ITE PC v40 Chapter5

Chapter 5: Operating Systemsp g y

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0

© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco PublicITE PC v4.0 Chapter5 1

Chapter 5 Objectives5.1 Explain the purpose of an operating system5.2 Describe and compare operating systems to include p p g ypurpose, limitations, and compatibilities5.3 Determine operating system based on customer needs5.4 Install an operating system5.5 Navigate a GUI (Windows)5.6 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance y pp y ptechniques for operating systems5.7 Troubleshoot operating systems

ITE PC v4.0 Chapter 5 2© 2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Public

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Chapter 5 Worksheets and Labs5.2.2 Worksheet: NOS Certifications and Jobs 5.3.2 Worksheet: Upgrade Components 5.4.2 Lab: Install Windows XP 5.4.5 Lab: Windows XP User Accounts and Updates5.4.5 Lab: Windows XP User Accounts and Updates5.4.9 Worksheet: FAT32 and NTFS5 5 1 Lab: Run Commands5.5.1 Lab: Run Commands5.5.4 Lab: Install Third-Party Software5 6 2 L b R t P i t5.6.2 Lab: Restore Point5.6.3 Lab: Windows Backup and Recovery


The Purpose of an Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) controls almost all functions

on a computer.

Learn about the components, functions, and terminology related to the Windows 2000 andthe Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems.


Roles of an Operating SystemAll computers rely on an operating system (OS) to provide the interface for interaction between users, applications and hardwareapplications, and hardware.

The operating system boots the computer and manages the file systemmanages the file system.

Almost all modern operating systems can support more than one user task or CPUthan one user, task, or CPU.

The operating system has four main roles:Control hardware accessManage files and foldersP id i t f


Provide user interfaceManage applications

Characteristics of Operating SystemsControl hardware access

OS automatically discovers and configures PnP hardware

File and folder managementUser interface

Command line interface (CLI)Graphical user interface (GUI)

Application managementOpen Graphics Library (OpenGL)p p y ( p )DirectX


The Types of Operating SystemsGraphical User Interface (GUI): The user interacts with menus and icons

Command Line Interface (CLI): The user types commands at a prompt with menus and icons. commands at a prompt.


Most operating systems include both a GUI and a CLI.

Compare Operating SystemsTerms 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.

M lti t ki Th t i bl f tiMulti-tasking – The computer is capable of operating multiple applications at the same time.

Multi processing The computer can have two or moreMulti-processing – The computer can have two or more central processing units (CPUs) that programs share.

Multi-threading – A program can be broken into smallerMulti-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-t k d


tasked.

Real ModeExecutes only one program at a timeAddresses only 1 MB of system memory at a timeDirectly accesses memory and hardwareSubject to crashes jAvailable to all modern processors Only used by DOS and DOS applicationsOnly used by DOS and DOS applications


Protected ModeHas access to all memoryCan manage multiple programs simultaneouslyAllows the system to use virtual memory Provides 32-bit access to memory, drivers, and I/O transfersEach program is assigned a space in memoryComputer is protected from program errors


Virtual Real ModeAllows a real-mode application to run within a protected-mode operating system Creates virtual machines for each program that runs in real modeCreates virtual machines for each program that runs in real modeEach virtual machine receives 1 MB of memory and access to hardwareIn the event of a program error, only the virtual machine is affected

OS provides virtual machine to host the code and protect the PC


Compare Operating Systems

Desktop Operating System

Network Operating SystemSystem

• Supports a single user • Supports multiple users

System

• Runs single-user applications

• Runs multi-user applications

• Shares files and folders

• Shares peripherals

• Is robust and redundant

• Provides increased securityp p

• Used on a small network

y

• Used on a network


Compare Operating SystemsDesktop operating systems:

Microsoft Windows: Windows XPMacintosh: Mac OS XLinux: Fedora, Ubuntu, and othersUNIX

A desktop OS has the followingA desktop OS has the following characteristics:

