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Operating Introduction

The operating (OS) controls almost all functions on a . In this chapter, you learn about the components, functions, and terminology related to the , , and Windows XP operating systems. Modern Operating Systems OS Terms and Characteristics

To understand the capabilities of an operating system, it is important to first understand some terms. The following terms are often used when describing operating systems:

• Multi- - Two or users have individual accounts that allow them to work with programs and devices the same .

• Multitasking - The computer is capable of operating multiple applications at the same time.

• - The operating system can support two or more CPUs. • Multithreading - A program can be broken into smaller parts that are loaded as needed by the operating system. Multithreading allows different parts of a program to be run at the same time.

All rely on an OS to provide the interface for the interaction between users, applications, and hardware. The OS boots the computer and manages the system. Operating systems can support more than one user, , or CPU. Basic Functions of an Operating System

Regardless of the size and complexity of the computer and the operating system, all operating systems perform the same four basic functions:

• Control hardware access

• Manage files and folders

• Provide a

• Manage applications 1 Hardware Access

The OS manages the interaction between applications and the hardware. To access and communicate with each hardware component, the OS uses a program called a . When a hardware device is installed, the OS locates and installs the device driver for that component. Assigning system resources and installing drivers are performed with a plug-and-play (PnP) . The OS then configures the device and updates the registry, is a that contains all the information about the computer.

If the OS cannot a device driver, a technician must install the driver manually either by using the media that came with the device or downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.

File and Folder Management

The OS creates a file structure on the to store . 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 . The files and directories are organized for easy retrieval and use. Directories can be kept inside other directories. These nested directories are referred to as subdirectories. Directories are called folders in Windows operating systems, and subdirectories are called subfolders.

User Interface

The OS enables the user to interact with the and hardware. Operating systems include two types of user interfaces:

• Command- interface (CLI) - The user types commands at a prompt, as shown in Figure 1.

• (GUI) - The user interacts with menus and icons, as shown in Figure 2.

Application Management

The OS locates an application and loads it into the RAM of the computer. Applications are software programs, such as word processors, , spreadsheets, and games. The OS allocates available system resources to running applications.

To ensure that a new application is compatible with an OS, follow a set of guidelines known as an Application Programming Interface (API). An API allows programs to access the resources managed by the operating system in a consistent and reliable manner. Here are some examples of :

• Open Graphics (OpenGL) - Cross-platform specification for multimedia graphics

2 • DirectX - Collection of APIs related to multimedia tasks for Windows

• Windows API - Allows applications from older versions of Windows to operate on newer versions

• APIs - Collection of APIs related to the development of Java programming Processor Architecture

The way that a CPU handles information can affect the performance of the OS. Two common architectures used to process data are:

• - A 32-bit architecture that processes multiple instructions using a 32-bit address space. An x86 processor uses fewer registers than an x64 processor. Registers are storage areas used by the CPU when performing calculations. An x86 processor can support a 32-bit operating system.

• x64 - This 64-bit architecture adds additional registers specifically for instructions that use a 64-bit address space. The additional registers allow the CPU to process instructions much faster than x86. The x64 processer is backward compatible with the x86 processor. An x64 processor can support 32-bit and 64- bit operating systems.

A 32-bit OS is capable of addressing only 4 GB of system memory, while a 64-bit OS can address more than 128 GB. differs between the two systems. A 64-bit system has better performance. A 64-bit OS also includes features that provide additional security. Desktop Operating Systems

A technician might be asked to choose and install an OS for a customer. There are two distinct types of operating systems: desktop and network. A desktop operating system is intended for use in a office, home office (SOHO) environment with a limited number of users. A (NOS) is designed for a corporate environment serving multiple users with a wide range of needs.

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

3 In the current software market, the commonly used desktop operating systems fall into three groups: , Apple Mac OS, and . This chapter focuses on Microsoft operating systems.

