Microsoft® Windows® Operating System: Essentials

Book description

A full-color guide to key Windows 7 administration concepts and topics

Windows 7 is the leading desktop software, yet it can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially for those new to the field of IT. Microsoft Windows Operating System Essentials is an ideal resource for anyone new to computer administration and looking for a career in computers. Delving into areas such as fundamental Windows 7 administration concepts and various desktop OS topics, this full-color book addresses the skills necessary for individuals looking to break into a career in IT.

Each chapter begins with a list of topic areas to be discussed, followed by a clear and concise discussion of the core Windows 7 administration concepts and skills necessary so you can gain a strong understanding of the chapter topic areas. The chapters conclude with review questions and suggested labs, so you can gauge your understanding of the chapter's contents.

  • Offers in-depth coverage of operating system configurations

  • Explains how to install and upgrade client systems

  • Addresses managing applications and devices

  • Helps you understand operating system maintenance

  • Covers the topics you need to know for the MTA 98-349 exam

The full-color Microsoft Windows 7 Essentials proves itself to be an invaluable resource on Windows 7 and features additional learning tutorials and tools.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. About The Book
  5. Dedication
  6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  7. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  8. CONTENTS AT A GLANCE
  9. Contents
  10. INTRODUCTION
    1. The Microsoft Technology Associate Certification
    2. Who Should Read This Book
    3. To Learn More or Contact Us
  11. CHAPTER 1: Windows Operating Systems Overview
    1. Discovering the History of Windows
    2. Understanding the OS Architecture
    3. Identifying Windows Interfaces
  12. CHAPTER 2: Installing Windows
    1. Exploring OS Editions
    2. Planning Clean Installs vs. Upgrades
    3. Understanding Installation Types
    4. Using Virtualized Installations
  13. CHAPTER 3: Managing the Desktop
    1. Understanding Desktop Features
    2. Working with Gadgets
    3. Changing Display Settings
    4. Creating Shortcuts
    5. Configuring the Aero Interface
  14. CHAPTER 4: Using Native Applications
    1. Using the Traditional Tools
    2. Working with Internet Explorer
    3. Creating Screenshots
    4. Using Media Applications
    5. Viewing Configuration Settings
  15. CHAPTER 5: Managing with the Control Panel
    1. Understanding Applets
    2. Configuring Administrative Tools
    3. Configuring Accessibility
    4. Using Important Applets
  16. CHAPTER 6: Mobility and Remote Management
    1. Understanding Mobility
    2. Using Remote Desktop
    3. Using Remote Assistance
    4. Understanding the MMC
    5. Working with Windows PowerShell
  17. CHAPTER 7: Managing Applications
    1. Planning for Local and Network Applications
    2. Installing, Configuring, and Removing Applications
    3. Using Group Policy for Application Control
    4. Understanding Application Virtualization
    5. The Difference between Services and Standard Applications
  18. CHAPTER 8: Controlling Malware
    1. Understanding Malware Types
    2. Planning for Malware Protection
    3. Understanding Microsoft protection Methods
  19. CHAPTER 9: File Management
    1. Understanding Filesystems
    2. Working with Encryption
    3. Using Libraries
  20. CHAPTER 10: Network Shares
    1. Planning for File Sharing
    2. Creating File Shares
    3. Understanding NTFS and Share Permissions
    4. Sharing Printers
  21. CHAPTER 11: Device Management
    1. Understanding Device Drivers
    2. Exploring Plug-and-Play Operations
    3. Connecting and Managing Devices
    4. Printers
    5. System Devices
  22. CHAPTER 12: Storage Management
    1. Data Storage Concepts
    2. Understanding RAID
    3. Identifying Storage Technologies
    4. Understanding Disk Types
    5. Using Online Storage
  23. CHAPTER 13: Windows Troubleshooting
    1. Troubleshooting Processes
    2. Using Disk Defragmenter
    3. Performing a Disk Cleanup
    4. Scheduling Tasks
    5. Accessing Additional Troubleshooting Tools
  24. CHAPTER 14: Backup and Recovery
    1. Planning for Backups
    2. Comparing Backup Methods and Tools
    3. Understanding Backup Options
    4. The Backup Planning Process
    5. Testing Recovery Processes
    6. Documenting the Recovery Process
    7. Performing Periodic Tests
    8. Working with System Restore
    9. Selecting Third-party Backup Software
    10. Using Recovery Boot Options
  25. CHAPTER 15: Windows Update
    1. Understanding Hotfixes and Service Packs
    2. Planning for Windows Update and Microsoft Update
  26. APPENDIX A: Answers to Review Questions
    1. Chapter 1
    2. Chapter 2
    3. Chapter 3
    4. Chapter 4
    5. Chapter 5
    6. Chapter 6
    7. Chapter 7
    8. Chapter 8
    9. Chapter 9
    10. Chapter 10
    11. Chapter 11
    12. Chapter 12
    13. Chapter 13
    14. Chapter 14
    15. Chapter 15
  27. APPENDIX B: Microsoft's Certification Program
    1. Certification Objectives Map
  28. INDEX
  29. APPENDIX C: Answers to Additional Exercises
    1. Chapter 1
    2. Chapter 2
    3. Chapter 3
    4. Chapter 4
    5. Chapter 5
    6. Chapter 6
    7. Chapter 7
    8. Chapter 8
    9. Chapter 9
    10. Chapter 10
    11. Chapter 11
    12. Chapter 12
    13. Chapter 13
    14. Chapter 14
    15. Chapter 15
  30. GLOSSARY

Product information

  • Title: Microsoft® Windows® Operating System: Essentials
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: February 2012
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9781118195529