xxii, 579 pages : 23 cm This book provides the theory and technical practice needed to understand the fundamental concepts of today's computer operating systems. Working with the most popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and UNIX/Linux this book covers major concepts including: operating system theory, installation, upgrading, configuration of the operating system and hardware, resource sharing, network connectivity, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Designed with a hands-on practical approach this book is an excellent resource for understanding, supporting and training across multiple operating systems Previous edition written by Michael J. Palmer and Michael Walters Includes index 1. Operating system fundamentals -- 2. Popular operating systems -- 3. The central processing unit (CPU) -- 4. File systems -- 5. Installing and upgrading operating systems -- 6. Configuring input and output devices -- 7. Using and configuring storage devices -- 8. Virtualization and cloud computing fundamentals -- 9. Configuring a network connection -- 10. File and printer sharing -- 11. Operating system management and maintenance -- Appendix A: operating system command-line commands