LEARNING UNIT 3: PERFORM BASIC MAINTENANCE OF

EMBROIDERY EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Learning Outcome 3.1: identify system software

Description of system software types

Operating System

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software
resources and provides common services for computer programs.
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows
you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people
use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or
even change operating systems. The three most common operating systems for
personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface,

or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons,
and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination
of graphics and text.

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different
operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems
are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been
many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows
10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows
Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it
the most popular operating system in the world.

macOS
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macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It
comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions
include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).

According to Stat Counter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of
global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more
than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive.
However, many people do prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.

Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which
means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different
from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company
that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many
different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.

According to Stat Counter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global
operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to
customize.

Important functions of an operating System:

1. Security –
The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and similar
other techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs and user data.

2. Control over system performance –

Monitors overall system health to help improve performance. records the response
time between service requests and system response to have a complete view of
the system health. This can help improve performance by providing important
information needed to troubleshoot problems.

3. Job accounting –
Operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and
users, this information can be used to track resource usage for a particular user or
group of user.

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4. Error detecting aids –
Operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid the
malfunctioning of computer system.

5. Coordination between other software and users –

Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers
and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

6. Memory Management –
The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main
memory is made up of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is
assigned a certain address. Main memory is a fast storage and it can be accessed
directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it should be first loaded in the
main memory. An Operating System performs the following activities for memory
management:
It keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., which bytes of memory are used by which
user program. The memory addresses that have already been allocated and the
memory addresses of the memory that has not yet been used. In multi
programming, the OS decides the order in which process are granted access to
memory, and for how long. It Allocates the memory to a process when the process
requests it and deallocates the memory when the process has terminated or is
performing an I/O operation.

7. Processor Management –
In a multi programming environment, the OS decides the order in which processes
have access to the processor, and how much processing time each process has.
This function of OS is called process scheduling. An Operating System performs
the following activities for processor management.
Keeps tracks of the status of processes. The program which perform this task is
known as traffic controller. Allocates the CPU that is processor to a process. De-
allocates processor when a process is no more required.

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 8. Device Management –
An OS manages device communication via their respective drivers. It performs the
following activities for device management. Keeps tracks of all devices connected
to system. designates a program responsible for every device known as the
Input/Output controller. Decides which process gets access to a certain device and
for how long. Allocates devices in an effective and efficient way. Deallocates
devices when they are no longer required.

9. File Management –
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and
usage. These directories may contain other directories and other files. An
Operating System carries out the following file management activities. It keeps
track of where information is stored, user access settings and status of every file
and more. These facilities are collectively known as the file system.

OS Management Functions

Although the range of services and value-added features provided by a modern

operating system is continually growing, there are four fundamental operating system
management functions that are implemented by all operating systems. Each of these
management functions is briefly described below in order to provide an overall context
for what follows. The four main operating system management functions (each of which
will be dealt with in greater depth elsewhere) are:

 Process management

 Memory management

 File and disk management

 I/O system management

Device drivers
Device Drivers are the software through which, the kernel of a computer communicates
with different hardware, without having to go into the details of how the hardware works.
It is a software that controls a hardware part attached to a computer and allows the
computer to use the hardware by providing a suitable interface. This means that the

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operating system need not go into the details about how the hardware part works. It also
provides a common interface so that the operating system or the kernel can communicate
with the hardware.

Thus, the purpose of device drivers is to allow smooth functioning of the hardware for
which it is created and to allow it to be used with different operating systems.

Device Driver Types – Kernel & User Drivers

There are device drivers for almost every device associated with a computer – from BIOS to even virtual
machines and more. Device drivers can be broadly be classified into two categories:

1. Kernel Device Drivers

2. User Device Drivers

Kernel Device Drivers are the generic device drivers that load with the operating system into the
memory as part of the operating system; not the entire driver but a pointer to that effect so that the
device driver can be invoked as soon as it is required. The drivers are pertaining to BIOS, motherboard,
processor, and similar hardware form part of Kernel Software.

A problem with Kernel Device Drivers is that when one of them is invoked, it is loaded into the RAM
and cannot be moved to page file (virtual memory). Thus, a number of device drivers running at the
same time can slow down machines. That is why there is a minimum system requirement for each
operating system. The different operating systems already add up the resources needed for kernel
device drivers, so that end users need not worry about extra memory requirements.

