Getting Started with
the Operating System
Ch1
1
Overview
Will discuss the purpose and
function of an operating
system.
Ch1
2
Overview
Will identify the system
configuration and version of
Windows that you are using.
Ch1
3
Overview
The need and procedure for
booting the system will be
explained.
Ch1
4
Overview
The function of, and rules for,
file specifications will be
explained.
Ch1
5
Overview
Will discuss why Microsoft
has DOS function available
to the user.
Ch1
6
Overview
Will compare and contrast
data files with system files.
Ch1
7
Overview
Will explain the purpose and
function of commands and
then use the commands for
specific tasks.
Ch1
8
Overview
Make a copy of a disk.
Ch1
9
Overview
Learn the proper way to end
a work session.
Ch1
10
What is an
Operating System?
The operating system:
 First program loaded into
memory (RAM)
 Software program - makes
computer work
Ch1
11
What is an
Operating System?
The operating system:
Supervises application
programs and all input/output
of computer
Takes care of mandatory
functions of computer
Ch1
12
What is an
Operating System?
 User communicates with the
operating system and the OS runs
the computer.
 Working with the operating system
is known as being on the SYSTEM
LEVEL.
Ch1
13
Versions of the Operating
System (OS)
 New versions of OS
Assigned a number
take advantage of new technology.
 Upgrades contain enhancements which
increase capabilities of computer.
Ch1
14
Versions of the Operating
System (OS)
 Current version of Windows Operating
system is Windows XP
Two versions Windows XP Home Edition
and Windows XP Professional
Ch1
15
Overview of
Files and Disks
 Disks are the primary way to
permanently save data and
programs.
 Files are used to organize data
for ease of retrieval.
Ch1
16
Overview of
Files and Disks
Figure 1.1 Disks and Files p.4
Ch1
17
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
File names (file specifications):
Must have a unique name.
Comes in two parts- File name
 File extension
Ch1
18
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
File name describes and
identifies the contents of a file.
The file extension identifies the
type of file.
Ch1
19
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
Consider using the 8.3 rule
when naming files.
Ch1
20
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
There are two types of files:
 Program files
 Data files
Ch1
21
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
Program files (used to create data):
 Step by step instructions for
computer
 In RAM for application program to
work
 Fall into generic categories
Ch1
22
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
Data files:
 User created using application
program
 Used only in conjunction with an
application program
Ch1
23
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
The operating system can
divide or structure disks into
folders (directories).
Ch1
24
File Names, File Types,
and Folders
Primary directory (Root):
 Created when disk is formatted
 Symbol is \ (backslash)
Ch1
25
Identifying Your
System Configuration
Different system configurations:
 One hard disk drive, one CD-ROM drive, and one
floppy disk drive
 One hard disk drive, one CD-ROM drive, one floppy
disk drive, and one Zip drive
 Two hard disk drives, one CD-ROM drive, and one
floppy disk drive
 One hard disk drive, one CD-ROM drive, one readwrite CD-ROM drive, and one floppy disk drive
Ch1
26
Computer Configuration
Guide
Comparison of Previous Windows Versions with XP p. 7
Ch1
27
Computer Configuration
Guide
Comparison of Book Reference and Your System p. 7
Ch1
28
Booting the System
Booting the system:
 Moving operating system
programs from system disk to
memory (RAM) so computer
can be used
Ch1
29
Activity—Booting
the System
Fig 1.2 Powering on the Computer p. 8
Ch1
30
Activity—Booting the System
Windows XP Professional
Startup Sequence:
1. BIOS initiates POST, finds boot device and
then loads first physical sector or booting
device into memory.
2. Ntldr is loaded and then it loads Ntdetct.com
for hardware detection.
3. Hardware configuration selection (if needed).
4. Kernel loading.
Ch1
31
Activity—Booting the System
Windows XP Professional
Startup Sequence:
5. Determine which Plug and Play devices are
installed.
6. Media support files for hard drive and any
special video drivers are loaded.
7. Drivers for all services system supports are
loaded.
8. Operating system logon process
Ch1
32
Activity—Booting
the System
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Lab procedures
 Handling of disks
 Windows XP Professional startup
sequence
Ch1
33
Shutting Down
the System
Must shut down computer
properly so it will not “crash”.
Ch1
34
Activity—Windows ShutDown Procedure
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Proper shut down procedure
 Logging off vs. shutting down
computer
Ch1
35
Why DOS?
Windows is a graphical
user interface (GUI).
Ch1
36
Why DOS?
DOS as a stand alone
operating system is dead.
Ch1
37
Why DOS?
Disk Operating System (DOS):
 Character-based OS
 Works with prompts such as C:\>
 Command line interface
Ch1
38
Why DOS?
To accomplish task at command
line interface need to know:
 What command to use
 How to use command
Ch1
39
Why DOS?
Why learn DOS?
 Many tasks must be done at the
command line prompt
 Some tasks are accomplished easier
and faster in DOS
 Assumption that user “knows” DOS
Ch1
40
Why DOS?
Why learn DOS?
 Internet users use command line
similar to DOS
 Career with networks or computer
related fields must know command
line interface
 Knowing DOS a must if working for
A+ certification.
Ch1
41
Accessing the
Command Line Prompt
To access command line prompt, must
open Command Prompt (DOS)
window.
Exit Command Prompt window
before turning off computer
Ch1
42
Activity—The
Command Line Prompt
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Opening Command Prompt Window
 Creating shortcut to command line
 Wizard
 Naming shortcuts
 Altering properties of Command
Prompt Window
Ch1
43
Controlling the Appearance of
the Command-Line Window
The appearance of the
command-line window can
be altered.
