TOPIC 1.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FLASHCARDS

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Hardware, Software, and the operating system

• Hardware: The physical components of the computer.

• Software: The programs that tell the computer what tasks to perform.

• Operating System (OS): Connects hardware and software and allows users to interact with the computer.

Key detail to remember: Hardware provides the machine, software provides the instructions, and the operating system manages how they work together so the user can operate the computer.

Operating System Installation

Operating System (OS) makes a computer usable by controlling how it runs, connects to other systems, and allows users to interact with it.

Key details to remember:

• Makes the computer usable.

• Controls how the computer operates.

• Allows connections to other systems.

• Supports everyday user interaction.

Hardware Compatibility

Before installing an OS, check that the computer meets the minimum system requirements:

• Processor architecture: Must be compatible.

• RAM: Enough memory.

• Storage: Enough available space.

• Drivers: Must be available for the hardware.

Key detail to remember: Compatibility issues can cause installation failure or poor computer performance later.

Licensing and Activation

Windows installation requires the correct license type:

• Retail: Individual purchase.

• Volume: Licensing for organizations and multiple devices.

• Cloud-based activation: Activation managed through cloud services.

Key detail to remember: The license type determines legal compliance, how Windows is activated, and how easily devices are managed afterward.

Backup and Data Protection

Backing up files and system data before installation helps prevent permanent data loss because installation may overwrite partitions or erase files.

Key details to remember:

• Back up important files before installing.

• Installation can erase directories or partitions.

• Backups protect documents, user profiles, and settings.

Main point: Always back up data before installation to avoid losing important information.

Full System Image Backup

A Full System Image is a complete backup that captures the operating system, applications, and system settings in one snapshot.

Key details to remember:

• Backs up the entire system.

• Includes the OS, applications, and system state.

• Allows complete system restoration after installation problems or troubleshooting.

Main point: A full system image makes it possible to restore the computer to its previous state.

Installation Planning

1. Effective Windows deployment requires planning three things:

   • Windows version: Choose the correct version to install.

   • Delivery method: Decide how Windows will be installed.

   • Device control: Determine how much control the organization needs.

   Key detail to remember: Proper planning ensures the Windows setup meets the organization's environment and users' needs.

USB, DVD, and network installation methods

Windows can be installed using three main methods:

• USB: Quick local installations.

• DVD: Used for older or restricted systems.

• Network: Best for large-scale deployments across multiple computers.

Key detail to remember: The installation method depends on the computer's hardware, organization policies, and number of devices being installed.

Clean Install, Upgrade, and Custom Install

Windows has three main installation types:

• Clean Install: Erases existing data and starts fresh.

• Upgrade Install: Keeps existing files and applications.

• Custom Install: Allows control over partitions and boot settings.

Key detail to remember: Choose the installation type based on system stability, whether data needs to be preserved, and how much control is needed over the setup.

Domain-Joined and Standalone setups

1. Windows devices can be set up in two ways:

   • Domain-Joined: Connects to centralized identity and management services for organizational control.

   • Standalone: Operates independently using local or Microsoft accounts.

   Key detail to remember: This choice affects how users sign in (authentication), updates, security management, and administrator control over the device.

Imaging Strategy

Windows Imaging uses preconfigured Windows setups to make installation faster and more consistent.

• Standard Images: Same setup for all devices in uniform environments.

• Custom Images: Include specific software, drivers, or branding for different departments.

Key detail to remember: Imaging speeds up deployment and keeps computers consistent, while custom images allow setups to meet specific department needs.

Time zone and regional settings

After installing Windows, configure the correct regional settings:

• Time Zone: Ensures correct system time and logs.

• Language: Sets the system's display language.

• Keyboard Layout: Controls typing behavior.

• Regional Formats: Determines how dates and numbers are displayed.

Key detail to remember: Correct regional settings ensure accurate time, scheduling, typing, and date and number formats.

Account types and access models

1. Windows has three main account types:

   • Local Account: Used on one device independently.

   • Microsoft Account: Connects to Microsoft cloud services and can sync data.

   • Domain Account: Used in organizations to access enterprise systems and services.

   Key detail to remember: Account types determine how users sign in, sync data, recover passwords, and access cloud or organizational services.

Windows Registry Structure

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database organized into three parts:

• Hives: Main sections of the Registry.

• Keys: Categories that organize settings.

• Values: Store the actual configuration data.

Key detail to remember: The Registry stores settings that control Windows behavior, user preferences, application settings, and system-wide rules.

Registry Hives and Values

The Windows Registry uses different hives to organize settings:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM): Stores system-wide settings.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU): Stores settings for the current user.

• Keys: Group related information.

• Values: Store the exact configuration details Windows uses.

Key detail to remember: Hives separate system and user settings, keys organize information, and values contain the actual settings.

Registry role in system behavior

The Windows Registry acts as a memory bank and control center for Windows.

• Controls startup behavior.

• Stores application settings.

• Manages device configurations.

• Enforces policies in managed environments.

Key detail to remember: The Registry stores and controls important Windows settings that affect how the system, applications, and devices operate.

Hybrid deployment planning

Mixed device environments need different installation methods, setup choices, and management plans.

• Different Users: Supports permanent staff and contractors.

• Different Hardware: Adapts to various devices.

• Hybrid Plan: Combines different approaches while keeping setups consistent and manageable.

Key detail to remember: A hybrid deployment plan provides flexibility for different users and devices while maintaining consistency and reliable support.