Resources Management

Resources Management

6.1.1 System Resources

• Identifying Resources: Understanding key resources that need to be managed within a computer system is crucial for optimal performance.

Important Resources to Manage

• Primary Memory (RAM)

• Secondary Storage: (HDD/SSD/optical drives)

• Processor Speed

• Bandwidth

• Screen Resolution

• Sound Processor

• Graphics Processor

• Cache

• Network Connectivity

Primary Memory

• Definition: Primary memory or main memory enables quick access for the CPU, storing data temporarily.

• Synonyms: RAM and ROM (non-volatile, stores BIOS).

• Other names include CPU registers and Cache memory.

• Common Capacities: 1/2/4/8/16 GB.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Insufficient memory requires secondary storage use (slower, virtual memory).

• Limited memory influences simultaneous processes.

Secondary Storage

• Definition: Essential as RAM is volatile; necessary for OS, applications, and data storage.

• Types: Magnetic hard discs, SSDs, flash memory cards.

• Common Capacities:

• HDD: 500GB / 1TB / 2TB.

• SSD: 256GB / 512GB.

• Optical: CD 650MB / DVD 4.7GB.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Insufficient storage may result in data loss and can prevent data from being saved, limiting operational capabilities.

Processor: Speed

• Function: Executes calculations in a computer system.

• Speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz); 1 GHz = 1 billion calculations/second.

• Common Speeds: 1/1.2/2/2.4/3.2 GHz.

• Impact of Limitations:

• A limited processor speed prolongs task execution.

Processor: Cores

• Function: Each processor consists of cores/ALUs that perform operations.

• Common Capacities: 2-core (dual core), 4-core (quad), 8-core (octa).

• Impact of Limitations:

• Single-core processors can only execute one operation at a time, affecting multitasking abilities.

Bandwidth (Network Transmissions)

• Definition: Maximum data transferred over an internet connection in a certain timeframe, measured in Mbps.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Limited bandwidth increases data transfer times and processing delays.

Screen Resolution

• Definition: The pixel count represented as height x width.

• Common Resolutions:

• 1024×768 (XGA), 1366×768 (HD 720p), 1920x1080 (HD 1080p), 4096x2304 (4K).

• Impact of Limitations:

• Lower resolutions can lead to image pixelation.

Sound Processor

• Function: Optimizes audio signals before amplification.

• Common Uses: Home theatre systems, cinemas.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Without a dedicated sound processor, CPU performance declines due to handling audio processing.

Graphics Card

• Definition: GPU for graphics processing, essential for 3D rendering.

• Common Brands: Nvidia, ATI.

• Impact of Limitations:

• If the CPU handles graphics processing, workloads increase and performance degrades.

Cache (Physical Cache)

• Function: Stores instructions/data likely requested next by the CPU, speeding up processing.

• Common Capacities: 1 to 128 MB.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Limited cache leads to increased wait times for data retrieval from RAM.

Network Connectivity (NIC/WNIC/Bluetooth)

• Definition: Facilitates connections within networks through various mediums.

• Common Types: NIC (LAN), WNIC (WiFi), Bluetooth, 3G radio.

• Impact of Limitations:

• Reduced connectivity types limits data transfer capabilities.

6.1.2 Evaluating Resources in Various Computer Systems

• Types of Systems:

• Mainframes, servers, PCs, sub-laptops, personal digital devices (cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras).

Mainframes

• Usage: Store program code/data, high processor speed for data processing, large secondary storage.

• Common Uses: Corporate data processing, weather/financial modeling.

Servers

• Usage: Similar resource management as mainframes, varying processor speeds based on server type.

• Common Uses: Data center operations, network serving.

Desktop PCs

• Usage: Versatile in storage and processing, expandable with additional cards.

• Common Uses: Business, educational environments.

Sub-laptops

• Usage: Designed for portability, typically have lower specs than PCs.

• Common Uses: Lightweight tasks, web browsing.

Cell Phones/Mobiles

• Usage: Increasing sophistication, often rivaling laptops.

• Common Uses: Personal communication, portable computing.

Tablets

• Usage: Media consumption focus, some upgrade capabilities.

• Common Uses: Entertainment, basic computing tasks.

PDAs

• Usage: Limited functionality compared to smartphones.

• Common Uses: Calendar, email management.

Digital Cameras

• Usage: Image capture, limited processing speed.

• Common Uses: Photography, some networking capabilities.

6.1.3 Limitations of Resources in Specified Computer Systems

• Hardware Limitations: Size, power consumption, heat generation restrict resource capabilities.

• Examples:

• Limited physical space restricts storage capacity.

• Power supply limitations restrict processor capacity.

• Battery life restricts device operational duration.

6.1.4 Problems Resulting from Resource Limitations

• Possible Problems:

• Slow Performance: Insufficient resources result in lagging operations.

• Limited Functionality: Fewer applications may run successfully due to resource constraints.

• System Crashes: Overloaded primary memory/storage can lead to crashes.

• Data Corruption: Low available storage can corrupt data.

• Security Vulnerabilities: Poor resource allocation affects security software efficacy.

• Hardware Failures: Inadequate cooling/power can damage hardware.

Multi-Access & Multi-Programming Environments

• Users may simultaneously operate programs, requiring efficient resource allocation.

Role of an Operating System

• Acts as software managing hardware/software resources, providing services for applications.

• Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Functions of Operating System

• File management, handling interrupts, providing interfaces, managing peripherals, multitasking, security.

Resource Allocation Techniques

• Techniques: Swapping, time-slicing, scheduling, multitasking, virtual memory, paging, interrupt handling, and polling.

Memory Management

• Allocates/deallocates memory to processes, minimizing fragmentation and managing operations effectively.

Swapping

• Enables processes to move between memory types to optimize processing; vital for multitasking environments.

Time-Slicing

• Divides CPU time among processes, ensuring fairness and efficiency in multi-user systems.

Scheduling

• Method used by OS to determine process resource usage to minimize idleness and maximize effectiveness.

Scheduling Algorithms

• Techniques include: FCFS, SJF, priority scheduling, round robin, multilevel queue, and feedback queue scheduling.

Multitasking

• Allows users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, managed effectively by operating systems.

Virtual Memory & Paging

• Virtual memory allows programs larger than physical memory to operate by using disk space as additional RAM.

Interrupt and Polling

• Mechanisms for managing processes; interrupts provide immediate attention to events, while polling checks status periodically.

Advantages of Dedicated Operating Systems

• Customized for specific hardware, enabling faster execution and optimized resource use.