Questions and Answers
What constitutes the hardware component of a computer system?
Which of the following best describes the role of a device controller?
Which component of a computer system is responsible for executing in parallel with device controllers?
What is the main function of a device driver within an operating system?
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What components are included when referring to the operating system in a computer system?
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Which of the following groups represents the four components of a computer system?
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What facilitates access between the CPU and device controllers in a computer system?
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In what way do the CPU and device controllers interact regarding memory cycles?
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What initiates the data transfer between the device and its local buffer?
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What happens immediately after the device controller completes its operation?
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What does the CPU do when it is interrupted?
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How does the CPU identify which interrupt service routine to execute?
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What does the interrupt-request line in the CPU hardware do?
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What is the role of the interrupt handler routine?
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Which component directly informs the CPU of an interrupt request?
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What is NOT a characteristic that the storage system hierarchy is organized by?
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Which type of processor system has a single CPU with a single processing core?
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What is the function of the interrupt vector?
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What advantage does asymmetric multiprocessing NOT provide?
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In computer architecture, what does NUMA stand for?
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What is a typical characteristic of multiprocessor systems?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of multiprocessor system?
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Which statement regarding caching is true?
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What is an advantage of clustered systems?
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What occurs when the counter set by the OS reaches zero?
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Which of the following is NOT a main function of an operating system?
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Which kernel data structure is typically used for managing dynamic memory allocation?
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What is the primary purpose of virtualization in computing environments?
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Which computing environment involves the interaction between clients and servers to share resources?
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What type of interrupt is generated by hardware to indicate the completion of an I/O operation?
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What is the purpose of dual-mode operation in an operating system?
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Which of the following scenarios would occur as a result of a software interrupt?
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Which of the following is NOT a situation that would create a software interrupt?
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What is the role of a timer in an operating system?
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Which mode allows the operating system to execute privileged instructions?
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What happens when a system call is made in the context of dual-mode operation?
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Which of the following statements about interrupts is incorrect?
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Study Notes
Operating System Overview
- An operating system (OS) consists of essential components including the kernel and system programs.
- Key elements of a computer system are organized into four main categories: hardware (CPU, memory, I/O devices), operating system (Windows, UNIX), application programs (word processors, compilers, video games), and users (people, machines, other computers).
Computer System Organization
- Modern computers have multiple CPUs and device controllers interconnected by a common bus for component access and shared memory.
- Device controllers manage specific devices and include local buffer storage and special-purpose registers to facilitate data transfer among peripherals.
Device Drivers and Parallel Execution
- Each device controller is paired with a device driver, providing a consistent interface for the OS to interact with hardware.
- CPUs and device controllers operate in parallel, competing for memory cycles, allowing for efficient processing.
Interrupts and I/O Operations
- I/O operations start when the device driver configures registers in the device controller, which then initiates data transfer.
- The completion of data transfer is signaled via interrupts, prompting the OS to resume processes.
Handling Interrupts
- Operating systems utilize an interrupt-driven mechanism, allowing hardware to signal the CPU at any moment.
- When an interrupt is received, the CPU halts its current operation and jumps to a designated interrupt service routine for processing.
Storage Hierarchy
- Storage systems are structured hierarchically based on speed, cost, and volatility, where caching plays a crucial role in enhancing performance by using faster storage options.
Computer-System Architecture
- Types of systems include single processor, multiprocessor (including multicore and NUMA), and clustered systems.
- Single processor systems feature one CPU processing core, executing general-purpose instructions alongside specialized processors managing distinct tasks.
Multiprocessor Systems
- Multiprocessor systems are prevalent across modern computing devices, delivering increased throughput, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Types include asymmetric multiprocessing, where one CPU manages tasks, and symmetric multiprocessing, where processors share an equal role.
Core OS Operations
- Core operations include handling interrupts, dual-mode operation for security, and maintaining timers for process management.
Interrupt Types
- Hardware interrupts are generated by device operations, while software interrupts arise from exceptions or service requests, ensuring processes do not encounter infinite loops or conflicts.
Dual-Mode Operation
- OS implements dual-mode operation (user mode vs. kernel mode) to safeguard system integrity, where privileged instructions run solely in kernel mode to prevent unauthorized access.
Timer Functionality
- Timers are used by the OS to regain control from user programs, ensuring timely execution by generating interrupts after predefined intervals.
Main Functions of Operating Systems
- Key functions encompass process management, memory management, storage management, I/O subsystem management, and ensuring protection and security of system resources.
Kernel Data Structures
- Kernel employs various data structures, including linked lists (single, double, circular), stacks, queues, trees, hash functions, and bitmaps for efficient data handling.
Computing Environments
- Various computing environments include traditional computers, mobile computing, distributed systems, client-server models, peer-to-peer computing, virtualization, cloud computing, and real-time embedded systems.
Virtualization Technology
- Virtualization abstracts physical hardware into multiple unique execution environments, simulating separate computers, enhancing resource utilization and management.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental components of operating systems, including their structure and organization. It also delves into the role of device drivers, parallel execution, and the architecture of modern computer systems.
