Comptia A+ > Chapter 14 - Introduction to Operating Systems > Flashcards

Chapter 14 - Introduction to Operating Systems Flashcards

(109 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What is an operating system (OS)?

A

The core software that manages hardware resources and provides an interface for users and applications.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the OS kernel?

A

The core of the operating system that handles low-level tasks like process, memory, and device management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is a shell?

A

The user interface to the OS (CLI or GUI) that lets you run commands and programs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the two primary OS interaction methods?

A

Command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interface (GUI).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a driver?

A

A software component that lets the OS communicate with specific hardware devices.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is a service (daemon)?

A

A background process that provides system or application functionality without user interaction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the key advantage of a 64-bit OS over a 32-bit OS?

A

It can address far more RAM and handle larger data types efficiently.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Can 64-bit programs run on a 32-bit OS?

A

No. 64-bit apps require a 64-bit OS and 64-bit CPU.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Can 32-bit programs run on a 64-bit Windows OS?

A

Often yes, via WoW64 compatibility (drivers must be 64-bit).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What Windows feature encrypts entire internal drives?

A

BitLocker Drive Encryption.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What Windows feature encrypts removable drives (USB/external)?

A

BitLocker To Go.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What hardware chip stores keys for BitLocker?

A

Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What Windows feature encrypts individual files/folders on NTFS volumes?

A

Encrypting File System (EFS).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How do you encrypt a file/folder with EFS?

A

Right-click item > Properties > General > Advanced > check ‘Encrypt contents to secure data’ > OK.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is a Windows workgroup?

A

A simple peer-to-peer model where each PC manages its own accounts and permissions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is a Windows domain?

A

A centrally managed model using a directory service (e.g., Active Directory) for authentication and policy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is Active Directory (AD)?

A

Microsoft’s directory service that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and policy management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the main benefit of domains over workgroups?

A

Centralized control: easier user, device, and policy management for IT.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is File Explorer?

A

Windows’ primary file and folder manager.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where do you show hidden files in File Explorer?

A

File Explorer > View (or Layout/Show) > enable ‘Hidden items’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How do you show file extensions in Windows?

A

File Explorer > Options > View tab > uncheck ‘Hide extensions for known file types’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What does the read-only attribute do?

A

Prevents editing of a file (programs may override; folders inherit rules for contents).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What does the hidden attribute do?

A

Hides files/folders from normal view (unless ‘Hidden items’ is enabled).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does the archive attribute do?

