programming Concepts

Correct answer: B

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide clearly defines:

“To talk to the hardware, operating systems use specialized programs called device drivers, or drivers for short. A driver tells the OS how to talk to the specific piece of hardware and how to use its features. If there is no driver for that OS, then the hardware will not be compatible with it.”

Hence, drivers are the software components that control and enable communication between the OS and hardware devices.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 4: Operating Systems — “Coordinating Users and Hardware” (pp. 208–209).

Generative AI is used to create new content including images, music, videos, or text. This includes tasks like image editing, enhancement, or generation using tools such as DALL·E, MidJourney, or generative adversarial networks (GANs).

“Generative AI creates new data or content, such as images, music, or text. It is commonly used in image editing, graphic design, and media production.” — CompTIA ITF+ Guide

Other AI types:

Assistive AI helps with tasks like navigation or text suggestions.

Predictive AI forecasts outcomes using existing data.

Chatbots simulate conversation, often in customer service.

Artificial intelligence (AI) powers predictive text by analyzing user input patterns and language models to suggest likely words or phrases.

“AI enables predictive text by using language models and historical input to forecast what the user intends to type next.” — CompTIA ITF+ Emerging Technologies

Correct answer: C

Accounting refers to the logging and monitoring of user actions. In this case, tracking login events through log files is an example of accounting in the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) model.

“Accounting provides auditing and logging of user actions, such as login times and resource access.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Essentials

Correct answer: A

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) clearly states:

“If you need to have multiple concurrent users accessing data, you need a database. Flat files don’t do well when several people try to access them at once. In the vast majority of cases, one user might be able to write to the file, but all users will be limited to a read-only copy.”

It further explains that:

“Databases generally lock only on a record level (or individual line of data), so multiple people can actively use the database at one time.”

Therefore, the best reason to convert a large spreadsheet to a database is to allow multiple concurrent users to access and update the data simultaneously without conflicts.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals — “When to Use Databases” (pp. 389–391).

In terms of storage measurement hierarchy:

1TB = 1,000GB

1GB = 1,000MB

1MB = 1,000KB

Therefore:

20TB = 20,000GB

2,000GB = 2,000GB

200MB = 0.2GB

2,000KB = 0.002GB

Thus, 20TB is the largest. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide defines storage units in this way under data representation topics.

According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025), the SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) connector is directly associated with fiber-optic networking. The guide lists:

“SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connectors are commonly used in fiber-optic connections to allow hot-swappable transceivers for different types of fiber cables.”

Additionally, the same guide’s chapter on Networking Concepts and Technologies explains:

“Fiber-optic around 2 Gbps – Incredibly fast and more expensive than DSL or cable.”

Therefore, fiber Internet is the only service type that uses SFP connectors for data transmission over optical cables.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies — “External network connections” and “Common Internet connection types and speeds” (pp. 429–435).

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connectors” (pp. 97–98).

Although the values look numeric, the sequence “1, 10, 2...” suggests they are being treated as strings (text values), especially if they are not sorted numerically. In programming, strings are sequences of characters—even if those characters are digits.

“String data type is used to store alphanumeric characters, including numeric characters represented as text rather than numbers.” — CompTIA ITF+ Data Concepts

Correct answer: D