Operating System (OS) — Core Concepts

What is an Operating System?

• Software that manages computer hardware and software resources.

• Provides a way for users and applications to interact with hardware.
• Two main components:
o Kernel: Core part; talks directly to hardware.
o User Space: Programs and interfaces users interact with.

Kernel vs User Space

Component Description Job Relevance

Manages hardware resources and system core Deeply tied to
Kernel
tasks performance/troubleshooting
User Space UI, apps, and tools users interact with Important for user-level troubleshooting

Kernel — Key Functions

1. File Management

• Files = Units of data (docs, images, apps, etc.).

• File System: Organizes files in directories (folders).
• OS handles:
o File storage
o File retrieval
o File permissions and metadata
• Common File Systems:
o Windows: NTFS, FAT32
o Linux: ext4, xfs
o Mac: APFS, HFS+
• FAT (File Allocation Table): An older file system used by older versions of Windows and other
operating systems.
• NTFS (New Technology File System): A modern file system used by Windows. It supports features
such as file and folder permissions, compression, and encryption.
• ext (Extended File System): A file system commonly used on Linux and Unix-based operating
systems.
• HFS (Hierarchical File System): A file system used by macOS.
• APFS (Apple File System): A new file system introduced by Apple for their Macs and iOS devices.

2. Process Management
• Process = A running program instance.
• Kernel handles:
o Creating/killing processes- Starts and stops programs running on the system.
o CPU time scheduling- Allocates processor time to processes efficiently.
o Multitasking- Runs multiple processes by rapidly switching between them.
o Prioritization (foreground vs background)- Gives more CPU time to important (foreground)
tasks over background ones.
 Process Scheduler: Process scheduling is the activity of the process manager that handles the removal
of the running process from the CPU and the selection of another process based on a particular strategy.

• Switches between tasks rapidly to simulate parallel execution.

• Gives illusion of doing multiple things at once (multitasking).

"Process scheduling diagram"

3. Memory Management

• Ensures each process gets enough RAM.

• Prevents one app from using all memory (isolation).
• Uses Virtual Memory when RAM is full (swap space).

Key Concepts:

• RAM = Fast short-term memory.

• Virtual Memory = Hard disk space used as extra RAM.
• Memory leak = When a process uses memory but never releases it.

4. I/O Management (Input/Output)

• Handles communication between hardware and software.

• Examples:
o Keyboard input
o Display output
o Disk read/write
o USB, printer, network devices

Uses device drivers to interface with hardware.

 User Space — What Users Interact With
• Interfaces and applications that run outside the kernel.
• Examples:
o Graphical User Interface (GUI)
o System programs (text editors, settings, browsers)
o Shells (e.g., Bash, PowerShell)
• Communicates with the kernel through system calls.

Operating System Architecture: Kernel vs User Space

+-----------------------------+
| User Applications | ← Text editors, browsers, games, etc.
+-----------------------------+
| System Programs | ← Shells (bash, PowerShell), settings, utilities
+-----------------------------+
| User Space |
| (Interacts via Sys Calls) |
+-----------------------------+
| Kernel |
| - File System |
| - Process Management |
| - Memory Management |
| - Device & IO Management |
+-----------------------------+
| Hardware Layer | ← CPU, RAM, Disk, Network, etc.
+-----------------------------+

Major Operating Systems

OS Developer Used in Notes
Most common desktop
Windows Microsoft Businesses, personal PCs
OS
Apple computers
macOS Apple Closed-source
(consumer)
Community-based (started by Linus Servers, IT infra, also
Linux Open source
Torvalds) desktops

Linux Extras:

• Linux = Just the kernel.

• Distributions (distros) = Full OS packages.
o Popular ones: Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat
• Used widely in:
o Servers
o Cloud platforms
o DevOps environments
 Mobile OS and Embedded Systems
• Android OS (smartphones) and Chrome OS (lightweight PCs) use Linux kernel.
• Many embedded systems (routers, smart TVs, IoT) run Linux-based OS.

Chrome OS — low IT support relevance unless working in Chromebook environments.

