This seminar provides a core understanding of the internal design and implementation of current Windows operating systems, with emphasis on information useful to system administrators and similar support personnel.  

Level

Basic to intermediate

Audience

System administrators; system integrators; applications developers; device driver writers; hardware OEMs; I.T. support personnel

Description

In this seminar you will learn how the Windows operating system implements its key functions. We will examine the overall operating system architecture and several key components, including application support, thread scheduling, memory management and protection, and security. We also show how many of the internal aspects of the system are exposed through various tools and utilities. Wherever possible, these points are demonstrated “live” on the instructor’s system.  

Topics

• System architecture overview

• Program execution environment

• Kernel mode components

• Object manager and Security Reference Monitor

• Kernel mode environments and concepts

• Scheduling

• Memory management and file system cache

• Input/output, storage, and networking

Prerequisites

Experience using, administering, or developing for Windows operating systems, and familiarity with basic operating system concepts

Windows versions

This seminar primarily addresses Windows 7, Server 2008, and Windows Vista. Most of the material is applicable to earlier versions as well. Earlier versions of Windows (Windows 2000, Windows XP, and/or Windows Server 2003) can be emphasized upon request.

Duration and formats

2 days, lecture only

Labs

This seminar is designed as a "short course" and as such is not offered with labs. Wherever possible, all points are demonstrated “live” on the instructor’s system. Information is included in the handout materials to permit the attendees to reproduce the same demonstrations later, on their own systems.

Please see INT201, Windows Internals if you are interested in a longer seminar that includes hands-on labs.