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Sync Center

A Windows 7 control panel are used to synchronize files between computers

System Volume (SYSVOL)

A Windows term describing the storage space that holds Windows OS files used to boot

Task Manager (Taskmgr.exe)

A Windows utility that lets you view the applications and processes running on your computer as well as information about process and memory performance, network activity, and user activity.

MBR (Master Boot Record)

A program that reads the partition table to find the primary partition used to boot the system.

multiboot installation

A situation in which a computer can boot from two or more OS

system restore

A utility in Windows that restores system settings to a specific previous date when everything was working properly.

disk clean up

A utility included with Windows that gets rid of unused files on your hard disk.

HFS (Hierarchical File System) (APFS-Apple file system)

Developed by Apple. Windows can read it, but needs additional software to write it.

compatibility mode

Microsoft Windows tool used to emulate older OS so that older apps or hardware can be used on a newer OS

Easy Transfer

Microsoft app that copies files and OS settings to another device, removable media, over a network, or to another storage location

component services

Microsoft management console snap-in that can configure and administer component object model (COM) components, COM+ apps, and the distributed transaction coordinator (DTC)

internal hard drive partition (boot option)

OS boot option that boots from a bootable partition

internal fixed disk (boot option)

OS boot option that boots from a partition on an internal hard drive

external hard drive (boot option)

OS boot option when a USB or eSATA drive is used

Image deployment

OS installation method in which a system image is taken from an external drive, disc, or server and put on a computer

no OS found

OS is corrupt, there is a problem with the boot device such as the hard drive, or the BIOS/UEFI setting are incorrect

Windows installation requirements

Processor- 1 GHz RAM- 1GB (32bit)/2GB (64bit) graphics- support for directX9 or higher with 1.0 WDDM driver harddrive space- 16GB(32-bit)/20 GB(64bit)

dynamic disk

Windoes tem for a volume that can be resized and managed without rebooting

System control panel

Windoes utility that allows computer configuration such as adding or removing software/hardware, configuring a screen saver, adjusting a monitor, configuring a mouse, installing networking components

NTLDR (new technology loader) is missing

Windows 7 boot error condition in which the OS needs to be reinstalled

workgroup

Windows 7 can be configured for this type, but file and print sharing are not automatically enabled

Advanced boot options

Windows boot menu used to access tools for troubleshooting. press fi when the computer is booting (before Windows loads) to access the advance boot options

Failure to boot

Windows condition that may require OS repairs or reload

resource monitor

Windows graphic tool that shows performance for the main system components

Device Manager

Windows program that views and configures hardware

devices and printers

Windows section of the control panel used to view, install, remove, and manage wired and wireless devices

Safe Mode

Windows starts with minimum device drivers and services. Windows option used when the computer stalls, slows down, does not work properly, or has improper video settings or intermittent errors or when a new hardware/software installation causes problems.

shadow copy

Windows technology used with the system restore program that uses a block-level image instead of monitoring certain files for file changes

basic disk

Windows term for a drive that has been partitioned and formatted

file history

Windows tool that allows backing up a specific user's libraries instead of the entire system and supports scheduling these backing ups

disk management

Windows tool that can partition and manage hard drives

Performance monitor

Windows tool that monitors resources such as memory and CPU usage and that allows creation of graphs, bars charts, and text reports

event viewer

Windows tool that monitors various events in the computer

Remote access connection

Windows tool used to remotely access a Windows based device that does not require someone to be at that computer and does not prompt for permission.

Remote Assistance

Windows tool used to remotely access a Windows device. The remote computer displays a prompt requesting permission for remote access.

USMT (User State Migration Tool)

Windows tool used when deploying a large number of Windows computers

system configuration utility

Windows utility that allows boot files and setting to be enabled/disabled for troubleshooting purposes. The command that brings up this utility is *msconfig.exe*

Task Scheduler

Windows-based utility that allows apps or tasks to be executed periodically or at a specific date and time. this can include a systemwide message

storage spaces

Wjndows 8/10 that allows combining different types of storage devices into one writable space

Optimize and defragment

a Windows tool accessed with the defragment button or through the *defrag* command. It is used to put files in contiguous clusters on the hard drive for better performance

Domain

a corporate environment in which users authenticate with centralized user ID and password

update network settings

a device might need the network settings updated in order to get onto the wired or wireless network. This could involve using the *ipconfig /release* and *ipconfig /renew* commands or changing the IP address to a manually assigned one

ext3 (third extended file system)

a file system type used in Linux-based OS that introduced journaling( tracks changes in case OS crashes, allowing it to be restarted without reloading

system file

a file that is needed to allow a computer to boot. aka start up file

shares

a folder that has been set so that others can use it. this can be on a computer, printer, or network resource such as a scanner

extended partition & logical partition

a hard drive division a division of an extended partition. a logical partition can be assigned a drive letter, formatted, and used for storage

remote settings (link)

a link used from the system control panel utility to configure remote desktop and remote access