Chrome OS — Key Info for IT Support

• Developer: Google
• Based on: Linux kernel + Gentoo-based OS
• Primary Interface: Chrome browser + lightweight desktop
• Main Use Case: Web-centric tasks (email, browsing, docs, video)
• Runs on: Chromebooks (low-cost laptops)

IT-Relevant Points:

• Uses web apps and Android apps (via Google Play Store)
• Supports Linux apps (via Crostini) for developers/advanced users
• Cloud-first OS: Most data and apps are online
• Fast boot, low resource usage
• Popular in education and enterprise for simple user needs

Chrome OS vs Windows (Comparison Table)

Feature Chrome OS Windows OS

Developer Google Microsoft
Kernel Linux Hybrid (Windows NT)
Main Interface Chrome Browser + Lightweight UI Full Desktop Interface
App Support Web, Android, Linux (limited) Desktop (.exe), UWP, Web
Performance Lightweight, fast boot Heavier, more resource intensive
Best For Web-based tasks, education Full software support, enterprise
Offline Use Limited Full offline capabilities
File System Sandboxed user file storage Full file system access
Security Auto-updates, sandboxing Requires regular maintenance

🗂️ Files & File Systems

1. What is a File System?

• A file system organizes how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices (e.g. HDD, SSD, USB).
• Without it, the OS can’t locate or manage files properly.
• Examples: NTFS, EXT4, FAT32.
 2. Main Components of File Handling:
1. File System – Controls how files are stored/retrieved.
2. File Data – Actual content stored in data blocks.
3. File Metadata – Info about the file (e.g., size, timestamps, permissions).

Diagram:

[File]
├── Data (stored in blocks)
└── Metadata (info: owner, date, permissions, type)

3. Why Format a Disk?

• Formatting erases and sets up the file system on a disk.
• Makes the disk usable by an OS for reading/writing data.

4. Common File Systems by OS:

OS File System Notes

Windows NTFS Fast, secure, supports encryption and large files. Most used.

ReFS Still in development, not for general use.

Linux EXT4 Standard in most distros. Compatible with EXT2/EXT3.

macOS APFS Fast, supports snapshots and encryption.

Important: File systems often aren’t compatible across OS (e.g., NTFS on Linux may need special
drivers).

5. File Data – Stored in Blocks

• Data is split into blocks across the disk.
• Speeds up access and optimizes space.
• May cause fragmentation but helps performance.

6. File Metadata – What It Includes:

• Created date
• Modified date
• File size
• Owner
• Permissions
• File type (determined by extension like .jpg, .txt, .exe)
File Extension = Tells OS how to handle the file.
Example:
cool_image.jpg → JPG = image format.

7. Real-World Relevance (Interview / Job Use Cases)

• Troubleshooting file corruption or recovery
• Working with dual-boot systems (e.g., Windows + Linux)
• Mounting/unmounting drives with different file systems
• Understanding compatibility issues (e.g., NTFS on macOS)

Quick Tips:
• Always use the recommended file system for your OS.
• NTFS is best for most Windows systems.
• EXT4 is safe default for most Linux distributions.
• For USBs/shared drives across OS: consider FAT32 or exFAT (job-relevant but missing in your
content).

⚙️ Process Management

1. What is a Process?
• A process = A program that's currently running/executing.
• A program = A set of instructions stored on disk (e.g., Chrome.exe).
• Key Concept: You can have multiple processes from the same program (e.g., many Chrome
windows/tabs).

2. Why Process Management Matters

• Limited system resources: CPU, RAM, etc.
• The kernel handles:
o Creating processes
o Allocating resources
o Scheduling CPU time
o Terminating processes and cleaning up

3. CPU Scheduling & Time Slices

• CPUs can only process one task at a time (per core).
• The kernel uses time slicing to "switch" between processes quickly.
• Time Slice = A few milliseconds of CPU time given to one process.
• This creates the illusion of multitasking.
 Example:

[Process A] → 2 ms
[Process B] → 2 ms
[Process C] → 2 ms
... (repeat)

4. Why Computers Slow Down

• One process using too many time slices (CPU hog).
• Too many active processes competing for CPU time.
• Not enough RAM → triggers swap or paging (slows things further).

5. Manual Process Management

• Use tools to monitor/terminate processes:
o Windows: Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
o Linux: top, htop, kill, ps
• Identify resource-hogging apps and stop them.
• Helpful when:
o System freezes
o High CPU/RAM usage
o Application crashes or becomes unresponsive

6. Process Lifecycle (Simplified)

[Program] → [Process Created] → [Scheduled & Executed] → [Terminated]
↓
(Resources released and reallocated)

• Kernel handles clean-up to prevent memory leaks or crashes.

 Interview-Relevant Keywords to Know:
• Multitasking: Running multiple processes.
• Time slicing: Dividing CPU time between processes.
• Process scheduling: The order in which processes are run.
• Resource allocation: Giving CPU, RAM, etc., to each process.
• Termination: Ending a process and reclaiming its resources.

