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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of setting a timer in a computer system?
Who is responsible for setting the timer counter in the operating system?
What action is triggered when the timer counter reaches zero?
What does the operating system do to processes that exceed their allotted time?
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How does the timer maintain functionality over time?
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Study Notes
Timer and Resource Management
- A timer is utilized to prevent infinite loops or excessive resource consumption in processes.
- The timer interrupts a computer after a specified duration to maintain system stability.
- A counter is maintained that decreases based on the physical clock's ticks.
- The operating system is responsible for setting this counter, as it requires a privileged instruction.
- When the counter reaches zero, an interrupt is generated, signaling the system to take action.
- The timer setup occurs prior to scheduling processes to either regain control or terminate programs that exceed their allocated execution time.
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Description
Test your knowledge on timer and resource management in operating systems. This quiz covers how timers prevent infinite loops, the role of the operating system, and the mechanics of scheduling processes. Prepare to explore key concepts that ensure system stability and efficient resource utilization.
