Windows Fundamental Part 1
Windows operating systems, like Windows Home and Windows Pro, offer distinct features catering to different user needs. One notable difference is the availability of BitLocker, an encryption feature exclusive to Windows Pro.
BitLocker plays a crucial role in securing your data by encrypting it. Encryption is a process that converts readable data into a coded format, making it challenging for unauthorized users to access or decipher. In the case of BitLocker, it encrypts the entire disk, including the operating system, system files, and user data.
Windows Pro users can leverage BitLocker to protect their information from potential security threats, ensuring that even if someone gains physical access to the computer, they won’t be able to access the data without the appropriate credentials.
On the other hand, Windows Home does not include the BitLocker feature. Users of this version might consider alternative security measures if they require encryption for their sensitive data. Understanding these distinctions helps users choose the Windows version that best aligns with their security and functionality needs.
File System
The file system used in the modern version of Windows is the (New Technology File System) called NTFS. Before NTFS, there was a FAT32/FAT16 (file allocation table), and HPFS (high-performance file system).
- The NTFS supports five larger than 4GB.
- We can set a specific permission on folders and files.
- Folders and file compression.
- Encryption.
We can check permission of any folder or file by right-clicking and checking the properties of it.
Windows Folder
Windows folder is the main folder, which contains the Windows operating system. This is where all system environment variables are stored, To locate it We can just run %windir%. In this folder, we have a folder system32 which holds some important files that are critical for the operating system in system32. We have many important files which are most important for our OS examples like Taskmgr.exe, hardware drivers Windows Registry file.
User Accounts And Permissions
User accounts are of two types.
- Administrator
- Standard user
- An administrator can make changes to the system, like add users, delete users, modify groups, and modify settings on the system, etc.
- A standard user can only make changes to the folder/file attributed to the user and can’t perform system-level changes such as installing programs.
When a user account is created, a profile is created for the user. The location for each user profile folder will fall under C:\Users. Each user profile will have the same folders. like Desktop, Documents, Download, Music, Pictures, etc.
We can just create or modify any user by searching the user account in the start bar and clicking on Add, edit, or remove other users on this device.
But we have also another way to assist this with local user and group management.
Open by right-clicking on the start menu and clicking on run or just pressing windows + r. Type lusrmgr.msc.
In this window, think of it like a filing cabinet with two drawers: one labeled ‘users’ and the other ‘groups.’ When you open the ‘users’ drawer, you’ll find a list of all the individuals who have accounts on our computer. Now, if you peek into the ‘groups’ drawer, you’ll discover a bunch of different permissions set by the computer boss, aka the administrator.
Here’s the magic part: when a person is added to a group, it’s like they join a club with specific privileges. These privileges, or permissions, automatically become theirs. It’s a bit like becoming a member of a team and getting access to all the team benefits.
But wait, there’s more! A person can be part of not just one, but multiple groups. It’s like being in different clubs at the same time. Each club has its own set of perks, and our person gets to enjoy all of them.
So, in a nutshell, this setup helps us keep things organized and lets people have the right access to the right stuff without the administrator having to set individual rules for each person. It’s like having a secret handshake to unlock different levels of computer awesomeness.
User Accounts And Permissions
Most people log into their Windows systems as local administrators, giving them a lot of control. However, not every task they do needs such high-level power, like surfing the internet or working on documents. Using these powerful privileges for everyday tasks increases the risk of getting the computer infected by malware.
To tackle this, Microsoft introduced something called User Account Control (UAC). Imagine it as a security guard for your computer. It first appeared in Windows Vista and has stuck around in later versions. UAC keeps an eye on things and asks for permission when a task needs those high-level privileges. This helps prevent malware from taking over the whole system because, without permission, it can’t make big changes.
In simpler terms, it’s like having a friend who checks with you before borrowing something important. UAC makes sure your computer stays safe without making everything too complicated.
- How does UAC work?
When a user with an account type of administrator logs into a system, the current session doesn’t run with elevated permissions. When an operation requiring higher-level privileges needs to execute, the user will be prompted to confirm if they permit the operation to run.
Task Manager
Think of the Task Manager as your computer’s superhero headquarters. It shows you all the things (applications and processes) that are currently running on your computer. It’s like a control center where you can see how much brainpower (CPU) and memory (RAM) your computer is using.
Getting to the Task Manager is like having a secret handshake. You just right-click on the taskbar (the strip at the bottom of your screen). It’s like opening a door to see what’s going on behind the scenes of your computer. If you ever wonder why your computer is slow or acting weird, the Task Manager is the detective who can help you figure it out!”
Example: “If your computer is feeling a bit sluggish, you can right-click on the taskbar and open the Task Manager to see which programs are hogging all the power.
I dove into TryHackMe’s Windows Fundamental Part 1 room, and oh, the knowledge! From users to groups, UAC guardians, and the Task Manager superhero HQ, it was a digital adventure. Thanks, TryHackMe, for lighting up the Windows path! 🚀💻 #TryHackMe #WindowsFundamentals #DigitalAdventure
