Platform Technology Module 1 - Operating Systems

Questions and Answers

What is one of the main objectives of an operating system?

To make a computer convenient to use (correct)

To execute only one program at a time

To provide a wide range of hardware options

To limit user access to resources

Which of the following accurately describes an Application Program Interface (API)?

A standard for binary portability

A set of error detection protocols

A collection of machine language instructions

A uniform interface to access hardware resources and services (correct)

What was a significant problem associated with Serial Processing in early operating systems?

Inefficient job scheduling methods (correct)

Ineffective error detection methods

Lack of hardware support

Limited program execution capabilities

What does the Windows Executive component encompass?

Core OS modules and services Signup and view all the answers

Which system allows multiple users to access and use the computer simultaneously?

Compatible Time-sharing System (CTSS) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for the evolution of operating systems over time?

To introduce new or improved services Signup and view all the answers

What does System Resource Access control?

Access to the entire computer system Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with Multi-programmed Batch Systems?

Allows simultaneous handling of multiple jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is the state of a process that is currently being executed?

Running Signup and view all the answers

Which state describes a process that cannot execute until a specific event occurs?

Blocked Signup and view all the answers

What type of information does the Process Control Block store?

Process attributes and state Signup and view all the answers

In a five-state process model, what does the 'New' state indicate?

Process has just been created Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a process control block?

User authentication Signup and view all the answers

Which mode operates with more privileges in process management?

Kernel mode Signup and view all the answers

What triggers a process switch in the operating system?

Prioritization of other processes Signup and view all the answers

How can a process be placed in a suspended state?

By the process itself or any parent process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cache manager within the operating system?

Improves the performance of file-based I/O Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for enforcing access validation within the operating system?

Security reference monitor Signup and view all the answers

What does the environment subsystems component provide in user-mode processes?

Different operating system environments Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a process?

It can be treated as a unit of activity executing a sequence of instructions. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of classic UNIX architecture, what does the hardware level focus on?

Physical hardware and interface Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Linux loadable modules from others?

They allow dynamic linking and can be stacked hierarchically. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the plug-and-play manager?

Determining which drivers are required Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes are categorized as special system processes in user-mode?

Session manager Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operating System Overview

An operating system (OS) manages hardware resources and provides services to users.
Key objectives include user convenience, efficient resource utilization, and support for software development and execution.

Functions of an Operating System

Program Development: Offers facilities and tools for developing applications.
Program Execution: Manages processes necessary for running programs.
Access to I/O Devices: Offers a uniform interface for input/output operations.
Control Access to Files: Understands data structure in file storage to manage file access.
System Resource Access: Coordinates access to system resources.
Error Detection and Response: Identifies and reacts to errors.
Performance Monitoring: Gathers usage statistics for processes.

Important Interfaces

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Collection of machine language instructions for operation.
Application Binary Interface (ABI): Ensures binary portability across applications.
Application Program Interface (API): Interfaces for programs to interact with hardware and services.

Evolution of Operating Systems

Driven by hardware upgrades, new services, and necessary fixes to existing faults.

Stages in OS Evolution

Serial Processing: Early computers operated from a console with basic input/output controls.
- Issues: Scheduling conflicts and prolonged set-up times.
Simple Batch Systems: Automated job sequencing through control cards.
Multi-programmed Batch Systems: Allowed simultaneous handling of multiple jobs.
Time-sharing Systems: Enabled concurrent access for multiple users.
Compatible Time-sharing System (CTSS): Introduced the first time-sharing operating system.

Microsoft Windows OS Kernel Components

Windows Executive: Core OS services and modules.
- I/O Manager: Framework for input/output operations.
- Cache Manager: Enhances file operation performance.
- Object Manager: Manages Windows Executive objects.
- Plug-and-Play Manager: Identifies required drivers.
- Power Manager: Regulates power consumption.
- Security Reference Monitor: Validates access attempts.
- Virtual Memory Manager: Coordinates virtual memory management.
- Process/Thread Manager: Manages processes and threads.
- Configuration Manager: Oversees system registry.
- ALPC Facility: Facilitates cross-process communication.
Windows Kernel: Fundamental software that operates the OS.
Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL): Separates OS from hardware specifics.
Device Drivers: Extend OS functionality through dynamic libraries.
Windowing and Graphing System: Supports graphical user interface (GUI).

User-Mode Processes

Comprises various types, including special system processes, service processes, environment subsystems, and user applications (EXE programs).

Classic UNIX System

Known as Uniplexed Information and Computing Service (UNICS).
Three levels of architecture:
- User Level: Focused on programs and libraries.
- Hardware Level: Concerned with physical hardware.
- System Kernel: Manages overall system operation.
Shell: Enables system calls from applications.
System V Release 4 (SVR4): Developed jointly by AT&T and Sun Microsystems.
Linux OS: An open-source variant of UNIX with dynamic and stackable loadable modules.

Process Definition and Attributes

A process can represent a program in execution, an executing instance, or a unit of activity with resources and states.

Process States

New: Process is being created.
Ready: Waiting for processor assignment.
Running: Currently executing instructions.
Waiting: Paused for an external event.
Terminated: Process has finished execution.

Five-State Process Model

New: Recently created.
Ready: Prepared to execute.
Running: Actively executing.
Blocked/Waiting: Cannot execute until an event occurs.
Exit: Released after halting or termination.

Process Attributes

Unique identifiers, processor state information, and control information critical for managing active processes.

Process Modes

User Mode: Limited privileges for executing non-system processes.
Kernel Mode: Full privileges for executing core system operations.

Process Management

Process Creation: Initiated when a new process is added to the system.
Process Switching: Occurs when the OS switches the currently active process amidst execution.

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Description

This quiz focuses on Module 1 of Platform Technology, specifically covering the objectives and functionalities of Operating Systems. It explores how operating systems utilize hardware resources and provide services to users effectively. Test your understanding of this crucial technology area.