Chapter 5: Operating Systems

1. Chapter 5: Operating Systems IT Essentials 5.0

2. Chapter 5 Objectives • 5.1 Explain the characteristics and basic functions of modern operating systems • 5.1 Describe and compare types of operating systems to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities • 5.1 Determine operating system based on customer needs • 5.2 Install an operating system • 5.3 Navigate a GUI (Windows) • 5.4 Explain the advantages of Virtualization and install Virtual PC

3. Chapter 5 Objectives (continued) • 5.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems • 5.6 Troubleshoot operating systems

4. The Purpose of an Operating System • The operating system (OS) controls almost all functions on a computer. • In this chapter, you will learn about the components, functions, and terminology related to the Windows 7, Windows Vista , and Windows XP operating systems.

5. Characteristics of an Operating System • Multi-user – Two or more users have individual accounts that allow them to work with programs and peripheral devices at the same time. • Multitasking – The computer is capable of operating multiple applications at the same time. • Multiprocessing– The operating system can support two or more CPUs. • Multithreading – A program can be broken into smaller parts that are loaded as needed by the operating system. Multithreading allows individual programs to be multitasked.

6. Basic Function 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. • The operating system has four main roles: • Control hardware access • Manage files and folders • Provide user interface • Manage applications

7. Processor Architecture • 32-bit Windows Operating System and x86 Processor Architecture • Capable of addressing 4 GB of RAM • 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

8. 32-bit and 64-bit Compatibility in Windows OS

9. Types of Operating Systems Desktop Operating System Network 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 • Robust and redundant • Provides increased security • Used on a network

10. Types of Operating Systems • Desktop operating systems: • Microsoft Windows: Windows 7 • 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

11. Network Operating Systems (NOS) • Common NOS include: • Microsoft Windows Server • Linux • UNIX • Mac OS X Server • NOS has the following characteristics: • Supports multiple users • Runs multi-user applications • Robust and redundant • Provides increased security compared to desktop operating systems

12. Customer Requirements for an OS • To select the proper operating system for a customer first determine: • Budget constraints • Compatibility with current hardware • Compatibility with new hardware • How the computers will be used • Compatibility with existing applications • Types of new applications to be used

13. 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. • Possible hardware upgrades: • RAM capacity • Hard drive size • CPU • Video card memory and speed • Motherboard

14. Hardware Compatibility • 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. • Use Microsoft Compatibility Center for Windows 7 and Vista.

15. Operating System Upgrades • Operating systems must be upgraded periodically. • To remain compatible with the latest hardware and software. • Because support for older OS is eventually withdrawn. • Ensure that the new OS is compatible with the computer. • Use Microsoft Upgrade Advisor to scan the system for incompatibility issues before upgrading. Upgrade Advisor is free and downloadable from the Microsoft Windows website. • Backup all data prior to beginning the upgrade.

16. Data Migration One of the following tools can be used to migrate data and settings: • User State Migration Tool migrates all user files and settings to the new OS. • Windows Easy Transfer migrates personal files and settings when switching from an old computer to new. Note: Windows Easy Transfer replaced the Windows XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard.

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 the primary hard drive is replaced 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.

18. Hard Drive Setup Procedures • Operating system setup methods: • Install an OS over a network from a server. • Install from OS files stored on CDs or DVDs. • 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.

19. Hard Drive Formatting • 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 New Technology File System (NTFS) - Supports partition sizes up to 16 exabytes • The FAT32 file system - Supports partition sizes up to 2 TB. Used by Windows XP and earlier OS versions.

20. Install the Operating System • When a computer boots up with the Windows installation CD, the Windows 7 installation process starts with three options: • Install now - Sets up and installs the Windows 7 OS. • What to know before installing Windows - Opens Help. • Repair your computer - Opens the System Recovery Options. • Under Install now three options are available: • Upgrade - Upgrades Windows but keeps your current files, settings, and programs. You can use this option to repair an installation. • Custom (advanced) - Installs a clean copy of Windows in your choice of location and allows you to change disks and partitions. It is also known as a clean installation. • Quit - Exits Setup.

