IST 222– Review SheetChapters 5 thru 7
Key Terms
Chapter 5
Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems
alpha software An early development version of software in which there are likely to be bugs, and not all of the anticipated software functionality is present. Alpha software is usually tested only by a select few users to identify major problems and the need for new or different features before the software is tested by a broader audience in the beta stage.
backup A process of copying files from a computer system to another medium, such as a tape, another hard drive, a removable drive, or a DVD/CD-ROM.
beta software During software development, software that has successfully passed the alpha test stage. Beta testing may involve dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people, and may be conducted in multiple stages: beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, and so on.
clean computer A computer from which all unnecessary software and hardware have been removed. A clean computer is useful during software upgrade testing because a minimum number of other software and hardware elements are in place, making it easier to track down problems with new software.
clean installation An operating system installation on a computer that either has no operating system installed (a new hard drive or one that has been formatted) or that has an operating system already installed, but that is overwritten by the installation.
Domain Name Service (DNS) An application protocol that resolves domain and computer names to IP addresses, or IP addresses to domain and computer names.
migration Moving from one operating system to another operating system, which may or may not involve implementing a new computer as well.
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) A set of rules and guidelines for accessing databases and providing a standard doorway to database data.
production computer Any computer used to perform real work, which should be protected from problems that might cause an interruption in workflow or loss of data.
release candidate (RC) The final stage of software testing by vendors before cutting an official release that is sold commercially. A release candidate is usually tested by a very large audience of customers. Some vendors may issue more than one release candidate if problems are discovered in the first RC.
release to manufacturing (RTM) A version of a Microsoft operating system that is officially released to be sold and that has gone through the alpha, beta, and release candidate phases prior to official release.
upgrade installation An operating system installation on a computer that already has an earlier version of the operating system and the upgrade replaces the earlier version with a new version, often with the option to retain some or all of the original settings, user accounts, applications, data files, and other existing user files.
virtual desktop A desktop computer with software that can be configured to run multiple virtual machines, with multiple operating systems (usually desktop OSs). See virtual machine.
virtualization Software that enables one computer to run two or more operating systems that are live at the same time and in which one application running in an operating system does not interfere with an application running in a different operating system. See virtual machine and virtual server.
virtual machine A discrete operating system running inside virtual server or virtual desktop software, such as Hyper-V, on one computer. Multiple virtual machines can run on one virtual server. See virtual desktop and virtual server.
virtual server A server computer that can be configured to run multiple virtual machines, with multiple operating systems (server or desktop OSs). See virtual machine.
Chapter 6
Configuring Input and Output Devices
3D printersPrinters that uses an additive process to create a physical “print” or model one layer at a time.
digital pad An alternative input device frequently used by graphic artists and others who need accurate control over drawing and other data input.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) A high visual quality standard for connecting flat panel LCD displays and digital projectors.
DisplayPort A digital interface standard that is projected to replace DVI and HDMI for computers.
dots per inch (dpi) Used to measure the resolution of a printer, the number of dots contained in an inch.
driver signing A digital signature that Microsoft incorporates into driver and system files as a way to verify the files and to ensure that they are not inappropriately overwritten.
game pad An input device primarily designed for interaction with games. Includes multiple buttons, wheels, or balls to effect movement of a variety of on-screen objects.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) A high visual quality standard for connecting digital audio and video devices.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) An international organization of scientists, engineers, technicians, and educators that plays a leading role in developing standards for computers, network cabling, and data transmissions—as well other electronics areas, such as consumer electronics and electrical power.
interrupt request (IRQ) line A channel within the computer that is used for communications with the CPU.
I/O address range A range of memory addresses that is used to temporarily store data that is transferred between a computer device or component and the CPU.
optical character recognition (OCR) Imaging software that scans each character on the page as a distinct image and is able to recognize the character.
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) A bus standard that has been replaced by the PCI Express or PCIe standard.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) A bus standard that has enabled adapter manufacturers to supply one hardware product to a variety of hardware platforms.
pixel Short for picture element. The small dots that make up a computer screen display.
pixels per inch (ppi) Used to measure the resolution of a display screen, the number of dots (pixels) contained in an inch.
plotter Computer hardware that produces high-quality printed output, often in color, by moving ink pens over the surface of paper. Plotters are often used with computer-aided design (CAD) and other graphics applications.
portable printers Lightweight printers designed to be carried while traveling; usually inkjet printers that may come with a battery.
print queue or print spooler A section of computer memory and hard disk storage set aside to hold information sent by an application to a printer attached to the local computer or to another computer or print server on a network. Operating system or printer drivers and control software manage the information sent to the queue, responding to printer start/stop commands.
tar A UNIX file archive utility.
thermal-wax transfer A printer technology that creates high-quality color printed output by melting colored wax elements and transferring them to the printed page.
