1. A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Chapter 7
Survey of Windows Features and Support Tools
Chapter 7
Survey of Windows Features and Support Tools

2. Objectives
Use Windows to interface with users, files and folders, applications, and hardware
Use Windows tools to examine and support the system
Make network connections using Windows
Manage local user accounts and Microsoft accounts in Windows
Objectives
Use Windows to interface with users, files and folders, applications, and hardware
Use Windows tools to examine and support the system
Make network connections using Windows
Manage local user accounts and Microsoft accounts in Windows
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

3. Windows Interfaces Operating system (OS) software
Controls a computer
Four main functions of all OSs
Provide a user interface
Manage files
Manage hardware
Manage applications
Windows 8 is an upgrade to Windows 7, which was preceded by Windows Vista
Windows Interfaces
Operating system (OS) software
Controls a computer
Four main functions of all OSs
Provide a user interface
Manage files
Manage hardware
Manage applications
Windows 8 is an upgrade to Windows 7, which was preceded by Windows Vista
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

4. Windows Interfaces A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-1 Users and applications depend on the OS to relate to all applications and hardware components
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

5. Windows Interfaces Editions of Windows 8: Editions of Windows 7:
Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows RT
Windows 8.1 is a free update
Editions of Windows 7:
Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Starter
Every Windows OS provides a graphical user interface (GUI)
Windows Interfaces
Editions of Windows 8:
Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows RT
Windows 8.1 is a free update
Editions of Windows 7:
Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Starter
Every Windows OS provides a graphical user interface (GUI)
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

6. Windows 8 Modern Interface
Also called the Windows 8 interface and formerly called the Metro User Interface or Metro UI
The Start screen contains tiles that represent lean apps (use few system resources)
Some apps use live tiles
Offer continuous real-time updates
Uses pages in comparison to windows used on the desktop
Designed for touch screens
Windows 8 Modern Interface
Windows 8 modern interface
Also called the Windows 8 interface and formerly called the Metro User Interface or Metro UI
The Start screen contains tiles that represent lean apps (use few system resources)
Some apps use live tiles
Offer continuous real-time updates
Uses pages in comparison to windows used on the desktop
Designed for touch screens
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

7. Windows 8 Modern Interface
Figure 7-2 The Windows 8 Start screen is used to view app tiles and to open apps
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

8. Windows 8 Modern Interface
Charms bar appears on the right side of the screen when you move your pointer to a right corner
Click a charm to select it
Settings charm can be useful
Items at the top of the Settings pane can change depending on the situation
Windows 8 Modern Interface
Charms bar appears on the right side of the screen when you move your pointer to a right corner
Click a charm to select it
Settings charm can be useful
Items at the top of the Settings pane can change depending on the situation
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

9. Windows 8 Modern Interface
Figure 7-3 (a) The charms bar, (b) the Settings pane on the Start screen,
and (c) the Settings pane on the desktop
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

10. Windows 8 Modern Interface
Power icon in the upper-right corner of the Start screen can be used to shut down or restart computer
Items on this menu might include Sleep and Hibernate
Windows 8 Modern Interface
Power icon in the upper-right corner of the Start screen can be used to shut down or restart computer
Items on this menu might include Sleep and Hibernate
Figure 7-4 Use the Power icon at the top of the Start screen to shut down or restart the system
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

11. Windows 8 Desktop
To access the desktop, click the Desktop tile on the Start screen
You can click the Start button in the taskbar to return to the Start screen
Taskbar is normally located at the bottom of the Windows desktop
Notification area (system tray or systray) is usually on the right side of the taskbar and displays open services
Service is a program that runs in the background
Windows 8 Desktop
To access the desktop, click the Desktop tile on the Start screen
You can click the Start button in the taskbar to return to the Start screen
Taskbar is normally located at the bottom of the Windows desktop
Notification area (system tray or systray) is usually on the right side of the taskbar and displays open services
Service is a program that runs in the background
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

12. Windows 8 Desktop
To launch a program from the desktop, use one of these methods:
Start screen
Quick Launch menu
Pin to taskbar
Double-click the program file in File Explorer
Shortcut on desktop
Run box
Windows 8 Desktop
To launch a program from the desktop, use one of these methods:
Start screen
Quick Launch menu
Pin to taskbar
Double-click the program file in File Explorer
Shortcut on desktop
Run box
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

