GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
EXP No: 1
FAMILIARISATION OF COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
PROBLEM DEFINITION:
To familiarize computer hardware components.
THEORY:
Computer:
Computer is an electronic device which accepts data as input, performs processing on the
data, and gives the desired output. In other words, a computer is an electronic data processing
machine. Speed, accuracy, diligence, storage capability and versatility are the main
characteristics of computer.
CPU Box:
A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, is the enclosure
that contains most of the hardware of a personal computer.
Mother Board:
A motherboard is a circuit board inside general-purpose
computing systems, including personal computers, smart
televisions, smart monitors, and other similar devices, which
supports communication between different electrical components
and houses components such as the CPU, memory, etc.
CPU(Central Processing Unit):
Processes the data as well as controls, coordinates and
supervises the operations of the computer. CPU consists of
two important units : CU (Control Unit) and ALU (Arithmetic
Logic Unit).
9. Shell programming in Linux
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
Interface cards:
Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware
component that is present on the computer. It is used
to connect different networking devices such as
computers and servers to share data over the connected
network. It provides functionality such as support for I/O
interrupt, Direct Memory Access (DMA) interfaces,
partitioning, and data transmission.
Card slot:
A special slot for inserting a memory card. Memory cards
allow you to expand the phone's built-in memory .
Hard disk:
A hard disk, also known as a hard disk drive (HDD), is a device
that stores data on a computer or other electronic device. It's a
non-volatile storage device, meaning it can retain data even
when the device is powered off.
Cables:
A cable, also known as a cord, plug, or connector transmits power
or data between devices or positions, which is covered in plastic
by one or more wires. A power cable and data cable are the
primary types of computer cables. The cable that creates
communication between devices is known as a data cable. A
cable that powers the device is known as a power cable.
SMPS:
A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is a power electronics
topology, which consists of two power stages. The first stage
converts the ac supply into dc and the second stage converts the dc
voltage to the desired dc output voltage.
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
NIC:
NIC stands for Network Interface Card, which is a physical
hardware component that connects a computer to a network. It
allows a computer to communicate with other devices on a
network by sending and receiving data. NICs are also known as
Ethernet, physical, or network cards.
Various ports:
Ports are nothing but it is connections between
external and internal input/output devices such as
keyboards, mice, mouse, Disk Drive, and many more
with motherboards using cables. That allows to
communicate between external devices or peripherals
with a laptop or computer. Computer ports may be
virtual or physical.
Input Devices:
In computing, an input device is a piece of equipment used to provide data and control signals
to an information processing system, such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of
input devices include keyboards, computer mice, scanners, cameras, joysticks, and microphones.
Output Devices:
An output device is any piece of computer hardware that converts information or data into a
human-perceptible form or, historically, into a physical machine-readable form for use with
other non-computerized equipment.eg:printer,monitor.
Storage devices:
1. The storage unit is a part of the computer system which is employed to store the information
and instructions to be processed. A storage device is an integral part of the computer
hardware which stores information/data to process the result of any computational work.
Without a storage device, a computer would not be able to run or even boot up. Or in other
words, we can say that a storage device is hardware that is used for storing, porting, or
extracting data files. It can also store information/data both temporarily and
permanently. Eg:Types of storage devices:1. Primary Storage Devices
2. Magnetic Storage Devices
3. Flash memory Devices
4. Optical Storage Devices
5. Cloud and Virtual Storage
Buses:
A bus is a high-speed internal connection that transfers data, signals, or power between
components in a computer, or between computers. Buses are made up of hardware
components like wires and optical fibers, as well as software like communication protocols.
Firmware:
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
Firmware is a type of software that's embedded in a device's hardware to control how it
functions.
CONCLUSION:
Familiarized with various hardware components of a desktop personal computer
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
EXP NO 2
FAMILIARISATION OF BOOT PROCESS
PROBLEM DEFNITION
To understand the sequence of operations during the boot process and explore the components
involved in starting a computer.
Materials Required
A computer with access to the BIOS/UEFI
USB bootable device (e.g., Linux or Windows installation media)
Access to a virtual machine environment (e.g., VirtualBox or VMware) for safe
experiments
A monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Theory
The boot process is the sequence of events that occur from powering on a computer to loading
the operating system (OS). It typically involves the following steps:
1. Power-On Self-Test (POST): Hardware checks performed by the BIOS/UEFI.
2. Loading BIOS/UEFI Firmware: Initialization of system firmware.
3. Bootloader Execution: Loading of the bootloader from the bootable device.
4. Kernel Initialization: The OS kernel is loaded into memory.
5. Operating System Start-Up: User-level services and processes are initialized.
Procedure
Part 1: BIOS/UEFI Exploration
1. Access BIOS/UEFI:
o Power on the computer and press the appropriate key (e.g., F2, DEL, or ESC) to
enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
o Note the key displayed during the splash screen.
