Chapter 2: OS Structures Design & Services

Define Software?

It is a non-physical set of code or programs that allows users to interact with hardware.

List types of software.

Applications, Interfaces, Backend code.

Define Hardware.

It is the physical system that holds computer components.

List hardware components.

I/O devices, CPU, Storage.

Define I/O devices.

Devices that handle sending and receiving signals (input/output).

List I/O devices.

Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone, Headset, Speakers, Monitors.

Define CPU.

It is the computer brain that receives signals, processes them, and responds with commands (Central Processing Unit).

Types of CPU cores.

Single-core, Multi-core.

Define Storage.

It is a component used to store resources temporarily or permanently.

List storage types.

RAM (main memory), SSD (Solid-State Disk), HDD (Hard-Disk Drive).

Define caching.

Moving data from slower to faster storage.

Define volatile storage.

Is cleared when power is lost; e.g., RAM.

Define non-volatile storage.

Retains data after power loss; e.g., SSD, HDD.

Which storage types are volatile?

RAM (main memory).

Which storage types are non-volatile?

SSD, HDD.

Define Architecture.

It is the way a computer is built or structured.

List architecture types.

Symmetric and Asymmetric.

Systems and CPUs examples.

Single-core single-CPU, Multi-core single-CPU, Multi-CPU single-core, Multi-CPU Multi-core.

Benefits of multi-systems.

Faster processing, better reliability.

Define Cluster Systems.

A system using multiple computers that have multi-CPU or multi-core configurations.

Cluster system storage.

Shared through SAN (Storage-Area Network).

Requirement for cluster systems.

Needs parallel processing and proper network architecture.

Define Operating System.

A software system that runs in the background and bridges hardware and software functions.

Responsibilities of an Operating System.

Organizing and performing basic tasks, resource allocation, and security.

Define organizing in OS.

Arranging execution of operations according to available resources.

Define Kernel.

The always-running core of the OS that manages hardware and processes.

Define Efficiency.

Utilizing CPU cycles, executing tasks, and balancing load through scheduling models.

Efficiency requirements for multitasking.

Less than 1-second response time; at least one process executed per user; includes CPU scheduling, synchronization, and memory management.