13. Windows 8 Desktop A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-9 Windows 8 desktop with charms bar in view
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

14. Windows 8 Desktop Tips about managing windows on the desktop:
Press and drag the title bar of a window to move the window
Drag a window to the top of the screen to maximize it
Press and shake the title bar of a window to minimize all other windows except the one you shake
Windows 8 Desktop
Tips about managing windows on the desktop:
Press and drag the title bar of a window to move the window
Drag a window to the top of the screen to maximize it
Press and shake the title bar of a window to minimize all other windows except the one you shake
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

15. Windows 7 Desktop Desktop is the initial screen that is displayed
Windows 7/Vista desktop provides a 3-D user interface called the Aero user interface
Aero interface is not available for the Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic editions
Windows 7 requires 1 GB of RAM and a video card that supports Aero
Can have gadgets on the desktop
Gadget is a mini-app that provides information such as the time, date, news headlines, or weather
Windows 7 Desktop
Desktop is the initial screen that is displayed
Windows 7/Vista desktop provides a 3-D user interface called the Aero user interface
Aero interface is not available for the Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic editions
Windows 7 requires 1 GB of RAM and a video card that supports Aero
Can have gadgets on the desktop
Gadget is a mini-app that provides information such as the time, date, news headlines, or weather
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

16. Windows 7 Desktop A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure The Windows 7 desktop using the Aero interface has a glassy transparent look
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

17. Windows 7 Desktop Start menu Username shown at the top right
Applications used often are listed in the white left column (can change from time to time)
User libraries, files and OS utilities are listed in the dark right column
A Windows 7 library is a collection of folders
The Windows Desktop
Start menu
Username shown at the top right
Applications used often are listed in the white left column (can change from time to time)
User libraries, files and OS utilities are listed in the dark right column
A Windows 7 library is a collection of folders
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

18. Windows 7 Desktop A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure The Windows 7 Start menu
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

19. Windows Tools for Users and Technicians
All users need to know how to use File Explorer or Windows Explorer
A technician also needs to know how to use:
Control Panel
Power Options
System Window
System Information Window
Action Center
Windows Tools for Users and Technicians
All users need to know how to use File Explorer or Windows Explorer
A technician also needs to know how to use:
Control Panel
Power Options
System Window
System Information Window
Action Center
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

20. Windows 8 File Explorer And Windows 7 Windows Explorer
To Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Click the yellow File Explorer or Windows Explorer icon in the taskbar
From Windows 8 desktop:
Open the Quick Launch menu (press Win+X) and click File Explorer in the menu
For Windows 7:
Right-click Start and select Open Windows Explorer from the menu
Windows 8 File Explorer And Windows 7 Windows Explorer
To Open File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Click the yellow File Explorer or Windows Explorer icon in the taskbar
From Windows 8 desktop:
Open the Quick Launch menu (press Win+X) and click File Explorer in the menu
For Windows 7:
Right-click Start and select Open Windows Explorer from the menu
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

21. Windows 8 File Explorer And Windows 7 Windows Explorer
Figure 7-15 Windows 8 File Explorer window with the Computer ribbon showing
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

22. Windows 8 File Explorer And Windows 7 Windows Explorer
Figure 7-16 Windows 7 Windows Explorer window with the Computer item in the left pane showing
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

23. Files and Directories
Every OS manages a hard drive, optical drive, USB drive, or other type of drive by using directories (also called folders), subdirectories, and files
Drive is organized with a single root directory
At top of the top-down hierarchical structure of subdirectories
Exception: hard drive
Divided into partitions
Each volume has its own root directory and hierarchical structure of subdirectories
Files and Directories
Every OS manages a hard drive, optical drive, USB drive, or other type of drive by using directories (also called folders), subdirectories, and files
Drive is organized with a single root directory
At top of the top-down hierarchical structure of subdirectories
Exception: hard drive
Divided into partitions
Each volume has its own root directory and hierarchical structure of subdirectories
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

24. Files and Directories A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-17 Storage devices such as a USB drive, CD, or hard drive, are organized into directories and subdirectories that contain files
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

