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IT Essentials Lecture 8: Configure Operating System ​

Windows Desktop, Tools, and Applications ​

Windows Desktop ​

  • The Windows desktop is a graphical representation of the workspace (GUI), featuring icons, toolbars, and menus for file management and manipulation.

Desktop Properties ​

  • The Windows desktop is highly customizable, including:
    • Re-arranging titles
    • Changing colors and sounds
    • Modifying screen resolution
  • Customizations in Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 can be accessed by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Personalize:
    • Change desktop icons, mouse pointers, and account picture
    • Modify theme's background, color, sound, and screensaver

Personalizing the Windows Desktop ​

  • Themes: The fastest way to change the look and feel of the Windows GUI.
  • Apps Environment: Customizable desktop start screen with the ability to arrange tiles.
  • Tiles: Click and drag tiles to rearrange them.
  • Start Screen: Right-click on an app to select Pin to Start.
  • Search: Start typing the app's name to quickly search for it.
  • Personalization Window: Change desktop appearance, display settings, and sound settings.

The Windows Start Menu ​

Windows 7 Start Menu ​

  • Displays:
    • All installed applications
    • Recently opened documents
    • Search feature, Help and Support, and Control Panel
  • To customize, right-click the taskbar and select Properties -> Start Menu -> Customize.

Windows 8.0 and 8.1 Start Menu ​

  • Windows 8 features the Start Screen and Apps Screen.
  • Windows 8.1 offers a Limited Start Menu.

Windows 10 Start Menu ​

  • Tiles for apps, categorized by type (e.g., games, creative software).
  • Applications in alphabetical order, with quick access to recently used apps.
  • Includes shortcuts to libraries, settings, and shutdown options.

The Taskbar ​

  • Displays all applications installed, recently opened documents, search, Help, and Control Panel.
  • To customize the Start Menu in Windows 7, right-click an empty area of the taskbar and choose Properties -> Start Menu -> Customize.

Windows Task Manager Functions ​

  • Processes: Shows instructions (programs) running on the system.
  • Performance: Displays system performance graphs for CPU, memory, disk, and network.
  • App History: Tracks historical resource usage, including CPU time and network data.
  • Startup: Shows processes that start automatically during Windows startup.
  • Users: Displays who is logged into the PC and the system resources they're using.
  • Details: Allows changing CPU priority levels for processes.
  • Services: Shows the available services and their operational status.

Task Manager in Windows 7 ​

  • Has six tabs:
    • Applications: Running applications, with the ability to create, switch, or close them.
    • Processes: Running processes with options to end or change priorities.
    • Services: Shows available services and their status.
    • Performance: Displays CPU and page file usage.
    • Networking: Displays network adapter usage.
    • Users: Shows users logged on and the resources they are using.

Task Manager in Windows 10 ​

  • Combines the Applications and Processes tabs.
  • Networking is incorporated into the Performance tab.
  • The Users tab includes more detailed resource usage for each user.

File Explorer ​

  • File Explorer (Windows 8 and 10) and Windows Explorer (Windows 7 and earlier) are used for file management.
  • The Ribbon provides options for copying, moving files, and creating new folders.
  • Tabs at the top of File Explorer change based on the selection.
  • Functions:
    • Navigate the file system
    • Manage files, folders, and subfolders
    • Manage applications on storage media
    • Preview some file types
    • Mount ISO images using Disk Image tools

This PC ​

  • In Windows 10 and 8.1, This PC gives access to devices and drives.
  • In Windows 7, the equivalent is Computer.
  • In Windows 8.0 and earlier, click Start and select Computer to open it.

Run as Administrator ​

  • Modern operating systems improve security by restricting access to system and other protected files.
  • To override this, right-click a file and choose Run as Administrator.
  • Confirm the action in the User Account Control (UAC) window to grant elevated permissions.

Windows Libraries and File Management ​

Windows Libraries ​

  • Windows Libraries help organize content, including removable media, without physically moving files.
  • A library is a virtual folder that presents content from various locations in one view.
  • In Windows 10, each user has six default libraries, but they are hidden by default.
    • To view them, right-click the left pane in File Explorer and choose Show Libraries.

Directory Structures ​

  • Root Level: The main partition is usually labeled as C: drive.
  • Directories can contain subfolders (nested directories).
  • The path length is limited by a maximum character limit:
    • In Windows 10, the default limit is 260 characters.

User and System File Locations ​

  • Users Folder: Stores files created by users at C:\Users\<username>.
  • System Folder: Contains OS files, located at C:\Windows\system32.
  • Program Files: Stores software installed by most applications, located at C:\Program Files.
  • Program Files (x86): For 32-bit applications, located at C:\Program Files (x86).
  • Temporary Files: Contains temporary files created by the OS or applications, which are automatically deleted once no longer needed.

