Symmetric Multiprocessing in Operating Systems Quiz
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Questions and Answers

In a Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) system, what is a key characteristic of the processors?

  • They can perform different functions
  • They are similar and have comparable capabilities (correct)
  • They don't share the same main memory
  • They have different capabilities

    • What is a benefit of multicore CPUs compared to multiple chips with single cores?

  • Higher power consumption
  • Slower on-chip communication
  • More efficient and consume less power (correct)
  • Less efficient than single-core chips

    • Which of the following levels of control does an integrated operating system provide in a Symmetric Multiprocessor?

  • Processor level only
  • Data element levels only
  • Program levels only
  • Job, task, file, and data element levels (correct)

    • What type of design does the Intel Core i7-5960X use?

    <p>Quad-core design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about processors in a Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) system?

    <p>They share main memory and can perform the same functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a stand-alone computer system with Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) consist of?

    <p>Similar processors with comparable capabilities sharing main memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using a priority scheme for interrupt handling?

    <p>Allows for handling interrupts based on their importance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of interrupt handling, what does 'nested interrupts' refer to?

    <p>One interrupt occurring during the handling of another interrupt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of interrupt is generated by an I/O controller to signal errors or successful completion?

    <p>I/O Generated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key disadvantage of disabling interrupts during interrupt processing?

    <p>Interrupts remain pending until processor enables them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a priority scheme impact the order of interrupt handling?

    <p>Prioritizes higher-priority interrupts over lower-priority ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to consider priority levels when dealing with multiple interrupts?

    <p>To manage which interrupts are handled first based on importance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the trade-off in the storage device hierarchy?

    <p>Decreasing cost per bit, increasing capacity, and decreasing access time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of caching in a computer system?

    <p>To improve the performance of the system by temporarily storing frequently accessed data in faster storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following I/O techniques allows the processor to continue executing other instructions while the I/O operation is being performed?

    <p>Direct memory access (DMA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using a cache in a computer system?

    <p>Improved performance by reducing the average access time to frequently used data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the relationship between cache and main memory?

    <p>Cache is used to temporarily store copies of data from main memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the different levels of the storage device hierarchy?

    <p>To improve the performance of the system by providing different levels of speed and cost trade-offs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) Characteristics

    • Processors in an SMP system share a common memory space and can access the same resources simultaneously.
    • Multicore CPUs integrate multiple processing cores on a single chip, reducing space and improving performance over multiple single-core chips.

    Integrated Operating System Control Levels

    • An integrated operating system in SMP provides full control over the distribution of tasks among processors.

    Processor Design

    • The Intel Core i7-5960X employs a multi-core architecture, optimizing performance through simultaneous multithreading.

    SMP System Components

    • A stand-alone SMP computer system consists of multiple processors that share memory and I/O resources, allowing parallel processing.

    Interrupt Handling Advantages

    • Utilizing a priority scheme for interrupt handling enhances system responsiveness and efficiency by addressing more critical tasks first.

    Nested Interrupts

    • 'Nested interrupts' refer to the ability to interrupt an ongoing interrupt service routine with a higher-priority interrupt, allowing for more urgent processing.

    I/O Controller Interrupts

    • An I/O controller generates specific interrupts to signal the completion of operations or to indicate errors in processing.

    Disabling Interrupts Disadvantage

    • Disabling interrupts during processing can lead to delayed responses to critical system events, risking performance and stability.

    Priority Scheme Impact

    • A priority scheme dictates the order in which interrupts are handled, ensuring that the highest-priority interrupts are processed first, improving performance.

    Importance of Priority Levels

    • Prioritizing interrupts is crucial when multiple are present, as it allows for effective management of system resources and responsiveness to critical tasks.

    Storage Device Hierarchy Trade-off

    • The trade-off in the storage device hierarchy involves balancing speed, cost, and capacity, with faster devices being more expensive and lower capacity.

    Purpose of Caching

    • Caching increases processing speed by storing frequently accessed data closer to the CPU, minimizing access time to slower storage mediums.

    I/O Techniques and Processor Execution

    • Asynchronous I/O techniques enable the processor to perform other tasks while I/O operations are ongoing, improving overall system efficiency.

    Cache Advantages

    • The main advantage of using a cache is the significant reduction in data access time, leading to accelerated application performance.

    Cache and Main Memory Relationship

    • Cache memory acts as a high-speed buffer between the CPU and main memory, storing frequently used data to enhance access speed.

    Storage Hierarchy Purpose

    • The different levels in the storage device hierarchy aim to optimize the performance, cost, and capacity balance, providing efficient data management systems.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) in Operating Systems, focusing on the characteristics of stand-alone computer systems with multiple similar processors sharing main memory and I/O devices. Learn about processor scheduling, task allocation, and internal connection schemes.

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