Computer Systems

Question 1

State the purpose of an operating system.

Answer 1

To hide the complexities of the computer and act as an interface between the user and computer.

Question 2

State 3 important tasks performed by the operating system.

Answer 2

Memory management/allocation.
Processor scheduling/allocation.
Input/output management/allocation.
Interrupt handling.
Allows user to interact with computer.

Question 3

State three additional function of an operating system.

Answer 3

Must deal with simultaneous interactions.
Must deal with with events occurring at random/unpredictable times.
Must be fail-safe.
Must be able to switch quickly between operations/processes.
Must support non-sequential applications programs.