Bootable Devices and ISO Creation

• An ISO image is created to distribute disc data over a network to burn a CD or DVD at the destination computer
• Files in the ISO image are not compressed, but require an ISO utility program to identify them and burn the disc with the original file/folder structure
• Select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO) for another PC > Next" in the tool
• Select language, architecture, and Windows edition, then select "Next"
• Select "ISO file > Next" and the tool will create the ISO file

Bootable Device Creation

• A bootable device is a storage drive containing the operating system, boot files, and drivers for booting a computer
• Requires non-volatile memory to retain written data even when turned off
• Insert a USB flash drive into a running computer
• Open a Command Prompt as administrator
• Type diskpart
• In the new command line window, type list disk, and press Enter to determine the USB flash drive number or drive letter

Partition Scheme

• A partition is a logical division of a hard disk treated as a separate unit by operating systems (OSes) and file systems
• OSes and file systems manage information on each partition as if it were a distinct hard drive

File System

• A file system is a structure used by an operating system to organize and manage files on storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, or USB flash drives
• It defines how data is stored, accessed, and organized

Operating System Installation

• Set up the display environment.
• Erase the primary boot disk
• Set up the BIOS
• Install the operating system
• Configure the server for RAID if needed
• Install OS Updates

OS Examples

• Solaris Operating System Installation
• Linux Operating System Installation
• Windows Server 2003 Operating System Installation
• Mac OS

BIOS/UEFI Configuration

• Click Start, then Settings
• Click Update & Security
• Click Recovery on the left side
• Under Advanced start-up, click Restart Now
• Click Troubleshoot
• Click Advanced options
• Select UEFI Firmware Settings
• Click Restart to enter UEFI (BIOS)

Partitioning

• A partition is a logical division of a hard disk treated as a separate unit by operating systems (OSes) and file systems
• OSes and file systems manage information on each partition as if it were a distinct hard drive

Installation Procedures

• Installation (or setup) makes a computer program ready for execution
• It configures software/hardware to be usable, requiring a software copy
• Common operations include:
• Ensuring system requirements are met
• Checking for existing versions
• Creating/updating program files/folders
• Adding configuration data (configuration files, Windows registry entries, environment variables)
• Making software accessible via links/shortcuts/bookmarks
• Configuring components that run automatically (daemons, Windows services)
• Performing product activation
• Updating software versions

Driver Installation

• A driver is a set of files that tells a piece of hardware how to function by communicating with a computer's operating system
• Right-click on Start
• Select Device Manager
• Select device category, then right-click the one to update
• Select Update driver, then click Search automatically for drivers
• If Windows can't find an update, check the device manufacturer's website

Application Installation

• Click the Store icon
• Click the search field, and search for a specific app
• Click the app to view details
• Click "Get" (if free) or "Buy"
• Click Launch to open the app

Utility Software Installation

• Locate and download an .exe file
• Double-click the .exe file (usually in Downloads folder)
• Follow the instructions in the dialog box to install the software

Software Testing

• Involves checking the quality, functionality, and performance of software before launch
• Testers manually interact or execute test scripts to find bugs and errors, ensuring software works as expected

Stress Test

• A CPU stress test analyzes computer performance by subjecting it to maximum usage
• It evaluates how much the hardware can handle

Productivity Tools

• Software that helps users produce documents, databases, graphs, spreadsheets, and presentations

Utility Software

• Software that performs tasks like virus detection, installation/uninstallation, data backup, deletion of unwanted files
• Examples include antivirus software, file management tools, compression tools, disk management tools

Audio

• Technology concerned with recording, processing, storing, and delivering audible sound using electricity

Video

• An electronic medium for recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media
• First developed for mechanical television systems, then cathode-ray tube (CRT) systems, and later replaced by flat-panel displays

Computer Updating

• Updates fix problems and improve computer performance, often scheduled at routine intervals
• System updates are new, improved, or fixed software replacing older versions, updating drivers, utilities, and security software

Troubleshooting Areas

• Power
• Display/video
• Audio
• Storage devices
• Cooling system
• Ports / connectors
• Drivers

Maintaining A Computer System

• Software Maintenance: Keeping software up to date, fixing issues, and improving performance via testing, updating, and documentation
• Defragmentation: Reorganizing data on a hard disk drive (HDD)
• Check disk: Using the CHKDSK utility to scan for and repair errors in the file system or check the drive's properties in File Explorer
• Uninstalling: Removing unwanted applications and files
• Disabling: Disabling start-up applications or apps
• Organizing: Organizing files/folders by creating folders and sub-folders