Computer System Structure and Operating Systems
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Questions and Answers

Which component of a computer system controls and coordinates hardware among various applications and users?

  • Users
  • Operating System (correct)
  • Application programs
  • Hardware

    • What is a primary function of an Operating System?

  • Perform calculations
  • Provide internet access
  • Manage security (correct)
  • Compile software applications

    • Which of the following statements accurately describes the Operating System?

  • It interacts directly with hardware without any abstraction.
  • It terminates after the user completes tasks.
  • It is a sophisticated program running on the CPU. (correct)
  • It cannot execute any instruction in the machine.

    • During which phase is the main() function of an Operating System called?

    <p>Only once during boot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes the kernel of an Operating System?

    <p>The part copied into RAM and manages operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does an Operating System play in relation to users and computer hardware?

    <p>It serves as an interface between users and hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT typically a function of an Operating System?

    <p>Creating marketing strategies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the development of Operating Systems evolved over time?

    <p>They now can be written in higher-level languages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary program that runs at all times on a computer?

    <p>Kernel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process called that begins with loading the kernel when starting a computer?

    <p>Booting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of the Bootstrap program?

    <p>Locates and loads the kernel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of an OS is responsible for managing RAM?

    <p>Kernel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used for the software that allows hardware devices to function with the operating system?

    <p>Device drivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?

    <p>Runs hardware diagnostics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when RAM is full?

    <p>The OS sends a message to alert the user</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component does the BIOS load to start the OS?

    <p>A small OS executable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of multi-user operating systems?

    <p>They allow multiple users to login with a password.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following operating systems is designed specifically for Intel CPUs?

    <p>Windows 10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does the graphical user interface (GUI) offer over the command line interface (CLI)?

    <p>It makes the computer more convenient to use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the compatibility of application software across operating systems?

    <p>Some application software must be developed separately for each OS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main objectives of an operating system?

    <p>To enable effective development and testing of new functions without impacting service.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the component approach to operating system development?

    <p>Each component corresponds to a specific service provided by the OS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a command line interface (CLI)?

    <p>It limits user interactions to pre-defined commands only.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'protecting user data' refer to in the context of multi-user operating systems?

    <p>Restricting access to data on shared centralized storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT associated with Single-User, Multi-Tasking operating systems?

    <p>Requires a powerful server to function effectively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary advantage of Multi-User, Multi-Tasking operating systems?

    <p>Allows several users to connect and have unique sessions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a user goal for operating systems?

    <p>Flexibility in design and deployment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of operating system operates with a guarantee that critical tasks will be completed in a specified timeframe?

    <p>Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature distinguishes Real-Time Operating Systems from other operating systems?

    <p>They respond quickly to user input and events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of operating system requires the use of powerful hardware and is designed for multiple tasks and users?

    <p>Multi-User, Multi-Tasking OS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary method of loading programs into early computers?

    <p>Manual entry through punched cards or switches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option is NOT typically regarded as a system goal for operating systems?

    <p>High user engagement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of multiprogramming in operating systems?

    <p>To ensure CPU time is not wasted by sharing resources between processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes terminals in time-sharing systems?

    <p>They serve primarily for input and output without engaging in processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do distributed systems differ from traditional networks in their operation?

    <p>Information exchange is handled implicitly by the operating system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of load balancing in modern operating systems?

    <p>To distribute tasks evenly across multiple processors for efficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best characterizes the role of paper tape in early operating systems?

    <p>It acted as a method for coding and programming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does scaling refer to in relation to multiple processors in an operating system?

    <p>Distributing a single task across multiple processors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable advancement achieved through interactive computation in the 1970s?

    <p>The emergence of time-sharing systems for multiple users.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of using punch cards in the history of operating systems?

    <p>They were a primary method for input and coding programs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Computer System Structure

    • A computer system has four main components: hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
    • Hardware provides the fundamental computing resources, including the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
    • The operating system manages and coordinates hardware usage among various applications and users.
    • Application programs utilize system resources to solve the computing problems of users, with examples including word processors, compilers, web browsers, database systems, and video games.
    • Users can be humans, machines, or other computers.

    What is an Operating System

    • An operating system is a sophisticated program running on the CPU.
    • It has a main() function that is called only once at boot.
    • Despite being a program, it is designed not to terminate and can execute any instruction on the machine.

    The Kernel

    • The kernel is the core of the operating system, copied to RAM during boot-up.
    • It remains active while the computer is on and manages the overall operation of the system.
    • The kernel provides basic functions for the computer.
    • It’s also known as the "nucleus."

    Booting

    • Booting is the process of starting a computer by loading the kernel to RAM.
    • The initial step is to load the Bootstrap program, stored in ROM (firmware), which locates the kernel, loads it into memory, and begins its execution.

    The Functions of Operating System

    • Manages and Interacts with Computer Hardware: This includes managing the CPU, RAM, storage devices, input/output devices.
    • Provides and Manages System Security: This can protect software programs and user data through logins, passwords, and access restrictions.
    • Provides the System Interface: This interface, known as the shell, allows users to interact with the computer. It can be a command line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
    • Provides the Interface for Application Software: Operating systems are developed for specific CPUs or families of CPUs, ensuring compatibility between applications and the system they run on.

    Operating System Objectives

    • Convenience: The operating system should be user-friendly and easy to learn.
    • Efficiency: It should allow for efficient utilization of computer system resources.
    • Ability to Evolve: The operating system should allow for the development, testing, and introduction of new features without disrupting service.

    Types of Operating Systems

    • Single-User, Single-Tasking: One user can work on the system, performing only one task at a time. Examples include MS-DOS and Palm OS.
    • Single-User, Multi-Tasking: One user can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This is the most common type of operating system, used in PCs and laptops. Examples include Windows, Mac OC, and Linux.
    • Multi-User: Multiple users can connect to and use the same computer. Each user has a unique session. Examples include UNIX, Linux, and VMS.
    • Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): These are very fast and designed to respond quickly to user input. Examples include Real-time Linux and Real-time Windows NT.

    History of Operating Systems

    • Early computers in the 1940s relied on vacuum tubes for processing.
    • Programs were loaded into memory manually, using switches, punched cards, or paper tapes.
    • Later, card readers, printers, and magnetic tape units were developed as additional hardware.
    • The concept of multiprogramming emerged, allowing shared resources between multiple processes.
    • Interactive computation led to the development of time-sharing systems, where multiple users could connect to a main computer via terminals.
    • Modern operating systems are designed to utilize multiple processors for efficient load balancing, scaling, and network connectivity.

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    Introduction to Operating System PDF

    Description

    Explore the foundational concepts of computer systems, focusing on components like hardware, operating systems, and application programs. Understand the role of the kernel and how it manages resources within a computer. This quiz is essential for anyone looking to grasp the basics of computer architecture.

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