Chapter 10: Windows Installation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 10: Windows Installation (IT Essentials v7.0).

Multi-user

Two or more users have individual accounts that allow them to work with programs and peripheral devices at the same time.

Multitasking

The computer can operate multiple applications at the same time.

Multiprocessing

The OS can support two or more CPUs.

Multithreading

A program can be broken into smaller parts that are loaded as needed by the OS, allowing parts to run concurrently.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System firmware that initializes hardware and starts the boot process.

MBR

Master Boot Record; a 512-byte region on BIOS-based disks containing the boot loader and partition table.

GPT

GUID Partition Table; partitioning scheme used with UEFI, supports more partitions and uses a protective MBR.

Primary partition

The main partition that contains OS files and is usually the first partition.

Active partition

On MBR disks, the partition that is bootable and used to start the OS.

Extended partition

An MBR partition that allows more than four partitions by containing logical drives.

Logical drive

A partition inside an extended partition used to organize data.

Basic disk

The default disk type that contains primary and extended partitions and logical drives.

Dynamic disk

A disk type that can create volumes spanning multiple disks.

FAT32

File system supporting partitions up to 2 TB; used by Windows XP and earlier; limited security features.

NTFS

New Technology File System; supports large partitions and includes security features.

exFAT

File system designed for USB flash drives; supports files larger than 4 GB.

CDFS

Compact Disc File System; file system for optical disc media.

NFS

Network File System; network-based file access; open standard.

USMT

User State Migration Tool; command-line utility to migrate user data during OS upgrades.

PCmover Express

Tool for transferring selected files, folders, profiles, and applications to a Windows 10 PC.

PXE

Preboot eXecution Environment; allows remote network installation of an OS.

RIS

Remote Installation Services; enables OS installation over a network.

Unattended installation

Windows setup run with an answer file so prompts are skipped.

System Image Manager (SIM)

Tool to create the setup answer file for unattended installations.

Image-based internal partition installation

Windows image stored on an internal partition used to restore Windows to factory state.

Recovery partition

Hidden partition containing an image to restore the computer to its original configuration.

In-place upgrade

Upgrades the OS and migrates apps and settings without wiping data.

Clean install

Upgrading by wiping the drive; requires backing up data.

Windows Boot Sequence

Process where BIOS/UEFI reads CMOS settings, selects boot device, loads MBR, then bootmgr.exe.

F8 Startup Options

In Windows 7, the F8 key opens Advanced Boot Options with Safe Mode and related options.

Safe Mode

Diagnostic mode with minimal drivers loaded.

Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode with networking support.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Safe Mode that loads a command prompt instead of the GUI.

Last Known Good Configuration

Loads the configuration settings that worked last time Windows started successfully.

Shift + Restart

In Windows 8/10, opens Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings for advanced startup options.

Startup Settings

Menu to choose startup options during restart.

32-bit processor architecture

A 32-bit OS/processor architecture; cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit OS in many cases.

64-bit processor architecture

A 64-bit OS/processor architecture with higher memory and performance capabilities.

Get Windows 10

Microsoft tool downloaded via Windows Update to upgrade eligible systems to Windows 10.

Windows 10 Update Assistant

Tool that guides and facilitates upgrading to Windows 10 from older Windows versions.

Windows Update

Microsoft service that scans for and installs updates, service packs, and patches.

Device Manager

Windows utility to locate hardware problems and update drivers.

Administrator account

An account with complete control over the computer and settings.

Standard User account

An account with limited control; can run apps but cannot install programs.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Authentication that allows access to multiple resources after a single login.

User Account Control (UAC)

Security feature that prompts for permission before elevated actions are performed.

ISO file

Disc image file used to distribute software or install an OS.

Partitioning

Process of creating and configuring partitions on a storage device.