Microsoft® Windows® Internals: Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000, 4th Edition

Conclusion

In this chapter, we've examined the detailed steps involved in starting and shutting down Windows (both normally and in error cases). So far, we've examined the overall structure of Windows and the core system mechanisms that get the system going, keep it running, and eventually shut it down. With this foundation laid, we're ready to explore the individual executive components in more detail, starting with processes and threads.