What is operating system?

An operating system (OS) is a special software that acts like a manager or controller of your computer.

In simple words:

The operating system helps you communicate with the computer and run programs. Without it, a
computer wouldn't know how to do anything useful.

Client Operating System

This is the operating system you use on your personal computer, laptop, or mobile.

Purpose:

• Designed for one user at a time.

• Used for everyday tasks: browsing, watching videos, using apps, etc.

Examples:

• Windows 10, 11
• macOS
• Ubuntu Desktop
• Android
• iOS

Features:

• Easy to use (graphical interface)

• Limited in handling multiple users or heavy workloads
• Not meant for hosting websites or big databases

🖧 Server Operating System

This is the operating system installed on servers (powerful computers) that provide services to many
users over a network.

Purpose:

• Designed to manage networks, users, data, and services like websites, emails, databases.
• Can handle many users at the same time.

Examples:

• Windows Server 2019/2022

• Ubuntu Server
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• CentOS, Debian Server
Features:

• Supports remote access and management

• Can run services 24/7 without interruption
• More secure and stable for network tasks
• No fancy graphical interface by default (to save resources)

Feature Client OS Server OS

Usage Personal use Network/Enterprise use
Number of Users Supported Usually 1 user Many users at the same time
Services Provided Basic (apps, games, files) Advanced (web, database, file server)
Interface Graphical and user-friendly Command-line or minimal GUI
Stability & Uptime Moderate High uptime and reliability

How to get windows system information

Method 1: Use "System Information" Tool (msinfo32)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.

🔹 This opens the System Information window, showing:

• OS name and version

• System model
• Processor and BIOS info
• RAM installed
• Network details
• Devices and drivers

Method 2: Use "Settings" and "About"

1. Go to Settings > System > About.

2. See basic info like:
o Device name
o Processor
o Installed RAM
o System type (32/64-bit)
o Windows version
How to get hard disk information

Method 1: Disk Management (Graphical Tool)

1. Press Windows + X and click Disk Management

(or press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter)
2. You’ll see:
o All connected hard drives
o Partitions on each drive
o Size, status, and file system (NTFS/FAT32/etc.)

Method 2: Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X → click Device Manager

2. Expand Disk drives

You’ll see a list of all installed hard disks and SSDs by name/model.

Why do we need a bootable pendrive?

1. Install an Operating System

• You can install Windows, Linux, or macOS using a bootable USB.

• Example: Installing Windows 10 using a USB instead of a DVD.

2. Repair or Troubleshoot a Computer

• If your OS is not starting or has errors, a bootable USB with recovery tools lets you:
o Repair boot issues
o Run antivirus tools
o Access your files

3. Run a Live OS (without installing)

• Some Linux distros (like Ubuntu) let you run the OS directly from USB.
• Useful for testing or using Linux temporarily.

4. Format and Clean a System

• You can completely format your hard drive and do a clean OS install using a bootable
USB.
5. System Recovery / Backup Tools

• Tools like Hiren's BootCD, Clonezilla, Acronis, etc., run from bootable USBs to
recover or backup systems.

Which application are used to create bootable pendirive

1. Rufus (💻 Windows)

• Most popular and lightweight

• Fast and easy to use
• Supports Windows, Linux, UEFI, GPT/MBR

2. Balena Etcher (💻 Windows / macOS / Linux)

• Simple and clean interface

• Good for Linux distributions and USB sticks or SD cards

3. UNetbootin (💻 Windows / macOS / Linux)

• Used mainly for creating Linux bootable drives

• Has built-in options for downloading Linux distros

4. Ventoy (💻 Windows / Linux)

• Create a USB once, and just copy ISO files to the USB later
• Supports multiple ISOs on one USB
• Great for techs and testers

How to make bootable pendrive using rufus

What You Need:

1. A USB pendrive (minimum 8 GB, all data will be erased)

2. Rufus software (download from https://rufus.ie)
3. An ISO file of the operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.)
🛠️ Steps to Create a Bootable USB with Rufus:

Step 1: Download Rufus

Step 2: Plug in Your USB Drive
Step 3: Open Rufus
Step 4: Select the USB Device
Step 5: Choose ISO File
Step 6: Set Partition Scheme

Choose based on your system:

• For modern UEFI systems → GPT + UEFI

• For older BIOS systems → MBR + BIOS (or UEFI-CSM)

📌 If unsure, choose MBR + BIOS (most compatible)

Step 7: File System

• Use FAT32 or NTFS (Rufus will auto-select based on ISO)

Step 8: Click “Start”

Step 9: Wait for Completion
Step 10: Done!

