23-35OBJECTIVE 3.6 MONITOR AND CONFIGURE MULTIPROCESSOR COMPUTERSOBJEC...

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Objective 3.6

Monitor and Configure Multiprocessor Computers

Objective 3.6

Monitor and Configure Multiprocessor Computers

The operating system kernel in Windows XP can support one or two CPUs. Windows

XP leverages the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) to bridge the gap between your

computer’s hardware and the operating system. This fundamental architecture facili-

tates porting the operating system to different hardware platforms.

Windows XP has a different HAL and kernel for uniprocessor and multiprocessor sys-

tems. Therefore, you must upgrade the HAL and kernel when adding a second proces-

sor to an existing Windows XP Professional computer. If you accidentally upgrade to

an incompatible HAL, or if you forget to upgrade your HAL, the computer will proba-

bly be unable to boot. The only ways to recover from this situation are to restore your

original hardware configuration, reinstall Windows XP Professional, or manually

replace the kernel and HAL by using Recovery Console.

You can use the Performance console or Windows Task Manager to analyze processor

performance. On each computer you manage, you must establish a baseline of satis-

factory performance and monitor the system for diminished performance in an ongo-

ing way. The major processor-related objects you must understand and monitor are

Thread, Process, System, Processor, Job Object, and Job Object Details.

To successfully answer questions in this objective, you must know the different HAL

versions available; how to upgrade from a single processor to a dual processor config-

uration; how to downgrade to a single processor configuration; and how to monitor

system operation using the Performance snap-in.

Objective 3.6 Questions