Term | Definition |
User Mode | the shells subsystem all operate under user mode |
Kernel Mode | the kernel operates in kernel mode and has more power than the shell does |
HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) | layer closest to the hardware |
Executive Services | a group of services that operate in kernel mode |
Process | a program that is running under the authority of the shell |
Thread | a single task |
Task Manager (taskmgr.exe) | lets your view applications and processes running on your computer |
Administrative Tools | a list of tools that are helpful for technicians and developers |
System Configuration (msconfig.exe) | used to find out what processes are launched at startup and to temporarily disable a process from loading |
System Console | is used to control the windows and third party services installed on a system |
Computer Management (Compmgmt.msc) | contains several tools that can be used to manage the local PC or other computers on the the network |
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) | a windows utility that can be used to build your own customized console windows |
Snap-Ins | in a console these individual tools are called snap ins |
Event Viewer(Eventvwr.msc) | everything that happens in windows is logged and these logs can be viewed in event viewer |
Task Scheduler | can be set to launch an application at a future time. |
Registry | a database designed with a treelike structure that contains configuration for windows |
Registry Editor (regedit.exe) | making changes to the registry |
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) | the most important key and contains hardware, software, and security data |
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) | Contains info that identifies each hardware device installed on the computer |
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR) | stores info that determines which application is opened when the user double clicks a file. |
HKEY_USERS (HKU) | contains data about all users and is taken from the default hive |
HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU) | contains data about the current user. |
Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) | monitors the performance of the processor, memory, hard drive and network. |
Performance Monitor | a Microsoft management console snap in that can track activity by hardware and software to measure performance |
Data Collector Set | a set of counters that you can use to collect data about the system and save this data into a report |
Ready Boost | uses a flash drive or secure digital (SD) memory card to boost hard performance |