Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
LECTURE NOTES
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Learning Activities
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
 Slides 1-10
 Will discuss the purpose and function of an
 Chapter Overview duplicated in
operating system.
PowerPoint slides.
 Will identify the system configuration and version
of Windows that you are using.
 After completion of lecture, suggest to
 The need and procedure for booting the system
students that they review Objectives and
will be explained.
Outcomes found on first page of Chapter as
 The function of, and rules for, file specifications
a check to see if they have mastered
will be explained.
concepts.
 Will discuss why Microsoft has DOS functions
available to the user.
 Will compare and contrast data files with system
files.
 Will explain the purpose and function of
commands and then use the commands for
specific tasks.
 Make a copy of a disk.
 Learn the proper way to end a work session.
WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
 What is an operating system?
 Operating system is a software program.
 Must load Windows OS into RAM
prior to using any software programs.
 OS is in charge of hardware
components of computer.
 User communicates with OS.
 OS runs the system.
 Manages input/output of computer.
 Manages computer resources.
 Runs application software.
-
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.1 (p. 2)
 Slides 11-13
 OS – software program that makes
computer work.
 Commands - instructions OS understands
--Like verbs i.e. COPY or PRINT.
 Wintel machines.
-Uses Intel processor
- Runs Windows OS
 Compare running computer to conducting a
concert.
- Hardware is like musicians & instruments.
- Application software is like the score
- Hardware can “play” applications.
Page 1
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
- The OS is the conductor.

VERSIONS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM
(OS)
 Versions of the Operating System (OS)
 New OS versions take advantage of new
technology.
 Upgrades contain enhancements.
 More functions and/or commands
available.
 Fix problems (bugs).
 Each new version assigned a number.
 Following are/were primarily used on
Personal desktop computers.
 First version -Windows 95
4.00.950 (released 1995).
 95.4.00.1111 (minor release).
 Major update with Windows 98,
Version 4.101.998.
 Next - W ME.
 WNT Workstation – for software
developers (engineers).
 WNT Server – large corporation –
network administrators manage
networked computers with various
security needs.
 W2K replaced WNT Workstations.
 Desktop OS in Network
environment.
 Stand alone OS.
 Current version of W OS is Windows XP.
 Two versions.
 Windows XP Home Edition
 Windows XP Professional
 Two versions similar.
 Primary difference is that Windows XP
Home Edition contains certain features
that are disabled.
 See right column for specifics.
 Other versions of XP
 Designed for
 Very fast processing of large amounts
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Discussion Question (1) - What is an
operating system?
SECTION 1.2 (pp.2-3)
 Slides 14-15
 Much of information in text applicable to




most versions of Windows OS.
Textbook assumes Windows XP
Professional installed on hard disk or the
network server.
If students have not installed or upgraded
to Windows XP Professional on personal
computer refer them to documentation
that came with Windows software so they
can initiate installation or upgrade.
Good time to introduce students to your lab
procedures and/or instructions for work to
be done at home or at the office.
Windows XP Professional Edition –
disabled features.
- Backup – must be installed separately.
- Multiprocessor support – not supported.
- Domain based network support – not
supported
- User administration –
-----Less control over user accounts
-----W XP Home edition can set up user
accounts for multiple users on same
computer and provide levels of security.
-----W XP Professional has a much more
robust set of user account Administration.
- File Encryption – not supported on NTFS
formatted disk.
- Remote Desktop – not supported
-----Feature that allows user to see desktop
of another computer.
- Offline files and folders not supported
-----Feature allows copying of files from a
server to a notebook computer or to work
offline from a server.
- Upgrades –
-----Cannot upgrade to Windows XP Home
Edition from Windows NT or W2000.
Page 2
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems

of data.
 Server-based computing.
Designed to run on servers rather than
workstations. Server-based computing.
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
-----Can upgrade from W 98 or W Me to
either version of Windows XP.
 Servers – computers that provide services to
other computers on network.

