A system for allowing multiple applications to execute at the same time in an operating system. Applications must cooperate, give up control of the processor for use by other applications.
Memory protection
Prevents applications from accessing memory belonging to other applications or the operating system itself. More memory protection than other Windows versions.
Multiprocessing
Ability of an operating system to use multiple processors (CPUs) at same time. Windows NT is the only version of Windows that supports multiprocessing.
Multithreading
Ability of an operating system to allow multiple tasks (threads) within an application to execute at the same time. These may be executed on different processors in a multiprocessor system.
Tasks - threads
Preemptive Multitasking
Allows multiple applications to execute at the same time in an operating system. Able to assign equal amounts of time to all applications, regardless of the application's behavior.
Operating Systems
Windows 3.1x First version
16-bit operating system with support for cooperative multitasking. Able to run DOS or 16-bit Windows applications. Requires minimum of 2 MB of RAM. About 10 MB for disk storage.
Windows 95
32-bit operating system. Able to run DOS, 16-bit Windows and 32-bit Windows applications. Requires 4 MB but 8 MB is recommended for a reliable system. Improved GUI and support for preemptive multitasking and multithreading. Plug and Play autodetected.
Where to access the HCL for Hardware Compatibility List
How to make a NTHQ disk (NT Hardware Qualifier)
Execute the MAKEDISK.BAT file in the \SUPPORT\HQTOOL directory of the Windows NT CD-ROM. To use the NTHQ disk, insert it into a floppy drive and boot the computer. You will be offered two choices: Comprehensive detection, checks for all devices, and Safe detection, limits checking to avoid crashes. If the comprehensive option fails, try the safe option. Display of summary dialog about various categories of the system, a compete report of the devices detected and their compatibility is stored in the NTHQ.TXT on the floppy when you exit the utility.
Windows NT can be installed in FAT or NTFS partition.
| FAT | NTFS |
| Dual-boot system. Can be accessed by DOS or earlier versions of Windows. Lower overhead than NTFS and is more efficient for small volumes. Microsoft recommends that FAT be used for partitions of 400 MB or smaller | Many advantages. Stores files more efficiently, supports file-level security, more reliable and supports Windows NT's more advanced fault tolerant features, such as disk striping. More efficient with larger drives. Microsoft recommends using NTFS exclusively with partitions 400 MB or larger |
| Key words: Dual-boot, lower overhead, 400 MB or smaller. Can be accessed by DOS or earlier versions of Windows. | Key words: More reliable, stores files more efficiently, security, fault tolerant, disk striping, 400 MB or larger. More efficient with larger drives |
NT Protocols
Network Types
Workgroup, or peer-to-peer networks, in which each workstation can share resources and handle its own user authentication. Best suited for small networks with 10 computers or less.
Domain, or client-server networks, in which one or more dedicated servers are used for resource sharing and network-wide user authentication. This type of network can handle large numbers of users.
Windows NT Workstations can act only as a standalone server.
Installation Methods
By creating and booting installation disks. Only method that works if another OS is not already installed on the computer. Requires a CD-ROM drive compatible with the Windows Hardware Compatibility List.
By running the installation program (WINNT or WINNT32) manually. Works only if a previous OS is available on the computer. You can use this method with /b switch to install without using floppy disks, providing a faster installation.
Booting the Windows NT CD-ROM directly. The CD-ROM conforms to the El Torito standard for bootable CDs; currently not supported on a majority of systems.
If no previous OS is installed on the computer but the CD-ROM drive is compatible with the Hardware Compatibility List, you can boot Windows NT installation floppy disks and continue the installation using the CD-ROM.
If the computer has a previous OS installed, you can use the WINNT /OX command to create installation disks and begin the installation.
Windows NT can also be installed from a network share containing the appropriate platform-specific installation directory. This can be shared directly from the CD-ROM or from a hard disk copy of the files.
