Essential Questions
- What can I do if I want a Windows PC to operate more effectively and efficiently?
- What are my options if a Graphical User Interface (GUI) isn’t available?
Big Ideas
As Windows has evolved, it has introduced apps and tools with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that make many tasks easier to complete. There are times, however, when you may need to use the Command Shell and enter script-like commands. It may be easier to use the GUI app to manage files and folders, but as a Help Desk professional you should still know how to use the command-line tools. They are powerful tools for getting the most out of Windows. It can take some practice to become familiar with the commands and the proper syntax for entering them, but they must be entered correctly to work.
Connection to Student Lives
Have you ever watched people who are new or unfamiliar with a new application? It might be on their phone or on a computer, like word-processing software. Some people pick up tips and shortcuts right away, like knowing multiple ways to copy and paste information by using shortcut keys, a menu command, or even pop-up menus using a mouse or trackpad. Others just know one way to do something and find it difficult to transfer what they know about one application to others, like being able to transfer what you know about copying and pasting in a word-processing document to a slide deck, a spreadsheet, or even in a text on your phone.
With computers, there are often multiple ways to do something. In Windows, there are usually GUI apps, or graphical user interface apps that you can use to configure or change your computer. But Windows also has command-line tools, which look a little like computer code. They provide an extended range of ways to do things. Just like those people who know many different tips and shortcuts to use an application like word-processing, you need to build your knowledge about multiple ways to get things done in Windows, and that includes command-line tools.
Framing Problem
Understand that there are multiple versions of Windows that you may have to support and that you can configure and change functionality using both GUI apps and command-line tools. Students should feel confident that they can access the Command Shell and use basic command-line tools such as >, \, cd, dir, and the wildcard characters ? and *
Cornerstone Assessment
Students explore Windows and demonstrate how to access the Command Shell and run basic command-line tools found in these topics. Students can document the command-line tools they are learning in the Help Desk knowledge base, either as tip sheets or in the form of a searchable glossary.
DPI Standards
- NCCTE.2020.II22.01.04 - Use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
- NCCTE.2020.II22.01.05 - Use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
- NCCTE.2020.II22.01.06 - Use Microsoft Windows control panel utilities.
- NCCTE.2020.II22.02.06 - Compare Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
A+ Standards
TOPIC 1C: Use Windows Features and Tools
TOPIC 1D: Manage Files in Windows
Knowledge
- When to use the local Administrator account versus a Standard user account
- When a task requires the use of User Account Control (UAC) and how to configure UAC
- How to access system features through This PC, WinX, Instant Search, or .MSC extensions in the Run Line
- Some basic commands for the Command Shell and how to seek help on using it
- Options for shutting down Windows
- How to access files in the Windows Registry using the regedit tool
- The Windows system hierarchy for different versions
- The location of system files and directories
- The attributes a file can have
- Command prompt commands such as >, \, cd, dir, and the wildcard characters ? and *
- Syntax for moving, copying, renaming, deleting, files and creating or removing a directory using command prompt commands
Skills
- Run the administrative tools in Windows, such as consoles, command prompt, registry and others, and match each tool to an appropriate task.
- Configure or change the configuration of Windows using Control Panel or Windows Settings
- Manage user accounts with the User Accounts applet
- Use the Administrative Tools shortcut to configure advanced system settings and assist with troubleshooting
- Access the Command Shell (cmd.exe) as an administrator and use proper syntax to run common commands
- Access files in the Windows Registry using the regedit tool
- Use File Explorer to open, copy, move, rename, view, and delete files and folders.
- Configure permissions for a file or folder using the Security tab.
- Review and edit folder options
- Complete file management and configuration operations using command prompt commands
Vocabulary
Use Windows Features and Tools
Control Panel
Windows Settings
User account
User Account Control
Administrative Tools
- Component Services
- Computer Management
- Data Sources
- Event Viewer
- Local Security Policy
- Print Management
- Reliability and Performance Monitoring
- Services
This PC
WinX/Power Users Menu
Instant Search
.MSC Extensions
Windows Registry Structure
- Registry database
- Hive
Manage Files in Windows
File Explorer
Root Directory
File Extension
System Files
Attribute
Permissions
Weekly Map
Monday
Introduction to problem: Understanding Windows OS, especially command-line tools
Online Pre-assessment (available for student practice, as well)
Tuesday
Review content resources with whole group: Topic 1-C: Use Windows Features and Tools
Small group and independent exploration of resources
Activity 1-3: Using Windows Features and Tools
Wednesday
Hands-on exploration with IT professionals: Activity 1-4 Windows Features and Tools
Review content resources with whole group: Topic 1-D: Manage Files in Windows
Small group and independent exploration of resources
Thursday
Hands-on exploration with IT professionals: Activity 1-4 Windows Features and Tools
Activity 1-5: Discussing File Management in Windows
Friday
Progress check with individuals or whole whole group, especially on the use of command-line tools
Online post-assessment
Lesson Ideas
Students may have experience using a Windows PC, but not all may have experience configuring the OS and using the GUI apps and command-line tools. Students can work individually or in pairs to practice using command-line tools in the Command Shell. Some may correspond to functionality in a GUI app. Students should have enough practice that they can access the Command Shell independently and run the basic command-line tools that are found in these topics and Activity 1-4: Using Windows Features and Tools.
Potential Resources
The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 Instructor Guide for Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002
- Topic 1C: Use Windows Features and Tools (pp. 26-42)
- Activity 1-3: Discussing Windows Features and Tools (pp. 43-44)
- Activity 1-4: Using Windows Features and Tools (pp. 45-50)
- Topic 1D: Manage Files in Windows (pp. 51-64)
- Activity 1-5: Discussing File Management in Windows (pp. 65-66)
ITProTV
- Windows: How To (Playlist with 73 videos)
Professor Messer at ProfessorMesser.com and YouTube offers numerous free videos of various lengths for many of the topics for the CompTIA 220-1001 A+ Exam. They are easy to understand, narrated videos with visuals. If you are teaching a CompTIA course, the site notes “You’re welcome to use them as much as you’d like, provided you embed the videos with the associated YouTube link or link directly to my site. Please click the “Contact Us” link at the top of our web page and let me know how you’re using them.”
- Professor Messer’s 220-1001 Core 2 CompTIA A+ Training Course videos on ProfessorMesser.com. Search or scroll to find the topics you’re interested in.
Entry Level I.T. Training from Technology Gee
Microsoft Support
- Windows commands
- Where is Control Panel?
- How to run Control Panel tools by typing a command
- Manage User Accounts and Settings in Windows chapter from Windows 10 Step by Step
- Add or remove accounts on your PC
- Find and open File Explorer
- How to share files in File Explorer on Windows
- Set or change permissions for a public folder
Other Articles and Resources:
List of Command Prompt Commands by Tim Fisher for Lifewire