Reader Challenge April 2010

Environment variables provide a quick and easy way to set up client computers. In addition, using variables in batch files makes it easy to distribute changes to multiple computers in one fell swoop (instead of customizing the batch file for each user/computer and distributing the file one computer at a time). I've met many IT administrators who don't know much about this feature. What's your level of expertise in environment variables? Can you answer these questions?

Question 1: Users can change, add, or remove their own environment variables even if they're not logged on with administrative rights.

 A. True

B. False

Question 2: Environment variables are displayed in which Control Panel applet?

 A. Administrative Tools

B. System

C. User Accounts

Question 3: Environment variables are stored in which one of the following locations?

A. Win.ini

B. Setup.ini

C. The registry

Answers

Question 1: A

Question 2: B

Question 3: C

April 2010 Reader Challenge Winner

Congratulations to Scott Elliott of Texas, the winner of our April 2010 Reader Challenge. He wins a copy of Windows 7: The Definitive Guide from O'Reilly Media (www.ora.com).