Survey of Operating Systems

Chapter 1 Introduction to Operating Systems
Microcomputers Today

What Is a Microcomputer?

What Types of Microcomputers Are Used Today?

What’s Contained in and Attached to a Microcomputer

Processor

Motherboard and Chipset

Memory

Video Adapter and Display

Keyboard

Pointing Device

Disk Drives

Peripheral Devices

Purpose and Functions of Microcomputer Operating Systems

What Is an Operating System?

User Interface

Job Management

Task Management

Memory Management

File Management

Device Management

Security

Yesterday’s Operating Systems

First the Machines

Then the Operating Systems

DOS, CP/M, Apple, and the Killer App

The Second Wave

OS/2

Microsoft Windows

Windows for Workgroups

What OSs Are Available Today?

DOS from Microsoft

Windows NT

Windows 98

Windows Me (Millennium Edition)

Windows 2000

Windows XP

Macintosh OS

UNIX/Linux

Chapter 2 DOS
Finding DOS and Understanding Its Strengths and Weaknesses

Versions of DOS, Past and Present

DOS’s Strengths

DOS’s Weaknesses

Installing DOS

DOS Hardware Requirements

Preparing for DOS Installation

How the FAT File System Works

How DOS Uses Files and Directories

DOS File Attributes

Working with the DOS Command Prompt

Success at the DOS Prompt

Which Command Will Accomplish the Task?

Learning to Manage Files and Directories

Understanding the DOS Bootup Process and Required Startup Disks

Why You Should Learn the DOS

Bootup Process

DOS System Files

The DOS Bootup Process

Creating DOS Startup Disks

Using FORMAT to Create a Startup Disk

Using SYS to Create a DOS Startup Disk

Using Windows to Create a Startup Disk

Working with DOS in Windows

Running DOS Applications in Windows

Using the Command Prompt in Windows

Troubleshooting Common DOS Problems

“Non-System Disk” Error Message

“Bad or Missing Command Interpreter” Error Message

“Bad Command or File Name” Error Message

Request to Enter the Current Date and Time

Chapter 3 The Windows Desktop
Who Invented the Desktop?
Navigating the Windows GUI

Getting to the Desktop via Logon

A Tour of the Desktop

Managing Files in Windows

What Files Should You Manage?

Using My Computer to Manage Files

Configuring and Customizing the Windows Desktop

Classic Desktop versus Active Desktop

Decorating the Desktop: Background, Color Schemes, and Settings

Customizing the Taskbar

Launching Programs in Windows

Start Menu

Program Shortcut

Start | Run

Launch by Association

Command Prompt

Logging Off and Shutting Down

Start Menu

Ctrl-Alt-Delete

Troubleshooting Common Windows Desktop Problems

Disappearing Dialog Box

Inability to Find Something

Failure of Windows Fails Start

Failure of Windows Stalls

An Application Fails to Start

Chapter 4 Windows NT 4.0 Workstation
NT 4.0 Workstation Overview

Benefits and Features

The Limitations of Windows NT

Why Is Windows NT 4.0 Still in Use?

Where Can I Find Windows NT 4.0 Today?

Hardware and Windows NT Workstation 4.0

Installing and Configuring Windows NT 4.0 Workstation

Preparing for Windows NT 4.0 Workstation Installation

Customizing and Managing Windows NT 4.0 Workstation

Creating a New Hard Disk Partition

Installing and Removing Applications and Windows Components

Preparing the Desktop for Users

Managing Windows NT Workstation Security

Managing Users, Groups, Rights, and Permissions

Using and Managing a Local Printer

Troubleshooting Common Windows NT 4.0 Problems

The Registry

Event Viewer

When Problems Sneak Up on You

Loss of Data

Troubleshooting Startup Problems

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Chapter 5 Windows 98
Windows 98 Overview

Windows 98 Features and Strengths

Limitations of Windows 98

Why Would I Use Windows 98 Today?