✅ Key IT Support Use Cases

• Killing stuck or high-usage processes
• Diagnosing slow system performance
• Using task manager/terminal tools
• Explaining CPU load and multitasking to non-technical users

🧠 Memory Management & Virtual Memory

1. Why Memory Management Matters

• Every running process needs memory (RAM) to work.
• RAM is faster but limited.
• When RAM runs low, the system needs help managing more data → that's where virtual memory
comes in.

2. What is Virtual Memory?

• Virtual Memory = RAM + reserved hard drive space (acts like "extra" memory).
• Lets systems run bigger or more apps than RAM could normally support.

Think of it as an overflow bucket when RAM gets full.

3. How It Works (Simplified):

1. Program is broken into pages (small chunks of data).
2. Pages are stored in virtual memory (partially on disk).
3. When needed, a page is moved to physical RAM.
4. Unused pages in RAM may be moved back to disk to free space.

This process is called paging or swapping.

 4. Swap Space
• Swap space = Reserved part of the hard drive used for virtual memory.
• Slower than RAM, but better than crashing due to memory shortage.

Job Tip: In Linux, swap space is often a separate partition or file.

You may have to check swap usage when diagnosing memory issues.

5. Why Not Load Everything into RAM?

• Wasteful for large apps.
• Most users don’t use all features of a program at once.
• Example: Word processor menus load only when used → saved in virtual memory until needed.

Analogy: You don’t read a whole cookbook to make one recipe. You only read what you need.

6. Who Handles All This?

• The kernel manages:
o What goes into RAM
o What stays in virtual memory
o When to swap pages in and out

If RAM fills up and swapping happens a lot = system slows down (called thrashing).

✅ Key Terms to Know

Term Meaning

RAM Fast, temporary memory used by active processes.

Virtual Memory Disk + RAM combined for memory management.

Pages Chunks of memory used by programs.

Paging Moving pages between RAM and disk.

Swap Space Disk area used for virtual memory.

Thrashing System slows down due to excessive swapping.

IT Support Use Cases

• Diagnosing slow systems (check RAM/swap usage)
• Understanding why apps lag when multitasking
• Recommending RAM upgrades or adjusting swap size
• Helping users with performance tuning or disk partitioning
🖥️ I/O Management

1. What is I/O?
• I/O (Input/Output) = Any data transfer between the system and external/internal devices.
• Devices that send or receive data are called I/O devices.

Examples of I/O Devices:

• Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone

• Output: Monitor, speakers, printer
• Both: Hard drive, webcam, network adapter, USB, Bluetooth headset

2. Role of the Kernel in I/O Management

• Loads & manages device drivers
• Communicates between software ↔ hardware
• Coordinates data transfer between:
o User ↔ Device (e.g., typing on keyboard)
o Device ↔ Device (e.g., disk → monitor → network)

3. What Are Device Drivers?

• A driver is a small software program that lets the OS "talk to" hardware.
• Without the correct driver, hardware won’t work properly (or at all).
• Drivers are:
o Loaded by the kernel
o Often provided by OS vendors or device manufacturers

Job Tip: Outdated or missing drivers are a common cause of hardware issues.

4. I/O Efficiency & Errors

• Kernel tries to:
o Use the fastest transfer method
o Avoid I/O bottlenecks
o Detect and correct I/O errors (e.g., bad sectors, device disconnection)

Sluggish device = Possible I/O problem.

5. I/O and System Performance

• Common slowness causes:
o Low RAM → can't load more processes
o Weak CPU → can't handle instructions fast enough
o I/O overload → too much input/output data traffic

You may see:

 • Laggy input (e.g., typing delay)
• Slow file transfers
• Audio/video stuttering
• Hanging external devices

6. Troubleshooting I/O Issues (Core IT Skill)

• Check for:
o Faulty or missing drivers
o Overloaded CPU or RAM
o External devices causing delay
o Disk read/write failures
• Tools to use:
o Windows: Device Manager, Task Manager (Disk tab), Event Viewer
o Linux: lsblk, iostat, dmesg, top, iotop

Interview Tip: Be able to explain how you’d diagnose slowness caused by I/O issues.

