PC Support & RepairChapter 5Fundamental Operating Systems

Objectives• After completing this chapter, you will meet these

objectives:▫Explain the purpose of an operating system. ▫Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose,

limitations, and compatibilities. ▫Determine the operating system based on customer needs. ▫ Install an operating system. ▫Navigate a Graphical User Interface (GUI). ▫ Identify and apply common preventive maintenance

techniques for operating systems. ▫Troubleshoot operating systems.

Purpose of OS: 4 Basic Functions

Purpose of OS: Control Hardware Access

• Interaction between hardware & application•Device driver handles this▫Program from hardware manufacturer

•PnP auto detects hardware & installs driver▫OS then configures the device▫Updates the registry

Purpose of OS: File & Folder Management

•Files, subfolders, folders (or directories)

Purpose of OS: User Interface•How you interact with OS/software•GUI (graphical user interface)•CLI (command line interface)

Purpose of OS: Application Management

• Click an icon, OS locates program, loads into RAM•OS makes sure the application has system resources

• An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of guidelines used by programmers to ensure that the application they are developing is compatible with an OS. ▫Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) – Cross-platform standard

specification for multimedia graphics ▫DirectX – Collection of APIs related to multimedia tasks for

Microsoft Windows

Review• You are creating a new web design software. What

guidelines do you need to follow to ensure it will work on an OS?▫API

• DOS has what kind of interface?▫CLI

•Windows has what kind of interface?▫GUI

•What are the 4 basic functions of an OS?▫Hardware access, manage files/folders, user interface, manage

applications

OS Terms & Concepts•Almost all

modern OS’s have all of these capabilities

OS Memory Types•Conventional Memory 0KB - 640KB▫For drivers

•Upper Memory 640KB – 1MB▫For BIOS

•Extended Memory 1MB – max▫For OS & application software

OS Modes of Operation•OS has different modes to handle each type of

application

•Real Mode (OLD)▫Used by DOS & Windows 3.x▫OS can run only 1 program at a time▫Can only address 1MB of RAM▫Still available

OS Modes of Operation•Protected Mode (OLD)▫Each program has a space in memory that can’t be

used by other programs▫Can manage multi-tasking▫Can access all memory & virtual memory

VM= using some HD space for RAM▫Up to 32-bit access to RAM, devices, etc.

OS Modes of Operation•Virtual Real Mode (OLD)▫Allows OLD real mode applications to run within

protected mode Allows XP to run a DOS only application If there’s an error, it will only affect the virtual

OS Modes of Operation•Compatibility Mode▫In Vista/7▫Allows program to run as if it

was on an earlier OS An XP only program can run

in Vista

OS Terms & Concepts•32-bit & 64-bit OS

•32-bit (x86) OS▫Can only access up to 4GB RAM

•64-bit (x64) OS▫Can access more than 128GB RAM▫Data path is bigger, faster▫Need 64-bit program to take advantage of it

Review•Which bit OS can only access up to 4GB of RAM?▫32-bit

•What mode will allow a program designed for XP, run in Windows 7?▫Compatibility Mode

•Which memory is available for the OS & software?▫Extended Memory, above 1MB

• How does virtual memory work?▫Uses part of the HD for RAM

•Which mode in XP allows you to run a DOS program and if there’s a n error in it, it won’t affect XP?▫Virtual real mode

Choices for OS

Versions of Windows OS• Windows XP Pro– Used to connect to Windows Server or network • Windows XP Home– Used on home computers • Windows XP Media Center – Used on entertainment computers• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition – Used for tablet PCs • Windows XP 64-bit Edition – Used for computers with 64-bit processors • Windows 2000 Pro – Older; was replaced by Windows XP Pro • Windows Vista Home Basic – Used on home computers• Windows Vista Home Premium – Used on home computers to expand

personal productivity and digital entertainment beyond the basics • Windows Vista Business – Used on small business computers for enhanced

security and enhanced mobility technology • Windows Vista Ultimate – Used on computers to combine all the needs of

both home and business users

Pick the Right OS•What applications is the customer using?▫Will the OS be compatible?

•Compatible with the network OS?