User Mode Device Drivers are the ones usually triggered by users during their session on a computer.
It might be thought of devices that the user brought to the computer other than the kernel devices.
Drivers for most of the Plug and Play devices fall into this category. User Device Drivers can be written

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to disk so that they don’t act tough on the resources. However, for the drivers related to gaming
devices, it is recommended to keep them in main memory (RAM).

Block Drivers and Character Drivers

These two – the block and character device drivers – belong to the category of data reading and
writing. Hard disks, CD ROMs, USB Drives, etc. – might be either Block Drivers or Character Drivers
based on how they are used.

Character Drivers are used in serial buses. They write data one character at a time. One character means
a byte in a generic sense. If a device is connected to a serial port, it is using a character driver. A mouse
is a serial device and has a character device driver.

Block drivers refer to writing and reading of more than one character at a time. Usually, block device
drivers create a block and retrieve as much information as the block can contain. Hard disks, for
example, use block device drivers. CD ROMs too, are block device drivers, but the kernel needs to
check that the device is still connected to the computer, each time the CD ROM is invoked by any
application.

Generic and OEM Drivers

Device drivers can be generic, or OEM related. If the device driver comes with the operating software,
most probably it would be a generic device driver. A generic device driver is one that can be used with
different brands of a particular device type. Windows 10, for example, has a number of generic drivers
that work without having to install any other software manually.

In some cases, the generic drivers don’t help. So, the original equipment manufacturers create their
own device drivers. These are OEM device drivers and have to installed separately after installing the
operating system. Computers of the older era were marked, and hence even the motherboard drivers
had to be installed externally. But that was the age of Windows XP. Barring few brands, most of the
built-in driver sets are already contained in the operating systems.

Virtual Device Drivers

Drivers for virtual devices are called Virtual Device Drivers. Often, we use some software to emulate
hardware and the software used to run such virtual hardware is a virtual device driver. For example, if
you are using a VPN, it may create a virtual network card for connecting securely to the Internet. It is

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 not a real physical card, but one set up by VPN software. Even that card needs a device driver, and the
same VPN software will install the virtual device drivers

Utility software
Utility software, often referred as utility is a system software that is designed to help
analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer and enhance the computer’s
performance. It is a program that performs a specific task, which is usually related to
managing the system resources. Utilities are sometimes also installed as memory-
resident programs.

Utility software usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure that includes
computer hardware, application software, operating system and data storage programs
operates. These utilities could range from the small and simple to the large and complex
that can perform either a single task or a multiple tasks. Some of the functions
performed by these utilities are data compression, disk defragmentation, data recovery,
management of computer resources and files, system diagnosis, virus detection, and
many more.

Examples of Utility Program

Some of the examples of the utility programs (Utilities) include: Disk defragmenters,
System Profilers, Network Managers, Application Launchers, Antivirus software, Backup
software, Disk repair, Disk Cleaners, Registry Cleaners, Disk Space analyzer, file manager,
File Compression, Data Security and many more. In addition, operating systems contains
a number of utilities for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices.

Advantages of utility software

Utility software has been designed specifically to help in management and tuning of
operating system, computer hardware and application software of a system.

 It performs a specific and useful function to maintain and increase the efficiency of a computer
system

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 Aids in keeping the computer free from unwanted software threats such as viruses or spyware
 Adds functionality that allow the user to customize your desktop and user interface
 Manages computer memory and enhances performance

In general, these programs assist the user to make and run their computer better. They
are also used for password protection, memory management, virus protection, and file
compression in order to manage all the computer functions, resources and files
efficiently.

Differences between applications and utilities

Utilities differ from applications mostly in terms of size, complexity, usability and their
function. Most importantly utilities are more technical and are used by the people those
with an advanced level of computer knowledge. In contrast, application software is
simple and can be used by any user with no or less technical knowledge.

For example spreadsheet programs, word processors, and database applications are all
referred as applications as they are large programs and perform a variety of functions
that are not directly related to managing computer resources.

 Identification of computer system specifications

Computer hardware specifications are technical descriptions of the computer's components and
capabilities.