✅ Summary Table: What Kernel Manages in I/O

Task Description

Load Drivers So OS can recognize devices

Coordinate Communication Between user, devices, and system

Manage Data Transfer Input/output + inter-device communication

Error Checking Detects and handles transfer issues

Optimize Performance Prevents bottlenecks or overloads

✅ Real-World Use Cases (Job-Focused)

• Diagnosing slow USB devices or printers
• Fixing driver conflicts or reinstalling missing drivers
• Solving laggy keyboard/mouse issues
• Identifying bottlenecks in large servers or apps

🧑‍💻 Interacting with the OS: User Space + Logs

1. What is User Space?

• User space = Part of the OS where users and applications operate.
• It's separate from kernel space, which is protected and runs core system tasks.
• Any program or interface a user directly interacts with lives in user space.
 2. Two Main Ways to Interact with OS:
1. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Visual interface using icons, windows, buttons.

• Controlled by mouse/touch.
• Examples: Windows Desktop, macOS Finder, Android/iOS.
• Easy to use, but not always available in IT support roles.

2. Command Line Interface (CLI) / Shell

• Text-based interface where commands are typed.

• More powerful and flexible than GUI.
• Essential for remote IT work, scripting, automation.

Common Shells:

Shell Name OS/Usage Notes

Bash Linux/macOS Most common shell

PowerShell Windows Scripting + system tasks

Zsh Linux/macOS Feature-rich alternative to Bash

CMD Windows Simpler, older shell

IT Must-Know: Learn Bash basics (especially for Linux/remote work).

Why Shells Are Important in IT Support

• GUI is often not available when working on servers or remote machines.
• Many system tools or batch operations are faster via command.
• Mass automation: Update or manage 1000+ machines using scripts.

Interview Tip: Know basic shell commands (cd, ls, cp, mv, rm, etc.).

3. Logs – The OS “Diary”

What Are Logs?

• Logs = Files that record events on the system.

• Help identify:
o System startups/shutdowns
o Errors (e.g., failed drivers, app crashes)
o Security events (e.g., logins)
Example system log file linux

Why Logs Matter in IT Support

• Troubleshooting tool #1
• Logs help find why a system crashed, why a device isn't working, etc.
• Used daily in desktop, server, and network troubleshooting.

Where to Find Logs

OS Location Tool(s) Used

Linux /var/log/ directory cat, less, grep, tail

Windows Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) Filters for App/System logs

Linux Command Example:

tail -n 100 /var/log/syslog

grep "error" /var/log/syslog

Windows: Use Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System/Application for most issues.

Types of Logs

Log Type What It Tracks

System Logs Boot events, services, hardware issues

Application Logs App errors, crashes

Security Logs Logins, permission issues

Kernel Logs Device drivers, low-level events

🖥️ The Boot Process

What is Booting?
• Booting = Starting a computer from powered-off to a working state.
• Term comes from “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” → starting from nothing.

Step-by-Step Boot Process

Use this order for memory and troubleshooting:

1. Power On

• User presses power button.

• Electricity reaches the system.

2. BIOS/UEFI Starts

• BIOS (older) or UEFI (modern) firmware starts up.

• Initializes hardware: CPU, RAM, storage, etc.

3. POST (Power-On Self Test)

• Diagnostic test by BIOS/UEFI.

• Checks:
o Memory
o Keyboard
o CPU
o Storage devices
• Fails? → You'll hear beeps or see an error screen.

Troubleshooting Tip: Beep codes = POST errors (check motherboard manual).

4. Boot Device Selection

• BIOS/UEFI checks a boot order list:

o HDD/SSD
o USB
o CD/DVD
o Network

Goes through order until it finds a bootable device.

5. Bootloader Loads

• Found on boot device (like GRUB for Linux or BOOTMGR for Windows).
• Its job: Load the operating system.
 Example Bootloaders:

Bootloader OS

GRUB Linux

BOOTMGR Windows

LILO Older Linux

6. Kernel Loads

• Kernel = Core of the OS.

• Manages CPU, memory, processes, I/O, etc.
• Loads device drivers to communicate with hardware.

7. System Processes + User Space

• Starts login screen, desktop, background services.

• Shell or GUI becomes usable.

Summary Flowchart:
Power ON
↓
BIOS/UEFI
↓
POST
↓
Boot Device Selected
↓
Bootloader
↓
Kernel
↓
User Space / Login

✅ Why This Matters in IT Support:

Problem Likely Cause

No power Hardware (power supply, cable)

Beeps, no display POST failure (RAM, GPU, etc.)

“No boot device found” Boot order or failed storage device

OS starts but crashes early Bootloader or kernel issue

OS loads but no login/desktop User-space or service failure

Always check cables, BIOS settings, and boot order first when troubleshooting boot issues.
🚀 Boot Methods & Best Practices

What is Booting?
• Booting = Starting a computer from a powered-off state.
• Normally done by pressing the power button, system follows boot order to load the OS.

