How-To Geek School: Free Technology Tutorials

Windows 7: A Deep Dive into Microsoft's Operating System

A significant portion of our audience has experience with Windows 7. However, the question remains: how comprehensive is that understanding? Would your knowledge level suffice to succeed on a formal Microsoft certification exam?

With our new Geek School series, we aim to provide a more detailed exploration of technology. We are beginning with a thorough examination of Windows 7, but our curriculum will extend far beyond this single operating system.

Explore Further with Related Articles

We encourage you to review the other articles currently available within this series to broaden your understanding.

• Upgrades and Migrations: Learn about the processes involved in updating or transferring to new systems.
• Configuring Devices: Discover how to properly set up and manage various hardware components.
• Managing Disks: Gain insights into disk partitioning, formatting, and overall storage management.

Introducing the How-To Geek School

Achieving professional certifications can be a significant undertaking, often involving substantial financial investment. The costs associated with textbooks and formal courses can quickly accumulate. This represents a considerable industry, and securing desirable employment frequently necessitates a large commitment of both time and resources.

However, what if the primary goal is simply knowledge acquisition, without incurring any expenses?

The How-To Geek School provides a solution. A new technology lesson focusing on a distinct topic will be presented each weekday. Explanations will be delivered in our characteristic style, incorporating numerous visuals and practical guidance.

Our initial focus will be on Windows 7, offering a comprehensive exploration of the operating system. This curriculum will be structured around the content found in the Microsoft certification examination. Upon completion of this series, participants should possess a strong foundation for attempting the test, although successful completion cannot be guaranteed and further study is encouraged.

It’s important to note that not all courses will directly align with existing tests or certifications. We will also develop courses covering broader “geek” topics, such as computer and server construction, electronics, photography, and image editing.

Future Geek School Offerings

The initial courses we have developed will equip you with expert-level knowledge regarding the client-side aspects of the Windows environment.

• Windows 7 - This course comprehensively covers the material from Microsoft’s 70-680 exam, the sole requirement for achieving MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) status.
• PowerShell – Discover how to leverage this robust scripting language to manage your Windows PC or Server effectively.

In the coming months, we plan to introduce certification-focused courses for Windows 8, Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, and SQL Server. Alongside these, we will also be creating courses that do not lead to a specific certification. We welcome your suggestions for future course topics.

As always, the complete series will be freely accessible on our website indefinitely.

Safely Experiment with Operating Systems Using a Virtual Machine

When it comes to installing, modifying, and customizing your operating system, it is highly recommended to avoid using your main computer for these activities. A more prudent approach involves downloading and implementing virtual machine software, subsequently loading Windows within a virtual environment for testing purposes.

Several options are available, contingent upon your preference for a cost-free solution or a more robust platform such as VMware Workstation. Advanced users might even consider installing free server versions for more complex scenarios.

Popular Virtual Machine Options

• VirtualBox: A Free and Accessible Choice This software is an excellent starting point for beginners, offering broad compatibility across various operating systems. Windows 7 functions seamlessly within this environment. It also facilitates cross-platform testing, allowing Windows installation on Linux, and vice versa.
• VMware Workstation: Powerful with Snapshot Capabilities While VMware Workstation represents a paid solution, its Snapshot feature is exceptionally valuable. This allows you to capture the current state of the virtual machine, perform testing and configuration, and then revert to the saved state. This functionality minimizes risk and enables iterative experimentation.

Alternatively, a spare computer can be utilized for testing. However, modern hardware allows for the concurrent operation of multiple virtual machines, making it an optimal testing environment.

Virtual machines provide a safe and isolated space to explore operating system changes without impacting your primary system. This is particularly useful for learning and troubleshooting.

Exploring the Microsoft 70-680 Exam for Windows 7

This inaugural installment of Geek School will focus on Microsoft’s 70-680 exam, the sole requirement for achieving Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) status in Windows 7. This educational series will unfold over three weeks, with a new article published each weekday.

Exam Content Overview

Prior to commencing study for any assessment, understanding its scope is paramount. Therefore, a concise summary of the topics encompassed by this exam is provided, serving as a roadmap for this series as well. The official list of topics can be reviewed on Microsoft’s dedicated exam information page.

