FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A user receives a document created in a word processor that the user does not own. The sender wants the user to be able to read the text and view the layout, but the user does not need to edit or save changes. Which action allows the user to view the document content most reliably?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is believing that changing a file extension converts a document into a compatible format, when it only changes the filename.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Open the file in a free viewer or reader application that supports the format
To view a document reliably without owning the authoring application, the user needs software that understands the file format and can render it faithfully. A viewer or reader application is designed for exactly this purpose, displaying text, images, and layout while typically restricting editing. Text editors strip formatting, renaming extensions does not convert content, and printing sacrifices the digital advantages of the file.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Change the file extension to match a format the user's software supports
Why it's wrong here
Renaming a file does not convert its internal structure. Changing the extension can mislead the operating system into launching an incompatible program, which may display garbled content or refuse to open the file. This action risks corrupting the user's understanding of the document rather than enabling reliable viewing.
- ✗
Request that the sender print the document and mail a physical copy
Why it's wrong here
A printed copy does allow reading, but it is slow, cannot be searched or zoomed, and does not let the user view the document on screen. The scenario asks for the most reliable way to view the content, and relying on postal delivery introduces delay and eliminates any digital interaction with the file.
- ✓
Open the file in a free viewer or reader application that supports the format
Why this is correct
A compatible viewer or reader application renders the document as intended, preserving text, formatting, images, and page layout without requiring the full authoring program. This satisfies the user's need to read and view the document reliably while avoiding the cost and installation footprint of the original word processor.
- ✗
Open the file in a plain text editor
Why it's wrong here
A plain text editor can display readable characters from some document formats, but it will not render formatting, tables, images, or page layout, and binary portions of the file may appear as unreadable characters. The user would see a degraded and possibly incomplete version of the content, which fails the requirement to view the layout.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.