IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software 4 IT Essentials PC Hardware and Software 4.1 Instructional Resource Chapter 5: Fundamental Operating Systems

Chapter 5: Objectives Explain the purpose of an operating system. Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities. Determine the operating system based on customer needs. Install an operating system. Navigate a graphical user interface (GUI). Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems. Troubleshoot operating systems. 2

Chapter 5: Critical Concepts What is this chapter about and why is it important? This chapter discusses operating systems (OS). It covers the functions and terminology of operating systems, specifically Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. Because operating system functionality varies, this chapter explains how to determine the appropriate OS based on customer needs. The student will install an OS, navigate the GUI, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot computer problems that are related to the OS. This chapter is important because operating systems control most of the functions of a computer. Most software, such as Microsoft Office, requires an OS to operate. Many of the common computer problems that technicians must solve are related to the OS. 3

Chapter 5: Activities What activities are associated with this chapter? 5.2.2 Worksheet: NOS Certifications and Jobs 5.3.2 Worksheet: Upgrade Hardware Components 5.4.2 Lab: Install Windows XP 5.4.2 Optional Lab: Install Windows Vista 5.4.5 Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows XP 5.4.5 Optional Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows Vista 5.4.8 Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows XP 5.4.8 Optional Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows Vista 5.4.9 Worksheet: Answer NTFS and FAT32 Questions 5.5.1 Lab: Run Commands in Windows XP 5.5.1 Optional Lab: Run Commands in Windows Vista 5.5.3 Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows XP 5.5.3 Optional Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows Vista 4

Chapter 5: Activities (continued) What activities are associated with this chapter? 5.5.4 Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows XP 5.5.4 Optional Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows Vista 5.6.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP 5.6.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista 5.6.3 Lab: XP Registry Backup and Recovery in Windows XP 5.7.2 Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows XP 5.7.2 Optional Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows Vista Chapter 5 Quiz 5

Chapter 5: New Terms What terms are introduced in this chapter? active partition 5.4.1 administrator 5.4.4 Application Programming Interface (API) 5.1.1 application software Automatic Update 5.6.2 Backup 5.6.3 bootable disk 5.7.2 Cluster Command Line Interface (CLI) conventional memory 5.1.2 6

Chapter 5: New Terms (continued) What terms are introduced in this chapter? copy backup 5.6.3 cylinder 5.4.1 daily backup desktop 5.5.1 differential backup Digital Audio Tape (DAT) Digital Linear Tape (DLT) directory 5.1.1 display 5.5.2 drive mapping 7

Chapter 5: New Terms (continued) What terms are introduced in this chapter? extended partition 5.4.1 external hard drive 5.6.3 file 5.1.1 File Allocation Table (FAT) 5.4.2 file extension 5.4.9 file management file system firmware 5.6.1 full backup Graphical User Interface (GUI) 8

Chapter 5: New Terms (continued) What terms are introduced in this chapter? Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) 5.3.2 HKEY_ 5.4.7 incremental backup 5.6.3 kernel Linux 5.2.1 logical drive 5.4.1 Master Boot Record (MBR) 5.4.3 MSCONFIG 5.4.8 multitask 5.1.2 multithread 9

Chapter 5: New Terms (continued) What terms are introduced in this chapter? Network Operating System (NOS ) 5.2.2 New Technology File System (NTFS) 5.4.2 non-bootable disk 5.7.2 NT loader (NTLDR) 5.4.7 NTDETECT sector 5.4.1 Task Manager 5.5.3 track UNIX 5.2.1 user interface 5.1.1 10

Chapter 5: Changes What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.1.2 Explain operating system concepts Application compatibility Windows compatibility mode UAC 32-bit vs. 64-bit x86 vs. x64 Page 5.2.1 Describe desktop operating systems Windows Vista Home Basic Windows Vista Home Premium Windows Vista Business Windows Vista Ultimate 11

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with the OS platform Minimum hardware requirements Hardware Compatibility List Page 5.4.3 Install the operating system using default settings Repair installation Page 5.4.5 Complete the installation Device Manager Verify hardware detected. Install and update device drivers. 12

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.4.6 Describe custom installation options Network Installation Recovery Disc Factory Recovery Partition Page 5.4.7 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files Disk boot order/device priority Types of boot devices Windows 2000 and newer – upgrade paths and requirements 13

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.4.8 Describe how to manipulate operating system files Command line utilities Msconfig Regedit Msinfo32 Dxdiag Cmd Page 5.5.1 Manipulate items on the desktop Sidebar Aero User interface Start bar layout 14

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.5.3 Explore administrative tools Computer Management Device Manager Services Performance Monitor Event Viewer MMC Page 5.5.5 Describe upgrading an operating system User State Migration Tool 15

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.6.1 Create a preventive maintenance plan Driver Updates Firmware Updates OS Updates Security Page 5.6.2 Schedule a task Startup programs 16

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process Identify the Problem Establish a Theory of Probable Causes Determine an Exact Cause Implement a Solution Verify Solution and Full System Functionality Document Findings 17

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions OS-related symptoms The computer displays a Bluescreen. The system locks up. An input or output device does not respond. An application does not install. The operating system will not start. Windows-specific printing problems The print spool stops responding. Hardware-related symptoms Excessive heat Noise Odors Status light indicators Alerts Visible damage to components. 18

Chapter 5: Changes (continued) What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC? Page 5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions (continued) Documentation and resources User manuals Internet-based information Training materials Device Manager Verify Device driver updates Driver signing 19

Chapter 5: Classroom Management This chapter labs might take more than one class period to complete. When installing an operating system, ensure that the computer is disconnected from the Internet. Students should install the Windows XP operating system, install service pack 2, connect to the Internet, and then check for updates. When creating a backup in class, select a folder that contains limited data to reduce the time needed for the copying process. Students should be able to use the following command line utilities: msconfig to start the System Configuration utility devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager msinfo32 to open the System Information window compmgmt.msc to open the Computer Management window 20

Chapter 5: Classroom Management (continued) Minimum hardware requirements for a Windows operating system are required to install the operating system on the computer. For the computer to operate efficiently, more RAM and hard drive space are needed. Planning an operating system upgrade or installation should take more time than the installation. The following list should be emphasized to students: Ensure the hardware meets the new operating system’s minimum requirements. Ensure the hardware and software is compatible with the new operating system. Plan hardware upgrades before the operating system upgrade. Plan the file system before starting the operating system upgrade or installation. 21

Chapter 5: Teaching Analogies Windows updates are like service recalls for your car. Windows updates repair the operating system, add a new feature to the operating system, or provide a layer of security that was not present before. 22

Chapter 5: Suggested Class Discussions What are the pros and cons of the different types of backups? What are the pros and cons of automatic updates for Windows? When would a technician use Task Scheduler? What is the purpose of UAC in the Windows Vista environment? What situations would multiple operating systems on a computer be useful? 23

Chapter 5: Best Practices Students tend to rush through operating system labs by clicking Next without reading the screen. To avoid this, have checkpoints in the lab where the instructor must see what the student is doing and ask questions about the lab and chapter content. 24

Chapter 5: Outside Reading Microsoft Windows Website Apple OS Website Linux Website 25