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Interrupts and Storage Structures in Computer Systems

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Questions and Answers

What type of memory is main memory usually implemented in?

Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) (correct)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Flash memory
Static random-access memory (SRAM)

Why is it not possible for programs and data to permanently reside in main memory?

Main memory is a non-volatile storage device.
Main memory is too small to store all needed programs and data permanently. (correct)
Main memory is usually too big to hold programs and data.
Main memory loses its contents when power is turned off.

What is the main requirement for secondary storage in computer systems?

To lose its contents when power is turned off
To hold large quantities of data permanently (correct)
To be the same as main memory
To be faster than main memory

What does ROM stand for in computer systems?

Read Only Memory (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is commonly used for implementing main memory in computers?

DRAM (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why do most computer systems provide secondary storage as an extension of main memory?

Because secondary storage can hold large quantities of data permanently (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the operating system in connection with process management?

Creating and deleting both user and system processes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT part of memory management carried out by the operating system?

Optimizing cache hit ratio (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the main memory in a computer system?

Storing program instructions and data that the CPU can access directly (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility falls under memory management performed by the operating system?

Deciding which parts of memory are currently being used by the user (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the operating system in process communication?

Providing mechanisms for process synchronization (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a computer system, what is the purpose of keeping several programs in memory?

To improve CPU utilization and speed of response to users (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cache coherency in a multiprocessor environment?

To ensure that a copy of data exists in multiple caches simultaneously (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of copying an integer A from a magnetic disk to the processing program?

Magnetic disk -> Main memory -> Cache -> Internal register (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a multiprocessor environment, why is maintaining cache coherency important?

To prevent data inconsistency among different caches (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the purposes of an operating system according to the text?

To hide hardware specific details from users (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are copies of data in a multiprocessor environment found in multiple caches?

To speed up data access by having duplicate copies (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of storage systems, what does hiding hardware peculiarities from users mean?

Shielding users from having to deal with low-level hardware details (B) Signup and view all the answers

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