Chapter 1 - 1.4 Operating Systems

What are the major responsibilities of an operating system?

Controlling and monitoring system activities, Allocating and assigning system resources & Scheduling operations. ( Major responsibilities: - Controlling and monitoring system activities. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as: 1. recognizing input from the keyboard 2. sending output to the monitor 3. keeping track of files and folders on storage devices 4. Controlling peripheral devices, such as disk drives and printers. 5. An operating system must also ensure that different programs and users working at the same time do not interfere with each other. 6. In addition, the OS is responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users and programs are not allowed to access the system. - Allocating and assigning system resources. 1. The operating system is responsible for determining what computer resources a program needs (such as CPU time, memory space, disks, input and output devices) 2. Allocating and assigning system resources to run the program - Scheduling operations. 1. The OS is responsible for scheduling programs' activities to make efficient use of system resources. )

What is Multithreading?

Multithreading allows concurrency within a program, so that its subtasks can run at the same time. ( Many of today's operating systems support techniques such as multiprogramming, multithreading, and multiprocessingto increase system performance. )

Can application programs such as web browsers or word processors run without an OS installed? Yes or No?

No. ( Application programs, such as a Web browser or a word processor, cannot run unless an operating system is installed and running on the computer. )

What is Multiprocessing?

Multiprocessing, or parallel processing, uses two or more processors together to perform a task. ( Many of today's operating systems support techniques such as multiprogramming, multithreading, and multiprocessingto increase system performance. )

What is Multiprogramming?

Multiprogramming allows multiple programs to run simultaneously by sharing the CPU. ( Many of today's operating systems support techniques such as multiprogramming, multithreading, and multiprocessingto increase system performance. )

What does Figure 1.5 show?

Figure 1.5 shows the interrelationship of hardware, operating system, application software, and the user.

What is an operating system?

The operating system (OS) is a program that manages and controls a computer's activities. ( - The operating system (OS) is the most important program that runs on a computer. - )

List some popular operating systems...?

The popular operating systems for general-purpose computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. ( - The examples of OS are Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP, or ME. Windows. - Application programs such as an Internet browser and a word processor run on top of an operating system. )