CHAPTER 1
· What are the main differences between the workgroup network model and the domain network model?
· What might be a disadvantage of a large company using a peer-to-peer network model?
· When considering the two GPO categories, how are they the same? How are they different?
· What type of actions does the Local Policies/User Rights Assignments control?
· In what order are policies applied?
· How can you quickly identify a shortcut on the desktop?
· What is a gadget on the desktop?
· On the Start menu, what is the difference between the applications listed above the horizontal line and those listed below it?
· What were some of the enhancements to the Start menu that were introduced in Windows 7?
· Which keyboard shortcut allows you to view the desktop by making all windows on the desktop transparent?
· In the Windows 8 interface, what replaces the Start button?
· What different types of tiles are used and how can you differentiate them from each other?
· What different methods can be used to bring up the App bar?
· What is the difference between performing a swipe and a slide and the function of each?
· How would you display the on-screen keyboard within a Windows 8 app? Within a traditional Desktop app?
· Which keyboard shortcuts do you think you will consistently use?
· How does the Search pane work differently from previous versions of Windows?

NETWORKING MODELS
A networking model defines how network components function and interact. The three networking models used with Windows operating systems are described in the following table:
Model|Description|
Stand-Alone|In the stand-alone model:· The hosts function independently.· Communication takes place using a commonly available public network such as the Internet.· The hosts are not connected by a local area network.|
Workgroup |The workgroup model is based on peer-to-peer networking. In the workgroup model:· None of the hosts in a workgroup have a specific role. o Hosts function as both workstation and server. o Hosts in a workgroup both provide network services and consume network services.· The hosts are linked together by some type of local network connection.· Hosts in the same workgroup can access shared resources on other hosts.Drawbacks of the workgroup model are:· Lack of scalability· Lack of centralized configuration control.· Complexity of backing up data.· Lack of centralized authentication.· Lack of centrally applied security settings.|
Client-Server|In the client-server model, each host has a specific role in the network. Servers provide services such as file storage, user management, and printing. Clients request services from servers. The client-server model is also known as domain networking in a Windows environment. Key facts are:· Domain networking uses the concept of security principals which are entities such as users, computers, and resources.· A Windows domain is a collection of security principals that share a central authentication database known as Active Directory.· The Active Directory database is located on one or more servers in the domain. o The servers running the Active Directory database are called domain controllers. o Hosts in a domain must run a specified version of the Windows operating system. o The distinguished name of the domain is composed of the domain name itself along with the DNS (Domain Name System) context.· Domain management is much easier than workgroup management due to the centralized management structure and function. o Objects represent resources, such as users, computers, and printers. o Objects are used to define the security attributes, such as access, availability, and use limitations, within the domain. o Objects can be organized in container objects. o An organization unit (OU) is a type of container object used to logically organize network resources and simplify administration.Drawbacks of the client-server model are:· Increased cost to implement due to specialized hardware and software requirements.· Increased planning time required for implementation.|

ACTIVE DIRECTORY
Active Directory provides the data structure and services required for the organization, management, and security of accounts and resources in a Microsoft network. Active Directory centralizes administration and security in the network.
Key components of Active Directory are:
Component|Description|
Security principals|A security principle is any entity that can be authenticated into the domain. For example, users, computers, and other network resources are security principals.|
Domains|A Windows domain is a collection of security principals that share a common directory database and security policies. A domain is the basic administrative unit of an Active Directory structure. A Windows domain network is based on the client-server network model with each host on the network functioning as either a server or a client.· The domain allows for central administration of security settings and other administrative tasks. o Domains can contain a number of different types of computers and operating systems, even computers not using a Windows operating system. o Computers must be joined to a domain. o To join a Windows 7 client computer to a domain, the computer must be running Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions. o To join a Windows 8 client computer to a domain, the computer must be running the Professional or Enterprise edition.· Database information is replicated (shared or copied) within a domain. However, security settings are not shared between domains.· Domains in Active Directory use DNS for locating and naming objects. o The common name is the domain name itself. o The distinguished name includes the DNS context or additional portions of the name.· Depending on the network structure and requirements, the entire network might be represented by a single domain with millions of objects, or the network might require multiple domains.|
Domain controllers|Domain controllers are servers that run Active Directory and maintain the domain authentication database. An Active Directory domain controller:· Maintains the domain authentication database.· Authenticates and authorizes all security principals in a Windows domain type network.· Assigns and enforces security policies for all security principals.· Controls software installation and update.|
Objects|Within Active Directory, each resource is identified as an object.· Common objects include users, groups, computers, and shared folders.· Each object contains attributes (information about the object such as a user's name, phone number, and e-mail address) which are used for locating and securing resources.· A leaf object is an object that doesn't have a child object.|
Container objects|In Active Directory, users and resources can be organized using container objects. Container objects hold or group other objects, either other containers or leaf objects. |
Organizational unit|An organizational unit subdivides and organizes network resources within a domain. An organizational unit:· Is a container object.· Can be used to logically organize network resources.· Simplifies security administration.· Allows you to logically manage your network: o Geographically o Organizationallyo Functionally|
Generic containers|In addition to OUs, Active Directory has predefined generic container objects.· Like OUs, generic containers are used to organize Active Directory objects.· Generic container objects have very few editable properties.· Generic containers cannot be created, moved, renamed, or deleted.|

POLICIES
A policy is a set of configuration settings applied to users or computers. Group policies allow the administrator to apply multiple settings to multiple objects within the Active Directory domain at one time. Collections of policy settings are stored in a Group Policy object (GPO). The GPO includes registry settings, scripts, templates, and software-specific configuration values.
