Lesson 1: Configuring Windows Flashcards
What do User Accounts control?
User Accounts manage access to the computer and control settings for individual users, such as permissions, passwords, and personal preferences.
What can be assigned to User Accounts to make OS configurations changes?
Rights or privileges - as well as permissions on files, folders, and printers
How is a User Account verifyed?
Through Authentication
What does Authentication mean in regards to a User Account?
The person must provide some data that is known or held only by the account owner to gain access to the account.
Each User Account is associated with a Profile. What are the main default folders that a Profile contains? (4)
- Documents
- Pictures
- Videos
- Music
The first user of the computer is configured as the default administrator account. Additional accounts are usually configured as standard users. What is the difference in privileges between Admin account and a Standard User account?
An Administrator account has privileges to change any aspect of the computer’s system configuration while Standard users have privileges on their Profile ONLY (rather than the whole computer)
What are the two types of accounts a Windows account can be configured as? (2)
- Local-only account
- Linked to a Microsoft Account
What is the difference between a Local account and a Microsoft account?
A Local account can be used to sign-in on a single computer ONLY. A Microsoft account gives access to Microsoft’s cloud services and allows sign-in and syncs desktop settings and user profile data across multiple devices.
The Account Setting app is used for what configuration tasks? (6)
- Your Information
- Email & Account
- Configure Sign-In Options
- Access Work or School
- Family and other Users
- Sync Settings
Where is the User Accounts applet found?
Control Panel
The User Accounts applet is found in the Control Panel (the legacy interface) along with other applets
What options are there in the User Accounts applet? (3)
- Changing the account name
- Changing the account privilege level (avs)
- UAC
What does UAC stand for and what does it do?
User Account Control
A system to prevent unauthorized use of administrator privileges.
What is the process to create a User Account? (For both Microsoft and Local accounts)
Adding a User with a Microsoft Account:
Click Start Menu -> Open Settings -> Accounts -> **Family & other users* -> **Add someone else to this PC **-> enter email then click finish.
Adding a User as a Local Account:
Click Start Menu -> Open Settings -> Accounts -> Family & other users -> Add someone else to this PC -> click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information -> click Add a user without a Microsoft account -> then create username, password, and security questions
What are two Privacy Settings? (2)
- Data Collection (allows Microsoft to process usage telemetry. It affects use of speech and input personalization, language settings, general diagnostics, and activity history)
- App permissions (allow or deny access to devices such as the location service, camera, and microphone and to user data such as contacts, calendar items, email, and files)
The desktop can be configured to use local settings and personalized to adjust its appearance. What are the two main purposes Time & Language settings are used for? (2)
- Set the correct date/time and time zone.
- Set region options
What do the Personalization settings do?
Allow you to select and customize themes, which set the appearance of the desktop environment.
What are category’s included in the Personalization and theme settings? (3)
1. Desktop wallpaper & Screen saver
2. Font & Color scheme
3. Properties for the Start Menu and Taskbar
What do Ease of Access settings for?
Accessibility configurations
What are the three main settings groups in the Ease of Access settings? (3)
- Vision configures options
(For cursor indicators, high-contrast and color-filter modes, and the Magnifier zoom tool. Additionally, the Narrator tool can be used to enable audio descriptions of the current selection)
- Hearing configures options
(For volume, mono sound mixing, visual notifications, and closed-captioning)
- Interaction configures options
(For keyboard and mouse usability. The user can also enable speech- and eye-controlled input methods)
Where can Ease of Access settings be configured?
Through Settings or via Control Panel
(Note: in Windows 11, these settings are found under the Accessibility heading)
File Explorer file options (6)
- Open / Create
- Copy
- Move
- Rename
- View
- Delete
File Explorer’s process is run from what file?
explorer.exe
How are data files categorized, accessed, and mediated in logical storage areas on Windows?
System Objects
(Displayed in the left-hand navigation pane in File Explorer)
What are the five main System Objects? (5)
User Account
OneDrive
This PC
Network
Recycle Bin
While the System Objects represent logical storage areas, where are the actual data files written to?
Disk Drives
What is a drive?
A drive can be a single physical disk or a partition on a disk, a shared network folder mapped to a drive letter, or a removable disk. Often drives are referred to by letters.
What is the A: drive and C: drive stored as?