Ch1
44
Controlling the Appearance of
the Command-Line Window
While in the window view can . . .





use Minimize button.
use Maximize button.
use Restore button.
alter size of text.
toggle between window and fullscreen mode.
Ch1
45
Activity—Altering the
Command-Line Window
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Tool Tips
 Minimize/Maximize/Restore
Windows
 TrueType vs. raster (bit-mapped) fonts
 Return to desktop and follow proper
shut down procedure
Ch1
46
The Default Drive
and Default Directory
Command prompt:
 Where user keys in commands
 Is character-based
Ch1
47
The Default Drive
and Default Directory
The command prompt:
 C:\>
 C:\WINDOWS>
 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32>
Ch1
48
The Default Drive
and Default Directory
Displayed default drive and directory:
 Your location
 Where the OS looks for commands
 Can be changed
Ch1
49
The Default Drive
and Default Directory
Displayed default drive and
directory depends on:
 System configuration
 Current running software
Ch1
50
Activity—Changing
the Default Drive
Fig 1.3 Inserting a Disk p.19
Ch1
51
Activity—Changing
the Default Drive
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Recognizing prompt
 Where to key in information
 When to press <Enter> key
 Proper way to insert disk
Ch1
52
Understanding Commands
Commands:
 Programs that perform specific
tasks
 Are either internal or external
Ch1
53
Understanding Commands
Internal commands:
Built into command processor
Automatically loaded/stored in
RAM when system booted
Ch1
54
Understanding Commands
External commands:
Are stored as files on a disk
Must be read into RAM each
time command is keyed in
Ch1
55
Understanding Commands
All program files (including
application programs) are
external.
Ch1
56
Understanding Commands
“External command”:
 Group of programs that perform
operating functions
 Group of files referred to as system
files or command line utility files
Ch1
57
Understanding Commands
In Command Prompt window:
 No icons
 To use command must know
its file name
Ch1
58
Understanding Commands
DIR command:
 “Table of Contents” of a disk - can
be accessed from the command
line
 Equivalent of Explorer in
Windows
Ch1
59
Activity—Using
the DIR Command
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Scrolling
 DIR command
Ch1
60
Software Versions
New software versions:
 Take advantage of new technology
 Contain enhancements
 Assigned version numbers
Ch1
61
Activity—Using
the VER Command
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Determining version number
Ch1
62
The CLS Command
The CLS command:
 Clears screen
 Returns cursor to home position
 Erases screen display - not files
Ch1
63
Activity—Using the
CLS Command
KEY CONCEPT:
 Clearing screen
Ch1
64
The DATE and
TIME Commands
 DATE and TIME automatically
set when computer is booted.
 System date/time are the
date/time the computer uses
when it creates or updates files.
Ch1
65
The DATE and
TIME Commands
To change system date/time:
 Use internal DATE/TIME commands at
command line
 Click time display at far right of task
bar
Ch1
66
Activity—Using DATE/TIME
Commands at Command Line
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Changing/keeping date displayed
 Changing/keeping time displayed
 Importance of format
 /T parameter with DATE and TIME
 Importance of returning date and time
to current date and time before you
shut down if logged onto a DOMAIN.
Ch1
67
Activity—Changing
Date & Time Using Taskbar
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Use taskbar to change date & time
 Spin box
 Drop-down list box
Ch1
68
Media Objects: Their
Properties and Values
Objects:
 Can be opened
 Have properties/may have values
 Can be manipulated
 Can have settings/parameters
Ch1
69
Media Objects: Their
Properties and Values
Property:
 Characteristics of on object
 Details about file that help identify it
Ch1
70
Media Objects: Their
Properties and Values
Value:
 All objects of same type have
same properties
 Value of each property separates
one object from another
Ch1
71
Media Objects: Their
Properties and Values
Example:
 Humans (objects)
 Have names (property)
 Specific name (value)
Ch1
72
Activity—Examining Disk
Properties & Values
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Left/right view of My Computer
window
 Identify type of drive by its icon
 Properties of ACTIVITIES disk
Ch1
73
Activity—Examining Disk
Properties & Values
Fig 1.1 My Computer in a Classic Window Display p.128
Ch1
74
Ethical Considerations
in Copying Disks
Illegal to:
Copy a program/disk you did
not purchase
Record a CD you did not
purchase
Ch1
75
Ethical Considerations
in Copying Disks
It is legal to make a backup copy of
purchased program disks for
personal use in case something
happens to original.
Ch1
76
Making a Copy of the
ACTIVITIES Disk: DISKCOPY
To make an exact copy of a
disk you must use the same
media (type and capacity).
Ch1
77
Making a Copy of the
ACTIVITIES Disk: DISKCOPY
DISKCOPY:
 External program
 Makes back up copy of floppy disk
 Stored in WINDOWS\SYSTEM32
subdirectory as DISKCOPY.COM
Ch1
78
Activity—Using
DISKCOPY
Fig 1.5 Floppy Disk Label Placement p. 31
Ch1
79
Activity—Using
DISKCOPY
KEY CONCEPTS:
 Must use like media when copying
disk
 DISKCOPY command
 Source disk
 Target disk
Ch1
80
How to End
the Work Session
Must always exit Windows properly and
completely to avoid damaging the
system.
If stop in middle of an activity
remember what prompt is so you can
return to prompt when you begin again.
Ch1
81
Activity—Ending
the Work Session
KEY CONCEPT:
 Shut-down procedure
Ch1
82