os principles and windows Flashcards
multi user
Two or more users have individual accounts that allow them to work with programs and peripheral devices at the same time.
multi-tasking
The computer is capable of operating multiple applications at the same time.
multi- processing
The operating system can support two or more CPUs.
multi-threading
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.
basic functions of an os
Hardware access, The OS manages the interaction between applications and the hardware via device drivers
file and folder management
user interface either cli or gui
desktop os
A desktop OS has the following characteristics:
It supports a single user.
It runs single-user applications.
It shares files and folders on a small network with limited security.
network operating system or NOS
NOS has these specific characteristics:
It supports multiple users.
It runs multi-user applications.
It provides increased security compared to desktop operating systems
e.g windows server
nos shared resources
A NOS provides certain network resources to computers:
Server applications, such as shared databases
Centralized data storage
Centralized repository of user accounts and resources on the network
Network print queue
Redundant storage systems, such as RAID and backups
off the shelf applications
Off-the-shelf applications specify a list of compatible operating systems on the application package.
customized applications
If the customer is using a customized application, the programmer of that application specifies which OS to use.
upgrade assistant windows 8, upgrade advisor windows 7
these utilities scan the system for hardware and software incompatibility issues in hardware before upgrading to newer editions of the Windows OS. Upgrade Assistant and Upgrade Advisor create a report of any problems and then guide you through the steps to resolve them. You can download the Upgrade Assistant and Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Windows website.
upgrade rules
a 32-bit OS cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit OS. Another example is that Windows XP cannot be upgraded to Windows 8.1. Prior to performing an upgrade, back up all data in case there is a problem with the installation.
user state migration
The Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) migrates all user files and settings to the new OS,
windows easy transfer
If a user is switching from an old computer to a new one, use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate personal files and settings. You can perform the file transfer using a USB cable, CD or DVD, a USB flash drive, an external drive, or a network connection.
how to access windows easy transfer
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Windows Easy Transfer
master boot record
he Master Boot Record (MBR) is the information in the first sector of any hard disk or diskette that identifies how and where an operating system is located so that it can be boot (loaded) into the computer’s main storage or random access memory.
MBR details
max 4 primary partitions
max partition size 2TB
no partition table back up
any computer can boot from mbr
GUID Partition Table
Also designed as a partition table scheme standard for hard drives, the globally unique identifier (GUID) partition table (GPT) makes use of a number of modern techniques to expand on the older MBR partitioning scheme. GPT is commonly used in computers with UEFI firmware. Most modern operating systems now support GPT.
GUID partition table details
up to 128 primary partitions
max partition size 9.4ZB or 9.4x 10^21 bytes
stores partition table backup
partition and boot data stored in multiple locations across the disk
computer must be uefi based and run 64 bit architecture
primary partition
The primary partition contains the operating system files and is usually the first partition. A primary partition cannot be subdivided into smaller sections
Active partition
in MBR disks, the active partition is the partition used to store and boot an operating system. Notice that only primary partitions can be marked active in MBR disks. Another limitation is that only one primary partition per disk can be marked active at one time. In most cases, the C: drive is the active partition and contains the boot and system files.
extended partition
If more than 4 partitions are required on an MBR partitioned disk, one of the primary partitions can be designated an extended partition. After the extended partition is created, up to 23 logical drives (or logical partitions) can be created within this extended partition
Logical drive
A logical drive is a section of an extended partition. It can be used to separate information for administrative purposes. Because GPT partitioned drives cannot have an extended partitions, they do not have logical drives.
basic disk
A basic disk (the default) contains partitions such as primary and extended as well as logical drives which are formatted for data storage. More space can be added to a partition by extending it into adjacent, unallocated space, as long as it is contiguous. Either MBR or GPT can be used as the underlying partition scheme of basic disks.