The Boot Process Recap:

1. Power ON
2. BIOS/UEFI runs POST
3. BIOS checks devices in boot order
4. Finds bootloader (e.g. GRUB, BOOTMGR)
5. Bootloader loads OS
6. System is ready for user

BIOS & Boot Order Configuration

• Enter BIOS setup by pressing a key during startup:
o Common keys: DEL, F2, F12
o For macOS: Hold Option key
• In BIOS:
o Go to Boot Options menu
o Change the boot device order
• BIOS looks for bootable devices (with bootloaders) in that order.

Pro Tip: Use BIOS boot menu (often F12) for a one-time boot override.

Boot Method Options

External Boot Methods

Boot Method Description & Use Case

USB Drive Boot OS or recovery tools from a USB stick.

Optical Media Boot from CD/DVD/Blu-ray (rare today).

Solid-State Boot Faster boot using internal/external SSDs or flash drives.

External Hot-Swap Boot from portable external drives.

Network Boot (PXE) Boot OS over LAN. Used in enterprise or diskless clients.

Internet Boot Boot OS from online sources. Used for remote recovery.
✅ Best Practices for Booting in IT Support

Scenario Recommended Boot Method

OS corrupted or won’t boot Boot from USB or CD recovery tool

Need to install new OS USB drive with bootable installer

Test another OS without install Live USB of Linux

Manage servers remotely IPMI, iDRAC, or Wake-on-LAN

No local storage or OS PXE boot over network

Dual boot troubleshooting Boot from secondary partition

Choosing an Operating System (OS)

Key Considerations When Choosing an OS

• Has the OS already been decided?

o In many business environments, the OS is pre-determined based on company tools &
policies.
o Common choices:
▪ Windows (most corporate environments)
▪ macOS (design/media teams, Apple hardware)
▪ Linux (server-side, developers, open-source focused teams)
• Software compatibility
o Check what software needs to run:
▪ Some apps work only on specific OS (e.g., MS Access → Windows)
▪ Others are cross-platform (e.g., Chrome, LibreOffice)
• Hardware compatibility
o Ensure OS supports the computer’s hardware (drivers, peripherals, CPU architecture).
o Some OSes are restricted:
▪ macOS → officially only runs on Apple hardware
▪ Windows/Linux → more flexible
• CPU Architecture
o OS must match the CPU architecture:
▪ 32-bit CPU → only 32-bit OS
▪ 64-bit CPU → recommended to install 64-bit OS
o Most modern systems and software support 64-bit.
 Installing an Operating System

1. Pre-installed OS

• Most new computers come with an OS pre-installed.

• You may need to:
o Set hostname/computer name
o Configure network settings
o Create a user account

2. Installing from Scratch

• Common installation media:

o USB drive (most used)
o CD/DVD (legacy systems)
o Network install (PXE boot)
o Internet-based reinstallation (e.g., macOS recovery)
• For IT support, USB installation is the most practical.
o Windows: Often comes with branded USBs
o Linux: You can create bootable USB from ISO file using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher.

Key Concept: Scalability (Preview)

• Installing OS manually on many systems = time-consuming.

• In business IT, automation tools are used (e.g., imaging, network deployment).
• You’ll learn more under scalability & deployment methods later.

✅ Summary Checklist

Question Relevance

Has the OS been decided by the company? Use what's provided

What software needs to run? Check compatibility

What hardware is being used? CPU, peripherals, vendor-specific OS

What is the CPU architecture? Choose 32-bit or 64-bit OS accordingly

Will you use pre-installed OS or install from scratch? Plan installation media

Bonus Tips for IT Support

• Always verify driver support (especially for printers, Wi-Fi, etc.)

• Keep bootable USBs handy for reinstallations and troubleshooting
• Know how to enter BIOS/UEFI to change boot device priority
 Virtual Machines (VMs)
What is a Virtual Machine?

• A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software-based simulation of a real computer.

• It runs on a physical machine but behaves like a separate, fully functional system.
• Enables running multiple operating systems on a single computer.

Why Use a VM? (Use Cases in IT Support)

• Testing & Learning:

o Run Linux on a Windows machine (or vice versa) without dual-booting or extra hardware.
• Software Compatibility:
o Run software specific to an OS without changing your main system.
• Remote Support & Troubleshooting:
o Simulate client environments without needing their exact hardware.
• Safe Experimentation:
o Isolate testing environments to avoid harming the host system.
• Efficient Resource Use:
o Create, configure, pause, or delete machines as needed — saves cost & time.

