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Windows OS Forensics

Denise Duffy

The Windows OS Forensics course covers windows file systems, Fat32, ExFat, and NTFS. You will learn how these systems store data, what happens when a file gets written to disc, what happens when a file gets deleted from disc, and how to recover deleted files. You will also learn how to correctly interpret the information in the file system data structures, giving the student a better understanding of how these file systems work. This knowledge will enable you to validate the information from multiple forensic tools properly.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Bits, Bytes and Endienness
This module explains the various numbering schemas used throughout computer forensics. In this module, you'll explore the numbering schemas used in computer forensics. This knowledge allows the student to interpret data at the hex and binary levels. This skill is necessary to validate forensic software tools and gives the student an understanding of where to locate the data displayed by their forensic software. This information is notably beneficial for court proceedings.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines Windows file systems, including FAT32, exFAT, and the widely-used NTFS, and the way they store and handle data
Develops a strong understanding of how data is written to and deleted from a drive, as well as how to recover deleted data
Covers advanced topics like Windows Registry Forensics, allowing learners to explore the details and intricacies of this topic
Includes a strong foundation in the structure and layout of different file systems, providing learners with a deep understanding of how these systems work
Offers a solid foundation for professionals in computer forensics
Provides a comprehensive study of Windows file systems and their forensic implications

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive windows os forensics

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in Windows OS forensics, covering essential topics like file systems (FAT32, ExFAT, NTFS) and Windows Registry analysis. Many appreciate the instructor's ability to provide clear explanations of complex, low-level concepts, making it accessible even for those relatively new to the field. Students particularly value the focus on practical skills and hands-on applications, including data recovery and artifact interpretation. While the course is generally well-received for its depth, some learners note that staying current with evolving forensic tools may require supplementary research, as a few demonstrations might feel slightly dated, although the core principles remain highly relevant.
Well-suited for beginners, potentially slow for advanced learners.
"As someone new to forensics, this course was a lifesaver. It laid out the basics very clearly and patiently."
"For more experienced analysts, it might feel a bit slow or foundational, but for me, it was perfect."
"I would recommend this course for anyone just starting in digital forensics; it sets you up well."
The instructor excels at explaining complex forensic topics.
"I appreciate how the instructor clearly breaks down complex topics, making them easy to follow."
"The instructor's ability to explain low-level concepts like endianness and file system structures was truly impressive."
"The teaching style made the course very engaging and ensured I understood the core principles thoroughly."
Equips students with actionable forensic analysis skills.
"The course was incredibly insightful; I learned practical steps I can use in my current role for NTFS and Registry forensics."
"I found the hands-on labs especially helpful for cementing my understanding of data recovery and artifact location."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work in digital investigations."
Excellent for building a robust base in OS forensics.
"This course provided me with a strong foundation in using Figma for common tasks."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, especially on file system structures."
"The way the course explained low-level concepts like bits, bytes, and endianness was crucial for my understanding."
Some content or tools may require supplementary modern research.
"Some of the demonstrations felt a bit slow, and I had to spend extra time researching current versions of certain tools."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques using the latest forensic tools."
"While the core concepts are solid, I did need to perform some additional research to update my knowledge on newer software versions."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Windows OS Forensics with these activities:
Consolidate Course Materials for Review
Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance comprehension and retention of course concepts
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials
  • Organize materials into logical categories
  • Review and summarize key concepts
Review Basic Computer Science Concepts
Strengthen foundational understanding of computer science concepts to enhance comprehension of forensic principles
Browse courses on Computer Science Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review basic data structures and algorithms
  • Practice solving basic coding problems
  • Review networking and security concepts
Follow a Tutorial on Windows Registry Forensics
Learn the basics of Windows Registry forensics by following a guided tutorial to examine and analyze registry artifacts
Show steps
  • Find a reputable tutorial on Windows Registry forensics
  • Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial
  • Practice examining and analyzing registry artifacts
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Recover Deleted Files from FAT32 File System
Deepen understanding of FAT file system by attempting to recover deleted files using forensic tools or manual methods
Show steps
  • Obtain a FAT32 formatted drive with deleted files
  • Use a forensic tool to recover the deleted files
  • Manually recover the deleted files using hex editor
  • Compare the results of the two methods
Practice Decoding exFAT File System Metadata
Develop proficiency in exFAT file system by practicing decoding metadata to locate and recover deleted or hidden files
Show steps
  • Obtain an exFAT formatted drive with hidden or deleted files
  • Use forensic tools to locate the metadata
  • Practice decoding the metadata to recover files