Microsoft Windows

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems today. The following versions of Windows are available:

• Windows 7 Starter - Used on netbook computers to networking easy

• Windows 7 Home Premium - Used on home computers to easily media

• Windows 7 Professional - Used on small business computers to secure critical information and to make routine tasks easier to complete

• Windows 7 - Used on large business computers to provide more enhanced productivity, security, and management features

• Windows 7 Ultimate - Used on computers to combine the ease of use of Windows 7 Home Premium with the business capabilities of Windows 7 Professional and provide added data security

• Windows Vista Home Basic - Used on home computers for basic computing

• Windows Vista Home Premium - Used on home computers to personal productivity and digital entertainment beyond the

• Windows Vista Business - Used on small business computers for enhanced security and enhanced mobility

• Windows Vista Enterprise - Used on large business computers to provide more enhanced productivity, security, and management features

• Windows Vista Ultimate - Used on computers to combine all the needs of both home and business users

• Windows XP Professional - Used on most computers that connect to a Windows on a network

• Windows XP Home - Used on home computers and has limited security

4 • Windows XP Media Center - Used on entertainment computers for viewing movies and listening to

• Windows XP 64-bit Professional - Used for computers with 64-bit processors

Apple Mac OS

Apple computers are Intel-based PCs and use an operating system called Mac OS. Mac OS is designed to be a user- friendly GUI operating system.

Linux

Unix was introduced in the late 1960s and is one of the oldest operating systems. Linux is an operating system based on . designed Linux in 1991 as an open-source OS. Open-source programs allow the source code to be distributed and changed by anyone as a free download or by developers at a much lower cost than other operating systems.

NOTE: In this course, all command paths refer to Microsoft Windows, unless otherwise noted. Network Operating Systems

A NOS contains additional features to increase functionality and manageability in a networked environment. A NOS has the following characteristics:

• Supports multiple users

• Runs multi-user applications

• Provides increased security compared to desktop operating systems

A NOS provides network resources to computers, including:

• Server applications, such as shared databases

• Centralized data storage

• Centralized repository of user accounts and resources on the network

• Network queue

• Redundant storage systems, such as RAID and backups

The following are examples of network operating systems:

• Windows Server

5 • Red Hat Linux

• Mac OS X Server Customer Requirements for an Operating System OS Compatible Applications and Environments

Understanding how a computer will be used is important when recommending an OS to a customer. The OS must be compatible with the existing hardware and the required applications. Before recommending an OS to a customer, investigate the types of applications that the customer will be using and whether new computers will be purchased.

To make an OS recommendation, a technician must review budget constraints, learn how the computer will be used, and determine which types of applications will be installed. These are some guidelines to determine the best OS for a customer:

• Does the customer use off-the-shelf applications for this computer? Off-the-shelf applications specify a list of compatible operating systems on the application package.

• Does the customer use customized applications that were programmed specifically for the customer? If the customer is using a customized application, the of that application specifies which OS to use. Minimum Hardware Requirements and Compatibility with the OS Platform

Operating systems have minimum hardware requirements that must be met for the OS to install and function correctly.

Identify the equipment that your customer has in place. If hardware are necessary to meet the minimum requirements for an OS, conduct a cost analysis to determine the best course of action. In some cases, it might be expensive for the customer to purchase a new computer than to the current system. In other cases, it might be cost effective to upgrade one or more of the following components:

• RAM

• Hard disk drive

• CPU

• Video adapter card

•

6 NOTE: If the application requirements exceed the hardware requirements of the OS, you must meet the additional requirements for the application to function properly.

After you have determined the minimum hardware requirements, ensure that all hardware in the computer is compatible with the OS that you have selected for the customer.

Microsoft Compatibility Center

Windows 7 and Windows Vista have an online Compatibility Center that allows technicians to check the compatibility of both software and hardware, as shown in the figure. The tool provides a detailed inventory of hardware that has been tested and proven to work with Windows 7 and Windows Vista. If any of the customer’s existing hardware is not on the list, those components might need to be upgraded.

The Microsoft Compatibility Center does not support Windows XP. Windows XP has a Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) that can be found on the manufacturer's website.

NOTE: An HCL specified for an OS might not be continuously maintained and therefore may not contain all compatible hardware.

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Operating System Upgrades Checking OS Compatibility

An OS must be upgraded periodically to remain compatible with the latest hardware and software. It is also necessary to upgrade an OS when a manufacturer stops supporting it. Upgrading an OS can increase performance. New hardware

9 products often require that the latest OS version be installed to operate correctly. While upgrading an OS may be expensive, you can gain enhanced functionality through new features and support for newer hardware.