The A: drive is the Floppy Disk
(very rarely seen these days)
The C: drive is the Partition on the Primary fixed disk holding the Windows installation
What does every drive contain?
A directory called the root directory
What character represents the Root directory?
\ Backslash
ex. C:\
What are System Files?
Files that are required for the operating system to function.
The Root directory typically contains three folders to separate system files from user data files, what are they? (3)
Windows. Program Files\Program Files (x86), and Users
- Windows
(The system root, containing drivers, logs, add-in applications, system and configuration files (notably the System32 subdirectory), fonts, and so on) - Program Files\Program Files (x86)
(Subdirectories for installed applications software. In 64-bit versions of Windows, a Program Files (x86) folder is created to store 32-bit applications) - Users
(Storage for users’ profile settings and data. Each user has a folder named after their user account. This subfolder contains NTUSER.DAT (registry data) plus subfolders for personal data files. The profile folder also contains hidden subfolders used to store application settings and customizations, favorite links, shortcuts, and temporary files)
What applet in Control Panel governs how Explorer shows folders and files?
The File Explorer Options applet
In the File Explorer Options applet, the General tab allows you to set what options? (2)
- the layout of Explorer
- Switch between the single-click and double-click styles of opening shortcuts
In the File Explorer Options applet, the View tab allows you to what? (3)
1. Hide extensions
2. Hide protected operating system files
3. Hidden files and folders
Where can you configure file search behavior? (2)
- On the Search tab in File Explorer
- Indexing Options applet
What does the Indexing Options applet allow you to do? (2)
- Define indexed locations
- Rebuild the index
What do Indexed locations include? (2)
1. Folders
2. Email data stores
What is a common cause for search problems?
A corrupted Index
Review #1 True or False? Under default settings, the user account added during setup is NOT affected by UAC (User Account Control)
False.
THIS SYSTEM CAN DISABLED VIA UAC SETTINGS, BUT IT IS ENABLED BY DEFAULT
Review #2 Assuming default Explorer view settings are configured, what steps should the user take to get better context of files?
Show hidden file extensions
Steps:
User must open File Explorer Options applet -> click View tab -> check the box show hidden file extensions
(Additional note: this can also be done via a check box on the View menu ribbon in File Explorer)
Review #3 A user calls to say that he clicked ‘Yes’ to a prompt to allow the browser to access the computer’s location services while using a particular site and is now worried about personal information being tracked by other sites. How can the user adjust the app permission in Windows?
Via the App permissions section under Privacy settings
(Additional note: most browser software can be configured to only allow location information on a per-site basis)
Review #4 You are assisting a home user who wants her spouse to be able to sign in to a new Windows laptop using a Microsoft account, Is this possible, and if so, which management interface is used?
Yes, it is possible. This can be done via the Accounts settings app.
(Additional note: you can also use the legacy control panel on both Win 10 & 11)
What does the System Settings page in the Settings app provide options for? (6)
- Configuring input and output devices
- Power
- Remote desktop
- Notifications
- Clipboard (data copying)
- About page
Advanced settings? (5)
- Performance options & Startup and recovery options
- Operation mode
- Environment variables
- User profiles.
- Paging
The computer can be set to favor performance of either foreground or background processes. which process is more recommended?
A desktop PC should always be left optimized for foreground processes.
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What does Windows Update do?
Hosts critical updates and security patches plus optional software and hardware device driver updates.
Where can update detection and scheduling be configured?
Via Settings > Update & Security or Windows Update
(Win 10 or Win 11)
What is a Feature Update?
Update that is released periodically and introduces changes to OS features and tools.
Where can you find Update activity/history?
Windows Event Viewer (in the Applications and Service Logs > Microsoft\Windows > WindowsUpdateClient > Operational log file)
What should you do if an update fails to install?
Go into Windows Event Viewer
Check the log to find the cause; the update will fail with an error code that you can look up on the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
What does the Windows Security page contain?
Windows Defender virus/threat protection and firewall
What is Microsoft Product Activation?
A valid product key or digital license.
What is Plug-and-Play?
Windows automatically detects when a new device is connected, locates drivers for it, and installs and configures it with minimal user input.