Chapter 7
Using and Configuring Storage Devices
Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) The name of the ANSI standard for an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface. Standard ATA is also called Parallel ATA (PATA), because it uses a parallel connection. See American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), and Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE).
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) An organization that works to set standards for all types of products, including computer and networking devices.
basic disk A physical hard drive used in Windows that offers essential disk management options. It can contain primary partitions, extended partitions, or logical drives that are known as basic volumes. See dynamic disk.
cloud storageStorage that is used through the Internet or a network via a Web-based interface or software, such as a browser.
disk geometry Critical information about a hard drive’s hardware configuration. This information is often stored in an area of nonvolatile memory in the computer.
disk mirroring A fault tolerance method in which the contents of one disk are exactly duplicated or “mirrored” on another disk, so that if the main disk fails the second disk can be brought into operation without losing even newly created data.
dynamic disk Used by Windows operating systems to provide the option to create volumes that span multiple disks and to provide more security and management features than basic disks. See basic disk.
Enhanced IDE (EIDE) A more modern, faster version of IDE. Also referred to as the ANSI ATA-2 standard. See Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE).
external SATA (eSATA) An interface that enables connectivity for an external SATA drive.
fault tolerance Implementing software or hardware to protect against hardware failures, power interruptions, and lost data.
Fibre Channel A means of transferring data between servers, mass storage devices, workstations, and peripherals at very high speeds. See storage area network.
Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) Partition Table or GPT A partition table approach that is newer than the MBR approach and theoretically sets no limits to the number of partitions on a disk. Further, it enables the use of larger disks, such as in the exabyte range.
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) A storage protocol used in older desktop computer systems. IDE simplifies the hardware required inside the computer, placing more of the disk intelligence at the hard drive itself. This is also referred to as the ANSI ATA standard. See Advanced Technology Attachment and Enhanced IDE.
Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) A network attached storage technology that uses TCP/IP network communications and SCSI drives and commands. See network attached storage (NAS).
Light Peak A computer peripheral device connection technology that uses optical cables instead of copper cables and has faster communications than USB.
network attached storage (NAS) A way to directly attach storage to a network for access by one or more servers or storage clients. See Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI).
parity A simple error detection method that typically counts the number of non-zero bits in a string of data and then sets a parity bit to reflect whether the number of non-zero bits totals to an even number or an odd number. If the total is an even number, it sets the parity bit (to equal 1) and if the total is odd, then it does not set the parity bit (which equals 0).
redundant array of inexpensive (or independent) disks (RAID) A relatively inexpensive, redundant storage design that uses multiple disks and logic to reduce the chance of information being lost in the event of hardware failure. RAID uses various designs, typically designated as Level 0 through Level 5.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) A high-speed interface used for hard disk and other communications that uses a high-speed serial cable connection for data transfer speeds up to 6 Gbps.
solid state drive (SSD) A storage technology that is based on using semiconductors for storage, similar to the technology used in flash drives. SSDs have no moving parts, such as motors and spinning platters, and offer storage capacities approaching those used in magnetic-based hard disks.
storage area network (SAN) A grouping of storage devices, such as hard drives, that form a subnet, or small private network. SAN technology provides for interconnection between servers and storage systems without sending data over the corporate network. See Fibre Channel and InfiniBand.
Sections Covered
Chapter 5
Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems
Introduction to Installing an Operating System
1.Explain the difference between a clean installation and an upgrade installation.
2.List some basic preparation steps for installing or upgrading an operating system, such as:
- Checking hardware compatibility
- Have driver disks ready
- Keep accurate information about your hardware on hand
3.Give students an idea of what to expect during operating system installation, such as having to enter user and organization details, license keys, or selecting parts of the operating system to install.
Preparing for Installation
Checking the Hardware
1.Show students how to prepare for an install by listing hardware components that may need special attention during an install. Devices such as video cards, network cards, and sound cards may need special drivers from their respective manufacturers.