 Processor speed, model and manufacturer. Processor speed is typically indicated in gigahertz
(GHz). The higher the number, the faster the computer.
 Random Access Memory (RAM), This is typically indicated in gigabytes (GB). The more RAM in a
computer the more it can do simultaneously.
 Hard disk (sometimes called ROM) space. This is typically indicated in gigabytes (GB) and refers
generally to the amount of information (like documents, music and other data) your computer
can hold.
 Other specifications might include network (ethernet or wi-fi) adapters or audio and video
capabilities.

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System type
The easiest way to identify your operating system is to open the System
Properties window. Either of the following two methods will allow you to access it:
Press the [Windows] + [R] keys simultaneously to open the Run prompt. Type control
system in the box and then press [Enter]. The System Properties window will look
something like the image to the right.
The computer in this image is running Windows 8.1 Pro. Further down under
the System heading, we can also see it’s a 64-bit operating system next to the System
Type line item. If you have a 64-bit operating system, you can run 64-bit software, which
generally has some performance advantages over 32-bit software.

What is the difference between a 32-bit

and 64-bit CPU?
The two main categories of processors are 32-bit and 64-bit. The type of
processor a computer has not only affects its overall performance, but it can
also dictate what type of software it uses.

32-bit processor
The 32-bit processor was the primary processor used in all computers
until the early 1990s. Intel Pentium processors and
early AMDprocessors were 32-bit, which means the operating system
and software work with data units that are 32 bits wide. Windows 95,
98, and XP are all 32-bit operating systems.

Note

A computer with a 32-bit processor cannot have a 64-bit version of an operating

system installed. It can only have a 32-bit version of an operating system installed.

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64-bit processor
The 64-bit computer originated in 1961 when IBM created the IBM
7030 Stretch supercomputer. However, it was not put into use in
home computers until the early 2000s. Microsoft released a 64-bit
version of Windows XP to be used on computers with a 64-bit
processor. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 also come in
64-bit versions.

Note

A computer with a 64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of an

operating system installed. However, with a 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit
processor would not run at its full capability.

Note

On a computer with a 64-bit processor, you cannot run a 16-bit legacy program.
Many 32-bit programs will work with a 64-bit processor and operating system, but
some older 32-bit programs may not function properly, or at all, due to limited or no
compatibility.

Differences between a 32-bit and 64-bit CPU

A big difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is
the number of calculations per second they can perform, which affects
the speed at which they can complete tasks. 64-bit processors can
come in dual-core, quad-core, six-core, and eight-core versions for
home computing. Multiple cores allow for an increased number of
calculations per second that can be performed, which can increase the
processing power and help make a computer run faster. Software
programs that require many calculations to function smoothly can
operate faster and more efficiently on the multi-core 64-bit processors,
for the most part.

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Another big difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit
processors is the maximum amount of memory (RAM) that is
supported. 32-bit computers support a maximum of 4 GB (232 bytes)
of memory, whereas 64-bit CPUs can address a theoretical maximum
of 18 EB (264 bytes). However, the practical limit of 64-bit CPUs (as of
2018) is 8 TB of addressable RAM.

High amounts of RAM are especially useful for software used in graphic
design, engineering, and video editing as these programs have to
perform many calculations to render their images.

One thing to note is that 3D graphic programs and games do not

benefit much, if at all, from switching to a 64-bit computer, unless the
program is a 64-bit program. A 32-bit processor is adequate for any
program written for a 32-bit processor. In the case of computer
games, you'll get a lot more performance by upgrading the video
card instead of getting a 64-bit processor.

In the end, 64-bit processors are becoming more and more

commonplace in home computers. Most manufacturers build
computers with 64-bit processors due to cheaper prices and because
more users are now using 64-bit operating systems and programs.
Computer parts retailers are offering fewer and fewer 32-bit
processors and soon may not offer any at all.

 Performance index
Performance Index

Performance index is a calculation of how well work is meeting its defined goal. For
work with response time goals, the performance index is the actual divided by goal.
For work with velocity goals, the performance index is goal divided by actual.

A performance index of 1.0 indicates the service class period is exactly meeting its
goal. A performance index greater than 1 indicates the service class period is missing
its goal. A performance index less than 1.0 indicates the service class period is beating
its goal. Work with a discretionary goal is defined to have a performance index of .81.