(*Note: When using a 64-bit edition of Windows, you must obtain 64-bit device drivers. 32-bit drivers will not work)
Hardware device configuration and management? (3)
- The System & Device settings pages
- Devices and Printers applet
- Device Manager
What are principal Display configuration settings? (3)
1. Color & Scale
2. Multiple displays
3. Resolution and refresh rate
What do you use the Sound applet in Settings or in Control Panel for?
To choose input (microphone) and output (headphones/speakers) devices and to set and test audio levels.
What does Power management allow Windows to do?
To selectively reduce or turn off the power supplied to hardware components.
What do Privacy Settings do?
Govern the usage data that Windows is permitted to collect and what device functions are enabled for which apps.
Is it possible for a computer to be configured to enter a power-saving mode automatically?
Yes,
This is important to avoid wasting energy when the computer is on but not being used and to maximize run-time when on battery power. The user can also put the computer into a power-saving state rather than shutting down
What does ACPI stand for?
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
What is ACPI designed to do?
Ensure software and hardware compatibility for different power-saving modes.
There are several levels of ACPI power mode
S0 level
powered on
There are several levels of ACPI power mode, what level is S5,
soft power off
The ACPI G3 level?
mechanically powered off
What is Standby?
Power-saving mode where everything except system memory is cut. Note that systems on standby still consume some electricity.
What is Hibernate?
Power-saving state where the contents of memory are saved to hard disk (hiberfil.sys) and the computer is powered off. Restarting the computer restores the desktop.
What is Standby suspended to?
Suspend to RAM (memory)
What is Hibernate suspended to?
Suspend to Disk
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What does “Hibernate /Suspend to Disk” do?
Saves any open but unsaved file data in memory to disk (as hiberfil.sys in the root of the boot volume) and then turns the computer off. This is also referred to as ACPI mode S4.
In Windows, what are these ACPI modes implemented as?
Sleep
Hybrid sleep
Modern standby
What does Sleep mode do?
A laptop goes into the standby state as normal; if running on battery power, it will switch from standby to hibernate before the battery runs down.
What does Hybrid Sleep mode do?
A desktop creates a hibernation file and then goes into the standby state. It can also be configured to switch to the full hibernation state after a defined period.
What does Modern Standby mode do?
Utilizes a device’s ability to function in an S0 low-power idle mode to maintain network connectivity without consuming too much energy.
What settings provides an interface for configuring timers for turning off the screen and putting the computer to sleep when no user activity is detected? What Control Panel applet provides additional configuration options for this? (2)
Power & sleep settings
Power Options applet
What does fast startup do?
Uses the hibernation file to instantly restore the previous system RAM contents and make the computer ready for input more quickly than with the traditional shutdown option.
What is a Hibernation file saved as? Where is it stored?
hiberfil.sys in the root of the boot volume
What does a power plan allow the user to do?
To switch between different sets of preconfigured options easily.
(Advanced power plan settings allow you to configure a very wide range of options, including CPU states, search and indexing behavior, display brightness, and so on)
What installable software does Windows supports? (3)
Windows Features
Store apps
User-context applications
Windows Features are components of the operating system that can be enabled or disabled. For example, the Hyper-V virtualization platform can be installed as an optional feature in supported Windows editions.
Store apps are installed via the Microsoft Store. Store apps can be transferred between any Windows device where the user signs in with that Microsoft account. Unlike desktop applications, store apps run in a restrictive sandbox. This sandbox is designed to prevent a store app from making system-wide changes and prevent a faulty store app from “crashing” the whole OS or interfering with other apps. This extra level of protection means that users with only standard permissions are allowed to install store apps. Installing a store app does not require confirmation with UAC or computer administrator-level privileges.
User-context applications can be installed in a user’s AppData folder. These applications do not need administrative credentials to install, as they do not install in either the System folders or Program Files folders.
How are Desktop apps installed?
Desktop apps are installed by running a setup program or MSI installer
What can be configured for Apps in the Apps settings? (2)
View and remove installed apps
Manage which apps run at startup
Programs and Features Control Panel applet type of interface?
The legacy software management interface.
(You can use it to uninstall and modify desktop applications and Windows Features)
What are the different Network Adaptor types? (4)
Ethernet
Wi-Fi
Cellular radio
Virtual private network (VPN)
What must each adaptor be configured with?
Internet Protocol (IP) address information
What must each Network that is connected to an adaptor have?
