Here’s a comprehensive explanation of essential terms associated with Windows installation:
1. Dump:
- A snapshot or copy of a computer’s memory or system state, often used for troubleshooting or analysis.
2. Source Files:
- The core files required for installing Windows, usually contained within an ISO image or installation media.
3. ISO:
- A file format (.iso) that stores an exact copy of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc’s contents, often used for distributing large software or operating systems like Windows.
4. Partition:
- A logical division of a hard drive that functions as a separate storage unit, allowing you to organize data and potentially install multiple operating systems.
5. Active Partition:
- The primary partition marked as “bootable” by the computer’s firmware, containing the operating system that will load when the computer starts.
6. MBR (Master Boot Record):
- A traditional partitioning scheme that supports up to four primary partitions and uses a 512-byte boot sector at the beginning of the disk for boot information.
7. GPT (GUID Partition Table):
- A newer partitioning scheme that offers more flexibility (up to 128 partitions), better compatibility with large disks, and enhanced data protection features.
8. Boot Partition:
- The partition containing the files necessary for the operating system to start up (boot).
9. Boot Sequence:
- The order in which the computer checks different storage devices (hard drives, USB drives, optical drives) for bootable operating systems.
10. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):
- Firmware embedded on a motherboard that handles low-level hardware initialization and provides a setup interface for configuring system settings.
11. Cold Start/Restart:
- Turning on a computer that was previously completely powered off.
12. Hard Reset/Restart/Start:
- Forcibly restarting a computer by holding the power button or using a hardware reset button, often used when unresponsive.
13. Force Shutdown/Start/Restart:
- Similar to hard reset, but typically initiated through software commands rather than physical buttons.
14. Reset This PC Options:
- A Windows feature that allows you to restore the operating system to its factory defaults or reinstall it while preserving personal files.
15. Install from Local:
- Installing Windows using source files located on a local storage device (hard drive, USB drive).
16. Install from Cloud:
- Downloading Windows installation files directly from Microsoft’s servers during the installation process.
17. Bootable Pendrive:
- A USB flash drive containing bootable Windows installation files, enabling you to start the installation from it.
18. Rufus Software Utility:
- A free tool for creating bootable USB drives from various operating system ISO images.
19. Clean Install:
- Installing Windows from scratch, erasing all existing data and settings, often used for a fresh start or troubleshooting.
20. Formatting:
- Preparing a storage device (hard drive, USB drive) for use by erasing its contents and creating a new file system.
21. NTFS, FAT32, exFAT:
- Different file systems (ways of organizing data on a drive) with varying compatibility and features:
- NTFS: Modern file system for Windows, supports large files and advanced features.
- FAT32: Older file system with broader compatibility but limitations on file size and features.
- exFAT: Designed for flash drives and external storage, offering better compatibility than NTFS but fewer features.