Hardware and Windows 98

Installing and Configuring Windows 98

Preparing for Windows 98 Installation

Performing Post-Installation Tasks

Customizing and Managing Windows 98

Application Installation Methods

Managing Users, Files, and Printers

Adding a New User

Working with Long File Names in Windows 98

Installing Printer Drivers

Troubleshooting Common Windows 98 Problems

Resources for Troubleshooting

Windows 98 Fails During Startup

Using Safe Mode to Correct Problems

A Program Stalls in Windows 98

Explorer Performed an Illegal Operation

Fatal Exception Error: The Windows 98Blue Screen of Death

Windows 98 Shutdown Problems

Poor Performance

Chapter 6 Windows 2000 Professional
Windows 2000 Professional Overview

Benefits and Features

Weaknesses of Windows 2000 Professional

When Is Windows 2000 Professional Needed?

Installing and Configuring Windows 2000 Professional

Hardware and Software for Windows 2000 Professional

Customizing and Managing Windows 2000 Professional

Using the Control Panel Applets

Customizing Display Settings

Adding a Printer

Use the Start Menu Tools

Managing Files and Folders in Windows 2000 Professional

Finding Files and Folders

Installing and Removing Applications and Windows 2000 Components

Managing Security for Users, Files, and Printers

Managing User Accounts and Groups

Manage Permissions

Troubleshooting Common Windows 2000 Professional Problems

An Approach to Troubleshooting

Where to Find Help

Registry Editor

Event Viewer

Device Manager

An Ounce of Prevention

Common Problems and Solutions

Chapter 7 Windows XP Professional 287
Describe Windows XP Professional Benefits, Features, and Weaknesses

Benefits and Features

Windows XP Weaknesses

When to Use Windows XP

XP Versions

Installing and Configuring Windows XP Professional
Customize and Manage Windows XP Professional

The Windows XP Control Panel

Adding a Printer to Windows XP

Installing and Working with Applications in Windows XP

Add or Remove Windows XP Components
Manage User Security in Windows XP

Users and Groups in Windows XP Professional

Practicing User Security

Troubleshooting Common Windows XP Problems

Resources for Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Startup Failure with Safe Mode

Creating Startup Disks

An Old Application Will Not Run

Chapter 8 Macintosh OS 9 and OS X
Introducing Apple and the Macintosh Operating System

A Colorful Contribution to the World of Computing

Macintosh Characteristics

Features of the Mac OS Desktop

Startup

Login

The Desktop

The Finder

The Apple Menu

The Chooser

The Control Strip and the Dock

Features of Mac OS X

Installing and Configuring Mac OS X
Getting to Know the Mac OS X Workspace

Changing System Preferences

Managing Files in OS X

Printing

Printing Options .

Working with User Accounts and Privileges

Troubleshooting Common Mac OS Problems
Where to Find Help

Useful System Utilities

Keyboard Shortcuts for Troubleshooting

Issues Caused by Large Files

Chapter 9 Linux
Linux Overview

The Development of Linux

Benefits of Linux

Drawbacks of Linux

When to Use Linux

Why Learn Linux?

Basic Linux Skills

Getting Access to Linux

Working with Linux Commands

The Command Syntax

Differences Between DOS and Linux

Shutting Down a Linux Computer

Managing Files and Folders

Listing the Contents of a Folder

Creating a File with pico

Copying Files in Linux

Deleting Files in Linux

Renaming or Moving Files in Linux

Working with Folders in Linux

Creating Folders

Changing File Permissions

Using the Gnome Desktop
Configuring Linux

Managing Users

Configuring a Printer

Adding a Printer

Installing Software

Troubleshooting Common Linux Problems

Gnome Will Not Start

Gnome Won’t Start at Login

I Cannot Save My File

My Screen Displays Gibberish

How Do I Get Help?

Chapter 10 Introduction to Network Server Operating Systems
Basics of Networking

Why Network PCs?

Networks, Small to Large

Logical Network Organization

Network Pieces and Parts

Dominant Network Server Operating Systems

Basic Server Concepts

Windows NT/2000/.Net ServerOperating Systems

UNIX/Linux Server Operating Systems

Novell Server Operating Systems

Common Roles of Network Servers

File and Print Servers

Mail Servers

Data Backup Servers

Application Servers

Web Servers

Sharing and Protecting Resources

Adding Computers to a Microsoft Domain

Creating User and Group Accounts

Creating Shares

Connecting Clients to Shares

Appendix About A+ Certification
What’s Certification?
A+ Certification
Preparing for the A+ Certification Exam
Glossary
Index