Computer Hardware and Operating System Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between the kernel mode and user mode of operation in a computer?

The kernel mode has access to all hardware, but the user mode does not.

The user mode is faster than the kernel mode because it has fewer restrictions.

The kernel mode is used for user interface programs, while the user mode is used for system software.

The kernel mode is used by the operating system, but the user mode is used by application software. (correct)

What is the function of the operating system in a computer?

To provide a user interface for the computer.

To manage the hardware resources of the computer. (correct)

To translate high-level language to machine language.

To execute user-mode programs only.

What type of software is the user interface program?

Application software

Kernel-mode software

System software

User-mode software (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of kernel mode?

It has complete access to hardware. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the operating system and normal user-mode software?

The operating system is protected by hardware against user modification, but user-mode software is not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the operating system in Fig. 1-1?

To manage the hardware resources of the computer. Signup and view all the answers

Why can a user modify their email reader but not their clock interrupt handler?

Because the email reader is a user-mode program, but the clock interrupt handler is a kernel-mode program. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relation between the operating system and application software?

The operating system provides a base for application software. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an operating system?

To manage computer hardware and provide a simpler model to user programs Signup and view all the answers

What lies beneath the 'Android' layer of software on a smartphone?

A Linux operating system Signup and view all the answers

What is the most popular operating system in the world?

UNIX and its variants Signup and view all the answers

What is not a part of the operating system?

The shell or GUI Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why operating systems are necessary?

To manage computer hardware and provide a simpler model to user programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the relation between macOS and iOS?

iOS is derived from macOS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the operating system in relation to computer hardware?

To manage and allocate computer resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Linux and UNIX?

Linux is a clone of UNIX Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Components

A modern computer consists of processors, main memory, hard disks or Flash drives, printers, keyboard, mouse, display, network interfaces, and other input/output devices.

Operating System

The operating system provides a simpler model of the computer to user programs and manages all the resources.
Operating systems are essential because managing all the components and using them optimally is a challenging job.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets are just computers in a smaller package with a touch screen, and they all have operating systems.
Apple’s iOS is similar to macOS, which runs on Apple’s desktop and MacBook systems.
Android smartphones and tablets run Linux as the operating system on the bare hardware.

Operating System Classification

The most popular operating system in the world is UNIX and its variants, including macOS and Linux.

Operating System Components

The program that users interact with (shell or GUI) is not part of the operating system, although it uses the operating system to get its work done.
The operating system runs in kernel mode (supervisor mode) and has complete access to all the hardware.
User-mode software runs in a subset of machine instructions and is forbidden to execute instructions that affect control of the machine, determine security boundaries, or do I/O.

Kernel Mode vs User Mode

Kernel mode: the operating system has complete access to all the hardware and can execute any instruction the machine is capable of executing.
User mode: only a subset of machine instructions is available, and user-mode programs are forbidden to execute instructions that affect control of the machine, determine security boundaries, or do I/O.

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Description

Learn about the components of a modern computer and the role of an operating system in managing resources and providing a simpler model to user programs.