Must be assigned a trust profile (such as public, private, or domain)
What does the network profile type do?
The network profile type determines firewall settings.
Which profile type network is configured with more restrictive firewall policies? (public or private/domain)
A public network is configured with more restrictive firewall policies than a private or domain network.
What are the configuration utilities that network status and adapter information is managed with? (4)
Network & Internet settings
Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) applet
Network and Sharing Center applet
Advanced sharing settings applet
Network & Internet is the modern settings app used to view network status, change the IP address properties of each adapter, and access other tools.
Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) is a Control Panel applet for managing adapter devices, including IP address information.
Network and Sharing Center is a Control Panel applet that shows status information.
Advanced sharing settings is a Control Panel applet that configures network discovery (allows detection of other hosts on the network) and enables or disables file and printer sharing.
What does Windows Defender Firewall (Built-in, host-based filtering of network connections) do?
Determines which processes, protocols, and hosts are allowed to communicate with the local computer over the network.
(The Windows Security settings app and the applet in Control Panel allow the firewall to be enabled or disabled)
What does the Internet Options Control Panel applet exposes?
Exposes the configuration settings for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) browser.
(The Security tab is used to restrict what types of potentially risky active content are allowed to run. However, IE is end of life.)
What does MMC stand for?
Microsoft Management Concole
What does an Microsoft Management Console (MMC) contain?
MMC contains one or more snap-ins that are used to modify advanced settings for a subsystem, such as disks or users.
What are the MMC snap-ins? (9)
Computer Management
Defragment and Optimize Drives
Disk Cleanup
Event Viewer
Local Security Policy
Resource Monitor
Registry Editor
Services console
Task Scheduler
What does the MMC snap-in “Computer Management” do and what’s it’s file process format?
compmgmt.msc
The default management console with multiple snap-ins to schedule tasks and configure local users and groups, disks, services, devices, and so on.
What does the MMC snap-in “Defragment and Optimize Drives” do and it’s file process format?
dfrgui.exe
Maintain disk performance by optimizing file storage patterns.
What does the MMC snap-in “Disk Cleanup” do and it’s file process format?
cleanmgr.exe
Regain disk capacity by deleting unwanted files.
What does the MMC snap-in “Event Viewer” do and it’s file process format?
eventvwr.msc
Review system, security, and application logs.
What does the MMC snap-in “Local Security Policy” do and it’s file process format?
secpol.msc
View and edit the security settings.
What does the MMC snap-in “Resource Monitor” and “Performance Monitoring” do and it’s file process format?
resmon.exe
perfmon.msc
View and log performance statistics.
What does the MMC snap-in “Registry Editor” do and it’s file process format?
regedit.exe
Make manual edits to the database of Windows configuration settings.
What does the MMC snap-in “Services console” do and it’s file process format?
services.msc
Start, stop, and pause processes running in the background.
What does the MMC snap-in “Task Scheduler” do and it’s file process format?
taskschd.msc
Run software and scripts according to calendar or event triggers.
What key buttons shortcut shows a menu with links to the main management?
*(utilities, such as Device Manager, Computer Management, Command Prompt, and Windows PowerShell)
WINDOWS + X
(or right-clicking the Windows button)
Run Dialog (Windows interface for executing commands) shortcut buttons?
WINDOWS + R
Review #1 While troubleshooting an issue with a graphics card in Windows 10, you discover that the driver version is not up to date. What first step could you perform to install the latest driver?
In the Settings app, select Update & Security
Under Windows Update, select View optional updates If a graphics driver update is not listed here, check the vendor’s site for driver installation.
Review #2 You are assisting a user over the phone and need to identify the edition of Windows that is installed. What step instructions must you give for the user to report this information to you?
Open the Settings app, then select System
Select the About section, and read the text next to Edition under the Windows specifications heading.
Review #3 A Windows user is trying to join a video conference and cannot hear any sound from her headset. Which tool can you suggest using to try to remedy the fault?
Use the Sound settings found in the Settings app, or go into Hardware and Sound found in the Control panel and open the Sound applet.
Check the volume settings and that the headset is configured as the input and output device. If the headset is not listed, check the USB or Bluetooth connection.
Review #4 A user works on a document and leaves the file open for lunch. Upon the user’s return, the computer is in power-saving mode. How do you reassure the user and advise on the status of the file?
