Configuring Control Panel Options and Desktop Settings

Guiding Questions

* * *

What feature in Windows 7 allows users to put information such as news or pictures on their desktop? What can be created on the desktop that a user can double-click to launch an application, file, or web page immediately? What is included when applying a theme to personalize your Windows 7 experience?

Configure Control Panel options

* The Control Panel enables users to configure operating system features and perform
related tasks such as hardware and software setup and configuration, security, system maintenance, and user account management.

* To access the Control Panel, click Start and select Control Panel.
Configure Control Panel options (continued)

Control Panel has three options for display:

* Category, as displayed here

* Large Icons * Small Icons

Access applications within Administrative Tools

* Administrative Tools is a collection of several important applications. * The Computer Management console can be a starting point.
Access applications within Administrative Tools (continued)

Computer Management includes the following administrative snap-ins:

* Event Viewer: The central event logging console for troubleshooting. System,
security, application errors, and warnings are written to event logs.

* Local Users and Groups: A console used for creating local users, as well as
modifying group membership, which can determine the privileges they will have during their session.

* Device Manager: A console used for managing locally attached and internal devices.
Device Manager can be used to update drivers or troubleshoot hardware problems.

* Services and applications: A console for managing system and application services.
These services essentially run or are the operating system.

Access applications within Administrative Tools (continued)

* System Configuration: A tool that can help identify problems that might prevent
Microsoft Windows from starting correctly.

* Task Scheduler: Helps you schedule automated tasks that perform actions at a specific
time or when a certain event occurs.

* Performance Monitor: Lets you examine how programs you run affect your
computers performance, both in real time and by collecting log data for later analysis.

* Local Security Policy: Group Policy settings used to customize and security the
desktop.

Define accessibility options

* *

The features of Windows 7 that assist with accessibility options are found in the Ease Of Access Center within the Control Panel. Ease Of Access allows the system to be customized in the following areas:

* Optimize for blindness * Optimize for visual display

Define accessibility options (continued) The Ease Of Access Center within Control Panel is shown here:

Configure desktop settings

* *

The Windows desktop can be defined as an onscreen work area that uses icons and menus to simulate the top of a desk. Items that can be customized can include the following:

* Themes: A visual display setting that can modify the background, a screen saver,
window border color, sounds, and sometimes icons and pointers.

* Screen resolution: Refers to the clarity of the text and images on your screen. At
higher resolutions, items appear sharper. They also appear smaller, so more items fit on the screen. At lower resolutions, fewer items fit on the screen, but they are larger and easier to see.

Both can be customized through Control Panel under Appearance and Personalization.

Configure desktop settings (continued)

* *

The theme (along with other items) can be changed through the Personalization option. Screen resolutions can be changed through the Display option.

Configure desktop settings (continued)

* * *

Aero themes use a higher amount of memory. Basic and high contrast themes use less memory. The Aero desktop allows for the glass display, along with other enhanced display features and options.

* Allows for functions such as Aero Peek and Aero Shake.

Add gadgets to the desktop

A gadget is a single-purpose application that puts information like news, pictures, or games on the Windows 7 desktop.

Lesson Review

* * *

What console can be used to access several Administrative Tools? What tool can be used to make the display easier to see or read? Which theme requires more resources, Aero or Basic and High Contrast themes?

Identify Windows Editions and Upgrade Paths

Guiding Questions

* * *

Which Windows 7 edition does not include Windows Media Center? Does Windows 7 Home Premium edition have the ability to connect to a business network or domain? What tool can be used to investigate your current computer to identify issues that may arise if you upgrade to Windows 7?

Windows Editions Windows 7 has several editions designed to support your computing needs. Each edition has features that distinguishes it from the others.

* Starter * Home Premium * Professional * Ultimate * Enterprise

Windows Editions (continued) A complete list of features, including Starter edition, can be found at: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare?T1=tab15 Essential features:

Operating System Requirements for Windows 7

* * *

1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Identify Operating System Requirements System requirements may vary based upon the desired functionality. For example:

* For some Windows Media Center functionalities, a TV tuner card may be required. * Some games and programs might require a graphics card that is compatible with DirectX
10 or later.

* Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM and an additional 15 GB of

hard disk space.

Operating System Requirements PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):

* * *

Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium editions recognize only one physical processor.

Upgrade Paths

A computer can be successfully upgraded to Windows 7 from:

* Windows XP *
Windows 7 does not support an in-place upgrade from Windows XP.

* Windows Vista

Microsoft offers several tools to assist with the upgrade process:

* Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans a PC for potential issues with hardware, devices,
and installed programs, and recommends what to do before upgrading to Windows 7.

