NETWORK OPERATING

SYSTEMS
 NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS

• contains additional features to increase functionality and

manageability in a networked environment.
 A NOS has the following characteristics:

• Supports multiple users • Runs multi-user applications

• Provides increased security compared to desktop
operating systems
A NOS provides network resources to computers, including:

• Server applications, such as shared databases

• Centralized data storage
• Centralized repository of user accounts and resources on
the network
• Network print queue
• Redundant storage systems, such as RAID and backups
The following are examples of network operating systems:
 Customer Requirements for an Operating System

OS Compatible Applications and Environnements

The OS must be compatible with the

existing hardware and the required
applications.
Some guidelines to help determine the best OS for a
customer:

• Does the customer use off-the-shelf applications for this

computer?
*OFF-THE-SHELF APPLICATIONS - specify a list of
compatible operating systems on the application package.
Some guidelines to help determine the best OS for a
customer:

• Does the customer use customized applications that were

programmed specifically for the customer?
*If the customer is using a customized application, the
programmer of that application specifies which OS to use.
 MINIMUM HARDWARE
REQUIREMENTS
AND COMPATIBILITY
WITH THE OS PLATFORM
• Operating systems have minimum hardware requirements
that must be met for the OS to install and function correctly.
• Identify the equipment that your customer has in place. If
hardware upgrades are necessary to meet the minimum
requirements for an OS, conduct a cost analysis to determine
the best course of action. In some cases, it might be less
expensive for the customer to purchase a new computer than
to upgrade the current system.
In other cases, it might be cost effective to upgrade one or
more of the following components:

• RAM
• Hard disk drive
• CPU
• Video adapter card
• Motherboard
NOTE:

• If the application requirements exceed the hardware

requirements of the OS, you must meet the additional
requirements for the application to function properly.
• After you have determined the minimum hardware
requirements, ensure that all hardware in the computer is
compatible with the OS that you have selected for the
customer.
 Microsoft Compatibility Center

• Windows 7 and Windows Vista have an online

Compatibility Center that allows technicians to check the
compatibility of both software and hardware.
 Microsoft Compatibility Center

• The tool provides a detailed inventory of hardware that

has been tested and proven to work with Windows 7 and
Windows Vista. If any of the customer’s existing
hardware is not on the list, those components might need
to be upgraded.
The Microsoft Compatibility Center does not support Windows XP. Windows XP has a Hardware
Compatibility List (HCL) that can be found on the manufacturer's website.
 HCL (HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY LIST)

NOTE: An HCL specified for an OS might not be

continuously maintained and therefore may not contain all
compatible hardware.
 COMPARING OS REQUIREMENTS
Installation Requirements and Features for windows Operating Systems
 CHECKING OS COMPATIBILITY

• An OS must be upgraded periodically to remain

compatible with the latest hardware and software.
• It is also necessary to upgrade an OS when a
manufacturer stops supporting it.
• Upgrading an OS can increase performance.
• New hardware products often require that the latest OS
version be installed to operate correctly.
• While upgrading an OS may be expensive, you can gain
enhanced functionality through new features and support
for newer hardware.
• NOTE: When newer versions of an OS are released,
support for older versions is eventually withdrawn.
 Upgrade Advisor
• a free utility which scans the system for hardware and
software incompatibility issues in hardware before
upgrading to newer editions of the Windows OS.
 UPGRADE ADVISOR

• which scans the system for hardware and software

incompatibility issues in hardware before upgrading to
newer editions of the Windows OS.
• creates a report of any problems and then guides you
through the steps to resolve them.
• download the Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft
Windows website
To use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, follow these steps:

Step 1 Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

from the Microsoft website.
Step 2 Click Start check. The program scans your computer
hardware, devices, and installed software. A compatibility
report is presented.
To use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, follow these steps:

Step 3 Click Save Report if you want to keep it or print it

later.
Step 4 Examine the report. Record any recommended fixes
for the issues found.
Step 5 Click Close.
 WINDOWS OS UPGRADES

