Software Distribution Policy

This can be used to deploy applications to users or computers. This makes installing necessary software on clients very simple.

Softwares can be deployed either to users or to computers in two ways:-

1. Published: This applies to only users. When we publish an application it is available to user but it is not automatically installed. Published applications can be installed from the Add\remove programs applet or by file invocation.
2. Assigned: This can be applied to either users or computers. Application assignment makes the installation mandatory for all users. When we assign an application to users a shortcut will be displayed on the start menu.. Assigning makes the application available to the user no matter which computer he log onto.

Requirements:

1. A Domain Controller is required.
2. The Client computers OS must be compatible with Group Policy.
3. The software to deploy must have a MSI installer file.

Publishing Applications from Group Policy:-

1. First of all copy the application to a network shared folder. Make sure that users have at least read access to the application.
2. Next open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
3. Create a new policy by clicking on New and give a name o the policy. Then select the policy and click edit to open the policy.
4. Under user configuration open the software settings folder. Right click on Software installation and select properties.
5. In the General tab click on browse and select the location of the software.
6. Then Right Click on Software Installation and select New. Then select the MSI file of the Application. Then in the Deployment Method Box Select Published | Ok.
7. Now users can install the application by opening Control Panelà Add \ Remove Programs à Add New Programs. Then in the List we can view the software à Select the application and click ADD to begin the installation.

Assigning application from Group Policy:-

1. 1. Next open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
2. Create a new policy by clicking on New and give a name o the policy. Then select the policy and click edit to open the policy.
3. Under user configuration open the software settings folder.
4. Right Click on Software Installation and select New. Then select the MSI file of the Application. Then in the Deployment Method Box Select Assigned | Ok.
5. Now the application shirt cut will be displayed on the Users Start menu.

Uninstalling Applications:-

1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers. Open the domain properties and select the Group Policy tab.
2. Select the Group policy from which the software was deployed and click Edit.
3. Open Software settings folder. Right Click on the application à All Tasks à Remove.
4. Then in the remove dialog two options will be shown
1. Immediately uninstall the software: This will uninstall the software when user logs on.
2. Allow users to continue to use the software, but prevent new installations: This will allow current users to keep using the software but will not allow any new installations.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

It is the programming chip, where all of the system information is kept at the time of manufacture. We can see the information of ROM at the time of booting the computer. We can only read the information of ROM; we can't write/edit or delete the information available on it. The ROM allows you to read the content of that memory as many times as desired but does not allow modifications. The contents of this memory can not be edited by the users. ROMs are non-volatile and non-destructive. They are permanent.
When we turn on the computer, the CPU gets its first instructions from the ROM. These instructions are burnt into the chip with the help of special equipment before the chip is installed inside the computer. Users do not have access to the ROM, so they can't change these instructions. It is electrically independent. The data stored in ROM is called firmware.
Mainly, there are three types of ROM is below :
a) PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
This is basically a blank ROM chip that can be written to, but only once. It is much like a CD-R drive that burns the data into the CD. Some companies use special machinery to write PROMs for special purposes.
b) EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
This is just like PROM, except that you can erase the ROM by shining a special ultraviolet light into a sensor a top the ROM chip for a certain amount of time. Doing this wipes the data out, allowing it to be rewritten.
c) EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
The PROM's whose contents can be erased electrically are called EEPROM. EEPROM can be programmed up to 10,000 times. It is also called flash BIOS. This ROM can be rewritten through the use of a special software program. Flash BIOS operates this way, allowing users to upgrade their BIOS.

Types of Motherboard

1. ATX (Advanced Technolgy Extended) :-
The most motherboard designs in use today are based on ATX design. ATX motherboard always have two-raw port cluster on the rear of the motherboard which is cvered with removable plate. When viewed fro near an ATX power supply is at the left and its expansion slots are at the right. A full size ATX motherboard can have as many as 7 expansion slots but most have five or six. ATX flower cases are open from the left hand side.
2. Micro ATX/ Flex ATX :-
These are the reduced size versionof ATX,using the small overall layout but with fewer expansion slots, fewer memory sockets and smaller overall design. Micro ATX motherboard used in low cost system have 3 or 4 slots. Flex ATX motherboards are smaller typically have two one or no slots.
Normally ATX motherboard supports 20 pin ATX power supply where AT motherboard supports 12 pin AT power supply.
3. BTX (Balanced Technology power supply) :-
It is the latest type motherboard, introduced in 2004, BTX tower cases are opened from right hand. BTX system uses in-line air flow, larger fans and thermal module for the processor to provide more effective cooling than ATX. Other differences include a larger connector.
Except these, there are other types motherboards like AT, Baby-AT, LPX, NLX, etc.