When a computer goes into a power-saving mode, it will either maintain a small amount of power to the memory modules or write the contents of memory to a hibernation file on disk (hiberfil.sys)
Consequently, the user should be able to start the laptop again, and the desktop will resume with the open file still there. (You should also advise the customer to save changes to files regularly)
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #1
A user is curious about the low-level data the system stored concerning their profile and wants to explore the file which contains it. In Windows, where does the user look?
A. Molex
B. NTUSER.DAT
C. OneDrive
D. File explorer
B. NTUSER.DAT
*Explanation:
Why it is NTUSER.DAT:
Each user has a folder named after their user account. This subfolder contains NTUSER.DAT (registry data) plus subfolders for personal data files. It stores users’ profile settings and data.
Why it’s not Molex:
While the SATA power connector is the best option for new devices, legacy components connect to the power supply unit (PSU) via a Molex connector.
Why it’s not OneDrive:
If users sign into the computer with a Microsoft account, this shows the files and folders saved to their cloud storage service on the internet.
Why it’s not Fire explorer:
File Explorer is the application used to browse files within a Windows computer. While you can browse to the user profile file using File Explorer, it will not give you the low-level profile data the scenario discusses.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #2
A security-conscious user limits what usage data Windows permits to collect. They also limit what device functions it enables and for which apps. Where does the user accomplish this?
A. User accounts
B. Instant Search
C. Privacy settings
D. VESA
C. Privacy Settings
*Explanation:
Why it is Privacy Settings:
Privacy settings govern what usage data Windows is permitted to collect and what device functions are enabled and for which apps. There are multiple settings toggles to determine what data collection and app permissions are allowed.
Why it is not User Accounts:
The User Accounts applet in the Control Panel is the legacy interface. It cannot be used to add new accounts but does provide options for adjusting the account name and changing the account privilege level between an administrator and standard user.
Why it is not Instant Search:
In Windows 10, in addition to the Start button, the taskbar contains the Instant Search box.
Why it is not VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association):
DisplayPort was developed as a royalty-free standard by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), which is an organization that represents PC graphics adapter and display technology companies.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #3
A new user requests that a few settings be configured to increase the comfortability while using a company computer. In particular, the user requests that the narration feature be enabled. Where does a support technician find this feature in the Ease of Access settings in Windows 10?
A. Vision
B. Hearing
C. Interaction
D. Audio
A. Vision
*Explanation:
Why it is Vision:
The vision group in the Ease of Use settings in Windows 10 contains several settings that aid for vision-impaired individuals. These settings include display, magnifier, high contrast, and narrator.
Why it is not Hearing:
The hearing group in the Ease of Use settings in Windows 10 includes closed captioning and audio settings. The narrator feature is a Vision group feature that assists with on-screen text reading.
Why it is not Interaction:
The interaction group in the Ease of Use settings in Windows 10 allows for keyboard, mouse, and other input control enhancements.
Why it is not Audio:
The audio feature is a setting found within the Hearing group. This setting allows for volume control capability.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #4
The receptionist at a record label company connects a phone to a computer so the songs already downloaded on the phone will play. Where does the receptionist set this up?
A. Device settings
B. NTUSER.DAT
C. Ease of access
D. Task view
A. Device Settings
*Explanation:
Why it is Device Settings:
The device settings pages contain options for input devices (mice, keyboards, and touch), print/scan devices, and adding and managing other peripherals attached over Bluetooth or USB.
Why it is not NTUSER.DAT:
Each user has a folder named after their user account. This subfolder contains NTUSER.DAT (registry data) plus subfolders for personal data files. It stores users’ profile settings and data.
Why it is not Ease of Access:
The ease of access settings configures input and output options to best suit each user. For example, vision configures options for cursor indicators, high-contrast and color-filter modes, and the Magnifier zoom tool.
Why it is not Task View:
Windows 10 also contains the Task View button. The middle part of the taskbar contains icons for apps that have an open window.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #5
A user is experimenting with the fast startup option to see if it really makes booting faster. What should they expect?
A. The computer will restart faster.
B. This only applies to computers with SSDs.
C. The computer will boot faster after being shutdown.
D. Apps will run in safe mode.
C. The computer will boot faster after being shutdown
*Explanation:
Fast startup allows the computer to boot faster after being shutdown, causing faster internal speeds of software and processes.