• The process of upgrading a computer’s OS can be quicker

than performing a new installation.
• The upgrade process varies depending on the version.
• For example, the Windows 7 setup utility replaces
existing Windows Vista files with Windows 7 files.
• However, the existing applications and settings are saved.
 WINDOWS OS UPGRADES

• The version of an OS determines available upgrade

options.
• For example, a 32-bit OS cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit
OS.
• Another example is that Windows XP cannot be upgraded
to Windows 7.
• Before attempting an upgrade, check the OS developer's
website for a list of possible upgrade paths.
NOTE:

• Prior to performing an upgrade, back up all data in case

there is a problem with the installation.
To upgrade the OS to Windows 7, follow these steps:

Step 1 Insert the Windows 7 disc into the optical drive. The
Set Up window appears.
Step 2 Select the Install now option.
Step 3 You are prompted to download any important
updates for installation.
To upgrade the OS to Windows 7, follow these steps:

Step 4 Agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA),

and click Next.
Step 5 Click Upgrade. The system begins copying the
installation files.
Step 6 Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When
the install is complete, the computer restarts.
NOTE:

• Before you can upgrade from Windows XP to Windows

Vista, you must install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or 3.
To upgrade the OS to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

Step 1 Insert the Windows Vista disc into the optical drive.
The Set Up window appears.
Step 2 Select Install Windows Vista.
Step 3 You are prompted to download any important
updates.
To upgrade the OS to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

Step 4 Enter your product key and then agree to the End
User License Agreement (EULA).
Step 5 Click Upgrade. The system begins copying the
installation files.
Step 6 Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When
the install is complete, the computer restarts.
To upgrade the OS to Windows XP, follow these steps:

Step 1 Insert the Windows XP disc into the optical drive.

Step 2 Select Start > Run. (The Setup Wizard might
automatically start when the disc is inserted in the optical
drive.)
Step 3 In the Run box, where D is the drive for the optical
drive, type D:\i386\winnt32 and press Enter. The Welcome
to the Windows XP Setup Wizard displays.
To upgrade the OS to Windows XP, follow these steps:

Step 4 Choose Upgrade to Windows XP and click Next. The

License Agreement page displays.
Step 5 Read the license agreement and click the button to
accept this agreement.
Step 6 Click Next. The Upgrading to the Windows XP
NTFS File System page displays.
Step 7 Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When
the install is complete, the computer restarts.
OPERATING SYSTEM UPGRADES
 DATA MIGRATION

• When a new installation is required, user data must be

migrated from the old OS to the new one.
• There are three tools available to transfer data and
settings.
• The tool you select depends on your level of experience
and your requirements.
1. USER STATE MIGRATION TOOL (USMT)
 migrates all user files and settings to the new OS.
 Download and install USMT from Microsoft.
 use the software to create a store of user files and settings
that are saved in a different location from the OS.
 After the new OS is installed, download and install
USMT again to load the user files and settings on the new
OS.
2. WINDOWS EASY TRANSFER

• to migrate personal files and settings if the user is

switching from an old computer to a new one
• perform the file transfer using a USB cable, CD or DVD,
a USB flash drive, an external drive, or a network
connection.
After running Windows Easy Transfer, you can view a log
of the files transferred. To access Windows Easy Transfer in
Windows 7 or Windows Vista, use the following path:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >
Windows Easy Transfer
On Windows XP, you must first download the Windows
Easy Transfer program. After it has been downloaded,
access it using the following path:

Start > All Programs > Windows Easy Transfer

3. FILE AND SETTINGS TRANSFER WIZARD

• transfers files and settings from an old computer to a new

computer.
• allows the user to select which files and settings to
transfer.
• can transfer files using storage media, a cabled
connection, or a network connection.
To access the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, use the
following path:

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System

Tools > Files and Settings Transfer Wizard