Operating Systems Overview and Concepts

A set of standards that define the interface between an operating system and applications, primarily for UNIX-based systems.

A set of standards that define the interface between an operating system and applications, primarily for UNIX-based systems.

A widely used programming language known for its rich API and support for concurrent and parallel programming.

An extension to the POSIX standard that defines a library for using threads, allowing multiple parts of a program to run concurrently.

Protect the integrity of data and code, as well as physical resources, from unauthorized access, malicious acts, and accidental inconsistencies.

A mechanism that specifies and enforces controls to ensure system integrity and security.

A set of instructions that can be executed by a computer system.

A set of software and hardware that enables the creation and execution of programs.

The way computers and devices communicate with each other over a network.

A set of rules and protocols that govern how data is transmitted across a network.

A type of network where data is stored on servers that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

The process of mapping a human-readable name (like google.com) to a numerical IP address that computers use.

Systems that allow files to be shared and accessed across multiple computers in a network.

A software framework used for processing large datasets across a cluster of computers.

A popular open-source software framework for distributed storage and processing.

The core of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources.

A mechanism that determines which process or thread gets access to the CPU at a particular time.

A type of scheduling where processes are assigned to different priority levels, with higher priority processes receiving more CPU time.

A method for scheduling processes on a multicore CPU, where each core has its own scheduling algorithm.

A technique used for synchronizing access to shared resources by multiple processes or threads, preventing data corruption.

A situation where two or more processes are blocked indefinitely, waiting for each other to release the resources they need.

A type of synchronization problem where processes or threads continuously try to acquire resources, but they are never able to complete their tasks due to constant contention.

A method for ensuring that memory operations are executed in the correct sequence, even when multiple threads or processes are accessing the same memory location.

A specialized instruction that allows a thread to atomically read and modify a memory location, useful for lock-free algorithms.

Software that manages a computer's hardware and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware.

The core components of a computer system - the CPU, memory, I/O devices, and storage.

The responsibility of allocating resources (CPU time, memory, I/O access) to programs running on the computer.

A large and complex software system that is built in smaller, well-defined portions, each with specific inputs, outputs, and functions.

Environments that utilize operating systems, ranging from smart phones and personal computers to enterprise systems and cloud computing.

The organization and structure of computer hardware, including its components like CPU, memory, I/O devices, and storage.

A data structure used to manage memory, allowing efficient allocation and deallocation of memory blocks.

The use of operating systems that are freely available for use, modification, and distribution.

The central part of an operating system, it's the heart of the computer, constantly running and managing everything.

Programs that come bundled with the operating system, helping it manage files, run processes, and interact with hardware.

Programs that users interact with directly for specific tasks, like browsing the web, editing documents, or playing games.

The software layer that sits between the kernel and applications, offering extra features and services to app developers.

The idea that Microsoft was unfairly using its dominant operating system to restrict competition from application vendors.

The practice of expanding the functionality of operating systems, incorporating features that were once considered separate applications.

Understanding the inner workings of operating systems is crucial for writing efficient, effective, and secure programs, as all applications rely on it.

Knowledge of how operating systems work allows us to optimize our applications for performance, security, and resource usage.

The process by which a CPU recognizes and handles an external event, such as a device becoming ready for data transfer.

The section of code executed when an interrupt occurs, responsible for determining the cause of the interruption and taking necessary action.

A signal generated by a device controller to alert the CPU that an event requiring attention has occurred.

The act of the CPU recognizing and responding to an interrupt request by transferring control to the appropriate interrupt handler.

A mechanism that allows the CPU to prioritize interrupts, ensuring that high-priority events are handled promptly.

The hardware or software that manages interrupt requests, prioritizing and routing them to appropriate handlers.

The process of temporarily disabling interrupts to prevent interruptions during critical operations.

The mechanism by which an interrupt handler restores the saved CPU state and returns control to the interrupted program.