Platform Technology reviewer - Kernel mode

OS (Operating System) Which statement best describes a process control block?

- utilizes hardware resources - It encompasses information that makes process
- Involves software and files that are installed on a interruption and resumption possible.
computer
- kernel, administration tools and system libraries Which of the following is an essential element of a
process?
Kernel Components of MS: - Program code
- I/O Manager
- Cache Manager What specific table is maintained by the operating
- Object manager system to keep track of the secondary memory?
- Plug and Play manager - Memory table
- Power manager
- Security reference monitor Evolution of OS
- Virtual Memory manager - Serial Processing
- Process thread manager
- Configuration manager - Early batch processing Systems
- Advanced local procedure call
- Multi-programmed Batch Systems
It indicates the current activity of a process in an
operating system. - Time-sharing systems
- Process state
- Introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
It is a process attribute that involves a unique numerical
identifier. - Emergence of multitasking and multiprocessing
- Process identification
- Mobile operating systems
This pertains to a process being executed.
- Running process state - Cloud-based operating systems

These are external events independent from the Which pertains to a service provided by the operating
currently running process, that contribute to process system for the program development section of a
switching. computer interface?
- Interrupts - Provision facilities for application program
development tools in the form of utility programs.
This pertains to a process being created.
- New process state Which pertains to a service provided by the operating
system for the system resource access section of a
These are the data present in a processor's registers computer interface?
during process execution. - Control the access to the whole system through
- Context data access functions and authorizations.

Which statement best describes process creation? Which can be considered as one of the objectives of
- This is when a new process is to be added to operating systems?
those currently being managed. - Allowing an efficient computer resource
utilization

What specific table is maintained by the operating Which is NOT considered as an objective of operating
system to manage input and output devices and systems?
channels? - Define a general standard for portability across
- I/O table a wide range of programs.

In an operating system, where does the process image Which statement is INVALID regarding operating
location depend? systems?
- Memory management scheme - Time-sharing was developed by the General
Motors Research Laboratories.
Which of the following can place a process in a
suspended state? In what particular area can an operating system provide
- A parent process a uniform interface that hides the complex sets of
instructions for I/O device operation?
In process switching, these are related to exception - Access to I/O devices
conditions that are generated within the currently
running process. What is the main concept behind simple batch systems?
- Traps - The utilization of a resident monitor

Which of the following is a process control execution

mode? What is the main concept behind time-sharing systems?
 - The simultaneous access to the system through
terminals

What are the two main problems in dealing with serial

processing?
- Set-up time and scheduling

Which statement is INCORRECT regarding the

advancement of operating systems?
- A multi-programmed batch system must always
contain at least three (3) resident monitor in the
processor

What particular system allows the processor to handle

multiple jobs at a time?
- A multi-programmed batch system

Which statement is correct regarding the advancement

of operating systems?
- The theoretical advances in the development of
operating systems cover scheduling and resource
management.

In an operating system, which is a valid statement

concerning ISA?
- The operating system can access additional
machine language instructions that deal with the
management of a system's ISA.

In an operating system, which is a valid statement

concerning ABI?
- WRONG ANSWER KO

Which statement is valid regarding operating systems?

- WRONG ANSWER KO

Process Creation:
- Assign a unique process identifier to the new process
- Allocate space for the process
- Initialize the process control block
- Set the appropriate linkages
- Create or expand other data structures

ESSAY

- What is the most significant aspect of the transition

from serial processing system to batch system?
Rationalize your answer.

- In your opinion, what is the most noteworthy

innovation in the evolution of operating systems? Why?

UNIX - Berkeley Software Distribution

LINUX
Reviewer: Platform Technology

1. Introduction to Operating Systems

An Operating System (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources, making
computers easy to use. It handles things like:

 Program execution: Running applications.

 Memory management: Keeping track of which parts of memory are in use.
 I/O device management: Managing input/output devices like printers, keyboards, etc.
 File management: Handling files and folders.

The objectives of an OS include:

 Convenience: Makes computers easy to use.

 Efficiency: Ensures computer resources (like CPU and memory) are used well.
 Development support: Helps programmers create and test software.

2. Evolution of Operating Systems

Operating systems have evolved over the years:

 Serial Processing (1940s-1950s): No OS existed, and users had to interact directly with the hardware. This method was slow
and inefficient.
 Batch Systems (1950s): Introduced to improve processor usage by grouping jobs for execution.
 Multi-programmed Batch Systems: Allowed multiple programs to be in memory at once, improving CPU utilization.
 Time-sharing Systems: Allowed multiple users to use the system simultaneously, with the OS quickly switching between
user programs.

3. Operating System Services

An OS provides essential services:

 Program Development: Tools like text editors and debuggers.

 Program Execution: Loads programs into memory and runs them.
 Access to I/O Devices: Simplifies interacting with hardware devices.
 Error Detection: Detects and handles errors (like device failures).

The OS also manages the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), Application Binary Interface (ABI), and
Application Programming Interface (API), which are essential for running programs and providing hardware
access.

4. Overview of Some Operating Systems


 Microsoft Windows: Windows is a popular OS with a modular architecture. Its core consists of the
Windows Executive, Kernel, HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), and device drivers.

o Key components include the I/O Manager (for managing input/output devices), Cache Manager (for improving file
access speed), and Security Reference Monitor (for enforcing security policies).

UNIX: Initially developed at Bell Labs, UNIX systems have a simple architecture with three layers:
User Level, Kernel, and Hardware.

o Classic UNIX: Runs on a single processor and lacks some modern features like multiprocessing.
o Modern UNIX: Introduced advanced features like real-time processing and virtual memory.

Linux: An open-source variant of UNIX, Linux is modular, with the OS divided into loadable modules
that can be added or removed as needed.

o Linux is known for its dynamic linking (loading modules into memory when needed) and stackable modules
(modules that depend on each other).

Android: A Linux-based OS designed for mobile devices. It uses a smaller Linux kernel and focuses on
security, memory, and process management.

5. Processes in Operating Systems

A process is a program in execution, consisting of code, data, and resources. Processes are managed by the OS
to ensure smooth execution and resource sharing.

States of a Process

 New: The process is being created.

 Ready: The process is ready to be executed.
 Running: The process is currently executing.
 Waiting: The process is waiting for something (like I/O).
 Terminated: The process has finished execution.

Five-State Process Model

This model describes the transitions a process can make between different states:

1. New: The process is created.

2. Ready: The process waits to be executed.
3. Running: The process is executed.
4. Blocked: The process is waiting for a specific event (e.g., I/O).
5. Exit: The process finishes and exits the system.

Process Control Block (PCB)

Each process is represented by a Process Control Block (PCB). It stores all necessary information about the
process, including:

 Identifier: Unique ID for the process.

 State: The current state (new, ready, running, etc.).
 Program Counter: Tracks the next instruction to execute.
 Memory Pointers: Addresses of program data.
 I/O Status: Tracks the process’s use of input/output devices.

Process Switching

Process switching happens when the OS moves a process from running to another state (e.g., waiting or ready).
Interrupts or traps can trigger a switch, such as when a process finishes or encounters an error.

Modes of Execution

 User Mode: The process has limited control over the system. Most user applications run in this mode.
 Kernel Mode: The process has complete control and can access hardware directly. Only OS processes run in kernel mode
for security.

6. Practical Applications

 Process Scheduling: The OS decides which process runs next based on criteria like process priority and resource availability.
 Multiprocessing: Modern OS allows multiple processes to run simultaneously by managing CPU time and memory
allocation.