How VMs Work

• Hypervisor (VM Manager):

o Software that runs and manages VMs.
o Examples: VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Microsoft Hyper-V
• Guest OS:
o The operating system inside the virtual machine.
• Host OS:
o The main OS running on the physical computer.
• Resources Used:
o VMs share the host’s CPU, RAM, disk space, and network adapter.
o Resources are allocated during VM setup.

Example: Running Ubuntu Linux in VirtualBox on a Windows 11 machine.

 How Virtual Machines Work – Text Diagram
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Physical Hardware (Host Machine) |
| (CPU, RAM, Storage, NIC, etc.) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
│
▼
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Host Operating System (Windows/Linux/macOS) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
│
▼
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Hypervisor / Virtualization Layer |
| - Type 1 (bare metal) OR Type 2 (runs on host OS) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
│
┌──────────────────────┼──────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
+------------+ +------------+ +-------------+
| Virtual | | Virtual | | Virtual |
| Machine 1 | | Machine 2 | | Machine 3 |
| (Guest OS) | | (Guest OS) | | (Guest OS) |
+------------+ +------------+ +-------------+
| Virtual HW | | Virtual HW | | Virtual HW |
| (vCPU, RAM,| | (vNIC, Disk)| | (vGPU, etc.)|
+------------+ +------------+ +-------------+

Common Tools

Tool Use

VirtualBox Free, open-source VM manager for personal use

VMware Workstation Commercial, more advanced features

Hyper-V Built into Windows Pro/Enterprise editions

Qwik Labs Cloud-based lab platform for training (used in IT courses)

VM Lifecycle in IT Support

• Provision VM → Create & configure VM

• Install OS → Choose and install guest OS
• Use/Test Software → Perform tasks or run applications
• Snapshot (optional) → Save current state (useful before risky changes)
• Delete or Reclaim Resources → Clean up when done

Practice & Labs

• Training programs (like Quick Labs) use VMs to simulate real IT scenarios.
• Benefits:
o No need for extra hardware
o Safe practice environment
o Tasks are pre-defined and monitored
✅ Summary Points

• VMs = virtual computers running inside a real computer.

• Allow running multiple OSes at once using a hypervisor.
• Used for testing, training, compatibility, and support.
• Save money, increase flexibility, and reduce risk.
• Essential tool for IT support professionals.

Installing Windows 10
Pre-Installation Steps

• Download or Buy Windows 10

o Comes on a bootable USB drive if bought from store or can be created using Media
Creation Tool.
• Set BIOS/UEFI Boot Order
o Restart PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or F12).
o Set USB drive as the first boot device.
o Save and exit to boot from USB.

Installation Process

1. Boot from USB Drive

o If successful, Windows setup screen will appear.
2. Language, Time & Keyboard Settings
o Select preferences > Click Next > Click Install Now.
3. Product Key
o Skip if you don’t have it now (can be activated later).
4. License Agreement
o Accept terms > Click Next.
5. Installation Type
o Choose "Custom" (for clean install).
6. Drive Selection
o Select drive/partition where Windows should be installed.
o Format if necessary (only if you're replacing an old install).
7. Installation Begins
o Windows copies files, installs features and updates.
o System restarts automatically multiple times.

🪪 Initial Setup After Installation

1. Enter Product Key Again (Optional)

o Skip again if not ready.
2. Choose Settings
o Use "Express Settings" for quick setup.
3. Create User Account
o Choose a username and set a password.
4. Final Configuration
o Windows applies settings and prepares desktop.
 First Boot Into Windows

• Desktop Environment loads.

• Key UI Elements:
o Desktop – Main workspace
o Taskbar – Bottom strip (shows open apps, notifications, clock)
o Start Menu (bottom-left) – Access apps, settings, shutdown

Accessing System Settings

• Open Start Menu > Settings

o Change display, user accounts, network, devices, privacy, etc.

Creating a File (Using GUI)

1. Right-click on Desktop.
2. Click New > Text Document.
3. Name the file (e.g., My Super Cool File.txt).

Key Interview-Relevant Concepts

• BIOS vs UEFI:
o BIOS = Legacy firmware, keyboard-only.
o UEFI = Modern, supports mouse and large drives.
• Clean Install vs Upgrade:
o Clean Install wipes drive.
o Upgrade keeps files/settings.
• System Requirements for Windows 10:
o 1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM (64-bit), 20 GB storage, DirectX 9 graphics.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11 – Feature Matrix for IT

Professionals
General Overview

• Windows 10: Widely used; lower system requirements; familiar UI.

