MODULE 2: Operating Systems: Windows & Linux Basics

This module is one of the most important foundations for every IT Support Technician and Junior System Administrator.
An operating system (OS) is the bridge between hardware and the user. If you master the OS, you can troubleshoot, manage users, configure systems, and solve most real-world IT problems.

What You Will Learn in This Module

By the end of Module 2, you will be able to:

• Explain what an operating system is and how it works
• Install and configure Windows 10/11
• Manage users, files, and permissions
• Understand basic Linux structure and commands
• Navigate both Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Troubleshoot common OS-level problems
• Perform basic system maintenance and optimization

Lesson 1: What is an Operating System?

Definition

An Operating System (OS) is the main software that:

• Controls all hardware
• Runs applications
• Manages users
• Handles memory, storage, and processes

Without an OS, a computer is just dead hardware.

Main Functions of an OS

• Process Management – runs programs
• Memory Management – controls RAM usage
• File System Management – organizes files & folders
• Device Management – controls keyboard, printer, USB, etc.
• Security & User Access – logins, permissions, encryption

Types of Operating Systems

• Desktop OS – Windows, Linux, macOS
• Server OS – Windows Server, Linux Server
• Mobile OS – Android, iOS
• Embedded OS – routers, smart TVs

Lesson 2: Windows Operating System Overview

Windows is the most used OS in offices and enterprises.

Common Windows Versions

• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• Windows Server (intro only)

Key Windows Components

• Desktop & Taskbar
• Start Menu
• File Explorer
• Control Panel & Settings
• Task Manager
• Device Manager
• Services
• Event Viewer

IT Support Role in Windows

• User login issues
• Software installation
• Driver problems
• Printer setup
• System slowness
• Windows updates
• Virus removal (support level)

Lesson 3: Installing Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step Concept)

Requirements

• Bootable USB (8GB+)
• Windows ISO
• System that supports Windows
• BIOS/UEFI access

Installation Steps (Simplified)

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI
2. Set boot to USB
3. Start installer
4. Select language & keyboard
5. Choose disk
6. Install Windows
7. Configure region & network
8. Create user account

Post-Installation Tasks

• Install drivers
• Activate Windows
• Run Windows Update
• Install essential software:

• • Browser
  • PDF reader
  • Office apps
  • Antivirus

Lesson 4: User Accounts & Permissions in Windows

Types of Accounts

• Administrator – full control
• Standard User – limited access
• Guest – temporary, very limited

Common IT Support Tasks

• Create new users
• Reset passwords
• Lock or disable accounts
• Change account types
• Set login passwords & PINs

File & Folder Permissions

• Read
• Write
• Modify
• Full control

Used to restrict access to sensitive data.

Lesson 5: File Systems, Disks & Storage Management

What is a File System?

A method the OS uses to store and organize data.

Common Windows file systems:

• NTFS (default & most secure)
• FAT32
• exFAT

Disk Management Skills

• Create & delete partitions
• Format drives
• Extend or shrink volumes
• Assign drive letters
• Detect disk errors

IT Support Scenarios

• “My drive is missing”
• “My disk is full”
• “My USB is not detected”

Lesson 6: Introduction to Linux for IT Support

Linux is widely used in:

• Servers
• Cloud systems
• Firewalls
• Networking devices
• Cybersecurity tools

Linux Interface Types

• GUI – desktop environment
• CLI (Terminal) – powerful text-based control

Basic Linux Directory Structure

• / – Root
• /home – User folders
• /etc – Configuration files
• /var – Logs and system data
• /bin – System commands

Essential Linux Commands

• ls – list files
• cd – change directory
• mkdir – create folder
• rm – delete file
• cp – copy
• mv – move
• pwd – show current path
• sudo – run as admin

Lesson 7: System Services, Updates & Maintenance

Windows Maintenance

• Windows Update
• Disk Cleanup
• Defragmentation (HDD)
• Startup management
• Driver updates

Linux Maintenance

• Package updates
• Service management
• Log checking
• Disk usage monitoring

Why Maintenance Matters

• Improves performance
• Fixes bugs
• Prevents security issues
• Increases system lifespan

Lesson 8: Common OS Problems & Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause
PC won’t boot	Corrupt OS, disk failure
Slow system	Low RAM, malware, startup apps
App not opening	Missing files, crash
Black screen	Display driver issue
No sound	Audio driver problem

 

Basic Troubleshooting Flow

1. Identify the issue
2. Ask the user what changed
3. Check system settings
4. Run diagnostics
5. Apply fix
6. Test again

MODULE 2 SUMMARIES

By the end of Module 2, students now understand:

• What an operating system is and how it works
• How to install and configure Windows
• How to manage users, files, and permissions
• How to work with disks and storage
• Basic Linux usage and commands
• How to solve common OS-level issues
• How to perform basic system maintenance

This module answers the key IT Support question:

“How do I control, manage, and fix the operating system when something goes wrong?”