Supports a single userSupports a single user Runs single-user applications Shares files and folders on a small


network with limited security

Network Operating Systems (NOS)Common NOS include:

Novell NetwareMicrosoft Windows ServerLinuxUNIX

A network OS has the following gcharacteristics:

Supports multiple users Runs multi-user applications Is robust and redundant


Provides increased security compared to desktop operating systems

Determine Proper Operating System

Create an accurate profile of your customer by To select the proper operating system:

analyzing the daily, weekly, and monthly computer activitiesS l t i t ft d h d t ti fSelect appropriate software and hardware to satisfy existing and future requirements


What Does Your Customer Require?Office applications

word processing, spreadsheets, or t ti ftpresentation software

Graphics applicationsPhotoshop or Illustrator

Animation applicationsFlash

Business applicationsaccounting, contact management, sales tracking or database


Identify Minimum Hardware RequirementsCustomer 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.C h d dCommon hardware upgrades:

RAM capacityH d d i iHard drive sizeProcessor speedVid d d dVideo card memory and speed


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.


Installing the Operating SystemReasons to perform a clean installation of an OS:

When a computer is passed from one employee to anotherWhen the operating system is corruptedWhen a new replacement hard drive is installed in a computer

Before performing a clean installation:Back up all data firstExplain to the customer that existing data will be erasedp gConfirm that all needed data has been successfully transferred


Hard Drive Setup ProceduresOperating system setup methods:

Install an OS over a network from a serverInstall from a copy of the OS files stored on the hard driveInstall from OS files stored on CDs or DVDs

Partitioning and Formattingg gHard drive must be logically divided (partitioned)File system must be created on the hard driveFile system must be created on the hard driveDuring the installation phase, most operating systems will automatically partition and format the hard drive


will automatically partition and format the hard drive

Hard Drive Setup ProceduresA technician should understand the process related to hard drive setup.


Prepare the Hard DriveThe 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 filesconfiguration, and data files. Examples of file systems:

Th FAT32 fil tThe FAT32 file systemThe New Technology File System (NTFS)


Install the Operating System

Define currency and numerals

During the Windows XP installation the user must provide:

Text input languageName of userName of companyProduct keyComputer nameAdministrator passwordpDate and time settingsNetwork settings


Network settingsDomain or workgroup information

Create Administrator AccountSetup creates the administrator account with the user name “administrator”

Change this name to keep the administrator account secureOnly use the administrator account occasionally for critical system changessystem changes

Create a fictitious user account to use as a template

Use secure passwordsThese should be a minimum of 7 characters, containing at least one of each (letter number and symbol)one of each (letter, number, and symbol)


Complete the InstallationWhen Windows XP installation completes:

Computer will rebootLog in for the first timeRegister Windows XP and verify that you are using a legal copy of the OS

Verification enables you to downloadVerification enables you to download patches and service packsUse Microsoft Update Manager toUse Microsoft Update Manager to scan for new software and to:

Install all service packs


pInstall all patches

Check Device Manager for Conflicts

Look for warning icons (yellow exclamation points)Double-click to learn about the problemClick the plus (+) sign to expand the category


p ( ) g p g yMay be able to ignore an error

Custom Installation OptionsWith Mi ft S t P ti

Follow these steps for disk cloning:With Microsoft System Preparation

Create a master installation on one computerRun SysprepCreate a disk image of the configured computer using third-party disk-cloning softwareCopy the disk image onto a serverCopy the disk image onto a server

When the destination computer is booted,A shortened version of the Windows setup program runsA shortened version of the Windows setup program runsSetup configures only user-specific and computer-specific settings


An answer file provides data normally required during set up

The Boot Sequence for Windows XPPower 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 partitionto find the OS on the boot partition

NTLDR uses NTDETECT.COM to detect any installed hardware

NTLDR loads the NTOSKRNL EXE file and HAL DLLNTLDR loads the NTOSKRNL.EXE file and HAL.DLL

