Operating Systems Quiz

The operating system manages the computer hardware and provides a base for applications. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.

The kernel is the core of an operating system. It's a control program that runs in a privileged state, handling interrupts and system requests.

System services are provided by the OS to manage resources and make the hardware usable for applications. This includes managing memory, files, and peripherals.

Applications are programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks. Examples include word processors, web browsers, and games.

Libraries are sets of pre-written code that applications use to perform common tasks. This saves developers time and ensures consistent functionality.

The operating system allocates resources to applications, allowing them to use the hardware effectively. This includes allocating memory, CPU time, and peripherals.

Operating systems can be designed to be convenient for users, efficient in their use of resources, or a combination of both.

Kernel services are the core functions provided by the operating system, such as managing memory, files, and devices. These services are used by both system programs and user applications.

Keeping multiple jobs in memory simultaneously, allowing the CPU to switch between them to avoid idle time.

A collection of jobs waiting on disk for their chance to be loaded into memory and run.

The process of choosing which job from the job pool to load into memory.

The process of deciding which job in memory gets access to the CPU at a given time.

A type of operating system that allows multiple users to interact with the system simultaneously by rapidly switching the CPU between their programs.

A system where the user interacts directly with the operating system and the programs running on the computer.

When a program in memory needs to wait for a task to complete (like reading data from a disk), the CPU can be switched to another job to avoid idle time.

In multiprogramming, several programs are in memory, requiring a system to manage their memory allocation. It involves selecting between programs for memory resources.

A specialized processor designed for a specific task, often built directly into hardware.

A computer system with two or more processors, all working together to increase performance.

The ability of a system to handle more work in a shorter time period.

The efficiency of sharing resources between multiple processors, reducing overall costs.

The ability of a multiprocessor system to continue operating even if one processor fails, improving reliability.

When multiple processors work on a task simultaneously, some overhead is incurred to coordinate their efforts.

A situation where multiple processors compete for access to shared resources, potentially slowing down performance.

A disk controller microprocessor manages disk requests efficiently, freeing up the main CPU for other tasks.

The ability of a system to continue operating even when a component fails, but with a reduced level of performance.

A system designed to withstand the failure of any single component without stopping operation.

A multiprocessor system where each processor has a specific task, with one master processor controlling the others.

A multiprocessor system where all processors are equal and can perform any task.

The benefit of SMP, where multiple processes can run simultaneously without significant performance loss.

The distribution of work among multiple processors to increase performance and efficiency.

A multiprocessor chip with multiple cores integrated on a single chip.

A multicore processor with two compute cores.

System calls that allow user programs to modify attributes of processes, files, or devices.

A programming interface that allows a program to request services from the operating system.

A communication model where processes exchange data through messages, which are passed across a specific connection.

A communication model where processes share a common memory area, allowing them to directly access data, eliminating the need for message passing.

A means for processes to interact with each other, exchanging information and coordinating activities.

A unique identifier for a process, used to identify and differentiate it from other processes.

A unique identifier for a host computer, used to differentiate it from other computers on a network.

System calls are used to retrieve information about a process, like its status, resources it's using, or its ID.

Processes on the same or different computers need to communicate, exchanging information. This can be done via shared memory or message passing, where information packets are moved between processes.

The OS detects errors in the CPU, memory, I/O devices, or user programs. These errors need handling to ensure correct and consistent computing.

The OS manages resources like CPU cycles, memory, file storage, and I/O devices, allocating them efficiently to different users or jobs running simultaneously.

The OS keeps track of how much and what type of resources users consume. This data is used for billing or analyzing usage patterns to improve system efficiency.

The OS provides security measures to protect user information and control who can access it. This is crucial in multi-user and networked systems.

The OS provides debugging facilities to help users and programmers identify and fix errors in their programs. These tools help improve system efficiency.

The OS manages memory by allocating it to different programs, ensuring that they don't overlap or interfere with each other. It also handles fragmentation and virtual memory

The OS manages the file system, allowing users to create, store, retrieve, and organize their files. It provides a hierarchical structure to organize information.