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 Each service class period has a sysplex and a local performance index. The sysplex
performance index represents the performance of a service class period across all the
systems in the sysplex. The local performance index represents only the performance
on the local system.

Within resource groups and importances, receivers are selected in performance

index order. Donors are selected in the reverse order of receivers. The sysplex
performance index is the primary criteria used for selecting receivers and donors and
assessing changes.

 System model
A system model or structure consists of a fixed number of resources to be circulated
among some opposing processes. The resources are then partitioned into numerous
types, each consisting of some specific quantity of identical instances. Memory space,
CPU cycles, directories and files, I/O devices like keyboards, printers and CD-DVD
drives are prime examples of resource types. When a system has 2 CPUs, then the
resource type CPU got two instances.

Under the standard mode of operation, any process may use a resource in only the
below-mentioned sequence:

1. Request: When the request can't be approved immediately (where the case may be
when another process is utilizing the resource), then the requesting job must remain
waited until it can obtain the resource.
2. Use: The process can run on the resource (like when the resource is a printer, its
job/process is to print on the printer).

 Release: The process releases the resource (like, terminating or exiting any specific
process).

Learning Outcome 3.2: install operating system software on PC

Checking software and hardware compatibility
Disk space: disk space, disk storage, or storage capacity, disk capacity is the maximum
amount of data a disc, disk, or drive is capable holding. All computers have an operating
system and programs installed that use some of the hard drive's space.

Memory capacity: The memory capacity is the maximum or minimum amount of memory a
computer or hardware device is capable of having or the required amount of memory required
for a program to run.

Processor capacity: Processing capacity refers to the ability and speed of a processor, and
how many operations it can carry out in a given amount of time. These kinds of measurements
are critical for those who analyze hardware systems and measure their overall capacity and
capabilities.

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  Identification of operating system types

Open source OS: In general, open source refers to any program whose source code is made
available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Open source software is
usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available.

Examples:
 Ubuntu. Source: you can get it from https://www.ubuntu.com.
 Linux Lite. Source: you can get it from https://www.linuxliteos.com.
 Fedora. Source: you can get it from https://www.getfedora.org.
 Linux Mint. Source: you can get it from https://www.linuxmint.com.
 Solus. Source: you can get it from https://www.solus-project.com.
 Xubuntu. Source: you can get it from https://www.xubuntu.org.
 Chrome OS. Source: you can get it from https://www.xda-developers.com.
 React OS. Source: you can get it from https://www.svn.reactos.org.

Proprietary OS: A proprietary operating system is one which a particular company

conceptualizes, designs, develops and sells. Examples of proprietary operating systems are
Windows and Mac OS X. These operating systems are designed and sold by these
companies and are not meant to be tampered with or tweaked by users.

Real-time operating system (RTOS): A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an operating

system (OS) intended to serve real-time applications that process data as it comes in, typically
without buffer delays.

Single-user, single task: Single tasking operating system (Single user) - As the name
implies, this operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can
effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good
example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system.

Single-user, multi-tasking: A single user- multitasking operating system allows you to run 1
or 2 programs or apps at the same time. The most popular single user- multitasking operating
systems include Microsoft Windows and Macintosh.

Multi-user (Server OS): The server operating system, or server OS, is the software layer
on top of which other software programs, or applications, can run on the server hardware.
Server operating systems help enable and facilitate typical server roles such as Web
server, mail server, file server, database server, application server and print server.

Most Popular Server Operating Systems

 Windows Server 2003
 Windows Server 2008
 Windows Server 2012
 Linux (excluding RHEL)
 Windows Server 2000
 Red Hat Enterprise Linus (RHEL)

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 Identification of media storage
DVD/CD
Floppy disk
Flash disk
External hard disk
OS Installation Process
Media selection
Boot process
Start setup
Follow the instructions
Customization
Finalize the installation
OS Installation Process

1. Insert the installation disk or flash drive. To install a new operating system on
Windows, you must have the operating system's install tool on a DVD or flash
drive, and the disk or flash drive must be inserted into your computer.

