How do the four default System Preferences categories differ?

The easiest method to configure VPN settings is to use a configuration profile containing all the relevant VPN setup information.

During installation of OS X Mavericks, the only optional choice is to define an installation destination other than the Mac computer's current default system disk.

Archive files are much simpler to create in the Finder and are compatible with third-party operating systems. Disk images are more difficult to create and manage, but they offer greater flexibility. Primarily, disk images can be easily modified and converted. However, OS X style disk images aren't compatible with third-party operating systems.

Generally, Personal preferences affect only a single user; Hardware preferences adjust hardware & peripheral settings; Internet & Wireless preferences affect personal & system network settings; and System Preferences affect all users and often require administrative access.