Dynamic disk
- Dynamic disks provide features not supported by basic disks. A dynamic disk has the ability to create volumes that span across more than one disk. The size of the partitions can be changed after they have been set, even if the unallocated space is non-contiguous. Free space can be added from the same disk or a different disk, allowing a user to efficiently store large files. After a partition has been extended, it cannot be shrunk without deleting the entire partition. Either MBR or GPT can be used as the partition scheme of dynamic disks.
formatting
This process creates a file system in a partition for files to be stored- usually NTFS OR FAT32
files systems
he file system provides the directory structure that organizes the user’s operating system, application, configuration, and data files. There are many different kinds of file systems and each one has different structure and logic. Different file systems also differ in properties of speed, flexibility, security, size and more
File Allocation table 32
File Allocation Table, 32 bit (FAT32) - Supports partition sizes up to 2 TB or 2,048 GB. The FAT32 file system is used by Windows XP and earlier OS versions
NTFS
Supports partition sizes up to 16 exabytes, in theory. NTFS incorporates file system security features and extended attributes.
Exfat or fat64
Created to address some of the limitations of FAT, FAT32, and NTFS when formatting USB flash drives, such as file size and directory size. One of the primary advantages of exFAT is that it can support files larger than 4GB.
Compact Disc File System (CDFS)
created specifically for optical disk media
nfs network file system
NFS is a network-based file system, that allows file access over the network. From the user’s standpoint, there is no difference between accessing a file stored locally or on another computer on the network. NFS is an open standard which allows anyone to implement it.
quick format
The quick format removes files from the partition, but does not scan the disk for bad sectors. Scanning a disk for bad sectors can prevent data loss in the future.
For this reason, do not use the quick format for disks that have been previously formatted.
full format
The full format removes files from the partition while scanning the disk for bad sectors. It is required for all new hard drives. The full format option takes more time to complete.
repair your computer(on windows 8.1 install menu)
Opens the Recovery Environment to repair an installation. Select the Windows 8.1
upgrade
Upgrades Windows but keeps your current files, settings, and programs. Use this option to repair an installation.
custom install windows only
Installs a new copy of Windows in your choice of location and allows you to change disks and partitions.
old windows files on upgrade
When only upgrading the Windows OS, the previous Windows folder is kept, along with the Documents and Settings and Program Files folders. During the Windows 8.1 installation, these folders are moved to a folder named Windows.old. You can copy files from the previous installation to the new installation
SSO
Windows OSs use Single-Sign On (SSO) authentication, which allows users to log in once to access all system features versus requiring them to log in each time they need to access an individual resource.
user accounts
Administrator, Standard, and Guest. Each account type provides a user with a different level of control over system resources
amdinistrator
can make changes that affect all users/ control security parameters.
standard user
standard user accounts can be created at any time by the Administrator. A standard user account can use most of the capability of a computer; however, the user cannot make changes that affect other users or the security of the computer. For example, a standard user cannot install a printer.
guest account
individuals without a user account on the computer can use a guest account. A guest account has limited permissions and must be turned on by an administrator
manage use accounts
Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage Accounts
create or remove user accounts
Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Add or remove user accounts
Windows update
To update the OS after the initial installation, Microsoft Windows Update is used to scan for new software and install service packs and patches.
access windows update in windows 8
control panel>windows update
access windows update in windows 7
start>all programs>windows update
device manager
After installation, verify that all hardware is installed correctly. The Device Manager is used to locate device problems and install the correct or updated drivers in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.x.
access device manager in windows 8
control panel> device manager
access device manger in windows 7
start>control panel> device manager
in device manager
A yellow triangle with an exclamation point indicates a problem with a device.
in device manager
A gray circle with a downward pointing arrow indicates that a device is disabled. To enable the device, right-click the device and select Enable. To expand a device category, click the right pointing triangle next to the category.
disk cloning
After the operating is installed in the base computer, a specific program is used to copy all the information in its disk, sector by sector, to another disk. This new disk, usually an external device, now contains a fully deployed operating system and can be used to quickly deploy a fresh installed copy of the base operating system.
