Summary

Introduction to Operating Systems

 An operating system (OS) acts as an intermediary between users and computer hardware,
facilitating efficient execution of tasks.

 Types of OS include:

1. Single User OS: E.g., MS-DOS.

2. Multi-User OS: E.g., Windows.

3. Distributed OS: Enables tasks to be distributed across multiple interconnected

computers.

Distributed Operating Systems (DOS)

 Definition: A system where multiple computers, connected via a network, work together as a
single cohesive unit.

 Components:

o Process management, input/output management, memory management, file

organization, security, and network management.

Evolution of Distributed OS

 Began as batch processing, evolved with minicomputers and master-slave models.

 Enabled by technologies like TCP/IP and Remote Procedure Calls (RPC).

 Today, DOS utilizes scalable, secure, and high-performing networks.

Architectural Models

1. Interaction Model:

o Focuses on process interaction, e.g., client-server communication.

o Types: Synchronous and Asynchronous Models.

2. Failure Model:

o Deals with faults like omission and Byzantine failures.

3. Security Model:

o Addresses threats such as unauthorized access, identity theft, denial of service, and
malware.

Types of Distributed OS

1. Client-Server Systems:
 o Centralized model where clients request services from a server.

2. Peer-to-Peer Systems:

o Decentralized; all nodes are both clients and servers.

3. Middleware:

o Facilitates communication between applications on different systems.

4. Three-Tier and N-Tier Systems:

o Divide tasks into layers for modularity, commonly used in web applications.

Examples of Distributed OS

 Solaris, OSF/1, Micros, DYNIX, Locus, Mach.

Applications of Distributed OS

 Used in network applications, telecommunications, real-time systems (e.g., aircraft control), and
parallel computing.

Key Characteristics of Distributed Systems

 Geographical distribution, communication, transparency, scalability, and fault tolerance.

Algorithmic Challenges

 Include issues like clock synchronization, leader election, deadlock detection, and garbage
collection.

Exam Questions

Short Answer

1. Define a distributed operating system and list its key components.

2. What is the purpose of middleware in a distributed system?

3. Differentiate between client-server and peer-to-peer models in DOS.

4. Explain the importance of fault tolerance in distributed systems.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the evolution of distributed operating systems and their role in modern computing.

2. Explain the interaction, failure, and security models in the context of distributed OS.

3. Compare and contrast three-tier and N-tier system architectures with examples.

Problem-Solving/Scenario
 1. A company wants to implement a distributed OS for its geographically distributed servers.
Suggest an appropriate architectural model and justify your choice.

2. Describe how synchronization mechanisms in distributed systems help prevent deadlocks.

Multiple Choice

1. Which protocol is commonly associated with Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)?

o A. HTTP

o B. TCP/IP

o C. FTP

o D. SMTP

Answer: B. TCP/IP

2. Which of the following is an example of a distributed operating system?

o A. Unix

o B. Windows

o C. Mach

o D. MS-DOS

Answer: C. Mach

Answers to Exam Questions

Short Answer

1. Define a distributed operating system and list its key components.

o Definition: A distributed operating system (DOS) enables multiple interconnected

computers to work together as a single cohesive system, sharing resources and
managing tasks collaboratively.

o Key Components:

 Process management

 Input/Output management

 Memory management

 File organization
  Security and protection

 Network management

2. What is the purpose of middleware in a distributed system?

Middleware acts as a bridge between different applications running on various operating
systems. It facilitates communication, data sharing, and interoperability by abstracting
complexities of the underlying network.

3. Differentiate between client-server and peer-to-peer models in DOS.

o Client-Server Model: A centralized architecture where clients send requests to a central

server, which processes and returns results.

o Peer-to-Peer Model: A decentralized architecture where all nodes can act as both clients
and servers, sharing resources and responsibilities equally.

4. Explain the importance of fault tolerance in distributed systems.

Fault tolerance ensures that a distributed system continues to function even when individual
nodes or components fail. This improves reliability, availability, and overall system robustness.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the evolution of distributed operating systems and their role in modern computing.
The evolution of distributed OS began with batch processing systems, which later transitioned to
master-slave architectures using minicomputers. The development of TCP/IP and Remote
Procedure Calls (RPC) facilitated distributed architectures, enabling tasks to be executed across
multiple systems. Modern distributed systems are characterized by high-speed processing,
scalability, and secure networks, supporting applications like cloud computing, real-time
processing, and global communications.

2. Explain the interaction, failure, and security models in the context of distributed OS.

o Interaction Model: Describes how processes interact within a system, including timing
and synchronization. Common examples include client-server and
synchronous/asynchronous communication.

o Failure Model: Focuses on identifying and addressing faults like omission or Byzantine
failures that may occur during process execution or communication.

o Security Model: Deals with mitigating risks such as unauthorized access, denial of
service, and malware. Proactive measures, like encryption and authentication, help
secure communication channels and data.

3. Compare and contrast three-tier and N-tier system architectures with examples.

o Three-Tier Architecture: Divides functions into three layers – Application Layer, Data
Layer, and Presentation Layer. Example: A web application where the user interface,
business logic, and database are separate.
 o N-Tier Architecture: Extends the concept of three-tier by adding additional layers for
more modularity. Commonly used in large-scale web applications and data systems.
Example: An e-commerce platform with layers for user authentication, payment
processing, and inventory management.

Problem-Solving/Scenario

1. A company wants to implement a distributed OS for its geographically distributed servers.

Suggest an appropriate architectural model and justify your choice.

o Suggestion: Client-Server Model.

o Justification: This model allows centralized management of resources and tasks, making
it easier to monitor and control geographically distributed servers. With reliable
communication protocols like TCP/IP, this architecture ensures data integrity and
consistent performance.

2. Describe how synchronization mechanisms in distributed systems help prevent deadlocks.

Synchronization mechanisms ensure coordinated access to shared resources, preventing
multiple processes from entering a state of circular dependency (deadlock). Techniques like
distributed locks, token-based systems, and leader election algorithms help manage resource
allocation and prevent conflicts.

Multiple Choice

1. Which protocol is commonly associated with Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)?

Answer: B. TCP/IP

2. Which of the following is an example of a distributed operating system?

Answer: C. Mach