• PCI Slot :- Most desktop systems have one or more PCI slots. It is very flexible supporting all types of ad in cards including video desktop systems use 32 bit, 33 mhz virsion of PCI while work station server use 64 bit and 66 Mhz version as well for faster interfacing to high performance drives and network adaptor.
• AGP Slot :- Usually it comes with brown color. It is single slot dedicated to high speed video. Some systems with integrated video offer an AGP port for video upgrades.
• PCI-X slot :- Bassically it comes with some work stations and servers. It is faster versions of PCI slot which also support PCI cards. Gigabytes ethernets cards plug into PCI-X slots.
• AMR/CNR slot :- Some motherboards features one or two riser card standard for connected also supports surround sound as well as modem and network function.

IDE MASS STORRAGE DEVICES

Hard disk is a device where we store huge amount of data permanently. Hard disk is also called as mass storage device. IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) is types of interface use to connect Hard Disk, CD-ROM device etc.

[Note: - CD is an optical media]

Platters

Inside Hard disk, disk shape structure in which data & information are store called platters. Platters further divided in to concentric circles called as track. Hard disk platters divided in to 2 parts called Sectors and Track.

Each and every track & sectors has numbers. Sector number start from outside to inside. A sector can store 512 bytes of data. Track number always start from 0 (zero) and sector always start from 1. The motor attached with platter is called Splendor motor. Data saved in both side of platters. Hard disk contained read write head. If we have 3 platters it needs 6 read write head because of both sides. A sector is not sharable. Set of the sectors are called as cluster. Track ‘0’, sector number '1' is very important because it is called as boot sector. Boot sector contains MBR (Master Boot Record). MBR contains information about hard disk partition, capacity of each and every partition, small set of code through which processor can recognize bootable partition of hard disk. A partition which having bootable called boot partition. If the Boot Sector is corrupt then the hard disk will not work.

What is computer ?

Computer is an advance electronic device which takes raw data as input then processes these data as per given instructions then gives out the rsult and store it for the future use. Computer is used in every field in these modern days of life. computers are used in researches, medical sciences, engineering, astronomy, information technology, entertainment, learning accountancy, agriculture, etc. Due to the speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, reliability & huge storage capacity the demand of computer is growing rapidly. computers have become a part of modern life. Today's school children carry arround calculating power which would have filled a large room 40 years ago. Computers scientists are now working on the next generation of computers; ones which will have true intelligence. The computer is one of the most powerful & useful electronic devices. The computers are use everywhere. They are used in schools, banks, hotels, hospitals, airports, communication, etc. There is rarely any field where the computer is not used.

What are the parts of a computer ?

The word 'Hardware' refers to the physical parts of a computer. The main parts are the monitor, keyboard, the mouse & CPU or central processing unit, which contains the hard disk. The monitor is also known as the screen or VDU (Vidual Display Unit). It looks like a television screen & displays what we do on the computer. It comes in different size. The actual computer i.e. the part that performs tasks we ask it to do is in a unit holding the CPU, memory & hard disk & floppy disks. It comes in a rectangular box. CPU stands for central processing unit. This could be called the brain of a computer. It performs calculation & manipulates data. The keyboard functions like a typewriter. The computer is given commands by typing them on the keyboard information is then displayed on the monitor. The mouse is a hand-held pointing device. By moving the mouse around on a flat surface, a pointer or arrow on the monitor will made corresponding movements. By clicking, holding & dragging with the mouse various things can be done on the monitor.
The hard disk is a fixed device for permanent storage which stays with in the computer . A hard disk is capable of holding tremendous amounts of information, yet it is only a few inches in width & length. A computer also has a floppy disk drive. It is a slot for the insertion of portable disks, also known as floppy disks.