2. Explore BIOS/UEFI Settings:
o Identify options such as boot order, hardware diagnostics, and system time.
o Change the boot priority to the USB device temporarily (if allowed).
3. Document Observations:
o Record settings related to the boot process, such as secure boot and boot device
options.
Part 2: Observing the Bootloader
1. Boot from USB Media:
o Insert a bootable USB with an alternate OS (e.g., Ubuntu live media).
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
o Restart the system and observe how the bootloader (e.g., GRUB) appears.
2. Experiment with Bootloader:
o Navigate through bootloader options, such as safe mode or recovery mode.
o Note the configuration of the bootloader menu.
3. Document Observations:
o Record how the bootloader loads the kernel and transitions to the OS.
Part 3: Virtual Machine Experiment
1. Set Up a Virtual Machine:
o Create a virtual machine and assign a bootable ISO image as the primary
boot device.
2. Simulate Boot Process:
o Start the virtual machine and observe the boot sequence in a
controlled environment.
3. Analyze Logs:
o Use commands like dmesg or journalctl (in Linux) to view boot logs and
identify steps in the process.
Part 4: Understanding Kernel Initialization
1. Boot into Recovery Mode:
o Boot into recovery mode using the bootloader.
o Observe how the kernel initializes hardware components and loads
necessary drivers.
2. Access Terminal Logs:
o Access the command line and review boot logs using commands like:
css
Copy code dmesg
| less
journalctl –b
Conclusion
Summarize the key learnings about the boot process, emphasizing the role of
hardware, firmware, and software components in ensuring a successful system
startup.
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
EXP NO 3
FAMILIARISATION OF INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS AND UBUNTU
OPERATING SYSTEMS
PROBLEM DEFNITION
To understand the process of installing Windows and Linux operating systems.
Components Required
1. A computer system or virtual machine software (e.g., VirtualBox or VMware).
2. Bootable installation media for:
o Windows OS (e.g., Windows 10/11 ISO file).
o Linux OS (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian ISO file).
3. Minimum system requirements:
o Processor: Dual-core or higher.
o RAM: 4 GB or more.
o Hard Disk: At least 50 GB of free space.
4. Internet connection (optional for updates).
5. Keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Theory
An operating system (OS) is software that acts as an intermediary between the user and
computer hardware. Installing an OS involves:
Preparing the installation media.
Setting up partitions for the OS.
Configuring the OS for first-time use.
Procedure
INSTALLING WINDOWS
1. Create Bootable Media
o Use tools like Rufus or Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB or
DVD with the Windows ISO file.
2. Boot from Installation Media
o Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing
F2, F12, Del, or Esc during boot).
o Set the boot order to prioritize the USB/DVD.
3. Windows Installation Steps
o Select your language, time format, and keyboard layout. Click "Next."
o Click "Install Now."
GXESL208-IT WORKSHOP LAB MANUAL
o Enter the product key or select "I don’t have a product key."
o Choose the installation type:
Upgrade: To keep existing files.
Custom: For a fresh installation.
o Create/modify partitions as needed.
o Select the partition to install Windows and click "Next."
o Wait for the installation to complete and follow the on-screen instructions
for initial setup.
INSTALLING LINUX (E.G., UBUNTU)
1. Create Bootable Media
o Use tools like Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB with the Linux ISO file.
2. Boot from Installation Media
o Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
o Set the boot order to prioritize the USB/DVD.
3. Linux Installation Steps
o Select "Install Ubuntu" from the boot menu.
o Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
o Select the installation type:
Normal Installation: Includes additional software.
Minimal Installation: Only essential tools.
o Choose the partitioning method:
Erase Disk and Install: For fresh installations.
Something Else: For custom partitioning.
o Create partitions (e.g., root /, swap, and home /home).
o Click "Install Now" and confirm changes.
o Set up user accounts and passwords.
Result
The installation of both Windows and Linux was successfully completed
Conclusion
Familiarised the installation of windows and Ubuntu operating systems.
