Operating System System Calls Quiz

Study Notes

System programs provide users with a collection of system calls, allowing them to perform common tasks without writing complex code. (Q: What is the primary role of system programs? A: Offer bundles of useful system calls)
Error detection and handling are crucial for maintaining data integrity and system reliability. (Q: Why is error detection and handling important in an operating system? A: Ensure data integrity and system reliability)
Interrupts are signals sent to the CPU by external devices, enabling the CPU to respond to events like input/output requests. (Q: What is the main purpose of an interrupt in an operating system? A: Allow peripheral devices to communicate with the CPU)
Multitasking operating systems can execute multiple tasks or processes concurrently on a single processor. (Q: What distinguishes a multitasking operating system from a single-tasking one? A: Ability to run multiple applications on a single processor)
The scheduler is responsible for deciding which process runs at a given moment, effectively managing CPU usage. (Q: What is the primary function of a scheduler in an operating system? A: Decide which process runs at a given moment)
Deadlock occurs when two or more processes are waiting indefinitely for resources held by each other, leading to a halt in their execution. (Q: What best describes a deadlock in an operating system? A: A situation where multiple processes are waiting indefinitely for resources)
Virtual memory is a memory management capability that allows a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage. (Q: What is virtual memory in an operating system? A: Physical memory extended to disk storage)
In Linux, a pipe is used to pass information from one process to another, creating a unidirectional communication channel between processes. (Q: What is the typical use of a pipe in Linux? A: Create a unidirectional communication channel between processes)
The wait() system call is used by a process to wait for the completion of its child processes in Unix-like systems. (Q: What function is typically used to monitor the status of child processes in a Unix-like operating system? A: Wait)
The waitpid() function allows a process to wait for and obtain the termination status of any child process, providing more control than the wait() function. (Q: What is the purpose of the waitpid() function in a Unix-like operating system? A: Suspend the execution of the current process until a child process terminates or a signal is received)
Message queues in IPC enable processes to exchange data in the form of messages, providing a mechanism for processes to communicate without sharing memory. (Q: What is the main advantage of using message queues in IPC? A: Provide a mechanism for processes to communicate without sharing memory)