Windows^® 7:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

In this course, you gain the skills necessary to manage, maintain and support the most advanced features and capabilities of Windows 7. You learn to configure and customize the OS for optimal performance, establish and maintain user accounts and groups, secure local and network-accessible resources, ensure application compatibility and functionality, and troubleshoot Windows 7 operating and networking systems.

Who will benefit from this course?

IT and desktop support staff, system administrators, power users and anyone wanting to gain hands-on experience with Windows 7 will benefit from this course.

What background do I need?

Anyone with a Windows IT background will likely find this course of value. If you have never had experience with Windows operating systems, but are technically inclined with experience in other GUI operating systems, such as Mac OS or Red Hat Linux, you will likely succeed in this course.

Is this a new features course, only covering the differences between Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7?

No. This course is a comprehensive introduction to Windows 7. We cover the fundamental IT topics, principles and concepts in a Windows 7 environment.

Will I learn how to configure my laptop to interact safely with my domain servers at work and at home?

Yes. While we will not concentrate on home networks and personal computing, we know it is important for today's travelers to use their laptops securely wherever they work. In this coruse, you learn about Network Location Awareness and Homegroups, which together provide laptop users with a safe and secure method of networking everywhere.

Will I learn about BitLocker recovery and relocking techniques?

Yes. You will perform a BitLocker recovery in a hands-on exercise, and you will learn to schedule automatic relocking of BitLocker-encrypted drives based on time and/or events.

Will I learn to use PowerShell to manage Windows 7?

You will learn the basic concepts and capabilities of PowerShell for routine workstation investigation and management, such as synchronizing folder permissions and starting or stopping services, but for a full overview of the PowerShell product, you should consider Course 969, Windows PowerShell? Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks, which deals exclusively with PowerShell for four full days.

Does this course cover all editions of Windows 7?

Yes, all editions are covered at some level, but this course is delivered using Windows 7 Enterprise or Ultimate Edition. Users of other editions should review the course brochure topics before deciding if this course is appropriate for them.

Does this course address Active Directory administration from Windows 7 workstations?

Yes, but only in basic techniques. You will install Active Directory administrative tools onto a Windows 7 computer and use them to create domain users and groups while sitting at a workstation. However, for a full introduction to Windows domains and the Active Directory, you would should consider Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

How does Windows 7 fit into the Windows family?

Windows 7 is the latest desktop operating system from Microsoft. It is built on Windows Vista concepts and technologies, but includes vastly improved performance, security, and usability.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are performed in this course?

Approximately 40 percent of the time in this course is spent on extensive hands-on exercises that provide practical experience configuring Windows 7. Exercises include:

• Installing Windows 7
• Monitoring and troubleshooting system performance with Action Center tools
• Creating and managing users and groups
• Adjusting User Account Control (UAC) strictness
• Securing USB data with BitLocker To-Go
• Sharing and accessing network resources
• Prohibiting applications with AppLocker
• Troubleshooting application compatibility
• Managing credentials with Windows Vault

I have recently been promoted to a PC support role, and I'm new to Windows technologies. Will I be adequately prepared for this course?

If you have been involved with the daily use of Windows computers, and if you are comfortable with IT concepts, you will benefit from this course, even though some topics and technologies may not be familiar.

How does this course help prepare me for Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction?

This course introduces you to Microsoft's newest desktop operating system and to some of the concepts and technologies involved in domain participation. When you move forward to Course 960, you will be better prepared to understand domain principles as well as those of desktop operating systems participating in a domain.

I have 5 years of support experience with Windows XP. Should I take this course?

Yes. If your company is planning to move to Windows 7, then you will benefit by becoming familiar with the latest tools and technologies afforded by Windows 7 operating systems. If your company is already immersed in its desktop migration, you will be ready to assist this process with the knowledge gained in this course.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers a number of courses that will help you expand upon the knowledge gained in this course and further your skills in several key areas. Those courses include:

• 960, Windows Server® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 961, Windows Server® 2008 Administration: Hands-On 
• 962, Windows Server® 2008 Active Directory Domain Services: Hands-On 
• 963, Windows Server® 2008 Group Policy Management: Hands-On 
• 965, System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Hands-On 
• 966, Internet Information Services 7.5 for Windows Server® 2008: Hands-On 
• 969, Windows PowerShell? Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks 
• 2401, Deploying and Managing Windows® 7: Hands-On