System Configuration and Device Management

Posted on Feb 28, 2025 in Computing and Communications

Configuration tools in operating systems have different uses for system administration. These applications allow you to configure the desktop, the appearance of windows, users, internet connection, devices, etc. Configuration tools are similar in all operating systems, even though each has a personalized name or location. To use the administrative tools, it is required to have Administrator or root privileges.

Windows Administration

There are many applications for system administration in Windows. The Control Panel represents the main tool for configuring the software and hardware installed on your computer. The utilities required to do so are classified by categories.

Linux Administration

The configuration tools in Linux are typically found in the Preferences menu and System Management.

Customizing the Environment

Some of the configurable components to customize the look and feel of the environment are:

  • Wallpaper: Allows you to set the desktop wallpaper with one of the available images or a new one.
  • Theme: Each theme determines the overall appearance through a series of desktop icons, fonts, colors, mouse pointers, sounds, etc.
  • Screen Saver: Used to prevent damage to the monitor from displaying the same image for extended periods. It is automatically activated after a period of inactivity and can be configured.
  • Screen Resolution: Lets you set preferences for the resolution and color quality of the screen. These values will depend on the graphics card and monitor size you have installed.
  • Accessibility: Configures the operating system for ease of use by people with physical disabilities.

Management Tools

  • Startup Manager: Lists all available operating systems when the computer starts and lets you select one of them.
  • Users: Used to create new users, manage passwords, permissions, etc.
  • Internet/Network: Used to configure the network connection if the computer is part of a computer network and to access the internet. Also used to connect your computer to mobile devices.
  • Hardware Components: Customize the functionality of devices such as keyboard, mouse, speakers, webcam, printer, etc.
  • Program or Package Manager: One of the most important functions of the operating system is to install software on your computer and manage already installed software. You can upgrade your system and applications.

Peripherals

Peripherals are devices that computers use to interact with the user. They are classified as:

  • Input Devices: Allow information to be entered into the computer (e.g., mouse, keyboard, scanner).
  • Output Peripherals: Extract information from the computer and display the results (e.g., monitor, printer).
  • Input/Output Peripherals: Perform both input and output of data. This is the case for storage systems such as readers or flash drives.
  • Communication Peripherals: Responsible for communicating with other computers or devices, either to work together or to send and receive communication.

Installation

Peripherals are normally connected to the computer through a port or by wireless connection. Commercial operating systems automatically recognize most hardware devices on the market. The detection of peripherals is done when installing the operating system, or when they are connected. Devices may not be detected if:

  • The operating system has no device driver: You have to configure this device driver provided by the manufacturer, through the installation disk or downloaded from its website.
  • The device is not compatible with the operating system: When purchasing new hardware, it is important to make sure it is compatible with the operating systems that are used.

Configuration and Maintenance

Both the installation and configuration of connected devices must be performed by the system administrator. To see a list of devices in the computer, you must start reporting earnings included in the various operating systems.

Windows

  1. Click the right mouse button on My Computer and select Properties from the context menu.
  2. The System Properties dialog box is displayed. Click the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager button.

Linux

  1. Open the menu and enter System Management.
  2. Select the Device Manager tool.

Printer Installation

Windows

It is sufficient to insert the manufacturer’s disk and follow the steps. If the disc only contains the drivers, then select Add a printer in the Printers and Other Devices category and follow the wizard.

Linux

You have to perform the following steps:

  • Updating new printer.
  • Printer connection.
  • Controller update for the printer.
  • Printer information.