Introduction to Operating Systems

Question 1

What is an Operating System?

Answer 1

A software layer that manages processors, main memory, disks, and various input/output devices

Question 2

Where does the OS fit in on the hierarchy of users, applications, and hardware? aka what does the OS interact with and act as the go between for?

Answer 2

The OS is apart of the software layer (applications and operating system) and interacts with the application and the hardware. Applications interact with the user interface, which interact with the operating system, which interacts with the hardware. This also works from hardware back.

Question 3

What comprises an operating system?

Answer 3

User Interface, Core Runtime Libraries, Kernel and Kernel Extensions

Question 4

How does the OS act as a resource manager?

Answer 4

• Lets multiple programs run at the same time
• Manages and protects memory, I/O devices, and other resources
• shares (Multiplex) resources in time and an in space