Computer Memory

There are mainly two categories of memory device inside the computer.

1. Primary Memory :- a) RAM b) ROM

2. Secondary Memory :- a) Hard disk b) Optical disk c) Floppy disk d) Pendrive

Primary Memory :- Primary memory is the internal memory within the computer that stores data, instructions & meaningful results temporarily. It is also two categories:-

a) RAM :- Ram stands for Random Access Memory. It is read/write memory. It is an area in the computer system that temporarily holds user data & programs. It contents are lost when the power supply is switched off. That's why, it is said to be volatile memory.

b) ROM :- ROM stands for read only memory. It holds a store of programs which tells the computer how to work. The contents of ROM are not loss when you switched off the computer. ROM is the considered as non-volatile memory. The user only can read this type of memory. These all are set into the computer's memory during the time of manufacture by the company.

Secondary storage device :-

a) Hard disk :- It is the main storage main device. It consists of all of the computer's item as well as documents created by using all software. It lies inside the board (CUP box) . Hard disk is a device used for storing large quantity of data. It consists of one or more platters. Each platter is a thin, circular metal plate coated on both sides with a magnetic material. Data can be read from & written onto the disk with the help of read/write heads. Today's computers typically come with a hard disk that contains several billion bytes (giga bytes) of storage space.

b) Floppy disk :- A floppy disk is a small data storage device which is generally used for transfer data from the hard disk. It is a circular piece of thin plastic material with magnetic coating on one or both sides. It is sealed with a protective jacket. A floppy is inserted into a floppy drive to read data from it or write information on it. Floppy disks come in different sizes. The most common size available today is 3.5 inches which holds upto 1.44 MB (mega byte) of data.

c) Optical disk :- Optical disks are produced using laser technology and as a result offer much higher density & reliability than magnetic disks. Optical disk is a glass or plastic disk coated with reflecting medium. It is portable & can hold large amount of data. Data is read & recorded through a laser beam. The optical disks have the capacity to store a large amount of data in the form of text, graphics, audio & video. CD-Rom (compact disk read only memory) & DVD (digital Versatile disk) are the common types of optical disks.

d) Pendrive :- Pendrive is a small, lightweight removable disk. It consists of a small printed circuit board. It is very small in size & can be carried in a pocket or hand like a pen. It has a high storage capacity & can transfer data at a very high speed. It is also called thumb drives.

Types of computer

Computers can be classified into various classes :-

1) On the basis of working principal
a) Analogue computer :-
Analogue computers measures continuous types of data & uses a physical quantity to present & process the data. We have seen many analogue devices in our life. It represent numbers by a physical quantity; that is , they assign numeric values by physically measuring some actual property. Speedometer, Thermometer, Multimeter, Fuel & price indicatior in petrol pump are the examples of analogue computer.

b) Digital computer :-
The computer which accepts discrete data as per the electric signals is known as digital computer. We can easily operate by putting it on the table. It is mostly used for data processing, text formatting, designing, entertainment purpose, etc. We ca use e-mail internet too. 90 % computers are digital computers.

c) Hybrid computer :-
Hybrid computer is the combination of analogue & digital computers. It is mostly used by the doctors, engineers, pilots, etc. CT Scan machine which is used in hospitals to find out the specific disease, it is also the example of hybrid computer. It is special purpose computer.

2) On the basis of Size :-
a) Mainframe computer :- Mainframe computer is large computer which processes at high speed & occupies a large capacity to handle huge numbers of records. More than hundred people can work at a time & communicate with different countries with wide area network via satelite. Mark-I is one of the example of mainframe computer which has made on the basis of vaccum tube. Such computers can be seen in the universitiesm government or large scale organizations, institute of engineering, scientific research centers.

b) Mini computer :- Mini computer are mmedium in size than mainframe computers but larger than micro computers. It is specially used in data processing, desktop publishing field, programming, etc.

c) Micro computer :- Micro computer is also known as PC (personal computer) or home computer. It is made by using micro processors. It is widely used at homes & offices. Many brands, model & sizes are available in microcomputers. It is used in many fields of business, education, desktop & graphic designing, data processm etc. micro computers can be such categorized into :-

i) Desktop computer :- a personal computer or sufficient to fit on desk.

ii) Laptop computer :- a portable computer complete with an integrated screen & keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer & larger than a notebook(palmtop) computer. It is sufficient to fit in our bag.

iii) Palmtop (notebook) computer :- a hand-size computer like a mobile. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input & output device. It is sufficient to fit in our pocket.

