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A+ Operating Systems Tutorial

Introductions: A+ Operating Systems (A+ OS) is one of the two exams that constitute A+ certification requirement. The other exam that you need to pass to obtain A+ certification is A+ Core Hardware exam. ( Read A+ Core Hardware tutorial).

2. Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading,

2.1 Identify the procedures for installing Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP, and bringing the operating system to a basic operational level.

• Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements

• Determine OS installation options

  • Installation type (typical, custom, other)

  • Network configuration

  • File system type

  • Dual Boot Support

• Disk preparation order (conceptual disk preparation)

  • Start the installation

  • Partition

  • Format drive

• Run appropriate set up utility

  • Setup

  • Winnt

• Installation methods

  • Bootable CD

  • Boot floppy

  • Network installation

  • Drive Imaging

• Device Driver Configuration

  • Load default drivers

  • Find updated drivers

• Restore user data files (if applicable)

• Identify common symptoms and problems

2.2 Identify steps to perform an operating system upgrade from Windows 9.x/ME, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP. Given an upgrade scenario, choose the appropriate next steps.

• Upgrade paths available

• Determine correct upgrade startup utility (e.g. WINNT32 vs WINNT)

• Verify hardware compatibility and minimum requirements

• Verify application compatibility

• Apply OS service packs, patches, and updates

• Install additional Windows components

2.3 Identify the basic system boot sequences and boot methods, including the steps to create an emergency boot disk with utilities installed for Windows 9x/Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP.

• Boot Sequence

  • Files required to boot

  • Boot steps (9.x, NT-based)

• Alternative Boot Methods

  • Using a Startup disk

  • Safe/VGA-only mode

  • Last Known Good configuration

  • Command Prompt mode

  • Booting to a system restore point

  • Recovery Console

  • Boot.ini switches

  • Dual Boot

• Creating Emergency Disks with OS Utilities

• Creating emergency repair disk (ERD)
  

2.4 Identify procedures for installing/adding a device, including loading, adding, and configuring device drivers, and required software.

• Device Driver Installation

  • Plug and Play (PNP) and non-PNP devices

  • Install and configure device drivers

  • Install different device drivers

  • Manually install a device driver

  • Search the Internet for updated device drivers

  • Using unsigned drivers (driver signing)

• Install Additional Windows components

• Determine if permissions are adequate for performing the task

2.5 Identify procedures necessary to optimize the operating system and major operating system subsystems.

• Virtual Memory Management

• Disk Defragmentation

• Files and Buffers

• Caches

• Temporary file management

References:

1. http://www.cs.mun.ca/~paul/cs3725/material/web/notes/node11.html

2. http://www.easydos.com/

3. http://www.cae.wisc.edu/site/public/?title=winnt2kupgrade

4. http://www.comptia.org

5. http://networking.ringofsaturn.com/Certifications/aplusos.php

6. http://searchwincomputing.techtarget.com/

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