25. Files and Directories
Root directory can hold files or other directories
These directories are called subdirectories, child directories, or folders
Any directory can have files and other subdirectories in it
Files and Directories
Root directory can hold files or other directories
These directories are called subdirectories, child directories, or folders
Any directory can have files and other subdirectories in it
Figure A hard drive can be divided into one or more partitions that can each
contain a volume such as drive C: or drive D:
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

26. Files and Directories
Path: location of a file referenced by a drive and directories
Files and Directories
Path: location of a file referenced by a drive and directories
Figure 7-19 The complete path to a file includes the volume letter, directories, filename, and file extension; the colon, backslashes, and period are required to separate items in the path
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

27. Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Click or double-click items in the left pane (called navigation pane) to drill down to subfolders
To control how files appear in the right pane in Windows 8, click one of the icons in the lower-right corner to select Thumbnail view or Details view
For Windows 7, click the View icon and select your view
Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Click or double-click items in the left pane (called navigation pane) to drill down to subfolders
To control how files appear in the right pane in Windows 8, click one of the icons in the lower-right corner to select Thumbnail view or Details view
For Windows 7, click the View icon and select your view
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

28. Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer (cont’d):
To control column headings that appear in the Details view, right-click a column heading and select the headings that you want to appear
Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer (cont’d):
To control column headings that appear in the Details view, right-click a column heading and select the headings that you want to appear
Figure 7-21 Right-click a column heading to select columns to display in Details view
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

29. Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer (cont’d):
Use the Search box in the upper-right corner of the window
Use the forward and back arrows in upper-left corner to move forward and backward to previous views
Click a right arrow in the path displayed in the address bar at the top of the Explorer widows to see a drop-down list of subfolder
Navigate the Folder Structure
Tips to navigate when working with File Explorer or Windows Explorer (cont’d):
Use the Search box in the upper-right corner of the window
Use the forward and back arrows in upper-left corner to move forward and backward to previous views
Click a right arrow in the path displayed in the address bar at the top of the Explorer widows to see a drop-down list of subfolder
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

30. Navigate the Folder Structure
Figure Click a right arrow in the address bar to move up the folder
tree and down to a new folder
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

31. Create a Folder Create a folder: Select parent folder
Use one of these methods to create a folder:
In Windows 8, select the Home ribbon and click New folder
In Windows 7, click New folder on the menu bar
Right-click in the white area of the right pane
Select New from the shortcut menu
Click Folder to create a regular folder of click Compressed Folder to create a compressed folder
Folder is created and highlighted so that it may be renamed
Create a Folder
Create a folder:
Select parent folder
Use one of these methods to create a folder:
In Windows 8, select the Home ribbon and click New folder
In Windows 7, click New folder on the menu bar
Right-click in the white area of the right pane
Select New from the shortcut menu
Click Folder to create a regular folder of click Compressed Folder to create a compressed folder
Folder is created and highlighted so that it may be renamed
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32. Navigate the Folder Structure
Figure Edit the new folder’s name
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

33. Create a File Methods to create a file Use a particular application
Use File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Right-click in the unused white area in the right pane of the window and point to New
Click the application you want to use in order to create a file
You can rename the filename (keep file extension the same)
Create a File
Methods to create a file
Use a particular application
Use File Explorer or Windows Explorer
Right-click in the unused white area in the right pane of the window and point to New
Click the application you want to use in order to create a file
You can rename the filename (keep file extension the same)
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34. Copy, Move, Rename, or Delete Files or Folders
Right-click file, select Copy from the shortcut menu
Click in folder white area where the copied item goes
Select Paste from the shortcut menu
Alternative way to copy or move
Drag and drop item to its new location (move)
To copy, hold down the Ctrl key while you drag and drop
Rename a file or folder
Right-click it and select Rename
Copy, Move, Rename, or Delete Files or Folders
Copy
Right-click file, select Copy from the shortcut menu
Click in folder white area where the copied item goes
Select Paste from the shortcut menu
Alternative way to copy or move
Drag and drop item to its new location (move)
To copy, hold down the Ctrl key while you drag and drop
Rename a file or folder
Right-click it and select Rename
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

