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Computing - OS and Memory > 1) OS Basics > Flashcards

1) OS Basics Flashcards

1
Q

What is an OS?

A

An OS is a set of programs of which allows the user to communicate with and control the devices hardware by communicating through its software.

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2
Q

Which sources does an OS operate / control?

A
  • Input
  • Output
  • Processing
  • Storage
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3
Q

Where is the OS usually stored on? and can any programs run while the OS is not running?

A

The OS is usually store on disk, and no, first the OS must be running before any program can be used.

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4
Q

What is the “Bootstrap loader”?
Define “Booting”.

A

This is a small program of which powers itself once the system is powered on.

Booting is the process of loading the OS.

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5
Q

State 2 Objectives which are beneficial for an operating system.

A
  • The resources of the OS are used efficiently: This is done to ensure that slow processes do not slow down the whole system by not giving chance for the fast processes to run.
  • To reduct the difficulty of working on the hardware directly: The OS uses a “Virtual Machine” to reduce the difficulty of interacting with the system’s hardware.
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6
Q

What are the desirable features of an OS.

A
  • Efficiency: Tasks which needs to be done by the OS must be done without facing any delays
  • Reliability: An OS must be as error-free as possible.
  • Maintainability: OS must be clearly written and well-structured.
  • Small Size: The OS must have a small size in order waste as least amount of space in the main memory/backing storage as possible.
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7
Q

Define the “Operational Mode”.

A

This is the way that a specific system must be used.

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8
Q

State points regarding to a Batch System.

A
  • A collection of programs of which must be run one at a time in the form of a queue. The next process will start as soon as its resource are available.
  • Examples of such systems are Payroll and mater file updating process.
  • The batch system disallows the user from interacting with the processing while it’s being done. In other words, the user doesn’t have an interaction with the job while it’s being done.
  • A special type of a Batch System is the Multiprogrammed Batch System which goes against the normal type, where the Multiprogrammed is able to run more than one process at a time, opposed to the normal type.
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9
Q

State points regarding to a Multiprogramming (Multitasking) System.

A
  • A number of programs are put into a “schedule”, the placement determines when a process will start and finish running.
  • The programs are put in a way which maximises the usage of the computer’s resources.
  • Allows programs to be run simultaneously.
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10
Q

State points regarding to a Time-sharing (Multi-access) System

A
  • This type of system allows multiple users to operate on the same system.
  • The CPU of the system reacts quick to all the users’ instruction in order to respond fast and make it feel like the system is only being used by an individual.
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11
Q

State points regarding to a Single-User System.

A
  • This type of system supports only 1 user to use it, so people cannot use the system concurrently.
  • This system is designed to maximise the response speed to instructions.

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12
Q

State points regarding to a Real-time System.

A
  • This type of OS is used when there is a rigid time requirements on the operation of the processor. This type of OS responds to deadlines.
  • This type of OS is usually used is medical, scientific and more serious situations where a deadline (or a specific time in activation) is required.
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13
Q

State and define the 2 types of Real-time System.

A
  • Hard Real-time System is a type of real-time system of which contains a very important deadline, the deadline must activate the OS because it means that some urgent action must be taken.
  • Soft Real-time System is a type of real-time system of which contains deadline, although opposed to the other type, missing deadline will not cause a catastrophic issue.
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14
Q

State points regarding to a Parallel System (Multiprocessor System).

A
  • This type of OS contains more than 1 processor which work together on the processes. These share the same bus, clock, memory and peripheral devices.
  • An advantage of such system is that if 1 processor fails, you will have a backup processor which would of course still work.
  • This type of system is also known as a tightly-coupled system.
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15
Q

State points regarding to a Distributive System.

A
  • This type of system contains multiple processors, although the processors do not share the same memory and clock.
  • The processors are able to communicate through telephone lines and busses.
  • The processors may vary in size and function, hence this type of system is also known as a loosely coupled system.
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16
Q

What is a network system?

A

It is an interconnection between devices which allow date to be transferred and connection between devices connected to that specific network.

17
Q

Define these terminologies:
- On-line operation
- Off-line operation
- Remote Access

A
  • An on-line operation is an operation which is sent from the Central processing to the device the operation must go to.
  • An off-line operation is a processing which is carried out without any active connection to a network.
  • A remote access is a type of access where a device is connected with another device when the devices are physically separated / distant.
18
Q

State the functions of an OS.

A

Time allocation - The scheduling of the activities (process of the computer).

Resource control - The ability for the computer to hold its resources in rational ways.

I/O Control - Channeling data and sending data from/to the peripherals connected.

Error handling and protection - The ability to minimise and detect errors in the computer.

Operator’s interface - Communication with the user of the OS

Accounting - Charging users according to a scale of costs for their use of the
resources of the computer system.

19
Q

What is the Nucleus (Kernel)

A

This is the lowest part of the OS, it provides certain services and responsible for managing the system’s resources.

20
Q

Define the term “Virtual Memory”

A

This is a technique by the OS which makes the memory seem like it has a bigger amount of space than it physically has.

21
Q

What is “cache memory”.

A

Cache memory is a type of memory of which enhances system performance. This memory is placed close to the main memory to avoid the fetch-execute cycle time.

22
Q

What is the “Spooling” technique?

A

Spooling is a technique of which an output is sent to the spool queue until the output device is ready for it.

23
Q

The OS also has control on the Backing storage, name 3 ways of how the OS. can manipulate / change the OS.

A

Creation, deletion and updating the files.

Note: the programs in the backing storage are stored in files.

24
Q

Want are “Access Privileges”?

A

These are rights that the user have to access the appropriate resources.

25
Q

What is a “Deadlock”?

A

A deadlock is when 2 or more processes prevent each other from processing because one claims a resource that the other does.

26
Q

Why is the FIFO (First in first out) not recommended for processes?

A

Because this can easily cause Deadlocks

27
Q

What is “Time-slicing”?

A

This is a scheduling technique of which every program is given a short slice of processor time. (Used for multiprogramming and multi-access OS)

28
Q

State the 2 types of ways that a user can communicate with the system.

A
  • User mode of operation (Between the user and the computer) - The suer interacts with the OS to manage their files or to run application programs.
  • Supervisor mode of operation (Between computer and operator) - The operator of the system is in complete control of the system, and is able to do many functions. Such as: switching processor between processes, accessing registers used by memory protection hardware, reorganising scheduling and resource allocation.
29
Q

Name the 3 interfaces.

A
  • GUI (Graphical-User Interface)
  • Job-control Language
  • CLI (Command-Line Interface)

Computing - OS and Memory (3 decks)

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