ITE_PC_v40_Chapter5

8/14/2019 ITE_PC_v40_Chapter5

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

Chapter 5:

Operating Systems

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0


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

The Purpose of an Operating System

The operating system (OS) controls almost all functionson a computer.

Learn about the components, functions, and

terminology related tothe Windows 2000 andWindows XP operatingsystems.


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Roles of an Operating System

All computers rely on an operating system (OS) toprovide the interface for interaction between users,applications, and hardware.

The operating system boots the computer andmanages the file system.

Almost all modern operating systems can support morethan one user, task, or CPU.

The operating system has four main roles:

Control hardware access

Manage files and folders

Provide user interface

Manage applications


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Characteristics of Operating Systems Control hardware access

OS automatically discovers and configures PnP hardware

File and folder management

User interface

Command line interface (CLI)

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Application management

Open Graphics Library (OpenGL)

DirectX


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The Types of Operating Systems

Graphical User Interface(GUI): The user interactswith menus and icons.

Command Line Interface(CLI): The user typescommands at a prompt.

Most operating systems include both a GUI and a CLI.


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Compare Operating Systems

Terms often used when comparing operating systems:

Multi-user Two or more users can work with programsand share peripheral devices, such as printers, at the sametime.

Multi-tasking The computer is capable of operatingmultiple applications at the same time.

Multi-processing The computer can have two or morecentral processing units (CPUs) that programs share.

Multi-threading A program can be broken into smallerparts that can be loaded as needed by the operating system.Multi-threading allows individual programs to be multi-tasked.


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Real Mode Executes only one program at a time

Addresses only 1 MB of system memory at a time

Directly accesses memory and hardware

Subject to crashes

Available to all modern processors

Only used by DOS and DOS applications

Program Codedirectly controls PC

hardware.

PC hardware can beinterrupted by bad

code.



Protected Mode Has access to all memory

Can manage multiple programs simultaneously

Allows the system to use virtual memory

Provides 32-bit access to memory, drivers, and I/O transfers

Each program is assigned a space in memory

Computer is protected from program errors

Program Codedirectly controlsPC hardware.

PChardwarecannot beinterrupted

by bad code.

HardwareAbstraction

Layer(HAL)

Programtalks to

HAL

HAL controlshardwareand stops

errors.



Virtual Real Mode Allows a real-mode application to run within a protected-mode

operating system

Creates virtual machines for each program that runs in real mode

Each virtual machine receives 1 MB of memory and access to

hardware

In the event of a program error, only the virtual machine isaffected

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

Program operates invirtual machine

PC hardwarecontrolled by

virtual machine;errors are

stopped

Program Code


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Compare Operating Systems

Desktop operating systems:

Microsoft Windows: Windows XP

Macintosh: Mac OS X

Linux: Fedora, Ubuntu, and others

UNIX

A desktop OS has the followingcharacteristics:

Supports a single user

Runs single-user applications

Shares files and folders on a smallnetwork with limited security



Network Operating Systems (NOS) Common NOS include:

Novell Netware

Microsoft Windows Server

LinuxUNIX

A network OS has the followingcharacteristics:

Supports multiple users

Runs multi-user applications

Is robust and redundant

Provides increased security compared to

desktop operating systems


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Determine Proper Operating System

Create an accurate profile of your customer byanalyzing the daily, weekly, and monthly computeractivities

Select appropriate software and hardware to satisfyexisting and future requirements

To select the proper operating system:


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What Does Your Customer Require? Office applications

word processing, spreadsheets, orpresentation software

Graphics applicationsPhotoshop or Illustrator

Animation applications

Flash

Business applicationsaccounting, contact management,sales tracking or database


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Identify Minimum Hardware Requirements

Customer may need to upgrade or purchase additionalhardware to support the required applications and OS.

A cost analysis will indicate if purchasing newequipment is a better idea than upgrading.

Common hardware upgrades:

RAM capacity

Hard drive size

Processor speedVideo card memory and speed


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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.


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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 a new replacement hard drive is installed in acomputer

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 successfullytransferred


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Hard Drive Setup Procedures

Operating system setup methods:

Install an OS over a network from a server

Install from a copy of the OS files stored on the hard

drive 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 systemswill automatically partition and format the hard drive


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


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Prepare the Hard Drive

The first portion of the installation process deals withformatting 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 FAT32 file system

The New Technology File System (NTFS)


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Install the Operating System

Define currency and numerals

Text input language

Name of user

Name of company

Product key

Computer name

Administrator password

Date and time settings

Network settings

Domain or workgroup information

During the Windows XP installation the user must provide:


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Create Administrator Account

Setup creates the administrator account with the username administrator

Change this name to keep the administrator account secure

Only use the administrator account occasionally for criticalsystem changes

Create a fictitious user account to use as a template

Use secure passwords

These should be a minimum of 7 characters, containing at leastone of each (letter, number, and symbol)


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Complete the Installation

When Windows XP installationcompletes:

Computer will reboot

Log in for the first timeRegister Windows XP and verify that you areusing a legal copy of the OS

Verification enables you to downloadpatches and service packs

Use Microsoft Update Manager toscan for new software and to:

Install all service packs

Install all patches


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Check Device Manager for Conflicts

Look for warning icons (yellow exclamation points)

Double-click to learn about the problem

Click the plus (+) sign to expand the category

May be able to ignore an error


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Custom Installation Options

Follow these steps for disk cloning:

Create a master installation on one computer

Run SysprepCreate 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 configures only user-specific and computer-specificsettings

An answer file provides data normally required during set up

With Microsoft System Preparation


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The Boot Sequence for Windows XP Power 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 andwhere to find the OS on the boot partition

NTLDR uses NTDETECT.COM to detect any installed hardware NTLDR loads the NTOSKRNL.EXE file and HAL.DLL

NTLDR reads the registry files and loads device drivers

NTOSKRNL.EXE starts the WINLOGON.EXE program and displays

the Windows login screen


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NTLDR and the Windows Boot Menu

If more than one OS is present on thedisk, BOOT.INI gives the user achance to select which to use.

Otherwise:NTLDR runs NTDETECT.COM to getinformation about installed hardware

NTLDR then uses the path specified in theBOOT.INI to find the boot partition

NTLDR loads two files that make up thecore of XP: NTOSKRNL.EXE and HAL.DLL

NTLDR reads the Registry files, chooses ahardware profile, and loads device drivers.


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The Windows Registry

Recognized by distinctive names, beginning withHKEY_

Every setting in Windows is stored in the registry

Changes to the Control Panel settings, FileAssociations, System Policies, or installed software arestored in the registry

Each user has their own section of the registry

The Windows logon process uses the registry to set thesystem to the state that it was in the last time the userlogged in


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The Windows Registry Files


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The NT Kernel and Security Authority

Next, the NT kernel, NTOSKRNL.EXE, takes over

It starts the login file, WINLOGON.EXE

That program starts the Local Security Administration file,LSASS.EXE (Local Security Administration)

LSASS.EXE is the program that displays the XP welcomescreen

There are few differences between the Windows XPand the Windows 2000 boot process


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Manipulating Operating System Files After you have installed Windows XP, you can use

MSCONFIG for post-installation modifications:

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


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Manipulating Operating System Files The registry is a database that contains information and

settings for all of the hardware, software, users andpreferences. REGEDIT allows users to edit the registry.


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

Windows Advanced Startup Options menu, which allowsyou 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 Windowsidentically to Safe Mode and also loads the drivers for networkcomponents.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt Starts Windows and loadsthe command prompt instead of the GUI interface.

Last Known Good Configuration Enables a user to load theconfigurations settings of Windows that was used the last time thatWindows successfully started. It does this by accessing a copy ofthe registry that is created for this purpose.


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Describing Directory Structures 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 toidentify the file type

Filenames are not case sensitive

Windows filename extension examples:

.doc - Microsoft Word

.txt - ASCII text only

.jpg - graphics format

.ppt - Microsoft PowerPoint

.zip - compression format


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Describing Directory Structures

Each file has a set of attributes that control how the filemay 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 backup

S - The file is marked as a system file and a warning is given ifan attempt is made to delete or modify the file

H - The file is hidden in the directory display


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The ATTRIB Command


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NTFS and FAT32 FAT32 is used where files need to be accessed by

multiple versions of Windows. FAT32 is not as secureas NTFS

NTFS can support more and larger files than FAT32,and provides more flexible security features for folders,files, and sizes

Partitions can be converted from FAT32 to NTFS usingthe CONVERT.EXE utility, but not in the reverse

direction


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Navigating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A GUI provides graphical representations of all the files,folders, and programs on a computer.


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Customizing the Desktop

To customize any of these, simply right-click the item andthen select Properties.

Taskbar

Recycle Bin Desktop background

Window appearance


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The Start Menu

Customized to two styles, XP andClassic

Accessed by clicking the Start button

The Start menu includes:A nested list of all installed applications

A list of recently opened documents

A list of other elements, including; a

search feature, a help center, and systemsettings


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My Computer

When you right-click My Computerandselect Properties, there are severalsettings that can be customized:

Computer nameHardware settings

Virtual memory

Automatic updates

Remote access

Files can also be moved and copied usingMy Computer


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Launching Applications

Applications 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 Computer

Launch 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 drive

Right-click Properties to configure existing networkconnections, such as a wired or wireless LAN connection


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Control Panel Applets


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Display Settings

Change the resolutionand color quality

Change wallpaper,

screen saver, powersettings, and otheroptions, by clicking theAdvanced button


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Device Manager

Used to view settings fordevices in the computer

An exclamation markindicates a problem with adevice


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Task Manager

View all applications thatare currently running

Close any applications that

have stopped responding Monitor the performance of

the CPU and virtualmemory

View all processes that arecurrently running

View information about thenetwork connections


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Event Viewer and Remote Desktop

Event Viewer

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

These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool.

Remote Desktop

Allows one computer to remotely take control of

another computer. This troubleshooting feature is only available with

Windows XP Professional.


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Performance SettingsSettings for advanced visuals and for virtual memory


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Add or Remove an Application Utility to install or uninstall applications

Tracks installation files for future thorough uninstall, ifdesired


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Upgrading an Operating System

Upgrade Paths


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Upgrading to Windows XP Insert the Windows XP CD. Select Start > Run.

In the Run box, where D is the drive letter for the CD-ROM, type D:\i386\winnt32 and press Enter. TheWelcome to the Windows XP Setup Wizard displays.

Choose Upgrade to Windows XP and click Next. TheLicense Agreement page displays.

Read the license agreement and click the button toaccept this agreement.

Click Next. The Upgrading to the Windows XP NTFSFile System page displays.

Follow the prompts and complete the upgrade. When

the install is complete, the computer will restart.


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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 checking

Hard drive backup

Hard drive defragmentation


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Schedule Tasks The 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 >Run > cmd Then type AT /? at the command line.

The Windows Task Scheduler launches tasks at a specified timeusing a graphical interface

Access the Windows Task Scheduler by following this path: Start > AllPrograms > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks

Examples of scheduled tasks to run

ScanDisk (Windows 2000) and CHKDSK (Windows XP) check theintegrity of files and folders and scan the hard disk surface for physicalerrors.

Defrag: Gathers the noncontiguous data into one place, making filesrun faster


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Automatic Updates An automatic update service scans the system for

needed updates, and recommends what should bedownloaded and installed.

Automatic update services can setup to download and

install updates as soon as they are available or asrequired, and install them when the computer is nextrebooted.