35. Copy, Move, Rename, or Delete Files or Folders
Delete a file or folder
Select the item and press the Delete key
Can also, right-click on the item and select Delete from the shortcut menu
To select multiple items to delete, copy, or move at the same time, hold down the Shift or Ctrl key as you click
Shift key selects adjacent items in a list
Ctrl key selects nonadjacent items in a list
Deleted files are stored in Recycle Bin on desktop
Copy, Move, Rename, or Delete Files or Folders
Delete a file or folder
Select the item and press the Delete key
Can also, right-click on the item and select Delete from the shortcut menu
To select multiple items to delete, copy, or move at the same time, hold down the Shift or Ctrl key as you click
Shift key selects adjacent items in a list
Ctrl key selects nonadjacent items in a list
Deleted files are stored in Recycle Bin on desktop
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

36. Create a Shortcut
Use File Explorer or Windows Explorer to locate the data file or program file
Right-click, click Create shortcut in the menu
Create a Shortcut
Use File Explorer or Windows Explorer to locate the data file or program file
Right-click it
Click Create shortcut in the menu that appears
Figure 7-25 Place a shortcut to a program file on the Windows desktop
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

37. The Control Panel Contains applets used to manage the system
Accessing Control Panel in Windows
Right-click Start (click Start in Windows 7) and the click Control Panel
By default, Control Panel appears in category view
Utilities are grouped by category
Can switch to classic view by clicking Category
The Control Panel
Contains applets used to manage the system
Accessing Control Panel in Windows
Right-click Start (click Start in Windows 7) and the click Control Panel
By default, Control Panel appears in category view
Utilities are grouped by category
Can switch to classic view by clicking Category
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38. The Control Panel A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-26 Many technicians prefer to use Control in Classic view to more easily access utilities
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39. Folder Options
Folder Options applet in Control Panel can be used to view and change options assigned to folders
Controls how users view files in a folder, what users can do with the files
File extension
Used to identify file types
Windows does not show file extensions if it knows which application is associated with a file extension
Windows hides system files until you force it to show them
Folder Options
Folder Options applet in Control Panel can be used to view and change options assigned to folders
Controls how users view files in a folder, what users can do with the files
File extension
Used to identify file types
Windows does not show file extensions if it knows which application is associated with a file extension
Windows hides system files until you force it to show them
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

40. Power Options
Power Options applet of Control Panel can help you conserve power and increase the time before a battery pack on a laptop needs recharging
Different power-saving states:
Sleep mode (suspend mode) – Windows saves current state including open files to memory
Everything is shut down except memory and enough of system to respond to a wake-up
Hibernation – saves all work to the hard drive and powers down the system
Power Options
Power Options applet of Control Panel can help you conserve power and increase the time before a battery pack on a laptop needs recharging
Different power-saving states:
Sleep mode (suspend mode) – Windows saves current state including open files to memory
Everything is shut down except memory and enough of system to respond to a wake-up
Hibernation – saves all work to the hard drive and powers down the system
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

41. System Window
System window: can give you a quick look at what hardware and software is installed
To open the System window in Windows 8:
Open the Quick Launch menu (press Win+X)
Click System
In Windows 7:
Click Start
Right-click Computer
Select Properties
System Window
System window: can give you a quick look at what hardware and software is installed
To open the System window in Windows 8:
Open the Quick Launch menu (press Win+X)
Click System
In Windows 7:
Click Start
Right-click Computer
Select Properties
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42. System Window Useful information found there: Edition of Windows
Type of OS installed
Type of processor installed
Whether Windows has been activated
System Window
Useful information found there:
Edition of Windows
Type of OS installed
Type of processor installed
Whether Windows has been activated
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43. System Information Window
Used to view detailed information about the system
Important features to view
BIOS version installed
RAM is installed
OS installation directory
Hard drive size
Names of currently running drivers
Device drivers: small programs stored on hard drive that tell the computer how to communicate with a specific hardware device
System Information Window
Used to view detailed information about the system
Important features to view
BIOS version installed
RAM is installed
OS installation directory
Hard drive size
Names of currently running drivers
Device drivers: small programs stored on hard drive that tell the computer how to communicate with a specific hardware device
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44. System Information Window
To run System Information in Windows 8:
Open the Quick Launch menu
Click Run
Enter msinfo32.exe in the Run box and press Enter
To run System Information in Windows 7:
Click Start
Enter Msinfo32.exe in the Search box and press Enter
System Information Window
To run System Information in Windows 8:
Open the Quick Launch menu
Click Run
Enter msinfo32.exe in the Run box and press Enter
To run System Information in Windows 7:
Click Start
Enter Msinfo32.exe in the Search box and press Enter
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45. Action Center
Action Center: tool to use when you want to make a quick jab at solving a computer problem
Lists errors and issues that need attention
Action center flag appears in the notification area of the taskbar
Action Center
Action Center: tool to use when you want to make a quick jab at solving a computer problem
Lists errors and issues that need attention
Action center flag appears in the notification area of the taskbar
Figure 7-35 A red X on the Action Center flag in the taskbar indicates a critical issue needs resolving
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46. Action Center A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-36 The Action Center shows a critical problem that needs a resolution
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