A

Marks files for backup software to process (used by some backup strategies).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What does the system attribute do?
Flags critical system files used to boot and run Windows.
26
What is Windows Search indexing?
A catalog of file names and content to speed up searches.
27
Where can you search system-wide in Windows?
Type in the Search box on the taskbar.
28
What is the Windows Settings app?
The modern configuration hub for most Windows settings.
29
Which Settings category includes Display, Sound, Notifications, and Power & battery?
System.
30
Where can you configure Remote Desktop?
Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
31
Where can you check Windows activation?
Settings > System > Activation.
32
Where can you manage Storage (disks/cleanup)?
Settings > System > Storage.
33
What devices are managed under Bluetooth & devices?
Printers & scanners, Mouse, USB, Bluetooth, and AutoPlay.
34
What does AutoPlay do?
Sets default actions when removable media/devices are connected.
35
Where are Wi‑Fi, VPN, and Proxy settings?
Settings > Network & internet.
36
Where is Airplane mode found?
Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode.
37
Where do you change background, colors, themes, and taskbar?
Settings > Personalization (Taskbar is a subcategory).
38
Where do you set default apps and manage startup apps?
Settings > Apps (Default apps; Startup).
39
Where do you manage user accounts and sign-in options?
Settings > Accounts (Sign-in options).
40
Where are Date & time, Language & region settings?
Settings > Time & language.
41
Where are Game Bar, Captures, and Game Mode?
Settings > Gaming.
42
Where are Narrator, Magnifier, and Color filters?
Settings > Accessibility.
43
Where are Windows Security and app permissions?
Settings > Privacy & security.
44
What is the Control Panel?
Legacy Windows configuration interface being replaced by Settings.
45
What happens when you open 'System' in Control Panel on new Windows?
You’re redirected to Settings > System > About.
46
What is an OS edition?
A packaged variant of an OS (e.g., Windows Home, Pro) with specific features/licensing.
47
Which Windows edition is aimed at home users?
Windows 10/11 Home.
48
Which Windows edition adds BitLocker, Domain Join, and Hyper‑V?
Windows 10/11 Pro.
49
Which Windows edition targets high-end hardware with more CPUs/RAM?
Windows 10/11 Pro for Workstations.
50
What are 'N' editions of Windows?
Editions without certain media features (e.g., Windows Media Player).
51
What is macOS based on?
UNIX (BSD/Darwin).
52
What is Linux?
A free, open-source, UNIX‑like OS kernel used by many distributions.
53
What is Android?
Google’s open-source mobile OS based on the Linux kernel.
54
What is iOS?
Apple’s closed-source mobile OS for iPhone and iPad.
55
What is Chrome OS?
A Linux-kernel-based OS focused on web apps and cloud services.
56
What is open-source software?
Software whose source code is available to use, modify, and distribute.
57
What is a Windows Administrator account?
An account with full rights to install software and change system-wide settings.
58
What is a Standard User account (Windows)?
An account with limited privileges for safer everyday use.
59
What are common Windows sign-in options?
Password, PIN, fingerprint, and facial recognition (Windows Hello).
60
Where can you set sign-in options?
Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
61
What is Windows Hello?
Biometric/PIN authentication for faster, secure sign-in.
62
What is UAC (User Account Control)?
A Windows security feature that prompts to elevate privileges for administrative tasks.
63
What is the Windows taskbar?
The bar (usually at the bottom) with Start, search, pinned apps, and running app buttons.
64
What is the Start menu?
The launcher for apps, settings, and power options.
65
What is the System tray (notification area)?
Icons for background apps, network, volume, and system notifications.
66
What is File path vs extension?
Path locates a file in the filesystem; extension identifies file type/handler.
67
What file systems are common on Windows?
NTFS (primary), exFAT (removable), FAT32 (legacy/removable).
68
What is NTFS?
The default Windows file system supporting permissions, compression, EFS, quotas, and large files.
69
What is EFS tied to?
User accounts/keys; encrypted files are accessible only by the encrypting user (or recovery agent).
70
How do BitLocker and EFS differ?
BitLocker encrypts volumes/drives; EFS encrypts individual files/folders on NTFS.
71
Can BitLocker be used without a TPM?
Yes, with a USB key and policy changes, though TPM is recommended.
72
What is System > About used for?
Viewing device specs, Windows edition/version, and installed RAM.
73
What is Apps > Default apps used for?
Choosing which app opens specific file types and protocols.
74
What is Apps > Startup used for?
Controlling which apps launch at sign-in.
75
What is the purpose of indexing options?
To manage which locations and file types are indexed for faster search.
76
What is Safe Mode (conceptual)?
A minimal boot with basic drivers/services for troubleshooting (accessed via Recovery).
77
What is Windows Recovery Environment (conceptual)?
A repair environment with tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, and Reset.
78
What is System Restore (conceptual)?
A feature that rolls the system back to a previous restore point (does not affect personal files).
79
What is Windows Update used for?
Downloading and installing OS updates, drivers, and security fixes.
80
What is Device Manager for?
Viewing and managing hardware devices and their drivers.
81
What is Event Viewer for?
Reviewing system, security, and application logs.
82
What is Task Manager used for?
Monitoring processes, performance, startup apps, and services.
83
What is the Registry?
A hierarchical database storing Windows and application configuration.
84
What is Power & battery used for?
Configuring power plans, sleep settings, and battery usage.
85
What is Storage Sense?
A feature that automatically frees up space by cleaning temporary files and Recycle Bin.
86
What is Clipboard history?
A feature to view/paste recent copied items (Windows+V) when enabled.
87
What is Focus Assist/Do Not Disturb?
A setting to reduce notifications during specific times/activities.
88
What is OneDrive integration in Windows?
Cloud storage syncing files between devices and the cloud.
89
What is Windows Defender/Windows Security?
Built-in antivirus and security dashboard for protection settings and status.
90
What is Hyper‑V?
Microsoft’s native hypervisor for running virtual machines (Windows Pro/Enterprise).
91
What is Remote Desktop?
A feature that lets you connect and control your PC remotely over the network.
92
What is a local account vs Microsoft account?
Local is device-only credentials; Microsoft account syncs settings/apps across devices.
93
What is domain join?
Adding a Windows PC to an AD domain for centralized management.
94
What is Group Policy?
A domain feature for centrally enforcing user and computer settings.
95
What is the difference between edition and version?
Edition is the product tier (Home/Pro); version is the release (e.g., 22H2).
96
What is an LTS channel (conceptual in enterprise)?
A long-term servicing model with minimal feature changes and long support.
97
What is the Windows 'About' page shortcut?
Settings > System > About (or run 'winver' to see version/build).
98
What is the default app to manage files?
File Explorer.
99
Where do you add printers/scanners in Windows?
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
100
Where do you manage USB-related options?
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > USB.
101
Where do you configure VPN connections?
Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
102
Where do you configure Proxy settings?
Settings > Network & internet > Proxy.
103
Where do you customize the taskbar?
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
104
Where do you pick the default PDF viewer?
Settings > Apps > Default apps (choose app by file type .pdf).
105
What is an OS edition 'N' key difference?
Media features (like Windows Media Player) are excluded.
106
What is the role of the kernel vs user mode?
Kernel mode has full hardware access; user mode is restricted for app safety.
107
What is process vs thread?
A process is an executing program with resources; threads are execution units within a process.
108
What is paging/virtual memory?
Using disk space to extend RAM, allowing more apps to run concurrently.
109
What is the purpose of a standard user for daily work?
Reduce risk of accidental system changes and malware impact.
Comptia A+
flashcards
Decks in class (19)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions