Operating System

Objectives
1. Explain the characteristics and basic functions of
modern operating systems
2. Describe and compare types of operating systems
to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities
3. Determine operating system based on customer
needs
4. Install an operating system
5. Navigate a GUI (Windows)
6. Explain the advantages of Virtualization and install
Virtual PC
7. Identify and apply common preventive
maintenance techniques for operating systems
8. Troubleshoot operating systems
Objectives(Continued)
After completing this chapter, students will meet
these objectives:
1. Explain the purpose of an operating system.
2. Describe and compare operating systems to
include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities.
3. Determine the operating system based on
customer needs.
4. Install an operating system.
5. Navigate a GUI.
6. Identify and apply common preventive
maintenance techniques for operating systems.
7. Troubleshoot operating systems.
Overview of operating
system.
What is operating system?
 An operating system is a program which acts
as an interface between user and hardware

Operating system has two parts:

1. Kernel
2. Shell

 Kernel is responsible for interacting with

hardware.
 Shell is responsible for interacting with the
user.
Overview of operating
system(continued)
Overview of operating
system.
Overview of operating
system(continued)
The shell acts as the command
interpreter.
The shell takes the command from
user, interprets them and takes action
accordingly.
MS-DOS and Windows XP were one of
the early windows
MS-DOS is CUI(Command User
Interface) operating system whereas
Window XP is GUI(Graphic User
Interface) operating System.
Overview of operating
system(continued)
Command User Interface (CUI)
requires one or two type
commands to get the work done.
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
requires one to select or click the
desired commands or actions
being displayed on the screen.
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
Characteristics of an Operating
System
1. Multi-user – Two or more users have individual
accounts that allow them to work with
programs and peripheral devices at the same
time.
2. Multitasking – The computer is capable of
operating multiple applications at the same
time.
3. Multiprocessing – The operating system can
support two or more CPUs.
4. 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.
Characteristics of an Operating
System(Continued)
Almost all modern operating
systems are:
1. Multi-user
2. Multi-tasking
3. They support multi-processing
4. Multi-threading.
Basic Function of an Operating
System
Allcomputers 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
Basic Function of an Operating
System(Continued)
The operating system has four
main roles:
1. Control hardware access
2. Manage files and folders
3. Provide user interface
4. Manage applications
Basic Function of an Operating
System(Continued)
Explain the functions of an operating
system?
1. Controls hardware access:
 The operating system manages the interaction
between applications and the hardware.
 To access and communicate with the hardware
you need device drivers, mostly simply called
Drivers.
 The operating system installs a device driver for
each hardware component
 A device driver is a small program written by the
hardware manufacturer and supplied with the
hardware component.
Basic Function of an Operating
System(Continued)
2.Files and Folder Management
 The operating system creates a file
structure on the hard disk drive to allow
data to be stored.
A file is a block of related data that is
given a single name and treated as a
single unit.
Program and data files are grouped
together in a directory.
Directories are called folders in
Windows operating systems
Basic Function of an Operating
System(Continued)
3.Provides User interface
 The operating system enables
the user to interact with software
and hardware. There are two
types of user interfaces:
1. Command Line Interface (CLI) – The
user types commands at a prompt.
2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) –
The user interacts with menus and
icons.
Basic Function of an Operating
System(Continued)
4. Application management
The operating system manages
all programs to ensure that the
correct resources are allocated to
the applications.
The operating system locates an
application and loads it into the
RAM of the computer
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)
 Less security features compare to 64 bit.
64-bit Windows Operating System
and x64 Processor Architecture
 Capable of addressing 128+ GB of RAM
 Enhanced performance for memory management
 Additional security features
32-bit and 64-bit Compatibility in
Windows OS
Types of Operating
Systems(Continued)
There are two distinct types of operating
systems:
1. Desktop operating systems
2. Network operating systems.
A desktop operating system is intended
for use in a small office/home office
(SOHO) with a limited number of users.
A network operating system (NOS) is
designed for a corporate environment
serving multiple users with a wide range
of needs.
Types of Operating
Systems(Continued)
Types of Operating
Systems(Continued)
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
Types of Operating
Systems(Continued)
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

