Summary

166 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion GuideSummaryThis chapter introduced computer operating systems. As a technician, you should be skilledat installing, configuring, and troubleshooting an operating system. The following conceptsfrom this chapter are important to remember:■■■■■■There are several different operating systems available, and you must consider the customer’sneeds and environment when choosing an operating system.The main steps in setting up a customer’s computer include preparing the hard drive,installing an operating system, creating user accounts, and configuring installationoptions.A GUI shows icons of all files, folders, and applications on the computer. A pointingdevice, such as a mouse, is used to navigate a GUI desktop.You should establish a backup strategy that allows the recovery of data. Normal, copy,differential, incremental, and daily backups are all optional backup tools available inWindows operating systems.Preventive maintenance techniques help to ensure optimal operation of the operatingsystem.Some of the tools available for troubleshooting an operating system problem includethe Windows Advanced Options menu, event logs, Device Manager, and system files.Summary of ExercisesThis is a summary of the labs and worksheets associated with this chapter.LabsThe following Labs cover material from this chapter. Refer to the labs in IT Essentials: PCHardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, Third Edition (ISBN 1-58713-198-6):Lab 5.4.2: Install Windows XPLab 5.4.5: Create Accounts and Check for UpdatesLab 5.5.1: Run CommandsLab 5.5.4: Install Third-Party SoftwareLab 5.6.2: Restore PointsLab 5.6.3: Windows Registry Backup and Recovery