Operating Systems I
Managing Your System
MCT260-Operating Systems I
Primary Learning Objective
Execute Routine System Management
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Specific Learning Objectives
• Identify and define the terms associated with
system management
• Identify critical system files used by operating
systems
• Add/remove software and Windows
components
• Install a Printer
• Use Task Manager to end unresponsive
programs and view CPU/memory usage
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Specific Learning Objectives
• Use Windows Internet Update Feature and
Device Manager
• Restore your computer
• Modify system variables such as date and time
• Use CLI commands such as SET, DATE,
TIME, VER, and MEM
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Critical System Files
• As OS’s have evolved, so has the way they store
configuration information. The older, smaller
files are still important because they are used for
bootable and network connection disks.
• The three following files are the minimum
required to make a bootable (startup) disk:
– COMMAND.COM
– IO.SYS
– MSDOS.SYS
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Critical System Files
• After a DOS computer boots up, it reads
the CONFIG.SYS, a configuration file,
and executes any commands in it.
• Next the AUTOEXEC.BAT (automatically
executed batch) file runs.
• Windows 3.x used initialization files (.INI)
for software settings. WIN.INI and
SYSTEM.INI are two that are still
important in network connection disks.
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The Registry
• The .INI files were replaced by the registry
in Windows 95.
• The Registry is a database used by the
Windows operating system to store
configuration information.
• Stores all settings for: Users, Hardware,
Programs, and Folders
• Software and hardware installations affect
the registry
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Adding Software
• Read the instructions and/or Readme files
• Three options exist for adding software:
– Newer programs come on CD-ROMs. If it has an
auto-run feature, the installation program will start
automatically.
– Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs >
click the Add New Programs button then click the
CD or Floppy button. If it can find the SETUP or
INSTALL program it will run it.
– Open the disk /folder and double-click any files
called SETUP or similarly named files.
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Adding New Programs
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Removing Software
• The preferred method is to use Add or
Remove Programs since it removes all
traces of the program even in the Registry.
• Another option is to see if the program has
its own uninstall program and run it.
• The worst option is to delete the files and
folder where the program is located
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Removing Programs
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Adding/Removing Windows
Components
• In Add or Remove Programs click Add/
Remove Windows Component button
• Check the category that contains the
component you need to add.
• Clicking the DETAILS button show a list of
individual components in that category.
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Windows Components Wizard
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Details of IIS
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Configuring Components
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Installing a Printer
• Local printer – one connected to the computer’s
parallel port
• Network printer – one connected directly to the
network or to a print server
• Having the correct printer driver is very
important for a successful installation.
– Generally older printer drivers are easily found on
the OS CD-ROM
– New printers with older OS’s can cause problems
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Using Task Manager
• Use Task Manager to close an application that
occasionally freezes or stops responding.
• Use <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete> or right-click on
the taskbar and select Task Manager.
• If using Task Manager fails, turn the computer
off and restart it.
• It shows a list of open applications, what
processes are running, and CPU/memory usage.
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Task Manager
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Using Device Manager
• Device Manager is used to document system
setting, verify the installation of a hardware
device, check for hardware conflicts,
troubleshoot hardware problems, and change
the configuration of a hardware device.
• To view: right-click My Computer, Properties,
Hardware Tab, and Device Manager button.
• A red X through an device icon indicates that
the device is disabled.
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Device Manager
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Windows Internet Update
• A feature used to find and install product
enhancements and updated system files,
device drivers, and service packs.
• Requires a Internet connection.
• Click the Start button and select All Programs
 Windows Update.
• Click Scan for updates to view the available
updates for your computer.
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Windows Internet Update
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System Restore
• Use the utility to return your computer
configuration to a time before the problems
occurred.
• A restore point is a snapshot of your
computer at an earlier time.
• Start  All Programs  Accessories  System
Tools  System Restore
• Select Restore my computer to an earlier time
option
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System Restore
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Demonstrations
• Use GUI to modify Date and Time
• Use CLI commands such as SET, DATE,
TIME, VER, and MEM
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Summary
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Critical System Files
Add/Remove Software
Add/Remove Windows Components
Install a Local Printer
Task Manager
Device Manager
Windows Internet Update feature
System Restore
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Homework Assignment
• Reading
– XP Textbook – pp 116-117, pp 150-170
– CLI Textbook - pp 29-33, pp 84-87
• Lab Exercise 10: Perform System
Management
• Homework 6: System Management
• Due Date: A Week from Next Tuesday
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