Switches
| Installs without using boot disks. Files to boot Windows NT are copied to the hard disk. This option can be used to speed up the installation process when installing from a previous OS. | |
| /C | (WINNT only) Eliminates the check for free space when creating boot disks. |
| /E:command | (WINNT only) When used with /O or /OX option, copies the files to the boot disks without write verification. |
| /OX | Creates boot disks, but does not start the installation. This option is useful if you are creating disks for use on a computer with no existing OS. |
| /S:path | Uses path as the source directory for the installation. This should be the I386 directory on the CD-ROM, a copy it, or a network share. The directory WINNT is used by default. |
| /T:drive | Uses drive to store temporary files used for the installation. Approximately 104 MB of free space is required on the temporary drive. |
| /U | Unattended installation. Specifies that a uniqueness database (UDF) will be used in an unattended installation. Files necessary are SYSDIFF.EXE, UNATTEND.TXT and Unique Database Files. |
Installation Notes
If computer already has DOS, Windows 3.1x, or Windows 95 installed, use a separate directory (or a separate partition) for the Windows NT files. The installation program automatically configures the computer for dual-boot. Run the WINNT installation program from the existing OS to install Windows NT.
Unattended Installation - unattend.txt
Also referred to as answer file. This includes information of the process.
Automates installation on several computers. The answer file includes the following sections corresponding to each portion of the installation process:
Unattended - file system, upgrade options, path for WINNT directory
User Data - Registered name, organization, computer name, CD key
GUI Unattended - Password, computers time zone
Display - configuration details of video adapter
Network - installed adapters, protocols and servers
UDF files - Uniqueness Database File
User information for each computer. Can define two or more Ids for separate computers. Computer name and user name.
SYSDIFF Utility
Used if you need to install applications beyond the Windows NT installation at each computer.
Install Windows NT on a computer.
Run SYSDIFF /SNAP to record the standard configuration.
Install the additional applications and files.
Run SYSDIFF /DIFF to create a difference file.
Use SYSDIFF /APPLY to apply the difference file to other computers after the Windows NT installation.
NEAT!
NT Architecture
Kernel Mode Components
Also known as Executive Services
Think hardware devices - handles synchronization between multiple processors, and prioritizes threads and assigns them for execution.
Communicates with hardware via the kernel and HAL.
User Mode Components
Handles the user interface, security, and the execution of user applications. Interacts with the user.
No direct access to hardware.
Security subsystems - logon security, user name and password are required for access to hardware.
Environment subsystems - execution of various types of applications.
AND
SERVER- BASED NETWORK
In a Workgroup, peer-to-peer, network, a separate user account is created for each user at each workstation the user needs to access.
In a Server-based network, a single account provides access to the entire network.
FAULT TOLERANCE NOTES:
Disk Striping with Parity (requires at least 3 drives)
Disk Mirroring or Duplexing
Are the only fault tolerant disk configurations.
Disk Striping without Parity and Volume Sets
Do not provide fault tolerance.
NTFS - SECURITY
Copied files inherit permissions of new directory.
Moved files retain permissions.
References:
MCSE - The Core Exams in a Nutshell
A Desktop Quick Reference
By Michael Moncur
An O'Reilly book
Windows NT Workstation
Professional Reference
By Kathy Ivens
A New Riders book
MCSE Windows NT Workstation 4.0
Study Guide (Exam 70-73)
"Includes the most comprehensive MCSE CD-ROM available"
A Syngress / Osborne book
Essential Windows NT System Administration
Effective and Painless NT Management
By Aeleen Frisch
An O'Reilly book
MCSE Windows NT Workstation 4 for Dummies
"Get Certified the Proven Dummies Way - Fast, Fun, and Easy!"
Pass Exam 70-73
IDG Books
With CD-ROM Practice Exam
By Michael Kendzierski, MCSE, MCT
Magazine:
Windows NT Magazine
www.winntmag.com
More next time,
Aimee L. Walker
MCP
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