Operating Systems: Computer System Overview Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which approach is used to handle multiple interrupts by disabling interrupts while an interrupt is being processed?

Use a priority scheme

Exploit the principle of locality with a small, fast memory

Disable interrupts while an interrupt is being processed (correct)

Transfer control with multiple interrupts

What is the relationship between the cost per bit and the capacity of memory?

Greater capacity means smaller cost per bit (correct)

Greater capacity means greater cost per bit

Greater capacity means faster access time

Greater capacity means slower access speed

What is the key principle behind the memory hierarchy?

Minimize write operations to main memory

Organize data so that most accesses are to the highest level of the hierarchy

Ensure the memory can keep up with the processor speed

Exploit the principle of locality with a small, fast memory (correct)

What is the main purpose of secondary (auxiliary) memory?

To store program and data files Signup and view all the answers

What is the key function of the cache in the memory hierarchy?

To contain a copy of a portion of main memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system?

It can incrementally add processors to enhance performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system and a multicore computer?

SMP systems have multiple processors of comparable capability, while multicore computers have multiple cores on a single chip Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the replacement algorithm used in cache memory?

To choose which block to replace when a new block needs to be loaded Signup and view all the answers

What is the main constraint that affects the design of the mapping function in cache memory?

The more flexible the mapping function, the more complex the circuitry required to search the cache Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a write-back policy in cache memory?

It minimizes write operations to main memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage the hardware resources and provide services to users Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer system holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched?

Program Counter (PC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of interrupts in a computer system?

To improve processor utilization by allowing it to pause and wait for slower devices Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer system is responsible for fetching instructions from memory and executing them?

Processor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of multiprocessors?

Enhanced data processing capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Instruction Register (IR) in a computer system?

To hold the fetched instruction for interpretation and execution Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interrupt Handling

Two approaches to handle interrupts: disabling interrupts while processing an interrupt, and using a priority scheme
Transfer of control with multiple interrupts involves handling interrupts in a specific order

Memory Hierarchy

Major constraints in memory: amount, speed, and expense
Memory must keep up with the processor and be reasonably priced
Greater capacity = smaller cost per bit, faster access time = greater cost per bit, and greater capacity = slower access speed
Memory references by the processor tend to cluster, and data is organized to minimize access to lower levels of memory

Memory Relationships

Going down the hierarchy: decreasing cost per bit, increasing capacity, increasing access time, and decreasing frequency of access
Principal of locality: use a small, fast memory to store frequently accessed data

Cache and Main Memory

Cache contains a copy of a portion of main memory
Processor first checks cache, and if not found, a block of memory is read into cache
Cache/Main-Memory Structure: cache size, number of cache levels, and block size

Cache Design

Cache size: small caches have a significant impact on performance
Block size: the unit of data exchanged between cache and main memory
Mapping function: determines which cache location a block will occupy
Replacement algorithm: chooses which block to replace when a new block is loaded into the cache
Write policy: dictates when the memory write operation takes place

Symmetric Multiprocessors (SMP)

A standalone computer system with multiple similar processors
Processors share the same main memory and I/O devices
Processors can perform the same functions and are controlled by an integrated operating system

Performance Scaling

Adding multiple processors can yield greater performance if work can be done in parallel
Vendors can offer a range of products with different price and performance characteristics

Multicore Computer

Combines two or more processors (cores) on a single piece of silicon
Each core consists of an independent processor and includes L2 cache and in some cases L3 cache