Practical: Formatting and OS Installation – JSS2 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Formatting is the process of preparing a storage device for use, and OS installation is the process of putting an operating system on a computer.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define formatting, operating system and bootable drive.
2. State the reasons for formatting a storage device.
3. Format a USB flash drive by following the steps in order.
4. List the things needed before installing an operating system.
5. Describe the five main steps of installing Windows.
6. List the tasks done after installation.

How can we picture formatting and OS installation?

Think of a notebook so full of scribbles and dirt that you can no longer use it.

• Formatting: like tearing out the messy pages so the notebook is new again.
• OS installation: like writing the first set of rules in the new notebook so the computer knows how to behave.
• Why it matters: a hard drive or USB drive can fill with junk files or viruses and need cleaning.

What is formatting?

Formatting is the process of preparing a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive, so that it can store files.

• Warning: formatting removes everything on the drive, including photos, music and documents.
• Rule: always back up important files before you click “Format”.
• Check first: make sure you have chosen the correct drive, so you do not wipe the wrong one.

Why do we format a storage device?

• Remove viruses: cleaning an infected drive.
• Clear junk: deleting all old files at once.
• Prepare a new drive: a new drive must have a file system before it can be used.
• Change the file system: for example from FAT32 to NTFS.
• Prepare for a new OS: the drive is cleaned before Windows is installed.

What is a file system?

A file system is the way a drive organises and stores files so the computer can find them.

• FAT32: works on many devices, but cannot hold a single file larger than 4 GB.
• NTFS: the standard file system for Windows hard drives and handles large files.
• exFAT: often used for flash drives that hold large files.

What are the types of formatting?

There are two types of formatting: quick format and full format.

• Quick format: clears the list of files on the drive and is fast.
• Full format: takes longer and also checks the drive for errors.

How do you format a USB drive?

To format a USB drive, open “This PC”, right-click the drive and choose “Format”.

1. Plug the USB drive into the computer.
2. Open “This PC” or “My Computer”.
3. Right-click the icon of the USB drive.
4. Select “Format…” from the list.
5. Choose the File System (usually FAT32 or NTFS).
6. Click “Start” and wait for the green bar to finish.

What is an operating system?

An operating system (OS) is the main software that controls the computer hardware and lets users run programs.

• Windows: the OS most used on laptops and desktops in Nigerian schools and offices.
• Linux: a free OS used on computers and servers.
• Android: the OS on most smartphones.

What do you need before installing an OS?

Installing an OS is a big task, so you must prepare first, because you cannot just copy and paste an OS.

• Bootable drive: a USB stick with the Windows setup files, set up to start the installation.
• Power supply: the computer must be plugged in so it does not shut down halfway.
• Backup: a copy of important files, because installation usually formats the main hard drive.

What are the steps of installing Windows?

There are five main steps in installing Windows: boot menu, language and region, choosing where to install, waiting, and account setup.

Step 1: The boot menu

• Turn on the computer and tap the Boot Menu Key at once.
• The key is usually F12, F9 or Esc, depending on the computer.
• Select the USB drive (for example “USB Storage”) so the computer starts from the flash drive.

Step 2: Language and region

• The Windows Setup screen appears.
• Choose your language (for example English UK) and keyboard type.
• Click “Next”, then “Install now”.

Step 3: Where to install

• The computer asks which type of installation you want.
• Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.
• A list of partitions (sections of the hard drive) is shown.
• Select the main partition, click “Format”, then click “Next”.
• On some versions, “Format” is under “Drive options (advanced)”.

Step 4: Waiting for the installation

• The computer copies files and restarts a few times.
• Do not press the power button during this stage.
• A power failure can leave the installation incomplete, so the computer may not start properly.

Step 5: Setting up your account

• Name: used to create a user account.
• Password: keeps your files safe.
• Wi-Fi settings: connect to a network.

What should you do after installation?

After installation, install drivers, install an antivirus and update Windows.

1. Install drivers: they help the computer work with the speakers, screen and Wi-Fi card.
2. Install an antivirus: it protects the clean computer from new viruses.
3. Update Windows: it gives you the latest security features.

What are the key terms?

Class practical exercise

• Group task: observe the teacher as they format a “junk” USB drive.
• Identification: look at the screen during a mock installation and find where the “Format” button is in the Windows Setup menu.

Evaluation

1. Define formatting and give two reasons for formatting a drive.
2. Why must you back up your files before formatting a drive?
3. What is a bootable USB used for?
4. Why do we choose “Custom” installation in Windows Setup?
5. What could happen if the power goes out while the OS is installing?

Assignment

In your notebook, write the six steps of formatting a USB drive in order, then list the three tasks done after installing Windows.

Teacher’s note

• Teach this lesson in the computer lab.
• If you cannot reinstall Windows on every computer, show the first Windows Setup screen so students can picture the process.
• Use only a junk USB drive for the demonstration.