Windows 7 min. requirements: CPU=1GHz, RAM=1GB (2GB for 64-bit), Free disk space=16GB (20GB for 64-bit)

Windows Vista min. requirements: CPU=800MHz, RAM=512MB, and Free disk space=15GB. New features in Vista include GUI called Aero, extended partitions, and UAC (User Account Control) that requires administrator credentials from users to accomplish certain tasks.

Windows XP min. requirements: CPU=233MHz, RAM=64MB, Free disk space=1.5GB.

Setuperr.log contains setup errors during an installation of Windows.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) includes the desktop, icons, taskbar, Start menu, Quick Launch, System Tray, application windows and dialog boxes, and gadgets.

Command Prompt is the command-line utility in Windows. To run in elevated mode: Click Start > All Programs > Accessories; then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

Snap-ins are console windows that can be added to a Microsoft Management Console (MMC).

Libraries in Windows 7 logically represent user-defined collections of folders.

Common system tools include Device Manager, System Information tool, Task Manager, Msconfig.

User data can be migrated using Windows Easy Transfer (Windows 7 and Vista only), User State Migration Tool (USMT), and Files and Settings Transfer Wizard (XP).

The Registry is a database that stores the settings for Windows. It can be accessed by opening the Run prompt and typing regedit.exe. Hives store settings; a commonly modified hive is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

Remote Desktop software enables a user to see, and control, the GUI of a remote computer.

The %systemroot% in Windows 7/Vista/XP is C:\Windows, and in 2000 is C:\Winnt.

Windows 7/Vista boot files include Bootmgr, BCD. XP boot files include NTLDR, Boot.ini, and NTdetect.com.

Directories can be added with the MD command, removed with the RD command, and navigated to with the CD command.

File checking command-line tools that can be used in Windows include Chkdsk and SFC (System File Checker).

A hard disk can have four partitions: up to four primary partitions, but only one extended partition. Logical drives are sections of an extended partition. The Active partition is the one that is booted from; it usually contains the OS.

A service pack (SP) is a group of updates, bug fixes, updated drivers, and security fixes installed from one downloadable package or from one disc.

Windows Update can be accessed from Start > All Programs > Windows Update.

A hard disk can be maintained with tools such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter (defrag.exe).

Backups can be accomplished in Windows 7/Vista with Backup and Restore and in XP with NTBackup.

System Restore can fix issues caused by defective hardware or software by reverting back to an earlier time.

F8 brings up the Advanced Boot Options menu that includes options such as Safe Mode, Enable low-resolution video, and Last Known Good Configuration. Safe Mode boots the system with minimal drivers.

The Windows 7/Vista Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) includes System Recovery Options such as Startup Repair, System Restore, and Command Prompt.

Windows XP uses the Recovery Console as its repair environment.

The Event Viewer warns about possible issues and displays errors as they occur within three main log files: System, Application, and Security. Security displays information if auditing has been turned on.

A stop error (also known as a Blue Screen of Death or BSOD) completely halts the operating system and displays a blue screen with various text and code.