18 Questions
What is the common function of interrupts in an operating system?
Interrupt transfers control to the interrupt service routine
How are incoming interrupts handled to prevent a lost interrupt?
Incoming interrupts are disabled while another interrupt is being processed
What triggers an interrupt while executing a process?
An interrupt triggers while executing a process
What is the role of device controllers in a computer system?
Device controllers are in charge of a particular device type
How does the CPU communicate with device controllers in terms of data transfer?
CPU moves data between main memory and local buffers of device controllers
What is the significance of traps in operating systems?
A trap is a software-generated interrupt caused by an error or a user request
What is the purpose of optimizing context switches in operating systems?
To reduce the computational intensity
Describe the I/O structure where control returns to the user program.
Control returns to the user program only upon I/O completion.
What action does the 'Wait instruction' perform in the I/O structure?
Idles the CPU until the next interrupt.
Explain the purpose of a system call in operating systems.
It is a request to the operating system to allow the user to wait for I/O completion.
What does the device-status table contain in the context of I/O devices?
Entry for each I/O device indicating its type, address, and state.
How is main memory described in terms of access and volatility?
Main memory is described as random access and typically volatile.
What is the main purpose of an Operating System?
To act as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.
How can a computer system be divided into components?
A computer system can be divided into four components: hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
What are the two main roles of an Operating System?
An Operating System is a resource allocator and a control program.
From a user's perspective, what do they primarily want from an Operating System?
Users primarily want convenience and ease of use.
What is the kernel in an Operating System?
The kernel is the one program running at all times on the computer.
Why is the Operating System important for a shared computer like a mainframe?
For shared computers like mainframes, the OS must keep all users happy by managing resources efficiently and fairly.
Study Notes
Computer System Organization
- A computer system can be divided into four components: hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
- Hardware provides basic computing resources.
- The operating system controls and coordinates the use of hardware among various applications and users.
- Application programs define the ways in which the system resources are used to solve the computing problems of the users.
Computer-System Operation
- One or more CPUs and device controllers connect through a common bus, providing access to shared memory.
- The CPU and devices execute concurrently, competing for memory cycles.
- Each device controller is in charge of a particular device type and has a local buffer.
- The CPU moves data from/to main memory to/from local buffers.
- The device controller informs the CPU that it has finished its operation by causing an interrupt.
Interrupt Handling
- An interrupt transfers control to the interrupt service routine through the interrupt vector, which contains the addresses of all the service routines.
- The interrupt architecture must save the address of the interrupted instruction.
- Incoming interrupts are disabled while another interrupt is being processed to prevent a lost interrupt.
- A trap is a software-generated interrupt caused either by an error or a user request.
What is an Operating System?
- An operating system is a program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.
- Operating system goals include:
- Executing user programs and making solving user problems easier.
- Making the computer system convenient to use.
- Using the computer hardware in an efficient manner.
Operating System Definition
- An operating system is a resource allocator that manages all resources and decides between conflicting requests for efficient and fair resource use.
- An operating system is a control program that controls the execution of programs to prevent errors and improper use of the computer.
- The kernel is the one program running at all times on the computer.
I/O Structure
- There are two I/O methods: synchronous and asynchronous.
- In synchronous I/O, the CPU waits for the completion of the I/O operation.
- In asynchronous I/O, the CPU does not wait for the completion of the I/O operation.
Storage Structure
- Main memory is the only large storage media that the CPU can access directly.
- Secondary storage is an extension of main memory that provides large nonvolatile storage capacity.
- Magnetic disks are rigid metal or glass platters covered with magnetic recording material.
- The disk surface is logically divided into tracks, which are subdivided into sectors.
- The disk controller determines the logical interaction between the device and the computer.
Storage Hierarchy
- Storage systems are organized in a hierarchy based on speed, cost, and volatility.
- Caching is the process of copying information into faster storage systems.
- The storage hierarchy includes main memory, secondary storage, and cache.
- Each level of the hierarchy serves as a cache for the level above it.
Test your knowledge on key concepts from the Operating System Concepts - 8th Edition book by Silberschatz, Galvin and Gagne. This quiz covers topics such as computer system organization, CPU operation, device controllers, shared memory, and concurrent execution.
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