NTLDR reads the registry files and loads device drivers

NTOSKRNL EXE t t th WINLOGON EXE d di l


NTOSKRNL.EXE starts the WINLOGON.EXE program and displays the Windows login screen

NTLDR and the Windows Boot MenuIf more than one OS is present on the disk, BOOT.INI gives the user a chance to select which to usechance to select which to use. Otherwise:

NTLDR runs NTDETECT.COM to get information about installed hardwareNTLDR then uses the path specified in theNTLDR then uses the path specified in the BOOT.INI to find the boot partitionNTLDR loads two files that make up the core of XP: NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLLNTLDR reads the Registry files, chooses a hardware profile and loads device drivers


hardware profile, and loads device drivers.

The Windows RegistryRecognized by distinctive names, beginning with HKEY_Every setting in Windows is stored in the registryChanges to the Control Panel settings, File Associations, System Policies, or installed software are stored in the registry Each user has their own section of the registryThe Windows logon process uses the registry to set the

t t th t t th t it i th l t ti thsystem to the state that it was in the last time the user logged in


The Windows Registry Files


The NT Kernel and Security AuthorityNext, the NT kernel, NTOSKRNL.EXE, takes over

It starts the login file, WINLOGON.EXEThat program starts the Local Security Administration file, LSASS.EXE (Local Security Administration)LSASS EXE i th th t di l th XP lLSASS.EXE is the program that displays the XP welcome screen

There are few differences between the Windows XPThere are few differences between the Windows XP and the Windows 2000 boot process


Manipulating Operating System FilesAfter you have installed Windows XP, you can use MSCONFIG for post-installation modifications:

This boot configuration utility allows you to set programs that will run at startup, and to edit configuration files


Manipulating Operating System FilesThe registry is a database that contains information and settings for all of the hardware, software, users and preferences REGEDIT allows users to edit the registrypreferences. REGEDIT allows users to edit the registry.


Manipulating Operating System FilesPressing the F8 key during the boot process opens the

Windows Advanced Startup Options menu, which allows you to select how to boot Windows.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 componentscomponents.

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


Windows successfully started. It does this by accessing a copy of the registry that is created for this purpose.

Describing Directory StructuresWindows file system naming conventions:

Maximum of 255 characters may be usedCharacters such as a period (.) or a slash (\ /) are not allowedAn extension of three or four letters is added to the filename to identify the file typeidentify the file typeFilenames are not case sensitive

Windows filename extension examples:Windows filename extension examples:.doc - Microsoft Wordtxt - ASCII text only.txt - ASCII text only

.jpg - graphics formatppt - Microsoft PowerPoint


.ppt Microsoft PowerPoint

.zip - compression format

Describing Directory StructuresEach file has a set of attributes that control how the file may be viewed or altered. The following are the most common file attributes:

R - The file is read-onlyA - The file will be archived the next backupS - The file is marked as a system file and a warning is given if

tt t i d t d l t dif th filan attempt is made to delete or modify the fileH - The file is hidden in the directory display


The ATTRIB Command


NTFS and FAT32FAT32 is used where files need to be accessed by multiple versions of Windows. FAT32 is not as secure as NTFSas NTFSNTFS can support more and larger files than FAT32, and provides more flexible security features for foldersand provides more flexible security features for folders, files, and sizesPartitions can be converted from FAT32 to NTFS usingPartitions can be converted from FAT32 to NTFS using the CONVERT.EXE utility, but not in the reverse direction


Navigating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)A GUI provides graphical representations of all the files, folders, and programs on a computer.


