CompTIA A+ 220-1102 – Windows User & System Settings

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Windows interface elements, user and system settings, power options, security tools, and administrative utilities discussed in the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Day Three lecture.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The visual Windows shell that lets users interact with the operating system through windows, icons, menus, and pointers.

Desktop (Windows)

The primary workspace in Windows where application windows, files, and shortcut icons appear.

Start Menu

Menu that provides access to installed programs, power options, settings, and search.

Taskbar

Bar (usually at the bottom of the screen) that shows running and pinned apps, the notification area, and the clock.

Instant Search

Feature that quickly locates files, apps, settings, and web results from the taskbar search box.

Task View

Interface that displays all open windows and virtual desktops for easy switching.

Notification Area

Section of the taskbar (system tray) that displays status icons, notifications, and system controls.

Recycle Bin

Special desktop folder that temporarily stores deleted items until they are permanently removed or restored.

Windows Settings App

Modern interface for adjusting most Windows user and system settings.

Control Panel

Legacy collection of applets used to configure hardware, software, and system preferences.

Administrative Tools

Group of advanced management consoles such as Event Viewer, Task Scheduler, and Computer Management.

Device Manager

MMC snap-in used to view and manage installed hardware devices and drivers.

Local Account

User account stored only on the computer and not linked to an online Microsoft identity.

Microsoft Account

Cloud-based login that syncs settings and provides access to Microsoft services across devices.

Administrator Account

Account type with full privileges to install software, change system settings, and manage other users.

Standard User Account

Limited-privilege account intended for everyday tasks and enhanced security.

User Account Control (UAC)

Security feature that prompts for consent or admin credentials before allowing elevated changes.

Sign-in Options

Settings page that manages authentication methods such as password, PIN, fingerprint, or face ID.

Data Collection

Privacy setting that controls how Windows gathers diagnostic and usage information.

Ad Personalization

Option that determines whether Microsoft may use personal data to tailor advertisements.

Activity History

Feature that records user actions and can sync them across devices for task continuity.

App Permissions

Controls that allow or deny individual apps access to resources such as camera, microphone, or location.

Time and Language Settings

Category for configuring the system clock, time zone, region, and keyboard layout.

Personalization Settings

Options for customizing desktop themes, backgrounds, colors, lock screen, and Start/taskbar appearance.

Ease of Access

Settings group that provides accessibility tools for vision, hearing, and interaction needs.

Narrator

Built-in screen reader that reads aloud on-screen text for visually impaired users.

Magnifier

Accessibility tool that enlarges portions of the screen to improve readability.

High Contrast Mode

Color scheme with strong contrast to make interface elements easier to see.

File Explorer

Windows file manager used to browse drives, folders, and files on local and network locations.

This PC

File Explorer view that lists local drives, removable storage, and common folders.

OneDrive

Microsoft cloud storage service integrated into Windows for file synchronization and backup.

Indexing Options

Control panel applet that manages the search index for faster file and email searches.

Power Plan

Collection of hardware and system settings that controls how Windows manages power consumption.

Sleep

Low-power state that saves the session to RAM, allowing quick resume with minimal energy use.

Hibernate

Power state that writes memory contents to disk and fully powers down to save energy.

Fast Startup

Hybrid boot option that combines hibernate and shutdown to reduce boot time.

USB Selective Suspend

Power feature that turns off idle USB devices to conserve power.

Windows Update

Service that downloads and installs Microsoft patches, drivers, and feature updates.

Windows Security

Built-in suite that includes antivirus (Defender), firewall, and other protection tools.

Activation (Windows)

Process of validating a Windows license with Microsoft’s activation servers.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Feature that enables running Linux distributions natively on Windows without a virtual machine.

Programs and Features

Control panel applet for uninstalling desktop applications and managing Windows features.

Default Apps

Setting that lets users choose which application opens specific file types and protocols.

Network & Internet Settings

Configuration area for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPN, proxy, and adapter properties.

Windows Defender Firewall

Integrated firewall that filters inbound and outbound network traffic based on defined rules.

Computer Management

MMC console that consolidates tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and Event Viewer.

Event Viewer

Administrative utility that records and displays system, security, and application log events.

Task Scheduler

Service and console used to run programs or scripts at predefined times or in response to events.

Registry Editor (regedit)

Tool for viewing and manually editing the Windows Registry database.

START + X Menu

Keyboard shortcut that opens the Quick Link menu with access to system utilities and settings.

START + R

Shortcut that opens the Run dialog for executing commands and launching programs.