What is a DLL?

DLL is a dynamic link library file format that holds codes and data that can be used by different applications at
the same time. As an example, in Windows operating systems, the Comdlg32 DLL performs common dialog box
related functions. Therefore, each application can use the functionality contained in the DLL to implement an
Open dialog box. This helps promote code reuse and efficient memory usage.

In using a DLL, a program can be modularized into separate components. For example, a program may be sold
by module. Each module can be loaded into the main program at run time if that module is installed. Because
the modules are separate, the load time of the program is faster, and a module is only loaded when that
functionality is requested. Additionally, updates are easier to apply to each module without affecting other
parts of the program.

The following list describes some of the files that are implemented as DLLs in Windows operating systems:

 ActiveX Controls (.ocx) files -- An example of an ActiveX control is a calendar control that lets you
select a date from a calendar.
 Control Panel (.cpl) files -- An example of a .cpl file is an item that is located in Control Panel. Each
item is a specialized DLL.
 Device driver (.drv) files -- An example of a device driver is a printer driver that controls the printing
to a printer.

Other important DLL files:

 COMDLG32.DLL -- Controls the dialog boxes.

 GDI32.DLL -- Contains numerous functions for drawing graphics, displaying text, and managing fonts.
 KERNEL32.DLL -- Contains hundreds of functions for the management of memory and various
processes.
 USER32.DLL -- Contains numerous user interface functions. Involved in the creation of program
windows and their interactions with each other.

DLL Advantages

•Uses fewer resources

When multiple programs use the same library of functions, a DLL can reduce the duplication of code that is
loaded on the disk and in physical memory. This can greatly influence the performance of not just the program
that is running in the foreground, but also other programs that are running on the Windows operating system.

•Promotes modular architecture

A DLL helps promote developing modular programs. This helps the user develop large programs that require
multiple language versions or a program that requires modular architecture. An example of a modular program
is an accounting program that has many modules that can be dynamically loaded at run time.
•Eases deployment and installation

When a function within a DLL needs an update or a fix, the deployment and installation of the DLL does not
require the program to be relinked with the DLL. Additionally, if multiple programs use the same DLL, the
multiple programs will all benefit from the update or the fix. This issue may more frequently occur when you
use a third-party DLL that is regularly updated or fixed.

Types of DLL

Load-time dynamic linking

In load-time dynamic linking, an application makes explicit calls to the exported DLL functions like local
functions. To use load-time dynamic linking, provide a header (.h) file and an import library (.lib) file, when you
compile and link the application. When you do this, the linker will provide the system with the information that
is required to load the DLL and resolve the exported DLL function locations at load time.

Runtime dynamic linking

In runtime dynamic linking, an application calls either the LoadLibrary function or the LoadLibraryEx function
to load the DLL at runtime. After the DLL is successfully loaded, you use the GetProcAddress function, to obtain
the address of the exported DLL function that you want to call. When you use runtime dynamic linking, you do
not need an import library file.

The following list describes the application criteria for choosing between load-time dynamic linking and
runtime dynamic linking:

 Startup performance: If the initial startup performance of the application is important, you should use
run-time dynamic linking.
 Ease of use: In load-time dynamic linking, the exported DLL functions are like local functions. It helps
you call these functions easily.
 Application logic: In runtime dynamic linking, an application can branch to load different modules as
required. This is important when you develop multiple-language versions.

Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the file manager used by Windows 95 and later versions. This allows users to manage
files, folders and network connections, as well as search for files and other related components. Windows
explorer is also developed to support new features that are unrelated file management such as playing audio
and videos and launching programs, etc. The desktop and task bar is also considered part of Windows Explorer.

In addition to file management, Windows Explorer also provides shell services as well as manages the desktop,
the Start menu and the taskbar.

Windows Explorer should NOT be confused with Internet Explorer. The former is a file browser, while the latter
is a web browser.
Starting with Windows 8.0, wherein the Ribbon interface was introduced to the Windows Explorer, now called
File Explorer. This feature provides the user with all the commands needed for file access and management.

Useful keyboard shortcuts:

 Win + E – Opens Windows Explorer

 Alt + Up – Switches to the parent folder in the hierarchy
 Alt P – Toggles the Preview pane
 Alt+Enter – Opens Properties for the selected object
 F2 – Allows you to rename selection
 Shift + Del – Deletes selection directly i.e. without moving it to Recycle Bin

Some hidden features of the Windows File Explorer:

Open ISO files

Prior to Windows 8 users need to download and install 3rd party software such as PowerISO or UltraISO to open
ISO files. Starting in Windows 8 however, Microsoft has added native support for this file format. So now all
you have to do to open an .iso file is right-click on it and select Mount from the context menu.

Move Files via the Address Bar

In Explorer, select the file(s) you want to move and drag it to the parent location in the address bar to move
the file. If you want to copy the file instead, hold down Ctrl when you’re dragging and dropping the file.

Add Tags and Comments via File Details

When you select a file in Windows 7, you’ll see its details — size, the date of creation, etc. — in a section at the
bottom. You can customize some of those details by adding tags, comments, etc. This functionality is not
immediately clear because the fields don’t appear editable.

Display the Pathname in the Title Bar

Click on View > Options in the Explorer ribbon to open the Folder Options dialog. Switch to the View tab in the
dialog, find the Display full path in the title bar option, and check the box next to it.
TASK MANAGER

> an advanced tool that can do an incredible number of

things
> gives you some control over those running tasks

How to access

> Ctrl+Shift+X
> Ctrl+Alt+Del
> Right Click on taskbar
> Using its run command

Tabs on Task Manager

I. PROCESSES TAB

> contains a list of all the running programs and apps on

your computer, and any Background processes and
Windows processes that are running

> close running programs, bring them to the foreground,

see how each is using your computer's resources

II. PERFORMANCE TAB

- is a summary of what's going on with your major hardware components

- watch as usage of these resources changes

- makes it easy to see your CPU model and maximum speed, RAM slots in
use, disk transfer rate, your IP address

III. APP HISTORY TAB

- shows the CPU usage and network utilization

that each Windows app has used between the
date listed on the screen through right now

- great for tracking down any app that might be

a CPU or network resource hog.
IV. STARTUP TAB

- shows every program that starts up

automatically with Windows, probably most
valuable a startup impact rating of High, Medium,
or Low.

- This tab is great for identifying, then disabling

programs that you don't need to be running
automatically

V. USERS TAB

> shows every user that's currently signed in to the

computer and the processes are running within each

VI. DETAILS TAB

> shows every individual process that's running

right now - no program grouping, common
names, or other user-friendly displays here.

> very helpful during advanced troubleshooting,

when you need to easily find something like an
executable's exact location

VII. SERVICES TAB

> shows at least some of the Windows

services installed on your computer

> serves as a quick and convenient way to

start and stop major Windows services

> Advanced configuration of services is done

from the Services module in Microsoft
Management Console.
References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/help/815065/what-is-a-dll

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/dll/dll_quick_guide.htm#

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-little-known-features-windows-file-explorer/

https://www.lifewire.com/task-manager-2626025

https://www.lifewire.com/task-manager-walkthrough-4029769

https://www.howtogeek.com/405806/windows-task-manager-the-complete-guide/