Windows Operating System Fundamentals

A clear and concise resource, the ideal guide to Windows for IT beginners

Windows Operating System Fundamentals covers everything you need to know about Windows 10. Learn to master the installation process and discover the cool new features of Windows 10, including Edge, Cortana, and more. And because this book follows the Windows Server Operating System Fundamentals MTA Certification, it is perfect for IT professionals who are new to the industry and need an entry point into IT certification.

This book covers the basics of the Windows operating system, from setting up user accounts to using the start menu, running applications, and setting up internet access. You’ll be prepared to upgrade a computer to Windows 10 and to master the basic tools necessary to work effectively within the OS. Each chapter closes with a quiz so you can test your knowledge before moving to the next section.

• Learn to configure your Windows 10 operating system, optimize account controls, configure user profiles, customize system options, and more!
• Understand how to use Windows applications and tools for managing LAN settings, configuring Microsoft Edge, and setting up remote assistance
• Use Windows to manage devices like printers, cloud storage, OneDrive, and system devices
• Maintain, update, protect, and backup your data by configuring Windows Update, automated backup, and system recovery and restore

With Windows Operating System Fundamentals, IT Professionals looking to understand more about Windows 10 will gain the knowledge to effectively use applications, navigate files and folders, and upgrade client systems. Thanks to the troubleshooting tools and tips in this book, you can apply your new skills in real-world situations and feel confident while taking the certification exam.

Crystal Panek, MCP, MCP+I, MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, MCDBA has trained students and IT professionals at the MicroC, Stellacon Corporation, and the University of New Hampshire. She served as vice-president of a large IT training company for over 15 years developing training materials and courseware to help 1000's of students pass their certification exams. She currently creates courseware for several large IT training facilities.

Introduction xix

Lesson 1 Installing and Upgrading Client Systems 1

Understanding Windows Systems 3

Understanding User Interfaces 4

Determining Appropriate Editions Per Device Type 5

Understanding Processor and Memory Architecture 10

Understanding Drivers 12

Understanding Windows 10 System Requirements 13

Understanding Installation Types 17

Installing Windows 10 18

Performing a Clean Install of Windows 10 20

Upgrading to Windows 10 23

Migrating to Windows 10 from Previous Versions of Windows 26

Skill Summary 31

Knowledge Assessment 32

Multiple Choice 32

Fill in the Blank 34

True/False 34

Case Scenarios 34

Scenario 1-1: Troubleshooting a Compatibility Problem 35

Scenario 1-2: Converting a Small Office to Windows 10 35

Scenario 1-3: Selecting the Right Computer and Operating System 35

Scenario 1-4: Installing Windows 10 35

Lesson 2 Understanding Operating System Configurations 37

Understanding User Accounts 39

Create a User Account 40

Configuring and Optimizing User Account Control (UAC) 42

Review UAC Settings 44

Configuring Windows 10 45

Introducing Windows 10 Settings 47

Using Control Panel 50

Configuring System Options 53

Changing the Date and Time 56

Configuring the Desktop and Taskbar Settings 56

Configuring the Start Menu 60

Configuring File Explorer Settings 60

Configuring User Profiles 62

Configuring Folder Locations 63

Configuring Libraries 65

Configuring Display Settings 67

Configuring Power Settings 70

Configuring Accessibility Options 74

Creating and Managing Shortcuts 78

Configuring Hyper-V 80

Enable the Hyper-V Feature 80

Creating and Configuring Virtual Machines 82

Creating and Managing Virtual Switches 87

Creating and Managing Virtual Disks 90

Creating and Managing Checkpoints 91

Skill Summary 92

Knowledge Assessment 94

Multiple Choice 94

Fill in the Blank 95

True/False 96

Case Scenarios 96

Scenario 2-1: Getting Administrative-Level Privileges 96

Scenario 2-2: Configuring Accessibility Features 96

Scenario 2-3: Running a Legacy Application 96

Scenario 2-4: Creating a Better User Experience 96

Lesson 3 Understanding Native Applications, Tools, Mobility, and Remote Management and Assistance 97