File Extensions ​

  • To show file extensions, click the View tab in File Explorer and check File name extensions.
  • Naming Conventions:
    • Maximum of 255 characters allowed.
    • Characters like / or \ are not allowed.
    • Filenames are not case sensitive.
    • Default: File extensions are hidden.
  • Examples of file extensions:
    • .docx - Microsoft Word
    • .txt - Text file
    • .jpg - Image file
    • .pptx - Microsoft PowerPoint
    • .zip - Compressed file

File Attributes ​

  • File Attributes are used to define specific characteristics of files:
    • R: Read-only file.
    • A: File marked for backup during the next disk backup.
    • S: System file, typically protected from modification.
    • H: Hidden file, not displayed by default in directories.

Configuring Windows with Control Panels ​

Windows 10: Settings and Control Panel ​

  • Two Ways to Configure Windows:
    1. Settings App
    2. Control Panel

Introduction to Control Panel ​

  • System Admins generally prefer the Control Panel over the Settings app.
  • To open the Control Panel:
    • Type Control Panel in the search box and select it from the results.
    • Pin it to the Start menu for quicker access.
    • Alternatively, open it from the Command Prompt by typing control.

Control Panel Views ​

  • By default, the Control Panel opens in Categories View.
  • Both views include a search box for finding specific Control Panel items.
    • Category View: Organizes settings by categories.
    • Small Icons View: Displays all items in a list, without grouping.

Control Panel Categories ​

  • System & Security: Access administrative tools for configuring security and system functions, such as Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Network & Internet: Configure networking settings, file sharing, default browser, and infrared file exchange settings.
  • Hardware & Sound: Access configurations for devices like printers, media devices, power settings, and mobility options.
  • Programs: Manage installed programs, Windows features, and updates. Allows activation or deactivation of Windows features.
  • User Accounts: Manage Windows user accounts, web and Windows credentials, file encryption certificates, and User Account Control (UAC).
  • Appearance and Personalization: Customize taskbar settings, file explorer, and available fonts.
  • Clock and Region: Configure time, date settings, and formats.
  • Ease of Access: Configure accessibility features, including speech recognition and text-to-speech services, to make Windows easier to use for individuals with physical or perceptual challenges.

User Accounts and Management ​

User Accounts Control Panel ​

  • The User Accounts Control Panel helps you create, change, and delete user accounts.
  • An administrative account is created during Windows installation.
  • Standard user accounts can manage most configuration settings that do not affect other users and can only access their own files and folders.
  • Some features in the User Accounts utility require administrative privileges and are not available to standard user accounts.

User Account Control (UAC) Settings ​

  • User Account Control (UAC) monitors programs on the computer and warns users when an action might pose a security threat.
  • In Windows 7 through 10, the UAC level can be adjusted to change the type of notifications you receive when programs make changes to the system.
  • The default UAC setting for the primary account is: "Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer."
  • Adjust the UAC settings to control when you are notified about potential changes by programs.

Credential Manager ​

  • Credential Manager helps manage passwords for websites and Windows applications.
    • These credentials are securely stored and can be viewed, added, edited, or deleted.
    • Web credentials are only stored for websites accessed via Internet Explorer or Edge; other browsers do not save web credentials.

Network and Internet Settings ​

Network Settings ​

  • The Network Status app in Windows 10 consolidates multiple network functions into one app.
    • It links to various settings and Control Panel items such as the Network and Sharing Center.
    • Some options, like Airplane Mode, Mobile Hotspot, and Data Usage, are more relevant to mobile devices than desktop PCs.
    • Mismatched speed and duplex settings can cause network connection issues.

Internet Options ​

  • General Tab: Select the default home page, view and delete browsing history, adjust search settings, and customize the browser appearance.
  • Security Tab: Choose security zones for trusted or restricted internet websites and set the types of allowed information.
  • Privacy Tab: Manage access to private information (e.g., cookies, location), pop-up blockers, and toolbars.
  • Content Tab: Adjust AutoComplete settings and configure feeds and web slices for viewing in Internet Explorer.
  • Connections Tab: Configure dial-up, VPN, and Proxy Server settings.
  • Programs Tab: Set Internet Explorer as the default browser, enable browser add-ons, select HTML editor for IE, and choose programs for internet services.
  • Advanced Tab: Reset Internet Explorer settings to default.

Network and Sharing Center ​

  • The Network and Sharing Center allows administrators to configure and review most network settings such as:
    • View network status and internet connectivity.
    • Modify the properties of protocols and services running on network adapters.
    • Configure file and device sharing using network profiles.
      • Network profiles adjust sharing settings based on whether the network is private (secure) or public (insecure).
      • Profiles sync automatically when signing into the same Microsoft account on multiple devices.

Display Settings and Configuration ​

Display Settings in Windows 10 ​

  • To access Display Settings, right-click on the desktop and select Display settings from the context menu.
    • You can modify the screen resolution for the graphics adapter.
    • If the resolution is not correctly set, unexpected display results may occur.
    • Change the magnification and text size of Windows interface elements.

