docslide-3df5a529-2ffd-ef23.ppt

© 2007-2010 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public
ITE PC v4.1
Chapter5 1
Chapter 5:
Fundamental
Operating Systems
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.1

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 2
Chapter 5 Objectives
 5.1 Explain the purpose of an operating system
 5.2 Describe and compare operating systems to include
purpose, limitations, and compatibilities
 5.3 Determine operating system based on customer
needs
 5.4 Install an operating system
 5.5 Navigate a GUI (Windows)
 5.6 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance
techniques for operating systems
 5.7 Troubleshoot operating systems

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Chapter 5 3
The Purpose of an Operating System
 The operating system (OS) controls almost all
functions on a computer.
 Learn about the components, functions, and
terminology related to
the Windows 2000,
Windows XP, and
Windows Vista operating
systems.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 4
Roles of an Operating System
 All computers rely on an operating system (OS) to
provide the interface for interaction between users,
applications, and hardware.
 The operating system boots the computer and
manages the file system.
 Almost all modern operating systems can support more
than one user, task, or CPU.
 The operating system has four main roles:
• Control hardware access
• Manage files and folders
• Provide user interface
• Manage applications

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Chapter 5 5
The Types of Operating Systems
 Graphical User Interface
(GUI): The user interacts
with menus and icons.
 Command Line Interface
(CLI): The user types
commands at a prompt.
Most operating systems include both a GUI and a CLI.

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Chapter 5 6
Compare Operating Systems
Terms often used when comparing operating systems:
 Multi-user – Two or more users can work with programs
and share peripheral devices, such as printers, at the same
time.
 Multi-tasking – The computer is capable of operating
multiple applications at the same time.
 Multi-processing – The computer can have two or more
central processing units (CPUs) that programs share.
 Multi-threading – A program can be broken into smaller
parts that can be loaded as needed by the operating system.
Multi-threading allows individual programs to be multi-
tasked.

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Chapter 5 7
CPU Modes of Operation
Real Mode
 A CPU that operates in real mode can only execute one program
at a time, and it can only address 1 MB of system memory at a
time. In real mode, when an application creates an error, the
entire computer can be affected because the program has direct
access to memory.
Protected Mode
 A CPU that operates in protected mode has access to all of the
memory in the computer, including virtual memory. In protected
mode, applications are protected from using the memory reserved
for another application that is currently running.

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Chapter 5 8
CPU Modes of Operation (Continued)
Virtual Real Mode
 A CPU that operates in virtual real mode allows a real-mode
application to run within a protected-mode operating system.
This can be demonstrated when a DOS application runs in a
32-bit operating system, such as Windows XP.
Compatibility Mode
 Compatibility mode creates the environment of an earlier
operating system for applications that are not compatible with
the current operating system. Compatibility mode can create
the proper environment or version of the operating system to
allow the application to run as if it is in the intended
environment.

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Chapter 5 9
32-bit vs. 64-bit OS and Processor
 32-bit Windows Operating System and x86 Processor
Architecture
• Capable of addressing 4 GB of RAM
• Each virtual machine receives 1 MB of memory and access to hardware
• x86 uses a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)
• x86 processors use fewer registers than x64 processors
 64-bit Windows Operating System and x64 Processor
Architecture
• Capable of addressing 128 GB of RAM
• Enhanced performance for memory management
• Additional security features
• x64 architecture is backward compatible with x86
• Process much more complex instructions at a much higher rate

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 10
Desktop Operating
System
• Supports a single user
• Runs single-user
applications
• Shares files and folders
• Shares peripherals
• Used on a small network
• Supports multiple users
• Runs multi-user
applications
• Is robust and redundant
• Provides increased security
• Used on a network
Network Operating
System

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Chapter 5 11
 Desktop operating systems:
• Microsoft Windows: Windows XP
• Macintosh: Mac OS X
• Linux
• UNIX
 A desktop OS has the following
characteristics:
• Supports a single user
• Runs single-user applications
• Shares files and folders on a small
network with limited security

