Chapter 5:

Operating Systems

IT Essentials 5.0

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Chapter 5 Objectives
5.1 Explain the characteristics and basic functions of
modern operating systems

5.1 Describe and compare types of operating systems

to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities
5.1 Determine operating system based on customer
needs
5.2 Install an operating system
5.3 Navigate a GUI (Windows)
5.4 Explain the advantages of Virtualization and install
Virtual PC

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Chapter 5 Objectives (continued)

5.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance
techniques for operating systems
5.6 Troubleshoot operating systems

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

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.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Characteristics of an Operating System

Multi-user Two or more users have individual accounts that
allow them to work with programs and peripheral devices at the
same time.

Multitasking The computer is capable of operating multiple

applications at the same time.
Multiprocessing 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 individual programs to be multitasked.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Basic Function of an Operating System

All computers 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.
The operating system has four main roles:
Control hardware access
Manage files and folders
Provide user interface
Manage applications

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

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)
x86 processors use fewer registers than x64 processors

64-bit Windows Operating System and x64 Processor

Architecture
Capable of addressing 128+ GB of RAM
Enhanced performance for memory management

Additional security features

x64 architecture is backward compatible with x86
Process much more complex instructions at a much higher rate

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

32-bit and 64-bit Compatibility in

Windows OS

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Types of Operating Systems

Desktop Operating
System

Presentation_ID

Network Operating
System

Supports a single user

Supports multiple users

Runs single-user
applications

Runs multi-user
applications

Shares files and folders

Robust and redundant

Shares peripherals

Provides increased security

Used on a small network

Used on a network

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Types of Operating Systems

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
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

10

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

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

11

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

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

12

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

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

13

Hardware Compatibility
Most operating systems have an HCL.
HCLs can be found on the manufacturer's website.
HCL includes list of hardware that is known to work with
the operating system.

Use Microsoft Compatibility Center for Windows 7 and

Vista.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

14

Operating System Upgrades

Operating systems must be upgraded periodically.
To remain compatible with the latest hardware and software.
Because support for older OS is eventually withdrawn.

Ensure that 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.

Backup all data prior to beginning the upgrade.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

15

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.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

16

Installing the Operating System

Reasons to perform a clean installation of an OS:
When a computer is passed from one employee to another.
When the operating system is corrupted.
When the primary hard drive is replaced in a computer .

Before performing a clean installation:

Back up all data first.

Explain to the customer that existing data will be erased.

Confirm that all needed data has been successfully
transferred.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

17

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 operating
systems will automatically partition and format the
hard drive.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

18

Hard Drive Formatting

The first portion of the installation process deals with
formatting and partitioning the hard drive.

The second portion prepares the disk to accept the file

system.
The file 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
The FAT32 file system - Supports partition sizes up to 2 TB.
Used by Windows XP and earlier OS versions.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

19

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:

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.
Quit - Exits Setup.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

20

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 the
following path :

Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Add or

remove user accounts

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

21

Complete the Installation

When Windows 7 installation
completes:
Computer will reboot
Prompts to create user account
Register Windows 7 and verify that you
are using a legal copy of the OS
Verification enables you to download
patches and service packs

Use Microsoft Update Manager to

scan for new software.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

22

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 thirdparty disk-cloning software.
4. Copy the disk image onto a server.

When the destination computer is booted:

Presentation_ID

A shortened version of the Windows setup program runs.

Setup installs drivers, creates user accounts, and

configures network settings.

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

23

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 clients 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.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

24

System Recovery Options

Repair Disc- For Windows 7. Use the system repair disc to
boot the computer
System Image Recovery For Windows 7. It allows users
to back up the contents of their hard drive, including
personal files and settings.
Factory Recovery Partition Some computers with
Windows 7 preinstalled from the factory contain a hidden
recovery partition with an image of the bootable partition.
Automated System Recovery (Windows XP Professional
only) The ASR is a backup of the system state, services,
and OS components. Used with Windows installation disc to
recover computer.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

25

The Boot Sequence for Windows 7

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

26

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.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

27

The Windows Registry Files

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

28

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.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

29

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
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

30

Directory Structures
The root level of the Windows directory structure, the
partition, is usually labeled drive C.
Contains a set of standardized directories, called folders, for the
operating system, applications, configuration information, and
data files.
Directories may contain subdirectories. Subdirectories are
commonly called subfolders.