• If you are sharing files, try and get same OS as other computers▫Make sure all is compatible

•Consider costs, too

Check Minimum Requirements•RAM •Hard disk drive •CPU •Video adapter card

•May need to upgrade some•Make sure you have more than minimum

Check Hardware Compatibility•Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)•Verifies your hardware is compatible with the OS▫Vista/7- Compatibility Center or Logo’d Products▫XP- HCL

• Lab 5.3.2

Review•Before you install a new OS, you should check if your

hardware will work with it. What should you reference?▫HCL, Compatibility Center

•Windows & Mac are versions of what types of OS that are designed for a single user?▫Desktop OS

•Name some considerations when deciding on a new OS.

Hard Drive Terms• Primary partition

▫ Partition where the OS is▫ There can be up to four partitions per hard drive

• Active partition ▫ Partition being USED by the OS. Only one can be active at a time

• Extended partition▫ The remaining free space on a drive▫ Can be subdivided into smaller sections called logical drives, using letters

• Formatting ▫ This process prepares a file system in a partition for files to be stored

• Drive mapping▫ Drive mapping is a letter assigned to a physical or logical drive

Hard Drive TermsC:

D:C:

D:C:

E:

1st Hard Drive; Bootable; All of the HD is one letter; PRIMARY PARTITION

1st Hard Drive; C: is PRIMARY bootable; D: is an EXTDENDED LOGICAL PARTITION

1st Hard Drive; C: is PRIMARY bootable; D: & E: are EXTDENDED LOGICAL PARTITIONS

Parts of the Hard Drive•Sector▫Small section

•Cluster▫One or more sectors

•Track▫One complete circle of

data on one side of a hard drive platter

▫A track is broken into groups of sectors

Review•What is a complete circle of data on a HD?▫Track

•How many partitions can there be per HD?▫4

•How many active partitions can there be at a time?▫1

•What partition contains the OS?▫Primary

• You partitioned the HD with an OS C:, and D: for data only. What kind of partition is D:?▫Extended partition

Install Methods•Distribution DVD or CD

• Install from network▫NIC must be configured to boot to network location

• Image

•Recovery CD or partition

Clean Install of the OS from CD/DVD• BIOS must boot to CD/DVD• The install formats & partitions the drive▫Partition- logical section

• Prepares to accept the file system▫Directory structure to organize files of OS, applications,

config, and dat• File Systems▫FAT32 (up to XP)

Can only handles up to 2TB▫NTFS (Vista & 7)

Can handle up to 16 Exabytes

File Systems•NTFS▫Use most of the time▫Has data security (encryption & compression)

•FAT32▫Generally can be used in XP/2000▫If partition is under 32GB

•FAT16▫Used if under 2GB

Install the OS- XP•Setup XP –Setup and install XP •Repair XP – To repair an installation, press R to open

the Recovery Console. ▫Troubleshooting tool that can be used to create and

format partitions &repair the boot sector or Master Boot Record.

•Quit – To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Install the OS- XP•1st looks for existing install▫If found, you can repair it

It replaces OS files with original from CD▫All applications & data should remain▫ALWAYS BACKUP ANYWAY!

XP Install Pictures

XP Settings During Install

Install XP- Create User Accounts

Lab• Install XP•Create Accounts•Check for Updates

Install Vista w/ DVD• Install from within existing OS▫DVD should auto-run▫If not, select DVD and click setup.exe

• If no OS on HD, boot to DVD▫What needs to be done first with this option?

Install Vista

Install Vista•Upgrade – Keep your files, settings, and programs

and upgrade Windows. Also use this option to repair an installation. ▫Doesn’t show if no OS is found

•Custom (advanced) – Install a clean copy of Windows, select where you want to install it, or make changes to disks and partitions.

•Quit – To quit Setup, click the x in the Close box.

