Provides a one-page aggregation of event messages, warnings, and maintenance messages (Windows 7 only)

Windows Vista and Windows 7 default location
for content specific to each user account on a computer.
It is divided into several folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video. Similar to My Documents folder structure
in Windows XP.

Effect in the Aero desktop environment
(Windows Vista/7) that makes the edges of windows transparent.

User’s primary interface to the Windows operating system.

Windows Vista’s extended Performance applet.

User interface feature in Windows Vista that enables users to place various gadgets, such as clocks, calendars, and other utilities, on the right side of their
desktop

The Windows Vista/7 desktop environment. Adds some interesting aesthetic effects such as window transparency and Flip 3D

Contains icons representing background processes and the system clock. Located by default at the right edge of the Windows taskbar. Accurately called the notification area.

The tech name given to the folder in which Windows has been installed.

In the Aero desktop environment, a three-
dimensional replacement for alt-tab. Accessed by pressing the windows key-tab key combination

Process of confirming that an installed copy of a
Microsoft product (most commonly Windows or a Microsoft Office application) is legitimate. Usually done at the end of
software installation.

Applet in Windows’ Administrative
Tools that contains several useful snap-ins, such as Device Manager and Disk Management

Collection of Windows applets, or small
programs, that can be used to configure various pieces of hardware and software in a system

Utility that enables techs to examine and
configure all the hardware and drivers in a Windows PC.

Location to which files are moved when they
are deleted from a modern Windows system.

Logon screen for Windows XP. Enables
users to select their particular user account by clicking on their user picture.

Contains the Start button, the system tray, the Quick Launch toolbar, and buttons for running applications. Located by default at the bottom of the desktop.

Menu containing tools such as System Information and Disk Defragmenter

A program that runs in the background of a PC but displays no icons anywhere.

A tree menu in Windows Explorer for Windows 2000 and XP that displays the file structure on the left side of the window; toggled on with the Folders button

Group of Control Panel applets, including Computer Management, Event Viewer, and Reliability and Performance Monitor

Small menu brought up by right-clicking on
objects in Windows

How do you access the system tools?

Two, three, four, five or more letters that follow a filename and identify the type of file.

Enables you to launch commonly used programs with a single click.