Cisco Networking Academy Program
IT Essentials 5.0
Chapter 5: Modern Operating Systems
Chapter 5 Objectives
Chapter Introduction
After completing this chapter, students 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 GUI.
Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems.
Troubleshoot operating systems.
5.1.1.1 Terms
Almost all modern operating systems are multi-user and multi-tasking, and they support multi-processing and multi-threading.
5.1.1.2 Explain the 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 - The operating system manages the interaction between applications and the hardware. To access and communicate with the hardware, 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. The process of assigning system resources and installing drivers can be performed with Plug and Play (PnP). The operating system automatically detects the PnP-compatible hardware and installs the driver for that component. The operating system then configures the device and updates the registry, which is a database that contains all the information about the computer.
NOTE: The registry contains information about applications, users, hardware, network settings, and file types.
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. 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 operating system enables the user to interact with software and hardware. There are two types of user interfaces:
Command Line Interface (CLI) – The user types commands at a prompt.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) – The user interacts with menus and icons.
Most operating systems, such as Windows Vista and Windows 7, include both a GUI and a CLI.
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. Applications are software programs, such as word processors, databases, spreadsheets, games, and many other applications. The operating system ensures that each application has adequate system resources. Application programming interface (API) is a set of guidelines used by programmers to ensure that the application they are developing is compatible with an operating system. Here are two examples of APIs:
Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) – Cross-platform standard specification for multimedia graphics
DirectX – Collection of APIs related to multimedia tasks for Microsoft Windows
Windows API – Allows applications from older versions os Windows to operate on newer versions
Java -APIs related to the development of Java programming
5.1.1.3 Processor Architecture
32-bit vs. 64-bit x86 Processor vs. x64 Processor There are three main differences between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. A 32-bit operating system, such as Windows XP Professional, is capable of addressing only 4 GB of RAM, while a 64-bit operating system can address more than 128 GB of RAM. Memory management is also different between these two types of operating systems, resulting in enhanced performance of 64-bit programs. A 64-bit operating system, such as Windows Vista 64-bit and Windows 7 also have additional security features.
Processor ArchitectureThere are two common architectures used by CPUs to process data: x86 (32-bit architecture) and x64 (64-bit architecture). x86 uses a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) architecture to process multiple instructions with a single request. Registers are storage areas used by the CPU when performing calculations. x86 processors use fewer registers than x64 processors. x64 architecture is backward compatible with x86 and adds additional registers specifically for instructions that use a 64-bit address space. The additional registers of the x64 architecture allow the computer to process much more complex instructions at a much higher rate.
5.1.1.3 Processor Architecture
32-bit and 64-bit Compatibility in Windows OS
5.1.2 Types of Operating Systems
5.1.2.1 Desktop OS
5.1.2.2 Network OS
There are two distinct types of operating systems: desktop operating systems and 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.
5.1.2.1 Desktop operating systems
The differences between desktop operating systems are typically related to availability and how much can be accomplished using the GUI:
Windows and MAC OS users can perform the majority of tasks through the GUI.
Linux and UNIX users must understand and use the CLI to perform some tasks.
The code for an operating system will be either open source or proprietary:
Open source applications can be read and modified. There are few restrictions on downloading, using, or rewriting open source software. Programmers openly share code with other programmers. Linux distributions are open source.
Proprietary applications cannot be read or modified. Proprietary software agreements restrict the use of the software, identifying where and when the software may be used. Microsoft Windows products are proprietary.
NOTE: In this course, all command paths refer to Microsoft Windows unless otherwise noted.
5.1.2.2 Describe network operating systems
Microsoft Windows – Network operating systems offered by Microsoft are Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012. Windows Server operating systems use a central database called Active Directory to manage network resources.
Linux – Linux operating systems include Red Hat, Caldera, SuSE, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu and Slackware.
UNIX – Various corporations offered proprietary operating systems, based on UNIX
5.1.2.3 Worksheet -Research NOS Certifications and Jobs
5.1.3 Customer Requirements for an Operating System
5.1.3.1 OS Compatible Application and Environments
An operating system should be compatible with all applications that are installed on a computer. Before recommending an OS to your customer, investigate the types of applications that your customer will be using. If the computer will be part of a network, the operating system must also be compatible with the operating systems of the other computers in the network. The network type determines what operating systems are compatible. Microsoft Windows networks can have multiple computers using different versions of Microsoft operating systems.
5.1.3.2 Determine 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 upgrades 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 may be less expensive for the customer to purchase a new computer than to upgrade the current system.
