AA

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.