• Windows 11: Newer design; requires modern hardware; refined user experience.

Key Visual & Usability Differences

Feature Windows 10 Windows 11

Design Sharp edges, left-aligned Start Menu Rounded corners, centered Start Menu

Taskbar Bottom-left Start & apps Centered by default

UI Theme More utilitarian Minimalistic with pastel tones

 Applications & Tools

Feature Windows 10 Windows 11

App Sources Windows Store, Manual Install Same + Android apps (native support)

Virtual Desktops Available, but less intuitive Easier setup and switching

Microsoft Teams Installed, defaults to Skype Integrated into taskbar, no Skype default

Widgets Desktop gadgets (limited use) Widgets in taskbar

Touch & Pen Input Basic support Enhanced; includes pen vibration

Memory & System Requirements

Services & Administrative Tools

Feature What it Does Available In

Domain Join Connect PC to company network with central control Pro, Enterprise
Workgroup Join Group PCs on same LAN without central server All editions
Group Policy Editor Set rules/policies (e.g. disable USB, lock settings) Pro+, not Home
Remote Desktop Access another PC remotely Host: Pro+, Client: All
BitLocker Encryption Protect data by encrypting the hard drive Pro & Enterprise only

✅ Key IT Takeaways

• Both OSes support core admin tools (domains, RDP, BitLocker, etc.) similarly.
• Windows 11 is not just about looks — it adds modern features (Android apps, better virtual desktops).
• As an IT Support Professional, you should:
o Be comfortable navigating both versions.
o Know where key tools/settings are located in each.
o Understand license limitations (e.g., no Gpedit in Home).
 Installing Linux (Ubuntu)
What is Linux?

• Linux = Open-source operating system used in many servers, cloud systems, and IT environments.
• Comes in many versions → called Distributions (distros).
• We’re using Ubuntu – most popular beginner-friendly Linux distro.

How to Install Ubuntu

🔧 Step 1: Prepare Bootable USB

• Download Ubuntu ISO from: https://ubuntu.com/download

• You can’t just copy ISO to USB → it must be made bootable.
• Use tool like Etcher to create bootable USB.

🔧 Step 2: Boot from USB

• Insert USB, restart PC, enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually via F2, F12, DEL).
• Set boot priority → USB first.
• Save & exit BIOS.

🖥️ Step 3: Ubuntu Installation Process

1. Choose: “Install Ubuntu” (Skip “Try Ubuntu”)

2. Follow defaults unless IT policy says otherwise.
3. Enter:
o Your name
o Username
o Hostname → e.g., username-location (cindy-nyc) — used in networks.
o Password

Pro Tip: In IT roles, hostname format may follow naming conventions (standardized by org).

🔁 Step 4: Finish & Reboot

• Ubuntu installs packages and configures settings.

• Restart PC → remove USB when prompted.
• Login using password.

Exploring Ubuntu Desktop

• Left Dock = Shortcuts to apps

• Top Right Menu:
o Network, Bluetooth, Volume
o Time, Power, Restart, Log out

Image Search: ubuntu desktop layout 2025

System Settings
 • Access via top right menu > System Settings
• Customize display, resolution, keyboard, etc.

File Explorer (GUI)

• Click “Files” icon

• "Computer" → root directory view (like “C:\” in Windows)

Terminal Basics (Command Line)

What is Terminal?

• Linux shell for typing commands

• Runs bash (default shell)

Image Search: ubuntu terminal layout

Terminal Prompt Breakdown

Looks like:
username@hostname:~$

• username → who is logged in

• hostname → computer name
• ~ → current directory (home)
• $ → normal user (# means root)

Useful Commands

mkdir: creates a new empty folder/directory

touch: creates an empty file
pwd: prints current directory
ls: lists files in directory

Example: touch my_super_cool_file

Creates file named my_super_cool_file on Desktop.

Why Learn Terminal?