sysprep
if an undesirable setting is accidentally included during the base installation, an administrator can use Microsoft’s System Preparation (Sysprep) tool to remove it before creating the final image. Sysprep can be used to install and configure the same OS on multiple computers. Sysprep prepares the OS with different hardware configurations. With Sysprep, technicians can quickly install the OS, complete the last configuration steps, and install applications.
an image
An image is a file that contains all the data from a partition.
network installation
This includes Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) Installation, Unattended Installation, and Remote Installation.
remote network installation
a remote network installation. With this method, the operating system installation files are stored on a server so that a client computer can access the files remotely to begin the installation.
Remote installation service
A software package such as Remote Installation Services (RIS) is used to communicate with the client, store the setup files, and provide the necessary instructions for the client to access the setup files, download them, and begin the operation system installation.
PXE-pre boot execution environment
if the client computer does not have an operating system installed, a special environment must be used to boot the computer, connect to the network, and communicate with the server to begin the installation process. This special environment is known as the Preboot eXecution Environment
unattended network installation
Unattended installation, another network-based installation, allows a Windows system to be installed or upgraded with little user intervention. The Windows unattended installation is based on an answer file. This file contains simple text that instructs Windows Setup how to configure and install the OS.
System image manager or sim
o customize a standard Windows 7 or Windows Vista installation, the System Image Manager (SIM) is used to create the setup answer file. You can also add packages, such as applications or drivers, to answer files.
system restore
This tool will restore the computer to an earlier restore point. Because System Restore can be accessed from within Windows or at boot time, this tool can help fixing a damaged system to boot up again.
refresh your pc windows 8
his tool will restore the computer’s system software back to its factory state without deleting user files or removing modern apps. Computers tend to become slower as time passes. This is due normal usage of the file systems which can become full of fragmented files, orphan drivers and libraries. This tool will bring the system back to its factory state without much impact on user data. Refresh your computer will remove any installed Desktop apps.
recovery partition
Some computers that have Windows installed contain a section of the disk that is inaccessible to the user. This partition, called a recovery partition, contains an image that can be used to restore the computer to its original configuration.
windows recovery environment windows 8 tools
System Restore - This tool restores a computer to an earlier restore point. This is the same as using System Restore within Windows.
System Image Recovery - This tool restores the computer using a system image file.
Automatic Repair - This tool scans the system and tries to automatically repair issues that can prevent Windows from booting properly.
Command Prompt - Open a Recovery Environment Command Prompt which grants access to a number of command line troubleshooting tools.
UEFI Firmware Settings - This tool is only shown if the computer supports UEFI. Use this tool to change the computer’s UEFI settings.
Windows Startup Settings - The Startup Settings option allows you to enable Safe Mode. You can also disable automatic restart after failure and allow you to see the error message shown on blue screen.
windows 7/vista recovery environment
as in Windows 8.x, in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, Windows Recovery Environment can be accessed by pressing and holding the F8 key when starting a computer. When the Advanced Boot Options screen appears, highlight Repair your computer and press Enter to access the System Recovery Options
windows 7/vista recovery tools
Startup Repair – This tool scans the hard drive for problems and automatically fixes missing or corrupt system files that prevent Windows from starting.
System Restore – This tool uses restore points to restore Windows system files to an earlier point in time.
System Image Recovery – This tool restores a previously created image to disk.
Windows Memory Diagnostic – This tool examines computer memory to detect malfunctions and diagnose problems.
Command Prompt – This tool opens a command prompt window where the bootrec.exe tool can be used to repair and troubleshoot startup issues for Windows.
advanced start up mode windows 8.