Discussion Question (2) -What are
enhancements?
OVERVIEW OF FILES AND DISKS
 Overview of Files and Disks
 Disks are primary way to save data/programs
permanently.
 Files – used to organize data for ease of
retrieval.
 Office analogy.
 Disk file same as file folder in file
cabinet.
 File drawer is disk.
 File cabinet is box of disks.
SECTION 1.3 (pp. 3-4)
 Slides 15-17
 Lose everything when computer turned off.
 A file is a set of related information stored
on disk in “file folder with a unique name.
FILE NAMES, FILE TYPES, AND FOLDERS
 File Names, File Types, and Folders
 File name (technically file specification).
 Must have a unique name.
 Comes in two parts.
 File name.
 Mandatory.
 Describes/identifies contents of
file.
 Prior, W used (DOS) 8.3 rule.
 Now, file names can be maximum
of 255 characters (LFN’s).
- Three letter extension (file type)
remains.
 Consider using 8.3 rule.
 Some software/network OS
does not recognize or have
problems with long file names.
 Storing long file names takes
up space.
 File extension.
 Not mandatory.
 Identifies type of file.
 Tells what kind of data is in file.
 .EXE stands for executable code.
SECTION 1.4 (pp.4-6)
 Slides 18-25
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
 Naming files.






- Short name.
- Descriptive name.
Stress
- File name - mandatory
- File extension – not mandatory.
Discuss.
- 8.3 rule.
- Other file extensions: .txt, .doc, etc.
Stress.
- Difference between data files and program
files.
- Information in data files generated by
an application program.
- Data file can usually only be read by the
application program that created it.
OS does not create data files or program
files, only manages them.
If possible, demonstrate a program
executing.
Terms directories/subdirectories/folders
used interchangeably.
Page 3
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems

Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
 One to three characters.
 Stress difference between root directory
and user-created subdirectories.
Two major types of files.
 Program files.
 Applications – used to solve a problem
Discussion Question (10) - Identify and explain
or carry out an activity.
the function and purpose of the two parts of a
 Program files are step-by-step
file specification.
instructions that tell computer to “do”
something.
 Fall into generic categories (word
processing or spreadsheet programs).
 Must be placed into RAM for
application programs to do work.
 When not working kept on disk.
 Data files.
 Information generated from specific
application programs.
 Usually only application programs
can read data files.
 Can only be used in conjunction
with an application program.
 Folders or directories.
 Technically subdirectories.
 Terms directory/subdirectory/folders
used interchangeably.
 OS can divide/structure disks into
directories.
 Allows grouping of related
programs/data files for easy access.
 Root directory is created when disk is
prepared.
 Primary directory.
 Symbol is \ (the backslash).

IDENTIFYING YOUR SYSTEM
CONFIGURATION
 Identifying Your System Configuration
 All computers come with disk drives: (floppy,
hard/fixed, CD-ROM or DVD, removable
drive i.e. ZIP).
 Many computer 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
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.5 (p. 6)
 Slide 26
 Discuss.
- Your lab configuration.
- Computer system configuration.
- Any deviation from textbook-defined
configuration.
 Computers can be configured to suit needs
of user.
Page 4
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
drive, and one floppy disk drive.
 One hard disk drive, one CD-ROM drive,
one read-write CD-ROM drive, and one
floppy disk drive.
COMPUTER CONFIGURATION GUIDE
 Computer Configuration Guide
 Textbook based on a specific computer
configuration that is most common to PC
users.
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System


Discussion Question (3) - Define system
configuration.
Discussion Question (4) - List two common
ways that computer systems are configured.
SECTION 1.6 (pp. 6-7)
 Slides 27-28
 Discuss two slides
--First - compares previous window
versions with XP
--Second – compares book to individual
user set up
BOOTING THE SYSTEM
 Booting the System
 Moves OS programs from system disk to
memory (RAM) so computer can be used.
 Done automatically with Windows when
system is turned on.
 Can boot from Drive A with bootable floppy.
ACTIVITY—BOOTING THE SYSTEM
 Booting the System
 Activity steps.





Turn on monitor
No disk in Drive A
Power on computer
Log onto system.
Enter user name/password.
Click OK.


Activity completed.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.7 (pp. 7-8)
 Slide 29
 Need to know where OS is located.
 Discuss if special process is needed to boot
system in your lab.

Discussion Question (5) - Why is it necessary
to boot the system?
SECTION 1.8 (pp.8-9)
 Slides 30-33

 Review any special lab procedures and the
handling of disks.
 Demonstrate network log on.
 Discuss Startup Sequence when booting
from primary hard disk (See Power Slide).
- BIOS
Initiates POST
Finds boot device
Loads first physical sector of booting
device into memory.
- Ntldr is loaded
Ntldr loads Ntdetct.com for hardware
detection.
- Hardware configuration selection if user is
using more than one hardware.
- Ntldr loads Windows Kernel Ntoskrnl.exe
Page 5
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
into memory, which also loads support files
it needs.
- Hardware scanning files, which ask which
Plug and Play devices, are installed as well
as their capabilities.
- Media support files for the hard drive and
other media storage devices.
- Any special video drivers are loaded.
- Then loads drivers for all services system
supports. A service in this case refers to a
program, routine or process that performs a
specific system function to support other
programs, particularly at a low level.
(hardware).
- Operating system logon process.