• Many Linux systems (servers) don’t have GUI

• Essential for automation, scripting, remote work (SSH)
 Summary Diagram – Linux Install Process
+------------------+
| Download Ubuntu |
| ISO from website |
+------------------+
|
v
+-----------------------------+
| Use Etcher to create |
| bootable USB from ISO |
+-----------------------------+
|
v
+-----------------------------+
| Boot PC from USB via BIOS |
| Set USB as first boot |
+-----------------------------+
|
v
+-----------------------------+
| Choose Install Ubuntu |
| Set username, hostname |
| Use default settings |
+-----------------------------+
|
v
+-----------------------------+
| Reboot & login to Ubuntu |
| Explore desktop & terminal |
+-----------------------------+

Glossary terms from course 1, module 3

Android: A mobile operating system based on Linux
Application: A computer program designed for a specific use
BIOS/UEFI: A low-level software that initializes our computer's hardware to make sure everything is good
to go
Block storage: It improves faster handling of data because the data isn't stored in one long piece but in
blocks, so it can be accessed more quickly
Boot: To start up a computer
Bootloader: A small program that loads the operating system
Chrome OS: A Linux-based operating system designed by Google
Command Line Interface (CLI): A shell that uses text commands to interact with the operating system
Computer file: Data that we store and a file can be anything, a word document, a picture, a song, literally
anything
Data blocks: Data that can be broken down into many pieces and written to different parts of the hard disk
Distributions: Some common Linux distributions are Ubuntu, Debian, and Red Hat
Etcher.io: A tool you can use to load an install image onto your USB device and make it bootable
File extension: The appended part of a filename that tells us what type of file it is in certain operating
systems
File handling: A process of storing data using a program
File system: A system used to manage files
Finder: The file manager for all Macs
Folders/Directories: Used to organize files
Hardware resource deficiency: It refers to the lack of system resources like memory, hard drive space, et
cetera
HFS+/APFS: HFS+ is a journaling system developed by Apple Inc. and APFS is another but more
encrypted Apple journaling system
Hostname: Used to identify the computer when it needs to talk to other computers
Input/Output device: A device that performs input and output, including monitors, keyboards, mice, hard
disk drives, speakers, bluetooth headsets, webcams, and network adapters
Install image: A downloadable operating system image used to install an operating system on a device
I/O management: Anything that can give us input or that we can use for output of data
iOS: A mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc.
Kernel: The main core of an operating system that creates processes, efficiently schedules them, and
manages how processes are terminated
Logs: Files that record system events on our computer
Mac OS: Apple's operating system
Memory management: One of the functions that a kernel performs; it optimizes memory usage and make
sure our applications have enough memory to run
Metadata: Tells us everything we need to know about a file, including who created it, when it was last
modified, who has access to it, and what type of file it is
Microsoft Terminal Services Client: A client program used to create RDP connections to remote
computers
Open SSH: The most popular program to use SSH within Linux
Operating system: The whole package that manages our computers resources and lets us interact with it
PC: Personal computer, which technically means a computer that one person uses
Plink (PuTTY Link): A tool built into the command line after PuTTY is installed that is used to make
remote SSH connections
Powershell: A shell (program that interprets text commands) for Windows
Power user: Above average computer users
Process management: The capacity to manage the many programs in a system - when to run them, the
order they run in, how many resources they take up, how long they run, etc.
Qwiklabs: An online platform which provides training in cloud services
Remote connection: The ability to connect an authorized person to a computer or network remotely; allows
us to manage multiple machines from anywhere in the world
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): A secure network communication protocol developed by Microsoft that
allows a user to connect to another device remotely
Scalability: The measure of a system’s ability to increase or decrease in performance and cost in response to
varying loads in system processing demands
Shell: A program that interprets text commands and sends them to the OS to execute
SSH (Secure shell): A protocol implemented by other programs to securely access one computer from
another.
SSH authentication key: A secure authentication method for accessing a computer from other device
SSH client: A program you must have installed on your device in order to establish an SSH connection with
another device
SSH server: Software installed on a machine that allows for that device to accept an SSH connection
Standardization: The process of developing and implementing common technical standards for IT
products, systems, and processes.
Swap space: The allocated space where the virtual memory is stored on the hard drive when the amount of
physical memory space is used up or full
System: A group of hardware components and software components that work together to run the programs
or processes in the computer
System settings: Settings like display resolution, user accounts, network, devices, etc.
Task bar: It gives us quick options and shows us information like network connectivity, the date, system
notifications, sound etc
Terminal: A text based interface to the computer
Time slice: A very short interval of time that gets allocated to a process for CPU execution
Ubuntu: The most popular Linux consumer distribution
User name: A unique identifier for a user account
User space: The aspect of an operating system that humans interact with directly like programs, such as text
editors, music players, system settings, user interfaces, etc.
Virtual Box: An application you can use to install Linux and have it completely isolated from your machine
Virtual machine (VM): An application that uses physical resources like memory, CPU and storage, but
they offer the added benefit of running multiple operating systems at once
Virtual memory: A combination of hard drive space and RAM that acts like memory which our processes
can use
VPN (Virtual private network): A secure method of connecting a device to a private network over the
internet