Turning on fast start-up will help the computer boot faster after a shutdown, but restart is unaffected because the hibernation mode is turned off, and a full shutdown is completed during a restart.
Fast startup does not only apply to solid state drives (SSDs), although if a user is using an SSD then this would be a really great way to help speed up both booting and normal operating system functions.
Enabling fast startup does not run applications in safe mode.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #6
A user wants to experiment with virtualization by enabling Microsoft’s virtualization solution. Where can the user go to enable this?
A. Features
B. Store apps
C. WSL
D. File Explorer
A. Features
*Explanation:
Windows Features are components of the operating system that can be enabled or disabled. For example, the Hyper-V virtualization platform can be installed as an optional feature in supported Windows editions.
Store apps are installed via the Microsoft Store. Store apps can be transferred between any Windows device where the user signs in with that Microsoft account.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows the installation of a Linux distribution and the use of Linux applications.
File Explorer would not be able to be used to install Hyper-V. The user would enable this through Windows Features.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #8
A technician assists a visually impaired person by making the text on their computer screen larger. Where can the technician configure this?
A. Ease of access
B. User accounts
C. Privacy settings
D. UAC settings
A. Ease of Access
*Explanation:
The ease of access settings configures input and output options to best suit each user. Vision configures options for cursor indicators, high-contrast and color-filter modes, and the Magnifier zoom tool.
The User Accounts applet in the Control Panel is the legacy interface. It cannot be used to add new accounts but does provide options for adjusting the account name and changing the account privilege level between an administrator and a standard user.
Privacy settings govern what usage data Windows is permitted to collect and what device functions are enabled and for which apps. There are multiple settings toggles to determine what data collection and app permissions are allowed.
The User Account Control (UAC) settings are controlled under the User Accounts applet.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #7
An administrator is configuring a user’s computer and is currently utilizing the User Accounts applet in the Control Panel. What is the administrator doing?
A. Viewing network status
B. Adjusting privacy settings
C. Checking printer access
D. Changing UAC settings
D. Changing UAC settings
*Explanation:
The administrator is changing the User Account Control (UAC) settings. UAC is a system to prevent unauthorized use of administrator privileges.
Network status and tasks can be viewed within the Network and Sharing Center applet of the Control Panel.
Privacy settings govern what usage data Windows is permitted to collect and what device functions are enabled and for which apps.
Printer access is not done through the user account applet. This would be done through the Printer applet.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #9
An enthusiastic computer user wants to test out the new Windows 11 desktop. Which of the following has become more easily accessible using Windows 11?
A. Multiple desktops
B. Instant Search
C. Task View
D. Notification area
A. Multiple Desktops
*Explanation:
Multiple desktops allow the user to set up different workspaces, such as one desktop that has windows for business apps open and another with windows and shortcuts for personal apps and games.
In Windows 10, in addition to the Start button, the taskbar contains the Instant Search box. The Start menu is activated by selecting the Start button or by pressing the START or Windows logo key on the keyboard.
Windows 10 also contains the Task View button. The middle part of the taskbar contains icons for apps that have an open window.
Windows 10 also introduced the notification area. The notification area contains icons for background processes.*
Lesson 1 - Practice Question #10
A user wants to optimize their Windows 10-based computer. The user pokes around in the system settings applet on their computer. What can the user NOT configure in the system settings applet?
A. Visual effects
B. Paging
C. File Explorer
D. Power
C. File Explorer
*Explanation:
File management is a critical part of using a computer. File Explorer is not found on the systems setting applet but enables a user to open, copy, move, rename, view, and delete files and folders.
System settings can control performance options to configure desktop visual effects for best appearance or best performance.
System settings can also manually configure virtual memory (paging), and operation mode. This is done through advanced settings. Advanced settings also allow the configuration of startup and recovery options, environment variables, and user profiles.
The system settings page in the settings app presents options for configuring input and output devices, power, remote desktop, notifications, and clipboard (data copying).*
End of Lesson 1 - Summary
Lesson 1: Summary
You should be able to use the Settings and Control Panel interfaces to configure Windows for different business-, home-, and user-requirements scenarios.
