Administrative Tools
A group of MMC consoles that are used to manage Windows 7. Computer Management, Event Viewer, and Services are the most commonly used.
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
The current standard for power management that is implemented in Windows 7 and by computer manufacturers.
applet
A tool or utility in Control Panel that is focused on configuring a particular part of Windows 7.
AutoPlay
Automatically performs a configurable action when new removable media is inserted into the computer.
Away Mode
An instant-on power saving mode that keeps the system in the S0 state.
Backup and Restore Center
Recovery tools for files and the overall operating system. Backup and System Restore can be found here.
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Encrypts all of the data on a hard drive to keep data secure even if a hard drive is stolen.
color depth
The number of bits that are used to store the color information for each pixel in the display.
Color Management applet
Configured color profiles to ensure correct color matching between devices.
Computer Management
One of the most commonly used Administrative Tools. This MMC console contains the snap-ins to manage most Windows 7 components.
Control Panel
A central location for Windows 7 Management utilities. Most system settings are configured here.
Data Sources (ODBC) applet
Used to configure data sources for applications that require access to a database.
device driver
Software that manages the communication between Windows 7 and a particular hardware component.
device driver signing
A system that ensures that a device driver is from a known publisher and that the device driver has not been modified since it was signed.
Device Manager
An MMC snap-in that is used to manage hardware components and their device drivers.
Ease of Access Center
A collection of settings to make Windows 7 easier to use for those that have visual or hearing impairment.
Event Viewer
An MMC console that is used to view messages generated and logged by Windows 7, applications, and services.
File Signature Verification Utility
A utility that verifies the digital signature on operating system files and device drivers.
Folder Options applet
Configures the behavior of Windows Explorer, including whether file extensions are hidden for known file types, and whether hidden files are displayed.
hibernate
See S4 state.
hybrid sleep
The sleep method used by Windows 7 that combines the S3 state and S4 state. When the computer moves to the S3 state, it also saves the memory file required for the S4 state.
Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)
A legacy standard for connecting expansion cards to the motherboard in computers.
Internet Options
Settings to control Internet Explorer, including security settings.
iSCSI
A protocol for transferring files between a computer and external disk storage over an Ethernet network.
Memory Diagnostics Tool
A utility used to perform tests on the physical memory of a computer.
Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
A graphical interface shell that provides a structured environment to build management utilities.
MMC console
A collection of one or more snap-ins that are saved as an .msc file for later use.
MMC snap-in
A small software component that can be added to an MMC console to provide functionality. An MMC snap-in typically manages some part of Windows.
modem
A device that lets a computer communicate with another computer over phone lines.
multiple monitors
Attaching two or more displays to a single computer. The information can be exactly the same on each display, or each display can be used independently by using extended mode.
Network Center
A central location used to view network status and detailed network
information.
Network File and Printer Sharing
A Control Panel applet for configuring file and printer sharing on small networks.
Network List
Provides a list of networks that your computer is aware of.
Network Map
Provides a map of network devices including gateways and the Internet.
Offline Files
A method for caching network files on a local hard drive so that the files can be used when the computer is not connected to the network.
Parental Controls
Used to restrict user access to Web sites and view activity reports on Web site access.
People Near Me
A new tool in Windows 7 to locate users for peer-to-peer collaboration.
Performance Information and Tools applet
Rates the performance of your computer components on a scale of one to five.
Peripheral Component Interface (PCI)
A current standard for connecting expansion cards to a computer motherboard. PCI devices are plug and play.
pixel
A single dot on the display.
plug and play
A standard for devices, BIOSes, and operating systems to interact and automatically assign resources to devices.
power plan
A set of configuration options for power management. The Balanced, Power save, and High performance power plans are created by default.
Problem Reports and Solutions applet
A Control Panel applet that manages the process of collecting information about system errors, uploading them to Microsoft, and finding solutions on the Microsoft Web site.
Regional and Language Options applet
Used to configure display and input options to support different languages and regions. Settings include time, date, and number formats.
Reliability and Performance Monitor
An MMC console used to monitor and troubleshoot the performance of your computer.
S0 state
An ACPI power saving mode that disables power to specific devices as requested by the operating system, but keeps the overall system running.
S3 state
An ACPI power saving mode that disables power to all devices except RAM.
S4 state
An ACPI power saving mode that saves the contents of RAM to disk and then disables power to all devices including RAM.
screen resolution
The number of pixels that are displayed on your display.
Security Center
A centralized panel used to view security configuration for Windows 7.
service
A Windows application that runs in the background without user interaction.
Services administrative tool
An MMC console used to manage Windows services.
Speech Recognition applet
Configures how Windows 7 performs speech recognition, and allows you to train speech recognition for your voice.
standby
See S3 state.
Sync Center
A tool that is used to keep data synchronized between your computer and other devices or computers.
System applet
Shows basic information about your computer, such as Windows edition, performance rating, and activation status. Links are provided to configure system properties.
System Configuration
The Administrative Tool that gives you access to control the boot configuration, service startup, application startup, and system tools.
Tablet PC applet
Configures settings that are specific to tablet PCs such as screen menu locations and handwriting recognition.
Task Scheduler
A utility that allows you to schedule tasks to run at a particular time or based on specific events occurring.
Taskbar and Start Menu applet
Configures the behavior of the taskbar and Start menu, including which toolbars are displayed on the taskbar.
Welcome Center
A Control Panel tool that provides an overview of your hardware configuration and quick access to some commonly used configuration tools.
Windows Defender
A spyware removal tool included with Windows 7.
Windows Firewall
Protects your computer by controlling the communication between your computer and the network.
Windows Flip
Displays a live thumbnail of each open Window as you use ALT-Tab to select a window.
Windows Flip 3D
Displays each open Window in a three dimensional list and allows you to scroll through the windows using the mouse wheel.
Windows Marketplace Tested Products List
A list of software or hardware and associated device drivers that have been tested with Windows 7.
Windows Sidebar
Uses gadgets to display information at the side of the screen.
Windows SideShow
Uses gadgets to display information on peripheral devices even when your computer is turned off.
Windows Update
A service that automatically downloads and installs service packs and security updates.