Keep in mind the following about GPOs:
· GPOs can be linked to Active Directory domains, organizational units (OUs), and containers.
Built-in containers (such as the Computers container) and folders cannot have GPOs linked to them.
· A GPO applied to an OU affects the objects in the OU and sub-OUs.
· A GPO applied to a domain affects all objects in all OUs in the domain.
· A local GPO is stored on a local machine. Computers that are not part of a domain use the Local Security Policy settings to control security settings and other restrictions on the computer.
· GPOs are applied in the following order: 1. The Local Group Policy on the computer. 2. GPOs linked to the domain that contains the user or computer object. 3. GPOs linked to the organizational unit(s) that contain(s) the object (from the highest-level OU to the lowest-level OU).
· A specific setting in a GPO can be: o Undefined, meaning that the GPO has no value for that setting and does not change the current setting. o Defined, meaning that the GPO identifies a value to enforce.
· Individual settings within all GPOs are combined to form the effective group policy setting as follows: o If a setting is defined in one GPO and undefined in another, the defined setting will be enforced (regardless of the position of the GPO in the application order). o If a setting is configured in two GPOs, the setting in the last applied GPO will be used. The Local Group Policy is applied only when there are no GPOs linked to a domain or GPOs linked to an OU applied. GPOs linked to an OU override GPOs linked to a domain when both are applied.
Each GPO has a common structure, with hundreds of configuration settings that can be enabled and configured. Settings in a Group Policy object are divided into two categories:
GPO Category|Description|
Computer Configuration|Computer policies (also called machine policies) are enforced for the entire computer and are applied when the computer boots. Computer policies are in effect regardless of the user logging into the computer. Computer policies include: · Software that should be installed on a specific computer· Scripts that should run at startup or shutdown· Password restrictions that must be met for all user accounts· Network communication security settings· Registry settings that apply to the computer (the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree)Computer policies are initially applied as the computer boots, and are enforced before any user logs on.|
User Configuration|User policies are enforced for specific users. User policy settings include:· Software that should be installed for a specific user· Scripts that should run at logon or logoff· Internet Explorer user settings (such as favorites and security settings)· Registry settings that apply to the current user (the HKEY_CURRENT_USER subtree)User policies are initially applied as the user logs on, and often customize Windows based on user preferences.|
GPOs contain hundreds of configuration settings that can be configured. The following table describes common settings you should be familiar with.
Setting Category|Description|
Account Policies|Use Account Policies to control the following:· Password settings· Account lockout settings· Kerberos settingsAccount policies are in effect only when configured in a GPO linked to a domain.|
Local Policies/Audit Policy|Use Audit Policy settings to configure auditing for events such as log on, account management, or privilege use.|
Local Policies/User Rights Assignment|Computer policies include a special category of policies called user rights. User rights identify system maintenance tasks and the users or groups who can perform these actions. Examples of user rights include:· Access this computer from the network (the ability to access resources on the computer through a network connection)· Load and unload device drivers· Allow log on locally (the ability to log on to the computer console)· Allow log on through Terminal Services (the ability to log on using a Remote Desktop connection)· Back up files and directories (does not include restoring files and directories)· Shut down the system· Remove a computer from a docking station|
Local Policies/Security Options|Security options allow you to apply or disable rights for all users the Group Policy applies to. Examples of Security Options policies include:· Computer shut down when Security event log reaches capacity· Unsigned driver installation· Ctrl+Alt+Del required for log on|
Registry|You can use registry policies to:· Configure specific registry keys and values.· Specify if a user can view and/or change a registry value, view sub-keys, or modify key permissions.|
File System|Use File System policies to configure file and folder permissions that apply to multiple computers. For example, you can limit access to specific files that appear on all client computers.|
Software Restriction Policies|Use software restrictions policies to define the software permitted to run on any computer in the domain. These policies can be applied to specific users or all users. You can use software restrictions to:· Identify allowed or blocked software.· Allow users to run only the files you specify on multi-user computers.· Determine who can add trusted publishers.· Apply restrictions to specific users or all users.|
Administrative Templates|Administrative templates are registry-based settings that can be configured within a GPO to control the computer and the overall user experience such as:· Use of Windows features such as Bitlocker, Offline files and Parental Controls.· Customize the Start menu, taskbar or desktop environment.· Control notifications.· Restrict access to Control Panel features.· Configure Internet Explorer features and options.|

USER INTERFACE
The user interface is the way that a user interacts with a computer program. The following table describes the three main areas of the Windows 7 user interface.