• Windows 7 Installation, Upgrade, and MigrationThis includes understanding hardware prerequisites, performing installations, establishing dual-boot configurations, utilizing various installation media, upgrading from Windows Vista, migrating from Windows XP, transitioning between Windows 7 editions, and migrating user profiles using either side-by-side or wipe-and-load methods.
• Windows 7 Deployment StrategiesThis covers the creation of both manual and automated system images, generating WIM files, preparing images for distribution, integrating drivers and updates into images, scheduling post-deployment tasks, deploying systems automatically or manually, and configuring Virtual Hard Disks (VHDs).
• Hardware ConfigurationFocus is placed on driver management: installation, updates, disabling, verifying driver signatures, resolving conflicts, adjusting settings, and troubleshooting potential issues.
• Application ConfigurationThis section addresses compatibility modes, shims, Internet Explorer settings, software restriction policies, application control policies, Group Policy, and Local Security Policy. It also includes Internet Explorer’s compatibility view, security features, providers, add-ons, and certificate management.
• Network Setup and TroubleshootingThis involves configuring connections using IPv4 and IPv6, name resolution, location awareness, and resolving network problems. It also covers adding wired and wireless devices, configuring security settings, establishing preferred networks, and setting up location-aware printing. Remote management, PowerShell, Windows Firewall profiles, rules, and notifications are also included.
• Resource Access ConfigurationThis encompasses file and folder permissions, encryption techniques, Encrypting File System (EFS), NTFS permissions, the differences between copying and moving files, printer and queue management, homegroups, User Account Control (UAC), secure desktop environments, credential management, certificates, smart cards, multifactor authentication, and BranchCache.
• Mobile Computing SolutionsThis includes BitLocker drive encryption, BitLocker To Go, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) utilization, data recovery agent configuration, DirectAccess, Offline Files policies, caching mechanisms, remote connection options, VPN setups, dial-up connections, Remote Desktop, and published applications.
• Windows 7 Maintenance ProceduresThis covers configuring updates, reverting updates, managing disk volumes, defragmentation, RAID configurations, removable device policies, event logging, event subscriptions, system diagnostics, performance optimization, cache management, page file settings, driver maintenance, power plan configuration, and addressing mobile performance concerns.
• Backup and Recovery OptionsThis includes creating system recovery disks, backing up files and folders, performing full system backups, utilizing restore points, leveraging the Last Known Good configuration, rolling back drivers, restoring damaged files using shadow copies, and restoring user profiles.

It is recommended to consult the official Microsoft documentation for a comprehensive understanding of the exam objectives.

Installing Windows 7

The Windows 7 operating system requires a specific installation process to be placed onto a computer’s storage drive. The approach taken by individual users for home computers is notably different from the large-scale deployment strategies employed by corporations like Dell and HP.

This initial article will explore the various installation methods available, alongside the necessary hardware requirements and different versions of the operating system. Users currently operating with older systems, such as Windows Vista or Windows XP, will also find relevant information here.

Subsequent sections will focus on upgrade and migration options, clarifying the distinctions between these two processes. After a successful Windows 7 installation, proper configuration is essential. Future articles will address key areas including:

• Application configuration and restriction management
• Hardware and driver issue resolution
• Advanced disk configurations like RAID 0, 1, and 5

Establishing network connectivity is also crucial. We will begin by defining an IP address and explaining its necessity. However, an IP address alone isn't sufficient for network communication.

Therefore, we will also examine the function of subnet masks and how computers utilize a bitwise AND operation to determine if a target device resides on the same network.

A network connection unlocks features like file sharing and remote access capabilities. We will detail methods for enhancing security through the use of network locations and firewall profiles. Maintaining system currency via Windows Updates and implementing a robust backup plan using Windows Backup are also vital considerations. Let's begin the process.

System Requirements for Windows 7

Before proceeding with the installation, it’s crucial to determine if your computer possesses the necessary specifications to run Windows 7 effectively. The following details outline the hardware prerequisites.

Processor and Memory

The processor requirement for both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions of Windows 7 is a clock speed of 1GHz. However, the RAM demands differ.

A minimum of 1GB of RAM is needed for the 32-bit version, while the 64-bit version necessitates 2GB of RAM for optimal performance.

Graphics Capabilities

Windows 7 requires a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.0.

This is particularly important if you intend to utilize the Windows Aero interface.

