Windows 101

Key Features and Architecture

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Windows is known for its user-friendly graphical interface with a desktop, icons, windows, and a taskbar. This makes it more intuitive for less technical users.

• Windows Kernel: The core of the operating system, responsible for resource management, process scheduling, memory management, and hardware interaction.

• Hybrid Kernel: The Windows kernel combines aspects of monolithic and microkernel architectures, attempting to balance performance and stability.

• Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL): Provides an interface between the kernel and the underlying hardware, enhancing compatibility across different hardware platforms.

• Device Drivers: Software that enables communication between hardware devices and the operating system.

• System Services and APIs: Provides a layer for developers to create applications that interact with the operating system and its features.

File System

• NTFS (New Technology File System): The primary file system used in modern Windows versions. It offers features like:

  • File and folder permissions

  • File compression

  • Encryption

  • Journaling (for enhanced fault tolerance)

  • Quotas

• FAT32 (File Allocation Table): An older file system often used for compatibility with removable drives like USB sticks.

User Accounts and Security

• User Profiles: Stores user-specific settings, files and preferences.

• User Account Control (UAC): A security feature that prompts for administrator permission before allowing certain changes, helping prevent malware.

• Windows Defender: Built-in antivirus and antimalware protection.

• Windows Firewall: Helps to protect from network-based attacks.

Common Directories

• C:\Windows: Contains the Windows system files.

• C:\Program Files: Default location for installed programs.

• C:\Users[Username]: Stores user profiles, including personal documents, settings, and data.

Key Windows Tools and Settings

• Control Panel: Provides access to system settings like hardware configuration, user accounts, and display settings.

• Settings app: A modern interface for managing many of the same settings as the Control Panel.

• Registry: A hierarchical database that stores system-wide and application-specific configuration settings.

• Task Manager: Provides information on running processes, performance statistics, and allows you to manage processes.

• Windows Update: Handles the download and installation of security patches and software updates.

Networking

• TCP/IP: Standard networking protocol suite used by Windows.

• Network connections settings: Allows configuration of network adapters, Wi-Fi connections, VPNs, and more.

• File and printer sharing: Allows sharing of resources across a network.

Windows Editions

• Windows Home: Designed for consumer use.

• Windows Pro: Adds features for business users, such as domain joining, BitLocker encryption, and Group Policy management.

• Windows Enterprise: Includes even more advanced features for large organizations.

• Windows Server: Designed for servers, with roles like web server, file server, and domain controller.

Windows file system:

Key Concepts

• Hierarchical Structure: Like other operating systems, Windows organizes everything into a tree-like structure. The top-level is represented by drive letters (usually C:). Files and folders are arranged in directories under these drives.

• File and Folder Organization: Each file and folder has attributes like name, timestamps (creation, modification), size, and permissions.

• Drive Letters: Windows assigns a letter (e.g., C:, D:) to physical drives, network drives, and partitions.

NTFS: The Primary File System

NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default and most robust file system for modern Windows installations. Key features:

• Security:

  • Permissions: Fine-grained control over file and folder access (read, write, modify, etc.) for users and groups.

  • Encryption (EFS): Protects individual files and folders from unauthorized access.

• Reliability:

  • Journaling: Logs file changes, aiding recovery in case of crashes.

  • Self-healing: Can detect and repair some file system errors.

• Efficiency:

  • Compression: Option to reduce file size on disk.

  • Disk Quotas: Allows setting storage limits for individual users.

  • Support for large files and volumes

Legacy File Systems

• FAT32: Older file system, often used for USB drives and compatibility with older devices. Limitations include:

  • No built-in security features

  • Maximum file size of 4GB

  • Maximum volume size limits

• exFAT: A newer file system designed for flash drives, overcoming some of the limitations of FAT32.

Standard Folders

Windows has standard folders for organizing common file types:

• C:\Windows: Contains Windows system files.

• C:\Program Files: Default location for installed programs.

• C:\Users[Username]\Documents: User's documents (text files, spreadsheets, etc.).

• C:\Users[Username]\Pictures: User's image files.

• C:\Users[Username]\Desktop: Files and shortcuts placed on the desktop.

File System Management

• File Explorer: The primary interface for browsing files and directories.

• Disk Management: A tool for managing partitions, formatting drives, and assigning drive letters.

• Command Prompt and PowerShell: Command-line interfaces for file manipulation and advanced tasks.

Important Notes:

• You'll mainly encounter NTFS on most modern Windows systems.

• FAT32 is still common for external USB drives due to compatibility with non-Windows devices.

Windows Folder

C:\Windows

• The Heart of Windows: Houses the core operating system files. This includes essential components, drivers, DLL files, and system applications and utilities.

• Why It's Critical: Tampering with files within C:\Windows can render your operating system unstable or completely unusable.

• Examples of Key Files:

  • explorer.exe (Windows Shell/File Explorer)

  • cmd.exe (Command Prompt)

  • winlogon.exe (Handles the login process)

  • Many .dll files (Dynamic Link Libraries containing shared code)

• Rule of Thumb: Unless you absolutely know what you're doing, it's generally best to leave files in this directory undisturbed to avoid breaking the system.

C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)

• Home of Installed Applications: These are the default locations for most programs you install.

  • C:\Program Files: Usually stores 64-bit applications.

  • C:\Program Files (x86): Usually stores 32-bit applications.

• Why They're Critical: These folders contain the executable files, configurations, libraries, and data needed for your applications to run. Deleting them carelessly will break the corresponding programs.

• Contents:

  • Program executables (.exe files)

  • Support libraries and data files

  • Configuration files

• Note: Manually messing with program files is rarely necessary; uninstallation should be handled through the Control Panel or the app's dedicated uninstaller.

C:\Windows\System32

• The Engine Room: This directory holds a vast collection of files critical for the proper functioning of your Windows system.

• Why It's Extra Critical: Files in this folder are especially vital. Any accidental or intentional modification can have widespread consequences, potentially leading to system crashes or instability.

• Key Contents:

  • System-critical .dll files

  • Core system executables (e.g., taskmgr.exe for Task Manager, regedit.exe for the Registry Editor)

  • System configuration files

• Best Practice: Extreme caution is required when interacting with this folder.

Important Considerations

• System Protection: Windows often has built-in mechanisms to prevent accidental modification of critical folders.

• Malware Targets: Malware sometimes tries to hide in these critical folders. Therefore, be wary of files you didn't place there yourself.

• Backups: Creating system backups is essential before major changes, providing a way to restore in case of issues.