* Windows Easy Transfer helps transfer your files, email, pictures, and settings.

Upgrade Path: Windows XP to Windows 7 Items required for upgrading:

* An external hard disk to move files from the PC before installing Windows 7. Windows
Easy Transfer can help move these files.

* Original setup disks of applications to reinstall on Window 7.

Upgrade Path: Windows XP to Windows 7 (continued) Steps to perform the upgrade: 1. Verify that your programs and devices will work with Windows 7. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can assist with this step.

Upgrade Path: Windows XP to Windows 7 (continued) 2. Move files and settings for safekeeping. Windows Easy Transfer can be used for this process.

Upgrade Path: Windows XP to Windows 7 (continued) 3. Install Windows 7.The process has two options:

* *

Upgrade: Upgrades the current installation of Windows to a newer version, which cannot be done when upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. If you are upgrading from Windows XP, you must choose Custom instead. Custom: installs a clean copy of Windows 7.

4. Move files and settings back to your computer. Use Windows Easy Transfer again for this step to restore files. 5. Reinstall programs and update your drivers.

Upgrade Path: Windows Vista to Windows 7 Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is needed to do this upgrade. Steps to perform the upgrade: 1. Determine what versions of Windows 7 you can upgrade to: Note: These are in-place upgrades.

Upgrade Path: Windows Vista to Windows 7 (continued) 2. Install Windows 7 using either of two options:

* Upgrade: When you upgrade to Windows 7, you keep your files, settings, and
programs from Windows Vista.

* Custom: Installs a clean copy of Windows 7 (files, settings, and programs are erased).

Lesson Review

* * *

What tool can be used to transfer files prior to upgrading to Windows 7? What versions of Windows 7 can you upgrade to from Windows Vista Business? What is the memory requirement for the 64-bit version of Windows 7?

Understand Native Applications and Tools

Guiding Questions

* * *

What is the difference between Windows Media Center and Windows Media Player? How is the Snipping Tool different from performing a Print Screen? What system utility allows you to configure your system to boot in Safe Mode on the next reboot?

MSCONFG.EXE Features

* *

MSCONFIG.EXE is now referred to as System Configuration. It can be accessed by clicking Start and entering MSCONFIG or System Configuration in the Search Programs And Files field.

Windows Media Player Features

* * * *

Windows Media Player is available on all Windows 7 editions. It can be located by clicking Start, Programs, Windows Media Player. When first started, Windows Media Player will scan your computer for all media files to be the default application used for those file types. Windows Media Player features include:

* Built-in support for many popular audio and video formats. * The Play To feature streams music and video to other PCs running Windows 7 or
compatible devices, including TVs and stereos.

Windows Media Player Features (continued)

* Windows Media Player can organize music by Artist, Album, and Genre. * You can create custom playlists within Windows Media Player.
Windows Media Center Features

Use Windows Media Center to:

* View, pause, and record HDTV.

* Watch DVDs. * Listen to music. * Display photos. * View online shows. * Share media from one PC to another PC and to other home- and business-capable
devices within the HomeGroup feature in Windows 7.

Windows Media Center is available in the Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of Windows 7.

Windows Media Center Features (continued) Windows Media Center provides a desktop gadget for Windows 7 for easy navigation and selection.

Internet Explorer Features Internet Explorer is Microsofts free web browser.

Internet Explorer features (continued)

* * *

The latest version of Internet Explorer boasts performance improvements over its predecessors using hardware-accelerated text, video, and graphics. Internet Explorer has a new combined search and address bar. Pin favorite websites to your taskbar.

* This feature is available only with Internet Explorer 9. Windows 7 comes bundled with
Internet Explorer 8.

A safer Internet browsing experience has been made available due to the following security features:

* ActiveX Filter * Cross-site scripting filter (XSS) * InPrivate Browsing

Configure Windows Explorer

* Windows Explorer is used to navigate through your Windows file system. * Windows Explorer contains several time-saving features to manage your desktop experience:
* Jump lists * Improved search speeds * Libraries * Favorites

Configure Windows Explorer (continued) A document can be pinned to a jump list for quick access.

Configure Windows Explorer (continued)

Jump to a folder in a command window by holding down the SHIFT key, right-clicking the folder, and selecting Open Command Window Here.

Lesson Review

* * *

What Windows Media application allows you to watch TV programs over the Internet? What feature in Windows Explorer allows you to pin frequently used documents, folders, or applications to the Start menu? What feature in Internet Explorer allows a user to browse websites without keeping information about the websites visited in the browsing history on the computer?