SHUTTING DOWN THE SYSTEM
 Shutting Down the System
 Must shut down system properly.
 During shut down process Windows
writes certain information to the disk.
 If computer just shut off:
 System could "Crash".
 May not be able to boot the next time
computer is turned on.
ACTIVITY—WINDOWS SHUT-DOWN
PROCEDURE
 Windows Shut-Down Procedure
 Activity steps.



Demonstrate shutting down computer.
Discuss difference between computer that
automatically shuts down and one where you turn
off power switch and monitor.
Activity completed.
WHY DOS?
 Why DOS?
 Windows is a GUI (graphical user interface).
 Use icons, menu choices, and pictures.
 User friendly.
 DOS.
 Character-based operating system.
 Work with prompt as C:\>
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Discussion Question (6) - How would you boot
the system?
SECTION 1.9 (p. 10)
 Slide 34
SECTION 1.10 (p. 10)
 Slide 35
 Discuss.
- What “Click” means.
- Lab procedure if logging off and not
shutting down computer.
SECTION 1.11 (pp. 10-12)
 Slides 36-41
 Windows will alert user to problems.
- Sometimes they can be fixed at GUI level.
- Other times user needs to go to command
line interface to identify and fix the
problem.
Page 6
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems

 Command line interface.
 Need to know command & how to use it.
Why learn DOS?
 Many tasks cannot be done from GUI.
 Windows utility programs only run at
command line help to solve problems
with Windows.
 Other tasks accomplished easier/faster
from command line prompt.
 Assumption that user “knows” DOS.
 Error messages couched in DOS
terms.
 Some programs only run from DOS
system level.
 Internet users use command line that is
similar to DOS.
 Work with networks or career in network
administration – rely on command line
interfaces.
 Career in computer-related field – must
know command line interface.
 W XP has expanded list of commands
available at command line.
 W OS – write batch files – written, tested
and run at command line interface.
 XP has more powerful commands
available than in W ME and W98.
 Knowing DOS a must if working for A+
Certification.
ACCESSING THE COMMAND LINE PROMPT
 Accessing the Command Line Prompt
 To use command line interface must open
DOS window.
 Open DOS from menu or create shortcut.
 Do not turn off computer when in DOS
window.
 Exit DOS Window.
 Follow Windows shut-down procedures.
ACTIVITY—THE COMMAND LINE PROMPT
 The Command Line Prompt
 Activity steps.
 Boot the system
 Click Start/Programs/Accessories/Command
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
 “DOS” is shorthand for “command line
interface”.
 Use auto analogy – DOS is like going under
the hood of a car.
SECTION 1.12 (pp. 12-13)
 Slide 42

 Screen display may differ from textbook.
- Ignore minor differences.
- Significant differences – note and explain.
SECTION 1.13 (pp. 13-16)
 Slide 43
 Are there instructions for creating shortcuts
Page 7
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems











Prompt/X on title bar in right corner.
Right-click desktop.
Point to New. Click Shortcut.
In text box, key in:
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CMD.EXE
Click Next.
Key in: Command Prompt and then Click Finish.
Double-click Command Prompt shortcut.
Click X on title bar in right corner.
Right-click Command Prompt shortcut. Click
Properties.
Select text in Start in: text box and Key in: C:\
Click OK. Double-click Command Prompt icon.
Click X on title bar in right corner.
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
in lab?
 Discuss.
- Function of wizard.
- Naming shortcuts.

Activity competed.
CONTROLLING THE APPEARANCE OF THE
SECTION 1.14 (p. 16)
COMMAND LINE WINDOW
 Controlling the Appearance of the Command Line  Slides 44-45
Window
 Initially everything appears in window with a
title bar and tool bar.
 Can change appearance of command-line
window.
 Can use Minimize, Maximize or Restore
buttons.
 Can alter size of text in the window when
in window view.
 Can dispense with window and view
command line in full screen mode.
 Use <Alt> and <Enter> keys to toggle
(switch) between a window and fullscreen mode.
ACTIVITY—ALTERING THE COMMAND
LINE WINDOW
 Altering the Command Line Window
 Activity steps.