NOTE: In some cases, the application requirements may exceed the hardware requirements of the operating system. For the application to function properly, it will be necessary to satisfy the additional requirements.
Once you have determined the minimum hardware requirements for an OS, you should ensure that all of the hardware in the computer is compatible with the operating system that you have selected for your customer.
5.1.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with the OS platform
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
5.1.3.3 Activity –Comparing OS Requirements
5.1.4 Operating System Upgrades
5.1.4.1 Checking OS Compatibility
5.1.4.2 Windows OS 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
5.1.4.3 Data Migration
5.1.4.4 Lab – Data Migration in Windows 7
5.1.4.5 Lab - Data Migration in Windows Vista
5.1.4.6 Lab - Data Migration in Windows XP
5.2 Operating system installation
NOTE: When you perform a clean install on an existing computer, you should back up all data first. You should also explain to the customer that existing data will be erased. As an extra precaution, some businesses hold the computer for a period of time to guarantee that all needed information has been successfully transferred before carrying out the clean install.
After completing this section, students will meet these objectives:
Identify hard drive setup procedures
Prepare the hard drive
Install the operating system using default settings
Create user accounts
Complete the installation
Describe custom installation options
Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files
Describe how to manipulate operating system files
Describe directory structures
5.2.1 Identify 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. To install an OS from a CD or DVD, first configure the BIOS setup to boot the system from the CD or DVD.
5.2.1.1 Hard Drive Partitioning
Before installing an operating system on a hard drive, the hard drive must be partitioned and formatted. When a hard drive is partitioned, it is logically divided into one or more areas. When a hard drive is formatted, the partitions are prepared to hold files and applications. During the installation phase, most operating systems automatically partition and format the hard drive. A technician should understand the process relating to hard drive setup
Primary partition – This partition is usually the first partition. A primary partition cannot be subdivided into smaller sections. There can be up to four partitions per hard drive.
Active partition – This partition is the partition used by the operating system to boot the computer. Only one primary partition can be marked active.
Extended partition – This partition normally uses the remaining free space on a hard drive or takes the place of a primary partition. There can be only one extended partition per hard drive, and it can be subdivided into smaller sections called logical drives.
Logical drive – This drive is a section of an extended partition that can be used to separate information for administrative purposes.
Formatting – This process prepares a file system in a partition for files to be stored.
Cluster – A cluster is also called a file allocation unit. It is the smallest unit of space used for storing data.
Track – A track is one complete circle of data on one side of a hard drive platter. A track is broken into groups of 512 bytes, called sectors.
Cylinder – A cylinder is a stack of tracks lined up one on top of another to form a cylinder shape.
Drive mapping – Drive mapping is a letter assigned to a physical or logical drive.
5.2.1.2 Hard Drive Formatting
The disk must first be partitioned and formatted. This is similar to preparing a large garden plot. Partitioning is similar to laying out footpaths and ditches for irrigation and drainage. This defines the size and shape of your garden. Formatting is similar to laying out rows or beds. These are sized according to the crops that you wish to plant.
The FAT32 file system records the position of files on the disk using File Allocation Tables and 32-bit addressing (FAT32).
The New Technology File System (NTFS) uses a journaling system to record changes to the file system and a Master File Table (MFT) to record information about each file. NTFS is usually more reliable than FAT32 and incorporates security.
5.2.1.3 Worksheet – Answer NTFS and FAT32 questions.
5.2.1.4 Install the operating system with default settings
Install now - Sets up and installs the Windows 7 OS.
What to know before installing Windows - Opens a Help and Support window describing the Upgrade and Custom options for installing Windows 7. The window also describes how to prepare for and install Windows 7.
Repair your computer - Opens the System Recovery Options utility to repair an installation.
Under the Install now option. Three options are available:
Upgrade - Upgrades Windows but keeps your current files, settings, and programs. You can use this option to repair an installation.
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. Selecting a custom installation increases the likelihood of a successful installation.
Quit - Exits Setup.
Note: If existing Windows installations are not found, the Upgrade option is disabled.
5.2.1.5 Lab – Install Windows 7
5.2.1.6 Lab – Install Windows Vista
5.2.1.7 Lab – Install Windows XP
5.2.1.8 Account Creation
Windows 7 has three types of user accounts: Administrator, Standard, and Guest.
The Administrator Account must be created when Windows 7 is installed.
To create or remove a user account in Windows 7 use :
Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Add or remove user accounts
5.2.1.9 Lab – Check for updates in Windows 7
5.2.1.10 Lab – Check for updates in Windows Vista
5.2.1.11 Lab – Check for updates in Windows XP
5.2.1.12 Complete the installation
You must register Windows 7. You must also complete the verification that ensures that you are using a legal copy of the OS. Doing so will enable you to download patches and service packs. Performing this step requires a connection to the Internet.
