So how do PCs get operating systems on them these days?

[SaltyNuts]

Been awhile since I built my own computer. But I'm used to putting together the computer, then putting your OS in the CD or DVD, then booting the operating system from there.

Is that still the only practical way to do it for a single stand-alone build?

Thanks!

 

[VirtualLarry]

That's still basically how it works. However, you can also put the installation files on a bootable USB drive, and boot off of that, as many PCs sold or built these days don't have a DVD drive anymore.

It's also possible, if your BIOS supports PXE boot, to bootstrap an installer (say, on a corporate network with a PXE server), that doesn't require install media directly at the PC.

And then, there are the online upgrade methods, such as Windows 8 to 8.1, using the Windows store to download the new OS and then install it.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Thanks VirtualLarry, much appreciated. Glad to know the DVD route is going strong haha.

 

[biostud]

I make a USB install drive since I don't have an optical drive. Very easy with win 8. (but that requires an already functional computer)

 

[riahc3]

So how do PCs get operating systems on them these days?

...

If you don't have anything useful to say, then resist the urge to click the Post Reply button. I think you should read your sig:

"If you want to help by answer a question that is on topic, please post 🙂 If you are going to be rude, don't waste time of your life posting in a thread for a random person on the internet."

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator.

Do not rudely edit my posts. I didnt say anything at all to insult him. Also, my sig is towards others. I always say something on topic. This is the only time Ive posted something offtopic because I just didnt even know what to say

riahc3
Andandtech Member.

That's not how it works. I edit your posts to point out to everyone that posts such as yours are not acceptable. That's not up for debate here. As posters here have pointed out, editing moderator edits with comebacks is infraction worthy.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator

 

[Zorander]

I create bootable USB sticks (using YUMI) from OS ISO files I want to install. From there, I simply set the target PC to boot from USB and installation proceeds as you know it. Very much faster than reading off optical media.

...

I take it you have nothing useful to add.

 

[riahc3]

I take it you have nothing useful to add.

I.....I.....I was just speechless.

I came in here expecting someone to explain the imaging process of how OEMs do this kind of stuff but then I read the question and I was just.......speechless.

As you can see, I couldnt even reply anything.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Is that still the only practical way to do it for a single stand-alone build?

I came in here expecting someone to explain the imaging process of how OEMs do this kind of stuff

Given the context of his question, I didn't think that was necessary to elaborate.

But the big OEMs, install software, updates, customizations to a Windows install, and then use SYSPREP, and then they take a disk image using cloning software. To mass-produce computers, they use special HDD-duplication machines. It has a copy of the OEM HDD image on an internal HDD, and then you plug multiple HDDs into it, and it places the OEM HDD image on all of the target HDDs.

Corporations may also use Acronis or Norton Ghost Enterprise to "image" PCs, which works mostly the same way. Either a local bootable device with the imaging software, or a PXE boot over the network, and then it pulls the HDD image over the network from a server somewhere, writes it to the local PC's HDD, and then you reboot into the OS on the HDD.

Edit: PS. Moderators routinely edit posts to put in "Moderator comments". That's how moderation works. Complaining about it will just get you in hot water with the Mods around here. And speaking member to member, your aggressive posting style doesn't jive with the ideals of this forum's community, and I don't expect that you will last long around here, unless you can tone it down a bit.

 

[Essence_of_War]

I always say something on topic. This is the only time Ive posted something offtopic

This word, 'always', I do not think it means what you think it means.

 

[Gunbuster]

How to make a UEFI bootable OS install on a USB stick: http://tipsandtricksforum.com/thread-245.html

 

[ultimatebob]

...

If you don't have anything useful to say, then resist the urge to click the Post Reply button. I think you should read your sig:

"If you want to help by answer a question that is on topic, please post 🙂 If you are going to be rude, don't waste time of your life posting in a thread for a random person on the internet."

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator.

Do not rudely edit my posts. I didnt say anything at all to insult him. Also, my sig is towards others. I always say something on topic. This is the only time Ive posted something offtopic because I just didnt even know what to say

riahc3
Andandtech Member.

Dude, you really SHOULD NOT respond to moderator comments here. What they say is the rule of law, and arguing with it publically will get yourself banned. If you have a legitimate beef with someone, take it up in the Personal Forum Issues forum.

Actually Moderator Discussions is the appropriate place for that when the beef is with a moderator, but the overall point is correct.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator

 

[ultimatebob]

Anyway, to answer the OP's question:

For newer OS's, you can usually install them from a USB thumb drive. The instructions vary on the OS, so the best thing I can say here is to Google for the instructions of the specific OS you're trying to install.

Older OS's like Windows XP really expect an installation CD to be there, so you should use a USB CD/DVD drive for those. I'm sure that there are workarounds, but you're probably better off sticking with the physical media.

If you want to get fancy, you can always set up a Ghost server and reimage your systems from the network. Unless you're IT, don't bother with this.