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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

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

13. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page Describe custom installation options
Network Installation
Recovery Disc
Factory Recovery Partition
Page 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

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

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

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

17. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 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

18. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 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

19. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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