Drive Mapping - letters are used to name physical or

logical drives.
Mounting a Volume - mapping a drive to an empty
folder on a volume. Mounted drives are assigned drive
paths instead of letters.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

31

File Extensions and Attributes

Windows file system naming conventions:
Maximum of 255 characters may be used.
Characters such as a period (.) or a slash (\ /) are not allowed.
An extension of three or four letters is added to the filename to
identify the file type.
Filenames are not case sensitive.

Windows filename extension examples:

.docx- Microsoft Word
.txt - ASCII text only

.jpg - graphics format

.pptx - Microsoft PowerPoint
.zip - compression format
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

32

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.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

33

Windows Desktop Properties

To customize the desktop in Windows 7 and
Windows Vista, right-click anywhere on the
desktop and choose Personalize to:
change desktop icons, mouse pointers, and
your account picture.
modify a themes background, color, sound,
and screensaver.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

34

Windows Desktop, Tools, and Applications

To customize the Start Menu or the Taskbar,
right-click it and choose Properties.
The Task Manager allows you to view all
applications that are running and to close any
applications that have stopped responding:
CTRL-ALT-DEL and select Start Task Manager.
right-click the taskbar and select Start Task
Manager.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

35

Computer and Windows Explorer

Computer allows access to the various installed drives (My Computer
in Windows XP)
Windows Explorer - used to navigate the file system includes:
Search box - Access previous searches. Filter search results.
New folder button - Create new folders with one click.
Arrange by - Organize items easily according to different criteria.
Preview pane button - Turn the preview pane on or off.

Applications can be launched in several ways:

Click the application on the Start menu or Taskbar.
Double-click the application shortcut icon on the desktop.
Double-click the application executable on the desktop or in Windows
Explorer.
Launch the application from the Run window or command line.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

36

Windows 7 Libraries
Allows for easy organization of content from storage
devices on local computer and network.
Are virtual folders that present content from different
locations within the same view.
Include four default Libraries - Documents, Music, Pictures,
and Videos.
To add a file to a library, right-click it, select Include in
library, and then choose which library to add the item.
To create a new library, open a folder and select Include in
Library > Create new library
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

37

Control Panel Utilities

System and Security - To configure system and security settings
Network and Internet - To configure network connection types
Hardware and Sound - To configure devices connected to the
computer and settings for sound
Programs - To remove, change, and repair applications
User Accounts and Family Safety - To create and remove user
accounts and set up parental controls
Appearance and Personalization - To control the look and feel of
the Windows GUI
Clock, Language, and Region - To specify location and language
Ease of Access - To configure Windows for vision, hearing, and
mobility needs
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

38

User Accounts
User Accounts Utility:
Create a user account.
Manage password, change picture, change account
name and type, manage another account, and
change User Account Control (UAC) settings.
Start > Control Panel> select User Accounts
User Account Control (UAC):

Monitors programs on a computer and warns users

when an action might present a threat to the system.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

39

Internet Options
To access Internet Options select Start > Control
Panel > Internet Options

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

40

Action Center
Used to configure security settings in Windows 7 and
Vista.
Select Start > Control Panel > Action Center.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

41

Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall Utility implements a security
policy by adjusting the following settings :

Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall

Change notification settings
Turn Windows Firewall on or off
Restore defaults
Advanced settings

Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

42

The System Utility

View basic system information, access tools and
configure advanced settings including:
Computer Name -View or modify the name and workgroup
settings for a computer, as well as change the domain or
workgroup.
Hardware - Access the Device Manager or adjust the device
installation settings.
Advanced -Configure settings for performance, user profiles,
startup, and recovery.
System Protection - Access System restore and configure
protection settings.
Remote -Adjust settings for Remote Assistance and Remote
Desktop.

Start > Control Panel > System

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

43

Device Manager
View settings for devices
in the computer and:
Update a driver - Change
the currently installed driver.
Roll back a driver - Change
the currently installed driver
to the previously installed
driver.
Uninstall a driver
Disable a device
Start > Control Panel >
System > Device Manager
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

44

Computer Management Console

Provides utilities to manage
your computer including:
Task Scheduler
Event Viewer
Shared Folders
Local Users and Groups
Performance
Device Manager
Disk Management

Start > Control Panel >

Administrative Tools > Computer
Management
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

45

Event Viewer
Logs a history of events
regarding applications,
security, and the system.

