Know what types of installations are possible with Windows XP. All installations fall into the categories of being either attended or unattended and either clean installations or upgrades. You should know which operating systems can be upgraded to Windows XP and which require a clean installation.

Understand upgrading. You should know that an installation overwrites any existing files, whereas an upgrade keeps the same data and application files.

Understand the Windows XP boot process, in order. The NTLDR utility bootstraps Windows and calls the BOOT.INI file. Then, NTLDR loads NTDETECT.COM, NTOSKRNL.EXE, HAL.DLL, NTOSKRNL.EXE, and WINLOGON.EXE.

Know what Control Panel utilities are unique to Windows XP. The Control Panel applets unique to Windows XP are Add or Remove Programs, Network Connections, Printers And Faxes, Automatic Updates, and Network Setup Wizard. You should be familiar with the purpose and options of each.

Understand how to configure Windows Defender. Windows Defender is not native to Windows XP, but it can be downloaded and installed. Once installed, it provides a tool that can be used to protect against malware.

Understand what each of the following utilities are used for: System Restore, Windows Firewall, Security Center. System Restore is used to create, and revert back to, restore points. Windows Firewall limits traffic coming from the network to the host. Security Center provides a simple interface with which to interact with virus scanners and other installed security software.