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Questions and Answers
An operating system is a hardware manager.
False
An operating system allows multiple application programs to access the CPU simultaneously.
False
Efficient use of the CPU is promoted by an operating system by running all programs simultaneously.
False
Operating systems provide physical hardware details directly to application programmers.
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An operating system ensures safe access to resources by allowing multiple application programs to write data directly to the same file simultaneously.
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The operating system kernel provides high-level device, memory, and processor management functions.
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Application programs and system utility programs interact with the operating system kernel using system calls.
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User interfaces provided by different operating systems are one of the factors that distinguish them from each other.
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System utilities are complex application programs that require special access to the kernel.
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Resource scheduling policies implemented by the kernel do not play a role in distinguishing between different operating systems.
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Shells are exclusively graphical user interfaces.
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System calls are responsible for managing the execution of application programs.
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Study Notes
Operating System (OS)
- An OS is a resource manager that allows users and application programs to access system resources (e.g. CPU, memory, disks, modems, printers, network cards) in a safe, efficient, and abstract way.
Resource Management
- Ensures safe access to resources, e.g. allowing only one application program to send data directly to a printer at a time.
- Encourages efficient use of the CPU by suspending programs waiting for I/O operations to complete, making way for programs that can use the CPU more productively.
Abstraction
- Provides convenient abstractions (e.g. files instead of disk locations) that isolate application programmers and users from underlying hardware details.
OS Kernel
- The kernel is in direct control of the underlying hardware, providing low-level device, memory, and processor management functions.
- Provides services such as dealing with interrupts from hardware devices, sharing the processor among multiple programs, and allocating memory for programs.
System Calls
- Basic hardware-independent kernel services are exposed to higher-level programs through a library of system calls.
- System calls include services to create a file, begin execution of a program, or open a logical network connection to another computer.
Applications and Utilities
- Application programs (e.g. word processors, spreadsheets) and system utility programs use system calls.
- Applications and utilities are launched using a shell (textual command line interface) or a graphical user interface that provides direct user interaction.
Distinguishing Operating Systems
- Operating systems can be distinguished by their system calls, system utilities, and user interface, as well as resource scheduling policies implemented by the kernel.
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Description
Test your knowledge on how operating systems manage resources such as CPU, memory, disks, printers, and more in a safe and efficient manner. Learn about the role of an OS in controlling access to system resources and ensuring optimal performance.
