Computer System Structure and Operating Systems
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What are the four main components of a computer system?

  • CPU, Memory, Storage, Input/Output
  • Software, Firmware, Middleware, Users
  • Hardware, Operating System, Application Programs, Users (correct)
  • Networks, Devices, Applications, Data

    • Which statement best describes the role of an operating system?

  • It directly controls the CPU and manages parallel processing.
  • It provides a program that manages hardware and serves as a bridge between users and hardware. (correct)
  • It only operates background processes without user interaction.
  • It serves solely as a protective barrier against malware.

    • Which of the following is NOT a goal of an operating system?

  • Increase the profit margins of application programs (correct)
  • Make the computer system convenient to use
  • Help execute user programs
  • Manage the hardware resources effectively

    • What is the primary function of application programs in a computer system?

    <p>To define specific methods for utilizing system resources to solve user problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'deadlocks' in operating systems?

    <p>A condition where two or more processes cannot progress because each is waiting for resources held by the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does CPU scheduling in operating systems typically involve?

    <p>Determining the order in which processes are executed by the CPU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following elements is NOT explicitly mentioned as a service provided by operating systems?

    <p>User authentication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of computer system organization, which component is responsible for providing basic computing resources?

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

    What is the primary function of the operating system from the system's point of view?

    <p>To act as a resource allocator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is commonly considered to be the main part of the operating system?

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

    What does the bootstrap program primarily do during system startup?

    <p>Initializes system aspects and loads the OS kernel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a multi-user environment, what is a key requirement from the operating system's user view?

    <p>Ensuring convenience and good performance for all users</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the operating system play regarding resource requests?

    <p>It decides between conflicting requests for efficient use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered part of the operating system?

    <p>Application programs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of device controllers in a computer system?

    <p>They connect CPUs to a common bus and control devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the system view of an operating system emphasize?

    <p>Resource management and control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of an interrupt in a computer system?

    <p>To transfer control to an interrupt service routine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operation can trigger a software interrupt?

    <p>Executing a system call or monitor call</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the interrupt vector contain?

    <p>The addresses of all the service routines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a byte in computer storage?

    <p>A group of 8 bits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the basic unit of computer storage represented?

    <p>By a bit that can be either 0 or 1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a computer's architecture usually execute operations in?

    <p>In its native word size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically the smallest convenient chunk of storage in most computers?

    <p>A byte</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when an exception is generated in software?

    <p>A trap or exception is triggered, signaling a software interrupt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the byte equivalent of a megabyte (MB)?

    <p>1 million bytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding solid-state disks (SSD)?

    <p>They are nonvolatile storage solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of storage is typically volatile and directly accessible by the CPU?

    <p>Main memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the advantages of using multiprocessor systems?

    <p>Increased throughput</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes asymmetric multiprocessing?

    <p>Each processor is assigned a specific task.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do networking measurements typically use instead of bytes?

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

    Which storage structure is categorized as nonvolatile?

    <p>Solid-state disks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hierarchy is considered in organizing storage systems?

    <p>Speed, cost, and volatility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes kernel mode from user mode in an operating system?

    <p>Kernel mode allows the execution of privileged instructions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason for a software interrupt?

    <p>A process requests additional memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the mode bit in an operating system?

    <p>It indicates the current execution mode of the system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would the operating system switch from user mode to kernel mode?

    <p>When an application requests access to the operating system services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of attack does not fit within the general definition of security measures for an operating system?

    <p>Routine system updates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes network computers or thin clients in the current computing environments?

    <p>They primarily depend on web-based computing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of an operating system’s protection mechanisms?

    <p>To control access to system resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating mode is typically referred to as supervisor mode?

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

    Study Notes

    Computer System Structure

    • A computer system consists of hardware, an operating system, application programs, and users.
    • Hardware provides basic computing resources such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
    • The operating system controls and coordinates the use of hardware among applications and users.
    • Application programs define how system resources are used to solve user problems.
    • Users can be people, machines, or even other computers.