47. Windows Network Connections
If a network is public (public hotspot) resources are not shared
Private networks often share their resources
Windows offers three ways to share resources:
Workgroups
Homegroups
Domain
Windows Network Connections
If a network is public (public hotspot) resources are not shared
Private networks often share their resources
Windows offers three ways to share resources:
Workgroups
Homegroups
Domain
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

48. Windows Workgroup and Homegroup
Peer-to-peer (P2P) network
A network that doesn’t have centralized control
In a Windows workgroup
Each computer maintains a list of users and their rights on that particular computer
In a homegroup
Each computer shares files, folders, libraries, and printers with other computer in the homegroup
Provides less security than a workgroup
Windows Workgroup and Homegroup
Peer-to-peer (P2P) network
A network that doesn’t have centralized control
In a Windows workgroup
Each computer maintains a list of users and their rights on that particular computer
In a homegroup
Each computer shares files, folders, libraries, and printers with other computer in the homegroup
Provides less security than a workgroup
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

49. Windows Domain
Windows domain is implemented on a larger, private network
Forms a logical group of networked computers that share a centralized directory database of user account information and security for entire group of computers
A type of client-server network where resources are managed by centralized computers
The directory database is controlled by a network operating system (NOS)
Windows Domain
Windows domain is implemented on a larger, private network
Forms a logical group of networked computers that share a centralized directory database of user account information and security for entire group of computers
A type of client-server network where resources are managed by centralized computers
The directory database is controlled by a network operating system (NOS)
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50. Windows Domain A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-38 A Windows domain is a type of client/server network where security on each computer or other device is controlled by a centralized database on a domain controller
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51. Windows Domain Windows Server Active Directory
Windows directory database
Each user must have his own domain-level account called a global account, network ID, domain account, or global username
If connecting a computer to a domain:
Administrator will tell you the network ID and password to the domain that you can sign in to the network
Windows Domain
Windows Server Active Directory
Windows directory database
Each user must have his own domain-level account called a global account, network ID, domain account, or global username
If connecting a computer to a domain:
Administrator will tell you the network ID and password to the domain that you can sign in to the network
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52. Public and Private Networks
Windows 8 offers two types of network security:
Public network security – Windows configures strong firewall settings and you cannot join a homegroup or domain
Private network security – you can join a homegroup or domain and share files and printers
Windows 7 security options:
Public network – Network Discovery is turned off
Home network – Network Discovery is on and can join a homegroup
Work network – Network Discovery is on and you can join a domain, but not a homegroup
Public and Private Networks
Windows 8 offers two types of network security:
Public network security – Windows configures strong firewall settings and you cannot join a homegroup or domain
Private network security – you can join a homegroup or domain and share files and printers
Windows 7 security options:
Public network – Network Discovery is turned off
Home network – Network Discovery is on and can join a homegroup
Work network – Network Discovery is on and you can join a domain, but not a homegroup
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53. Making a Windows 8 Network Connection
To make a wired connection, plug in the cable and Windows does the rest
Unless you have an unusual network setup
To create a wireless connection in Windows 8, use the charms bar:
Click the Settings charm, click the network icon, click a network to select it, click Connect
Enter security key (if network is secured)
Open your browser window and verify you have access to the Internet
Making a Windows 8 Network Connection
To make a wired connection, plug in the cable and Windows does the rest
Unless you have an unusual network setup
To create a wireless connection in Windows 8, use the charms bar:
Click the Settings charm, click the network icon, click a network to select it, click Connect
Enter security key (if network is secured)
Open your browser window and verify you have access to the Internet
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

