Sim-Ex™ Tutorial for A+ : Operating Systems

Introductions: A+ Certification consists of A+ Core 1 exam and A+ Core 2 exam. Certification vendor revises the certification objectives in line with the developments taking place from time to time. For example, recent Operating Systems questions include Windows Vista and Windows 7 questions.

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:

  • http://www.cs.mun.ca/~paul/cs3725/material/web/notes/node11.html
  • http://www.easydos.com/
  • http://www.cae.wisc.edu/site/public/?title=winnt2kupgrade
  • http://www.comptia.org
  • http://networking.ringofsaturn.com/Certifications/aplusos.php
  • http://searchwincomputing.techtarget.com/

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