Double-click Command Prompt shortcut.
Click Minimize button on title bar.
Click Command Prompt button on toolbar.
Click Maximize button on title bar.
Click Restore button.
Click icon in upper-left corner of screen.
Click Properties/Font/Cancel
Key in: EXIT


Activity completed.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.15 (pp. 16-18)
 Slide 46
 Discuss.
- ToolTips.
- TrueType fonts – better for use in
application programs
- Raster (bit-mapped) fonts – clearer and
sharper in a Command Prompt window.
- Why you do not turn off computer at
Command Prompt.
 Review Windows shut-down procedure.
Page 8
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
THE DEFAULT DRIVE AND DEFAULT
DIRECTORY
 The Default Drive and Default Directory
 MS-DOS prompt (command prompt).
 Where commands are keyed in.
 Blinking cursor followed by the prompt.
 Prompt looks like C:\>_ or [C:\]_
 Note: _ represents blinking cursor.
 Letter and colon behind greater than
sign or in brackets is default drive.
 \ has two functions.
 Indicates root directory when preceded
by a colon.
 Acts as separator between directories.
 Default drive and directory is your location.
 Where OS is currently pointing.
 Where OS looks to locate commands or
files if no other instructions are given.
 Default drive and directory that is
displayed at command line prompt
depends on:
 Setup of particular computer.
 Number of hard drives.
 Current running software.
 Drives can be easily changed.
ACTIVITY—CHANGING THE DEFAULT
DRIVE
 Changing the Default Drive
You should be at Windows desktop.
 Activity Steps



Click Start/Programs/Accessories. Click
Command Prompt.
Insert a disk into floppy disk drive.
Key in: A:

Activity completed.
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
SECTION 1.16 (pp. 18-19)
 Slides 47-50
 A pointing device usually not used when in




command prompt mode.
Command prompt is character based.
Make sure students understand concept of
defaults.
Most common prompts will be:
- C:\>
- C:\WINDOWS>
- C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32>
All drives use a letter followed by a colon.
SECTION 1.17 (pp. 19-20)
 Slides 51-52
 Important concepts to cover.
- Demonstrate how to properly insert disk.
- In this text C:\> will be prompt.
- <Enter> - press Enter key.
- Key in what follows prompt – not the
prompt itself.
-
UNDERSTANDING COMMANDS
 Understanding Commands
 Commands are programs that perform specific
tasks.
 OS commands are either internal or
external.
 Internal commands.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Refer to Configuration Table –
Chapter 1.6 for correct computer
configuration.
SECTION 1.18 (pp. 20-21)
 Slides 53-59
 Discuss commands and programs.
 Internal (resident) commands.
Page 9
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System

- Reside in memory or inside computer.
When system booted - Take up valuable space.
automatically loaded/stored in
memory (RAM).
 External commands.
- Reside in a file on a disk.
 Built into command processor
CMD.EXE.
Discussion Question (11) - What is the
 Remain in RAM as long as
difference between a command and a program?
computer on.
 To use:
Discussion question (12) - Compare and
contrast internal and external commands.
 Key in name at command line.
 Click icon.
Discussion Question (13) - What is the purpose
 External commands.
of the DIR command?
 Stored as files on a disk.
 Called external (transient
commands) because they reside in
a file on a disk.
 Must be read into RAM each time
command is keyed in.
W2K OS used to load/execute programs.
 Click/double-click program icon or choose
program from menu.
 OS first looks for program in memory.
 If found loads program.
 If program not found goes to specified
location including disk drive as well as
directory.
 If icon has incorrect information Windows
gives error message.
 All program files are external.
 Term "external command" reserved for
group of programs that perform operating
system functions.
 Generically referred to as command
line utility files/system utility files.
No icons in the MS-DOS window.
 To use commands must know file name.
 DIR command.
 Internal command – seek files from
command line.
 Explorer equivalent to DIR command.
 “Table of Contents” of the disk.





ACTIVITY—USING THE DIR COMMAND
 Using the DIR Command
 Note: ACTIVITIES disk in Drive A.
 Activity steps.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.19 (pp.21-22)
 Slide 60
Page 10
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems


Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
Key in: DIR
Activity completed.
 Discuss.
- Scrolling.
- Function of DIR command.
 Select file and show file name, file
SOFTWARE VERSIONS
 Software Versions
 New software versions released to take
advantage of new technology.
 Contain enhancements (more features) and fix
bugs.
 To keep track of versions, version numbers
are assigned.
 Major changes - whole number.
 Minor changes - decimal.
 Version numbers also assigned to OS.
 Beginning with W95 – DOS integrated into
Windows OS.
ACTIVITY—USING THE VER COMMAND
 Using the VER Command
 Activity steps.


