CompTia A+ Core 2 (1.1 Windows versions and features)

Windows 7

2009, A refinement of Windows Vista, which quickly replaced earlier versions. Still very common, especially in enterprise environments.

Windows 8.1

2013, A free upgrade to Windows # intended to refine shortcomings and unpopular features.

Windows 10

2015, Uses a "rolling release" schedule with regular free feature updates that add new features but don't change the version number.

Compatibility issues with OS

32 bit vs 64 bit Software can be OS specific Drivers are OS specific Hardware can be OS specific

Control Panel/Settings

A utility providing central access to Windows settings. This is included in all versions of Windows, while the complementary _____ app was introduced in Windows 8. You can use both to change system or hardware settings, uninstall applications, configure networking features, manage user accounts, and personalize the appearance and behavior of Windows.

Domain access (Windows enterprise)

Allows the computer to join an Active Directory domain managed by a Windows server. Domains allow central management of user accounts and network resources, as well as Group Policies that can enforce system and user settings throughout the domain.

RDP host (Windows enterprise)

Allows the computer to serve as a host for remote desktop connections. Home editions can still run this, but cannot serve as hosts.

EFS (Encrypting File System) (Windows enterprise)

Allows users to protect specific files and folders from unauthorized access.

Action Center/Security Center

An interface to manage built-in utilities to secure and protect your computer. These include Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, and troubleshooting and recovery tools. In Windows 10 this refers to a separate feature that displays system notifications and quick access features.

Network and Sharing Center

An interface to manage your computer's network controllers and connections, both to the Internet and to local networks.

Mac OSx

Apple computers' primary operating system GUI Not free Can't buy standalone Not compatible with most other hardware

Architecture

Both the OS and installed applications must be compatible with the CPU architecture of the computer, such as Intel x86 used by desktop PCs or ARM used by most mobile devices. Both x86 and ARM are also available in 32-bit and 64-bit variants.

Windows 10 (Editions)

Home Pro Education Enterprise

Vendor specific Limitations (OS)

End-of-life No longer supported

Hardware support (Windows Enterprise)

Can generally support more physical RAM and CPUs than Home editions.

64-bit (CPU)

Can install both size bit operating systems and applications. Can run ##-bit applications. Most also provide support for both applications. use separate device drivers.

Windows Mobile OS

For use on smartphones running on ARM processors. No longer being developed, but still is supported with security fixes. Its numbering generally corresponds to that of client versions with similar features.

Windows IoT OS

For use on specialized embedded devices. Supports x86, x64, and ARM processors, but some older versions also supported other architectures.

Windows 8/8.1 & 10 Minimum Requirements (x64)

16hz CPU, 16 - 20 GB HARD DRIVE 1 - 2 GB RAM Direct X 9 with WDDM Allows touchscreen Better ARM support

Windows 7 (Minimum requirements)

1GHz CPU, 1GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit), Thanks16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) of disk space, DirectX 9 graphics using WDDM v1.0 or higher driver, DVD-ROM drive.

Synchronization in Windows

Introduced in Windows 8, allows linking your user profile with an online Microsoft account. You can even use a Microsoft account as your local user account. By linking to your online account, you can access online services like email and calendar, and share your user data and settings across multiple devices.

OS compatibility

It must also be compatible with the hardware you need to install it on, and with the software you want to use with it. In networked environments, you even need to consider its compatibility with other computers it needs to communicate with.

Windows Servers

Multiple versions, designed for network servers. The core of the operating system is the same, it includes a number of network services you wouldn't normally need on a desktop PC, and can support additional hardware such as multiple processors and more RAM than a typical desktop can use. Generally has a name corresponding to its year of release and it has an interface and features based off the client edition of Windows that's current when it was released.

Applications and software

Must be compatible with the OS. In general, executable programs must be designed for a specific OS, such as Windows or Linux, so you need to have a version that's compatible with yours. They might also work only with specific versions of a given OS, so read the system requirements for any software you want to use.

32-Bit (CPU)

OS, drivers, and apps must be ##-bit. Can only run ##-bit applications. use separate device drivers. Can't address more than 2.5-3 GB of system RAM.

Linux OS

Open source and free Not very easy for beginners Offer Ubuntu GUI or text based

BranchCache (Windows enterprise)

Optimizes network performance on wide area networks by letting computers cache and share downloaded files with other local computers.

Windows XP

Released 2001, First NT-based Windows marketed to both home and business users. Oldest Windows version still found in common use.

Device Drivers

Since the operating system allocates hardware resources, it must interface closely with hardware devices. An OS includes a variety of these for the hardware devices it supports. Hardware manufacturers can also create these for their own devices, but a given device needs a different one for each operating system version the manufacturer wants to support.

Windows 7 (Editions)

Starter (32 bit only) Home Basic Premium Professional Ultimate Enterprise

Windows 8.1 upgrades

The OneDrive cloud storage app, which enables you to synchronize user files between multiple PCs via your Microsoft account. It was available as a separate download previously. A new Task View task switcher, with support for multiple virtual desktops. Ability to boot directly to the Windows desktop, like Windows 7 but unlike Windows 8.

Windows Explorer/File Explorer

The Windows shell, or the primary application used to interact with Windows. It includes both an interface to navigate the folders and other locations on your computer and the network, and the taskbar that displays running applications on your desktop.

Windows

The most dominant OS in the world. First released in 1980s.