Understand Installation Types

Guiding Questions

* * *

What can be created to automate a Windows 7 installation? What types of media can be used to install Windows 7? What tool can be used to strip an existing Windows 7 installation of all unique identifiers?

Installation Media Windows 7 can be installed using several types of media:

* * *

DVD: a traditional method using a DVD containing the Windows 7 installation files. USB: a method in which you create a bootable USB and copy the Windows installation files to the USB drive. Network: used in conjunction with Windows Deployment Services on Windows Server 2008 R2 to perform multiple installations rapidly and simultaneously.

Installation Methods

* * *

High Touch Installation (HTI)this method is a manual deployment in which Windows is installed on each client using the retail installation DVD and manually configured on each computer. Lite Touch Installation (LTI)this method requires limited interaction during deployment. Interaction occurs at the beginning of the installation, but the remainder of the process is automated. Zero Touch Installation (ZTI)this method requires no interaction during deployment. The process is fully automated through System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2.

Installation Methods (continued) Several tools are available to create rapid deployments such as LTI and ZTI.

Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK)

* A set of tools and documentation that support the configuration and deployment of
Windows.

* You can automate Windows installations, capture Windows images with ImageX,
configure and modify images using Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM), create Windows PE images, and migrate user profiles and data with the User State Migration Tool (USMT).

System Preparation (Sysprep)

* Prepares an installation for duplication, auditing, and customer delivery. * Duplication, also called imaging, enables you to capture a customized Windows image
that you can reuse throughout an organization.

Installation Methods (continued)

Sysprep benefits:

* It removes system-specific data from an installed Windows image, including the

computer security identifier (SID). The Windows installation can be captured and installed throughout an organization.

* It configures Windows to boot to Audit mode, enables installation of third-party

applications and device drivers, and tests the functionality of the computer.

* It configures Windows to boot to Windows Welcome immediately before delivering the

computer to a customer.

* It can reset Windows Product Activation up to three times.

Installation Methods (continued)

answer file

* Contains all the settings that are required for an unattended installation. During
installation, you will not be prompted with user interface pages.

* *

Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM)

* A utility for creating and modifying unattended answer files and configuration sets.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

* Provides a common console with the comprehensive tools and guidance needed to
manage the deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 efficiently.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 MDT 2010 enables the download of additional deployment tools.

Product Identification Keys

A product identification key is a sequence of 25 letters and numbers that must be entered to activate Windows.

* * *

The product key can be found on the computer or inside the Windows 7 package. Determine if Windows is activated successfully by opening Control Panel, System and Security, System. Windows activation is located towards the bottom of your system information screen. If Windows is not activated, basic functions and Windows updates are not functional.

Lesson Review

* * *

What Microsoft utility is used for creating or modifying unattended answer files and configurations? What is required to activate Windows 7? What tool resets Windows product activation?

Understand Virtualized Clients

Guiding Questions

* * *

What desktop virtualization software is required to use Windows XP Mode? What Windows Server 2008 R2 server role was formerly called Terminal Services? What feature of Windows 7 is used to connect to an RDS server?

Virtualization Options

* * *

A virtual machine is software that mimics the performance of a hardware device. Microsoft Virtual PC allows you to create and run one or more virtual machines, each with its own operating system, on a single computer. This provides the flexibility to use different operating systems on one physical computer. Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.

* Windows XP Mode also requires virtualization software such as Windows Virtual PC.

VDI is a centralized desktop delivery solution.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

RDS is a centralized desktop and application platform solution that uses session virtualization and VDI technologies.

* RDS makes it possible to run an application or an entire desktop remotely in one

location but have it be controlled and managed in another.

Benefits:

* Application deployment: You can quickly deploy Windows-based programs to

computing devices. RDS is especially useful when you have programs that are frequently updated, infrequently used, or difficult to manage.

* Application consolidation: Programs are installed and run from an RD Session Host
server, eliminating the need for updating programs on clients.

* Remote access: Users can access programs that are running on an RD Session Host
server from devices such as home computers, kiosks, low-powered hardware, and operating systems other than Windows.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

* * *

VDI is an alternative desktop delivery model that allows users to access desktops running in the data center. VDI is not an isolated architecture, but one of many technologies available to optimize enterprise desktops. Benefits:

* Integrated management * Enhanced security and compliance * Anywhere access from connected devices

* Increase business continuity

VDI (continued)

Virtualization in the enterprise can take many forms.

VDI (continued)

* * *

VDI has several options, including session virtualization, which delivers session-based desktops or applications and is suitable for low complexity or task scenarios. Allows for a high number of users A limited degree of personalization or isolation

Configure Windows XP Mode

Windows XP Mode can be used in environments to support legacy applications that are supported only on Windows XP.