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Chapter 5 12
Network Operating Systems (NOS)
 Common NOS include:
• Novell Netware
• Microsoft Windows Server
• Linux
• UNIX
 NOS has the following characteristics:
• Supports multiple users
• Runs multi-user applications
• Is robust and redundant
• Provides increased security compared to desktop operating
systems

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Chapter 5 13
Determine Proper Operating System
 Create an accurate profile of your customer by
analyzing the daily, weekly, and monthly computer
activities
 Select appropriate software and hardware to satisfy
existing and future requirements
To select the proper operating system:

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 14
What Does Your Customer Require?
 Office applications
•Word processing, spreadsheets, or
presentation software
 Graphics applications
•Photoshop or Illustrator
 Animation applications
•Flash
 Business applications
•Accounting, contact management,
sales tracking or database

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Chapter 5 15
Identify Minimum Hardware Requirements
 Customer may need to upgrade or purchase additional
hardware to support the required applications and OS.
 A cost analysis will indicate if purchasing new
equipment is a better idea than upgrading.
 Common hardware upgrades:
•RAM capacity
•Hard drive size
•Processor speed
•Video card memory and speed

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Chapter 5 16
Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)
 Most operating systems have an HCL.
 HCLs can be found on the manufacturer's website.
 HCL includes list of hardware that is known to work with
the operating system.

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Chapter 5 17
Installing the Operating System
 Reasons to perform a clean installation of an OS:
•When a computer is passed from one employee to another
•When the operating system is corrupted
•When a new replacement hard drive is installed in a computer
 Before performing a clean installation:
•Back up all data first
•Explain to the customer that existing data will be erased
•Confirm that all needed data has been successfully transferred

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 18
Hard Drive Setup Procedures
 Operating system setup methods:
•Install an OS over a network from a server
•Install from a copy of the OS files stored on
the hard drive
•Install from OS files stored on CDs or DVDs

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Chapter 5 19
Hard Drive Setup Procedures
(Continued)
 Partitioning and Formatting
 Hard drive must be logically divided
(partitioned)
 File system must be created on the hard drive
 During the installation phase, most operating
systems will automatically partition and format
the hard drive

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Chapter 5 20
Prepare the Hard Drive
 The first portion of the installation process deals with
formatting and partitioning the hard drive.
 The second portion prepares the disk to accept the file
system.
 The file system provides the directory structure that
organizes the user's operating system, application,
configuration, and data files.
 Examples of file systems:
•The FAT32 file system
•The New Technology File System (NTFS)

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 21
Install the Operating System
 When a computer boots up with the Windows installation CD, the
Windows XP installation process starts with three options:
 Setup XP: To run the setup and install the XP operating system,
press ENTER.
 Repair XP: To repair an installation, press R to open the Recovery
Console. The Recovery Console is a troubleshooting tool. It can be
used to create and format partitions and repair the boot sector or
Master Boot Record. It can also perform basic file operations on
operating system files and folders. The Recovery Console
configures services and devices to start or not start the next time
the computer boots up.
 Quit: To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

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Chapter 5 22
Create Administrator Account
 Setup creates the administrator account with the user
name “administrator”
•Change this name to keep the administrator account secure
•Only use the administrator account occasionally for critical
system changes
 Create a fictitious user account to use as a template
 Use secure passwords
•These should be a minimum of 7 characters, containing at
least one of each (letter, number, and symbol)

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 23
Complete the Installation
 When Windows XP installation
completes:
•Computer will reboot
•Log in for the first time
•Register Windows XP and verify that
you are using a legal copy of the OS
•Verification enables you to download
patches and service packs
 Use Microsoft Update Manager to
scan for new software

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 24
Custom Installation Options – Disk Cloning
 Follow these steps for disk cloning:
1. Create a master installation on one computer
2. Run Sysprep
3. Create a disk image of the configured computer using third-
party disk-cloning software
4. Copy the disk image onto a server
 When the destination computer is booted,
• A shortened version of the Windows setup program runs
• Setup configures only user-specific and computer-specific
settings
• An answer file provides data normally required during set
up
With Microsoft System Preparation

