Operating Systems chapter-1

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Questions and Answers

What role does an operating system primarily serve in a computer system?

It executes user programs directly without interaction.

It manages hardware resources and coordinates applications. (correct)

It defines the methods for users to generate content.

It only monitors the computer’s state periodically.

Which of the following is NOT a type of software component?

User application programs

System utility tools

Hardware firmware (correct)

Operating system software

What is the first step before a program can run on a computer?

Translating it into machine language (correct)

Compiling it into user-friendly software

Linking it with other programs

Debugging the program

In the context of operating systems, what does 'system software' include?

Programs that manage hardware and system resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an operating system?

Python Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes application software?

It includes programs developed for specific user needs. Signup and view all the answers

What type of hardware is NOT typically included in the basic computing resources?

Network software Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily associated with the operating system?

Controlling and managing hardware resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of an operating system according to the bottom-up view?

To grant resource requests and account for usage Signup and view all the answers

What does time multiplexing in resource management allow?

Programs to share a single resource by taking turns Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes space multiplexing correctly?

Resource is divided among all users allowing simultaneous usage Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the first generation of computers from 1945-1955?

They relied on vacuum tubes and plug boards. Signup and view all the answers

Which function of the operating system includes managing user permissions and access?

Security Signup and view all the answers

Why is resource management crucial in a multi-user computing environment?

To mediate the usage and prevent interference between users Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a job or function of an operating system?

Network Monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'multiplexing' in the context of resource management?

The sharing of resources among multiple programs in either time or space Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a memory controller in a computer system?

To synchronize access to the shared memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes the process of loading the operating system into computer memory?

Booting Signup and view all the answers

What role does a device driver play in a computer system?

To allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interface is characterized by graphical objects like icons and menus?

Graphical user interface (GUI) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary tasks of an operating system?

To achieve abstraction by hiding hardware complexity Signup and view all the answers

In the context of operating systems, what does an interrupt service routine accomplish?

It handles and completes tasks interrupted by signals Signup and view all the answers

Which level of interface is primarily used by application programs to request services from the operating system?

System-call interface Signup and view all the answers

What ensures orderly access to shared memory in a modern computer system?

The memory controller Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement in the second generation replaced vacuum tubes?

Transistors Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main types of hardware used in the earliest computing machines?

Vacuum tubes Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the resident monitor in early computing systems?

To load programs into the computer Signup and view all the answers

Which programming language was notable during the early computing era?

FORTRAN Signup and view all the answers

How did early computers primarily accept user inputs?

Using punched cards Signup and view all the answers

What major issue arose due to the batch processing systems of the 1960s?

Inefficiency during program execution Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of punched cards introduced in 1950?

To input programs into computers Signup and view all the answers

What development marked the creation of the first operating system in history?

The use of resident monitors for loading programs Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary objective of using a multiprocessor operating system?

To consume high computing power and increase execution speed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following operating systems is primarily associated with personal computers?

Windows 10 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes embedded operating systems from handheld operating systems?

Embedded systems do not accept user-installed software Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes handheld computer operating systems?

They provide advanced functionality beyond basic applications. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for sensor node operating systems?

Monitoring environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which operating system is often used in embedded systems?

QNX Signup and view all the answers

Why can embedded systems simplify software protection requirements?

They ensure only trusted software operates on the device. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of sensor nodes in a network?

They communicate wirelessly and are battery-powered. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of hard real-time systems?

They guarantee critical tasks are completed on time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates a soft real-time system?

Multimedia applications Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the response time of real-time systems?

They have a low response time. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a hard real-time system most crucial?

Controlling a robotic arm in surgery Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage is typically found in hard real-time systems?

Limited or no secondary storage Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge faced by smart card operating systems?

Severe processing power and memory constraints Signup and view all the answers

For optimal performance, how should an operating system be structured?

As separate subsystems with defined tasks Signup and view all the answers

What type of Java orientation can some smart cards have?

They contain an interpreter for the Java Virtual Machine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operating Systems Overview

A modern computer has multiple processors, memory, disks, printers, and input/output devices.
The operating system (OS) sits between users and hardware, managing resources effectively.
Operating systems provide a simpler interface to complex hardware.

Modes of Operation

Most computers have kernel mode (supervisor mode) and user mode.
Kernel mode allows complete hardware access and execution.
User mode has limited access to hardware and safer.
It's critical that kernel mode programs don't crash, otherwise the entire system might crash.

Kernel Mode

The operating system runs in kernel mode.
It has direct access to all hardware resources (memory, CPU, I/O).
Kernel mode instructions handle many computer resources.

User mode

User programs run in user mode.
This is a subset of instructions allowing limited access to hardware.
Instructions related to device control or directly managing hardware are unavailable.
Using user mode is safer as a halted program in user mode doesn't crash the system.

Operating System Definition

An operating system (OS) acts as an interface between the user and hardware, managing all programs.
It is software to manage hardware and ensure correct system operations.
Prevents programs from interfering with each other and making sure that the system works correctly.

Operating System Goals

Make computer easy to use.
Use hardware efficiently.
Execute user programs and make problems easier.
Some popular examples include Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, MS-DOS, Mac OS x, iOS, and Android.

Computer System Organization

Hardware: basic resources, including CPU, memory, & I/O devices.

Software Components

A program is a sequence of instructions for a specific task.
System software manages hardware, including the operating system.
Application software is used by users to solve problems.

Basic Operating System Concepts

Bootstrap program: initial program that executes when the computer is turned on.
Interrupt: An event signal to the CPU by hardware or software, often handled by system calls.
System calls: instructions to the operating system that allow user programs to request services (file operations, I/O, memory allocation).
Booting: Process of loading the operating system into computer memory.

Operating System as an Extended Machine

The OS provides a cleaner hardware interface to users.
Interfaces such as GUI (graphical user interface) and command-line interpreter.
System calls allow programs to request OS services.

Operating System as a Resource Manager

The operating manages resources to ensure orderly usage.
Multiprogramming and multi-tasking allow multiple programs to run simultaneously.
Resource management includes processes of memory, I/O, and other resources.

History of Operating Systems

First generations had no OS and were directly controlled by hardware.
Improvements in later generations led to techniques like batch systems, time-sharing, multi-programming, and more advanced architectures.

Types of Operating Systems

Batch: Jobs are grouped to run together for efficient use of CPU.
Time-sharing: Multiple users can interact with a system at the same time.
Distributed: Multiple processors work together to distribute work efficiently.
Server: Dedicated to providing services to other computers (e.g., file, print).
Multiprocessor: Uses multiple processors for improved performance.
Real-time: Systems need to respond very quickly to events in real time.
Personal computer: Designed for one user (e.g., Windows, macOS).
Embedded: Systems control devices (e.g., microwave ovens).

Operating System Structures

Monolithic: All OS code is in one program (easier to implement, but less flexible).
Layered: OS splits into layers, each providing services to the layer above.
Microkernel: A tiny kernel with only core functions, other services implemented separately
Modular: Kernel and other modules are separated, loadable as needed.

System Calls

A request for resources which needs access from user mode is done via System calls.
System calls provide an interface between user program and OS.
Methods like registers, tables, and stacks are used to pass information.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of operating systems, including the distinction between kernel mode and user mode. This quiz will test your understanding of how operating systems manage computer resources and ensure system stability. Dive into the roles and functions of different operational modes in computing.