You might think that installing an operating system would be a simple procedure. And you’d be right. However, you really should know what you’re doing before you undertake this process. Even if you already know how to do it, it’s always nice to have a refresher course.
The first thing you should before installing a new operating system is to back up your existing data. These programs basically take a picture image of everything on your hard drive. With them, you can restore your entire system even if your new OS doesn’t leave a trace of your old OS.
To effectively and safely back up your system, it’s always a good idea to get some type of software program that will accomplish this. You could try doing it yourself, but these programs make it much, much easier. Consider one of the following:
Acronis True Image 10 Home creates the exact copy of your hard disk and allows you to instantly restore the entire machine including operating system, applications, and all the data in the event of a fatal system crash or virus attack — no reinstallations required!
With the new version you also can easily back up your music, video, and digital photos, as well as Outlook e-mails, contacts, calendar, tasks, and user settings with just a few mouse clicks!
Copy your entire PC, including the operating system, applications, user settings, and all data using patented disk imaging technology; backup your music, video, and digital photos; backup your outlook e-mails, contacts, calendar, tasks, etc.; and restore all settings for Microsoft Office, iTunes, Media Player, and dozens of popular applications.
A free trial copy of this software can be downloaded at http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
Made by Symantec Corporation, the same people who make and distribute Norton Anti-Virus, Norton Ghost is awarding winning back-up software. You should know, however, that this software is only for Microsoft Windows XP and 2000 operating systems.
Like True Image, Ghost will save everything on your computer safely and efficiently. It will back up everything on your system including music, pictures, applications, settings, etc. in one easy step. It can also recover your system and data even when you can’t restart your operating system.
You can download a free trial ware version of Norton Ghost at http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=br&pvid=ghost10.
With SOS Online Backup, you can start small, protecting a handful of really important files, and scale all the way up to 100GB. It keeps previous versions of files forever. And continuous backup means your files are always backed up.
It handles open files and performs continuous and scheduled backup. SOS backs up only differences for changed files and stores unlimited versions. It also has online access and file sharing.
A free trial version can be downloaded at http://www.sosonlinebackup.com/
If you are currently using Linux for your operating system and want to switch to another one, this is the program for you. Like other backup software programs, Ghost for Linux is a cloning tool and was created by Symantec, the folks who brought us Norton Anti-Virus.
Your drive will be cloned using the click and clone tool. It has been said to be easy to use and very efficient.
A downloadable version of Ghost for Linux can be found at http://linux.softpedia.com/get/System/Hardware/Ghost-for-Linux-053.shtml
Once you have all of your files backed up and you are sure the disk contains all of your information, you’ll then be ready to install your system. This is the easiest process of all.
If you have purchased an OS such as Windows, it will come with an installation disk. What you’ll need to do is put the disk in your disk drive and then shut down your computer. Turn it back on, and the OS will begin installing from the boot. Follow any on-screen prompts and answer accordingly.
If you have downloaded your new OS from a freeware site such as those that offer Linux for free, you will need to save the program to your computer’s “My Documents” area. Once it has downloaded, go to “My Documents” and double click on the file. You will probably then be directed to answer questions as to how to proceed.
Be aware that the installation process will probably take some time to complete. You need to monitor the progress, so expect to spend at least an hour during the install answering questions and watching it install.
Once your new system is installed, you should spend some time going through its features and performing tasks that you would normally do. Make sure that all your previous functions work. Keep in mind that if you have had certain programs and applications on your computer prior to the re-install, you will have to put them back on after the install.
For example, if you had a favorite game on the computer before, you will have lost it with the re-boot. You will have to re-install the game if you want to play it.
That’s it for installing an operating system. It really is quite a simple process, but it can be time consuming, so be prepared before you proceed!
Now let’s take a look at some of the functions contained in an operating system and what they mean. Sometimes computer terminology can be a bit confusing, so it’s helpful to know what certain functions are all about!
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