Operating System 

1) Windows 

=  The Windows operating system (Windows OS) for desktop PCs are more formally called Microsoft Windows and is actually a family of operating systems for personal computers. Windows dominates the personal computer world, running, by some estimates, more than 90 percent of all personal computers – the remainder running Linux and Mac operating systems.

      Windows provides a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and support for many peripheral devices. In addition to Windows operating systems for personal computers, Microsoft also offers operating systems for servers and mobile devices.

* reference source 

- https://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/history_of_microsoft_windows_operating_system.html

2) Bios Setup

 =  BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a personal computer's microprocessor uses to get the computer system started after you turn it on. It also manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer

= BIOS is an integral part of your computer and comes with it when you bring it home. BIOS is a program that is made accessible to the microprocessor on an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip. When you turn on your computer, the microprocessor passes control to the BIOS program, which is always located at the same place on EPROM.

* reference source 

- https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/BIOS-basic-input-output-system

3) Startup Menu

*example 

Steps to Choose a Default Operating System to Run at Startup in Windows 10

1. First of all right click on Start Menu and go to Control Panel.

2. Go to System and Security. Click on System. Now click on Advanced System Settings.

 3. Go to Advanced tab. Tap on Settings under Startup and Recovery.

4. Under Default Operating System, you will find the dropdown box for choosing the default operating system. Choose the desired option and save the changes.

 * reference source 

- https://mywindowshub.com/choose-a-default-operating-system-to-run-at-startup-in-windows-10/

4) Install windows

     How to install the Microsoft windows operating system

Each version of Microsoft Windows is installed on a computer using similar steps. While there are steps in the installation process that can differ between versions of Windows,

Check Hardware Compatibility

Before installing or upgrading Windows on your computer, you should check the hardware in the computer to make sure it is compatible with that version of Windows. Microsoft provides a Windows Compatible Products List through their website that allows you to check if the specific hardware in your computer is compatible with the chosen version of Windows.

If you find that one or more pieces of hardware in your computer are not compatible with the chosen Windows version, we recommend replacing that hardware with compatible hardware. Having compatible hardware in your computer will help ensure the Windows install or upgrade process is successful.

Genuine Windows CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive

First, you will need a genuine copy of the Microsoft Windows operating systeminstallation CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive. A genuine Windows product key is included with the installation disc, which is required to activate Windows after installation. If you have an OEM computer, the product key for your version of Windows is also often on the back or side of the computer.

If you have an OEM computer (e.g., Acer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, etc.), the computer will not have a genuine Windows CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive. Instead, you would re-install Windows and all the software using a hidden partition or a set of restore discs. The steps mentioned on this page would still work, but you'd need a copy of Windows. You can also borrow a Windows disc from a friend as long as you're installing the same version of Windows that came with the computer and you have the product key for that version of Windows.

Note: With early versions of Windows, you cannot download a copy of Windows to install on a computer. You must purchase a physical copy of Windows. If you are installing Windows 10, you can download the Windows 10 creation tool to create a bootable disc or USB thumb drive.

Warning: Microsoft has Windows 10 available for download only from their website. Any other site that claims to have copies of other versions of Windows should not be trusted. These copies of Windows are pirated software and could contain anything including spyware or malware.

Installing or Upgrading Windows

To start the Windows install or upgrade process, you will need to configure your computer to boot from a CD or DVD before booting to the hard drive. Changing the boot process forces the computer to look for the Windows installation disc before trying to boot from the hard drive.

1. Access the computer's BIOS setup.
2. Change the computer's boot order, setting the CD, DVD or disc drive as the first boot device if you are trying to boot from a disc or a USB drive if you're trying to boot from a USB thumb drive.
3. Save the settings change and exit BIOS.

Once you have updated the boot order, you can begin the Windows installation process.

4. Place the Windows disc in the CD/DVD drive or USB thumb drive into the back of the computer.
5. Turn on or restart the computer. As the computer is starting up, it should see the installation disc or drive and show a message similar to Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key on the keyboard to have the computer boot from the Windows disc or drive.
6. The Windows install process will begin. There will be several prompts that you will need to answer. Select either Yes or the appropriate option to install Windows.

Install Note: Make sure you select the Full Install option and not the Repair or Upgrade option.

Upgrade Note: If you are upgrading to a newer version of Windows, select the "Upgrade" option instead of the Full Install option.

7. When asked which partition to install Windows onto, select the main partition, which is usually the C: drive or one labeled "Unaollocated partition". If upgrading Windows, select the existing installation of Windows on the hard drive.
8. You may be asked if you want to erase all contents on the hard drive, then install Windows. It is recommended that you choose this option, as it will also properly format the hard drive to allow the Windows operating system to be installed.
9. The computer may need to restart several times during the Windows install process. The restarts are normal and if prompted to restart, select the Yes option.
10. When the install process is nearly complete, the Windows configuration option screens are shown. On these screens, you may be asked to select the time zone you live in, your preferred language, and the name of the account you will use to access Windows. Select the appropriate options and enter the appropriate information on each configuration screen.

The Windows install process will be complete when the computer prompts you to log in with the account you just created on the configuration screens or when it loads directly into Windows.

Final Windows and computer configuration

After Windows has been installed on the computer, you will need to install the driversand related software for the hardware in the computer. You can use the installation discs that came with the hardware, or you can download the drivers from the hardware manufacturer's website.

