A+ Tutorials Software: MS DOS and Windows 3.xA+ Tutorials - Software: MS DOS and Windows 3.x
Before You Begin
Lesson 1: Operating System Basics
MS-DOS
Microsoft Windows
Windows for Workgroups 3.11
Windows 95 and Windows 98
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Lesson Summary
Lesson 2: MS-DOS
The Boot Process
MS-DOS Terms and Commands
Optimizing MS-DOS
Lesson Summary
Lesson 3: Windows 3.x
Windows Features
Minimum Requirements for Running Windows
Installing and Configuring Windows 3.x
Windows Operating System Files
Windows Configuration
Configuring Virtual Memory
Improving Hard Disk Drive Speed
Temp Files
Memory Configuration
Running MS-DOS Applications from Windows
Troubleshooting Windows 3.x
Lesson Summary
Tutorial Summary
Review
The term software refers to any program (set of instructions) that directs a computer to carry out a task or function. Software can be divided into two categories: operating systems and applications. Operating-system software is used to manage hardware, data, and application software. No computer can run without an operating system. MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, OS/2, and UNIX are examples of operating systems.
Applications are the tools employed by users. Application software programs (such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and so forth) use the operating-system software enabling users to create, manipulate, and present data. This tutorial focuses on the earlier operating-system software?MS-DOS and Windows 3.x. Although MS-DOS and Windows 3.x are somewhat outdated, they remain the foundation from which the newer 32-bit operating systems like Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 2000 evolved. Many fundamental concepts and conventions used with today's operating systems stem from these beginnings. As an A+ technician aspirant, you will find some questions regarding MS-DOS and Windows 3.x on the exam.