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Learn the fundamentals of system management, including identifying critical system files, adding/removing software, installing printers, and using task and device managers.
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Operating Systems I Managing Your System
Primary Learning Objective Execute Routine System Management
Specific Learning Objectives • Identify and define the terms associated with system management • Identify critical system files used by operating systems • Add/remove software and Windows components • Install a Printer • Use Task Manager to end unresponsive programs and view CPU/memory usage
Specific Learning Objectives • Use Windows Internet Update Feature and Device Manager • Restore your computer • Modify system variables such as date and time • Use CLI commands such as SET, DATE, TIME, VER, and MEM
Critical System Files • As OS’s have evolved, so has the way they store configuration information. The older, smaller files are still important because they are used for bootable and network connection disks. • The three following files are the minimum required to make a bootable (startup) disk: • COMMAND.COM • IO.SYS • MSDOS.SYS
Critical System Files • After a DOS computer boots up, it reads the CONFIG.SYS, a configuration file, and executes any commands in it. • Next the AUTOEXEC.BAT (automatically executed batch) file runs. • Windows 3.x used initialization files (.INI) for software settings. WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI are two that are still important in network connection disks.
The Registry • The .INI files were replaced by the registry in Windows 95. • The Registry is a database used by the Windows operating system to store configuration information. • Stores all settings for: Users, Hardware, Programs, and Folders • Software and hardware installations affect the registry
Adding Software • Read the instructions and/or Readme files • Three options exist for adding software: • Newer programs come on CD-ROMs. If it has an auto-run feature, the installation program will start automatically. • Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > click the Add New Programs button then click the CD or Floppy button. If it can find the SETUP or INSTALL program it will run it. • Open the disk /folder and double-click any files called SETUP or similarly named files.
Removing Software • The preferred method is to use Add or Remove Programs since it removes all traces of the program even in the Registry. • Another option is to see if the program has its own uninstall program and run it. • The worst option is to delete the files and folder where the program is located
Adding/Removing Windows Components • In Add or Remove Programs click Add/ Remove Windows Component button • Check the category that contains the component you need to add. • Clicking the DETAILS button show a list of individual components in that category.
Installing a Printer • Local printer – one connected to the computer’s parallel port • Network printer – one connected directly to the network or to a print server • Having the correct printer driver is very important for a successful installation. • Generally older printer drivers are easily found on the OS CD-ROM • New printers with older OS’s can cause problems
Using Task Manager • Use Task Manager to close an application that occasionally freezes or stops responding. • Use <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete> or right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. • If using Task Manager fails, turn the computer off and restart it. • It shows a list of open applications, what processes are running, and CPU/memory usage.
Using Device Manager • Device Manager is used to document system setting, verify the installation of a hardware device, check for hardware conflicts, troubleshoot hardware problems, and change the configuration of a hardware device. • To view: right-click My Computer, Properties, Hardware Tab, and Device Manager button. • A red X through an device icon indicates that the device is disabled.
Windows Internet Update • A feature used to find and install product enhancements and updated system files, device drivers, and service packs. • Requires a Internet connection. • Click the Start button and select All Programs Windows Update. • Click Scan for updates to view the available updates for your computer.
System Restore • Use theutility to return your computer configuration to a time before the problems occurred. • A restore point is a snapshot of your computer at an earlier time. • StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsSystem Restore • Select Restore my computer to an earlier time option
Demonstrations • Use GUI to modify Date and Time • Use CLI commands such as SET, DATE, TIME, VER, and MEM
Summary • Critical System Files • Add/Remove Software • Add/Remove Windows Components • Install a Local Printer • Task Manager • Device Manager • Windows Internet Update feature • System Restore
Homework Assignment • Reading • XP Textbook – pp 116-117, pp 150-170 • CLI Textbook - pp 29-33, pp 84-87 • Lab Exercise 10: Perform System Management • Homework 6: System Management • Due Date: A Week from Next Tuesday