File Scheduling in OS: Quiz and Flashcards for Process Management

Study Notes

Operating Systems: File Management, Process Scheduling, and Device Management

An operating system (OS) is a crucial software component that manages a computer's hardware and software resources, allowing users to interact with the computer, run programs, and perform tasks. Despite being invisible to most users, the OS plays a pivotal role in maintaining the smooth operation of a computer system. Let's delve into the aspects of operating systems, specifically focusing on file management, process scheduling, and device management.

File Management

File management involves organizing and storing data on a computer. The OS uses a hierarchal file system to store files, creating an ordered collection of related items. The file system consists of directories and files, with directories acting as containers for files and other directories. Files can be categorized based on their type and location within the file system hierarchy.

The OS is responsible for keeping track of the physical locations of files on disk storage, as well as managing their logical organization. Users typically don't need to worry about the underlying details of file storage; instead, they navigate a tree-like folder structure to locate and manipulate their files. Some popular file systems include FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, and APFS.

Process Scheduling

In a computer system where multiple processes compete for limited resources, such as CPU cycles or access to peripheral devices, process scheduling becomes essential. The OS uses process scheduling algorithms to determine which process should be given access to shared resources and for how long. This helps ensure that all processes receive ample attention, preventing any single process from consuming excessive resources and slowing down the overall system performance.

There are two main categories of process scheduling: non-preemptive and preemptive scheduling. Non-preemptive scheduling allows a process to continue execution until it voluntarily releases the CPU or voluntarily yields execution to another process. Preemptive scheduling, on the other hand, interrupts a running process to give priority to another process. Common scheduling algorithms include First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS), Shortest Job Next (SJN), and Round-Robin (RR).

Device Management

Device management refers to how the OS manages interactions between hardware devices and software. Devices can be classified into input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen), output devices (monitor, printer, speaker), and storage devices (hard drive, SSD). The OS acts as an intermediary between the software and hardware components, enabling data transfer and communication.

To manage devices, the OS uses device drivers. These software components are specifically designed for individual devices and provide instructions on how to interact with them. The OS maintains records of all connected devices and decides which process gets access to a certain device and for how long. Device management also involves allocating and deallocating devices effectively and efficiently to ensure optimal resource utilization.

Description

Explore the key components of operating systems - file management, process scheduling, and device management. Learn about organizing and storing data, managing processes for resource allocation, and handling interactions between hardware devices and software.