Operating Systems

Question 1

What are the key purposes of an OS?

Answer 1

Managing the processor
Managing the memory
Managing external devices
Providing a platform for software and utility programs
Providing networking
Managing security
Providing a user interface

Question 2

Explain managing the processor

Answer 2

Deciding which process to execute next and handling interrupts to the currently executing process

Question 3

Explain managing the memory

Answer 3

Allocation and managing the memory used and relinquished by processors using paging and segmentation. Managing virtual memory

Question 4

Explain managing external devices

Answer 4

Using device drivers to translate operating system instructions into those understood by specific models of hardware device

Question 5

Explain provides a platform for software and utility programs

Answer 5

The operating system provides a framework for applications to run, allowing them to open and close files easily for example. The user can also interact with the operating system to manage files and use a range of utilities.

Question 6

Explain providing networking

Answer 6

Communication through protocols to other machines and devices

Question 7

Explain managing security

Answer 7

Servicing and denying request to access the resources connected to the computer

Question 8

Providing a user interface

Answer 8

Users interact with applications through the interface provided by the operating system. This may be graphical (GUI, WIMP), menu driven or command line

Question 9

What is the definition of an operating system?

Answer 9

Software that managed hardware, software, security and user interface