UNIT 1:OVERVIEW OF OPERATING SYSTEM

Q. Sub Marking
No Q.N. Answer Scheme

1. a) What is Operating System? Define 2M

Ans. An operating system is defined as, “a program that acts as an interface between the Correct
user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs”. Definition
2M
OR
An operating system is defined as, "the system software that helps in managing the
resources of a computer as well as provides a platform for the application programs
running the computer".
OR
Operating system is a, "set of programs which control all the computer's resources and
provide an environment in which users can develop application programs".

b) Define real time operating system. List its any four applications of it. 2M
Real time Operating System:
Ans. A real time system has well defined fixed time constraints. Processing
should be done within the defined constraints -Hard and Soft real time
system. 1 Mark :-
Definition
OR 1 Mark :-
The real-time operating system used for a real-time application means for any 4
for those applications where data processing should be done in the fixed correct
and small quantum of time. application
Types of real time operating system
1. Hard real-time
2. Soft real-time
Applications:
1.Flight Control System
2.Simulations
3.Industrial control
4.Military applications
c) Differentiate between Multi programmed and Multitasking operating 2M
system (Any two points)

Ans. Features Multiprogramming Multitasking

Any two
Basic It allows multiple A supplementary of the relevant
points,
programs to utilize multiprogramming 1M each
the CPU system also allows for
simultaneously. user interaction.

Mechanism Based on the context Based on the time

switching sharing mechanism.
mechanism.
 Objective It is useful for It is useful for running
reducing/decreasing multiple processes at the
CPU idle time and same time, effectively
increasing increasing CPU and
throughput as much system throughput.
as possible.

Timing It takes maximum It takes minimum time

time to execute the to execute the process.
process.
d) List and draw neat labeled diagram of four components of computer system. 2M

Ans. Computer Systems can be divided into four

components 1 Mark :-
List any 4
correct
• Hardware components
• Operating System 1 Mark :-
• Application Programs for diagram
• Users
Figure of Components of ComputerSystems:-

2. a) Describe function of OS in detail 4M

Ans. The major functions of an operating system are:

1. Resource Management: This function of OS allocates computer resources
such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage and input and output devices
for use. Relevant
2. Data management: It observes input and output of the data and their location, Explanation
4M
storage and retrieval.
3. Task management: This function prepares, schedules, controls and monitors
jobs submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing.
4. Allocation of Resources: Handles system resources such as computer's
memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU) time by various
applications or peripheral devices.
5. Communication between User and Computer: Provides a user interface, e.g.
 command line, graphical user interface (GUI)
6. Operating system enables startup application programs. OS must have text
editor, a translator and an editor.
7. Operating system provides number of services such as for the programmer it
provides utilities i.e. debugger, editors, file management which refers to the way
that the operating system manipulates, stores, retrieves and saves data. It
interprets the commands executed by the user. It handles disk input/output
settings.

b) Describe Views of Operating Systems 4M

Ans The operating system may be observed from the viewpoint of the user or the
system. It is known as the user view and the system view. There are mainly two
types of views of the operating system. These are as follows:

( Figure of Views of Operating Systems )

1) Users View
• Most computer users sit in front of a PC, consisting of a monitor, keyboard,
mouse and system unit. Such a system is designed for one user to monopolize its
resources, to maximize the work that the user is performing. In this case, the
operating system is designed mostly for ease of use, with some attention paid to
performance, and none paid to resource utilization.
• Some users sit at a terminal connected to a mainframe or minicomputer. Other
users are accessing the same computer through other terminals. These users share
resources and may exchange information. The operating system is designed to
maximize resource utilization.
• Other users sit at workstations, connected to networks of other workstations and
servers. These users have dedicated resources at their disposal, but they also Relevant
share resources such as networking and servers Explanation
3 Marks
• Recently, many varieties of handheld computers have come into fashion. These diagram 1
devices are mostly standalone, used singly by individual users. Some are mark
connected to networks, either directly by wire or through wireless modems.
• Due to power and interface limitations, they perform relatively few remote
operations. These operating systems are designed mostly for individual usability,
but performance per amount of battery life is important as well.
• Some computers have little or no user view. For example, embedded computers
in home devices and automobiles may have numeric keypad, and may turn
indicator lights on or off to show status, but mostly they and their operating
systems are designed to run without user intervention.
2) System View
• We can view an operating system as a resource allocator. A computer system
has many resources - hardware and software - that may be required to solve a
problem. The operating system acts as the manager of these resources.
An operating system can also be viewed as a control program that manages the
 execution of user programs to prevent errors and improper use of the computer. It
is especially concerned with the operation and control of I/O devices.
•We have no universally accepted definition of what is part of the operating
system. A simple viewpoint is that it includes everything a vendor ships when you
order “the operating system.”
•A more common definition is that the operating system is the one program
running at all times on the computer (usually called the kernel), with all else being
application programs. This is the one that we generally follow.