Note: Research NOS Certifications and Jobs

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
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
Hardware Compatibility
 Mostoperating systems have an HCL
(Hardware Compatibility List).
 HCLscan be found on the manufacturer's
website.
 HCLa list of computer hardware that is
compatible with a particular operating
system or device management software.
 Hardware Compatibility List includes list of
hardware that is known to work with the
operating system.
 Use
Microsoft Compatibility Center for
Windows 7 and Vista.
Microsoft Compatibility Center
for Windows 7 and Vista
Operating System
Upgrades
 Operating systems must be upgraded
periodically.
• To remain compatible with the latest
hardware and software.
• And because support for older OS is
eventually withdrawn.
 Ensurethat 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.
Operating System
Upgrades
The version of an OS determines
available upgrade options.
 For example, a 32-bit OS cannot
be upgraded to a 64-bit OS.
Another example is that Windows
XP cannot be upgraded to
Windows 7
Data Migration
 Data migration means moving
digital information.
Transferring that information to a
different location, file format,
environment, storage system,
database, datacenter, or
application all fit within the
definition of data migration.
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.
Installing the Operating
System
Reasons to perform a clean installation of an
OS:
1. When a computer is passed from one
employee to another.
2. When the operating system is corrupted.
3. When the primary hard drive is replaced in a
computer .
Before performing a clean installation:
4. Back up all data first.
5. Explain to the customer that existing data will be
erased.
6. Confirm that all needed data has been successfully
transferred.
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
Hard Drive Setup
Procedures
The installation and initial
booting of the operating system
is called the operating system
setup.
Although it is possible to install
an operating system over a
network from a server or from a
local hard drive
The most common installation
method is with CDs and DVDs.
Hard Drive Formatting
 Thefirst portion of the installation process deals
with formatting and partitioning the hard drive.
 The second portion prepares the disk to accept
the file system.
 Thefile 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 = 260 Bytes
• The FAT32 file system (File allocation Table)
Supports partition sizes up to 2 TB. Used by Windows
XP and earlier OS versions.
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:
1. Upgrade - Upgrades Windows but keeps your
current files, settings, and programs. You can use
this option to repair an installation.
2. 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.
Account Creation
Windows 7 has three types of user
accounts:
1. Administrator
2. Standard
3. 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
Complete the Installation
When Windows 7 installation
completes:
1. Computer will reboot
2. Prompts to create user account
3. Register Windows 7 and verify that
you are using a legal copy of the OS
4. Verification enables you to download
patches and service packs
Use Microsoft Update Manager to
scan for new software.
Windows Product key
Updating Window
Custom Installation Options –
Disk Cloning
With Microsoft System Preparation
 Follow these steps for disk cloning:
1. Create a master installation on one computer.
2. Run Sysprep.
3. Create a disk image of the configured computer
using third-party disk-cloning software.
4. 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
Disk Cloning creates an image of a
hard drive in a computer.
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.
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.
The Windows Registry
Files
The Windows Registry files are an
important part of the Windows 7 boot
process.
These files are recognized by their
distinctive names, which begin with HKEY_
followed by the name of the portion of the
operating system under their control
Every setting in Windows from

1. the background of the desktop

2. the color of the screen buttons
3. the licensing of applications is stored in
the Registry
The Windows Registry
Files(Continued)
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.
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
File Extensions and
Attributes
Windows file system naming conventions:
1. Maximum of 255 characters may be used.
2. Characters such as a period (.) or a slash (\ /) are
not allowed.
3. An extension of three or four letters is added to
the filename to identify the file type.
4. Filenames are not case sensitive.
 Windows filename extension examples:
• .docx- Microsoft Word
• .txt - ASCII text only
• .jpg - graphics format
• .pptx - Microsoft PowerPoint
• .zip - compression form
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.