Chapter 14

Working with Windows 7

The following CompTIA A+ 220-802 Exam objectives are covered in this chapter:

• 1.1 Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems.
  • Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Enterprise
  • Features: 32-bit vs. 64-bit; Aero, gadgets, user account control, bit-locker, shadow copy, system restore, ready boost, compatibility mode, administrative tools, defender, Windows firewall, security center
  • Upgrade paths – differences between in place upgrades, compatibility tools, Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
• 1.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.
  • Boot methods: USB, CD-ROM, DVD, PXE
  • Types of installations: Creating image, Upgrade, Clean install
• 1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.
  • Administrative: Users and groups, Local security policy, System configuration, Component services, Data sources, Print management, Windows memory diagnostics, Windows firewall, Advanced security
  • Other: User State Migration Tool (USMT), Windows Easy Transfer
• 1.5 Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities.
  • Unique to Windows 7: HomeGroup, Action center, Remote applications and desktop applications, Troubleshooting
• 1.6 Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
  • HomeGroup, file/print sharing
  • Workgroup vs. domain setup
  • Network shares/mapping drives
  • Establish network connections: VPN, Dialups, Wireless, Wired, WWAN (Cellular)
  • Proxy settings
  • Remote desktop
  • Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
  • Firewall settings: Exceptions, Configuration, Enabling/disabling Windows firewall
  • Configuring an alternate IP address in Windows: IP addressing, Subnet mask, DNS, Gateway
  • Network card properties: Half duplex/full duplex/auto, Speed, Wake-on-LAN, PoE QoS

The previous two chapters looked at operating systems in general and briefly touched on the three that you need to know for the 220-802 exam. This chapter focuses on Windows 7 exclusively.

Some of the tools covered in this chapter have been addressed in the previous chapters, but care has been taken to attempt to avoid redundancy wherever possible. Be certain you know the specifics of Windows 7 and the differences in how this operating system stands out from its predecessors.