Depending on the age of the media at the time of your installation, there may be updates to install. You can use the Microsoft Update Manager from the Start menu to scan for new software and to do the following:
Install all service packs
Install all patches
You should also verify that all hardware is installed correctly. You can use Device Manager to locate problems and to install the correct or updated drivers.
5.2.2 Custom installation options
5.2.2.1 Disk Cloning
You can use the Microsoft System Preparation (Sysprep) tool to install and configure the same operating system on multiple computers. Sysprep prepares an operating system that will be used on computers with different hardware configurations. With Sysprep and a disk cloning application, technicians are able to quickly install an operating system, complete the last configuration steps for the OS setup, and install applications.
Disk Cloning creates an image of a hard drive in a computer.
5.2.2.2 Describe 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.
5.2.2.3 Lab – Advanced Installation of Windows 7
5.2.2.4 Lab – Advanced Installation of Windows Vista
5.2.2.5 Lab – Advanced Installation of Windows XP
5.2.2.6 System Recovery Options
5.2.3 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files
5.2.3.1 Windows 7 Boot Process
5.2.3.2 Startup Modes
You can boot Windows in one of many different 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.
5.2.3.3 Windows Registry
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 the background of the desktop and the color of the screen buttons to the licensing of applications—is stored in the Registry.
Each user has a unique section of the Registry. The Windows login process pulls system settings from the Registry to reconfigure the system to the state that it was in the last time that you turned it on.
The Registry is also responsible for recording the location of Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files. A DLL file consists of program code that can be used by different programs to perform common functions. As a result, DLL files are very important to the functionality of an operating system and any application users may install.
5.2.3.4 Lab – Registry Backup and Recovery
5.2.4.1 Multiboot Procedure
5.2.4.2 Disk Management Utility
Student Activity
5.2.4.3 Lab – Create a Partition in Windows 7
5.2.4.4 Lab – Create a Partition in Windows Vista
5.2.4.5 Lab – Create a Partition in Windows XP
5.2.5.1 Directory Structures
5.2.5.3 File Extensions and Attributes
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The directory structure maintains a set of attributes for each file that controls how the file may be viewed or altered. The following are the most common file attributes:
R - The file is read-only.
A - The file will be archived the next time that the disk is backed up.
S - The file is marked as a system file and a warning is given if an attempt is made to delete or modify the file.
H - The file is hidden in the directory display.
5.3 The Windows GUI and Control Panel
5.3.1.1 Windows Desktop
A desktop on a computer is a graphical representation of a workspace. The desktop has icons, toolbars, and menus to manipulate files. The desktop can be customized with images, sounds, and colors to provide a more personalized look and feel. All of these customizable items together make up a theme.
5.3.1.2 Windows Desktop Properties
5.3.1.3 Start Menu and Taskbar
5.3.1.4 Task Manager
5.3.1.6 Lab – Task manager (Managing Processes) Windows 7
5.3.1.7 Lab – Task manager (Managing Processes) Windows Vista
5.3.1.8 Lab – Task manager (Managing Processes) Windows XP
5.3.1.8 Computer and Windows Explorer
5.3.1.9 Windows 7 Libraries
5.3.2.1 Introduction to Control Panel Utilities
5.3.2.2 User Accounts
Student Activity
5.3.2.3 Lab – Create User Accounts in Windows 7
5.3.2.4 Lab – Create User Accounts in Windows Vista
5.3.2.5 Lab – Create User Accounts in Windows XP
5.3.2.6 Internet Options
5.3.2.7 Lab – Configure Browser Settings in Windows 7
5.3.2.8 Lab – Configure Browser Settings in Windows Vista
5.3.2.9 Lab – Configure Browser Settings in Windows XP
5.3.2.12 Action Center
5.3.2.13 Windows Firewall
5.3.2.15 System Utility
5.3.2.16 Lab - Managing Virtual Memory Windows 7
5.3.2.17 Lab - Managing Virtual Memory Windows Vista
5.3.2.18 Lab - Managing Virtual Memory Windows XP
5.3.2.19 Device Manager
The device manager allows you to view all of the settings for devices in the computer. A common task for technicians is to view the values assigned for the IRQ, I/O addresses, and the DMA setting for all of the devices in the computer.
