1.
Define Operating System (OS): An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface
between the user and the computer hardware. It manages hardware, software, memory, and
processes. Example: Windows, Linux, macOS.
2. Goals of Operating System: - Execute programs easily and efficiently - Use computer hardware
effectively - Provide user convenience - Ensure security and reliability
3. System View of OS (Short Note): In the system view, the OS is seen as a resource manager. It
controls and coordinates the use of hardware (CPU, memory, I/O devices) among users and
applications.
4. Use of Mode Bit: Mode bit indicates whether the CPU is executing in: - User mode (1): for user
programs (limited access) - Kernel mode (0): for OS programs (full access) It provides protection by
preventing user programs from executing critical instructions.
5. Interrupt: An interrupt is a signal that temporarily stops the CPU from what it is doing so it can
attend to a high-priority task. Example: Keyboard input, I/O request.
6. Interrupt Service Routine (ISR): An ISR is a special program executed when an interrupt occurs.
It handles the interrupt and then returns control to the main program.
7. Batch Operating System: In a Batch OS, similar jobs are grouped and executed together without
user interaction. Example: Payroll processing.
8. Drawbacks of Batch Operating System: - No direct user interaction - Difficult to debug errors -
Slow job scheduling - High turnaround time
9. Multiprogramming: Allows multiple programs to be loaded into memory and executed by the CPU
one at a time, switching quickly between them.
10. Multitasking: Allows multiple tasks to run seemingly at the same time on a single CPU by
switching between them. Example: Playing music while typing.
11. Multiprocessor System: Has two or more CPUs sharing memory and I/O devices. Categories: 1.
Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) 2. Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP)
12. Advantages of Multiprocessor System: - Increased speed - Higher reliability - Better throughput
- Efficient resource sharing
13. Fault Tolerant System: Continues to work properly even if some hardware or software
components fail.
14. Trap: A software-generated interrupt caused by an error or a specific request from a user
program. Example: Division by zero.
15. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): Designed to process data and give results within a fixed
time. Categories: 1. Hard Real-Time System 2. Soft Real-Time System
16. Services Provided by the OS: - Program execution - I/O operations - File management - Error
detection - Communication - Resource allocation - Protection and security
17. System Calls: Interfaces between a process and the OS allowing user programs to request
services from the OS.
18. Types of System Calls: 1. Process control 2. File management 3. Device management 4.
Information maintenance 5. Communication
19. System Programs: Programs that help manage and control computer resources.
20. Types of System Programs: - File management - Status information - File modification -
Language support - Communication - Application programs
21. Factors for Designing OS: - Efficiency - Reliability - Security - User-friendliness - Portability -
Scalability - Maintainability
22. Virtual Machine: A software that acts like a separate computer system, running its own OS and
applications inside a host system. Example: VMware, VirtualBox.