NOTE: When newer versions of an OS are released, support for older versions is eventually withdrawn.

Before upgrading the operating system, check the minimum hardware requirements of the new OS to ensure that it can be installed successfully on the computer. Also check the Windows Compatibility Center for Windows 7 and Vista, or the Windows XP HCL to ensure that the hardware is compatible with the new OS.

Upgrade Advisor

Microsoft provides a free utility called the Upgrade Advisor, which scans the system for hardware and software incompatibility issues in hardware before upgrading to newer editions of the Windows OS. The Upgrade Advisor creates a report of any problems and then guides you through the steps to resolve them. You can download the Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Windows website.

To use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft website.

Step 2. Click check. The program scans your , devices, and installed software. A compatibility report is presented.

Step 3. Click Save Report if you want to keep it or print it later.

Step 4. Examine the report. Record any recommended fixes for the issues found.

Step 5. Click Close.

After making the changes to hardware, devices, or software, Microsoft recommends running the Upgrade Advisor again before installing the new OS. Windows OS Upgrades

The process of upgrading a computer’s OS can be quicker than performing a new installation. The upgrade process varies depending on the version. For example, the Windows 7 setup utility replaces existing Windows Vista files with Windows 7 files. However, the existing applications and settings are saved.

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. Before attempting an upgrade, check the OS developer's website for a list of possible upgrade paths.

NOTE: Prior to performing an upgrade, back up all data in case there is a problem with the installation. 10 To upgrade the OS to Windows 7, follow these steps:

Step 1. Insert the Windows 7 disc into the optical drive. The Set Up appears.

Step 2. Select the Install now option.

Step 3. You are prompted to download any important updates for installation.

Step 4. Agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA), and click Next.

Step 5. Click Upgrade. The system begins copying the installation files.

Step 6. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When the install is complete, the computer restarts.

NOTE: Before you can upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista, you must install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or 3.

To upgrade the OS to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

Step 1. Insert the Windows Vista disc into the optical drive. The Set Up window appears.

Step 2. Select Install Windows Vista.

Step 3. You are prompted to download any important updates.

Step 4. Enter your product key and then agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA).

Step 5. Click Upgrade. The system begins copying the installation files.

Step 6. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When the install is complete, the computer restarts.

To upgrade the OS to Windows XP, follow these steps:

Step 1. Insert the Windows XP disc into the optical drive.

Step 2. Select Start > Run. (The Setup Wizard might automatically start when the disc is inserted in the optical drive.)

Step 3. In the Run box, where is the drive for the optical drive, D:\\winnt32 and press Enter. The Welcome to the Windows XP Setup Wizard displays.

Step 4. Choose Upgrade to Windows XP and click Next. The License Agreement displays.

11 Step 5. the license agreement and click the button to accept this agreement.

Step 6. Click Next. The Upgrading to the Windows XP NTFS page displays.

Step 7. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When the install is complete, the computer restarts. Data Migration

When a new installation is required, user data must be migrated from the old OS to the new one. There are three tools available to transfer data and settings. The tool you select depends on your level of experience and your requirements.

User State Migration Tool

The Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) migrates all user files and settings to the new OS, as shown in Figure 1. Download and install USMT from Microsoft. You then use the software to create a store of user files and settings that are saved in a different location from the OS. After the new OS is installed, download and install USMT again to load the user files and settings on the new OS.

Windows Easy Transfer

If a user is switching from an old computer to a new one, you can use to migrate personal files and settings, as shown in Figure 2. You can perform the file transfer using a USB cable, or DVD, a USB flash drive, an external drive, or a network connection.

After running Windows Easy Transfer, you can view a log of the files transferred. To access Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, use the following :

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Windows Easy Transfer

On Windows XP, you must first download the Windows Easy Transfer program. After it has been downloaded, access it using the following path:

12 Start > All Programs > Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer replaced the Windows XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard.

File and Settings Transfer Wizard for Windows XP

The File and Settings Transfer Wizard for Windows XP, as shown in Figure 3, transfers files and settings from an old computer to a new computer. It allows the user to select which files and settings to transfer. You can transfer files using storage media, a cabled connection, or a network connection. To access the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, use the following path:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

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