Operating Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which user interface utilizes ports and can often be implemented in the kernel?

Command Line Interface (CLI) (correct)
Voice User Interface (VUI)
Touch User Interface (TUI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

What is the primary purpose of accounting in an operating system?

To ensure all users can access system resources simultaneously
To track user resource usage and allocation (correct)
To prevent unauthorized access to external devices
To manage concurrent processes among multiple applications

What is one key feature of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

Direct command execution via text input
Use of icons to represent files and applications (correct)
Interaction through a command shell
Minimal use of visual elements

Which of the following best describes the role of protection in an operating system?

To ensure that no two processes interfere with each other (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of user authentication in operating system security?

To prevent unauthorized access to system resources (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which interface typically allows for command entry through a mouse and keyboard?

Graphical User Interface (GUI) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might an operating system provide both CLI and GUI interfaces?

To cater to different user preferences and expertise levels (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a purpose of resource allocation in an operating system?

To limit the total number of users accessing the system (C) Signup and view all the answers

What primary function do system calls serve in an operating system?

They provide a programming interface to OS services. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which API is most commonly associated with POSIX-based systems?

POSIX API (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ReadFile() function in the Win32 API?

To read data from a file. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is primarily used for input in touchscreen interfaces?

Gestures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What component maintains a table indexed by numbers for system calls?

The system-call interface. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which input method is NOT typically used for touchscreen devices?

Mouse movements. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must a programmer understand when using an API for system calls?

What the OS will do as a result of the call. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of system calls?

They allow hardware level programming. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of an operating system for program execution?

To load a program into memory and run it (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which user interface type is characterized by text input and commands?

Command-Line Interface (CLI) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of error detection within an operating system?

To monitor and respond to possible errors within the system (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a service provided by operating systems?

Financial data analysis (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do operating systems manage communications between processes?

By allowing data exchange over networks or locally (D) Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does file-system manipulation in an operating system include?

Creating, deleting, and managing files and directories (A) Signup and view all the answers

What must an operating system do when a running program requires input/output operations?

Facilitate communication with files or I/O devices (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of user interface does a user interact through touch gestures?

Touch User Interface (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Resource Allocation

Resources must be allocated effectively when multiple users or jobs run concurrently.
Essential for managing CPU, memory, and I/O among various processes.

Operating System Services

Accounting: Tracks user resource usage, ensuring fair allocation and billing.
Protection and Security: Controls access to information, preventing interference among processes and securing the system from unauthorized access.
- Encompasses user authentication and safeguarding external I/O devices.

User Operating System Interfaces

Command Line Interface (CLI):
- Allows direct command entry via a command interpreter.
- Can be implemented in the kernel or as a system program.
- Commands may be built-in or refer to external programs.
Graphical User Interface (GUI):
- User-friendly interface utilizing icons, mouse, keyboard, and monitors.
- Icons represent files and programs; mouse interactions trigger various functions like providing options, executing commands, or navigating directories.
- Examples include Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X.
Touch Screen Interface:
- Designed for touch interaction; gestures replace mouse inputs.
- Incorporates virtual keyboards and voice commands for text entry.

System Calls

Provide a programming interface to OS services, often written in high-level languages like C or C++.
Commonly accessed through high-level APIs such as Win32 API for Windows and POSIX API for UNIX/Linux systems.

Example of System Calls

For instance, a system call sequence can be used to copy file contents.

Example of Standard API

The ReadFile() function within the Win32 API enables reading from files.
- Parameters: file handle, buffer for data, number of bytes to read, and bytes read during the last operation.

System Call Implementation

Each system call is associated with a unique number for identification.
The system call interface maintains a table, enabling the caller to interact without knowing the underlying implementation details.

Agenda of Operating System Structures

Topics covered include OS services, user interfaces, system calls, system programs, design and implementation, structure, debugging, and the boot process.

Objectives

Understand OS services to users and processes, recognize types of system calls, and comprehend different OS structuring methods.

Additional Operating System Services

User Interface: Critical for user interaction, available in various forms (CLI, GUI, Touch UI).
Program Execution: Facilitates loading and running programs, handling normal and abnormal terminations.
I/O Operations: Supports input/output between programs, files, and devices.
File-System Manipulation: Allows reading, writing, creating, deleting, and managing files and directories.
Communications: Enables inter-process information exchange, both locally and across networks.
Error Detection: Continuously monitors for hardware, I/O device, and program errors, taking corrective actions to maintain system integrity.

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