21. Account Creation • Windows 7 has three types of user accounts: Administrator, Standard, and Guest. • The Administrator Account must be created when Windows 7 is installed. • To create or remove a user account in Windows 7 use the following path : Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Add or remove user accounts

22. Complete the Installation • When Windows 7 installation completes: • Computer will reboot • Prompts to create user account • Register Windows 7 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.

23. Custom Installation Options – Disk Cloning With Microsoft System Preparation • Follow these steps for disk cloning: • Create a master installation on one computer. • Run Sysprep. • Create a disk image of the configured computer using third-party disk-cloning software. • Copy the disk image onto a server. • When the destination computer is booted: • A shortened version of the Windows setup program runs. • Setup installs drivers, creates user accounts, and configures network settings.

24. Custom Installation Options • Windows 7 has several different types of custom installations. • Network Installation - Requires all setup files to be copied to a network server. • Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) Installation - Uses a PXE boot program and a client’s network card to access the setup files. • Unattended Installation - Uses a network distribution point that uses an answer file. • Image-based Installation - Uses Sysprep and a disk-imaging program, that copies an image of the OS directly to the hard drive with no user intervention. • Remote Installation - Downloads the installation across the network.

25. System Recovery Options • Repair Disc- For Windows 7. Use the system repair disc to boot the computer • System Image Recovery – For Windows 7. It allows users to back up the contents of their hard drive, including personal files and settings. • Factory Recovery Partition – Some computers with Windows 7 preinstalled from the factory contain a hidden recovery partition with an image of the bootable partition. • Automated System Recovery (Windows XP Professional only) – The ASR is a backup of the system state, services, and OS components. Used with Windows installation disc to recover computer.

26. The Boot Sequence for Windows 7

27. Startup Modes 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.

28. The Windows Registry Files

29. Multiboot Procedures • Multiple OS can be installed on one computer • To create a dual-boot system in Microsoft Windows: • Must have more than one hard drive or a hard drive with more than one partition. • Install the oldest OS on the primary partition or the hard drive marked with an active partition. • Install the second OS on the second partition or hard drive. • The boot files are automatically installed in the active partition. • During the dual-boot process: • The BOOTMGR file indicates that more than one OS is present. • You are prompted to choose the OS that you want to load. • NOTE: In Windows XP, the BOOT.INI file fills the role of the BOOTMGR file.

30. Disk Management Utility • This utility can be to used to complete the following tasks: • View drive status • Extend partitions • Split partitions • Assign drive letters • Add drives • Add arrays • To access the Disk Management utility in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, use the following path: Select Start > right-click Computer > Manage > select Disk Management

31. Directory Structures • The root level of the Windows directory structure, the partition, is usually labeled drive C. • Contains a set of standardized directories, called folders, for the operating system, applications, configuration information, and data files. • Directories may contain subdirectories. Subdirectories are commonly called subfolders. • Drive Mapping - letters are used to name physical or logical drives. • Mounting a Volume - mapping a drive to an empty folder on a volume. Mounted drives are assigned drive paths instead of letters.

32. File Extensions and Attributes • 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: • .docx- Microsoft Word • .txt - ASCII text only • .jpg - graphics format • .pptx - Microsoft PowerPoint • .zip - compression format

33. Windows Desktop • A GUI provides graphical representations of all the files, folders, and programs on a computer. • Windows 7 and Windows Vista have a default theme called Aero. Aero has translucent window borders, numerous animations, and icons that are thumbnail images of the contents of a file • Windows 7 includes the following new Aero features: • Shake -Minimize all windows that are not being used by clicking the title bar of one window and shaking the mouse. • Peek - View the icons and gadgets on the desktop by pointing the mouse at the right edge of the taskbar to make all windows transparent. • Snap - Resize a window by dragging it to one edge of the screen. • Gadgets -Windows 7 and Windows Vista users can place Gadgets on the desktop. Gadgets are small applications such as games, sticky notes, or a clock.

34. Windows Desktop Properties • To customize the desktop in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, right-click anywhere on the desktop and choose Personalize to: • change desktop icons, mouse pointers, and your account picture. • modify a theme’s background, color, sound, and screensaver.

