NT1110: Module 6 Troubleshooting and Networks
Final Exam Preparation
Recap

MODULE 1
Operating Systems
There are three main operating systems in use today:
Linux: Linux is an open source program available for free. “Open source” means that anyone who has the knowledge can improve the code, add functionality to the code, and modify the code to make it better. The only requirement is that you cannot sell it—you must give away your version for free. Linux is a subset of UNIX and is used more as a server OS than as a client.
MAC: MAC has been a favourite of a select group, primarily those creating graphical arts, images, and video. In recent years, the MAC OS has become compatible with Intel processors. This has made the MAC computer system compatible with industry standard software, while the hardware has remained proprietary. The MAC OS commands approximately 8 percent to 15 percent of the OS market, while Linux has around 2 percent.
Windows: Windows has approximately 82 percent to 90 percent of the market share. Windows XP is becoming the legacy version of the Windows OS, although it holds about 38 percent of the market share. Windows Vista did not fair too well on its release and now occupies only about 13 percent of the market share, while Windows 7 claims 30 percent of the market share.

1

NT1110: Module 6 Troubleshooting and Networks
Final Exam Preparation
Recap

MODULE 2
Input and Output Devices
I/O ports are primarily located on the back of the computer, though a few ports may be located on the front as well. Some custom systems may have some ports on the top front. A typical ATX motherboard consists of these ports:
PS2 for the mouse and keyboard ports
Parallel port to connect with printers
9-pin serial ports (legacy) for direct connection to another computer or to a legacy modem
USB port
IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400 Mbps) and