Memory Management

Question 1

Multitasking is only possible if…

Answer 1

1. The operating system can support multitasking.
2. The computer has enough memory to hold more than one program in primary memory at the same time.

Question 2

Describe the process of paging

Answer 2

1. Memory is broken up into fixed-size blocks, known as pages.
2. When a program is run, it is loaded into memory.
3. The operating system determines how much memory the program requires, and allocates enough pages to hold it and its documents.
4. When the program is closed, the allocated pages are freed up for use by other programs.
5. The operating system knows what each page occupies and fetches the data held in them when needed.

Question 3

What is a peripheral?

Answer 3

Peripherals are hardware devices connected to a computer, such as a monitor, printer, scanner or camera.

Question 4

Using device drivers brings two advantages:

Answer 4

1. Any device can be used with the operating system, as long as a driver is available for it.
2. Drivers can be updated, usually to give better performance or to remove a bug.