Windows System Utilities

Question 1

The Run Line

Answer 1

• Start an application as a command
  
  • Instead of graphical interface (mouse)
• Use the run / search or Command Prompt
  
  • Specify option as a part of the command

Question 2

The Windows Command Line

Answer 2

• CMD
  
  • The “other” Windows
• Many Options
  
  • The power under the hood

Question 3

REGEDIT

Answer 3

• The Windows Registry
  
  • The big hug master database
  • Hierarchical structure
• Used by almost everything
  
  • Kernel , device drives
  • Services
  • Security Acct Manager (SAM)
  • User Interface , Applications

-Backup your registry - Built into REGEDIT

Question 4

SERVICES.MSC

Answer 4

• Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Services
• Control background applications
• Useful when troubleshooting the startup process
• Services can reveal dependencies between applications

Question 5

Microsoft Management Console

MMC

Answer 5

-Microsoft Management Console

• Build your own management framework
  
  • Choose from a list of “snap-ins”

-Framework used for many built-in management tools

Question 6

MSTSC

Answer 6

• Microsoft Terminal Services Client
  
  • Remote Desktop Connection
• Access a desktop on another computer
  
  • Or connect to a terminal server
• Commonly used for management
  
  • Headless services

Question 7

NOTEPAD

Answer 7

-View & edit text files

• Included with Windows
  
  • Almost any version

Question 8

EXPLORER

Answer 8

• Windows Explorer
  
  • File management
• View , copy , launch files
  
  • Granular control
• Easier access to network resources
  
  • Browse & view

Question 9

MSINFO32

Answer 9

• Windows System Information
  
  • Wealth of knowledge
• Hardware Resources
  
  • Memory , DMA , IRQ’s conflicts
• Components
  
  • Multimedia , display , input , network
• Software Environment
  
  • Drivers , print jobs, running taks

Question 10

DXDIAG

Answer 10

• DirectX Diagnostic Tool
  
  • Manage your DirectX installation
• Multimedia API
  
  • 3D graphics
  • Audio
  • Input options
• Also makes very nice diagnostics tool
  
  • Not just for testing DirectX

Question 11

DEFRAG

Answer 11

• Disk defragmentation
  
  • Moves file fragment so they are contiguous
  • Improves read / write time
• Not necessary for solid state drives (SSD)
• Graphical version in the drive properties

-Requires elevated permission
-Command Line : defray
defrag c:

Question 12

System Restore

Answer 12

• Creates frequent restore points
• F8 = Advanced Boot Option - Repair
• Windows Vista : All programs / Accessories / System tools / Systems Restore
• Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 : Control Panel / Recovery
• Doesn’t guarantee recovery from viruses & spyware

Question 13

Windows Update

Answer 13

• Keep your OS up to date
• Automatic Installation
• Download , but wait for install
  
  • You control the time
• Check but don’t download
• Never check