1100 Ch11-14 Final Part 3

Windows Configuration Overview

• Windows OS first released in 1985
• Over 25 versions, subversions, and varieties exist
• Key Windows versions for study: Windows 7, 8, and 10
• Editions vary for home and corporate use (e.g., Home, Pro, Enterprise)
• 32-bit and 64-bit versions exist for each version
• Learn to configure Windows, perform administrative tasks using Control Panel (GUI) and command line (CLI/PowerShell)
• Labs focus on file system, disk, task, and system commands
• Learn domain and workgroup network organization and resource sharing
• Wired and wireless network configuration and remote access covered
• Preventive maintenance importance for reduced downtime, improved performance, and lower repair costs
• Scheduled tasks, startup management, and troubleshooting covered

Windows Versions and Editions

• Each version has multiple editions (e.g., Home, Pro, Ultimate, Enterprise)
• Windows 10 had 12 editions, now only 9 are offered
• Corporate users prioritize centralized account and policy management via Active Directory domains
• Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Education editions support Active Directory
• Corporate features: BitLocker (disk encryption), EFS (file encryption), BranchCache (data caching)
• Personal features: Windows Media Center (home entertainment)

Windows 10 Details

• Released July 2015, returned to point-and-click interface
• Supports desktop and mobile devices, universal apps, Microsoft Edge browser
• Enhanced security, faster logons, and system file encryption
• New Windows Action Center replaces Charms for notifications and quick settings
• Feature updates twice a year introducing new features/improvements
• Quality/cumulative updates monthly for bug fixes/security patches

Personalizing the Windows Desktop

• Personalization settings accessible with a right-click on the desktop
• Themes are pre-defined GUI settings combinations
• Themes can be downloaded from Microsoft Store
• Windows 8 tiles customization: drag-and-drop for rearrangements, rename groups, pin apps to Start screen
• Windows 7/8.1 customization through Personalize option within File Explorer

Taskbar Features

• Jump lists: display application-specific tasks with a right-click on the task bar
• Pinned applications: easy access via a right-click on the application icon
• Thumbnail previews: hover over application icons for quick previews
• Windows 10 Task Manager with seven tabs: Processes, Performance, App History, Startup, Users, Details, and Services.

File Explorer

• File management tool in Windows 8/10, used to manage folders and files
• Ribbon interface, tabs change depending on selected items
• Windows Explorer (similar functions) in Windows 7 & earlier lacked the Ribbon.
• "This PC" displays connected devices/drives (called "Computer" in Windows 7)

Windows 10 Settings and Control Panel

• Two ways to configure: Settings app (modern interface) and Control Panel (classic interface)
• Default is Settings, but Control Panel offers more advanced options
• Control Panel categories: System & Security, Network & Internet, Hardware & Sound, Programs, User Accounts, Ease of Access, Clock & Region, Appearance & Personalization.
• Views: Categories (default), Small icons (Classic),
• User Accounts: Create, change, delete user accounts, administer standard user accounts

User Account Control (UAC)

• Monitors programs, warns about potential threats
• Default Windows 10/8.1/7 UAC setting: Notify only when programs try to make changes
• Can adjust monitoring level

Credential Manager

• Manages passwords for websites and Windows apps, stored securely
• Enhanced from Windows 7

Sync Center

• Allows file synchronization between multiple Windows devices
• Enables offline editing with automatic updates when reconnected

Network Settings

• Windows 10 network settings managed in Settings app combining various functions
• Network & Sharing Center (similar but with minor variations across versions)
• Network profiles (Private, Public) for different sharing configurations
• HomeGroup (functionality phased out in Windows 10 versions 1803 and higher)

Display Settings and Configuration

• Display settings accessible through right-clicking on the desktop or Settings app
• Resolution, magnification, text size customizations
• Monitor-specific configuration, screen orientation, refresh rate, and color depth adjustment.

Power Options

• Manage computer power consumption, customize power plans (pre-set and custom)
• Power button actions
• Laptop lid closing actions configurable, related to sleep and shutdown settings
• Wake-up password (moved from Power Options to User Accounts in Windows 10)

System Control Panel

• View basic system information, configuration tools & advanced settings
• Accessed through System & Security category
• Virtual memory configuration (paging file)

Device Manager

• Display connected devices, diagnose and resolve device problems
• Driver updates, rollback, and uninstallation options

Devices and Printers

• High-level view of connected devices (printers, external storage, network devices) and their status.

