Shells - Windows (windows.md)

👉 Overview

👀 What ?

A Windows shell is a graphical user interface (GUI) for the Windows operating system. It provides a way for users to interact with the operating system via a command-line interface (CLI) or graphical user interface (GUI). The shell is responsible for launching other applications, managing files and folders, and controlling peripheral devices.

🧐 Why ?

Understanding the Windows shell is crucial for anyone who uses a computer running the Windows operating system. It forms the foundation of your interaction with the system. By learning about the Windows shell, you can customize your computing environment, automate tasks, troubleshoot problems, and make your computer work more efficiently for you. For cybersecurity professionals, understanding the Windows shell can also help detect and mitigate security threats.

⛏️ How ?

To start using the Windows shell, you can open a Command Prompt window by typing 'cmd' into the Windows search bar and hitting Enter. From there, you can run various commands to navigate through your file system, launch applications, manage your network, and more. For more advanced shell features, you might consider using PowerShell, a more powerful shell that comes with Windows.

⏳ When ?

The Windows shell has been a part of the Windows operating system since its first version, Windows 1.0, released in 1985. However, it has evolved significantly over the years, with each new version of Windows adding new features and capabilities.

⚙️ Technical Explanations

The Windows shell acts as a bridge between the user and the operating system. It interprets commands from the user and forwards them to the operating system kernel for execution. These commands can be received through either a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI). In the CLI, users input commands as lines of text. In contrast, the GUI allows users to interact with the system visually, using a mouse and graphical displays.

The Windows shell is also responsible for managing the computer's file system and peripheral devices. It includes a variety of built-in commands for executing common tasks, such as file and directory creation, modification, and deletion. Additionally, the shell enables users to run external programs.

Furthermore, the Windows operating system comes with two different types of shells. The basic shell is the Command Prompt, which supports a wide range of commands and is sufficient for most regular users. However, for users who require advanced functionalities, Windows also includes PowerShell. PowerShell is a more sophisticated shell that supports scripting and automation, making it a powerful tool for system administration. It provides a multitude of commands and utilities that give users extensive control over their system.

Windows Command :

1. cd: Changes the current directory. Use it like cd directoryName to go into a directory or cd .. to go up one directory.
2. dir: Lists all files and directories in the current directory.
3. mkdir: Creates a new directory. Use it like mkdir directoryName.
4. rmdir: Deletes a directory. Use it like rmdir directoryName.
5. del: Deletes a file. Use it like del fileName.
6. copy: Copies a file. Use it like copy sourceFile destinationFile.
7. move: Moves a file. Use it like move sourceFile destinationFile.
8. type: Displays the contents of a text file. Use it like type fileName.
9. find: Searches for a specific string of text in a file. Use it like find "text" fileName.
10. ipconfig: Shows the IP configuration for all network interfaces on your machine.
11. ping: Checks network connectivity to another host on your network. Use it like ping hostNameOrIPAddress.
12. netstat: Displays active network connections.
13. tracert: Traces and displays the path that a packet takes to reach a destination. Use it like tracert hostNameOrIPAddress.
14. sfc /scannow: Scans system files for errors and attempts to fix them.
15. chkdsk: Checks a disk for errors and attempts to fix them.
16. gpupdate /force: Forces an immediate update of Group Policy.

Remember, you can always type commandName /? (like cd /? or dir /?) to get more information about how to use a specific command.

Note: Be careful when using commands that delete or modify files (del, rmdir, copy, move), as they can potentially erase important data.

🖇️ Références