Area|Description|
Desktop|The desktop encompasses the entire user interface. Key features of the desktop are:· Icon shortcuts for applications and files stored on the desktop. Shortcuts are identified by a small back arrow on the lower left of the icon.· The Recycle Bin holds all deleted files. Deleted files can be restored from the Recycle Bin. If the file is deleted from the Recycle Bin, it is also deleted from the file system.· Program windows display the application interface for applications running on the computer. o A program window can be minimized, maximized, or closed using the icons in the upper right corner of the window. Clicking the maximize (middle) button of a maximized window will return the window to its pre-maximized size. o Program windows can be moved and resized.· Gadgets are small applications designed to perform a single task. Examples include: o RSS viewer o Clock o Calendar o CPU meter o Sticky noteso Slide show|
Start menu|The Start menu is accessed using the Start button located in the lower left corner of the desktop. The Start menu is used to:· Start programs.· Start utilities used to configure and manage the system.· Start utilities used for file and folder access.Key parts of the Start menu are:· The left side of the start menu lists applications installed on the computer. When you click on an application icon, the application launches. o Applications listed above the horizontal line are applications that are attached, also referred to as pinned, to the Start menu. Pinning an application creates a shortcut for easy access. o Applications listed below the horizontal line are placed there based on frequency of use. Applications that are used the most appear in this list.· The bottom right of the Start menu has a Shut down button which shuts down the computer. Clicking the arrow to the right of the Shut down button lists power options including: o Log off o Shut down o Sleep o Hibernate o Restart· The right side of the Start menu lists links to various parts of the operating system: o User account areas provide access to the user's personal folder, documents, pictures, and music. o The Computer link provides access to the file system. o The Control Panel link provides access to adjust the computer's settings. o Devices and Printers lists the external devices attached to the computer such as printers, USB thumb drives, and external monitors. o Default programs lists the default settings the operating system will use. o Help and Support connects you to the Windows Help system.Enhancements introduced in Windows 7 include:· Jump lists that allow a user to easily access common tasks or to quickly open pinned and recent documents.· All programs lists installed applications on the left side of the Start menu.· Search allows you to perform searches for any searchable item on your computer such as programs, files, and email messages. You can also use the search feature to perform Internet searches.· Pinned Items are shortcuts to the items. An item can be pinned to the Start menu, taskbar, or both.|
Taskbar|The taskbar is the bar along the bottom of the screen. The taskbar in Windows 7 consolidates features that were separate in previous versions of Windows:· The Start button is located on the left end of the taskbar.· Applications can be pinned to the taskbar for easy access.· Icons for running applications appear to the right of pinned application icons. Icons of applications that are running have a black border around them.|
The following table identifies useful, commonly used keyboard shortcuts.
Shortcut|Action|
Windows Logo + Home|Clears all windows on the desktop except the active window.|
Windows Logo + Space|Causes all windows on the desktop to become transparent so you can see the desktop.|
Windows Logo + Up Arrow|Maximizes the active window.|
Windows Logo + Down Arrow|Minimizes the active window. If the active window is maximized, this shortcut will restore it down instead of minimize it.|
Windows Logo + Left/Right Arrows|Moves the active window to either the left or right side of the monitor corresponding to the arrow key used.|
Windows Logo + T|Scrolls through the items on the taskbar.|
Windows Logo + P|Adjusts display settings.|
Windows Logo + (+/-)|Zooms in or out of the display.|
Shift + Click a Taskbar Icon|Opens a new instance of the application.|
Alt + Tab|Cycles through open windows on the desktop.|

WINDOWS 8
The Windows 8 user interface emphasizes content presentation and is significantly different from the user interface of previous versions of Windows. The following table describes key new features and changes in Windows 8.