c) Explain batch operating system. 4M

Ans

( Figure of batch operating system )

1) A batch operating system normally reads a stream of separate jobs (from a
Relevant
card reader. For example), each with its own control cards that predefined to Explanation
prevent errors and improper use of the computer. It is concerned with the 3 Marks
operation and control if I/O devices. diagram 1
Mark
2) A batch system is one in which jobs are bundled together with the instruction
necessary to allow them to be processed without intervention. Often jobs of a
similar nature can be bundled together to further increase economy.
3) Common input devices were card readers and tape drives. The basic physical
layout of the memory of batch job computer is shown in fig.
4) The OS was simple, its major task was to transfer control from one job to the
next. The job was submitted to the computer operator in form of punch cards.
At some later time the output appeared.
5) The OS was always resident in memory. Often magnetic tapes and drums
were used to store intermediate data and compiled programs.
6) Example: Payroll system, stock control and billing systems.
Advantages of Batch OS :-
1) The use of a resident monitor improves computer efficiency as it eliminates
CPU time between two jobs.
Disadvantages of Batch OS :-
1) Starvation -Batch processing suffers from starvation.
2) Not Interactive- Batch Processing is not suitable for jobs that are dependent
on the user's input. Because user is not present at the time of execution.

d) Explain multiprogramming system with diagram. 4M

Ans

( Figure of multiprogramming system )

1) In multiprogramming, more than one program lies in the memory i.e. in terms
of Operating system, the scheduler selects the jobs to be placed in ready queue
from a number of programs.
2) The ready queue is placed in memory and the existence of more than one
program in main memory is known as multiprogramming.
3) Since there is only once processor, there can be no simultaneous execution of
different programs. Relevant
Explanation
4) Instead, the operating system executes part of one program, then the part of 3 Marks
another and so on. diagram 1
5) Multiprogramming is the simple form of parallel processing in which several Mark
programs run at the same time on a processor.
6) Example of multiprogramming, we open word, excel, access and other
applications together but while we type in word other applications such as excel
and access are just present in main memory but they are not performing any task
or work. Or we can say that are not being.
Advantages of Multiprogramming OS:-
1) Throughout the system, it increased as the CPU always had one program to
execute.
2) Response time can also be reduced.
Disadvantages of Multiprogramming OS:-
1) Multiprogramming systems provide an environment in which various systems
resources are used efficiently, but they do not provide any user interaction with
the computer system.
2) Prior knowledge of scheduling algorithms is required.
3) If it has a large number of jobs, then long-term jobs will have to require a long
wait.

e) Explain Multitasking Operating Systems 4M

Ans
 ( Figure of Multitasking Operating system )

1) Task means a process. A process means a program in execution. A CPU

handling multiple tasks at a time is known as multitasking. A multitasking
operating system can handle multiple tasks together by applying
multiprogramming technique.
2) An instance of a program in execution is called a process or a task.
Relevant
Multitasking operating system supports two or more active processes Explanation
simultaneously. 3 Marks
3) A multi-process operating system is also called multitasking operating system. diagram 1
Multitasking is the ability to support two or more active processes Mark
simultaneously.
4) In multitasking, only one CPU is involved, but it switches from one program
to another so quickly that it gives the appearance of executing all of the programs
at the same time.
5) Multitasking is, on single-processor machines, implemented by letting the
running process own the CPU for a while (a time slice) and when required gets
replaced with another process, which then owns the CPU.
Types of real time system:
1. Cooperative Multitasking: The simplest form of multitasking is cooperative
multitasking. It lets the programs decide when they wish to let other tasks
run. This method is not good since it lets one process monopolize the CPU
and never let other processes run. This way a program may be reluctant to
give away processing power in the fear of another process hogging all CPU
time. Early versions of the Mac OS (up to Mac OS 8) and versions of
Windows earlier than Win95/Win NT used cooperative multitasking (Win95
when running old apps).
2. Preemptive Multitasking: Preemptive multitasking moves the control of
the CPU to the OS, letting each process run for a given amount of time (a
time slice) and then switching to another task. This method prevents one
process from taking complete control of the system and thereby making it
seem as if it is crashed. This method is most common today, implemented by
among others OS/2, Win95/98, Win NT, Unix, Linux, Be OS, QNX, OS9
and most mainframe OS. The assignment of CPU time is taken care of by the
scheduler.

