System Resources

• System Resources involves identifying the resources that are required within a computer system.

• A computer system has many important resources including

  • Primary memory (RAM): Temporary storage for data and instructions.

  • Secondary storage: Long-term storage for data when not in use.

  • Processor speed: Determines how fast a computer can execute instructions.

  • Bandwidth: Amount of data that can be transferred in a given time.

  • Screen resolution: Number of pixels displayed on screen.

  • Sound processor: Handles audio input and output.

  • Graphics processor: Processes visual data for display.

  • Cache: High-speed memory for frequently accessed data.

  • Network connectivity: Ability to connect to other devices or networks.

• 

• There are many types of computer systems

• The IB exam requires you to evaluate the resources available in multiple computer systems

  • Mainframe:

    • Processor: High-performance, multiple CPUs.

    • Primary Memory: Large RAM capacity.

    • Secondary Memory: High-capacity storage drives.

    • Common Use: Large-scale data processing, critical applications.

  • Servers:

    • Processor: Powerful multi-core CPUs.

    • Primary Memory: High RAM for multitasking.

    • Secondary Memory: RAID arrays for data storage.

    • Common Use: Hosting websites, managing networks.

  • PCs:

    • Processor: Various CPUs based on usage.

    • Primary Memory: Moderate RAM capacity.

    • Secondary Memory: HDDs or SSDs.

    • Common Use: General computing tasks, gaming.

  • Sub-laptops:

    • Processor: Low-power CPUs for portability.

    • Primary Memory: Limited RAM for efficiency.

    • Secondary Memory: SSDs for fast storage.

    • Common Use: Lightweight computing on the go.

  • Cell phones:

    • Processor: Mobile-specific processors.

    • Primary Memory: Limited RAM for mobile apps.

    • Secondary Memory: Flash storage.

    • Common Use: Communication, apps, multimedia.

  • Tablets:

    • Processor: Mobile processors for tablets.

    • Primary Memory: Moderate RAM for apps.

    • Secondary Memory: Flash storage.

    • Common Use: Entertainment, browsing, productivity.

  • PDAs:

    • Processor: Low-power processors.

    • Primary Memory: Limited RAM for tasks.

    • Secondary Memory: Flash memory.

    • Common Use: Personal organization, basic computing.

  • Digital cameras:

    • Processor: Image processing units.

    • Primary Memory: Limited internal memory.

    • Secondary Memory: SD cards for storage.

    • Common Use: Capturing and storing images.

• Another important topic the IB exam quizzes you on is the limitations of a range of resources within a specific computer system

  • This includes 3D graphics rendering and how single-processor computers are not able to render as well has multiprocessors with a GPU

• Consequences of limiting:

  • Primary memory: Slower performance, inability to run multiple programs simultaneously.

  • Secondary storage: Limited space for data storage and slower access to files.

  • CPU speed: Decreased processing power, slower execution of tasks.

  • CPU cores: Reduced multitasking capability, slower parallel processing.

  • Connectivity: Limited access to networks and slower data transfer speeds.

• Resource management involves lots of problem-solving, and there is a list of limitations in the resources in a computer system. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these as well as the consequences involved

• Remember to always answer these questions when in doubt:

  • If the processor is too slow?

  • If the processor has only one core?

  • If the amount of primary memory is limited?

  • If the amount of cache is limited?

  • Is network connectivity limited?

  • If user access is limited to a single user per device?

• Some specific examples in the IB curriculum include:

  • Multi Programming system vs Single programming system

    • The only difference between these two is the fact that each system can run different sets of apps or programs (multiple vs one)

  • Multi User System

    • Multiple people can work on the same machine or network

Role of the Operating System

• The operating system in IB Computer Science manages hardware resources, provides user interface, runs applications, and ensures system security.

  • You will also have to explain the role the operating system, managing memory, peripherals, and hardware interfaces

  • Functions of an operating system

    • Resource Management: Allocating resources like CPU, memory, and peripherals.

    • Process Management: Managing running processes and scheduling tasks.

    • Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory efficiently.

    • File Management: Organizing and accessing files on storage devices.

    • Security: Protecting system resources and data from unauthorized access.

    • User Interface: Providing a user-friendly interface for interaction.

  • 

  • Managing (primary) memory involves controlling the allocation and deallocation of memory resources for processes, ensuring efficient utilization, and preventing conflicts. It includes tasks like memory allocation, relocation, protection, and sharing.

  • Controls (peripheral) devices are devices that the OS manages by providing device drivers and handling input/output operations.

  • Hardware Interfaces are physical connections that allow devices to interact with each other.

• the IB curriculum also requires you to understand multiple techniques that help you manage your resources in a computer system.

• These include:

  • Scheduling: OS technique to manage CPU allocation to processes.

  • Policies: Rules set by OS for resource allocation and management.

  • Multitasking: OS ability to run multiple processes concurrently.

  • Virtual Memory: OS technique to manage memory by using disk space.

  • Paging: OS memory management technique to swap data between RAM and disk.

  • Interrupt: Signal to OS to handle events requiring immediate attention.

  • Polling: OS technique to check status of devices at regular intervals.

• For the IB exam, you need to know when each technique is used and why it is used

• You will also have to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of producing a dedicated operating system for a device.

  • Advantages:

    • Can optimize performance and resource allocation.

    • Can enhance security by reducing vulnerabilities.

    • Tailored features and functionalities can be designed for specific device requirements.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Limited compatibility with other devices

    • Higher development costs

    • Longer time to market

    • Maintenance challenges

    • Potential lack of support and updates

• OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS TO KNOW FOR THE EXAM

  • Abstraction is the process that hides certain hardware details from users and applications

  • Drive Letters are alphabetic labels assigned to storage devices in Windows operating systems.

    • It helps users identify and access different disk drives

      • Such as hard drives, SSDs, and external storage devices.

  • JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is a virtual machine that enables a computer to run Java programs. It interprets Java bytecode and executes the instructions.

    • Java is an essential programming language, and many applications run with Java, so it's possible that most computers, even yours, have JVM installed.

    • Examples of popular apps that use Java

      • Minecraft

      • Spotify

      • Netflix

      • Many IDE’s