Firmware and Software Subsystems

Questions and Answers

RAID controller or a Fibre Channel HBA

To allow the OS to access firmware-driven subsystems

To manage software installations, updates, and removals

Their classification into categories Signup and view all the answers

To understand the common hierarchy of directories Signup and view all the answers

To expose hardware components to administrative users via software tools Signup and view all the answers

All software installations have mechanisms for installation, update, maintenance, and removal Signup and view all the answers

To appreciate the design principles behind the OS Signup and view all the answers

Abstraction of the subsystem from the OS Signup and view all the answers

OS components and add-on software are distinct categories of software Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Some subsystems, like RAID controllers and Fibre Channel HBAs, have their own firmware that controls components at a lower layer than the OS kernel.
These firmware-driven subsystems are accessed by the OS via its kernel drivers.
Administrative users interact with these subsystems through additional software tools.

All software installations share common mechanisms, including installation, update, maintenance, and removal.
There are different types of software, including OS components and add-on or third-party software.
Server software installations use specific mechanisms, which will be explored.

The file system layout is organized into different locations for different components.
The common hierarchy found on most Unix systems is explained by the reasons behind the layout.

Some subsystems, like RAID controllers and Fibre Channel HBAs, have their own firmware that controls components at a lower layer than the OS kernel.
These firmware-driven subsystems are accessed by the OS via its kernel drivers.
Administrative users interact with these subsystems through additional software tools.

All software installations share common mechanisms, including installation, update, maintenance, and removal.
There are different types of software, including OS components and add-on or third-party software.
Server software installations use specific mechanisms, which will be explored.

The file system layout is organized into different locations for different components.
The common hierarchy found on most Unix systems is explained by the reasons behind the layout.