Operating System Concepts - Review Flashcards

These flashcards encompass key concepts and definitions related to operating systems, based on the lecture notes provided.

What is the primary function of an operating system?

An operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, executing user programs and making problem-solving easier.

What components make up a computer system?

The computer system is composed of hardware (CPU, memory, I/O devices), the operating system, application programs, and users.

What role does an operating system play in resource allocation?

The operating system manages all resources and decides on conflicting requests for efficient and fair resource use.

What is meant by 'multiprogramming'?

Multiprogramming allows multiple jobs to be in memory simultaneously to keep the CPU busy, by organizing jobs so the CPU always has one to execute.

Describe the difference between user mode and kernel mode in operating systems.

User mode restricts access to certain CPU instructions to prevent harmful operations, while kernel mode (supervisor mode) grants full access to all system resources.

What is a process in the context of an operating system?

A process is a program in execution and is a unit of work within the system that requires resources like CPU, memory, and I/O.

What is the purpose of interrupts in an operating system?

Interrupts allow devices to signal the CPU when they need attention, enabling asynchronous processing of I/O operations.

How does memory management function in an operating system?

Memory management is responsible for deciding which processes and data to move into and out of memory, optimizing CPU utilization and response time.

What does caching do in an operating system?

Caching copies information from slower storage to faster storage temporarily to improve access times and performance.

What is the function of the bootstrap program during computer startup?

The bootstrap program loads at power-up or reboot, initializes the system, and loads the operating system kernel for execution.

Define cloud computing in the context of operating systems.

Cloud computing delivers computing resources and applications across a network, utilizing virtualization as the foundation for its functionality.

What is the significance of a timer in operating systems?

A timer ensures that the operating system maintains control over the CPU, preventing user programs from running indefinitely or hogging resources.

What distinguishes client-server computing from peer-to-peer systems?

In client-server computing, dedicated servers respond to client requests, while peer-to-peer systems treat all nodes as equals, allowing each to act as client and server.

Explain the storage hierarchy in operating systems.

The storage hierarchy organizes storage systems based on speed, cost, and volatility, optimizing access speeds through techniques like caching.

What is the role of protection and security in operating systems?

Protection controls access of processes or users to system resources, while security defends the system against internal and external attacks.