Display Features ​

  • Windows 8/7 Display Control Panel options:
    • Display: Configure multiple monitors.
    • Screen Resolution: Set the number of pixels horizontally and vertically (higher values provide better resolution, e.g., 1920x1080).
    • Orientation: Choose between Landscape, Portrait, Flipped Landscape, or Flipped Portrait.
    • Refresh Rate: Set how often the screen is redrawn (measured in Hertz, Hz). Higher refresh rates result in a smoother image.
    • Display Colors: Higher bit depths allow for more colors to be displayed.
    • Multiple Displays: Configure settings for two or more monitors attached to the computer. The desktop can either be extended (one large display) or mirrored (same image on all monitors).

Power Options and System Management ​

Power Options Control Panel ​

  • The Power Options Control Panel allows users to adjust the power consumption of devices or the entire computer.
  • You can configure a power plan to maximize battery performance or conserve energy.
  • Unlike previous Windows versions, the setting that requires a password when the computer wakes has been moved from Power Options to User Accounts in Windows 10, enhancing data security.
  • Windows offers preset power plans, or you can create custom plans.

NOTE

Power Options settings vary based on the detected hardware.

Power Options Actions ​

If users do not want to completely shut down their computer, the following options may be available:

  • Do Nothing: The computer continues to run at full power.
  • Sleep: Saves documents, applications, and system state in RAM, allowing for quick wake-up.
  • Hibernate: Saves documents, applications, and system state to the hard drive. Takes longer to wake up than Sleep but uses no power.
  • Turn off the display: The computer continues to run at full power, but the display is turned off.
  • Shut down: Completely shuts down the computer.

System Control Panel Item ​

  • The System Control Panel provides basic system information, tools, and advanced settings.
  • This item is very similar across Windows 7, 8, and 10.
  • Settings are accessible by clicking the links in the left panel.

Increasing Performance ​

  • To improve system performance, virtual memory settings can be adjusted.
    • When system RAM is insufficient, Windows creates a paging file on the hard drive to store data from RAM, though this process is slower.
    • Consider adding more RAM if performance is hindered by insufficient memory.
    • Windows ReadyBoost allows the use of an external flash device as additional virtual memory to enhance performance.

Device Manager ​

  • Device Manager lists all installed devices and helps diagnose and resolve device issues.
  • Common actions include:
    • Update a driver: Change the currently installed driver.
    • Roll back a driver: Revert to the previously installed driver.
    • Uninstall a driver: Remove a driver.
    • Disable a device: Temporarily disable a device.

Devices and Printers ​

  • The Devices and Printers Control Panel item displays external devices connected to the computer (e.g., USB, network devices).
  • It allows users to quickly add new devices.
  • Windows automatically installs required drivers for most devices.
  • A yellow triangle alert indicates a driver issue, while a green check mark shows the default device.

Sound ​

  • The Sound Control Panel allows configuration of audio devices and the computer's sound scheme.
    • Change notification sounds, like replacing a beep with a chime.
    • Choose which audio device is used for playback and recording.
  • This utility remains largely unchanged between Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Clock and Time Management ​

Date and Time ​

  • Date and Time settings allow you to adjust system time, date, and time zone.
    • Windows automatically synchronizes with an internet time authority to ensure accurate timekeeping.
    • This feature is found under the Clock and Region category in Windows 10 and Clock, Language, and Region in Windows 7 and 8.

Region Settings ​

  • Region settings let you change the format of numbers, currencies, dates, and times.
    • Windows 10 uses location services to automatically detect the computer's region. If this is not possible, it can be set manually.
    • Modify the display patterns for date and time formats.
    • Click Additional settings to change number, currency, and measurement formats.

Language Settings ​

  • Language settings in Windows 7 and 8 were managed through a Control Panel item where users could install language packs.
  • In Windows 10, language settings have moved to the Region settings app, allowing users to install Cortana support for voice commands in supported languages.

Programs and Features ​

  • Use the Programs and Features Control Panel item to uninstall applications.
    • It's important to uninstall programs via Programs and Features or the application's uninstallation menu in the Start menu.
    • Some programs can be repaired if they encounter issues.
    • Troubleshoot programs designed for older versions of Windows.
    • Manually install software from a network.

Windows Features and Updates ​

  • Windows Features allows you to activate or deactivate optional features.
  • Programs and Features also lets you view installed Windows updates and uninstall problematic updates if they don't have dependencies with other updates or software.

Default Programs ​

  • The Default Programs Control Panel item helps configure how Windows handles files and applications associated with them.
    • For example, you can set the default browser for opening links from emails or files.
    • You can also specify which application will open a specific file type, such as configuring a JPEG file to open in a browser or graphic editor.