Key in: VER
Activity completed.
THE CLS COMMAND
 The CLS Command
 Clears or "refreshes" screen.
 Returns cursor to home position.
 Command erases screen display not files.
ACTIVITY—USING THE CLS COMMAND
 Using the CLS Command
 Activity Steps.


Key in: CLS
Activity completed.
THE DATE AND TIME COMMANDS
 The DATE and TIME Commands
 DATE and TIME set automatically when
system is booted.
 System date and system time are the date and
time the computer uses when it creates or
updates files.
 Most computers have built-in clocks.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
extension, size, data, and time.
 All files listed on disk are practice files.
Can be used without harming personal files.
SECTION 1.20 (pp. 22-23.)
 Slide 61
 W95 replaced DOS 6.22
WMe replaced W98/95
W2K P replaced WNt
WXP Home Edition upgrade of WMe
WXP upgrade of W 2K Professional

Discussion Question (14) - What is the function
of the VER command?
SECTION 1.21 (p.23)
 Slide 62

Version number seen depends on version of
Windows installed on the computer.
SECTION 1.22 (p. 23)
 Slide 63

Discussion Question (15) - What is the function
of the CLS command?
SECTION 1.23 (p. 23)
 Slide 64
 Screen cleared and C:\> is back in upper
left-hand corner.
SECTION 1.24 (pp. 23-24)
 Slides 65-66
 Emphasize that many application programs
use system date and time.
Page 11
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems

Can change or check system DATE and
TIME command by using internal DATE and
TIME commands at:
 Command line or
 Time displayed at far right of task bar on
Windows desktop.
ACTIVITY—USING DATE/TIME COMMANDS
AT THE COMMAND LINE
 Using DATE/TIME Commands at the Command
Line
 Activity Steps.










Key in: DATE.
 Keep date if correct.
 Change date using hyphen, dot, or forward
slash between numbers.
Key in: 12-31-02.
Key in: TIME.
 Keep time if correct.
 Change time using colon between numbers.
 Can set hour and minutes.
 Can set hour, minutes, and seconds.
 Add p after time for p.m. – a.m. is default.
 Can use 24-hour clock.
Key in: 23:59:59
Key in: DATE /T
Key in: TIME /T
 Discuss why date displayed is not what was
keyed in.
Key in: DATE.
At the prompt students key in their birth date.
Key in: DATE/T.
Click Close in Command Prompt window.

Discussion Question (16) - How can you set
the date and time?
SECTION 1.25 (pp. 24-26)
 Slide 57

Warning: If you are logged onto a DOMAIN be
SURE and return the date and time to the current
date and time before you shut down. If you do
not do this, you may not be able to log onto that
station.
 Stress how important format is.
 Clock always running.
 /T parameter with DATE and TIME
commands displays system date and time.
 Take some students' future birthdays and
identify on what day of the week they will
occur.

Discussion Question (17) - How do you set the
time when using the TIME command?

Activity completed.
ACTIVITY—CHANGING THE DATE AND
TIME USING THE TASKBAR
 Changing the Date and Time Using the Taskbar
 Activity Steps.





Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
Right-click time display on right of taskbar. Click
Adjust Date/Time.
Change date, month, and time to current values.
Click OK.
Place mouse pointer over time in taskbar to display
new day and date without opening dialog box.
SECTION 1.26 (pp. 26-27)
 Slide 68
 Discuss.
- Spin box.
- Drop-down list box.
Activity completed.
MEDIA OBJECTS: THEIR PROPERTIES AND
VALUES
 Media Objects: Their Properties and Values
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.27(pp. 27-28)
Page 12
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems



To Windows, everything is an object.
 Each object
 has properties and may have values.
 can be opened.
 can be manipulated.
 can have settings and parameters.
 Properties may have values.
Property.
 Characteristic of object.
 All objects of same type have same
properties.
 Details about file that help identify it.
 Examine object's property sheet to
discover information about an object in
Windows.
Values
 Value of each property separates one
object from another.
ACTIVITY—EXAMINING DISK PROPERTIES
AND VALUES
 Examining Disk Properties and Values
 Activity Steps.