Automatic updates

a method for getting newer Windows OS files

reimage

a process of putting a new image (OS, apps, and settings) on a corporate computer

reboot

a restart of an OS aka warm start

slow boot

a situation that could be caused by the OS, startup apps, services, or too many startup login scripts

restore point

a snapshot image of the registry and some of the dynamic system files that have been saved previously by the system restore utility. This is used when a Windows computer has a problem

WRP (Windows resource protection)

a tool that protects OS files, folders, and important registry keys, using access control list

reliablilty monitor

a tool that provides a visual graph in Windows Vista or 7 of how stable the system is and shows details on events that might have affected system reliability

Windows Memory diagnostic

a tool used to thoroughly test RAM. Accessed from a command prompt using the *mdsched* command or using the administrative tools section of the control panel > diagnose your computer's memory problems link

ReadyBoost

a utility that can speed up the Windows boot process by caching some startup files to a 256MB+ flash drive, SD card, or CF card

Refresh your PC

a windows 8/8.1 tool reinstalls the OS but keeps user data and settings.

Print Management

a windows administrative tool used to manage printers. *printmanagement.msc*

Computer Management console

a windows tool that displays a large group of tools on one screen

shared folders

a windows tool used to view shares, sessions, and open files

swap partition aka paging file

acts as a memory overflow and allows secondary storage to let programs exceed the size of available physical memory by using hard drive space as memory

System Properties

adjust virtual memory

apply updates

after an OS installation, dont forget to download and install the OS and apps updates as well as check for newer device drivers

network boot

aka Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) boot, where the system boots from a server that deploys an OS image to a computer

credential manager

allows to store usernames, passwords, and other login details that are used to log on to websites or other computers on a network

data sources

also called Data Sources ODBC (open database connectivity), a programming interface that allows apps to access data from a database

Service

an application that can be started using this window or configured so that it starts when the computer boots. process that provides a specific function to the computer

optical disc (boot option)

boot method that uses a CD, DVD, or Bluray disc that has an OS on it

update the boot order

can cause a Windows computer to not boot is the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings

black screen

check the video cable, power to the display, and the video card of installed. use safe mode or last known good configuration boot option

ACLs (Access Control Lists)

code that permits or denies changes to the OS a means of providing a security filter where traffic is allowed or denied based on configuration parameters

performance (virtual memory)

computer's performance is affected by the virtual memory settings, which allocate a specific amount of hard drive space that can be used when even more apps and data loaded more than the amount of RAM installed

performance monitor

configure a specific number of processors the computer uses to boot

digital signature

confirms that the hardware or updated driver being installed is compatible with windows, aka driver signing

local users and groups

creates and manages accounts for those who use the computer or computer resources from a remote network computer

Registry

database that contains information about the environment, including installed hardware/software and users

shrink partition

decreases size of partition

msconfig

disable a computer vendor app that keeps running everytime the computer boots, trying to get the user to buy storage space

device management

disable a piece of hardware

splitting partition

dividing space on a hard drive or making one partition smaller and then creating a new partition with the relinquished drive space

Full formatting

during an installation process to partition to drive, this option identifies and marks bad sectors on the drive so they will not be used for data storage.

quick formatting

during an installation process, a function used to prepare a hard drive partition but NOT identify and mark sectors so that they wont be used

system log

each OS has logs that can be viewed when things go wrong. Windows event viewer is used

CDFS (Compact Disc File System)

file system for optical media

FAT16

file system that supports hard drives up to 2 GB in old OS and 4 GB partition limitation with XP or higher

Fat32

file system that supports hard drives up to 2 TB

ext4 (Fourth Extended File System)

file system type used in Linux-based OS that supports larger volume and file sizes that ext3

system requirements (application)

hardware and software required for an application to be installed

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

holds snap-ins or tools used to maintain the computer aka computer management console

boot volume

holds the majority of the Windows OS files. Can be the same volume as the system volume

rebuild a Windows profile

if a message appears that the user profile cannot be loaded, make a copy of the user profile folder, rename the registry key, and have the user log in again

Roll back windows update

if a windows update causes a system to have issues, roll back the update to a previous one and then apply the updates one at a time

Assigning/Changing Drive Letters

in disk management, right click on a drive volume> change drive letters and paths

service fails to start

in this situation, use the services computer management tool to investigate and possibility manually start the service

extending partition

increases the size of a partition

slow performance

indication that a computer system is OS in a less than efficient manner

in-place upgrade

installs a newer OS version while preserving current settings, applications, and user files

unattended installation

installs an OS system using a script

initializing

makes a drive available to be used

adding drive

makes sure that the drive is recognized by the BIOS

mounting

maps an empty folder on an NTFS volume

refresh rate

measured in Hertz, this is the amount of time it takes for the screen to be drawn in one second . in LCDs it is called temporal resolution rate is traditionally 60 HZ

