CEST-CE Term_2 GNU/LINUX (Week 11

Questions and Answers

What method can operating systems use to communicate between processes?

Data encryption

Direct file access

Process forking

Shared memory or message passing (correct)

What is one of the primary roles of error detection in an operating system?

Ensuring correct and consistent computing (correct)

User interface design optimization

Maintaining aesthetic user interface

Enhancing graphics performance

Which service is responsible for keeping track of resource usage by users in an operating system?

Accounting (correct)

User management

Process scheduling

Resource allocation

How does an operating system ensure security from external threats?

Through user authentication Signup and view all the answers

What type of resources require special allocation code in an operating system?

CPU cycles and main memory Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of protection involve in an operating system?

Controlling access to system resources Signup and view all the answers

What type of errors might an operating system need to detect?

Hardware and I/O device errors Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of resource allocation is important when multiple users are active?

Allocating resources efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of a command line interface (CLI)?

To fetch commands from the user and execute them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following shells is NOT commonly associated with UNIX and Linux systems?

Windows shell Signup and view all the answers

What action typically occurs when a user interacts with an icon in a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Various mouse buttons can trigger different functions Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of a touchscreen interface?

Employs gestures for actions and selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the combination of CLI and GUI in modern operating systems?

Many operating systems provide both interfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is a common advantage of using a command line interface over a graphical user interface?

It allows for more complex program execution without modification Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'icon' most commonly refer to in a GUI?

A symbolic representation of files or programs Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the choice between a CLI and a GUI?

Personal preference of the user Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of using an API over direct system calls for application programmers?

APIs ensure program portability across different systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following APIs is primarily used for POSIX-based systems?

POSIX API Signup and view all the answers

What role does the runtime support system play in relation to system calls?

It intercepts function calls in the API to invoke the necessary system calls. Signup and view all the answers

Why can actual system calls be considered more challenging for application programmers?

They require a lower-level understanding of the operating system. Signup and view all the answers

Which API is primarily associated with the Java virtual machine?

Java API Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the ease of use between APIs and system calls?

APIs are usually easier to work with than detailed system calls. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of system calls?

Network management Signup and view all the answers

What type of system call would you use to create a new process?

Process control Signup and view all the answers

Which action is classified under file management system calls?

Read a file Signup and view all the answers

Which type of system call involves exchanging messages between processes?

Communications Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the protection system call serve?

Controlling access to resources Signup and view all the answers

Which system call would be used to request a device?

Device management Signup and view all the answers

In the shared-memory model, what is required for processes to exchange information?

Mutual agreement to access memory regions Signup and view all the answers

Which system call would involve setting the time or date of the system?

Information maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the user interface in an operating system?

Providing methods for human interaction with the system Signup and view all the answers

What is required for program execution within an operating system?

Loading the program into memory and managing its execution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes I/O operations in an operating system?

They encompass both input/output devices and file interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of file-system manipulation provided by operating systems?

Facilitating the creation, deletion, and management of files and directories Signup and view all the answers

Why might an operating system provide different file systems?

To offer users a choice based on performance characteristics or features Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about user interfaces is NOT true?

User interfaces are unnecessary for automated processes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operating System Services Overview

Operating systems create an environment for program execution and provide essential services to both users and applications.

User-Oriented Services

User Interface (UI): Offered in CLI, GUI, or Batch formats to facilitate user interaction.
Program Execution: Ability to load, run, and terminate programs, either successfully or due to errors.
I/O Operations: OS manages input/output requirements for files and devices, enabling access and control.
File-System Manipulation: Users can create, read, write, delete files and directories, manage permissions, and search files.
Communications: Supports information exchange between processes locally or over a network, utilizing shared memory and message passing.
Error Detection: Constant monitoring of hardware, I/O devices, and programs for errors with corresponding actions to maintain integrity.
Debugging Facilities: Enhances users’ ability to identify and address system issues effectively.

System Efficiency Services

Resource Allocation: Manages concurrent usage of resources (CPU, memory, I/O), ensuring fair distribution among users and jobs.
Accounting: Tracks resource usage by different users to manage system performance and billing.
Protection and Security: Ensures controlled access to resources and protects against unauthorized access, requiring user authentication.

User Operating System Interfaces

Command-Line Interface (CLI): Allows users to input commands directly; implemented in the kernel or system programs; enables a variety of shell options, such as Bourne or Korn shell.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): Employs a desktop metaphor with icons and mouse interactions for user-friendly navigation; originally developed at Xerox PARC.
Combined Interfaces: Many modern systems (e.g., Windows, macOS) offer both CLI and GUI options to cater to user preference.
Touchscreen Interfaces: Require gesture-based interactions and virtual keyboards due to the absence of traditional input devices.

System APIs and System Calls

Common APIs include Win32 for Windows, POSIX for UNIX/Linux/Mac OS X, and Java API for JVM.
Application programmers favor APIs for portability and ease of use compared to direct system calls.
System Call Interface: Acts as a bridge between application APIs and operating system functions.

Types of System Calls

Process Control: Managing process life cycle including creation, termination, and attributes (e.g., loading, executing, memory allocation).
File Management: Operations related to files such as creation, deletion, reading, writing, and managing file attributes.
Device Management: Handling device requests, releases, input/output operations, and device attributes.
Information Maintenance: Managing system data such as time/date and system attributes.
Communications: Facilitating process communication through message passing or shared memory; either directly or via mailboxes.
Protection: Mechanisms controlling access to system resources to maintain security and stability.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential services provided by operating systems. Explore topics such as user interfaces, program execution, and system performance. This quiz covers various aspects of how operating systems facilitate user interactions and program management.

CEST-CE Term_2 GNU/LINUX (Week 11 - 1)