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 25
Custom Installation Options – Network Install
 Follow these steps for disk cloning:
1. Create a bootable partition on the computer.
2. Copy the installation files (I386 folder from the installation
disc) to a shared directory on the network server.
3. Boot the computer with a boot disk that contains a network
client and connect to the shared directory.
4. From the shared directory, run the setup program,
WINNT.EXE.
5. The setup program copies all installation files from the
network share onto the computer hard drive.
6. Installation continues much the same as if the installation
were performed from a disc.
With a copy of the installation files - I386 folder

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 26
The Boot Sequence for Windows XP
 Power On Self Test (POST)
 POST for each adapter card that has a BIOS
 BIOS reads the Master Boot Record (MBR)
 MBR takes over control of the boot process and starts NT Loader
(NTLDR)
 NTLDR reads the BOOT.INI file to know which OS to load and where
to find the OS on the boot partition
 NTLDR uses NTDETECT.COM to detect any installed hardware
 NTLDR loads the NTOSKRNL.EXE file and HAL.DLL
 NTLDR reads the registry files and loads device drivers
 NTOSKRNL.EXE starts the WINLOGON.EXE program and displays
the Windows login screen

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Chapter 5 27
The Windows Registry Files

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Chapter 5 28
Manipulating Operating System Files
 Msconfig: This boot configuration utility allows you to set the
programs that will run at startup and to edit configuration files.
 Regedit: This application allows users to edit the registry.
 Msinfo32 – This utility displays a complete system summary
of your computer including hardware components and details,
and installed software and settings.
 Dxdiag – This utility shows details about all of the DirectX
components and drivers that are installed in your computer.
 Cmd – This command opens a command window when it is
entered in the Run… box. This is used to execute command
line programs and utilities.

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Chapter 5 29
Manipulating Operating System Files
(Continued)
Pressing the F8 key during the boot process opens the
Windows Advanced Startup Options menu, which allows
you to select how to boot Windows.
 Safe Mode – Starts Windows but only loads drivers for basic
components, such as the keyboard and display.
 Safe Mode with Networking Support – Starts Windows
identically to Safe Mode and also loads the drivers for network
components.
 Safe Mode with Command Prompt – Starts Windows and loads
the command prompt instead of the GUI interface.
 Last Known Good Configuration – Enables a user to load the
configurations settings of Windows that was used the last time that
Windows successfully started. It does this by accessing a copy of
the registry that is created for this purpose.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 30
Describing Directory Structures
 Windows file system naming conventions:
•Maximum of 255 characters may be used
•Characters such as a period (.) or a slash ( /) are not allowed
•An extension of three or four letters is added to the filename to
identify the file type
•Filenames are not case sensitive
 Windows filename extension examples:
•.doc - Microsoft Word
•.txt - ASCII text only
•.jpg - graphics format
•.ppt - Microsoft PowerPoint
•.zip - compression format

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 31
NTFS and FAT32
 FAT32 is used where files need to be accessed by
multiple versions of Windows. FAT32 is not as secure
as NTFS
 NTFS can support more and larger files than FAT32,
and provides more flexible security features for folders,
files, and sizes
 Partitions can be converted from FAT32 to NTFS using
the CONVERT.EXE utility, but not in the reverse
direction

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 32
Navigating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 A GUI provides graphical representations of all the files,
folders, and programs on a computer.
 To customize any of these, simply right-click the item and
then select Properties:
•Taskbar
•Recycle Bin
•Desktop background
•Window appearance
 The Start menu includes:
•A nested list of all installed applications
•A list of recently opened documents
•A list of other elements, including; a search feature, a help center,
and system settings

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Chapter 5 33
My Computer
 When you right-click My Computer and select Properties, there are
several settings that can be customized:
•Computer name, Hardware settings, Virtual memory, Automatic
updates, and Remote access
 Files can also be moved and copied using My Computer
 Applications can be launched in several ways:
•Click the application on the Start menu.
•Double-click the application shortcut icon on the desktop.
•Double-click the application executable file in My Computer.
•Launch the application from the Run window or command line.