How to install operating system using bootable pendrive

Step 1: Insert Bootable USB

• Plug the bootable pendrive into the USB port of your computer.

Step 2: Enter BIOS/Boot Menu

• Restart your computer.

• Immediately press the Boot Menu key (one of the following, depending on your system):
o F12, F10, F2, Esc, or Del

Step 3: Select USB Drive as Boot Device

• In the Boot Menu, select the USB drive (it may appear as the name of your pendrive or
something like “UEFI: Sandisk”)
• Press Enter to boot from USB
Step 4: Start OS Installation

Now the system will boot into the OS installer (e.g., Windows or Ubuntu).

📦 If installing Windows:

• Choose language and region

• Click “Install Now”
• Enter product key (optional)
• Choose Custom installation
• Select your hard disk and partition (format if needed)
• Follow the prompts and wait for installation

Step 5: Remove USB and Reboot

• Once installation completes, the system will ask you to restart

• Remove the USB when the system reboots to avoid reloading the installer

Latest version of windows 10 and 11

🪟 Windows 10

• Latest Version: 22H2 (October 2022 Update)

• Build Number: 19045
• Release Date: October 18, 2022

🪟 Windows 11

• Latest Version: 24H2 (2024 Update)

• Build Number: 10.0.26100
• Release Date: The rollout began in June 2024 and continues into 2025.
• Key Features:
o Enhanced HDR controls, allowing users to manage HDR settings more precisely.
o Redesigned Start menu with improved customization options.
o Integration of AI-powered tools, including Microsoft Copilot.
o Improved File Explorer with tabbed browsing and support for additional archive
formats like 7z and TAR.
o Support for new hardware standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio
Difference between win 10 & win 11

Feature / Area Windows 10 Windows 11

🧑🎨 User Classic Start Menu and

Centered Start Menu, modern UI, rounded corners
Interface Taskbar

Optimized for newer hardware, better memory

⚙️ Performance Stable, reliable
management

💻 Hardware Requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, newer CPUs (8th

Works on older CPUs
Support Gen+ Intel, Ryzen 2000+)

🧠 AI &
Cortana (limited) AI-powered Copilot, Snap Layouts, Widgets
Productivity

🎮 Gaming DirectX 12 support Auto HDR, DirectStorage, better for gaming

📁 File Explorer Basic layout Modern File Explorer with tabbed browsing

🔄 Update 1 major update per year

Annual feature updates + AI updates (Copilot, etc.)
Frequency (ended 2022)

🧰 Built-in Tools Control Panel + Settings Moved most controls to Settings, modern redesign

Improved security: TPM 2.0, VBS, memory integrity

🔐 Security Standard security
by default

💾 Support End
October 14, 2025 Ongoing (as of 2025)
Date

What is partition in windows and their types

Partition it is a logical division of hard disk.

Why do we use partitions?

• To organize files better (e.g., separate system files from personal data)
• To install multiple operating systems on one drive (dual boot)
• To manage disk space efficiently
• To protect data — if one partition is corrupted, others may be safe
Types of Partitions in Windows

1. Primary Partition

• Can contain an operating system.

• You can have up to 4 primary partitions on a disk (or 3 primary + 1 extended).
• Usually marked as active if it has the bootable OS.

2. Extended Partition

• Special partition that acts as a container for logical drives.

• You can only have one extended partition per disk.
• Helps bypass the 4-partition limit by holding multiple logical partitions inside.

3. Logical Partition (Logical Drive)

• A partition created inside the extended partition.

• Used to organize data, but cannot host an OS directly.
• You can have many logical drives inside one extended partition.

Partition Styles (How partitions are managed)

1. MBR (Master Boot Record)

• Older partition style.

