| A | B |
|---|
| Add or Remove Programs | Applet allowing users to manually add or remove a program from the system. |
| Advanced Startup Options | Menu that can be reached during the boot process that offers advanced OS startup options, such as boot in Safe mode or boot into Last Known Good Configuration. |
| Automated System Recovery (ASR) | Windows XP tool designed to recover a badly corrupted Windows system; similar to ERD. |
| Automatic Updates | Feature allowing updates to Windows to be retrieved automatically over the Internet. |
| Autorun | File included on some media that automatically launches a program or installation routine when the media is inserted/ attached to a system. |
| Backup Utility | Provides almost all the tools you need to back up files and folders. |
| Blue Screen or Death (BSoD) | Infamous error screen that appears when Windows encounter an unrecoverable error. |
| compatibility mode | Feature of Windows 2000 and beyond to allow software written for previous version of Windows to operate in newer operating systems. |
| counter | Used to track data about a particular object when using the Performance console. |
| Device Manager | Utility that enables techs to examine and configure all the hardware and drivers in a Windows PC. |
| Disk Cleanup | Utility built into Windows that can help users clean up their disks by removing temporary Internet files, deleting unused program files, and more. |
| driver signing | Digital signature for drivers used by Windows to protect against potentially bad drivers. |
| Emergency Repair Disk (ERD) | Saves critical boot files and partition information and is the main tool for fixing boot problems in Windows 2000. |
| Last Known Good Configuration | Option on the Advanced Startup Options menu that allows your system to revert to a previous configuration to troubleshoot and repair any major system problems. |
| NT Backup | The same program as Backup Utility, only NT Backup supports a greater variety of devices, enabling you to back up to network drives, logical drives, tape, and removable disks. |
| object | System component that is given a set of characteristics and can be managed by the operating system as a single entity. |
| Performance console | Windows tool used to log resource usage over time. |
| Performance Logs and Alerts | Snap-in enabling the creation of a written record of most everything that happens on the system. |
| Performance Options | Tool allowing users to configure CPU, RAM, and virtual memory settings. |
| Programs and Features | Windows Vista/7 replacement for the Add or Remove Programs applet. |
| Recovery Console | Command-line interface boot mode for Windows that is used to repair a Windows 2000 or Windows XP system suffering from massive OS corruption or other problems. |
| restore point | System snapshot created by the System Restore utility that is used to restore a malfunctioning system. |
| Safe Mode | Important diagnostic boot mode for Windows that only runs very basic drivers and turns off virtual memory. |
| System Configuration utility (MSCONFIG.EXE) | Executable file that runs the Windows System Configuration utility, which enables users to configure a system’s boot files and critical system files. Often used for the name of the utility, as in “just run MSCONFIG.” |
| System Information tool (MSINFO32.EXE) | Provides information about hardware resources, components, and the software environment. Also known as System Information. |
| System Monitor | Utility that can evaluate and monitor system resources, such as CPU usage and memory usage. |
| System Restore | Utility in Windows that enables you to return your PC to a recent working configuration when something goes wrong. System Restore returns your computer’s system settings to the way they were the last time you remember your system working correctly—all without affecting your personal files or e-mail. |
| Task Manager | Shows all running programs, including hidden ones, accessed by pressing CTRL-SHIFT-ESC. Able to shut down an unresponsive application that refuses to close normally. |
| Windows Update | Microsoft application used to keep Windows operating systems up to date with the latest patches or enhancements. |