Storage Space

Adequate free disk space is essential for a smooth installation.

The 32-bit version of Windows 7 requires 16GB of free hard drive space, whereas the 64-bit version needs 20GB.

Aero Experience

It's important to note that meeting the graphics requirements is only necessary if you plan to leverage the visual enhancements provided by the Windows Aero theme.

If you prioritize functionality over aesthetics, you can still run Windows 7 with graphics hardware that doesn't fully support Aero.

Ensuring your system meets these hardware requirements will contribute to a stable and enjoyable Windows 7 experience.

Windows Installation Procedures

The exam material details several approaches for installing Windows. A common method, still applicable in Windows 7, involves installation from a DVD. However, many modern portable computers, including netbooks and ultrabooks, lack integrated DVD drives. Consequently, installing Windows from a USB flash drive is often necessary. For a USB installation, the drive must have a minimum capacity of 4GB. Preparing the drive requires several steps, executable from any Windows 7 PC.

Preparing a Windows Installation USB Drive

The initial step involves opening a command prompt with administrative privileges.

The diskpart command-line tool is then utilized:

diskpart

Identifying the correct disk representing the USB drive is crucial. This can be achieved using the following command:

list disk

After identifying the disk number, it must be selected:

select disk 1

All existing partitions on the drive need to be removed using the clean command:

clean

A single primary partition should then be created on the USB drive:

create partition primary

Next, a file system is assigned to the newly created partition:

format fs=fat32 quick

Marking the partition as active is essential for Windows to recognize it as a bootable device:

active

Finally, a drive letter must be assigned to the USB drive to enable file copying. First, list the available volumes:

list volume

The correct volume can be identified by its size. Once located, select it:

select volume 3

Then, assign an unused drive letter:

assign letter=F

Open File Explorer and copy all files from the Windows DVD to the prepared USB drive.

This completes the USB drive preparation. While utilities exist to automate this process, utilizing them isn't typically accepted as a valid exam response.

Installing from a USB drive offers speed advantages over DVD installation, but scalability remains a challenge. To address this, installation from a network share can be employed.

Although seemingly practical, network share installations have limitations. Accessing installation files requires booting each PC from either a DVD or a USB containing WinPE (Windows Preinstallation Environment). The installation can then be initiated via the command line. However, WDS (Windows Deployment Services) is the preferred method for large-scale Windows 7 deployments. Implementing WDS requires:

• A server running Windows Server 2008 or later.
• An existing Active Directory, DHCP, and DNS infrastructure.
• Client computers capable of PXE Boot (for network booting).

If these prerequisites are met, WDS offers significant benefits over standard network deployments, including:

Multicasting Capabilities

A typical network installation involves each PC downloading the entire Windows installation files (approximately 3.5GB) before installation begins. This is inefficient and consumes considerable bandwidth. WDS utilizes multicasting, enabling the server to transmit the files to multiple clients simultaneously, significantly reducing bandwidth usage.

Centralized Update Management

Because the source files are stored centrally, updates – such as service packs – only need to be applied to the image on the WDS server. Subsequent installations automatically incorporate the latest updates. Drivers can also be integrated to accommodate new hardware.

Enhanced Automation

While some automation is possible with answer files and a network share, complete automation can be achieved using tools like the Windows AIK (Automated Installation Kit), SIM (System Image Manager), and SCCM (System Center Config Manager) in conjunction with Windows Deployment Services. Regardless of the chosen installation method, including WDS, modifying the PC's BIOS settings to prioritize booting from the appropriate hardware is always necessary.

Fresh Installations of Operating Systems

A clean install generally refers to a process where the hard drive is either completely blank or is formatted, resulting in the loss of any previously installed operating system. This differs significantly from an upgrade, which aims to preserve existing files and settings.

Beginning with Windows 7, performing a clean installation is achievable even on a drive that already hosts an operating system. During such an installation, a notification will appear, informing the user that the existing Windows installation will be relocated to a folder named "Windows.old" at the drive's root.

When is a Clean Install Necessary?

One common scenario necessitating a clean install arises when a user intends to alter the fundamental architecture of their operating system.

For instance, a transition from a x86 (32-bit) version of Windows to an x64 (64-bit) version requires a complete reinstallation, rather than a simple upgrade.

