Cloud Computing and Operating Systems Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a race condition?

A condition where multiple processes can access shared resources simultaneously.

A setting where processes are fully synchronized.

A bug arising when multiple processes compete to manipulate shared variables. (correct)

A scenario where processes voluntarily yield control to each other.

What is the primary goal of synchronization techniques?

To avoid race conditions and maintain data integrity. (correct)

To increase the speed of processes.

To minimize the use of shared resources.

To ensure processes execute sequentially only.

Which of the following best describes a critical section?

A sequential segment of code executed anew with each cycle.

A part of the process that executes without interference.

A debugging area of a program where variables can be viewed.

A section of code accessing shared resources that must be protected. (correct)

What is the first requirement of a solution to the critical section problem?

Mutual Exclusion Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'progress' requirement ensure in the critical section problem?

Only processes not executing can participate in deciding who enters next. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises if the critical section problem is not solved?

Data inconsistencies due to concurrent access. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about mutual exclusion is true?

It guarantees that no two processes can be in their critical section at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT contribute to the critical section problem?

Processes working independently on different resources. Signup and view all the answers

Why should synchronization be used in systems with shared resources?

To prevent data inconsistency and ensure safe access. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'Sleep(1)' in the processes P1 and P2?

It introduces a delay that may lead to race conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cloud Computing Services

Services include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS).

Cluster Computing Environment

Composed of a set of interconnected computers working together.
Functions as a single system performing parallel tasks.
Cluster-aware applications are designed for this environment.

Operating Systems Types

Batch Processing System: Processes similar jobs together.
Time Sharing Operating System: Allocates CPU time equally, regardless of task length.
Distributed Operating System: Interconnected computers work together to share tasks.
Network Operating System: Central server connects multiple clients for resource sharing.
Real Time Operating System: Provides immediate responses; used in critical applications (e.g. missile systems).

Process Memory Structure

A process consists of:
- Program code (text section).
- Current activity (program counter and registers).
- Process stack (temporary data including function parameters and local variables).
- Data section (global variables).
- Heap (dynamically allocated memory during execution).

Process States

New: Being created.
Running: Instructions executing.
Waiting: Awaiting an event.
Ready: Prepared for CPU assignment.
Terminated: Finished execution.

Scheduling Algorithms

Average Turnaround Time Calculation:
- Example provided with 5 processes illustrating average turnaround time of 8.2 units and an average waiting time of 5.2 units.
Multilevel Feedback Queue Scheduling (MLFQ):
- Allows processes to move between queues, improving efficiency compared to multilevel queue scheduling.
- Aims to manage processes with varying CPU-burst characteristics and employs aging to prevent starvation.

Process Synchronization

Involves managing processes to avoid conflicts and inconsistencies in data access.
Key concepts include:
- Critical Section Problem: Ensures one process accesses shared resources at a time.
- Requirements for solutions:
  - Mutual Exclusion: Only one process in critical section at a time.
  - Progress: Waiting processes can participate in entry decisions.
  - Bounded Waiting: No indefinite delay for processes waiting to enter critical section.

Race Condition

Occurs when multiple processes access and manipulate shared data concurrently, leading to incorrect results.
Solutions involve synchronization techniques to ensure data consistency.

Description

Test your knowledge on cloud computing services, cluster computing, and various types of operating systems. This quiz covers key concepts such as SaaS, IaaS, and the memory structure of processes. Perfect for students learning about modern computing environments.