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Assignment of Network Administration

The document discusses the interaction between hardware and the operating system (OS) in handling interrupts, detailing the roles of both in the process. It also explores the possibility of creating secure operating systems without privileged modes, the necessity of privileged instructions, and methods for implementing system calls without dedicated instructions. Additionally, it compares mainframe and PC operating systems and debates whether applications like web browsers should be considered part of the OS, presenting arguments for and against this inclusion.

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Niyonzima Steven
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18 views4 pages

Assignment of Network Administration

The document discusses the interaction between hardware and the operating system (OS) in handling interrupts, detailing the roles of both in the process. It also explores the possibility of creating secure operating systems without privileged modes, the necessity of privileged instructions, and methods for implementing system calls without dedicated instructions. Additionally, it compares mainframe and PC operating systems and debates whether applications like web browsers should be considered part of the OS, presenting arguments for and against this inclusion.

Uploaded by

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

1.

How

do hardware and the OS work together to handle interrupts? When an interrupt

happens, what tasks are handled by the hardware and what tasks are handled by

the OS?

Hardware-OS Interaction in Interrupt Handling


Interrupts are signals sent to the CPU from external devices or internal components, indicating
that they require attention. This could be due to a device needing data, a task completing, or an
error occurring.

Hardware's Role in Interrupt Handling

1. Interrupt Generation: When an event occurs that triggers an interrupt, the device generates an
electrical signal that is sent to the CPU.
2. Interrupt Request: The CPU receives the interrupt request and pauses its current task.
3. Interrupt Vector Table: The CPU uses the interrupt request to look up an entry in the interrupt
vector table. This table contains the memory address of the interrupt service routine (ISR) that
should be executed to handle the interrupt.

OS's Role in Interrupt Handling

1. Interrupt Service Routine (ISR): The OS provides the ISR that will be executed to handle the
interrupt. This routine may be part of the OS kernel or a device driver.
2. Interrupt Handling: The ISR performs the necessary actions to handle the interrupt, such as
reading or writing data to a device, updating system state, or scheduling a task.

2. Secure Operating Systems without Privileged Mode


It is possible to construct a secure operating system without a privileged mode. One
approach involves strict isolation between user processes and the kernel. This can be achieved
through:
 Memory protection: Ensuring that user processes cannot access or modify kernel
memory.
 Capability-based security: Granting processes specific capabilities or permissions to
access resources, rather than relying on a privileged mode.

However, implementing a secure operating system without privileged mode can be


challenging and may have performance overhead. Privileged mode can provide hardware-
level protection and efficient mechanisms for handling system calls and interrupts.

3. Privileged Instructions
Privileged instructions are those that can potentially modify or compromise the system's
security or stability. Here's why the following instructions should be privileged:

 a) Set value of timer: Modifying the timer can affect system timing and scheduling.
 d) Turn off interrupts: Disabling interrupts can prevent the system from responding to
critical events.
 e) Switch from user to monitor (kernel) mode: This transition grants access to
privileged instructions and system resources.

Instructions like b) Read the clock and c) Set memory content to zero can be non-privileged
as they do not directly affect system security or stability.

4. Sys calls without a Dedicated Instruction


Yes, it's possible to implement sys calls without a dedicated instruction. One approach is to
use software interrupts. The user process can generate a software interrupt, which the hardware
will handle as if it were a hardware interrupt. The interrupt service routine can then identify the
sys call request and perform the appropriate actions.

Another approach is to use a specific memory location or register to store syscall requests. The
kernel can periodically check this location and handle any pending requests.

5. Tracking Time of Day with an Interval Timer


To track the time of day using an interval timer that only counts down to zero, the OS can:

 Maintain a time variable: Initialize a variable to the current time.


 Update the variable: Each time the interval timer interrupts, increment the time variable
by the timer's interval.
 Handle overflow: If the time variable reaches its maximum value, reset it to zero and
increment a day counter.

6. Mainframe vs. PC Operating Systems


Mainframe operating systems are typically designed for large-scale, high-performance
computing environments. They often have:

 Batch processing capabilities: Handling large volumes of jobs in a sequential manner.


 Real-time processing: Ensuring timely responses to critical events.
 Robust fault tolerance: Mechanisms to recover from hardware failures or system
crashes.

PC operating systems are designed for personal computers and have:

 Interactive user interfaces: Providing a graphical environment for users to interact with
the system
 Network connectivity: Supporting communication with other computers and devices.

Consider the various definitions of operating

system. Consider whether the operating system should include

applications such as web browsers and mail programs. Argue both pro and

con positions, and support your answers.

The Operating System and the Scope of Applications


The definition of an operating system (OS) can vary depending on the context. However, it
generally refers to the software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. This
includes tasks like memory allocation, process scheduling, input/output handling, and file system
management.

The question of whether applications like web browsers and mail programs should be
considered part of the OS is a complex one.

Arguments for Including Applications in the OS

1. Consistency: A unified OS environment can provide a consistent user experience across


different applications. This can be especially beneficial for users who are less technically
inclined.
2. Security: Integrating applications with the OS can allow for more robust security measures. The
OS can enforce access controls and protect against vulnerabilities in individual applications.
3. Resource Management: The OS can better manage system resources (e.g., CPU, memory,
network) when applications are tightly integrated. This can lead to improved performance and
stability.

Arguments Against Including Applications in the OS

1. Flexibility: If applications are bundled with the OS, it can limit flexibility. Users may not be able
to easily install or remove applications based on their specific needs.
2. Innovation: Keeping applications separate from the OS can foster innovation. Independent
developers can create and distribute applications without relying on the OS vendor's approval.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to include applications in the OS depends on the


specific goals and priorities of the OS developer. For example, a mobile OS may choose to
bundle a set of essential applications to provide a complete user experience out of the box

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