2. Restart your computer. Press and hold your computer's Power button to turn it
off, wait for a few seconds, and then press the Power button again to turn the
computer back on.
3. Wait for the computer's first startup screen to appear. Once the startup
screen appears, you'll have a very limited window in which you can press the
setup key. It's best to start pressing the setup key as soon as the computer
begins to restart.

4. Press and hold Del or F2 to enter the BIOS page. The key you're prompted to
press might also be different; if so, use that key instead. This will load your
computer's BIOS page, from which point you can select your installation disk or
drive.
o You'll typically use the "F" keys to access the BIOS. These are at the top
of your keyboard, though you may have to locate and hold the Fn key
while pressing the proper "F" key.
o You can look at your computer model's manual or online support page to
confirm your computer's BIOS key.

5. Locate the "Boot Order" section. This section is normally on the main page of
the BIOS, though you may need to use the arrow keys to navigate over to the
"Boot" or "Advanced" tab.
o The "Boot Order" section varies from BIOS to BIOS. If you can't find your
BIOS' "Boot Order" page, consult your motherboard's manual or look up

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 your computer model online to find direct instruction for your specific BIOS
page.
6. Select the location from which you want to start your computer. In this case,
you'll be starting your computer either from the disk drive or from an external
drive, such as a flash drive.
o The disk drive option is usually labeled CD-ROM Drive, while external
drives will show up as Removable Devices.

7. Move your selected location to the top of the list. Typically, you'll press
the + key with the boot location you want to use selected until it's at the top of the
"Boot Order" list.
o You can double-check the key that you're supposed to use in the legend
that's usually on the right side or the bottom of the BIOS page.
8. Save your settings and exit the BIOS. There should be a "Save and Exit" key
listed in the BIOS' key legend; press the key listed there to save your settings
and exit the BIOS.
o You may have to confirm this decision by
pressing ↵ Enter with Yes selected.
9. Restart your computer. Once your computer begins to start up again, it will
select your disk or flash drive as the boot location, which means that it will begin
installing the operating system.

10. Follow the on-screen prompts. Each operating system will have different steps
to take when installing it, so just follow the on-screen directions to complete the
installation.

 Testing the OS
Running the installed OS
Testing of the performance
Checking features
Learning Outcome 3.3: Assure Interoperability of Computer hardware

Identification of device drivers
Chipset drivers: A chipset driver is usually referred to a type of driver that has been created
with the intent to help the OS in performing better with the motherboard. The motherboard
functions like a central hub to which all the other devices of the computer's system are
connected in some way or the other.

Graphic card drivers: The graphics driver is system software that controls a computer's
video adapter (sometimes called a video card or GPU). On a computer that does not have an
actual video adapter, the graphics driver controls the part of a computer's motherboard called
a graphics chipset.

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 NIC drivers: The software that controls the network hardware — specifically, the network
interface card (NIC) — is a driver. Rarely do you need to update this software. In fact, a routine
or security update is included with the standard Windows Update. But you can upgrade a NIC
driver manually if you must.

(Basic) device drivers: In computing, a device driver is a computer program that operates or
controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. Drivers are hardware
dependent and operating-system-specific. They usually provide the interrupt handling required
for any necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface.
 Install device drivers
Media selection
Start setup
Follow the instructions
Customization
Finalize the installation

Upgrading drivers for a pre-existing device

1. Open Windows Device Manager.

2. In the Device Manager, locate the device you want to update.
3. Right-click the device and click Properties.
4. In the Properties window, click the Driver tab.
5. Click the Update Driver button.

 Test device functionality

Testing of the device performance
Checking installed device status

Document the work done

Learning Outcome 4.1: Review the previous work document


Description of work document elements
Repairing date
Addresses of technician
Status of computer peripheral parts
Name of the repaired parts
Work carried out
Recommendation
 Analysis of the previous work document
Previous faults
Previous used Techniques
Previous status of the computer peripheral
Previous recommendation

Learning Outcome 4.2: Record the work process

Description of the work carried out

Faulty parts

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Type of fault
tools, materials and Equipment used
steps and Techniques used to fix the fault
Status of the computer peripheral after work

Learning Outcome 4.3: Write technical recommendation


Description of element of technical recommendation
Propose preventive strategies
Suggest solutions to faced challenges
Propose the periodic check up

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