ACTIVITIES disk in drive A:
Open My Computer window.
Right-click A drive icon.
Click Properties/Cancel
Close My Computer.
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
 Slides 69-72
 Display property sheet by right clicking on
object icon and choosing Properties from
shortcut menu.
 Value example:
- Humans (objects) have names (property).
Value (specific name of person)
differentiates one object of same type
(human) to another object of the same type
(human).



Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Discussion Question (8) - What is a
property?
Discussion Question (9) - What is a value?
SECTION 1.28 (pp. 28-30)
 Slides 73-75
 Discuss.
- Left/right views of My Computer.
Identify type of drive by its icon.
- Properties of ACTIVITIES disk.

Activity Completed.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN COPYING
DISKS
 Ethical Considerations in Copying Disks
 Illegal to copy a program/disk not purchased.
 Most software manufacturers allow/encourage
making backup copies.
 To be both legal and ethical you must have
purchased the program.
 Can copy bought CD program if you have
recording CD-ROM drive.
 Illegal to record CD you did not purchase.
 Next activity students will copy ACTIVITIES
disk and work from the copy.
 Discuss why.
 Whenever possible and legal, always
Discussion Question (7) - What is an object?
SECTION 1.29 (p. 30)
 Slides 76-77
 Stress ethics - that no one can "give" student
a program.
 Discuss reasons for working with a copy of
a disk rather than the original disk.


Discussion Question (18) - What is the
purpose of making a backup copy of a
program?
Discussion Question (19) - Why should you
work with a copy of a program rather then with
Page 13
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
the original?
work from a copy not the original.
MAKING A COPY OF THE ACTIVITIES DISK:
DISKCOPY
 Making a Copy of the ACTIVITIES Disk:
DISKCOPY.
 Making backup copy.
 For exact copy of a disk must use like media.
 Type and capacity.
 DISKCOPY.
 Program used to make backup copy of
floppy disk.
 Only works on floppy disks of identical
media types and capacity.
 Before it copies disk it formats it.
 External command.
 Stored as a file called DISKCOPY.COM
in WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 OR
WINNT\SYSTEM32 SUBDIRECTORY.
 Cannot copy from hard disk to floppy disk or
vice versa.
ACTIVITY—USING DISKCOPY
 Using DISKCOPY
 Note: Any special procedures in your lab?
 Activity steps.









On new label write “ACTIVITES Disk—
Working Copy” and your name. Attach label to a
new disk.
Place textbook ACTIVITIES disk that came
with text in Drive A.
Open Command Prompt window and key in: CD
\WINNT\SYSTEM32.
Key in: DISKCOPY A: A:
Press <Enter>.
Remove master ACTIVITIES disk from Drive
A and insert the new blank disk
Press <Enter>.
Press N and <Enter>.
Close Command Prompt window.
SECTION 1.30 (p. 30)
 Slides 78-79
 Stress the following:
- Legality of copying programs.
- Using identical media types.


Discussion Question (20) - Why is it important
to know what type of media you are using when
copying disks?
Discussion Question (21) - What is the purpose
of the DISKCOPY command?
SECTION 1.31 (pp. 31-33)
 Slides 80-81
 If necessary, refer to configuration table to
locate correct directory.
 Remind students that DISKCOPY is stored
as file called DISKCOPY.COM in
WINNT\SYSTEM32 subdirectory or
Windows\System32.

Activity completed.
HOW TO END THE WORK SESSION
 How to End the Work Session
 Can end at almost any time.
 Anything saved on disk will not be lost.
 Must exit Windows properly and completely.
Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
SECTION 1.32(p. 33)
 Slide 82
Page 14
Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris
ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems
Chapter 1
Getting Started with the Operating System
 If students stop in middle of an Activity
ACTIVITY—ENDING THE WORK SESSION
 Ending the Work Session
 Note: Any special lab instructions?
 Activity Steps.





Close any open windows, including Command
Prompt window.
Click Start/Shut Down.
Click OK.
Follow shut down procedure.
If necessary turn off monitor and system unit.

Activity completed.
they must remember what prompt was when
they stopped so they will be able to return to
prompt when they begin again.
SECTION 1.33 (pp. 33-34)
 Slide 83
 Describe your lab procedures if they are
different from the textbook procedures.
 Discuss any log off procedures if on
network.

Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line
Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1
Discussion Question (22) - What are the
necessary steps to ending a work session?
Page 15