Windows 8.x Advanced Startup Options
Advanced Startup Options are a Windows 8.x set of tools that allow users to troubleshoot, recover, or restore an operating system when it cannot boot. Advanced Options are part of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). WinRE is a recovery platform based on the Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE). To access Advanced Tools, press F8 during boot to interrupt it. From the Choose an option window (Figure 1), select Troubleshoot. From the Troubleshoot window (Figure 2), choose Advanced Options. Figure 3 shows the Advanced Options window with the following tools:
bootmgr
(Windows Boot Manager) is the first file to load on the hard drive and is initiated by the
BIOS. It takes care of reading the BCD and displaying the OS menu. It is responsible for starting a
particular OS. It is outside of the operating system so it can call on multiple versions of Windows
BCD boot configuration data
(Boot Configuration Data): This is located in \boot\bcd; it provides the Windows Boot Manager
with information about the OS(s) that is about to be booted.
winload.exe
The Windows Boot loader program and is within the Operating System WinLoad reads the Registry files, chooses a hardware profile, and loads the device drivers.
startup modes
Pressing the F8 key during the boot process opens the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu, as shown in the figure. This allows users to select how they wish to boot Windows. These are four commonly used startup options:
Safe mode
Safe Mode – A diagnostic mode used to troubleshoot Windows and Windows startup issues. Functionality is limited as many device drivers are not loaded.
safe mode with networking
Safe Mode with Networking - Starts Windows in Safe Mode with networking support.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Safe Mode with Command Prompt - Starts Windows and loads the command prompt instead of the GUI.
Last Known Good Configuration -.
Last Known Good Configuration - Loads the configuration settings that were used the last time that Windows started successfully. It does this by accessing a copy of the registry that is created for this purpose.
windows registry
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. When a user makes changes to the Control Panel settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are stored in the Registry.
hkeys
HKEY_ represent the portion of the OS controlled by that key
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
information about which file extensions maps to certain application e.g psd to is an extension for a Photoshop file
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
desktop settings and history in relation to the current user of the computer.
HKEY_USERS
Information about all users who have logged unto a system
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Information relating to hardware and software
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
information relating to all active devices on a system
Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files.
A DLL file consists of program code that can be used by different programs to perform common functions. DLL files are very important to the functionality of an operating system and any applications that users may install
registering a DLL file so it can be found by the operating system.
Command Prompt > type regsvr32filename.dll
The filename for the dll file must contain the full path of the filename, for example C:\Windows\System32\wuapi.dll.
multiboot procedures
Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR) determines that more than one OS is present, you are prompted to choose the OS that you want
To create a dual-boot system in Microsoft Windows, the hard drive must contain more than one partition.
The oldest OS should be installed on the primary partition or the hard drive marked as the active partition first. Install the second OS on the second partition or hard drive. The boot files are automatically installed in the active partition.
changing boot time lenth
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced System Settings > click the Advanced tab > In the Startup and Recovery area, select Settings
bootmgr continued
During the installation, the BOOTMGR file is created on the active partition to allow selecting the OS to boot on startup. You can edit the BOOTMGR file to change the order of the operating systems. You can also change the length of time allowed during the boot phase to select the OS
shake
Minimize all windows that are not being used by clicking and holding the title bar of one window and shaking it with the mouse. Repeat the action to maximize all of the windows.
peek
View the desktop icons that are behind open windows by placing your cursor over the Show desktop button found at the right edge of the taskbar. This makes the open windows transparent. Click the button to minimize all windows.
snap
Resize a window by dragging it to one of the edges of the screen
gadgets
right click anywhere on desktop click gadgets click add
windows 7 or vista
personalize
In the Personalization window, you can change the desktop appearance, display setting, and sound settings.
right click desktop - click personalize or access from control panel
start menu
accessed by clicking the windows icon or Windows button on keyboard.
jump list
to display a list of tasks that are unique to the application, right-click the application’s icon in the taskbar.
pinned applications
To add an application to the taskbar for easy access, right-click the icon of an application and select Pin to taskbar.
thumbnail previews
view a thumbnail image of a running program, hover the mouse over the program icon on the taskbar.
task manager
The Task Manager allows you to view all applications that are running and to close any application.
