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Questions and Answers
What is the primary responsibility of the operating system as a resource allocator?
What is the primary responsibility of the operating system as a resource allocator?
Which component of the operating system runs at all times on a computer?
Which component of the operating system runs at all times on a computer?
Which type of storage loses its contents when power is removed?
Which type of storage loses its contents when power is removed?
In a computer system organization, what role does the device controller play?
In a computer system organization, what role does the device controller play?
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What is the primary function of an I/O controller in the context of interrupts?
What is the primary function of an I/O controller in the context of interrupts?
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What is the main function of interrupts in an operating system?
What is the main function of interrupts in an operating system?
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What is the basic unit of computer storage?
What is the basic unit of computer storage?
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What distinguishes system programs from application programs?
What distinguishes system programs from application programs?
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What determines how an operating system handles different types of interrupts?
What determines how an operating system handles different types of interrupts?
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Which type of storage is categorized as volatile and allows random access?
Which type of storage is categorized as volatile and allows random access?
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Study Notes
Users
- Users can include people, machines, and other computers.
Operating System Objectives
- Executes user programs, facilitating problem-solving.
- Provides convenience, making computing easy to use.
- Enhances efficiency by optimizing resource usage.
- Permits evolution, allowing development and integration of new system functions without service disruption.
Computer System Organization
Computer-System Operation
- I/O devices and CPU can operate simultaneously.
- Each device controller handles a specific device type with its own local buffer.
- Data transfer occurs between main memory and local buffers.
- Device controller signals the CPU upon finishing an operation via interrupts.
OS as a Resource Allocator
- Manages system resources, balancing conflicting requests for optimal use.
OS as a Control Program
- Responsible for controlling program execution to avoid errors and improper usage.
Kernel
- The kernel is the only program running continuously on the computer.
- System programs are related to the OS but are separate from the kernel.
- Application programs are any programs unrelated to the system operations.
Computer Startup
- A bootstrap program loads during power-up or reboot, typically stored in ROM or EPROM (firmware).
- Initializes system components and loads the operating system kernel.
Interrupts
- Interrupts facilitate efficient CPU usage by allowing other modules to interrupt the sequence.
- Control is transferred to an interrupt service routine via the interrupt vector, containing service routine addresses.
- The interrupt architecture preserves the state of the CPU, saving registers and program counter addresses.
Classes of Interrupts
- Program interrupts occur due to conditions like arithmetic overflow or illegal instructions.
- Timer interrupts allow the OS to perform scheduled tasks.
- I/O interrupts signal the completion or errors of I/O operations.
- Hardware failure interrupts indicate critical failures like power loss.
Interrupt Handling
- The OS saves CPU state, identifies the interrupt type, and executes corresponding codes for each interrupt.
Storage Definitions and Notation
- The fundamental unit of storage is a bit (0 or 1), with a byte consisting of 8 bits.
- Common storage measurements:
- Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 bytes
- Megabyte (MB) = 1,024 KB
- Gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 MB
- Terabyte (TB) = 1,024 GB
- Petabyte (PB) = 1,024 TB
Storage Structure
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Main Memory: Directly accessible by the CPU; volatile.
- Types: RAM, ROM.
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Secondary Storage: Large, non-volatile storage extending main memory.
- Examples: HDD, SSD, CD, DVD.
- Hard disks are metal/glass platters divided into tracks and sectors.
- Solid-state disks (SSD) are faster and non-volatile.
Storage Hierarchy
- Organized by speed, cost, and volatility.
- Caching enhances performance by copying information to faster storage (RAM as cache).
Device Driver
- Each device controller is managed by a driver, providing a uniform interface between the controller and kernel.
Volatile vs. Nonvolatile Storage
- Volatile storage loses data when power is removed.
- Nonvolatile storage retains data without power.
Operating System Overview
- An OS manages a computer's hardware and serves as a bridge between users and hardware.
- Functions as the executive manager overseeing all software and hardware resources.
- Examples of operating systems include Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, and Android.
OS Architecture
- The kernel is the core component of an operating system.
- The shell is a user interface that allows interaction with the OS.
- Applications can be system or user programs designed to perform specific tasks.
Computer System Structure
- Hardware: Basic resources like CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
- Operating System: Coordinates hardware use among applications and users.
- Application Programs: Utilize system resources to solve user problems (e.g., word processors, compilers, web browsers).
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental objectives and services of operating systems. Understand how operating systems enhance user convenience, efficiency, and adaptability. Test your knowledge on the role of users, including people and machines, in the context of operating systems.
