Operating System Concepts - Lecture Review

Flashcards based on key concepts and definitions from the Operating System Concepts lecture.

What is an Operating System?

A program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.

What are the primary goals of an operating system?

To execute user programs, make solving user problems easier, and use computer hardware efficiently.

What are the four components of a computer system?

Hardware, Operating System, Application Programs, Users.

What is the kernel in an operating system?

The one program that runs at all times on the computer, forming the core of the operating system.

What distinguishes proprietary from open-source operating systems?

Proprietary operating systems are owned by a vendor, while open-source operating systems are available in source code format.

What is the focus of OpenBSD?

Security and correctness.

What is real-time OS characterized by?

It has well-defined fixed time constraints where processing must be done within constraints to be considered correct.

How does a system call facilitate interaction with the OS?

It enables software to interact with the operating system kernel to perform tasks.

What types of functions does the operating system provide for users?

User interface, program execution, I/O operations, file-system manipulation, communications, error detection, resource allocation, and security.

What is the significance of a bootstrap loader?

It locates the kernel, loads it into memory, and starts the operating system upon power initialization.

What is the typical relationship between API and system calls?

APIs provide a high-level interface to interact with system calls, allowing programs to use operating system services.