Chapter 1

1. Computer systems can be divided into four approximate components. What are they? Also, give an example for each component. 1. Hardware Provides basic computing resources. (e.g. CPU) 2. Operating System Controls the use of hardware among various applications and users. (e.g. Windows) 3. Application Program Define the ways in which the resources are used to solve users problem. (e.g. Word) 4. User People, Machines
2. What is a bootstrap program, and where is it stored?

Bootstrap program is located the kernel, loads it into main memory, and starts its execution. 3. Describe the goals of operating systems. a. Execute user programs. b. Make solving user problems easier. c. Make the computer system convenient to use d. Use the computer hardware in an efficient manner. 4. Describe the two techniques that can be used to increase the utilization of a computer system? Also, discuss the differences between the two techniques. Multiprogramming Organize jobs so PC always has a job to be executed. A subset of total jobs is kept in memory. One job will be selected to run via scheduling. Operating system will switch to execute another job when the job has to wait for e.g. I/O devices. Time-sharing (multitasking) CPU switches job so frequently that users can interact with each job while running. If multiple jobs are ready to run at the same time, one job will be selected to run via scheduling. 5. Why is main memory not suitable for permanent program storage or backup purpose? Furthermore, what is the main disadvantage to storing information on a magnetic disk drive as opposed to main memory? Main memory is usually too small to store all needed programs and data permanently.

Main memory is a volatile storage device that loses its contents when power is turned off or otherwise lost. Magnetic disk drive is slower in term of access speed, capacity, data-transfer rate, and access method (sequential or random). 6. Identify several advantages and several disadvantages of open-source operating systems. Advantages o Programmers who contribute to the code by helping to debug it analyse it/ provide support/ and suggest changes. o open-source code is more secure than closed-source code o Free of charge o able to view and modify the source code o Disadvantages More buggy difficult to compete against companies backward compatibility is lacking making upgrades difficult 7. Explain the reasons why caches are useful. In addition, what problems do they solve? Caches are useful when two or more components need to exchange data, and the components perform transfers at differing speeds. Caches solve the transfer problem by providing a buffer of intermediate speed between the components. 8. Explain why an operating system can be viewed as a resource allocator. Manage all resources (memory, etc). Decides between conflicting requests for efficient and fair resource use. 9. Describe the operating systems two modes of operation. User mode When the computer system is executing on behalf of a user application, the system is in user mode. The operating system is then loaded and starts user applications in user mode. Kernel mode When a user application requests a service from the operating system (via a system call), it must transition from user to kernel mode to fulfil the request. The hardware starts in kernel mode.