Feature|Description|
Start|Start, also referred to as the Start screen, replaces the Start button.|
Tiles|Tiles replace the menus. The four types of tiles are:· Standard application tiles. Clicking on an application tile starts the associated application. The two types of applications in Windows 8 are: o Traditional desktop applications similar to those used in previous versions of Windows. o Windows apps that come from the Windows Store and run only on Windows 8.· A live tile starts an application when clicked, but also provides dynamic information.· The desktop tile displays the desktop on the screen.· The user tile allows you to manage your user account.|
App Bar|An App bar containing context sensitive app-related commands, controls, features, and configuration settings can be accessed from the Start screen or from within a running application.· You can bring up the App bar by: o Right clicking on the Start screen. o Right clicking on an app tile. o Pressing the Windows Logo + Z. o Swiping up from the bottom of a touch screen or down from the top of the touch screen.· You remove the App bar by performing the same action you used to display it.· When displayed in Start, the App bar displays the All apps icon. You can access any installed app using All apps.· The App bar is also available from within a Windows 8 app by pressing the Windows Logo + Z, swiping up from the bottom of a touch screen, or swiping down from the top of the touch screen.The App bar is context sensitive. The information displayed depends upon where it was invoked.|
Charms menu|Start also contains the Charms menu.· You can access the Charms menu in the following ways: o Windows Logo + C o Swipe left from the right edge of the touch screen o Position the mouse pointer in the bottom-right or top-right corner of the screen to display the Charms icon. Move the pointer up or down toward the center of the screen to display the Charms menu.· The Charms menu displays the current date and time, battery status, network connection status, and the following charms: o Search o Share o Start o Deviceso Settings|
Keep in mind the following when navigating Start in Windows 8:
· A scroll bar at the bottom on the screen appears when you move the mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen or swipe right or left on the bottom of the screen.
· The Semantic Zoom button is located in the bottom right corner of the screen. o Hovering over the Sematic Zoom Button will display the Charms menu. o Clicking or tapping the Semantic Zoom button zooms out to provide a view of the entire Start screen. o Clicking or tapping the Semantic Zoom button within an app displays the sections available within the app.
· The following gestures can be used with Windows 8 on a device with a touch screen.
Gesture|Description|
Tap|Quickly touching the screen with your finger and immediately removing your finger from the screen. Tapping is the equivalent for clicking on the object with a mouse.|
Double-Tap|Tapping the screen twice. Double-tap is the equivalent of a double click with a mouse.|
Tap and Hold|Touching the screen and leaving your finger on the screen. This is the equivalent of right clicking. This gesture is primarily used with desktop apps.|
Swipe|Putting your finger on the screen, then quickly moving it in one direction and releasing:§ You can scroll to different parts of a screen by swiping up, down, left, or right.§ You can swipe to display different screen elements such as the scroll bar, Charms menu, and apps.|
Slide|Putting your finger on the screen, then quickly moving it in one direction and holding for one second before releasing. Sliding is the equivalent of clicking and dragging with a mouse. The slide gesture is typically used to move an object on the screen.|
Pinch|Placing two fingers apart on the screen and then moving the fingers together. This gesture zooms out on the displayed object.|
Spreading|Placing two fingers together on the screen and then moving the fingers further apart. This gesture zooms in on the displayed object.|
Turn|Placing two fingers on the screen and then turning them clockwise or counterclockwise. This gesture rotates the displayed object.|
· An on-screen keyboard displays when you tap inside an app's text box. When using a traditional desktop app, tap the keyboard icon in the taskbar to display on the on-screen keyboard. Useful, commonly used keyboard shortcuts are as follows:
Shortcut|Action|
Windows Logo|Takes you to Start if you are in a Windows 8 app.|
Windows Logo + C|Brings up the Charms menu.|
Windows Logo + D|Switches to the Desktop.|
Windows Logo + E|Runs File Explorer, the equivalent of Windows Explorer in previous versions of Windows.|
Windows Logo + R|Brings up the Run dialog box.|
Windows Logo + X|Displays a menu of Windows tools and utilities.|
Windows Logo + Z|Displays the App bar.|
Windows Logo + Tab|Cycles through apps that are running.|
· The Search pane in Windows 8 allows you to easily locate items such as apps, configuration settings, and files.
To search: o Enter the item in the search field. o Click or tap the area you wish to search: Apps, Settings, Files, Internet Explorer, Mail, etc. o The search results display on the left side of the Search pane.