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OS-Assignment

The document is an assignment for a Bachelor Degree course on Advanced Operating Systems at Africa Zeal University, authored by Abdasalam Kumondan Juma. It covers key topics such as Process Management, Operating System Scheduling Algorithms, Inter-Process Communication, Input/Output Software, and Operating System Security, detailing their functions and mechanisms. Each section provides essential insights into the responsibilities and challenges associated with these aspects of operating systems.

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13 views4 pages

OS-Assignment

The document is an assignment for a Bachelor Degree course on Advanced Operating Systems at Africa Zeal University, authored by Abdasalam Kumondan Juma. It covers key topics such as Process Management, Operating System Scheduling Algorithms, Inter-Process Communication, Input/Output Software, and Operating System Security, detailing their functions and mechanisms. Each section provides essential insights into the responsibilities and challenges associated with these aspects of operating systems.

Uploaded by

abdasalamabdu589
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
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AFRICA ZEAL UNIVERSITY

INCULCATING PROFESSIONAL
DIGNITY

Department: Information Technology

Program: Bachelor Degree

Student Name: Abdasalam Kumondan Juma

Index Number: 079830

Course Name: CBI 425 Advanced Operating System

Instructor Name: Mr. Alfred Rotich


Assignment One

Submission Date:

Page |0
1. What is Process Management? (Discuss)

Process Management is a key function of an operating system that involves handling all aspects
of processes within a system. A process is an instance of a program in execution, and the OS is
responsible for creating, scheduling, and terminating these processes.

Key responsibilities of process management include:

 Process Creation and Deletion: Initiating and terminating processes as needed.


 Process Scheduling: Deciding the order in which processes access the CPU.
 Context Switching: Saving and loading process states during multitasking.
 Synchronization and Communication: Managing access to shared resources and
enabling inter-process communication.
 Deadlock Handling: Preventing or resolving situations where processes wait indefinitely
for resources.

2. Explain in Detail Operating System Scheduling Algorithms [6 Marks]

CPU scheduling algorithms determine which process gets the CPU next. Key scheduling
algorithms include:

1. First-Come, First-Served (FCFS):


o Processes are executed in the order they arrive.
o Simple but can lead to long wait times (convoy effect).
2. Shortest Job Next (SJN) or Shortest Job First (SJF):
o The process with the shortest CPU burst time is scheduled first.
o Optimal for wait time but hard to predict exact burst time.
3. Round Robin (RR):
o Each process gets a fixed time slice (quantum) in a cyclic order.
o Good for time-sharing systems, but performance depends on quantum size.
4. Priority Scheduling:
o Processes are scheduled based on priority.
o Risk of starvation for low-priority processes unless aging is used.
5. Multilevel Queue Scheduling:
o Processes are divided into queues based on priority or type.
o Each queue has its own scheduling algorithm.
6. Multilevel Feedback Queue:
o Processes can move between queues based on their behavior and requirements.
o Provides flexibility and better performance.

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3. Expound on Inter-Process Communication (IPC) in Operating Systems [6 Marks]

Inter-Process Communication (IPC) allows processes to exchange data and synchronize their
actions. This is crucial in multitasking environments.

Types of IPC:

1. Shared Memory:
o Multiple processes access a common memory space.
o Fast, but needs synchronization mechanisms like semaphores to avoid conflicts.
2. Message Passing:
o Processes communicate via messages sent and received through the OS.
o Useful in distributed systems. Can be:
 Synchronous (blocking)
 Asynchronous (non-blocking)

Mechanisms used:

 Pipes: Unidirectional data channels (used between parent-child processes).


 Message Queues: Structured message exchange using queues.
 Semaphores and Mutexes: Used for process synchronization.

IPC ensures data consistency, process coordination, and resource sharing.

4. Discuss Operating System Input/Output Software [6 Marks]

Input/Output (I/O) software in the OS manages communication between hardware devices and
applications. It includes:

1. Device Drivers:
o Software modules that control specific hardware.
o Provide a standard interface to interact with various devices.
2. Interrupt Handlers:
o Handle asynchronous events from I/O devices.
o Notify the CPU when a device is ready for processing.
3. I/O Scheduling:
o Determines the order in which I/O requests are processed (e.g., FCFS, SCAN).
4. Buffering:
o Temporarily stores data in memory while transferring between devices and
applications to handle speed mismatches.
5. Spooling:
o Stores data for devices (like printers) that can't accept interleaved data streams.

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6. I/O Protection:
o Ensures unauthorized access to devices is prevented.

The OS abstracts hardware complexity and ensures efficient and secure I/O operations.

5. Explain Operating System Security in Detail

Operating System security involves protecting system resources and data from unauthorized
access and threats. It ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Main components:

1. Authentication:
o Verifying the identity of users (e.g., passwords, biometrics).
2. Authorization:
o Granting access rights to users and processes based on policies.
3. Access Control:
o Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC), and
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) restrict user actions.
4. Encryption:
o Protecting data at rest and in transit using cryptographic methods.
5. Auditing and Logging:
o Monitoring system activities to detect unauthorized actions or breaches.
6. Malware Protection:
o Preventing and detecting viruses, worms, trojans, etc., using firewalls and
antivirus software.
7. Security Updates:
o Patching vulnerabilities in the OS regularly to reduce risk.

OS security is critical in protecting both user data and system integrity from internal and external
threats.

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