54. Making a Windows 8 Network Connection
To view network information and to troubleshoot network problems:
Use the Network and Sharing Center
Right-click the Network icon in the taskbar, click Open Network and Sharing Center in the menu that appears
Or, open Control Panel in classic view and click Network and Sharing Center
Making a Windows 8 Network Connection
To view network information and to troubleshoot network problems:
Use the Network and Sharing Center
Right-click the Network icon in the taskbar, click Open Network and Sharing Center in the menu that appears
Or, open Control Panel in classic view and click Network and Sharing Center
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55. Making a Windows 8 Network Connection
Figure 7-43 Windows 8 Network and Sharing Center reports network information and gives access to network troubleshooting tools
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56. Making a Windows 7 Network Connection
In Widows 7, to connect to a wireless network and secure the connection:
Click the network icon in the taskbar, click a network and click Connect
If network is secured, enter the security key
To verify or change the security setting, open the Network and Sharing Center window
Making a Windows 7 Network Connection
In Widows 7, to connect to a wireless network and secure the connection:
Click the network icon in the taskbar, click a network and click Connect
If network is secured, enter the security key
To verify or change the security setting, open the Network and Sharing Center window
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57. Domain Setup
To access resources controlled by a Windows domain, you will need the network ID and password to the domain provided by administrator
Open the System window
Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings
In the System Properties box that appears, click Network ID and follow directions on screen
Domain Setup
To access resources controlled by a Windows domain, you will need the network ID and password to the domain provided by administrator
Open the System window
Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings
In the System Properties box that appears, click Network ID and follow directions on screen
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58. Domain Setup A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition
Figure 7-47 Setup Windows to join a domain
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59. Windows User Accounts
Windows supports various types and privileges for user accounts:
The scope of the account – a local account is created on the local computer and is recognized only on the local computer
Privileges for the account – two types of privileges assigned to user account: administrator account and a standard account
A Microsoft account – an address, which allows you to access several online accounts including Microsoft OneDrive, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Skype, Outlook.com, and others
Windows User Accounts
Windows supports various types and privileges for user accounts:
The scope of the account – a local account is created on the local computer and is recognized only on the local computer
Privileges for the account – two types of privileges assigned to user account: administrator account and a standard account
A Microsoft account – an address, which allows you to access several online accounts including Microsoft OneDrive, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Skype, Outlook.com, and others
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60. Using a Microsoft Account with Windows 8
Advantages and disadvantages of signing in to Windows using a Microsoft account:
Personal settings across several devices
OneDrive storage in the cloud
Windows Store
Private settings are stored on the local computer
Using a Microsoft Account with Windows 8
Advantages and disadvantages of signing in to Windows using a Microsoft account:
Personal settings across several devices
OneDrive storage in the cloud
Windows Store
Private settings are stored on the local computer
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61. Connecting a Microsoft Account to a Local Account or Network ID
To connect an existing local account or network ID to a Microsoft account:
Open the charms bar, select the Settings charm, select Change PC settings, and click Accounts
Select Your account and then click Connect to a Microsoft account
To switch Microsoft account back to a local account:
Open the charms bar and go to PC settings screen, click Accounts, and click Disconnect
Connecting a Microsoft Account to a Local Account or Network ID
To connect an existing local account or network ID to a Microsoft account:
Open the charms bar, select the Settings charm, select Change PC settings, and click Accounts
Select Your account and then click Connect to a Microsoft account
To switch Microsoft account back to a local account:
Open the charms bar and go to PC settings screen, click Accounts, and click Disconnect
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

62. Connecting a Microsoft Account to a Local Account or Network ID
Figure 7-55 The Windows user account can be converted from a Microsoft account to a local user account
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

63. Connecting a Microsoft Account to a Local Account or Network ID
When signing in to Windows using a local account, network ID, or Microsoft account, consider where the account is authenticated:
Local account is authenticated on the local computer and gives access to the local computer
Network ID is authenticated by a computer on the network, gives you access to the local computer and other resources on the network
Microsoft account is authenticated on the live.com website, gives access to the local computer and online resources
Connecting a Microsoft Account to a Local Account or Network ID
When signing in to Windows using a local account, network ID, or Microsoft account, consider where the account is authenticated:
Local account is authenticated on the local computer and gives access to the local computer
Network ID is authenticated by a computer on the network, gives you access to the local computer and other resources on the network
Microsoft account is authenticated on the live.com website, gives access to the local computer and online resources
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

