PC Hardware —

Lesson Summary: Managing and Troubleshooting Windows

The following points summarize the main elements of this lesson:

  • Windows 95 is not perfect. However, if you know its limits and use the tools provided by Microsoft, you can configure any system for optimum performance.

  • System Monitor and Resource Meter are two tools that help identify performance problems.

  • Not all MS-DOS applications will run with Windows 95; however, with proper configuration, most of them will.

  • Windows 95 has built-in troubleshooting guides for such difficulties as printer problems.

  • Be aware of viruses and take precautions.


Tutorial Summary

The following points summarize the key concepts in this tutorial:

Managing the Windows 95 File System

  • Windows 95 introduced many improvements for simplifying file management. These include 32-bit VFAT, long filenames, VCACHE, built-in CD-ROM support, built-in EIDE and SCSI drivers, and an expanded list of 32-bit drivers.

  • Windows 95 provides two programs for managing files. My Computer, with its simple Windows format, is a user-friendly utility designed for beginners. Windows Explorer is an enhanced version of the Windows 3.x File Manager. For the computer professional, mastering Explorer is the key to troubleshooting hardware and software problems.

  • Windows allows extensive use of the drag-and-drop, and Cut, Copy, and Paste functions for managing files. The right mouse button provides easy access to shortcut menus.

  • The Recycle Bin is an excellent tool to help prevent accidental file deletion.

Troubleshooting Windows 95

  • Disk management is made simple with the new GUI.

  • Windows 95 provides a number of useful tools for maintaining disks. Backup, defragmentation, and ScanDisk utilities are built into the operating system.

  • Two tools-Resource Monitor and Resource Meter-are provided for monitoring and identifying resource problems.


Review

  1. In Windows 95, which Windows 3.x program was replaced by Windows Explorer?

  2. What utilities are provided for managing files in Windows 95?

  3. How do you partition a drive in Windows 95?

  4. What is the function of the Recycle Bin?

  5. What is the System Monitor used for?

  6. What is the Resource Meter used for?

  7. Loading which file will cause Windows 95 to report an appropriate version of MS-DOS to older MS-DOS applications?

  8. Identify the four basic kinds of viruses and describe how they are transmitted.