Customizing the DesktopTo customize any of these, simply right-click the item and

then select Properties.TaskbarRecycle BinDesktop backgroundWindow appearancepp


The Start MenuCustomized to two styles, XP and ClassicAccessed by clicking the Start buttonThe Start menu includes:

A nested list of all installed applicationsA list of recently opened documentsA list of other elements, including; a search feature, a help center, and system settingssettings


My ComputerWhen you right-click My Computer and select Properties, there are several p ,settings that can be customized:

Computer nameHardware settingsVirtual memoryAutomatic updatesRemote access

Files can also be moved and copied using My Computer


Launching ApplicationsApplications 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 ComputerDouble-click the application executable file in My ComputerLaunch the application from the Run window or command line

To view and configure network connections, right-click the My Network Places icon.Connect to or disconnect from a network driveRight-click Properties to configure existing network


connections, such as a wired or wireless LAN connection

Control Panel Applets


Display SettingsChange the resolution and color qualityq yChange wallpaper, screen saver, power settings, and other options, by clicking the Advanced buttonAdvanced button


Device ManagerUsed to view settings for devices in the computerAn exclamation mark indicates a problem with a devicedevice


Task ManagerView all applications that are currently running Close any applications that have stopped respondingMonitor the performance of the CPU and virtual memoryView all processes that are

tl icurrently runningView information about the network connections


network connections

Event Viewer and Remote DesktopEvent Viewer

Logs a history of events regarding applications, g y g g pp ,security, and the system.

These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool.These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool.

Remote Desktop

All t t t l t k t l fAllows one computer to remotely take control of another computer.

This troubleshooting feature is only available with Windows XP Professional.


Performance SettingsSettings for advanced visuals and for virtual memory


Add or Remove an ApplicationUtility to install or uninstall applicationsTracks installation files for future thorough uninstall, if desired


Preventive Maintenance PlanningComponents of a preventive maintenance plan:

Updates to the operating system and applications

Updates to anti-virus and other protective software

Hard drive error checkingHard drive error checking

Hard drive backup

Hard drive defragmentation


Schedule TasksThe DOS AT command launches tasks at a specified time using the command line interface

Information about the AT command is available at this path: Start >Information about the AT command is available at this path: Start > Run > cmd Then type AT /? at the command line.

The Windows Task Scheduler launches tasks at a specified time i hi l i t fusing a graphical interfaceAccess the Windows Task Scheduler by following this path: Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks

Examples of scheduled tasks to runScanDisk (Windows 2000) and CHKDSK (Windows XP) check the i t it f fil d f ld d th h d di k f f h i lintegrity of files and folders and scan the hard disk surface for physical errors.

Defrag: Gathers the noncontiguous data into one place, making files


run faster

Automatic UpdatesAn automatic update service scans the system for needed updates, and recommends what should be downloaded and installeddownloaded and installed.Automatic update services can setup to download and install updates as soon as they are available or asinstall updates as soon as they are available or as required, and install them when the computer is next rebooted.


Restore PointAn image of the current computer settings. If the computer

crashes, the OS can roll back to a restore point.The restore point utility only operates on OS and application files.

fAnti-virus software should be run to remove malware before creating a restore point.

Wh t t t i tWhen to create a restore point:Before updating or replacing the OSWhen an application or driver is installedManually at any time


Backup the Hard DriveBackup 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 placetaking place.It is only necessary to make copies of the files that have changed since the last backup


have changed since the last backup.

Types of Backups

Description Clear marker

Normal Selected files and folders Yes

Copy Selected files and folders No

ff Selected files and folders thatDifferential Selected files and folders that changed since the last backup No

Selected files and folders thatIncremental Selected files and folders that changed since the last backup Yes

Selected files and folders that


Daily Selected files and folders that changed during the day No

Chapter 5 SummaryConsider the customer's needs when selecting an OS.The main steps in setting up a customer's computer include

i th h d d i i t lli ti tpreparing 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 theA GUI shows icons of all files, folders, and applications on the computer.Establish a backup strategy that allows for the recovery of p gy ydata. Preventive maintenance helps to ensure optimal operation of the OS.Tools for troubleshooting an OS problem include Windows Advanced Options menu event logs device manager and


Advanced Options menu, event logs, device manager, and system files.

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ITE PC v40 Chapter5