This is because the core system files and structure are fundamentally different between the two architectures, making an in-place upgrade impossible.

Dual Booting Systems

Virtualization is a favored technique at How-To Geek, though it represents a relatively recent development. Prior to the ease of launching virtual machines, exploring a new operating system, or maintaining compatibility with older software necessitated dual booting computers.

Essentially, dual booting involves running two separate operating systems concurrently on the same machine.

Currently, the need for dual booting is diminishing. However, understanding this process remains important for exam purposes, particularly concerning situations with limited system resources.

Successful dual booting requires, at a minimum, two partitions on your storage drive. Alternatively, utilizing two distinct physical drives is also a viable option.

A notable exception is the "boot from VHD" functionality, enabling the operation of a dual-booting Windows 7 installation without partitioning.

It’s crucial to remember that when configuring a dual boot system, installing the older operating system first simplifies the process.

Windows will then automatically configure the boot menu for seamless operating system selection.

Compatibility Considerations

While this discussion focuses on Microsoft software, given the exam's scope, it's worth acknowledging that dual booting is not limited to Windows.

You can successfully dual boot Windows alongside other operating systems, such as Linux.

• Dual booting allows for the use of legacy software.
• It provides a method for testing new operating systems.
• Resource constraints can make dual booting a practical solution.

Understanding the principles of dual booting, including partition requirements and installation order, is essential for comprehensive system administration knowledge.

Selecting the Appropriate Windows 7 Edition

The cost of Windows can be substantial, particularly within corporate settings. Effective cost management regarding licensing hinges on selecting the correct edition. Let's examine the distinctions between the available versions.

Windows 7 Starter Edition is a version that isn't typically available for direct purchase by consumers.

• Availability: Offered to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Missing Features: Aero interface, DVD player functionality, Windows Media Center, Internet Information Services (IIS), Internet Connection Sharing, Domain Membership capabilities, Encrypting File System (EFS), AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker drive encryption, Remote Desktop Host functionality, and BranchCache.
• Other Limitations: Restricted to a maximum of 2GB of RAM, supports only a single physical CPU, limits installed applications to five, and is exclusively available in the x86 architecture.

Windows 7 Home Basic

The Home Basic version shares the feature set of the Starter edition, with the exception of the application installation restriction. It also supports up to 4GB of memory on x86 systems and 8GB on x64 systems.

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Home Premium provides a comprehensive feature set suitable for students and typical home computer users.

• Availability: Available through both OEM channels and retail purchase.
• Missing Features: Domain Membership, EFS, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker, Remote Desktop Host, and BranchCache.
• Other Limitations: Supports up to 4GB of RAM on x86 systems or 16GB on x64 systems, and accommodates 2 physical CPUs.

Windows 7 Professional

Targeted towards small business users, Windows 7 Professional significantly increases the maximum supported memory capacity.

• Availability: Available through both OEM channels and retail purchase.
• Missing Features: AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker, and BranchCache.
• Other Limitations: Supports up to 4GB of RAM on x86 systems or 192GB on x64 systems, and accommodates 2 physical CPUs.

Windows 7 Enterprise

Windows 7 Enterprise is not available for direct purchase from retail outlets; it is exclusively distributed through volume licensing agreements.

• Availability: Accessible only to Volume License customers.
• Extras: Includes the ability to boot from Virtual Hard Disks (VHDs).
• Other Limitations: Supports up to 4GB of RAM on x86 systems or 192GB on x64 systems, and accommodates 2 physical CPUs.

Windows 7 Ultimate

The Ultimate edition is designed for technology enthusiasts and power users, incorporating all the features found in the Enterprise version. It is available for purchase through retail channels.

• Availability: Available through both OEM channels and retail purchase.
• Extras: Includes the ability to boot from Virtual Hard Disks (VHDs).
• Other Limitations: Supports up to 4GB of RAM on x86 systems or 192GB on x64 systems, and accommodates 2 physical CPUs.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows 7

Having established the system requirements and gained a foundational understanding of Windows 7, let's proceed with a clean installation. This walkthrough utilizes a DVD for the installation process, so initiate your virtual machine and mount an ISO file to begin. Initially, you will be prompted to select a language for the installation wizard; it’s important to recognize this setting differs from the system locale within Windows itself.