Configuring Internet Explorer 99

Managing Cookies and Privacy Settings 99

Configuring Security Zones 104

Using Dynamic Security and Protected Mode 106

Configuring the SmartScreen Filter and Phishing 108

Managing Add-Ons 109

Configuring Compatibility Mode 111

Configuring Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Certificates 112

Managing Favorites 113

Managing LAN Settings 114

Configuring Microsoft Edge 116

Configuring Cortana 118

Introducing Accessory Programs 119

Using Snip & Sketch 120

Using Windows Media Player 12 125

Supporting Mobile Access and Data Synchronization 130

Synchronizing Your PC Settings 130

Configuring Offline Files 132

Using Windows Mobility Center 136

Change Mobility Center Settings 138

Accessing a Computer Remotely 138

Configuring Remote Desktop 139

Configuring Remote Assistance 144

Configuring Remote Management Settings 148

Using the Microsoft Management Console to Manage Systems Remotely 149

Using Windows Remote Management 153

Using WinRS.exe 155

Introducing Windows PowerShell 155

Using Remote Windows PowerShell 160

Skill Summary 162

Knowledge Assessment 163

Multiple Choice 163

Fill in the Blank 164

True/False 165

Case Scenarios 165

Scenario 3-1: Securing Internet Explorer 11 165

Scenario 3-2: Offering Remote Assistance 165

Scenario 3-3: Viewing Logs Remotely 166

Scenario 3-4: Creating a Playlist 166

Lesson 4 Managing Applications, Services, and Disks 167

Configuring Applications 169

Configuring Desktop Apps 169

Configuring Windows Features 171

Supporting Desktop Application Co-Existence 172

Troubleshooting Program Compatibility 172

Configuring Startup Options 174

Managing Windows Store Apps 176

Configuring the Windows Store 176

Implementing Windows Store Apps 178

Understanding Group Policy and Network Application Installation 180

Understanding Services 181

Understanding Service Startup Types 183

Using MSConfig (System Configuration Utility) 189

Change System Configuration Settings 193

Managing Processes and Applications with Task Manager 194

Understanding Storage 198

Understanding Storage Device Types 198

Understanding Disk and Drive Types 201

Understanding File Systems 203

Using Disk Management to Configure Disks, Volumes, and File Systems 205

Encrypting and Compressing Files and Folders 212

Understanding Encrypting File System (EFS) 213

Understanding BitLocker 217

Skill Summary 220

Knowledge Assessment 222

Multiple Choice 222

Fill in the Blank 223

True/False 224

Case Scenarios 224

Scenario 4-1: Providing Redundancy on a Client Computer 224

Scenario 4-2: Protecting Laptop Computers 225

Scenario 4-3: Uninstalling Local Software 225

Scenario 4-4: Running a Windows 7 Application on Windows 10 225

Lesson 5 Managing Devices 227

Understanding Cloud Storage 228

Using OneDrive to Manage Files and Folders 229

Understanding Printing Devices 232

Understanding Local Printers 232

Understanding Network Printers 236

Printing a Document 237

Understanding Print Queues 239

Understanding Internet Printing 241

Understanding System Devices and Device Drivers 242

Managing Devices 243

Using the Devices and Printers Folder 245

Using Device Manager 247

Troubleshooting Problem Devices 252

Skill Summary 255

Knowledge Assessment 256

Multiple Choice 256

Fill in the Blank 257

True/False 258

Case Scenarios 258

Scenario 5-1: Troubleshooting Print Jobs 258

Scenario 5-2: Troubleshooting a Printer Driver 258

Scenario 5-3: Changing Print Drivers 259

Scenario 5-4: Using Cloud Services 259

Lesson 6 Understanding File and Print Sharing 261

Understanding File and Printer Sharing Basics 263

Configuring HomeGroup Connections 266

Creating Shares 271

Configuring Public Folders 271

Configuring File Sharing 272

Configuring File System Permissions 276

Understanding Effective NTFS Permissions 279

Viewing Effective Permissions on a Resource 283

Combining NTFS and Share Permissions 285

Mapping Drives 285

Configuring Printer Sharing 288

Skill Summary 290

Knowledge Assessment 291

Multiple Choice 291

Fill in the Blank 292

True/False 293

Case Scenarios 293

Scenario 6-1: Picking an Appropriate File Sharing Method 293

Scenario 6-2: Creating and Configuring a Homegroup 294

Scenario 6-3: Restricting Permissions 294

Scenario 6-4: Mapping a Network Drive 294

Lesson 7 Maintaining, Updating, and Protecting Windows 10 295

Exploring Built-in Maintenance Tools 297

Using Disk Defragmenter 297

Using Disk Cleanup 300

Using Task Scheduler 301

Using Security and Maintenance (formerly called Action Center) 308

Using System Information 310

Maintaining the Windows Registry 312

Browse and Back Up the Windows Registry 314

Configuring and Managing Updates 315

Configuring Windows Update Options 316

Managing Update History and Rolling Back Updates 319

Implementing Insider Preview 320

Implementing Semi-Annual Channel, Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted), & Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) Scenarios 320

Defending Your System from Malicious Software 322

Understanding Windows Firewall 324

Managing Client Security Using Windows Defender 326

Skill Summary 331

Knowledge Assessment 332

Multiple Choice 332

Fill in the Blank 333

True/False 334

Case Scenarios 334

Scenario 7-1: Automating Computer Maintenance and Program Launching 334

Scenario 7-2: Removing Viruses Safely 334

Scenario 7-3: Gathering System Information 335

Scenario 7-4: Distributing Windows Updates Across a Network 335

Lesson 8 Understanding Backup and Recovery Methods 337

Understanding Local, Network, and Automated Backup Methods 338

Restoring Previous Versions of Files and Folders 339

Schedule a Windows 10 Backup to Include a System Image 340

Restore a File from a Windows 10 Backup 342

Configuring System Recovery 343

Configuring a System Restore 343

Configuring a Windows 10 File Recovery Drive 346

Configuring File History 347

Performing Recovery Operations Using Windows Recovery 351

Skill Summary 358

Knowledge Assessment 360

Multiple Choice 360

Fill in the Blank 361

True/False 362

Case Scenarios 362

Scenario 8-1: Scheduling File Backups 362

Scenario 8-2: Installing from an Image 363

Scenario 8-3: Creating a System Repair Disc 363

Scenario 8-4: Resolving a Driver Problem Using Recovery Boot Options 363

Appendix Answer Key 365

Lesson 1: Installing and Upgrading Client Systems 366

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 366

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 367

Lesson 2: Understanding Operating System Configurations 367

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 367

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 368

Lesson 3: Understanding Native Applications, Tools, Mobility, and Remote Management and Assistance 369

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 369

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 370

Lesson 4: Managing Applications, Services, Folders, and Libraries 371

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 371

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 372

Lesson 5: Managing Devices 372

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 372

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 373

Lesson 6: Understanding File and Print Sharing 374

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 374

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 375

Lesson 7: Maintaining, Updating, and Protecting Windows 10 376

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 376

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 377

Lesson 8: Understanding Backup and Recovery Methods 378

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 378

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 379

Index 381

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