Chapter 6: Operating Systems (Core 2 – 220-1202)

6.1 Operating System Fundamentals

 What is an Operating System (OS)?

An OS is software that:

• Manages hardware
• Runs applications
• Provides user interface

 Common Operating Systems

• Windows 10 / Windows 11
• macOS
• Linux
• Mobile OS: Android, iOS

OS Types

6.2 Windows Editions & Features

Windows Editions

Key Windows Features

• Remote Desktop
• BitLocker (encryption)
• Group Policy
• Windows Defender

6.3 Windows Installation Methods

Installation Types

Clean Install

• Fresh OS installation
• Deletes all data

Upgrade Install

• Keeps files and apps

Repair Install

• Fixes OS without data loss

Installation Steps:

1. Boot from USB/ISO
2. Select partition
3. Install OS
4. Configure settings

Partition Types

6.4 File Systems (VERY IMPORTANT)

Common File Systems

NTFS Features:

• File permissions
• Encryption (EFS)
• Compression

6.5 Windows Tools & Utilities (EXAM CRITICAL)

System Tools

Control Panel vs Settings

• Control Panel → legacy
• Settings → modern interface

6.6 Command-Line Tools (HIGH PRIORITY)

Essential Commands

ipconfig     → Network info
ping         → Test connectivity
sfc /scannow → Repair system files
chkdsk       → Check disk errors
tasklist     → Show processes
taskkill     → End process

Admin Tools:

• Run as Administrator required for many commands

6.7 Windows Networking

Network Settings:

• IP configuration
• DNS settings
• Network profiles:
  • Public
  • Private
  • Domain

Firewall:

• Blocks unauthorized access
• Configurable rules

6.8 macOS Basics

Features:

• Finder (file manager)
• Spotlight (search)
• Time Machine (backup)

 Tools:

• Disk Utility
• Activity Monitor

6.9 Linux Basics

Common Distributions:

• Ubuntu
• Debian
• Fedora

Basic Commands:

ls     → list files
cd     → change directory
chmod  → change permissions
sudo   → run as admin

Linux File Structure:

• Root directory: /
• Everything is file-based

6.10 OS Configuration & Management

System Settings:

• Power options
• Display settings
• User accounts

User Management:

• Admin vs standard user
• Permissions and access control

Security Settings:

• Password policies
• Account lockout

6.11 Remote Access

Remote Desktop (RDP)

• Connect to another computer

 VPN (Virtual Private Network)

• Secure remote connection

6.12 OS Troubleshooting

 Boot Issues

Causes:

• Corrupt OS
• Missing boot files

Fix:

• Safe Mode
• Startup Repair

Slow Performance

Causes:

• Too many startup apps
• Low RAM

Fix:

• Disable startup apps
• Upgrade hardware

Blue Screen (BSOD)

Causes:

• Driver issues
• Hardware failure

Recovery Options

• System Restore
• Reset this PC
• Recovery Environment

6.13 Malware Removal (EXAM IMPORTANT)

Steps:

1. Identify malware
2. Quarantine system
3. Remove malware
4. Update system
5. Educate user

6.14 Virtualization in OS

Built-in Tools:

• Hyper-V

Use Cases:

• Testing software
• Running multiple OS

6.15 Exam Tips (CRITICAL)

✔ Memorize Windows tools
✔ Know file systems (NTFS vs FAT32)
✔ Understand installation types
✔ Practice command-line tools
✔ Focus on troubleshooting scenarios

Quick Knowledge Check

1. Which file system supports permissions?
   A. FAT32
   B. NTFS
   C. exFAT
   D. RAW
2. Tool to view processes?
   A. Device Manager
   B. Task Manager
   C. BIOS
   D. CMD
3. Command to repair system files?
   A. chkdsk
   B. ipconfig
   C. sfc /scannow
   D. format
4. What is GPT used for?
   A. Networking
   B. Partitioning
   C. Security
   D. RAM
5. Linux command to list files?
   A. cd
   B. ls
   C. sudo
   D. rm

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-B