processes windows 8
tskmgr
This tab shows a list of processes currently running on the computer. A process is a set of instructions started by the user, a program, or the OS. Running processes are categorized as apps, background processes, or Windows system processes.
performance
tab windows 8
This tab contains system performance graph. You can select any of the options, CPU, Memory, Disk, or Ethernet, to see a performance graph in the right column.
app history
windows 8
While the Processes tab shows live process information, this tab contains historical information, such as CPU time and network bandwidth. It is very useful when analyzing which apps consume the most resources.
startup windows 8
this tab shows what processes will be automatically started during Windows 8 startup. Windows 8 also measures the impact each process has in the system’s overall startup time. To keep a process from starting automatically, right-click on the process and disable automatic startup.
users tab
windows 8
this tab shows how much of the system resources each user is consuming. Expand a user to display all processes owned by that user.
details tab windows 8
this tab allows you to tweak the level of CPU priority for a given process. It is also possible to specify which CPU a process will use to run (CPU affinity).
services tab
windows 8
This tab displays all services currently running on the system and allows for stopping, starting and restarting them.
windows button +E
opens file explorer
run as administrator
To open or execute a file using elevated permission, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. You will need to provide the password for the Administrator account.
un-intsalling a program
If an application is uninstalled incorrectly, you might be leaving files on the hard drive and unnecessary settings in the registry, which depletes the hard drive space and system resources. Unnecessary files might also reduce the speed at which the registry is read
control panel
Windows centralizes the settings for many features that control the behavior and appearance of the computer. These settings are categorized in utilities, or small programs, found in the Control Panel,
system and security
Configure system and security settings
network and internet
Configure network connection types
hardware and sound
Configure devices connected to the computer and settings for sound
programs
Install, uninstall, change, and repair applications
user account and family safety
Create and remove user accounts and set up parental controls
appearance and personalization
- Control the look and feel of the Windows GUI
clock language and region
Configure location and language
ease of access
Configure Windows for vision, hearing, and mobility needs
internet options
General - Configure basic Internet settings, such as selecting the Internet Explorer (IE) home page, viewing and deleting browsing history, adjusting search settings, and customizing the browser appearance.
Security - Adjust the security settings for the Internet, local intranet, trusted sites, and restricted sites. Security levels for each zone can range from low (minimal security) to high (maximum security).
Privacy - Configure privacy settings for the Internet zone, manage location services, and enable the Pop-up Blocker.
Content - Access Parental Controls, control content viewed on the computer, adjust AutoComplete settings, and configure the feeds and web slices that can be viewed in IE. Web slices are specific content from websites that allow the users to subscribe and view the updated content, such as current temperature and stock quotes.
Connections - Set up an Internet connection and adjust network settings.
Programs - Choose the default web browser, enable browser add-ons, select the HTML editor for IE, and select programs used for Internet services. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is a system that tags text files to affect the appearance of web pages. An HTML editor is a computer program that can edit web pages.
Advanced - Adjust advanced settings, and reset IE’s settings to the default state.
To access the Internet Options utility, use the following path:
Control Panel > Internet Options
Control Panel > Display > Change display settings
Screen resolution - Specifies the number of pixels. A higher number of pixels provides better resolution.
Orientation - Determines whether the display appears in Landscape, Portrait, flipped Landscape, or flipped Portrait orientations.
Refresh rate - Sets how often the image in the screen is redrawn. The refresh rate is in Hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the more steady the screen image.
Display colors - Specifies the number of colors visible on the screen at one time. The more bits, the greater the number of colors. The 8-bit color palette contains 256
colors. The 16-bit color (High Color) palette contains 65,536 colors. The 24-bit color (True Color) palette contains 16 million colors. The 32-bit color palette contains 24-bit color and 8 bits for other data such as transparency.
folder options
Control Panel > Folder Options
windows action cente
he Windows Action Center in Windows 8 and 7 is a centralized location to view alerts that help keep Windows running smoothly. It is divided into the Security section and the Maintenance section. Important messages are highlighted in red.