64. User Account Control Box
User Account Control (UAC) dialog box appears each time a user attempts to perform an action that can be done only with administrative privileges
Used to:
Prevent malicious background tasks from gaining administrative privileges when the administrator is logged on
Administrator can log in using a less powerful user account for normal desktop activities, but still be able to perform administrative tasks while logged in as a regular user
User Account Control Box
User Account Control (UAC) dialog box appears each time a user attempts to perform an action that can be done only with administrative privileges
Used to:
Prevent malicious background tasks from gaining administrative privileges when the administrator is logged on
Administrator can log in using a less powerful user account for normal desktop activities, but still be able to perform administrative tasks while logged in as a regular user
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

65. User Account Control Box
Figure 7-56 (a) and (b) (a) the User Account Control box of an administrator does not require an administrative password; (b) The UAC box of a standard User requires an administrative password
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

66. Summary OS manages system resources for users and applications
Windows 8 offers two GUIs: modern interface and the Windows 8 desktop
Windows 7/Vista desktop offers the Aero user interface
Ways to launch an application in Windows 8: using the Start screen, Quick Launch menu, icon pinned to taskbar, File Explorer, shortcut, and Run option
In Windows 7/Vista: use the Start menu, search box, icons pinned to taskbar, Windows Explorer, or a shortcut
Summary
OS manages system resources for users and applications
Windows 8 offers two GUIs: modern interface and the Windows 8 desktop
Windows 7/Vista desktop offers the Aero user interface
Ways to launch an application in Windows 8: using the Start screen, Quick Launch menu, icon pinned to taskbar, File Explorer, shortcut, and Run option
In Windows 7/Vista: use the Start menu, search box, icons pinned to taskbar, Windows Explorer, or a shortcut
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

67. Summary
Windows 8 File Explorer and Windows 7 Windows Explorer are used to manage files and folders on storage devices
The file extension indicates how the file contents are organized and formatted and what program uses the file
Control Panel give access to a group of utility programs used to manage the system
Folder Options applet changes the way files and folders are displayed in Explorer
Power Options applet manages power settings
Summary
Windows 8 File Explorer and Windows 7 Windows Explorer are used to manage files and folders on storage devices
The file extension indicates how the file contents are organized and formatted and what program uses the file
Control Panel give access to a group of utility programs used to manage the system
Folder Options applet changes the way files and folders are displayed in Explorer
Power Options applet manages power settings
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

68. Summary The System window gives a quick overview of the system
The System Information window gives detailed information about the computer
The Action Center is used to solve problems with security and computer maintenance issues
Windows 8/7 supports workgroups, homegroups, and domains to manage resources
A network ID and password is used to authenticate to a Windows domain, which gives access to network resources
Summary
The System window gives a quick overview of the system
The System Information window gives detailed information about the computer
The Action Center is used to solve problems with security and computer maintenance issues
Windows 8/7 supports workgroups, homegroups, and domains to manage resources
A network ID and password is used to authenticate to a Windows domain, which gives access to network resources
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

69. Summary
Use the Network and Sharing Center to view information about network connections and solve network problems
Use the System window to set up a computer to a Widows domain
Windows supports local accounts that are recognized only on the local computer and network IDs that are recognized on a Windows domain
Two types of privileges assigned to a Windows account: administrator account and standard account
Summary
Use the Network and Sharing Center to view information about network connections and solve network problems
Use the System window to set up a computer to a Widows domain
Windows supports local accounts that are recognized only on the local computer and network IDs that are recognized on a Windows domain
Two types of privileges assigned to a Windows account: administrator account and standard account
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition

70. Summary
Windows 8 offers a Microsoft account that is authenticated online at live.com website
Use the Settings charm to manage Windows 8 user accounts
You can associate a Microsoft account with a local account or network ID on a domain
The User Account Control (UAC) box is used to protect the system against malware or accidental changes to a system done by inexperienced users
Summary
Windows 8 offers a Microsoft account that is authenticated online at live.com website
Use the Settings charm to manage Windows 8 user accounts
You can associate a Microsoft account with a local account or network ID on a domain
The User Account Control (UAC) box is used to protect the system against malware or accidental changes to a system done by inexperienced users
A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 9th Edition