1. IT Essentials PC Hardware
and Software 4.1
Instructional Resource
Chapter 5: Fundamental
Operating Systems
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 1

2. Chapter 5: 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.
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3. Chapter 5: Critical Concepts
 What is this chapter about and why is it important?
 This chapter discusses operating systems (OS). It covers the functions and
terminology of operating systems, specifically Windows 2000, Windows XP, and
Windows Vista. Because operating system functionality varies, this chapter explains
how to determine the appropriate OS based on customer needs. The student will
install an OS, navigate the GUI, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot
computer problems that are related to the OS.
 This chapter is important because operating systems control most of the functions of
a computer. Most software, such as Microsoft Office, requires an OS to operate.
Many of the common computer problems that technicians must solve are related to
the OS.
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4. Chapter 5: Activities
 What activities are associated with this chapter?
5.2.2 Worksheet: NOS Certifications and Jobs
5.3.2 Worksheet: Upgrade Hardware Components
5.4.2 Lab: Install Windows XP
5.4.2 Optional Lab: Install Windows Vista
5.4.5 Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows XP
5.4.5 Optional Lab: Create Accounts and Check For Updates in Windows Vista
5.4.8 Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows XP
5.4.8 Optional Lab: Managing System Files with Built-in Utilities in Windows Vista
5.4.9 Worksheet: Answer NTFS and FAT32 Questions
5.5.1 Lab: Run Commands in Windows XP
5.5.1 Optional Lab: Run Commands in Windows Vista
5.5.3 Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows XP
5.5.3 Optional Lab: Managing Administrative Settings and Snap-ins in Windows
Vista
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5. Chapter 5: Activities (continued)
 What activities are associated with this chapter?
5.5.4 Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows XP
5.5.4 Optional Lab: Install Third-Party Software in Windows Vista
5.6.2 Lab: Restore Points in Windows XP
5.6.2 Optional Lab: Restore Points in Windows Vista
5.6.3 Lab: XP Registry Backup and Recovery in Windows XP
5.7.2 Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows XP
5.7.2 Optional Lab: Managing Device Drivers with Device Manager in Windows
Vista
Chapter 5 Quiz
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6. Chapter 5: New Terms
 What terms are introduced in this chapter?
active partition 5.4.1
administrator 5.4.4
Application Programming Interface (API) 5.1.1
application software 5.1.1
Automatic Update 5.6.2
Backup 5.6.3
bootable disk 5.7.2
Cluster 5.4.1
Command Line Interface (CLI) 5.1.1
conventional memory 5.1.2
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7. Chapter 5: New Terms (continued)
 What terms are introduced in this chapter?
copy backup 5.6.3
cylinder 5.4.1
daily backup 5.6.3
desktop 5.5.1
differential backup 5.6.3
Digital Audio Tape (DAT) 5.6.3
Digital Linear Tape (DLT) 5.6.3
directory 5.1.1
display 5.5.2
drive mapping 5.4.1
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8. Chapter 5: New Terms (continued)
 What terms are introduced in this chapter?
extended partition 5.4.1
external hard drive 5.6.3
file 5.1.1
File Allocation Table (FAT) 5.4.2
file extension 5.4.9
file management 5.1.1
file system 5.4.2
firmware 5.6.1
full backup 5.6.3
Graphical User Interface (GUI) 5.1.1
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9. Chapter 5: New Terms (continued)
 What terms are introduced in this chapter?
Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) 5.3.2
HKEY_ 5.4.7
incremental backup 5.6.3
kernel 5.4.7
Linux 5.2.1
logical drive 5.4.1
Master Boot Record (MBR) 5.4.3
MSCONFIG 5.4.8
multitask 5.1.2
multithread 5.1.2
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10. Chapter 5: New Terms (continued)
 What terms are introduced in this chapter?