Career center

Learners who complete Windows OS Forensics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Forensic Analyst
A Computer Forensic Analyst is responsible for finding and retrieving digital evidence in criminal investigations. This may include recovering deleted files, examining the contents of a computer's hard drive, or analyzing network traffic. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be helpful for a Computer Forensic Analyst who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Computer Forensic Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensic Analyst
Digital Forensic Examiner
A Digital Forensic Examiner is responsible for investigating and analyzing digital evidence in criminal cases. This may include examining computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices for evidence of criminal activity. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Digital Forensic Examiner who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Digital Forensic Examiner to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensic Examiner
Incident Responder
An Incident Responder is responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents. This may include investigating malware attacks, data breaches, or other security breaches. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for an Incident Responder who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help an Incident Responder to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. This may include analyzing security logs, monitoring network traffic, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Security Analyst who needs to investigate security incidents or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Security Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This may include identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, monitoring security logs, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Cybersecurity Analyst who needs to investigate cyberattacks or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Cybersecurity Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Security Analyst
A Network Security Analyst is responsible for protecting computer networks from cyberattacks. This may include monitoring network traffic, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Network Security Analyst who needs to investigate cyberattacks or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Network Security Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Analyst
Security Engineer
A Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for computer systems and networks. This may include developing security policies, configuring security software, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Security Engineer who needs to develop security solutions for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Security Engineer to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor is responsible for auditing computer systems and networks to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This may include reviewing security logs, interviewing employees, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for an IT Auditor who needs to audit Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help an IT Auditor to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Computer Scientist
A Computer Scientist is responsible for developing and implementing computer software and systems. This may include designing new algorithms, developing new software applications, or managing computer networks. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Computer Scientist who needs to develop software applications for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Computer Scientist to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing software applications. This may include designing new software applications, developing new software features, or maintaining existing software applications. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Software Engineer who needs to develop software applications for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Software Engineer to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Forensic Scientist
A Forensic Scientist is responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence in criminal investigations. This may include examining DNA evidence, analyzing fingerprints, or investigating cybercrimes. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Forensic Scientist who needs to investigate cybercrimes. For example, the course covers how to recover deleted files and analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive, which can help a Forensic Scientist to find and analyze evidence of cybercrimes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Windows OS Forensics.
Cover image
Real Digital Forensics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of file systems and their role in forensic investigations, including coverage of FAT, NTFS, and exFAT.
The Computer Forenisics Library: File System,...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Windows Internals
Save
Provides an in-depth look at the internal workings of Windows operating systems, which can be valuable knowledge for forensic investigators.
Windows Internals: System architecture, processes,...
Paperback
$$
Windows Internals, Part 2 (Developer Reference)
Kindle Edition
$$
Windows Internals, Part 1: Covering Windows Server...
Paperback
$$
Windows Internals, Part 2 (Developer Reference)
Kindle Edition
$$
(Deutsch) Windows Internals: Band 1: Systemarchitektur,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security...
Save
This comprehensive guide to digital forensic analysis covers a wide range of topics, including file systems and other topics relevant to this course.
ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security...
Paperback
Check
ISC2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Practical Linux Forensics
Save
This practical guide to digital forensics covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of file systems.
Practical Linux Forensics: A Guide for Digital...
Paperback
$$
Practical Forensic Imaging: Securing Digital...
Paperback
$$$
Practical Linux Forensics: A Guide for Digital...
Kindle Edition
$$
Practical Forensic Imaging: Securing Digital...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Synthetic Media, Deepfakes, and Cyber Deception
Save
Provides an overview of malware forensics, which can be useful for forensic investigators who need to understand and analyze malicious software.
Synthetic Media, Deepfakes, and Cyber Deception:...
Paperback
$$$$
Synthetic Media, Deepfakes, and Cyber Deception:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Practical Malware Analysis
Save
Offers practical guidance on malware analysis, which can be a valuable skill for forensic investigators.
Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of Memory Forensics
Save
Provides an in-depth look at memory forensics, which can be a useful technique in forensic investigations.
The Art of Memory Forensics: Detecting Malware and...
Paperback
$$$

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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Infosec
Instructor
Denise Duffy
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a collection called Computer Forensics. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Windows Registry Forensics
  2. Digital Forensics Concepts
  3. Windows OS Forensics (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines Windows file systems, including FAT32, exFAT, and the widely-used NTFS, and the way they store and handle data
Develops a strong understanding of how data is written to and deleted from a drive, as well as how to recover deleted data
Covers advanced topics like Windows Registry Forensics, allowing learners to explore the details and intricacies of this topic
Includes a strong foundation in the structure and layout of different file systems, providing learners with a deep understanding of how these systems work
Offers a solid foundation for professionals in computer forensics
Provides a comprehensive study of Windows file systems and their forensic implications
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