From the Device Manager, you can quickly view the properties of any device in the system by double-clicking the device name. You can view which version of the driver is installed in your computer, view driver file details, update a driver, or even roll back or uninstall a device driver. You can compare the driver version listed here with the version available from the website of your device manufacturer.
5.3.2.20 Lab - Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows 7
5.3.2.21 Lab - Lab - Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows Vista
5.3.2.22 Lab - Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows XP
5.3.3 Administrative Tools
5.3.3.1 Event Viewer
The Computer Management console allows you to manage many aspects of both your computer and remote computers.
5.3.3.2 Event Viewer
The Event Viewer logs a history of events regarding applications, security, and the system. These log files are a valuable troubleshooting tool.
5.3.3.3 Services
Services are executable programs that require little or no user input. Services can be set to run automatically when Windows starts, or manually when required. The Services console allows you to manage all of the services on your computer and remote computers. You can start, stop, or disable services. You can also change how a service starts, or define actions for the computer to perform automatically when a service fails. You must have administrative privileges to access the Services console.
5.3.3.4 Performance MonitorThe Performance Monitor console has two distinct parts: the System Monitor and Performance Logs and Alerts. The System Monitor displays real-time information about the processors, disks, memory, and network usage for your computer. You can easily summarize these activities through histograms, graphs, and reports.
Performance Logs and Alerts allow you to record the performance data and configure alerts. The alerts will notify you when a specified usage falls below or rises above a specified threshold. You can set alerts to create entries in the event log, send a network message, begin a performance log, run a specific program, or any combination of these. You must have administrative privileges to access the Performance Monitor console.
5.3.3.5 – Monitor and Manage System Resources in Windows 7
5.3.3.6 - Monitor and Manage System Resources in Windows Vista
5.3.3.7 - Monitor and Manage System Resources in Windows XP
5.3.4 System Tools
5.3.4.1 Disk Defragmenter and Disk Error- Checking Tool
5.3.4.2 Lab – Hard Drive Maintenance in Windows 7
5.3.4.3 Lab - Hard Drive Maintenance in Windows Vista
5.3.4.4 Lab - Hard Drive Maintenance in Windows XP
5.3.4.5 System Information
5.3.4.6 – Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows 7
5.3.4.7 - Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows Vista
5.3.4.8 - Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows XP
5.3.5.1 Remote Desktop
5.3.5.2 Lab – Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance in Windows 7
5.3.5.3 Lab – Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance in Windows Vista
5.3.5.4 Lab - Lab – Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance in Windows XP
5.3.6.1 Windows 7 Unique Utilities
5.3.6.2 Windows Vista Unique Utilities
5.3.6.3 Windows XP Unique Utilities
5.3.7.1 Command-Line Tools
5.3.7.2 Lab – Working with CLI Commands in Windows
5.3.7.3 Run Line Utility
5.3.7.4 Lab – Run Line Utilities in Windows 7
5.3.7.5 Lab – Run Line Utilities in Windows Vista
5.3.7.6 Lab – Run Line Utilities in Windows XP
5.4.1.1 Purpose of Virtualization
5.4.1.2 Hypervisor: Virtual Machine Manage
5.4.1.3 Virtual Machine PC Requirements
5.4.1.4 Lab – Install Virtual PC
5.5.1.1 Preventive Maintenance Plan Contents
To ensure that an OS remains fully functional, you must implement a preventive maintenance plan. A preventive maintenance plan provides the following benefits to users and organizations:
Decreased downtime
Improved performance
Improved reliability
Decreased repair costs
5.5.1.2 Lab – Managing the Startup Folder in Windows 7
5.5.1.3 Lab - Managing the Startup Folder in Windows Vista
5.5.1.4 Lab - Managing the Startup Folder in Windows XP
5.5.1.6 Schedule tasks
Some preventive maintenance consists of cleaning, inspecting, and doing minor repairs. Some preventive maintenance uses application tools that are either already in the operating system or can be loaded onto the user's hard drive. Most preventive maintenance applications can be set to run automatically according to a schedule.
Two utilities that are useful tools for preventive maintenance are:
CHKDSK - CHKDSK checks the integrity of files and folders and scan the hard disk surface for physical errors. Consider using them at least once a month and also whenever a sudden loss of power causes the system to shut down.
Defrag - As files increase in size, some data is written to the next available space on the disk. In time, data becomes fragmented, or spread all over the hard drive. It takes time to seek each section of the data. Defrag gathers the noncontiguous data into one place, making files run faster.