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Chapter 5 34
Control Panel Applets
 Appearance and Themes
 Network and Internet Connections
 Add or Remove Programs
 Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices
 Performance and Maintenance
 Printers and Other Hardware
 User Accounts
 Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options
 Accessibility Options
 Security Center

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Chapter 5 35
Computer Management Console
 Addresses three main
areas of administration:
•System Tools
•Storage
•Services and Applications

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Chapter 5 36
Device Manager
 Used to view settings for
devices in the computer
 An exclamation mark
indicates a problem with a
device

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Chapter 5 37
Task Manager
 View all applications that
are currently running
 Close any applications that
have stopped responding
 Monitor the performance of
the CPU and virtual
memory
 View all processes that are
currently running
 View information about the
network connections

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 38
Services and Performance Monitor
You can record performance
data and configure alerts.
You can start, stop, or
disable services.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 39
Event Viewer and Remote Desktop
Event Viewer
 Logs a history of events regarding applications,
security, and the system.
 These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool.
Remote Desktop
 Allows one computer to remotely take control of
another computer.
 In Windows XP, this troubleshooting feature is only
available with Windows XP Professional.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 40
Microsoft Management Console
 MMC allows you to organize management tools,
called snap-ins, in one location for easy administration.
 Add to MMC
•Web page links
•Tasks
•ActiveX controls
•Folders

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 41
Performance Settings
Settings for advanced visuals and for virtual memory

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Chapter 5 42
Add or Remove an Application
 Utility to install or uninstall applications
 Tracks installation files for future thorough uninstall, if
desired

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 43
Upgrading to Windows XP
1. Insert the Windows XP CD. Select Start > Run.
2. In the Run box, where D is the drive letter for the CD-
ROM, type D:i386winnt32 and press Enter. The
Welcome to the Windows XP Setup Wizard displays.
3. Choose Upgrade to Windows XP and click Next. The
License Agreement page displays.
4. Read the license agreement and click the button to
accept this agreement.
5. Click Next.
6. Follow the prompts and complete the upgrade. When
the install is complete, the computer will restart.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 44
Preventive Maintenance Planning
Components of a preventive maintenance plan:
 Updates to the operating system and applications
 Updates to anti-virus and other protective software
 Hard drive error checking
 Hard drive backup
 Hard drive defragmentation
 Device drive updates
 Firmware updates
 Startup programs

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 45
Schedule Tasks
 The DOS AT command launches tasks at a specified
time using the command line interface.
 The Windows Task Scheduler launches tasks at a
specified time using a graphical interface.
 Both of these tools allow users to set commands to run
at a certain time just once, or to repeat at selected days
or times.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 46
Automatic Updates
 An automatic update service scans the system for
needed updates, and recommends what should be
downloaded and installed.
 Automatic update services can setup to download and
install updates as soon as they are available or as
required, and install them when the computer is next
rebooted.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 47
Restore Point
 If the computer crashes, the OS can roll back to a restore
point.
•The restore point utility only operates on OS and application files.
•Anti-virus software should be run to remove malware before
creating a restore point.
 When to create a restore
point:
•Before updating or replacing
the OS
•When an application or
driver is installed
•Manually at any time

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 48
Backup the Hard Drive
 Backup tools allow for recovery of data.
 Use the Microsoft Backup Tool to perform backups.
 Establish a backup strategy that will allow for the
recovery of data.
 Decide how often the data must be backed up and the
type of backup to perform.
 Windows XP uses Volume Shadow Copying, which
allows users to continue to work even as a backup is
taking place.
 It is only necessary to make copies of the files that
have changed since the last backup.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 49
Types of Backups
Description
Clear
marker
Normal Selected files and folders Yes
Copy Selected files and folders No
Differential
Selected files and folders that
changed since the last backup
No
Incremental
changed since the last backup
Yes
Daily
changed during the day
No