These log files are a

valuable troubleshooting
tool.
Start > Control Panel >
Administrative Tools >
Event Viewer

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

46

Services and Performance Monitor

Services:

Start, stop, or disable services.

Start > Control Panel >
Administrative Tools > Services.

Presentation_ID

Performance Monitor:
Record performance data and
configure alerts.
Start > Control Panel >
Administrative Tools > Performance
Monitor
47

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

Disk Defragmenter and Disk ErrorChecking Tool

Disk Defragmenter makes files on the hard drive
contiguous and speeds up the reading of files.
To access the Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7, select
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
> Disk Defragmenter.
CHKDSK checks the integrity of files and folders by
scanning the hard disk surface for physical errors.

Access CHKDSK from within the Disk Defragmenter or

enter CHKDSK in command line to detect and repair
disk errors.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

48

System Information Tool

Collect and display information about local and remote
computers
To access the System Information tool, Start > All
Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System
Information

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

49

Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop
View and control a computer from a remote location.

Remote Assistance
Also allows user to view what the remote technician
is doing to the computer.

To access in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, select Start

> All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop
Connection

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

50

Control Panel Utilities Unique to Specific

Windows Versions
Windows 7

Windows XP

HomeGroup

Add/Remove Programs

Action Center

Printers and Faxes

Windows Defender

Automatic Updates

RemoteApp and Desktop

Connections

Network Connections
Network Setup wizard

Troubleshooting
Windows Vista
Tablet PC settings
Pen and Input Devices

Offline Files
Problem Reports and Solutions
Printers
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

51

Command-Line Tools
Start > Type Cmd in the search box > Press Enter

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

52

Run Line Utility

Enter commands to configure settings and system
modifications.
To access in Windows 7 select Start > Search box > Type
run > Enter.
Common Commands
CMD Used to execute command line programs.
DXDIAG - Displays details for all DirectX components and drivers.
EXPLORER Opens Windows Explorer.
MMC - Opens the Microsoft Management console (MMC).
MSCONFIG - Opens the System Configuration Utility.
MSINFO32 - Displays complete system summary of the computer.
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

53

Virtualization
Host machine uses its system resources to host a
virtual machine.
Hosting a virtual machine allows users to access the
functionality and resources provided by an OS that is
not on the local PC.
Provides access to applications, file-sharing services,
and other productivity tools.

Users can further increases the functionality of their

system by running multiple virtual machines.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

54

Virtualization
The software that creates and manages a virtual
machine on a host machine is called the hypervisor,
or Virtual Machine Manager (VMM).
Allocates the physical system resources, such as CPU, RAM,
and hard drive, to each virtual machine as needed.

Windows Virtual PC is the virtualization platform for

Windows 7
Allows you to partition system resources for a Window OS
among virtual machines .

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

55

Virtual Machine PC Requirements

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

56

Preventive Maintenance Planning

Components of a preventive maintenance plan:
Updates to the operating system and applications

Updates to anti-virus and other protective software

Hard drive error checking
Hard drive backup

Hard drive defragmentation

Device drive updates
Firmware updates

Startup programs
Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

57

Schedule Tasks
The CLI at command launches tasks at a specified time
using the command line interface.
The Windows Task Scheduler launches tasks at a
specified time using a graphical interface.
To access the Windows Task Scheduler in Windows 7
and Windows Vista, select Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Task Scheduler.
Both of these tools allow users to set commands to run
at a certain time just once, or to repeat at selected days
or times.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

58

Restore Point
If a computer crashes, the OS can roll back to a restore point
using the System Restore Utility.
The restore utility only operates on OS and application files.
Anti-virus software should be run to remove malware before
creating a restore point.

When to create a restore point:

Before updating or replacing
the OS.
When installing or updating
hardware.
When an application or
driver is installed.
Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools >
System Restore

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

59

Backup the Hard Drive

Use the Microsoft Backup Tool to perform backups.
Establish a backup strategy that will allow for the
recovery of data.

Decide how often the data must be backed up and the

type of backup to perform.
It is only necessary to make copies of the files that
have changed since the last backup.

To access the backup utility in Windows 7, select Start

> Control Panel > Backup and Restore.

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

60

Types of Backups
Description

Clear
marker

Normal

Selected files and folders

Yes

Copy

Selected files and folders

No

Differential

Selected files and folders that

changed since the last backup

No

Incremental

Selected files and folders that

changed since the last backup

Yes

Daily

Selected files and folders that

changed during the day

No

Presentation_ID

2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Confidential

61