1.1 Introduction
An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages and controls the resources and computing capability of a computer or a computer network, and provides users a logical interface for accessing the physical computer to execute applications. OS problems can result from a combination of hardware, software, and network issues. Computer technicians must be able to analyze the problem and determine the cause of the error to repair the computer. This process is called troubleshooting.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The task of preparing a survey paper on operating systems is daunting, to say the least. A mere catalogue of the numerous existing operating systems, and of research efforts in operating system design, would be inadequate. Moreover the subject, despite an almost frantic rate of development, is still, at least in this author's opinion, in far too disorganized and immature a state for a worthwhile analytical survey and classification to be feasible. There is not even any general agreement as to the meaning of the term "operating system".
The computer system has grown to become an indispensable tool in the processing, storage, retrieval and transmission of information. In view of these vital functions of the computer system, it is adequate that the maintenance of computer systems is performed to enable the system last longer. To ensure this, computer maintenance engineers perform some regular routine activities to monitor the state of the computer system so that it performs its expected functions. In the light of the importance of computer maintenance activities, it is adequate for a control system for the maintenance of computers to be developed. It will go a long way to ensure that the systems are in good condition and it will also help to monitor the maintenance state of the systems.
Operating system troubleshooting is the act of detecting and mending faults be it a hardware or software facility. To be good trouble shooter one needed to understand a system better than the average person.
Thus many of the problems of achieving acceptable performance and reliability at a particular installation will have to be tackled by the staff of that installation. For these reasons, and others, the problems of performance and reliability of operating systems are particularly difficult ones, and their discussion seems appropriate on an occasion such as the present one.
There is one somewhat tricky problem involved in discussing these two particular aspects of operating systems, and that is their psychological connotations. The topic of system performance can have overtones of mindless preoccupation with easily measurable (though not so easily evaluatable) attributes such as response time and storage utilization; the topic of system reliability can arouse the somewhat puritanical reaction that anything other than absolute reliability (particularly as far as software is concerned) is unacceptable.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Basic Troubleshooting Process of Operating System.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that OS problems can be attributed to hardware, application, or configuration issues, or to some combination of the three. You will resolve some types of OS problems more often than others. When computer systems malfunction, it is often difficult tracing the causes of such malfunctions with respect to identified symptoms. Often, some of these faults are so minor that virtually every user is supposed to be able to handle them effectively without having to undergo the rigours of finding maintenance experts.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Basic Troubleshooting Process of Operating System. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the basic process of troubleshooting computer system operating system
- To determine the issues arising computer system operating system
- To make the computer system convenient and easy to use for the user.
- To proffer solution to the detect computer system operating system problems
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there solution to the problems detected from troubleshooting a computer system operating system?
- What are the basic processes of troubleshooting computer system operating system?
- What are the issues arising computer system operating system?
1.6 Significance of Study
The significance of the study is that it will provide an effective means to control, perform and monitor the maintenance activities of computer systems. This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Basic Troubleshooting Process of Operating System.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Maintenance: Work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or piece of equipment in good working condition.
Control System: An interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response.
Troubleshooting: The act or process of identifying and eliminating problems or faults, especially in electronic or computer equipment
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