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Chapter 5

Chapter 5 covers essential concepts of system software, including the functions of operating systems, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, utility software, and translators. Key topics include the roles of multitasking vs. multiprocessing, virtual memory, interrupt processing, and various scheduling algorithms. Additionally, it discusses the differences between compilers and interpreters, the purpose of antivirus software, and the implications of deadlock in process management.

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4 views6 pages

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 covers essential concepts of system software, including the functions of operating systems, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, utility software, and translators. Key topics include the roles of multitasking vs. multiprocessing, virtual memory, interrupt processing, and various scheduling algorithms. Additionally, it discusses the differences between compilers and interpreters, the purpose of antivirus software, and the implications of deadlock in process management.

Uploaded by

shamu080909
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

📘 Chapter 5 – System Software (9618 AS)

🔥 Full Structured Question Bank + Answers

🧠 1. Operating Systems
Q1

Describe the main functions of an operating system. [4]

Answer:

 Memory management
 Process management (CPU scheduling)
 File system management
 Device/peripheral management

Q2

Explain what is meant by a multi-user operating system. [2]

Answer:

 Allows multiple users to access system


 Resources shared between users simultaneously

Q4

Explain the difference between multitasking and multiprocessing. [3]

Answer:

 Multitasking: multiple tasks on one CPU


 Multiprocessing: multiple CPUs executing tasks
 Multitasking uses time slicing
⚙️2. Memory Management
Q5

Explain memory management. [3]

Answer:

 Allocates memory to processes


 Deallocates memory after use
 Ensures efficient use of RAM

Q6

Describe virtual memory. [3]

Answer:

 Uses secondary storage as extra RAM


 Swaps pages between RAM and disk
 Allows larger programs to run

Q7

State two disadvantages of virtual memory. [2]

Answer:

 Slower access than RAM


 Can cause excessive disk usage (thrashing)

🔁 3. Interrupts
Q8

Explain what is meant by an interrupt. [2]

Answer:
 Signal to CPU requiring immediate attention
 Pauses current process

Q9

Describe how interrupts are processed. [4]

Answer:

 Interrupt signal received


 Current process state saved
 ISR (interrupt service routine) executed
 Previous process resumed

4. Scheduling
Q10

Describe round-robin scheduling. [3]

Answer:

 Each process gets fixed time slice


 Processes executed in cycle
 Ensures fairness

Q11

Explain priority scheduling. [3]

Answer:

 Processes assigned priority levels


 Higher priority executed first
 Low priority may starve
🛠️5. Utility Software
Q12

State two examples of utility software. [2]

Answer:

 Antivirus
 Disk defragmenter
 Backup software

Q13

Explain the purpose of antivirus software. [3]

Answer:

 Detects malware
 Removes or quarantines threats
 Provides real-time protection

Q14

Describe disk defragmentation. [2]

Answer:

 Rearranges fragmented files


 Improves disk access speed

🔤 6. Translators
Q15

Explain the difference between a compiler and an interpreter. [4]

Answer:
 Compiler translates whole program at once
 Interpreter translates line-by-line
 Compiler produces executable file
 Interpreter does not

Q16

State two advantages of a compiler. [2]

Answer:

 Faster execution after compilation


 Errors shown together

Q17

State two advantages of an interpreter. [2]

Answer:

 Easier debugging
 Immediate execution

Q18

Describe the role of an assembler. [2]

Answer:

 Converts assembly language into machine code

🔥 7. Exam-Style Mixed Questions


Q19

Explain why an operating system is needed. [4]


Answer:

 Provides user interface


 Manages hardware resources
 Runs applications
 Ensures system security

Q20

Describe two functions of device drivers. [2]

Answer:

 Allows OS to communicate with hardware


 Controls device operations

Q21

Explain what is meant by deadlock. [3]

Answer:

 Two or more processes waiting


 Each holds a resource needed by another
 System halts

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