• Supports up to 4 primary partitions or 3 primary + 1 extended.
• Max disk size: 2 TB.
• Compatible with legacy BIOS systems.

2. GPT (GUID Partition Table)

• Newer, modern partition style.

• Supports up to 128 partitions.
• Supports disks larger than 2 TB.
• Required for UEFI-based systems (modern computers).
• More robust and has backup partition tables.

Partition Type Can Host OS? Max Number Per Disk Notes

Primary Yes 4 Bootable partition

Extended No 1 Container for logical partitions

 Partition Type Can Host OS? Max Number Per Disk Notes

Logical (inside Extended) No Many Used for data storage

Difference between FAT & NTFS

Feature FAT (File Allocation Table) NTFS (New Technology File System)
Full Name File Allocation Table New Technology File System
NTFS (various versions, latest widely
Common Versions FAT12, FAT16, FAT32
used)
Maximum File
Up to 4 GB (FAT32 limit) Very large (theoretical max ~16 EB)
Size
Maximum
Up to 2 TB (FAT32) Up to 256 TB or more (depends on OS)
Partition Size
No file permissions or Supports file permissions, encryption,
Security
encryption and auditing
Journaling file system (logs changes to
Reliability Less reliable, no journaling
prevent corruption)
Faster on small volumes or Better performance on large volumes
Performance
simple structures and files
Compatible with almost all OS, Mostly Windows only; limited support
Compatibility
devices, and USB drives on other OS (read-only on some)
Basic file system, no Compression, encryption, disk quotas,
Features
compression or encryption shadow copies, encryption (EFS)
USB drives, memory cards, Internal drives, Windows system drives,
Use Case
compatibility needs larger disks

What is Microsoft office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software developed by Microsoft. It includes a collection of

applications designed to help you create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, and more —
used widely in homes, schools, and offices.

,Common Microsoft Office Applications:

Application Purpose Example Use

Microsoft Word Word processor Writing letters, reports, resumes

 Application Purpose Example Use

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet software Budgeting, data analysis, charts

Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation tool Business slideshows, school presentations

Microsoft Outlook Email and calendar manager Sending emails, scheduling meetings

Microsoft OneNote Digital notebook Taking class or meeting notes

Microsoft Access Database management system Managing structured data and forms

Microsoft Publisher Desktop publishing tool Creating brochures, flyers, newsletters

What is office 365

Office 365, now rebranded as Microsoft 365, is a subscription-based service from Microsoft that gives
you access to the latest versions of Office apps and cloud services.

What's Included in Microsoft 365?

✅ Popular Office Apps:

You get always-up-to-date versions of:

• Microsoft Word (documents)

• Excel (spreadsheets)
• PowerPoint (presentations)
• Outlook (email)
• OneNote (digital notes)
• Access (PC only - databases)
• Publisher (PC only - publishing)

☁️ Cloud Features:

• 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user

• Microsoft Teams for chat, meetings, and collaboration
• Real-time file sharing & co-editing
📅 Subscription Plans
Plan Name Best For Devices Notes

Microsoft 365
One person Up to 5 devices ₹489/month (India)
Personal

Microsoft 365 Family Up to 6 people 5 devices each ₹619/month

Includes Teams, SharePoint, Exchange,

Microsoft 365 Business Small/large teams Multi-user
etc.

Microsoft 365 Depends on

Students/Teachers Free with school email
Education school

Key Benefits of Microsoft 365

• Always updated with the latest features

• Access from anywhere (Windows, Mac, mobile, browser)
• AI-powered features (like Copilot in Word, Excel, Outlook)
• File sharing and collaboration
• Better security and backup via OneDrive

Microsoft 365 vs Office 2021

Feature Microsoft 365 Office 2021

Payment Subscription (monthly/yearly) One-time purchase

Updates ✅ Always latest ❌ No feature updates

Cloud storage ✅ Yes (1 TB OneDrive) ❌ No cloud features

Number of devices ✅ Multiple devices ❌ 1 PC/Mac only

AI tools like Copilot ✅ Available (select plans) ❌ Not included

Microsoft 365 E1 vs E3 vs E5 License
Feature/Plan E1 E3 E5

💰 Low (~₹500– 💰💰 Medium 💰💰💰 High

Price (approx)
700/user/month) (~₹1,400/user/month) (~₹2,300+/user/month)

Office Apps ❌ Web + Mobile ✅ Full desktop + web + ✅ Full desktop + web + mobile
(Desktop) only mobile apps apps

✅ 100 GB mailbox + ✅ 100 GB mailbox + Archiving +

Email (Outlook) ✅ 50 GB mailbox
Archiving Advanced threat protection

OneDrive Storage ✅ 1 TB per user ✅ 1 TB (expandable) ✅ 1 TB (expandable)

Teams ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

SharePoint &
✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
OneDrive

Data Loss
❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (advanced)
Prevention

Security & ✅ Standard compliance ✅ Advanced security (e.g.,

⚠️ Basic
Compliance tools Defender, MCAS)

Power BI Pro ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Included

Advanced Threat
❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
Protection (ATP)

Audio
❌ No ❌ Optional add-on ✅ Included
Conferencing

Windows OS ✅ Windows 11
❌ No ✅ Windows 11 Enterprise
License Enterprise

What is Microsoft outlook?

Microsoft Outlook is a personal information manager and one of the main applications in the
Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 suite. It is best known as a professional email client, but it also
includes powerful tools for:

• Email communication
• Calendar scheduling
 • Contact management
• Task and to-do lists
• Meeting invites and reminders

What is Incoming and Outgoing Mail Server?

When you send or receive emails using an app like Microsoft Outlook, your email needs to
travel through mail servers. These servers are divided into two main types:

1. Incoming Mail Server

• Used to receive and download emails from your email provider to your device.
• Examples: Gmail, Yahoo, your company mail.
• Two common protocols:

Protocol Description

IMAP (Internet Message Access

Syncs emails across devices (cloud-based) – recommended
Protocol)

Downloads emails to one device and deletes them from the

POP3 (Post Office Protocol)
server (older method)

2. Outgoing Mail Server

• Used to send emails from your device to the recipient.

• Uses the SMTP protocol (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

Mail Server Type Purpose Protocol Used Common Port

Incoming Receiving emails IMAP or POP3 993 (IMAP), 995 (POP3)
Outgoing Sending emails SMTP 587 or 465 (SMTP)

What is PST and OST in Microsoft Outlook?

PST and OST are file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to store your email data like messages,
contacts, calendar entries, etc.

1. PST – Personal Storage Table

• Used for: Storing emails, contacts, and calendars locally.

• Where used: POP3 accounts, email backups, or archived data.
• File location: Usually stored on your local drive (e.g., Documents\Outlook Files)
• Can be moved or copied easily.
Key Features:

• Offline storage of emails.

• Can be opened on any Outlook installation.
• Used when backing up or exporting emails.

2. OST – Offline Storage Table

• Used for: Keeping a local copy of your mailbox synchronized with Microsoft Exchange
or Microsoft 365.
• Where used: IMAP, Exchange, and Microsoft 365 accounts.
• Auto-syncs with mail server when internet is available.

Key Features:

• Allows you to work offline; changes sync automatically when online.

• Tied to your profile — not portable between computers like PST.

Feature PST OST

Full Form Personal Storage Table Offline Storage Table
Works With POP3, manual backup/export Microsoft 365, IMAP, Exchange
Syncs with Server? ❌ No ✅ Yes
Can work offline? ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Can be moved/copied? ✅ Yes ❌ No (bound to account/profile)
Use Case Backup, transfer, archive Offline access to live mailbox

Example Use:

• PST: You export emails to a file for backup or transfer to another PC.
• OST: You're using an Office 365 mailbox, and Outlook lets you read/send emails even
when you're offline — syncing later.

What is a Rule in Microsoft Outlook?

A rule in Microsoft Outlook is an automated action that Outlook performs on incoming or

outgoing emails based on the conditions you set.
Default Storage Capacity of PST and OST Files in Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook has default size limits for both PST and OST files, but these limits depend on
the Outlook version you are using.