35. Windows Desktop, Tools, and Applications • To customize the Start Menu or the Taskbar, right-click it and choose Properties. • The Task Manager allows you to view all applications that are running and to close any applications that have stopped responding: • CTRL-ALT-DEL and select Start Task Manager. • right-click the taskbar and select Start Task Manager.

36. Computer and Windows Explorer • Computer allows access to the various installed drives (My Computer in Windows XP) • Windows Explorer - used to navigate the file system includes: • Search box - Access previous searches. Filter search results. • New folder button - Create new folders with one click. • Arrange by - Organize items easily according to different criteria. • Preview pane button - Turn the preview pane on or off. • Applications can be launched in several ways: • Click the application on the Start menu or Taskbar. • Double-click the application shortcut icon on the desktop. • Double-click the application executable on the desktop or in Windows Explorer. • Launch the application from the Run window or command line.

37. Windows 7 Libraries • Allows for easy organization of content from storage devices on local computer and network. • Are virtual folders that present content from different locations within the same view. • Include four default Libraries - Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. • To add a file to a library, right-click it, select Include in library, and then choose which library to add the item. • To create a new library, open a folder and select Include in Library > Create new library

38. Control Panel Utilities • System and Security - To configure system and security settings • Network and Internet - To configure network connection types • Hardware and Sound - To configure devices connected to the computer and settings for sound • Programs - To remove, change, and repair applications • User Accounts and Family Safety - To create and remove user accounts and set up parental controls • Appearance and Personalization - To control the look and feel of the Windows GUI • Clock, Language, and Region - To specify location and language • Ease of Access - To configure Windows for vision, hearing, and mobility needs.

39. User Accounts • User Accounts Utility: • Create a user account. • Manage password, change picture, change account name and type, manage another account, and change User Account Control (UAC) settings. • Start > Control Panel> select User Accounts • User Account Control (UAC): • Monitors programs on a computer and warns users when an action might present a threat to the system.

40. Internet Options • To access Internet Options select Start > Control Panel > Internet Options

41. Action Center • Used to configure security settings in Windows 7 and Vista. • Select Start > Control Panel > Action Center.

42. Windows Firewall • The Windows Firewall Utility implements a security policy by adjusting the following settings: • Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall • Change notification settings • Turn Windows Firewall on or off • Restore defaults • Advanced settings • Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall.

43. The System Utility • View basic system information, access tools and configure advanced settings including: • Computer Name -View or modify the name and workgroup settings for a computer, as well as change the domain or workgroup. • Hardware - Access the Device Manager or adjust the device installation settings. • Advanced -Configure settings for performance, user profiles, startup, and recovery. • System Protection - Access System restore and configure protection settings. • Remote -Adjust settings for Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop. • Start > Control Panel > System

44. Device Manager • View settings for devices in the computer and: • Update a driver - Change the currently installed driver. • Roll back a driver - Change the currently installed driver to the previously installed driver. • Uninstall a driver • Disable a device • Start > Control Panel > System > Device Manager

45. Computer Management Console • Provides utilities to manage your computer including: • Task Scheduler • Event Viewer • Shared Folders • Local Users and Groups • Performance • Device Manager • Disk Management • Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management

46. Event Viewer • Logs a history of events regarding applications, security, and the system. • These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool. • Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer

47. Services and Performance Monitor • Services: • Start, stop, or disable services. • Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services. • Performance Monitor: • Record performance data and configure alerts. • Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Performance Monitor

48. Disk Defragmenter and Disk Error- Checking Tool • Disk Defragmenter makes files on the hard drive contiguous and speeds up the reading of files. • To access the Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7, select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. • CHKDSK checks the integrity of files and folders by scanning the hard disk surface for physical errors. • Access CHKDSK from within the Disk Defragmenter or enter CHKDSK in command line to detect and repair disk errors.

49. System Information Tool • Collect and display information about local and remote computers • To access the System Information tool, Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information

50. Remote Desktop • Remote Desktop • View and control a computer from a remote location. • Remote Assistance • Also allows user to view what the remote technician is doing to the computer. • To access in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection