Lab 1.2.1.2 PC Software

Estimated time: 30 min.

Objectives:

> This Lab will focus on your ability to accomplish the following tasks:

> - Determine the PC operating system and version number
> - Identify the manufacturer and version number of the BIOS the computer is running
> - Learn how to access the CMOS settings for the computer
> - Check browser software setup including version and necessary plug-ins

Background:

> This lab will help you become familiar with the PC Operating System, Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and Application software configuration. You will verify that the PC is configured properly to run the Cisco Online Curriculum and practice exams which are multimedia based. This includes the Operating system, Video settings, Browser and Plug-ins required. For some of you, this lab will be a review.

Tools / Preparation:

> This is a hands-on lab. Before you begin, the teacher or lab assistant will have a typical desktop Pentium-based (or comparable) PC available with the following software installed. The PC should be a classroom computer configured to access the Web-based Cisco curriculum and assessment system. You may work individually or in teams. The following resources will be required:

> - PC workstation with monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cords
> - Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, NT or 2000) installed on PC
> - NIC installed and Cat 5 patch cable with connection to the Internet
> - Browser software installed (Netscape Navigator 4.6.1 or higher or Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher
> - Java, JavaScript, and Style Sheets (must be enabled in your browser's preference settings)
> - Flash plug-in (Curriculum version 2.1 only)
> - Apple QuickTime, RealPlayer G2 and ShockWave Macromedia browser plug-ins (Curriculum version 1 and 2 only)

Notes:

Step 1 – PC Software Overview

> Task:

Before booting the PC, determine the manufacturer and model number.

Explanation:

Boot (start) the PC and use the following procedures to determine the BIOS. Answers will vary depending on the PC. You can "cold boot" the PC by turning it off and on again. You can "warm boot" it by pressing the Ctrl and the Alt keys at the same time and then press the Delete key while holding them down. Be sure to shut down Windows properly before rebooting by clicking Start and Shutdown.

1. What is the PC Manufacturer & model?

Step 2 – Operating system

> Task:

Determine the operating system and version.

Explanation:

You can check the operating system by watching the screen as the computer boots, or by clicking Start, then Help after it has finished booting. To verify the exact version number, click Start, Settings, Control Panel then double-click the System icon. This will also show the manufacturer, model, CPU and amount of RAM in the PC.

1. What operating system (OS) and version is the computer running?

Step 3 – CMOS setup

Task: Determine the keys to press to enter CMOS setup. Determine the BIOS manufacturer and version number.

Explanation: While booting the system, watch the screen to see what keystroke(s) are required to enter the CMOS setup mode. CMOS setup can be used to change settings such as the boot sequence (floppy, CD or hard disk) and power saver options. As the system is booting you should also see who makes the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and what version it is.

1. How would you access the CMOS setup to change settings?

Step 4 – Verify browser software and plug-ins.

> Task: Determine the browser software and version and check for the plug-ins required to view the Cisco on-line computer-based curriculum.

> Explanation:

> Start the Browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) on the computer and determine the following information. Start one of the lessons from the Cisco on-line computer-based curriculum and run a movie clip and take a sample quiz. QuickTime (from Apple Computer) is required to run the videos and ShockWave or Flash (from Macromedia) is required to run the sample quizzes.
> 1. What is the browser software and version?

> 2. Is the Quick Time plug-in on this computer?

> 3. Is the ShockWave or Flash plug-in on this computer?

> 4. Does the sound work when playing the videos?

Step 5 – Verify your video settings

> Task:

> Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel and then double click on the Display icon. Click the Settings tab.

> Explanation:

> The Display settings allow you to confirm that you have at least 800 x 600 resolution with 256 colors.

> 1. Record the settings on your computer below:

> Screen area (resolution) |
> Color |