Computer Architecture and Deadlocks Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one characteristic of Dynamic RAM compared to SRAM?

It has a higher packing density (correct)

It is completely free of issues

It has a higher speed than SRAM

It is more expensive than SRAM

What is the primary function of an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR)?

To permanently store data

To handle interrupts from hardware (correct)

To manage power loss during execution

To allocate RAM to different programs

Which type of cache memory is described as extremely fast but relatively small?

Static RAM Cache

Secondary or L2 Cache

Dynamic RAM Cache

Primary or L1 Cache (correct)

Which of the following statements about secondary memory is true?

It is used for long-term data storage. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes L2 Cache from L1 Cache?

L2 Cache may be located on a separate chip or coprocessor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of static bipolar RAM chips?

They have extremely fast memory access times Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding non-preemptive scheduling?

Once a process starts executing, it cannot be interrupted Signup and view all the answers

What defines the first-come-first-serve (FCFS) scheduling algorithm?

The process that enters the ready queue first is executed first Signup and view all the answers

In which type of scheduling is the CPU allocated to processes that require immediate attention?

Preemptive scheduling Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of preemptive scheduling over non-preemptive scheduling?

It allows for more favorable response times for interactive applications Signup and view all the answers

Which scheduling algorithm executes the process with the shortest CPU burst time first?

Shortest-Job-First (SJF) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a process in the waiting state during CPU scheduling?

It can immediately execute if resources become available Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best differentiates between preemptive and non-preemptive scheduling?

Preemptive scheduling allows processes to be interrupted and rescheduled Signup and view all the answers

What is a deadlock?

A situation where processes cannot execute because they are waiting for resources held by each other. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a safe state in process scheduling?

A scheduling sequence where every process can finish execution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Banker’s Algorithm?

To determine whether the system is in a safe state. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is responsible for executing programs in a computer system?

CPU Signup and view all the answers

In a computer architecture context, what is the role of interrupts?

To signal the CPU for attention from devices or programs. Signup and view all the answers

Why is main memory considered slower than the CPU?

It has a lower data transfer rate than the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

What type of state should be avoided to prevent deadlocks?

Unsafe state Signup and view all the answers

Which component is likely to be the slowest in a computer system?

I/O Devices Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle describe?

The steps for processing instructions in a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a program counter in a CPU?

To hold the address of the next instruction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deadlocks

A set of processes cannot continue executing because each process is waiting for a resource that is being held or used by another process within the set.
The operating system can avoid actions that could lead to deadlocks through deadlock avoidance.
An unsafe state may lead to a deadlock, while a safe state has a scheduling order where every process can complete its execution.
The Banker's Algorithm determines if the current state of the system is safe.

Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

The four (4) basic components of a computer system are the CPU, primary memory, secondary memory, and I/O devices.
The CPU is the computing part of the computer.
The CPU is responsible for program execution and coordinating other system components.
The fetch-decode-execute cycle describes the steps needed for processing to take place.
The CPU is significantly faster than main memory.
Registers are used for frequently used data.
The Program Counter keeps track of the main memory address that will be executed next.
I/O devices provide input/output capabilities and are the slowest components in a computer system.
Interrupts are signals sent by devices and programs to gain attention from the CPU and Operating System.
Hardware interrupts are generated by I/O devices.
The software can also generate interrupt requests through traps or exceptions.
The Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) is a software routine that hardware invokes in response to an interrupt.

Primary Memory

It is also known as Random-Access Memory (RAM).
Programs and data are placed in RAM during execution.
The CPU can access any location of the primary memory.

Secondary Memory

All programs and data are permanently stored here.
It does not lose its contents when the power is cut off.
It is slower than main memory as it has mechanical parts that operate at electronic speed.
Hard disks or magnetic disks are popular secondary storage devices.
A sector contains a fixed number of bytes.

Types of RAM Chips

Static Bipolar RAM Chips:
- Have extremely fast memory access times.
- Have low packing densities.
- Are very expensive.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
- Relatively slower compared to SRAM.
- Have high packing densities.
- Are much cheaper.

Cache Memory

A smaller version of the main memory built using SRAM chips.
Types of Cache Memory
- Primary or L1 Cache: Extremely fast but relatively small. Usually embedded in the processor chip as CPU cache.
- Secondary or L2 Cache: Located outside the CPU. Slower than L1 cache. May be embedded in the CPU. Can be on a separate chip or coprocessor with a high-speed alternative system bus connecting it to the CPU.

CPU Scheduling

One process can use the CPU while another process is on hold (waiting state). This is due to the unavailability of resources like I/O.
Non-Preemptive Scheduling: The CPU cannot be taken away from its currently executing process.
Preemptive Scheduling: The CPU can be taken away from its currently executing process. Ideally used for interactive or real-time computing systems.

CPU Scheduling Criteria

Arrival Time: The time at which the process arrives in the ready queue.

First-Come-First-Serve Algorithm (FCFS)

A non-preemptive scheduling algorithm.
The process that enters the ready queue first gets to be executed by the CPU first.

Shortest-Jobs-First Algorithm (SJF/SPF)

A non-preemptive scheduling algorithm.
The process with the shortest CPU Burst time is executed first.

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Description

Test your understanding of deadlocks and computer architecture concepts. This quiz explores the principles of deadlock avoidance and the basic components of computer systems, such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. Challenge yourself with questions on the Banker's Algorithm and the fetch-decode-execute cycle.