CONFIGURING COMPUTER

SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

• The learner demonstrates understanding of the underlying concepts and
principles on configuring computer systems and networks.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

• The learner independently demonstrates skills in configuring computer

systems and networks as prescribed by TESDA Training Regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• (1) plan and prepare for configuration;

• (2) configure computer systems and networks; and
• (3) inspect and test configured computer systems and
networks.
PREPARE MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED FOR
CONFIGURATION

• A key to a well-tuned, trouble-free system is proper configuration. In order to

accomplish this, you must start by understanding its configuration.
• To assist in this, several software tools have been created. These are typically
called diagnostic utilities or programs. Some of them are built-in to your
operating system and others are available either for free download or
commercial purchase.
SOME OF THE BUILT-IN TOOLS USED IN MICROSOFT
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION INVOLVES MICROSOFT
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION, REGISTER EDIT, DIRECT X
AND CONTROL PANEL APPLETS
• 1. Microsoft System Configuration: This boot configuration utility
allows you to set the programs that will run at startup and to edit
configuration files. It also offers simplified control over Windows
Services. System Configuration Utility consists of five functional
tabs such as General, Boot, Services, StartUp and Tools.
2. REGISTER EDIT
• This application allows you to edit the registry. The Windows
Registry, usually referred to as "the registry," is a collection of
databases of configuration settings in Microsoft Windows
operating systems. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the
Registry is stored in several Hives, located in the following path: \
windows\system32\config and \Documents and Settings\
{username} folders.
STRUCTURE OF THE REGISTRY
• 1. The Registry has a hierarchical structure, like the directories on
your hard disk. Each branch (denoted by a folder icon in the
Registry Editor) is called a key. Each key can contain other keys,
as well as Values. Each value contains the actual information
stored in the Registry. There are three types of values: String,
Binary, and DWORD - the use of these depends upon the context
 THERE ARE SIX MAIN BRANCHES (FIVE IN WINDOWS 2000 AND
WINDOWS XP), EACH CONTAINING A SPECIFIC PORTION OF THE
INFORMATION STORED IN THE REGISTRY.

• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - this branch contains all of your file types as

well as OLE information for all your OLE-aware applications.
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_USERS appropriate for the current user.
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - this branch contains information about all
of the hardware and software installed in your computer. Since you can
specify multiple hardware configurations, the current hardware
configuration is specified in HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.
• HKEY_USERS - this branch contains certain preferences (such as
colors and control panel settings) for each of the users of the computer.
In Windows 95/98/Me, the default branch here contains the currently-
logged in user. In Windows 2000/XP, the default branch here contains
a template to be used for newly added users.
• HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - this branch points to the part of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE appropriate for the current hardware
configuration.
• HKEY_DYN_DATA (Windows 95/98/Me only) - this branch points to
the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, for use with Windows' Plug-
&-Play subsystem
3. DIRECT X DIAGNOSTIC
• The Microsoft DirectX Diagnostic Tool provides you with information
about the DirectX API components and drivers on your system. It
enables you to test sound and graphics output and Microsoft DirectPlay
service providers. You can use the diagnostic tool to gather information
about your system to use for diagnostic purposes. If you are
experiencing problems when running Microsoft DirectX applications,
the DirectX Diagnostic Tool can help you find the source of the trouble
such as incorrect versions of DirectX components, lack of hardware
acceleration, devices that are not connected and unsigned drivers
4. CONTROL PANEL APPLETS
• The names of various applets in the Control Panel differ slightly depending on the
version of Windows installed. In Windows XP, the icons are grouped into
categories: Appearance and Themes: Applets that control the look of
windows:
 Display
Taskbar and Start menu
 Folder options
• Network and Internet Connections: Applets that configure all the
connection types:
Internet options
Network connection
• Add or Remove Programs: An applet to add or remove programs
and windows components safely

• Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices: Applets that control all

the settings for sound:
Sounds and audio devices
Speech
Portable media devices
Performance and Maintenance: Applets to find information about your computer or perform
maintenance:
Administrative tools
Power options
Scheduled tasks
 System
Printers and Other Hardware: Applets to configure devices connected to your computer:
 Game controllers
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Phone and modem options
 Printers and faxes
 Scanners and cameras
• User Accounts: Applets to configure options for users and
their e-mail:
 E-mail
 User accounts
Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options: Applets to
change settings based on your location and language:
 Date and time
 Regional and language options
• Accessibility Options: A wizard used to configure
windows for vision, hearing, and mobility needs
• Security Center: Applet used to configure security
settings for:
 Internet options
 Automatic updates
Windows firewall
ACTIVITY
 I. MS CONFIGURATION COMMAND CLASSIFICATION
• Directions: There are five functional tabs in MS Configuration utility, namely General,
Boot, Services, Startup and Tools. Classify the following items according to the tabs
they belong to. Write your answer on a separate paper.
1. Event Viewer
2. Safe Boot
3. List of services that start when computer boots
4. Make all boot settings permanent
5. Normal startup
6. No GUI Boot
7. OS Boot information
8. Hide All Microsoft Services