    What is an Operating System?

    • An operating system manages the computer's hardware.
    • It provides a foundation for application programs and acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
    • Operating system goals include executing user programs, facilitating problem-solving, making the system user-friendly, and efficiently using hardware.

    What Operating Systems Do?

    • User View: Users desire convenience, ease of use, and good performance. They are less concerned with resource utilization.
    • System View: The operating system is the program closest to the hardware.
    • The operating system is a resource allocator, managing resources like CPU time, memory space, file storage, I/O devices, and making decisions on conflicting requests for efficient and fair use.
    • The operating system is a control program, controlling program execution to prevent errors and misuse of the computer.
    • The core program running at all times on the computer is called the kernel.

    Computer System Organization

    • A modern general-purpose computer system comprises one or more CPUs and multiple device controllers interconnected through a common bus that provides access to shared memory.
    • The bootstrap program is loaded at power-up or reboot, usually stored in ROM or EPROM (firmware). It initializes the system and loads the operating system kernel for execution.
    • Events are signaled through interrupts, either from hardware or software.
    • Hardware interrupts can occur at any time, while software interrupts (system calls) are executed by the program.
    • Interrupts transfer control to interrupt service routines, usually via an interrupt vector that contains the addresses of all service routines.
    • Traps or exceptions are software-generated interrupts caused by errors or user requests.
    • Operating systems are interrupt-driven.

    Storage Structure

    • The basic unit of computer storage is the bit, representing either 0 or 1.
    • A byte comprises 8 bits and is the smallest unit of storage on most computers.
    • A word is the native unit of data in a computer architecture, composed of one or more bytes.
    • Computer storage is typically measured and manipulated in bytes and collections of bytes (KB, MB, GB, TB, PB).
    • Main memory, also known as RAM, is the only large storage media directly accessible by the CPU. It is volatile and provides random access.
    • Secondary storage, such as hard disks and SSDs, extends main memory by providing a larger, non-volatile storage capacity.
    • Hard disks consist of magnetic recording material on rigid platters, logically divided into tracks and sectors.
    • SSDs are solid-state drives that offer faster speeds, non-volatility, and various technologies, making them increasingly popular.
    • Storage systems are organized in a hierarchy based on speed, cost, and volatility.

    Multiprocessing Architecture

    • Multiprocessor systems, also called parallel systems, are growing in use and importance.
    • Benefits include increased throughput, economy of scale, and increased reliability (graceful degradation or fault tolerance).
    • Two types of multiprocessing systems: Asymmetric multiprocessing assigns specific tasks to each processor, while Symmetric multiprocessing allows each processor to perform all tasks.

    Operating-System Operations

    • Operating systems are interrupt-driven.
    • Hardware interrupts are generated by devices, while software interrupts arise from software errors, requests for system services, or process problems like infinite loops or incorrect modifications.
    • Dual-mode operation (user mode and kernel mode) is essential for system protection.
    • User mode allows system and application software to run, while kernel mode (supervisor mode) provides privileged access for system operations.
    • A mode bit distinguishes between kernel (0) and user (1) modes, ensuring system protection.
    • System calls change to kernel mode, and the return from the call resets to user mode.

    Protection and Security

    • Operating systems must have tools for security and protection.
    • Protection refers to mechanisms controlling process or user access to system resources.
    • Security focuses on defending the system against internal and external attacks, including denial-of-service, worms, and viruses.

    Computing Environments

    • There is a trend toward providing more ways to access computing environments.
    • Companies establish portals for web-based access to internal servers.
    • Network computers (thin clients) are used in place of traditional workstations for situations requiring enhanced security or easier maintenance.
    • Mobile computers interconnect using wireless networks.

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    Related Documents

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    Description

    This quiz explores the components of a computer system, including hardware, operating systems, application programs, and their interaction with users. It delves into the role of operating systems in managing hardware and facilitating user programs, highlighting the user and system perspectives. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in computer science.

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