Windows 8 & 8.1 (Editions)

Unamed Pro Enterprise

Server

Used for computers that primarily provide services for other computers over the network; examples include web, email, and applications. Tend to support multiple concurrent users, but are usually accessed through the network. Also tend to use Windows, macOS, or Linux and other UNIX-like operating systems; however, they usually use editions with more focus on network services and less on local user applications.

Workstation

Used for desktop and laptop computers. May support multiple users but are generally only used by a single person at a time; their design prioritizes user interfaces including input, output, and application support. Common operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Mobile

Used for devices such as smartphones and tablets which can perform general computing capabilities. Are similar to those on workstations but are specialized for mobile hardware and networks; they also tend to be more restrictive and tightly integrated. Common systems include iOS, Android, and ChromeOS.

Embedded

Used for specialized devices that don't perform general computing tasks, ranging from consumer devices like TVs and game consoles to network devices like printers and routers. Usually provide limited services and interface features, and don't allow users to load and run arbitrary applications. Instead, they're focused on the core functions of the device. Some are more limited versions of a server or mobile OS.

Windows Accessories

User applications included with Windows. Some include Notepad, WordPad, Paint, Calculator, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media Player.

Windows Mobile

Version of the Windows OS that runs on smart phones and other types of handheld computers. No longer sold. Still supports Window 10 phones 32 bit architecture Same attributes as Android and Mac phones

BitLocker (Windows Enterprise)

When enabled, protects entire drives and volumes with full disk encryption.

Windows Aero interface

Windows 7 Glassy-looking windows, highly detailed icons, and a lot of flashy visual effects. Was introduced with Windows Vista. Some Windows 7 components use a Ribbon interface similar to that of Microsoft Office, while others use a combination of text menus and graphical toolbars like older Windows applications. Third-party apps designed for Windows 7 and earlier use similar interfaces.

Modern UI for windows

Windows 8. Uses bold, solid colors backing larger text and simply colored icons. Have sharper corners and less ornamentation. Instead of tiny detailed icons and text, information such as application lists are shown as large and clear tiles. Applications have more streamlined interfaces as well, with larger menu options and other controls. These changes make this easier to navigate on touchscreens, mobile devices, and under changing lighting conditions.

OneDrive

Windows 8. Storage app which allows you to synchronize user files between multiple PCs.

Search/Cortana

Windows always had some features to help you search for files and programs on your computer, but in Windows Vista and later it became more robust and easier to use. Later versions expanded this to include online search results, and in Windows 10 the __________ personal assistant also allows you to perform voice searches and arrange your schedule.

Chrome OS

a Linux-based operating system designed to work primarily with web apps Google Not open source 32 & 64 bit architecture

Windows Vista

2006, Major changes in security and functionality. First Windows version with widespread 64-bit support.

Windows 8

2012, Major changes in interface and online functionality. First version to support Windows Store apps.

Windows 8 upgrades

A Settings app which allows easier access to many features previously in Control Panel. An updated version of Windows Defender which includes real-time antivirus scanning. Improved backup and restore capability using the File History feature. Improved support for hardware such as touchscreens, multiple displays, UEFI firmware, and USB 3.0 controllers

System restore

A feature that automatically saves configuration settings periodically or before system changes. If you encounter system problems, you may be able to fix them by reverting to a restore point.

Event Viewer

A logging tool that records errors, warnings, and routine events generated by Windows and its installed applications. You can use it to troubleshoot hardware and software problems or security issues.

Start menu

A menu located on the Windows taskbar, which allows you to access all installed applications and many other Windows features. In Windows 8 it was replaced by the slightly different Start screen, but in Windows 10 a new one combines the features of both.

Powershell

A more advanced command prompt included with Windows 7 and later. It provides a wider variety of commands and features than the original Command Prompt, and also provides a scripting language that power users can use for task automation.

Windows 10 upgrades

A new Start menu that combines features of the Windows 7 Start menu and Windows 8 Start screen Windows Store apps that operate in windowed mode, rather than full screen as in Windows 8 Cortana, a digital assistant and search tool which responds to both keyboard and voice requests Edge, a newly designed web browser replacing the deprecated Internet Explorer The Microsoft Defender Security Center, replacing the security-themed Action Center A new Action Center on the taskbar, used for quick settings and centralized notifications Improved integration with phones and mobile devices

Computer Management

A software console allowing direct access to a number of system administration tools. You can use it to schedule automated tasks, partition hard drives, view logged system events, and manage Windows services and hardware devices.

Command Prompt

A text-based interface, similar to that used on the oldest PCs. It provides an alternative route for advanced users to perform many operating system tasks. It can also run command-line applications that don't use the graphical Windows environment.

Deprecated windows features

Gadgets featured in Windows Vista and Windows 7 proved to be a security risk and were disabled by Windows 7 updates. Beginning with Windows 8, File History has replaced Backup and Restore. The old utility is still available as "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)". Its related Shadow Copies function was limited in Windows 8, but restored in Windows 10. In Windows 8 and later, Windows Media Center and DVD video playback are no longer included. In Windows 10, Edge has replaced Internet Explorer as the default browser, but IE remains available for compatibility reasons. The April 2018 Update for Windows 10 removed the Homegroup resource sharing feature introduced in Windows 7.

Android Mobile

Google phones Most market share Based off Linux Open source and free Can develop apps 32 & 64 bit architecture