Chapter 5: Operating Systems

Chapter 5: Operating Systems

1. 5.1 Modern Operating Systems

   • 5.1.1OS Terms and Characteristics
     • 5.1.1.1 Terms
       • 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 different parts of a program to be run at the same time.
     • 5.1.1.2 Basic Functions of an Operating System
       • All operating systems perform the same four basic functions:
         • Control hardware access.
         • Manage files and folders
         • Provide a user interface
         • Manage applications
       • File and Folder Management
         • 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. Directories can be kept inside other directories. It is referred as sub-directories.
       • Application Management
         • Applications are software programs.An API allows programs to access the resources managed by the operating system in a consistent and reliable manner. Here are some examples of APIs:
           • Open Graphics Library (OpenGL)
           • DirectX
           • Windows API
           • Java APIs
     • 5.1.1.3 Processor Architecture
       • Two common architectures used to process data are:
         • x64 - An x64 processor can support 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The x64 processor is backward compatible with the x86 processor.
         • x86 - An x86 processor can support a 32-bit operating system.An x86 processor uses fewer registers than an x64 processor.
   • 5.1.2 Types of Operating Systems
     • 5.1.2.1 Desktop Operating Systems
       • There are two distinct types of operating systems: desktop and network. A desktop operating system is intended for use in a small office, home office (SOHO) environment 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.
     • 5.1.2.2 Network Operating System
       • A NOS contains additional features to increase functionality and manageability in a networked environment. The following are examples of network operating systems:
         • Windows Server
         • Red Hat Linux
         • Mac OS X Server

2. 5.3 The Windows GUI and Control Panel

3. 5.2 Operating System Installation

   • 5.2.5.1 Directory Structures
   • 5.2.4Multiboot
   • 5.2.3 Boot Sequence and Registry Files
   • 5.2.2 Custom Installation Options
   • 5.2.1 Hard Drive Setup Procedures
     • 5.2.1.1 Hard Drive Partitioning
       • Primary partition
       • Active partition
       • Extended partition
       • Logical drive
       • Basic disk
       • Dynamic disk
       • Formatting
       • Sector
       • Cluster
       • Track
       • Cylinder

4. 5.4 Client-Side Virtualization

5. 5.5 Common Preventive Maintenance Techniques for Operating Systems

6. 5.6 Basic Troubleshooting Process for Operating Systems