Guidelines for Configuring Windows
Document standard procedures and work instructions to make best use of Windows Settings and Control Panel for different tasks:
Verify OS configuration options, version information, and security via System and Update & Security settings.
Configure sign-in and desktop options via Accounts/User Accounts, Ease of Access, Time and Language, Personalization, and Privacy.
Set up hardware via System, Devices, Sound, Devices and Printers, Device Manager, and Power Options.
Configure file browsing and search via File Explorer Options and Indexing Options.
Set up apps and Windows features via Apps, Mail, Gaming, and Programs and Features.
Configure networking via Network and Internet, Network and Sharing Center, Windows Defender Firewall, and Internet Options.
Use Administrative Tools to access advanced configuration consoles.
Additional practice questions for the topics covered in this lesson are available on the CompTIA Learning Center.
Instant Search
Windows feature allowing rapid search of apps, data folders, messages, and the web.
Windows Settings
Touch-enabled interface for managing user and system settings in Windows.
Control Panel
Legacy management interface for configuring user and system settings in Windows.
Microsoft Account
Cloud-based SS0 service allowing users to synchronize settings between multiple Windows devices.
Account Settings
Windows Settings pages relating to user account creation and maintenance
User Accounts applet
Control Panel app relating to user account creation and maintenance.
Privacy Settings
Windows Settings pages related to personal data collection and use.
Time and Language Settings
Windows Settings pages allowing configuration of default data formats (date, currency, and so on), location information, and keyboard input locale.
Personalization Settings
Windows Settings pages related to customizing the appearance of the desktop using themes.
Ease of Access
Windows Settings pages related to desktop and input/output device accessibility configuration.
OneDrive
Cloud storage service operated by Microsoft and closely integrated with Windows.
This PC
File system object representing a Windows computer and the disk drives installed to it.
Recycle Bin
When files are deleted from a local hard disk, they are stored in the Recycle Bin. They can be recovered from here if so desired.
File Explorer Options
Control Panel app related to view and browsing settings for File Explorer.
Indexing Options
Control Panel app related to search database maintenance.
System Settings
Windows Settings pages relating to basic and advanced system settings.
Update & Security Settings
Windows Settings pages related to configuring automatic patching, deploying feature updates, and managing security features.
Windows Security
Touch-enabled app for configuring features such as firewall and antivirus.
Devices Settings
Windows Settings pages for using and configuring attached hardware.
Phone settings
Windows Settings pages for associating a smartphone with Windows.
Devices and Printers
Control Panel app for using and configuring attached hardware.
Device Manager
Primary interface for configuring and managing hardware devices in Windows. Device Manager enables the administrator to disable and remove devices, view hardware properties and system resources, and update device drivers.
Sound applet
Control Panel applet related to speaker and microphone configuration plus Windows sound events and notifications.
Standby
Power-saving mode where power to all compatible components except system memory is cut. Note that systems on standby still consume some electricity.
Hibernate
Power-saving state where the contents of memory are saved to hard disk (hiberfil.sys) and the computer is powered off. Restarting the computer restores the desktop.
sleep
Power-saving mode in Windows. On a laptop, this functions much like standby, but on a desktop, the system also creates a hibernation file before entering the standby state.
Power Options
Control Panel app related to configuring power button/lid events and power-saving modes.
fast startup
Power-saving option allowing swift resume from sleep via an image of system memory contents saved to a hibernation file.
Apps
Windows Settings pages relating to configuration of Windows Features and third-party software apps.
Programs and Features
Control Panel applet allowing management of Windows Features and third-party software.
Mail applet
Control Panel applet related to configuration of Microsoft Outlook email accounts and storage files.
Gaming settings
Windows Settings pages related to game mode settings and Xbox integration.
Network & Internet
Windows Settings pages related to interface configuration, network profiles, and proxy configuration.
Network & Sharing center
Control Panel related to interface configuration, network profiles, and discovery/file sharing settings.
Windows Defender Firewall
Built-in, host-based filtering of network connections.
Internet Options
Control Panel applet allowing configuration of the Internet Explorer web browser.
Administrative Tools
Folder in Control Panel containing default Microsoft management consoles used to configure the local system.
WinX menu
Start button shortcut menu with quick access to principal configuration and management utilities.
Run dialog
Windows interface for executing commands.
