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ResNet Operating System Requirements
Shippensburg University > ResNet > Get Connected > Requirements > Hardware Requirements > Operating Systems

An Operating System ("OS") is the software a computer uses to 'run.'  The operating system is the first piece of software a computer loads.  It is in charge of managing your files, your desktop, and it also lets you install and run programs.

What kind of Operating System should you have?

Visit our Software Requirements page for complete details!

Operating Systems can Crash!

Although it is uncommon, operating systems can sometimes stop working.  If this happens, your computer will not start properly, or you may not be able to use all the features of your computer.

If your Operating System crashes, in most cases it DOES NOT mean all of your user files (such as documents, photos, music, etc) are lost.  It just means the computer doesn't know how to get to them.  If you suffer an OS crash, your files can usually be recovered by a qualified PC repair technician.  ResNet CANNOT assist you in recovering your files after an OS crash.

When an OS crashes, you will need to reinstall your OS from the CD or utility that came with YOUR computer.  This is commonly called "reloading the operating system."  It's best not to use discs from another source since you can't be sure they will be fully compatible with your system.  After reloading the operating system, you may need to reinstall drivers (the software that makes things like your sound card and printer work) and reinstall software such as word processing programs, chat programs, etc.

If you are not careful when reloading your OS, you may lose your user files.  To ensure you won't lose files, always perform regular backups!

ResNet CANNOT assist you in reloading your Operating System.