PST/OST Default
Outlook Version Max Configurable Limit
Limit
Outlook 2003 & 2007 20 GB 50 GB
Outlook 2010 and later (2013, 2016, Up to 100 GB (with registry
50 GB
2019, 2021, 365) tweak)

How to Increase PST/OST Size Limit?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook\PST

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service that lets you:

• Store files online

• Access them from any device
• Share with others
• Sync with your PC or mobile

It’s tightly integrated with Windows, Microsoft Of

Free OneDrive Storage?

Plan Type Free Storage

Personal Account 5 GB (Free for all Microsoft users)
Microsoft 365 Personal 1 TB
Microsoft 365 Family 1 TB per user (up to 6 users)
Business Plans From 1 TB to unlimited (depending on the license)

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform developed by Microsoft. It

is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is used by businesses, schools, and individuals for:

Chat
Video conferencing
File sharing
Team collaboration
Project management

What is Local Printer and Network Printer?

1. Local Printer

• Directly connected to a computer using a USB cable or serial port

• Only available to that one computer (unless shared manually)

2. Network Printer

• Connected to a Wi-Fi or wired network (Ethernet)

• Can be accessed by multiple devices on the same network
• Can be connected via:
o IP address
o Hostname
o Shared from a print server

How to Add a Network Printer in Windows 10/11

Method 1: Add from Windows Settings (Most Common)

1. Open Settings
o Press Windows + I → Click on Devices (or Bluetooth & devices in Windows
11)
2. Go to Printers & Scanners
o Click on “Printers & scanners”
3. Click “Add a printer or scanner”
o Windows will search for printers on the network.
4. Wait for your network printer to appear
o When you see your printer listed, click “Add device”
o Done! Windows will install the necessary drivers.

Method 2: Add Manually Using IP Address

If your printer doesn't show up automatically:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners

2. Click “Add a printer or scanner”
3. Wait for “The printer that I want isn’t listed” to appear → Click it
4. Select “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname” → Click Next
5. Fill in the details:
o Device type: Autodetect
o Hostname or IP address: Enter your printer's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50)
o Uncheck "Query the printer..." (optional) → Click Next
 6. Windows will detect and install the printer.
7. Assign a name → Finish the setup.

What is a Ticketing Tool?

A ticketing tool is a software application used by IT support teams, helpdesks, or customer

service departments to track, manage, and resolve user issues or requests

Response Resolution
Priority Impact Level Description Example Issues
Time Time
- Email down for
all users
Major outage or data
P1 - Business-wide - ERP system 15
breach; no 4 hours or less
Critical impact crash minutes
workaround
- Ransomware
attack
- Payroll app not
loading
Critical function - Internet down
Department- 30 8 hours (same
P2 - High down for many; no on one floor
wide impact minutes business day)
workaround - VPN not
working for
remote users
- Email not
syncing on
Standard user mobile
P3 - Few users or
issues; workaround - Printer not 4 hours 2 business days
Medium minor service
available responding
- One user's app
crash
- Desktop
shortcut missing
Single user, Minor problems or - Incorrect 1 business 3–5 business
P4 - Low
low urgency cosmetic issues profile picture day days
- Minor
formatting bug
- Request new
monitor
Change request or Up to 10
P5 - Very No impact / - Suggest UI 2 business
improvement; no business days
Low feature request change days
issue or scheduled
- Access to
shared folder
What is SLA (Service Level Agreement)?

SLA (Service Level Agreement) is a formal agreement between a service provider (like an IT
support team) and a customer (internal or external), that defines:

What services will be provided

The expected quality or performance of those services
Response and resolution time for issues (tickets)

What is an Incident

An incident is any unplanned interruption to an IT service or a reduction in its

quality.

What is a Service Request?

A Service Request is a formal user request for something that is not broken, but is needed to
perform a task or improve work.

Common Examples of Service Requests

Example Description

Request for a new laptop User needs new hardware

Request to install Microsoft Office Standard software installation

Password reset User forgot or wants to change password

Request for shared folder access Needs access to a department’s data

Create a new email ID Onboarding a new employee

Upgrade to faster internet plan Requesting improved service