Vista Install Pictures

Install Vista- Create an Account•1st account is an administrator▫Default name is administrator▫Change name▫Recommended to use this account to manage PC

Not for daily use•Then create user accounts▫Has fewer permissions than admin

Install Vista- Complete Setup

Complete the Install•When done, it reboots & you log in•Register with key▫Allows download of important updates, patches &

service packs▫Install can continue w/out key

•XP- Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools•Vista- Start, Programs•Verify all hardware works in Device Manager

Lab• Install Windows Vista•Create Accounts•Check for Updates

Review•How many primary partitions can be on a HD?▫4

•You are installing a clean copy of Vista. What option do you select when the DVD starts?▫Custom (Advanced)

•What 3 things can be done when Custom is chosen?▫Clean install▫Partition change▫Select where to install Vista

Review•Can you complete an install w/out the key?▫Yes, delayed up to 30 days

•During Vista setup, you are asked to create a user name & password. What kind of account is created during this step?▫Administrator account

•What’s the difference between an Admin & User account?▫Admin can change security settings, install software, and

make changes to all accounts

Review• You just finished installing an OS. What can you check

to make sure all of your hardware is functioning?▫Device Manager

• Before you begin installing XP, what should you check to make sure the hardware has been tested for XP & will work?▫HCL

• You are in Vista. Cool Edit will only work in XP, Me, or 2000. What mode will let it run?▫Compatibility Mode

Custom Installs- Cloning/Imaging• Creates an image of a hard drive in a computer▫Create a master installation on one computer. Includes the OS,

applications, and configuration settings that will be used by the other computers in the organization.

• Run Sysprep (for unique system ID after cloning)• Create an image using a cloning program (Ghost).• Copy the disk image onto a server. •When the destination computer is booted, a shortened version of

the Windows setup program runs. The setup creates a new system security identifier (SID), installs drivers for hardware, creates user accounts, and configures network settings to finish the OS install.

Other Custom Installs•Over a network

•Recovery Disc▫Automated System recovery (ASR)▫Must be created in Backup

•Factory Recovery Partition▫Can restore PC to factory specs

Review•What kind of install uses a master computer all set

up and then you “copy” it to all of your other computers?▫Cloning or imaging

• In order to install an OS over the network, what must be configured?▫NIC (also works with modems & fire wire)

Boot Sequence1. Power On Self Test (POST)▫Turn on the computer (cold boot)▫The computer performs the POST▫Any errors will be beep-codes

2. BIOS locates & reads config settings in CMOS▫Finds what device to boot to▫Tells where the OS is▫Normal is floppy, cd, hd

3. BIOS locates MBR▫Finds the OS boot loader (NTLDR)

XP Boot Sequence• NTLDR▫Windows loader program does all the rest

• Boot.ini▫ For menu of different OS’s installed

• Ntdetect.com▫ Detects installed hardware

• Ntoskrnl.exe gets loaded▫ Going to complete boot process

• Hal.dll▫ Translator between Windows & hardware

• Registry files read for system configuration• Device drivers are loaded• Ntoskrnl.exe starts WINLOGON.exe to login to Windows

Vista Boot Sequence•MBR (Master Boot Record) located▫ ID’s the first active partition

•Windows Boot Manager starts (Bootmgr)▫Replaces NTLDR▫Determines which OS should start if have multiple

• Boot Configuration Data (BCD)▫Gives you menu to select OS▫Replaces boot.ini

• Boot process completes with Ntoskrnl.exe• Hal.dll▫Translator between Windows & hardware

• Device drivers are loaded

Lab•Make a comparison chart of the boot sequences

between XP & Vista▫Highlight the differences

Review•1st thing when computer turns on?▫POST

•What do you think will happen if you get a “NTLDR is missing” or “Bootmgr is missing” message?▫OS will not load

•What does boot.ini do?▫Menu of what OS to select

•What does MBR stand for?▫Master boot record

Changing the Configuration- Msconfig•Set programs that run at startup•Too many running can slow PC down•Can also find bad things running•Start, Run, Msconfig

Registry Files• Begin with HKEY_

• The Control Panel settings, File Associations, System Policies, or installed software changes are stored

• Each user has their own section of the registry

Changing the Configuration- Regedit•Edits registry•Start, Run, regedit•BE CAREFUL!!!▫MAKE A BACKUP

1st ▫No undo, saves

when exit

Msinfo•Summary of hardware, software, settings

Command •Start, run, cmd (or command)•DOS commands

Startup Modes• F8 during boot, advanced startup options

• Safe Mode▫ Starts Windows & only loads drivers for basic components, such as the

keyboard and display• Safe Mode with Networking Support▫ Starts Windows to Safe Mode & loads drivers for network components

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt ▫ Starts Windows & loads the command prompt instead of the GUI

• Last Known Good Configuration ▫ Loads config settings used the last time Windows started successfully▫ Finds a copy in the registry▫ Only works if used immediately