2.Make students aware of the fact that while some devices may need special configuration, devices with PnP capability should be configured automatically.
Checking Drivers
1.Discuss ways to find the most current and up to date drivers, and talk about some of the benefits and disadvantages of having the most up to date driver.
Ensuring Hardware Compatibility
1.Explain how students can find up to date hardware compatibility lists for ensuring successful installs. Microsoft has their Compatibility Center, while Red Hat has their Certified Hardware program, in addition to their hardware catalog.
2.Explain that you should always check the minimum requirements, and ensure that the hardware on which you plan to install the operating system meets or exceeds these requirements.
Migrating to a New Operating System
Deciding Whether to Perform an Upgrade or Clean Installation
1.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of performing a clean installation versus an upgrade installation. Typically a clean installation will require starting from scratch and formatting system partitions, whereas an upgrade usually gives the option of using file systems that are already in place.
2.You should mention the Windows Deployment Services as an option for deploying Windows 7 in a large environment.
Preparing for an Upgrade/Migration
1.Describe steps to take before undergoing an upgrade to determine if an upgrade is necessary or even desirable.
Deciding to Upgrade/Migrate
1.In deciding to upgrade / migrate to a new operating system, teach students to consider things such as whether the time is right to upgrade, and if any significant benefits would be gained by performing the upgrade.
2.Explain the concept of TCO, or Total Cost of Ownership.
3.Discuss some of the pre-release versions of software that are sometimes made available:
- Alpha software
- Beta software
- Release candidate
4.Explain that while installing the latest and greatest may be tempting, one should never install software that is not an official release or a Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version on production computers.
5.Describe steps that can be taken prior to upgrade to ensure that your software / hardware is compatible with the updated operating system. Windows XP, Vista, and 7 provide the Upgrade Advisor that will typically list any problematic hardware or software. Students should ensure that the drivers for the operating system are updated to their latest prior to the upgrade, and have drivers for the updated operating system already on hand.
6.Take a brief moment to suggest virtualization as a method for running outdated software on newer operating systems such as Windows 7.
Making Backups before Migrating to a New Operating System
1.Instruct students on the methods used to make a backup prior to the upgrade to ensure that no data will be lost.
2.Windows Server 2008 has Windows Server Backup utility, while Windows 7 has the Backup and Restore Center. Students should know that these programs exist for now, and where to look for data to back up (User profiles, program save locations).
Conducting a Test Migration
1.Describe how to create a test environment to see how a planned migration will go. A test environment needs to be as close as possible to the eventual target environment.
2.You can also discuss the usage of virtual machines in testing how a migration will work, but virtual machines will not be able to test hardware compatibility, only software compatibility.
3.Detail how to utilize the test environment to its full potential. Once the migration looks feasible, students should upgrade an experienced user to test the changes in a live environment.
Training
1.Discuss the importance of getting training for all those that will receive an upgrade as part of a migration.
Chapter 6
Configuring Input and Output Devices
Operating Systems and Devices: An Overview
1.Review the basic functions an operating system must be able to carry out:
- Handle input from keyboards, mice, etc.
- Handle output to screens.
- Control information storage.
- Support communications with remote computers
2.Review the concept of device drivers as a means for an operating system to communicate with hardware.
Using Device Drivers
1.Explain why drivers are required for all devices, and the benefits of having these drivers separate from the operating system.
2.Demonstrate where to get drivers for certain brands, such as Dell or HP.
3.Provide a simple walkthrough of what a typical driver installation package requires a user to do. Students should understand what to do with a ZIP file, self extracting executable, or .tar (tar.gz if compressed) file.
4.Discuss how to use drivers from various other sources, like DVD/CD-ROM, using Add Hardware Wizard, or PnP.
5.Students need to know how to find the Add Hardware wizard on various Windows operating systems, usually under Control Panel.
Using Control Panel to Install a Device and Driver
1.Explain the use of some of Control Panel’s device configuration applications. The following is a list of devices that can be configured via the Control Panel’s applications:
- Display
- Game Controllers
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Network Interfaces
- Phone and modem connections
- Uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
- Printers and faxes
- Scanners and cameras
- Audio devices
Using Device Manager to Install or Update a Driver
1.Show students how to make use of the device manager utility to verify that connected hardware is functioning properly, and has the most up to date driver. When dealing with older machines, students should know how to check for resource conflicts using Device Manager.