Tip: If you cannot download drivers because your network card is not working after installing Windows you can download the drivers on another computer and then copy them to a USB thumb drive and move them over to your computer.

• How to install and update a computer driver

It is strongly recommended that you install the latest drivers for each piece of hardware.

To determine which hardware needs drivers to be installed, check the Device Managerand look for exclamation mark "!" next to hardware devices. The exclamation point means drivers are needed for that device.

After installing the necessary hardware device drivers, install any software programs on the computer that you want to use.

Finally, download and install any available Windows updates. Updating Windows can help improve the performance of the operating system, the hardware in the computer, and software programs you use. It can also improve security by fixing potential security holes and flaws in Windows.

• How to update a Microsoft Windows computer

Long-term maintenance of Windows

Microsoft frequently releases new updates for Windows, so it is recommended that you check for and install available updates. Doing so will help keep Windows running better and keep your computer protected.

Also, periodically check for updated hardware device drivers from manufacturers' websites. Keeping hardware drivers updated can help the hardware devices in the computer to run at peak performance and improve compatibility with other hardware and software in the computer.

 * reference source 

- https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001838.htm

5) Format Computers

How to Format a Computer with Windows 7

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
4. On the "Install Windows" page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
5. If the "Install Windows" page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
6. On the "Please read the license terms" page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
7. On the "Which type of installation do you want?" page, click Custom.
8. On the "Where do you want to install Windows?" page, click Drive options (advanced).
9. Click the partition that you want to format and click Format.
   1. If you have more than one partition on this hard drive and want to get rid them to make one big drive again, then select a partition and click on the Delete option for each partition. Once you have deleted all of the partitions, select the Unallocated Space partition and click Format.
   2. Pick the formatting option that you want.
   3. When you've finished formatting, click Next.
10. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
11. If you do not want to reinstall Windows 7, you can cancel the installation at this point and keep your newly formatted drives.

How to Format a Computer with Windows Vista

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.

To format your hard disk during Windows Vista installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows Vista installation disc or USB flash drive.

1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows Vista installation disc, and then shut down your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
4. On the "Install Windows" page, follow any instructions that are displayed, and then click Install now.
5. If the "Install Windows" page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start Windows from a CD or DVD.
6. On the "Get important updates for installation" page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. You will need an Internet connection to get installation updates.
7. On the "Type your product key for activation" page, do one of the following:
   1. If you are reinstalling Windows Vista, you should enter your product key now.
   2. If you are not reinstalling Windows Vista, you can skip this step.
8. On the "Please read the license terms" page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms.
9. On the "Which type of installation do you want?" page, click Custom.
10. On the "Where do you want to install Windows?" page, click Drive options (advanced).
11. Click the partition that you want to format and click Format
    1. If you have more than one partition on this hard drive and want to get rid them to make one big drive again, then select a partition and click on the Delete option for each partition. Once you have deleted all of the partitions, select the Unallocated Space partition and click Format
    2. Pick the formatting option that you want.
    3. When you've finished formatting, click Next.
12. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows Vista, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.
13. If you do not want to reinstall Windows Vista, you can cancel the installation at this point and keep your newly formatted drives.

How to Format a Computer with Windows XP

Warning - Formatting hard drive information does not permanently erase the data. Even after a computer has been formatted, deleted files can be easily recovered. If you want to permanently wipe your hard drive by completely overwritting hard drive data, check out WipeDrive.

1. The first step in learning how to format a computer with Windows XP or 2000, is to insert Windows CD and restart your computer.
2. Your computer should automatically boot from the CD to the Windows Setup Menu.
3. At the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.
4. Press F8 to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement.
5. If an existing Windows XP installation is detected, you are prompted to repair it. To bypass the repair, press ESC.
6. Use the ARROW keys to select the partition or the unpartitioned space where you want to create a new partition. Press D to delete an existing partition, or press C to create a new partition.
7. Type the size in megabytes (MB) that you want to use for the new partition, and then press ENTER, or just press ENTER to create the partition with the maximum size.
8. Select the format option that you want to use for the partition (Recommended: NTFS), and then press ENTER.
9. After the Windows Setup program formats the partition, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to continue installing Windows.

WipeDrive: Wipe All Data Before Formatting

Deleted files can be recovered even after a computer has been formatted!

A recent study of 129 old hard drives (many of them formatted) revealed more than 5,000 credit card numbers, medical correspondences, love letters, pornography, bank account information, and other confidential data. To protect yourself from identity theft, erase ALL data before formatting a hard drive.

Do you need to know:

• How to format a computer before selling or donating a system.
• How to format a computer to erase personal data before returning it to an employer.
• How to format a computer with an operating system damaged by viruses or spyware.
• How to format a computer in compliance with government regulations (including HIPAA).

Learn how to format a computer to US Department of Defense specifications. WipeDrive is one of only five DoD approved products that knows how to format a computer using the DoD 5220.22-M standard for disk sanitation. This standard involves far more than an ordinary drive format and includes multiple overwrites with random characters.

How to Format a Computer Securely With WipeDrive

WipeDrive is an easy-to-use disk sanitizing tool that boots from a CD or floppy disk.

Learning how to format a computer is as easy as inserting the WipeDrive disk and restarting your system.

WipeDrive will automatically load with prompts indicating how to format computer hard drive data to Department of Defense specifications.

 * reference source 

- https://www.whitecanyon.com/articles/how-to-format-computer