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Pavel Yosifovich

This course will teach you the foundations on which the Windows OS is built, its main mechanisms and architecture. This will allow you to get deeper into Windows, whether you are a developer, researcher, or other power user.

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This course will teach you the foundations on which the Windows OS is built, its main mechanisms and architecture. This will allow you to get deeper into Windows, whether you are a developer, researcher, or other power user.

When developing Windows applications with low-level APIs, kernel drivers, or researching some scenario understanding the inner workings of Windows is essential. In this course, Windows 11 Internals: Foundations, you’ll learn how Windows works under the covers. First, you’ll explore the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads. Next, you’ll discover how to use the WinDbg debugger to gain insight into Windows functionality. Finally, you’ll learn how system calls are invoked. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of the foundations of Windows Internals needed to dig deeper into the operating system, whether you are a developer, a security researcher, or troubleshooting issues.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Windows Overview
Basic Concepts
System Architecture
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Introduction to WinDbg
Additional Concepts

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon existing foundations for system utility enthusiasts, performance enthusiasts, security researchers, and those interested in systems administration
Taught by Pavel Yosifovich, who is a respected voice in the development and analytic communities
Develops concepts and skills that are crucial for efficient troubleshooting and analysis for system administrators, software developers, and other technical professionals
Emphasizes practices and techniques that are prevalent in many related industry applications and use cases
Leverages a curriculum that corresponds to industry standards and best practices
Provides a strong basis for further studies and professional development in Windows-related disciplines

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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 11 Internals: Foundations with these activities:
Read 'Windows Internals, Part 1' by Mark Russinovich
Read 'Windows Internals, Part 1' to gain a comprehensive understanding of the internal workings of Windows operating systems.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Windows Internals, Part 1'.
  • Set aside dedicated time for reading and studying the book.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Review basic concepts of Windows operating systems
Refresh your understanding of the basic concepts of Windows operating systems to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Show steps
  • Review the history and evolution of Windows operating systems.
  • Study the different versions of Windows and their features.
  • Explore the key components of Windows, such as the kernel, file system, and registry.
Participate in online forums and discussions
Engage with other students and professionals in online forums and discussions to exchange knowledge, ask questions, and stay up-to-date on Windows internals.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online forums and discussion groups.
  • Actively participate in discussions and share your knowledge.
  • Ask questions and seek help from other members.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze Windows system calls
Practice analyzing Windows system calls to gain a deeper understanding of how Windows functions under the hood.
Show steps
  • Use the WinDbg debugger to trace system calls made by a running process.
  • Identify the parameters and return values of common system calls.
  • Analyze the behavior of system calls in different scenarios.
Explore advanced topics in Windows internals
Seek out and follow advanced tutorials to expand your knowledge of Windows internals and uncover its intricacies.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources and tutorials that cover advanced topics.
  • Follow the tutorials and document your findings.
  • Experiment with the concepts and techniques presented in the tutorials.
Write a blog post or article on a specific aspect of Windows internals
Write a blog post or article on a specific aspect of Windows internals to reinforce your understanding and contribute to the community's knowledge base.
Browse courses on Technical Writing
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic within Windows internals that interests you.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Organize and write your content in a clear and concise manner.
  • Publish your blog post or article on a relevant platform.
Build a simple Windows kernel driver
Develop a simple Windows kernel driver to apply your knowledge of Windows internals and enhance your practical skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple device or functionality to implement.
  • Design and implement the kernel driver using the Windows Driver Development Kit.
  • Test and debug the driver using tools like WinDbg and Device Manager.

Career center

Learners who complete Windows 11 Internals: Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop software that meets those needs. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to design and develop software systems that run on Windows platforms. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator manages and maintains an organization's computer networks. They ensure that networks are efficient, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how computer networks operate. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop software that meets those needs. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to develop software that runs on Windows systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Software Tester
A Software Tester tests software applications to ensure that they meet the requirements of the client. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to test software applications that run on Windows systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
System Administrator
A System Administrator manages and maintains an organization's computer systems and networks. They ensure that systems are operating efficiently and effectively, and that they are secure from threats. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to manage and maintain Windows systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst studies an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and designs and implements new systems to meet the organization's needs. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how computer systems work. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Technical Support Specialist
A Technical Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They help users to resolve problems with their systems and networks, and they may also provide training on how to use software and hardware. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to troubleshoot problems with Windows systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Computer Network Architect
A Computer Network Architect designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. They ensure that networks are efficient, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how computer networks operate. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. They ensure that databases are efficient, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how databases operate. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor reviews an organization's computer systems and procedures to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures. They also assess the organization's compliance with laws and regulations. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how computer systems work. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst identifies, assesses, and mitigates security risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and monitor and respond to security incidents. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to protect computer systems and networks from security threats. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to investigate security incidents.
Penetration Tester
A Penetration Tester identifies and exploits vulnerabilities in an organization's computer systems and networks. They help organizations to improve their security posture by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in Windows systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to investigate vulnerabilities.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst identifies, assesses, and mitigates security risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and monitor and respond to security incidents. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to protect computer systems and networks from security threats. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to investigate security incidents.
IT Manager
An IT Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of an organization's IT department. They are responsible for developing and implementing IT policies and procedures, and for ensuring that the organization's IT systems are operating efficiently and effectively. This course can help you build a foundation in Windows Internals, which is essential for understanding how to manage an organization's IT systems. You will learn about the basic concepts of Windows, such as processes and threads, as well as how to use the WinDbg debugger to troubleshoot issues.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and develop websites that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the underlying architecture of Windows, as this knowledge can be helpful for developing websites that are compatible with Windows systems.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 11 Internals: Foundations.
Is commonly used as a textbook in advanced Windows programming courses and will be useful to those seeking more in-depth and rigorous coverage of the Windows API than is offered by this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of malware analysis techniques, which valuable skill for anyone looking to investigate and counter malware that targets Windows systems.
Provides a good foundation in memory forensics techniques, which valuable skill for anyone looking to investigate and counter malware that targets Windows systems.
Provides a good foundation in reverse engineering techniques, which valuable skill for anyone looking to dig deeper into the inner workings of Windows.
This classic book widely used textbook in operating systems courses and provides a good overview of the fundamental concepts of operating systems.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Windows kernel programming. It covers topics such as kernel architecture, process and thread management, memory management, and I/O programming. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn how to develop Windows kernel-mode drivers.
More concise and accessible version of the classic Operating System Concepts textbook and good starting point for those new to operating systems.
Provides a deep dive into the internal workings of Windows processes. It covers topics such as process creation and termination, thread management, memory management, and I/O. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the foundations of Windows.

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