Download XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC from this link:

* http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.

* * * * *

Install XP Mode. Install Windows Virtual PC. Restart your system. Install the XP Mode update. Restart your system.

Configure Windows XP Mode (continued) After installation completes, you can start XP Mode by clicking Start, All Programs, Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode.

Configure Windows XP Mode (continued)

* *

After accepting the Windows XP Mode license agreement, provide a password for your XP Mode user, XPMUser. Click Next on the update settings and allow XP Mode to set up sharing on system drives.

Configure Windows XP Mode (continued) After answering the initial setup questions, XP Mode will continue setup for first use. This step will take several minutes, depending upon the system.

Configure Windows XP Mode (continued) After the installation completes, you should have access to Windows XP.

Lesson Review

* * *

What user account is created when you install Windows XP Mode? What are the benefits of VDI? Which editions of Windows 7 support XP Mode?

Understand Application Installations

Guiding Questions

* * *

What methods can be used to install software? What is required to perform a local installation? What do you need to do to install software on a local system?

Application Installation Methods

* Local installationSoftware is installed using a downloaded executable or media such as

CD, USB, or DVD. Software can be installed through a provided software setup program.

* Network installationSoftware is installed using a network software distribution point

or scripting technologies.

* Group PolicySoftware is installed to the system using a Group Policy object (GPO).

Installing Applications Locally

* Installation of software applications requires elevated privileges. * The standard user will be prompted by User Account Control (UAC). * UAC is a feature in Windows that can help the user stay in control of the computer by
issuing notices when a program makes a change that requires administrator-level permission.

* Insert the software media and follow the instructions on the screen.
Installing Applications Locally (continued)

* Most software applications are packaged with an AutoPlay feature that will start the
installation after the media is loaded.

* If the software does not load automatically, check the program documentation. Most
software contains a setup file that is named either Setup.exe or Install.exe.

Using Group Policy

Companies use various methods to deploy software applications rapidly across the network, including Group Policy Software Installation.

Group Policy Software Installation enables software management throughout its life cycle. Group Policy Software Installation works in conjunction with Group Policy and Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).

Using Group Policy (continued)

Group Policy enables centralized management of software deployment, including uninstalling, upgrading, or modifying software packages.

Removing Installed Applications

* Software can be removed through the Programs category in Control Panel.

Removing Installed Applications (continued)

* *

Highlight the software that you want to uninstall and click Uninstall. The uninstall process may differ from one software package to another.

Lesson Review

* *

What technology allows a standard user to install software without having to authenticate as an administrative user? What is required to use Group Policy to install software?

What files are typically used to perform an installation if the software does not contain an AutoPlay feature?

Understand User Account Control (UAC)

Guiding Questions

* * *

What is the most important rule for controlling access to resources? What is a malicious program or software? What does the UAC do?

Differentiating Between Standard and

Administrative Users

A standard user account enables users to do the following:

* Use most of the capabilities of the computer * Use most programs that are installed on the computer * Change settings that affect that user account

A standard user account prevents the user from doing the following:

* Installing or uninstalling some software and hardware * Deleting files that are required for the computer to work * Changing settings that affect other users or the security of the computer

Differentiating Between Standard and Administrative Users (continued)

An administrator account enables users to do the following:

* * * *

Make changes that will affect other users Configure security settings Install software and hardware Gain access to all files on the computer

Make changes to other user accounts

An administrator account doesnt have any restrictions on the computer.

User Account Control (UAC)

* *

User Account Control (UAC) is a feature in Windows that helps the user stay in control of the computer by issuing notices when a program makes a change that requires administrator-level permission. UAC works by adjusting the permission level of your user account. When changes are going to be made to the computer that require administrator-level permission, UAC notifies the user.

* If logged on as an administrator, you can click Yes to continue. * If logged on as a standard user, someone with an administrator account must enter his
or her password.

* If permission is granted, rights are temporarily granted to complete the task, and then
permissions return to those of a standard user.

UAC (continued) UAC notifications:

UAC Group Policy Settings

UAC can be controlled by configuring Group Policy settings. Click Start and in the Search programs and files field, type gpedit.msc. Press ENTER.

UAC Group Policy Settings (continued) Explanations of each policy setting can be found by double-clicking the policy setting and clicking the Explain tab.

Configure UAC

* *

UAC can be configured at the application level or the system level. To run an application in elevated mode, perform these steps:

* * * * *

Right-click an application icon or name that is not an administrative application. Select Properties. Select the Compatibility tab. Locate Privilege Level and select Run This Program As An Administrator. Click OK.