Network Operating System (NOS ) 5.2.2
New Technology File System (NTFS) 5.4.2
non-bootable disk 5.7.2
NT loader (NTLDR) 5.4.7
NTDETECT 5.4.7
sector 5.4.1
Task Manager 5.5.3
track 5.4.1
UNIX 5.2.1
user interface 5.1.1
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11. Chapter 5: Changes
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.1.2 Explain operating system concepts
• Application compatibility
• Windows compatibility mode
• UAC
• 32-bit vs. 64-bit
• x86 vs. x64
Page 5.2.1 Describe desktop operating systems
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Ultimate
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12. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with
the OS platform
• Minimum hardware requirements
• Hardware Compatibility List
Page 5.4.3 Install the operating system using default settings
• Repair installation
Page 5.4.5 Complete the installation
• Device Manager
•Verify hardware detected.
• Install and update device drivers.
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13. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.4.6 Describe custom installation options
• Network Installation
• Recovery Disc
• Factory Recovery Partition
Page 5.4.7 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files
• Disk boot order/device priority
•Types of boot devices
• Windows 2000 and newer – upgrade paths and requirements
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14. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.4.8 Describe how to manipulate operating system files
• Command line utilities
•Msconfig
•Regedit
•Msinfo32
•Dxdiag
•Cmd
Page 5.5.1 Manipulate items on the desktop
• Sidebar
• Aero
• User interface
• Start bar layout
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15. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.5.3 Explore administrative tools
• Computer Management
• Device Manager
• Services
• Performance Monitor
• Event Viewer
• MMC
Page 5.5.5 Describe upgrading an operating system
• User State Migration Tool
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16. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.6.1 Create a preventive maintenance plan
• Driver Updates
• Firmware Updates
• OS Updates
• Security
Page 5.6.2 Schedule a task
• Startup programs
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17. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process
• Identify the Problem
• Establish a Theory of Probable Causes
• Determine an Exact Cause
• Implement a Solution
• Verify Solution and Full System Functionality
• Document Findings
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18. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions
• OS-related symptoms
•The computer displays a Bluescreen.
•The system locks up.
•An input or output device does not respond.
•An application does not install.
•The operating system will not start.
• Windows-specific printing problems
•The print spool stops responding.
• Hardware-related symptoms
•Excessive heat
•Noise
•Odors
•Status light indicators
•Alerts
•Visible damage to components.
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19. Chapter 5: Changes (continued)
 What has changed from the previous version (4.0) of ITEPC?
Page 5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions (continued)
• Documentation and resources
•User manuals
•Internet-based information
•Training materials
• Device Manager
•Verify
•Device driver updates
•Driver signing
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20. Chapter 5: Classroom Management
 This chapter labs might take more than one class period to complete.
 When installing an operating system, ensure that the computer is disconnected
from the Internet. Students should install the Windows XP operating system,
install service pack 2, connect to the Internet, and then check for updates.
 When creating a backup in class, select a folder that contains limited data to
reduce the time needed for the copying process.
 Students should be able to use the following command line utilities:
 msconfig to start the System Configuration utility
 devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager
 msinfo32 to open the System Information window
 compmgmt.msc to open the Computer Management window
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21. Chapter 5: Classroom Management
(continued)
 Minimum hardware requirements for a Windows operating system are required
to install the operating system on the computer. For the computer to operate
efficiently, more RAM and hard drive space are needed.
 Planning an operating system upgrade or installation should take more time
than the installation. The following list should be emphasized to students:
•Ensure the hardware meets the new operating system’s minimum
requirements.
•Ensure the hardware and software is compatible with the new operating
system.
•Plan hardware upgrades before the operating system upgrade.
•Plan the file system before starting the operating system upgrade or
installation.
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22. Chapter 5: Teaching Analogies
 Windows updates are like service recalls for your car. Windows updates repair the
operating system, add a new feature to the operating system, or provide a layer of
security that was not present before.
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23. Chapter 5: Suggested Class Discussions
 What are the pros and cons of the different types of backups?
 What are the pros and cons of automatic updates for Windows?
 When would a technician use Task Scheduler?
 What is the purpose of UAC in the Windows Vista environment?
 What situations would multiple operating systems on a computer be useful?
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24. Chapter 5: Best Practices
 Students tend to rush through operating system labs by clicking Next without
reading the screen. To avoid this, have checkpoints in the lab where the
instructor must see what the student is doing and ask questions about the lab
and chapter content.
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25. Chapter 5: Outside Reading
Microsoft Windows Website
Apple OS Website
Linux Website
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