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 50
Step 1 Identify the problem
Step 2 Establish a theory of probable causes
Step 3 Determine an exact cause
Step 4 Implement a solution
Step 5 Verify solution and full system functionality
Step 6 Document findings
Troubleshooting Process

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Chapter 5 51
Step 1 - Identify the Problem
 Computer configuration
• Operating system, patches and updates, network environment, connection type
 Open-ended questions
• What problems are you experiencing with your computer?
• What software has been installed on your computer recently?
• What were you doing when the problem was identified?
• What operating system do you have installed on your computer?
• What updates or patches have been installed on your computer?
 Closed-ended questions
• Has anyone else used your computer recently?
• Does the computer boot up successfully?
• Have you changed your password recently?
• Have you received any error messages on your computer?

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 52
Step 2 - Establish a Theory of Probable
Causes
 Create a list of the most common reasons why the error would occur
and list the easiest or most obvious causes at the top with the more
complex causes at the bottom.
• Incorrect settings in BIOS
• Caps lock key is set to ON
• Non-bootable media in the floppy drive during computer boot up
• Password has changed
• Incorrect monitor settings in control panel
• Operating system update failure
• Driver update failure
• Malware infection
• Hard drive failure
• Corrupt operating system files

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 53
Step 3 - Determine the Exact Cause
 Testing your theories of probable causes one at a time, starting
with the quickest and easiest.
• Log in as a different user.
• Use third party diagnostic software.
• New software or software updates have just been installed.
• Uninstall recently installed applications.
• Boot into safe mode to determine if the problem is driver-related.
• Roll back newly updated drivers.
• Examine Device Manager for device conflicts.
• Examine event logs for warnings or errors.
• Check the hard drive for errors and fix file system issues.
• Use the system file checker to recover corrupt system files.
• Use system restore if a system update or service pack has been installed.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 54
Step 4 - Implement a Solution
 If a quick procedure does not correct the problem, you might
need to research the problem further to establish the exact
cause.
 Divide larger problems into smaller problems that can be
analyzed and solved individually.
 Create a list of possible solutions and implement them one at a
time. If you implement a possible solution and it does not work,
reverse the solution and try another.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 55
Step 5 - Verify Solution and System
Functionality
 Verifying full system functionality and implementing any preventive
measures if needed.
• Shut down the computer and restart it.
• Check event logs to make sure there are no new warnings or errors.
• Check Device Manager to see that there are no warnings or errors.
• Run DxDiag to make sure DirectX is running correctly.
• Make sure applications run properly.
• Make sure network shares are accessible.
• Make sure the Internet can be accessed.
• Re-run system file checker to ensure all files are correct.
• Re-run scandisk to make sure no problems remain on the hard drive.
• Check task manager to ensure no programs are running incorrectly.
• Re-run any third party diagnostic tools.
 Have the customer verify the solution and system functionality.

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Chapter 5 56
Step 6 - Document Findings
 Discuss the solution with the customer
 Have the customer confirm that the problem has been solved
 Give the customer all appropriate paperwork
 Document the process in the work order and in your technician’s
journal:
•Problem description
•Solution
•Components used
•Amount of time spent in solving the problem

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Chapter 5 57
Common Problems and Solutions
 Operating system problems can be attributed to
hardware, application, or configuration issues, or
to some combination of the three. You will resolve
some types of operating system problems more
often than others.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 58
Chapter 5 Summary
 Several different operating systems are available, and you must consider the
customer's needs and environment when choosing an operating system.
 The main steps in setting up a customer's computer include preparing the
hard drive, installing an operating system, creating user accounts, and
configuring installation options.
 A GUI shows icons of all files, folders, and applications on the computer. A
pointing device, such as a mouse, is used to navigate in a GUI desktop.
 You should establish a backup strategy that allows for the recovery of data.
Normal, copy, differential, incremental, and daily backups are all optional
backup tools available in Windows operating systems.
 Preventive maintenance techniques help to ensure optimal operation of the
operating system.
 Some of the tools available for troubleshooting an operating system problem
include Windows Advanced Options menu, event logs, device manager, and
system files.

ITE PC v4.1
Chapter 5 59

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