Configure UAC (continued)

* * *

UAC can be turned on or off at the system level. You must be logged in as an Administrator to modify UAC settings. Turning off UAC reduces computer security and may expose it to increased risk from malicious software. To modify UAC, perform these steps:

* * * * *

Click Start and Control Panel. Click User Accounts And Family Safety. Click User Accounts. Click Change User Account Control Settings. Click and drag the slide button to the desired setting. Dragging the button to Never Notify turns off UAC.

Lesson Review

* * *

What is a digital signature?

Identify three things that a standard user cannot do.

What does UAC help prevent?

Remove Malicious Software

Guiding Questions

* * *

What is a computer virus? What is Windows Defender? What is a firewall?

Computer Security Threats

* Trojan horsea malicious application that is unable to spread of its own accord.
Historically, the term has been used to refer to applications that appear legitimate and useful but perform malicious and illicit activity on an affected computer.

* Malwaremalicious software or potentially unwanted software installed without user

consent.

* Spywaredescribes a program that collects information such as the websites a user

visits without user consent. Installation may be without prominent notice or without the users knowledge.

* Bota malicious program installed on a computer that is part of a bot network. Bots
are generally back-door Trojans that allow unauthorized access and control of an affected computer.

Security Tools Windows Defender

* * *

Helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats. Comes bundled with Windows 7. Detects and removes known spyware from your computer.

Security Tools (continued)

* The Tools And Settings window in Windows Defender allows you to change options or
view Quarantined items.

Security Tools (continued)

* Windows Defender can be configured to treat alert items differently based on their
severity.

Malicious Software Removal Tool

* Checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Microsoft

Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

* Checks for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software, including Blaster, Sasser,
and Mydoom, and helps remove any infection it finds.

* Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month
and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update, and the Microsoft Download Center.

* Downloaded from Microsoft at the following link:

* http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx

Malicious Software Removal Tool (continued)

* After the download, browse to the file location and double-click the file. * Follow the wizard instructions and scan for any malicious software.

More Security Tools

Antivirus software can prevent threats from infecting your systems.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Free download for personal use and small business.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx

Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection

* *

An enterprise-based solution. http://www.microsoft.com/forefront/endpoint-protection/en/us/default.aspx

Action Center

* *

Windows Action Center is a central place to view alerts and take actions that can help keep Windows running smoothly. Lists important messages about security and maintenance settings that need your attention.

* Red items in Action Center are labeled Important, and indicate significant issues that
should be addressed soon.

* Yellow items are suggested tasks that you should consider addressing, like
recommended maintenance tasks.

Action Center messages can be viewed quickly by placing your mouse over the icon in the notification area.

Action Center (continued)

Action Center can be found by clicking Start, Control Panel, and typing Action Center in the search field.

Lesson Review

* * *

What tool can be used to remove malware from an infected system?

What feature of Windows is the central location to view alerts and take actions to help keep the system running smoothly? What is the name given to a malicious program installed on a computer that is part of a bot network?

Understand Services

Guiding Questions

* * *

List the four startup types for Windows services. How can you start the Services snap-in from Search Programs And Files? A service has failed to start; what application would you first use to determine the cause?

Windows Services

Windows Services include an application type that runs in the system background without a user interface.

Provide core operating system features, such as event logging, file serving, printing, cryptography, and error reporting.

* Antivirus software runs as a Windows service.

* * *

Installed and running services will vary from machine to machine based upon software or features installed. Access Services by clicking Start, typing services.msc in the Search programs and files field, and pressing ENTER. You also can access Services through the Computer Management application as follows:

* Click Start, right-click Computer and select Manage, locate and expand Services And
Applications, and select Services.

Windows Services (continued)

Managing Windows Services

* *

Four startup types:

* Automatic (Delayed Start), Automatic, Manual, and Disabled.

Disabling a service can help optimize the operating system if the service is not needed.

Managing Windows Services (continued)

Windows services require authentication to run.

Logon options:

* Network Service * Local System Account * User Account

Managing Windows Services (continued)

* *

Services can be started, stopped, and restarted using Services.msc and the Computer Management Services snap-in. Services can be started and stopped through the command-line interface.

Managing Windows Services (continued) Services can be configured to respond to multiple failures.

* * *

Restart The Service. Restart The Computer. Run A program.

Managing Windows Services (continued) Services can also be dependent on other services.

Managing Windows Services (continued) An event is written to the System Event log when a service fails to start.

Lesson Review

* * *

What application reports why a particular service failed to start? When would a user choose to disable a particular service? What command can stop the spooler service at the command prompt?