3) On the basis of brand :-
a) IBM PC :- IBM PC (international business machine company) has established in 1942 in United States of America. The computers manufactured by IBM company are called IBM computers. It is very expensive.

b) IBM Compatible :- Computers developed on the principals of IBM computers are called IBM compatible. It can perform all the tasks that an IBM computer does. It is less expensive than IBM original computer. a personal computer that is compatible with the IBM PC is called IBM compter.

c) Apple/Macintosh :- The computers manufactured by the apple company is called apple computer. It is mainly used for desktop designing. It is quite expensive than IBM & IBM compatible.

Windows Operating System In details:-

• GUI base operating system. (GUI – Graphic User Interface)

Core Files of Windows 98 or Bootable Files of Windows 98

o IO.SYS o MSDOS.SYS o COMMAND.COM

These files are also very important for DOS.

IO.SYS

• IO.SYS file is a core component file of windows 98 operating system. This file contains device drivers which are built-in for printer ports, serial ports, communication ports, floppy, hard disk etc.
• IO.SYS allows the rest of the operating system and its applications to interact directly with the system hardware and the system BIOS.
• This file is hidden system and read only which is loaded in root directory (c:\).
• This is a first file which is loaded in to RAM in windows 98 and Win me.

Incase missing of IO.SYS "Error Message"	" Invalid System Disk, Replace the disk and then press any key"
Reasons of Error	- Inside the BIOS – Improper boot sequence settings. - IO.SYS file is corrupt or delete.
Solution	- Check boot sequence of the BIOS. - Check hard disk related options in BIOS. - Try to locate IO.SYS file in c:\>, if it is not there copy it from windows 98 startup desk or from other windows 98 system.

MSDOS.SYS

• This file is a read only system file, which can be editable through text editors. MSDOS.SYS file is important part of the operating system which is responsible for booting in to GUI mode.

Incase missing of MSDOS.SYS "Error Message"	Computer booting directly in to c:\> without any error message
Reasons of Error	- If windows directory corrupt. - Change in configuration of MSDOS.SYS. - MSDOS.SYS file is corrupted or deleted.
Solution	- If windows directory is corrupted, overwrite an operating system. - If it is a problem with MSDOD.SYS file, first check its configuration. - If MSDOD.SYS is missing, copy it from other windows 98 operating system computer.

COMMAND.COM

• COMMAND.COM is consider as command interpreter which responsible for display c:\>. This file contains all internal commands of DOS. If the file is missing or corrupted then it will not effect GUI booting.

CONFIGURATION FILE

Windows 98 system contains two DOS error configuration file. One is AUTOEXEC.BAT and other is CONFIG.SYS.

AUTOEXEC.BAT

• AUTOEXEC.BAT file is automatically executable batch file. This is used to load TSR programs in to RAM at the time of system startup.
• This file is used by some DOS based program to load in to RAM. If this file is deleting or renamed, normally doesn't affect windows activity. If any executable file or command place in to this file, this file executes automatically at the time of system startup.

(Note – TSR programs are loaded in to RAM & remain in to RAM until we terminate a system or switch off the system. eg. Anti Virus Program)

CONFIG.SYS

• CONFIG.SYS file is also DOS era configuration file still in use with windows 98 operating system.

• This file is used to store path of device driver & memory management files. Usually this file present in c:\> and used by some old programs & device drivers.

(Note – Device driver are small set of programs provided along with newly purchased device to make them work properly. This software given by manufactured of devices but some device automatically install in operating system without any device drivers software given by manufactures. These types of device are called plugged & play device)