Review• You installed a video card on a GCIT computer, but now

the display is messed up. What startup mode can allow you to get a new driver that’s stored on the server?▫Safe mode with networking support

• You just added a new printer & driver. Now the PC won’t boot. How would you go back to a good, working computer?▫ Last known good configuration

• How do you boot into safe mode?▫Press F8 during boot

Directories & Files•C: is the Root▫In here are Folders/Directories▫C:\Documents and Settings\Users\Bob\My

Documents\School\Homework\Science.doc•File Rules:▫255 characters max▫Can’t use a slash or a backslash (/ \)▫File extension is added to ID the type of file▫Filenames are not case sensitive

Files•NTFS can store larger files•Has better security•Offers encryption & compression

•Convert from FAT32 to NTFS▫CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS in Command Prompt

Navigating Windows GUI• Vista default theme is Aero ▫Translucent, animations▫NOT on Vista Basic

• Sidebar▫Games, Notes, Clock, etc.

• Display Properties/Personalization• Computer/My Computer properties•My Network Places/Network▫To connect/disconnect a network

• Control Panel

Administrative Tools•Computer

Management

Administrative Tools•Device Manager

Administrative Tools•Task Manager▫Ctrl + Alt + Del▫What’s running▫Stop unresponsive▫CPU performance

Administrative Tools•MMC- Microsoft

Management Console• Allows you to

organize management tools in one location▫Called snap-ins

• Can create multiple custom screens▫To focus on different

management tools

Review•Where do you uninstall a program?▫Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs

•To use MMC, what must you have?▫Admin rights

•The MMC can be customized by organizing tools, which are also called what?▫Snap-ins

•How do you get to task manager?▫Ctrl+Alt+Del

Upgrading the OS•Check HCL•Backup data

•2000 to XP▫If CD doesn’t start, type winnt32 for CD▫Quick▫Existing applications & settings stay

•XP to Vista▫Must be XP SP2▫Select Upgrade option

Can’t Upgrade?•Use Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT)▫Migrates user files & settings to new OS▫Download from Microsoft & use on old▫After new OS installed, download again to restore

settings

Review•What should you do before you upgrade an OS?▫Check HCL, backup data

•What command will start the XP upgrade if the CD doesn’t Auto-run?▫Winnt32

•What version of XP must you have before you upgrade to Vista?▫SP2

•What would you use if you have to install an OS in order to transfer data & settings?▫User State Migration Tool

Preventive Maintenance•Backup & Restore•Defrag•Windows Update•AV Update•HD error checking

Updating Drivers•Check for updates•Roll Back if doesn’t work

More Updates•Firmware Updates▫For Drives, Cards, BIOS▫Can increase speed of hardware, enable new features,

or increase the stability of a product▫Follow instructions carefully

•OS Updates▫Auto update▫Multiple are in a service pack▫Set restore point before install

System Utilities• Scandisk/chkdsk▫Scandisk is

Windows 2000▫Chkdsk is

XP/Vista/7▫Checks integrity of

files & folders• Defragment▫Moves parts of

same file closer together on HD

Backups•Under System Tools•Normal Backup (Full Backup)▫All selected files on the disk are archived to the backup medium

• Differential Backup▫Backs up all the files & folders that have been created or modified

since the last full backup• Incremental Backup▫Backs up all the files and folders that have been created or

modified since the last backup• Daily Backup▫Only backs up the files that are modified on the day of the backup

Backup Media•Tape Drives•USB Flash•Optical Media•External HD▫eSATA fastest

Review•What checks file integrity in Windows XP/Vista/7?▫Chkdsk

•Which backup is the slowest because all data & files are put on the media?▫Normal/Full

•What can you do to help reduce repair costs and increase reliability of your computers?▫Preventive maintenance plan

• You downloaded a new driver that is not functioning correctly. What can you do?▫Roll back the driver to the old one

Review•Where can you enable automatic Windows updates?▫Control panel

•What key gets you into safe mode?▫F8

•How do you switch your XP computer from FAT32 to NTFS?▫Run the Microsoft Convert Utility

•What is a database for Windows, applications, and user settings that can be backed up?▫Registry

Review- 13 Questions

PC Support & RepairChapter 5Fundamental Operating Systems