Microsoft Windows 7 Chapter 3

Administrative Tools

a group of MMC consoles that are used to manage Windows 7. Computer Management, Event Viewer, and Services are the most commonly used.

Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)

a legacy standard for connecting expansion cards to the motherboard in computers.

HomeGroup

a new feature in Windows 7 that is used to configure files and printer sharing for small peer-to-peer computer networks.

Action Center

a place where you can review and resolve security and maintenance messages.

ISCSI

a protocol for transferring files between a computer and external disk storage over and Ethernet network.

Power plan

a set of configuration options for power management. The Balanced, Power save, and High performance power plans are created by default

Pixel

a single dot on the display

MMC Snap-in

a small software component that can be added to an MMC console to provide functionality. An MMC snap-in typically manages some part of Windows.

Plug and play

a standard for devices, BIOSes, and operating systems to interact and automatically assign resources to devices

Device driver signing

a system that ensures that a device driver is from a known publisher and that the device driver has not been modified since it was signed.

Applet

a tool or utility. in control panel that is focused on configuring a particular part of Windows 7

Task Scheduler

a utility that allows you to schedule tasks to run at a particular time or based on specific events occuring

File Signature Verification utility

a utility that verifies the digital signature on operating system files and device drivers.

Service

a windows application that runs in the background without user interaction

S3 State

an ACPI power saving mode that disables power to all devices except RAM

S0 State

an ACPI power saving mode that disables power to specific devices as requested by the operating system, but keeps the overall system running

Services administrative tool

an MMC console used to manage Windows services

Performance Monitor

an MMC console used to monitor and troubleshoot the performance of your computer.

Device Manager

an MMC snap-in that is used to manage hardware components and their device drivers.

Away Mode

an instant-on power saving mode that keeps the system in the S0 state.

Multiple Monitors

attaching two or more displays to a single computer. The information can be exactly the same on each display, or each display can be used independently by using extended mode.

System applet

shows basic information about your computer, such as Windows edition, performance rating, activation status, Links are provided to configure system properties

Device Driver

software that manages the communication between Windows 7 and a particular hardware component.

Color Depth

the number of bits that are used to store the color information for each pixel in the display.

Region and Language Options applet

used to configure display and input options to support different languages and regions. Settings include time, date, and number formats.

Parental controls

used to restrict user access to web sites and view activity reports on web site access.

Autoplay

Automatically performs a configurable action when new removable media is inserted into the computer.

Display Applet

a control panel applet that gives you links to adjust the screen resolution, calibrate color, change displayed settings, adjust ClearType text, and set a custom text size.

Standby

See S3 state

Hibernate

See S4 State

Ease of Access Center applet

a collection of settings to make Windows 8 easier to use for those that have visual or hearing impairment.

Peripheral Component Interface (PCI)

a current standard for connecting expansion cards to a computer motherboard. PCI devices are plug and play.

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

a graphical interface shell that provides a structured environment to build management utilities.

Biometric Devices Applet

A control panel applet that is used to configure biometric devices and the authentication data associated with them.

Aero Glass

A visual effect that is part of the Aero look and feel of Windows 7. Many graphical elements have a semitransparent appearance to allow users to see other windows under the active one. This is done to allow the user a better feel for what other apllications are doing in the background with being too distracting.

S4 State

An ACPI power saving mode that saves contents of RAM to disk then disables power to all devices including RAM

Event Viewer

An MMC console that is used to view messages generated and logged by Windows 7, applications, and services.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

Encrypts all of the data on a hard drive to keep data secure even if a hard drive is stolen.

Computer Management

One of the most commonly used Administrative tools. This MMC console contains the snap-ins to manage most of Windows 7 components.

Back Up and Restore

Recovery tools for files and the overall operating system. Backup and system restore can be found here.

Internet Options

Settings to control Internet Explorer, including security settings.

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

The current standard for power management that is implemented in Windows 7 and by computer manufacturers.

Hybrid Sleep

The sleep method used by Windows 7 that combines the S3 state and S4 state. When the computer moves to the S3 State, it also saves the memory file required for the S4 state.

MMC Console

a collection of one ore more snap-ins that are saved as an .msc file for later use.

Data Sources (ODBC)

Used to configure data sources for applications that require access to a database.

Control Panel

a central location for Windows 7 Management utilities. Most system settings are configured here.

Driver Store

a central location in Windows 7 where drivers are located before they are installed. A large set of drivers is included with Windows 7.

Network and Sharing center

a central location used to view network status and detailed network information.

Speech Recognition Options applet

configures how windows 7 performs speech recognition, and allows you to train speech recognition for your voice.

Folder Options applet

configures the behavior of Windows Explorer, including whether file extensions are hidden for known files types, and whether hidden files are displayed.

Sound applet

configures the properties for the audio devices in your system and configures a sound scheme

Windows Firewall

protects your computer by controlling the communication between your computer and the network