Windows and Linux Lab Vocabulary (MCSL-204)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Windows 10 and Linux concepts and commands found in the lab manual.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages hardware resources and provides services for programs; handles file, memory, process, I/O management and peripheral control.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of interfaces through which applications request services from the OS, enabling interaction with system features via APIs or system calls.

System Call

A programming interface used by applications to request services from the operating system.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A user interface that enables interaction with the OS through graphical elements like windows, icons, and menus.

Start Menu (Windows 10)

The main menu in Windows 10 that combines a scrolling list of apps with live tiles and options, and can be resized or made full screen.

Cortana

Windows 10 personal assistant and search tool that helps locate apps, documents, and information; supports reminders.

Task Switcher

A feature (and task view) that helps you switch between running applications with visual thumbnails.

Snap Assist

A feature that lets you snap windows to screen corners to create multitasking layouts; supports four corners.

Command Prompt

Windows’ command-line interface; supports resizing, keyboard shortcuts, and script-based tasks.

Universal Apps

Apps designed to run across multiple Windows devices (PC, phone, Xbox) with shared code.

Windows Store

The Windows app store from which desktop apps and universal apps can be downloaded.

File Explorer (Windows Explorer)

The file management interface in Windows; accessed via Windows+E; shows Quick Access and recent files.

Edge Browser

Microsoft’s lean, fast browser designed to catch up with modern web standards.

Windows Defender

Built-in antivirus protection included with Windows 10.

DirectX 12

Microsoft’s graphics API with major performance improvements, compatible with many GPUs.

Virtual Desktops

Feature to run and manage multiple desktops, each with its own set of windows.

Windows Hello

Multi-factor authentication using PIN or biometric methods (facial/ fingerprint) for Windows devices.

Kernel

The core component of an OS that manages hardware and system resources and mediates between hardware and software.

Shell

Interface between the user and the kernel that parses and executes commands; multiple shells exist (e.g., bash, zsh, csh).

Bash (Bourne Again Shell)

The most widely used Linux shell; sh-compatible; supports scripting, command-line editing, and job control.

Zsh (Z Shell)

An interactive, highly customizable shell with features like advanced completion and globbing.

Korn Shell (ksh)

A powerful scripting shell similar to bash, with its own language features.

Tcsh/Tesh

A C shell variant with C-like syntax, job control, and command-line editing; common on BSD-based systems.

Fish

Friendly interactive shell known for user-friendly features like color cues and auto-completion.

Root Directory (/)

The top-level directory in Linux/UNIX file systems from which all paths descend.