Drive Partition

method of allocating space on a harddrive that is recognizable by the OS

Windows update/patch/service pack

modified files provided for the current OS

%systemroot%/System32

ntoskenl.exe hal.dll winload.exe

Color depth

number of bits that control color and determine the maximum number of colors that can be displayed

standard user

one of the two basic types of Windows accounts that cannot install most apps or change system settings

NFS (Network File System)

open standard protocol used for sharing files across a network

Time/date/region/language settings

part of the OS installation is to set these preferences

load alternative third party driver

part of the Windows installation process that a technician must download drivers for hardware such as a RAID controller before starting the installation process

rights

permissions granted or denied to files, folders, and network resources

administrator

person responsible for setting up and maintaining a system, such as a Windows computer. full control

printing issue

problem when trying to send output to the printer try printing a test page

user account management

process of creating a user, adding that user to a group, and managing those functions

program compatibility wizard

program that can check for software app compatibility with newer Windows ver

remote network installation

pulling an image from a server or network share in order to load an OS

clean installation

puts an OS on a system that does not have one or removed the existing OS in order to install a new one

Refresh/Restore Installation

reinstalls Windows while keeping any saved files, apps, and settings that you have reinstalled

homegroup

removed from Windows 10, but files and folders can still be shared across a small network

repair installation

replacement of the Windows OS when files have been corrupt or the system wont boot properly

system restore

run a test of hard drive reads per second and writes per second to see if the drive is causing slowdown issues

baseline

snapshot of a computer's performance (memory, CPU usage, etc) during normal operations (before a problem or slowdown is apparent)

device driver

special software that allows an OS to access a piece of hardware

application crash

specific program quits working use the task manager to quit a crashed app

kill task

step to take if an app has frozen or quit responding

drive status

storage device state that can be viewed in Windows Disk management

slow profile load

the company may make use of local or domain policies including user and group profiles. Too many profiles that are required at startup slows the startup/login process

NTFS (New Technology File System)

the file system used with Microsoft OS (starting with Windows NT). offers encryption, compression, larger file size, and longer filenames.

primary partition

the first detected drive partition on a hard drive that has been configured with a basic disk

ReFS (Resilient File System)

the microsoft replacement file for NTFS

resolution

the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device or printer

system protection

the system protection of the control panel > system protection tab is used to set up and configure system restore, manage restore points, and manage the amount of disk space used by system restore

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)

theoretical 16 EB max file space, max volume of 64 ZB, smaller cluster sizes that fat32, and an increased number of files allowed in a directory. creadted for extended storage media such as flash drives and hard drives for saving images and videos

activation clock

timer for Windows OS. when creating an image, a technician must reset or re-arm the activation clockif a single activation key is used. this give a 30-90 day grace period before having to re enter the product key

defragment the hard drive

to reorder files in contiguous clusters on the hard drive

WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment)

tool on the Windows installation disc and also in windows that includes multiple tools used to troubleshoot Windows when it does not work properly

Services option

tool that can be accessed through Windows computer management console by typing *services.msc* from a command prompt.

error checking

tool that checks the drive for file system errors, bad hard drive sectors, and lost clusters

boot partition

type of partition found in Windows that contains the OS. the boot partition can be in the same partition as the system partition, which is the part of the hard drive that holds hardware-specific files

GPT (GUID [globally unique identifier]Partition Table)

type of partition table available in 64 but Windows edition. GPTs can have up to 128 partitions and volumes up to 18EB

disable windows app

use the system configuration utility Startup tab to disable apps that start automatically

device manager

used to change or view hardware configuration settings and print a summary of all hardware installed

Windows Upgrade Advisor

used to determine if a computer can function well with a higher version of Windows installed

KMS (Key Management Service)

used with 25 or more Windows computers, and a computer has the KMS software app installed. all newley installed installed computers register with the KMS computer. every 180 days, the computer is reactivated for the license. each KMS key can be used on two computers up to 10 times

application log

whenever an application is crashing or not operating properly, the OS logs that issue

Reset this PC

windows 10 recovery option that reinstalls Windows and deletes users' files, apps, and settings

virtual XP mode

windows 7 tool that was previously known as Windows XP Mode used in Windows 7 Professional and higher to allow older apps to run

Graphical interface fails to load

windows startup problem in which startup files are missing or corrupt or there are hardware problems

sfc (System File Checker)

windows tool used to verify OS files

Restart-Service

windows, use the service computer management tool to restart a service that has stopped responding

disable a service

windows, use the services option from within the computer management console in order to disable a service that might be causing issues

Root directory of a system partition

winresume.exe bootmgr.exe

UAC (User Account Control)

works with internet explorer/edge, windows defender, and parental controls to provide heightened awareness of security issues