Unit 05: LO 4 - 4.5 - OS Installation, Configure, Deploy

Install

• Selecting the Correct Operating System for the Purpose

  • For general business use, Windows is often chosen.

  • For graphics or video editing, Mac OS is preferred by some.

  • For servers or cybersecurity, Linux is a strong candidate.

• Choosing the Correct Installation Media

  • You can use a USB drive, a DVD, or even network booting to install the OS.

Configure

• Installing Required Hardware Drivers

  • After installing the OS, you'll often need to install drivers for things like your graphics card, printer, or Wi-Fi adapter.

  • These can usually be downloaded from the hardware manufacturer's website or can sometimes be automatically updated through the OS itself.

• Testing the Configuration

  • Test to make sure all hardware is recognized and working correctly.

  • You can also test network connectivity, software applications, and other features you'll regularly use.

Deploy

• Creating a New Image of the System

  • An "image" is like a snapshot of your computer, capturing all your settings, drivers, and software into a single file.

  • Tools like "Clonezilla" for Linux or "Sysprep" for Windows can help with this.

• Using an Appropriate Deployment Tool

  • Tools like Microsoft's WDS for Windows or Clonezilla for multiple OS types can deploy your image.

  • These tools allow you to push your image to one or many computers at the same time.

• Deploying Locally and Remotely

  • Local Deployment: Simply plug in your installation media (like a USB drive) to the target computer and boot from it. Then restore the image onto this computer.

  • Remote Deployment: This can be done through network booting. Computers to be updated will boot to the network, connect to your deployment server, and download the new image.

Each of these stages is critical for ensuring that the operating system not only works as expected but also fits the specific needs of the users and the organization.

Install, configure and deploy an operating system What does the word deploy mean?

Installing, configuring, and deploying an operating system involves a few different steps. Let's break down these terms and then explain the whole process.

• Install: This means to put the operating system software onto a computer. When you install an OS, you're essentially putting all the necessary files and programs onto the computer's hard drive so that it can start and run properly.

• Configure: Once the operating system is installed, you'll need to set it up to work the way you want. This could mean adjusting settings, installing additional software, or setting up network connections. Configuration makes the operating system functional and customized to the user's needs.

• Deploy: Now, here's the part you specifically asked about. To deploy an operating system means to make it live and operational. This could be on just one computer, or many computers across a network. After deployment, the operating system is not just installed and configured; it's actually up and running, ready to be used.

Steps to Install, Configure, and Deploy an Operating System

Here's a simplified guide, aimed at high school students:

Step 1: Preparing the Computer

• Make sure the computer's hardware meets the requirements for the operating system you're installing.

Step 2: Obtain the Installation Media

• You'll need a copy of the operating system on a DVD or USB drive, or you might download it directly from the internet.

Step 3: Boot from the Installation Media

• Restart your computer and make it boot (start up) from the installation media you prepared.

Step 4: Follow the Installation Instructions

• Most operating systems have a setup wizard that will guide you through the installation. You'll probably have to agree to some terms and conditions, and you might have to enter a product key.

Step 5: Configure the Operating System

• Once the OS is installed, you'll have to set some initial settings. This could include things like setting up your internet connection, choosing a keyboard layout, and creating a user account.

Step 6: Install Additional Software and Drivers

• Sometimes, you'll need to install extra software or drivers to make sure all the hardware (like your printer or graphics card) works properly.

Step 7: Deploy

• Finally, once everything is set up the way you want, you can consider the operating system deployed. If you're working with many computers, deploying might involve using special software to roll out the same setup across multiple machines at once.

And there you go! You've installed, configured, and deployed an operating system.

In a VirtualBox environment, you generally don't install hardware drivers for the virtual machine (VM) in the same way you would on a physical computer. VirtualBox provides its own set of virtual hardware drivers for the guest operating system, and these are typically installed through "Guest Additions" for Windows, Linux, and Solaris guests. The Guest Additions offer several benefits like better screen resolutions and improved mouse and keyboard integration.

Here's a simplified explanation for high school students:

What are VirtualBox and Guest Additions?

• VirtualBox: It's a program that lets you run another computer inside your existing computer! Like having a PC inside your PC.

• Guest Additions: This is like a special package of enhancements that makes this 'PC-inside-a-PC' work better and be easier to use.

Why don't you need to install hardware drivers?

When you use VirtualBox, your real computer's hardware like the graphics card or network adapter isn't directly used by the virtual machine. Instead, VirtualBox gives the guest operating system its own 'pretend' or 'virtual' hardware. Because this 'virtual' hardware is standardized and controlled by VirtualBox, you don't have to go looking for additional drivers most of the time.

How to Install Guest Additions:

• Start your Virtual Machine: Turn on the virtual computer you created in VirtualBox.

• Insert Guest Additions CD image: In the menu bar, go to "Devices" and then select "Insert Guest Additions CD Image".

• Run the Installer: Inside the virtual machine, you'll get a prompt to run the software. Follow the instructions to install it.

• Reboot the Virtual Machine: After installing, restart your virtual computer.

• Enjoy Enhanced Features: Now, your virtual machine will work better with your real computer, including better mouse and screen behavior.

So, while you can't install drivers for real hardware on your virtual machine, the VirtualBox Guest Additions will provide you with most of the functionality you need for a smooth experience.