What is the Windows Desktop?
The primary workspace of the OS, containing the taskbar, icons, and the Start menu.
What is the purpose of the Task Manager?
To monitor system performance, view running processes, and force-close non-responsive applications.
What is the Windows Registry?
A hierarchical database that stores configuration settings for the OS, hardware, and software.
Name the 5 main Registry Hives.
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- HKEY_USERS
- HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
What utility is used to edit the Windows Registry?
regedit.exe
What is Microsoft Management Console (MMC)?
A framework that allows administrators to create custom consoles by adding “Snap-ins” (e.g., Device Manager, Event Viewer).
What does Event Viewer allow a technician to do?
View logs about system, security, and application events to troubleshoot errors and warnings.
What is the purpose of Services.msc?
To manage background processes that start with the OS, allowing users to Start, Stop, or Disable them.
What is the System Information (msinfo32) tool?
A utility that provides a detailed summary of hardware, components, and software environment.
Contrast MSCONFIG vs. Services.msc.
- MSCONFIG: Used to troubleshoot the boot process (Safe Mode, Startup apps)
- Services: Used for ongoing management of background tasks.
What is Disk Management used for?
To initialize disks, create/resize partitions, and change drive letters.
Define a Dynamic Disk.
A disk that supports volumes that span multiple physical disks (Spanned, Striped, Mirrored).
What is the difference between Mounting and Initializing a drive?
- Initializing: Preparing a new disk for use
- Mounting: Mapping a drive to an empty folder on an NTFS volume rather than a drive letter.
What are Administrative Tools?
A folder in the Control Panel containing shortcuts to system management tools like Computer Management and Performance Monitor.
What is the System Restore utility?
A tool that returns the computer’s system files and settings to an earlier point in time (Restore Point) without affecting user files.
Command Line: What does sfc /scannow do?
System File Checker: Scans for and repairs corrupted Windows system files.
Command Line: What does chkdsk /f do?
Scans the file system and fixes logical errors on the hard drive.
Command Line: What is the purpose of gpupdate?
To immediately refresh and apply local and Active Directory Group Policy settings.
What is the Control Panel?
A centralized utility used to adjust system settings, such as hardware, networking, and user accounts.
Contrast Workgroups vs. Domains.
- Workgroup: Decentralized; each PC manages its own users
- Domain: Centralized; managed by a Windows Server (Active Directory).
What is a Power Plan?
A collection of hardware and system settings that manage how your computer uses power (e.g., Balanced, Power Saver, High Performance).
What is the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)?
A utility used to troubleshoot display and sound-related issues and verify DirectX versions.
Symptom: A computer is running very slow and the hard drive light is constantly blinking. What should you do?
Use Resource Monitor to identify which process is causing high Disk I/O.
Symptom: A specific device is not working after a Windows Update. What should you do?
Use Device Manager to “Roll Back Driver” to the previous version.