5.5.1.7 Lab – Schedule a Task Using the GUI and the at Command in Windows 7
5.5.1.8 Lab – Schedule a Task Using the GUI and the at Command in Windows Vista
5.5.1.9 Lab -Schedule a Task Using the GUI and the at Command in Windows XP
5.5.1.10 Restore point
An update can sometimes causes serious problems. Perhaps an older program is in the system that is not compatible with the current operating system. An automatic update may install code that will work for most users but does not work with your system.
Windows 7 can create an image of the current computer settings, called a restore point. Then, if the computer crashes, or an update causes system problems, the computer can roll back to a previous configuration.
NOTE: A restore point backs up drivers, system files, and registry settings but not application data.
A recovery CD contains the essential files used to repair the system after a serious issue, such as a hard drive crash. The recovery CD can contain the original version of Windows, hardware drivers, and application software. When the recovery CD is used, the computer will be restored to the original default configuration.
5.5.1.11 Lab – Use the System Restore Tool in Windows 7
5.5.1.12 Lab – Use the System Restore Tool in Windows Vista
5.5.1.13 Lab – Use the System Restore Tool in Windows XP
5.5.1.14 Back up the hard drive
Just as the system restore points allow the restoration of OS configuration files, backup tools allow recovery of data. You can use the Microsoft Backup Tool to perform backups as required. It is important to establish a backup strategy that includes data recovery. The organization’s requirements will determine how often the data must be backed up and the type of backup to perform.
It can take a long time to run a backup. If the backup strategy is followed carefully, it will not be necessary to backup every file at every backup. It is only necessary to make copies of the files that have changed since the last backup. For this reason, there are several different types of backup.
5.5.1.4 Back up the hard drive
A normal backup is also called a full backup. During a normal backup, all selected files on the disk are archived to the backup medium. These files are marked as having been archived.
A copy backup will copy all selected files. It does not mark the files as having been archived.
A differential backup backs up all the files and folders that have been created or modified since the last normal backup or the last incremental backup. The differential backup does not mark the files as having been archived. Copies will be made from the same starting point until the next incremental or full backup is performed.
An incremental backup procedure backs up all the files and folders that have been created or modified since the last normal or incremental backup. It marks the files as having been archived. This has the effect of advancing the starting point of differential backups without having to re-archive the entire contents of the drive.
Daily backups only back up the files that are modified on the day of the backup. Daily backups do not mark the files as being archived.
There are many types of backup media available for computers:
Tape drives are devices that are used for data backup on a network server drive. Tape drives are an inexpensive way to store a large amount of data.
The Digital Audio Tape (DAT) tape standard uses 4 mm digital audiotapes to store data in the Digital Data Storage (DSS) format.
Digital Linear Tape (DLT) technology offers high-capacity and relatively high-speed tape backup capabilities.
USB flash memory can hold hundreds of times the data that a floppy disk can hold. USB flash memory devices are available in many capacities and offer better transfer rates than tape devices.
Optical media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs, are plastic discs used to store data. Many formats and capacities of optical media are available. A DVD holds much more data than a CD, and a Blu-ray Disc holds much more data than a DVD.
External Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are hard drives that are connected to your computer using a USB, FireWire, or external Serial ATA (eSATA) connection. External HDDs can hold very large amounts of data and can transfer data very quickly.
5.6.1 Apply the Troubleshooting Process to Operating Systems
Most operating systems contain utilities to assist in the troubleshooting process. These utilities help a technician to determine why the computer crashes or does not boot properly. The utilities also help identify the problem and how to resolve it.
5.6.1.1 Identify the Problem
When a customer is not able to accurately describe the problem, there are other ways to evaluate the situation in subsequent steps in the troubleshooting process.
5.6.1.2 Establish a Theory of Probable Causes
5.6.1.3 Determine the Exact Cause
If the exact cause of the problem has not been determined after you have tested all your theories, establish a new theory of probable causes and test it.
5.6.1.4 Implement a Solution
If a quick procedure does correct the problem, you can go to step 5 to verify the solution and full system functionality.
Evaluate the problem and research possible solutions. Divide larger problems into smaller problems that can be analyzed and solved individually. Prioritize solutions starting with the easiest and fastest to implement.
Check:
Helpdesk repair logs
Other techs
Manufacturer FAQs
Technical websites’
News groups
Computer manuals
Device manuals
Online forums
Internet search
5.6.1.5
Verify Solution and System Functionality
5.6.1.6 Document Findings
5.6.2.1 Common problems and solutions
[Direct the students to the curriculum to see all the charts explaining more common problems and solutions]
Chapter 5 Summary
This chapter introduced computer operating systems. A technician should be skilled at installing, configuring, and troubleshooting an operating system.