Parallel Systems and Multiprocessing

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a tightly coupled multiprocessing system?

Processors operate independently without memory sharing.

Processors share memory and a clock. (correct)

Processors communicate only through high-speed buses.

Each processor performs different tasks without synchronization.

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of parallel systems?

Resource Sharing (correct)

Graceful degradation

Increased throughput

Increased reliability

What defines asymmetric multiprocessing?

Each processor runs an identical copy of the operating system.

Processors share resources equally.

Each processor is assigned a specific task by a master processor. (correct)

All processors are interchangeable and have no specific tasks.

Which type of multiprocessing system allows for many processes to run at once without performance deterioration?

Symmetric multiprocessing Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of distributed systems?

Processors communicate via high-speed buses or telephone lines. Signup and view all the answers

In a symmetric multiprocessing system, how is the workload handled?

Equally among all processors without hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a benefit seen in distributed systems?

Computation speed up through load sharing. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario likely describes a distributed system?

Multiple processors operating independently with their own local memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of asymmetric clustering?

Only one server runs the application while others are on standby. Signup and view all the answers

Which types of systems are classified as real-time systems?

Applications requiring immediate processing within specific time constraints. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes hard real-time systems?

They typically store data in short term memory or read-only memory. Signup and view all the answers

What are some issues commonly associated with handheld systems?

Limited memory and slow processors. Signup and view all the answers

In what type of computing environment is embedded computing primarily used?

Within dedicated applications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soft real-time systems?

They require strict time constraints for all operations. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes symmetric clustering from asymmetric clustering?

All servers in the cluster run the application concurrently. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes traditional computing environments?

They rely on physical servers rather than virtual environments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parallel Systems

Multiprocessor systems with more than one CPU in close communication.
Processors share memory and a clock.
Communication typically occurs through shared memory.
Advantages
- Increased throughput.
- Cost-effective.
- Increased reliability.
- Graceful degradation.
- Fail-soft systems.

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)

Each processor executes an identical copy of the operating system.
Numerous processes can run concurrently without performance degradation.
Most contemporary operating systems support SMP.

Asymmetric Multiprocessing

Each processor is assigned a specific task.
A master processor schedules and allocates work to slave processors.
Commonly implemented in extremely large systems.

Distributed Systems

Distribute computation across multiple physical processors.
Processors have their own local memory.
Communication between processors occurs using various communication lines, such as high-speed buses or telephone lines.
Advantages
- Resource sharing.
- Computation speedup through load sharing.
- Increased reliability.
- Communication capabilities.

Clustered Systems

Allow two or more systems to share storage.
Provide high reliability.
Types
- Asymmetric clustering: One server runs the application while others standby.
- Symmetric clustering: All N hosts concurrently run the application.

Real-Time Systems

Often employed as control devices in dedicated applications.
Examples include scientific experiments, medical imaging systems, industrial control systems, and some display systems.
Well-defined fixed-time constraints.
Types
- Hard real-time:
  - Limited or no secondary storage.
  - Data stored in short-term memory or read-only memory (ROM).
  - Conflicting with time-sharing systems, not supported by general-purpose operating systems.
- Soft real-time:
  - Limited utility in industrial control or robotics.
  - Useful for applications requiring advanced operating system features, such as multimedia and virtual reality.

Handheld Systems

Examples include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and cellular telephones.
Challenges
- Limited memory.
- Slow processors.
- Small display screens.

Computing Environments

Types
- Traditional computing.
- Web-based computing.
- Embedded computing.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of parallel systems, including multiprocessor systems such as symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing. You'll also learn about the advantages of these systems and the characteristics of distributed systems. Test your understanding of how these technologies improve performance and reliability.