Operating System Basics

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What is the main function of an operating system?

Executing the initial program to start the computer

Controlling the execution of application programs and acting as an interface between applications and the computer hardware (correct)

Developing computer system resources effectively

Providing access to shared memory for device controllers

What are the three objectives of an operating system, as mentioned in the text?

Cost-effectiveness, User-friendliness, Innovation

Speed, Compatibility, Security

Scalability, Flexibility, Robustness

Convenience, Efficiency, Ability to evolve (correct)

What is the role of a device controller in a computer system?

Controlling the execution of the operating system

Handling a specific type of device (e.g., disk drives, audio devices) (correct)

Executing application programs

Managing access to shared memory

When a computer is powered up or rebooted, what does it need to have for it to start running?

An initial program to run (bootstrap program) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'parallel' refer to in the context of CPU and device controllers?

Simultaneous execution of instructions by the CPU and device controllers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the structure of a modern general-purpose computer system?

Comprises one or more CPUs and several device controllers connected through a common bus (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer booting, what is the function of the bootstrap program?

Locating and loading the operating-system kernel into memory (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of system daemons in a computer system?

They provide services outside of the kernel and are loaded into memory at boot time (D) Signup and view all the answers

What triggers an interrupt from the hardware in a computer system?

Sending a signal to the CPU through the system bus (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of interrupts in a computer system?

To improve CPU utilization (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which section of an I/O program prepares for the actual I/O operation?

Sequence of instructions labeled 4 (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the solid vertical line represent in the context of the given timeline of operations?

Segments of code in a program that do not involve I/O (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical function of user interfaces in a computer system?

Means by which users can issue commands to the system (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do system programs play in a computer system?

Providing services outside of the kernel and becoming system processes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of resource allocation in a computer system?

To manage and distribute resources effectively among processes and users (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of protection and security in a computer system?

To ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized access (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of Simple Batch Systems?

Mechanism to prioritize the processes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the prime focus of Time Sharing Systems compared to Multiprogramming batch systems?

Minimizing the response time (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Multiprocessor Systems?

Enhanced performance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of Desktop Systems?

Single user and single tasking (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does a Multiprogramming system aim to achieve?

Maximize the CPU usage (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a Simple Batch System, why is the CPU often idle?

Because I/O devices are much slower than the speed of the CPU (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of distributed operating systems?

Maximizing user convenience and responsiveness (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a peer-to-peer system in a distributed operating system?

Tasks are partitioned between peers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What defines a real-time operating system?

It provides minimum time for critical operations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of handheld systems?

Limited size, small amount of memory, slow processors, and small display screens (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a simple structured operating system like MS-DOS?

Application programs can access basic I/O routines directly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a layered structure in an operating system?

Simplicity of construction and debugging (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of microkernels in operating systems?

To make the kernel as small and efficient as possible (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the layered approach in an operating system?

Simplicity of construction and debugging. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of a layered approach in an operating system?

Higher efficiency in processing requests. (B) Signup and view all the answers