Chapter 1 Intro To Linux Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is an operating system
This is a set of programs that control the execution of application program’s and act as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.
Examples of operating system
Windows, windows/NT, OS/2 and MacOS
Objectives of operating system
- To make the computer system convenient and easy to use for the user
- To use the computer hardware in an efficient way
- To execute user programs and make solving user problems easier
Into what four components can a computer system be divided?
Hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
What does the hardware component of a computer system include?
CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
What role does the operating system play in a computer system?
It provides the means of proper use of the hardware in the operations of the computer system.
What do application programs do?
Solve the computing problems of the user, such as compilers, database systems, and web browsers.
Who are considered users in a computer system?
People, machines, or other computers.
What are device controllers?
Components that are connected through a common bus providing access to shared memory and controlling specific types of devices (e.g., disk drives, audio devices).
What is a memory controller?
A component that synchronizes access to the shared memory in a computer system.
What is firmware?
booted.
Firmware is typically stored in ROM or EEPROM and initializes all aspects of the system when the computer is powered up or re
Describe a batch system.
A type of system where programs are collected and executed as a group. Major disadvantages include large turnaround time and difficulty in debugging.
What is a time-sharing system?
- An OS that allows multiple users to share system resources simultaneously, providing online communication and intermediate response
What is the disadvantage of a time-sharing system?
It is more complex compared to other systems.
Define a real-time operating system.
An OS that provides immediate response and guarantees that critical tasks are completed on time, used in applications requiring rigid time constraints.
Give an example of a real-time system application.
The airline reservation system.
What is the function of the bootstrap program in a computer system?
It loads the operating system kernel into memory and starts executing the first process, like “init.”
What happens during the initialization of a modern computer system?
The CPU and device controllers execute concurrently, and the bootstrap program initializes all system aspects, from CPU registers to device controllers and memory contents.
Why is the bootstrap program usually simple?
Because it needs to load the operating system kernel and start executing the first process upon power-up or reboot.
What does the abstract view of system components include according to the document?
Figure 1 shows the hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
What are the four generations of electronic devices and their key characteristics?
- First (1945-1955): Vacuum tubes, plug boards
- Second (1955-1965): Transistors, batch systems
- Third (1965-1980): Integrated Circuits (IC), multiprogramming
- Fourth (since 1980): Large scale integration, PCs
What is one key function of an operating system related to user management?
Implementing user interface and sharing hardware among users.
: How does an operating system facilitate data sharing and security among users?
Allowing data sharing among users and preventing interference between users.
What are the key functions of an operating system in terms of resource and error management?
Scheduling resources, facilitating I/O operations, recovering from errors, and accounting for resource storage.
