Huerte, Leo Francis A.

2012106442
CpE 3

EXPERIMENT 2 : MAINTAINING WINDOWS 2000 / XP
Discussion of Results

Lab 2.1 Navigate and Customize Windows XP
This laboratory work helps us become familiar with navigating and
customizing the Windows XP user interface. We were able to do things such as
customizing the taskbar, working with a program shortcut, cleaning up the
Windows XP desktop, and locating essential system information. Windows XP is a
bit different from Windows 2000 / 98 so it's critical to learn how to navigate it
properly.

Lab 2.2 Use Windows Media Player
In this lab, we were able to experience using Windows Media Player. We
were able to change some of its option like the skin. Windows Media Player can be
use to play, copy, and catalog audio and video files from a computer, CD, DVD, or
the Internet. The really interesting thing about Windows Media Player is that it


uses visualizations while playing the music. Its really cool to see the visualization
move according to the beat of the music.

Lab 2.3 Use the Microsoft Management Console
In this activity, we learn how to add snap-ins and save settings using the
Microsoft Management Console in creating a customized console. The Microsoft
Management Console is a standard management tool that can be use to create a
customized console by adding administrative tools called snap-ins. With the help
of this console, we can be able to manage many computers from a single machine
by using it as the main server of the computers.

Lab 2.4 Analyze a System with Windows 2000/XP Event Viewer
After finishing this laboratory activity, we learned how to operate with
Windows 2000/XP Event Viewer. From this, we were able to view normal startup
events, view failed events, record event logs and compare recent events to logged
events. Microsoft Event Viewer is a common administrative tool that is used to
find out the status of a system and to diagnose non-fatal startup problems.

Lab 2.5 Use Task Manager


In this activity, we were able to get the hang of using Task Manager in
examining a system. It is very useful tool that allows the user to switch between
tasks, end tasks, and observe system performance and use. We can also customize
Task Manager according to our preferences. Aside from that, we can also change
the way the information is shown. Task Manager is a really useful app but we
should be careful in using it. It could be dangerous to accidentally end a process
using this because some data or state cannot be save and data could be lost.

Lab 2.6 Monitor the Memory Counter
We were able to monitor the memory counter to investigate a possible
memory shortage. During defragmentation, which is recognizing separated
fragments of related data into a contiguous arrangement, we were able to analyze
the memory usage. The memory counters can help determine how much of the
total system resources a particular process, such as defragmenting the hard drive, is
using.

Lab 2.7 Manage Virtual Memory
In this laboratory activity, we learned how to operate virtual memory. We
were able to perform such tasks like locating the Windows tool for adjusting
virtual memory settings, changing the size of the paging file, and moving the


location of the paging file. A virtual memory is a memory management technique
using both hardware and software. It allows the operating system to make use of a
hard drive to simulate RAM.

Lab 2.8 Use Dr. Watson
After performing this activity, we were able to use Dr. Watson to collect
detailed information about the state of an operating system. We also learned how
to troubleshoot program errors using Dr. Watson, as well as customizing it. Dr.
Watson is a program error debugger designed to detect problems caused by
applications and stop them before the problem affect other applications.
Huerte, Leo Francis A.
2012106442
CpE 3

EXPERIMENT 2 : MAINTAINING WINDOWS 2000 / XP
Conclusion

In this chapter, we gained knowledge in maintaining Windows XP. We were
able to operate this specific operating system as well as try some of its programs
and tools. Navigating a new operating system is really interesting since it is a bit
different from the older OS. We were able to explore administrative tool can be


used to create a customized console by adding snap-ins. This administrative tool
can be used to create a customized console by adding snap-ins. Also, we get to
learn how things that happen to the computer while running is recorded in a log
using a tool called Event Viewer. This is an application that provides information
on various operations and events. In addition to navigating such tools, we were
able to analyze memory usage during defragmentation as well as managing virtual
memory, and using Dr. Watson to troubleshoot program errors.