Sound

• Configure audio devices, customize sound schemes for notifications

Clock and Region

• Configure time zone, date and time settings, region-specific formats (numbers, currency, and time)

Language

• Configure language settings for Windows 7 and 8 and for Windows 10 by modifying Region settings

Programs and Features

• Uninstall programs, repair installations, troubleshoot app issues

Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Control Panel item with automated scripts
• Run troubleshooting scripts

File Explorer and Folder Options

• Adjust folder display settings, define clicks to open items
• Manage privacy settings, hidden files and file extensions

Other System Utilities

• Administrative Tools - access collection of separate admin utilities
• MSINFO32 (System Information) - useful for troubleshooting
• Regedit (Registry Editor) - caution advised - can cause conflicts.
• Computer Management - view system information, and manage connected devices

System Configuration (Msconfig)

• System Configuration utility (MSCONFIG); troubleshoot boot-related problems
• Manage startup programs and services

Windows Registry

• Hierarchical database storing configuration settings
• Key components: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG

BitLocker Drive Encryption

• Encrypts entire hard drive volumes for enhanced security

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

• Application to create custom management consoles with collections of tools and add snap-ins to the console

DxDiag

• Diagnose DirectX components and drivers

PowerShell and Command Line

• PowerShell (advanced command utility) and cmd (classic command prompt)
• Support scripting, automation, cmdlets , and aliases for commands.

File System Commands

• Change drive (e.g., C:) , display directory contents (e.g., dir), change directory (cd)
• Create (md) , remove (rd) , move (move), rename (ren) folders and files with examples.

System CLI Commands

• Control and manage running processes (tasklist, taskkill)
• Deployment Image Servicing and Management (dism)
• Verify and repair system files (sfc)
• Power local and remote computers (shutdown)
• Group policy update and information retrieval (gpupdate, gpresult)
• Network operations (net use, net user)

Running System Utilities

• Access utilities using the run line utility
• (Examples: EXPLORER, MMC, MSINFO32)

Domain and Workgroup

• Domain: centralized security/management
• Workgroup: decentralized control/management

Network File Sharing and Mapping

• Sharing local resources: folder sharing access controls
• Mapped network drives: access resources as local drives
• Network profiles impact file/printer sharing settings.
• Nearby Sharing (Windows 10), replaces HomeGroup

Network Connections and Configuration

• Configuring wired network interfaces - obtaining configuration via DHCP or static IPs - IPV4/IPV6, default gateway, DNS settings
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting connectivity issues using command line tools (e.g., ipconfig, ping, tracert)
• Configuring wireless network settings (security types like WPA2)
• Enabling VPN access: secure remote connection to a corporate network using dedicated secure connections

Preventive Maintenance Plan

• Maintenance tasks (hard drive error checking, defragmentation, backup; OS, application updates)

Security

• Virus and malware protection (regular scans, use of Windows Malware Removal Tool)
• Update antivirus regularly and install OS updates

Startup Programs

• Add programs to startup using the run line or the startup folder

Windows Updates

• Automatic and manual update checks. Important system changes from updates.
• Update logs, error codes, and troubleshooting tips for failed updates.
• Manually check for updates, apply updates

Device Driver Updates

• Update drivers for new hardware, compatibility, and security

Firmware Updates

• Important, but less frequent than driver updates
• Follow manufacturer instructions carefully

Restore Points

• Creating restore points for system stability before major changes
• Using backup tools

Hard Drive Backup

• Implement backup strategy for personal files
• Use Microsoft Backup for image backup, and create custom restore points
• File History (Windows 10) to back up personal files

Troubleshooting Process

• Six steps: Identify, Establish a Theory, Test the Theory, Establish a Plan, Verify and Implement Preventive Measures, Document Findings

Mobile, Linux, and macOS Operating Systems

• Mobile OSs (Android, iOS); Desktop OSs (Linux, macOS)
• Focus on key differences; functionality, and security

Open Source vs. Closed Source

• Android (open source by Google)
• iOS (closed source by Apple) comparison

Test your knowledge about the various editions of Windows 10, its key features, and changes made in the operating system. This quiz covers everything from Active Directory domain joining to remote access capabilities. See how well you understand Windows history and its maintenance practices.