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Restore Point

An image of the current computer settings. If the computercrashes, the OS can roll back to a restore point.

The restore point utility only operates on OS andapplication files.

Anti-virus software should be run to remove malwarebefore creating a restore point.

When to create a restore point:

Before updating or replacing the OS When an application or driver is installed

Manually at any time


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Backup the Hard Drive Backup 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 istaking place.

It is only necessary to make copies of the files thathave changed since the last backup.


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Types of Backups

YesSelected files and folders thatchanged since the last backup

Incremental

NoSelected files and folders that

changed during the dayDaily

NoSelected files and folders thatchanged since the last backup

Differential

NoSelected files and foldersCopy

YesSelected files and foldersNormal

Clearmarker

Description


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Step 1 Gather data from the customer

Step 2 Verify the obvious issues

Step 3 Try quick solutions first

Step 4 Gather data from the computer

Step 5 Evaluate the problem and implement the solution

Step 6 Close with the customer

Troubleshooting Process


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1. Gather Data from the Customer Customer information

Company name, contact name, address, phone number

Computer configuration

Operating system, patches and updates, network environment,connection type

Use a work order to collect information

Description of problem

Open-ended questions

What were you doing when the problem was identified?

Closed-ended questions

Are you currently logged into your network?


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2. Verify the Obvious Issues

Examine the most obvious causes of a problem.

Is the caps lock key set to ON?

Is there a non-bootable disk in the floppy drive?

Are the drive settings and boot order configured correctly inBIOS?

Can you log on as another user?

Was the computer turned off without being shut down properly?

Has the password changed?

Does the monitor have power?

Does the display have the correct settings?


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3. Try Quick Solutions First Use the Last Known Good Configuration settings

Enter Safe Mode to troubleshoot video problems

Uninstall an application that was recently added

Roll back the system using a System Restore point

Examine the Device Manager for device conflicts

Run cleanmgr to clean up temp files

Run chkdsk/f to repair problems with the hard drive Run defrag to speed up the hard drive

Reboot the computer

Login as a different user


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4. Gather Data from the Computer

Examine system files.

Run diagnostic software.

Refer to the computer user manual or BIOS website for

the meaning of beep codes. Examine the event logs to determine the cause of

computer problems.


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You may need to conduct further research

Refer to repair manuals

Study the product documentation

Visit the manufacturers website Consult repair journals

Talk to technicians who may have repaired similar problems.

Implement the most likely solution first

Return the computer to the original state before trying thenext solution

It may be necessary to test many potential solutions beforethe problem is resolved

5. Evaluate Problem & Implement Solution


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6. Close with the Customer

When you are confident that the problem is resolved:

Document the customer information, problem description,and steps to resolve the issue in the work order.

Explain to the customer how you solved the problem . Let the customer verify that the problem has been solved.

Complete all documentation including sales orders, timelogs, and receipts.

Complete the work order.

Update the repair journal. You can use the notes from thejournal for future reference.


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Common Problems and Solutions

Boot the computer in safe mode anduninstall any recently installedapplications.

The computer will not finishloading Windows.

Remove any floppies and CDs from the

computer and verify that the HDD is setas a bootable device in the BIOS setup.

The computer will no longer boot

to Windows and gives the errorInvalid systems disk

Use the Roll Back Driver option toremove the new video driver.

Remove any unnecessary programsfrom the Startup tab and reboot thecomputer.

The computer displays thedesktop in 16 color VGA modeafter updating the video drivers.

Possible SolutionProblem Symptom


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Chapter 5 Summary Consider the customer's needs when selecting an OS.

The main steps in setting up a customer's computer includepreparing 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 thecomputer.

Establish a backup strategy that allows for the recovery ofdata.

Preventive maintenance helps to ensure optimal operation ofthe OS.

Tools for troubleshooting an OS problem include WindowsAdvanced Options menu, event logs, device manager, andsystem files.


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