This lesson covers Microsoft Windows.

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for the Windows features of A+ certification include:^[1]

Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1).

• Features:
  • 32-bit vs. 64-bit
  • Aero, gadgets, user account control, bit-locker, shadow copy, system restore, ready boost, sidebar, compatibility mode, virtual XP mode, easy transfer, administrative tools, defender, Windows firewall, security center, event viewer, file structure and paths, category view vs. classic view.
  • Side by side apps, Metro UI, Pinning, One Drive, Windows store, Multimonitor task bars, Charms, Start Screen, Power Shell, Live sign in, Action Center.
• Upgrade paths – differences between in place upgrades, compatibility tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor

Readings

1. Wikipedia: Microsoft Windows
2. Wikipedia: Windows Aero
3. Wikipedia: Microsoft Gadgets
4. Wikipedia: BitLocker Drive Encryption
5. Wikipedia: Shadow Copy
6. Wikipedia: ReadyBoost
7. Wikipedia: Windows Desktop Gadgets
8. Wikipedia: Compatibility mode
9. Wikipedia: XP Mode
10. Wikipedia: Windows Easy Transfer
11. Wikipedia: Windows Firewall
12. Wikipedia: Windows Action Center
13. Wikipedia: Event Viewer
14. Wikipedia: Control Panel (Windows)

Multimedia

1. YouTube: An Overview of Windows Vista - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
2. YouTube: An Overview of Windows 7 - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
3. YouTube: An Overview of Windows 8 and 8.1 - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
4. YouTube: Windows Features - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
5. YouTube: Windows 8 and 8.1 Features - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
6. YouTube: Windows File Structures and Paths - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1
7. YouTube: Windows Upgrade Paths - CompTIA A+ 220-902 - 1.1

Activities

References