A+
35
2
Operating
Systems
A+ Exam—Key Points
You must know the system requirements for Windows XP and later
operating systems and be familiar with the features of each operating
system.
You should also know the basic text-based commands such as cmd, dir,
rd, md, del, fdisk, format, copy, xcopy, diskpart, sfc,attrib, defrag, edit,
and ckdsk. Many of these commands are covered in more detail in
later chapters of this textbook. Even with an excellent knowledge of the
Microsoft Windows operating system, the lack of sufficient knowledge
of text-based commands can result in failure on the CompTIA A+
Certification exams.
In addition, be sure you can define multitasking, both preemptive and
cooperative. You should know how to navigate a directory structure
from Windows Explorer and from the command line interface and how
to create and manage files and directories.
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
• Explain the basic model of an operating system.
• Recall the common characteristics of all operating systems.
• Compare Windows features.
• Carry out a Windows operating system installation.
• Explain the Windows boot sequence.
• Give examples of common portable devices and tasks.
• Give examples of cloud computing resources and services.
• Summarize the guidelines for selecting software and drivers for 32-bit and
64-bit systems.