Summary

2 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideThe installation, configuration, and optimization of operating systems are examined ingreater detail in this chapter.There are various brands of operating systems available on the market today, includingMicrosoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, UNIX, and Linux. A technician must consider the currentcomputer system when selecting an operating system. Additionally, there are severalversions or distributions of an operating system. Some versions of Microsoft Windowsinclude Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XPProfessional, Windows Media Center, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows VistaBusiness, and Windows Vista Premium.Each of these operating systems offers many of the same features with a similar interface.However, some functions necessary for specific customer needs might not be available in allof them. You must be able to compare and contrast operating systems to find the best onebased on your customer’s needs.Select the Appropriate Operating SystemBased on Customer NeedsThere are many operating systems to choose from, each with features that should be consideredwhen consulting with a customer. When selecting an operating system for a customer,you should select hardware that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for equipmentcalled for by the operating system.In this chapter, Windows XP Professional is used to describe the functions of an operatingsystem. At some point during your career, you will most likely upgrade or repair a computerwith a Windows operating system.Table 12-1 shows a comparison of Windows operating systems.Table 12-1Windows OS FeaturesScalable EncryptedRemote Network CPU File System EnhancedDesktop? Sharing? Support? (EFS) Support? Security?Microsoft Windows Yes Yes Yes Yes YesXP ProfessionalMicrosoft Windows XP No Yes No No NoHome EditionMicrosoft Windows XP Yes Yes Yes Yes YesMedia Center EditionMicrosoft Windows 2000 Add-On Yes Yes Yes Yes