f) Explain Multiprocessor Systems or Parallel Systems 4M

Ans
1) Multiprocessor operating systems are used in operating systems to boost the
performance of multiple CPU's within a single computer system.
2) Multiple CPU are linked together so that a job can be divided and executed Relevant
more quickly. Explanation
3 Marks
3) When a job is completed, the results from all CPU's are compiled to provide diagram 1
the final output. Mark
4) Jobs were required to share main memory, and they may often share other
system resources.
5) Multiple CPU's can be used to run multiple tasks at the same time, for
example, UNIX.
6) In a multiprocessing OS, a motherboard can handle many processors.
7) Processors can also be utilized as a part of a multiprocessing system.
Types of Multiprocessor Operating system:
1)Asymmetric Multiprocessing:
 In this system, a specific task is assigned to each processor.
 The system has one master processor and others are slave processors.
 A master processor controls the system and slave processors follow the
instructions of master or perform their predefined task.
2) Symmetric Multiprocessing:
 In symmetric multiprocessing, there is no master-slave concept used.
 All the processors are peer processors.
 They perform all tasks within the operating system
Advantages of multiprocessing operating system are:
1) Increased reliability: Due to the multiprocessing system, processing tasks
can be distributed among several processors. This increases reliability as if one
processor fails; the task can be given to another processor for completion.
2) Increased throughout: As several processors increase, more work can be
done in less .
3) The economy of Scale: As multiprocessors systems share peripherals,
secondary storage devices, and power supplies, they are relatively cheaper
than single-processor systems.
Disadvantages of Multiprocessing operating System:
1) Operating system of multiprocessing is more complex and sophisticated as it
takes care of multiple CPU's at the same time.
2) It is difficult to balance the workload among processors.

4M
Ans In time sharing system, the CPU executes multiple jobs by switching
among them. The switches occur so frequently that the users can
interact with each program while it is running. It includes an
interactive computer system which provides direct communication
between the user and the system. A time-sharing system allows many
users to share the computer resources simultaneously. The time
sharing system provides the direct access to many users where CPU
time is divided among all the users on scheduled basis. The operating
system allocates a time slice to each user. When this time is expired,
it passes control to the next user on the system. The time allowed is
extremely small and the users are given the impression that each of
them has their own CPU and they are the sole owner of the CPU. In
this time slice each user gets attention of the CPU. The objective of
time- sharing system is to minimize response time of process .
Example: The concept of time-sharing system is shown in figure:

Relevant
Explanation
3 Marks
diagram 1
Mark

In above figure, the user 5 is active but user 1, user 2, user 3, and user
4 are in waiting state whereas user 6 is in ready status.
Advantages of Time-sharing operating systems are as follows
1) Provides the advantage of quick response.
2) Avoids duplication of software.
3) Reduces CPU idle time.
Disadvantages of Time-sharing operating systems are as follows
1) Problem of reliability.
2) Question of security and integrity of user programs and data.
3) Problem of data communication.
h) What is real time system? Explain its types. 4M

Ans

( Figure of Real time-sharing system )

1) Real time systems are used in environment where a large number of events,
mostly external to the computer system, must be accepted and processes in a
Relevant
short time or within certain deadlines. Explanation
2) Such applications include real-time simulations, flight control, industrial 3 Marks
control, military applications etc. diagram 1
3) A primary objective of real-time systems is to provide quick event response Mark
time and thus meet the scheduling deadlines.
4) User convenience and resource utilization are of secondary concern to real-
time system designers.
5) In Real time systems, processor is allocated to the highest priority process
among those that are ready to execute.
6) Higher priority processes preempt execution of the lower priority processes.
7) This form is called as ‘priority –based preemptive scheduling’.
Types of real time system:
1.Hard real time: -
Hard real time means strict about adherence to each task deadline. When an event
occurs, it should be always serviced within the predictable time in a given hard
real time system.
Example: - Weapons Defense System, Flight Control Systems, Air traffic control
systems, video transmission, each picture frame and audio must be transferred at
fixed rate.
2.Soft real time: -
Soft real time means that only the precedence and sequence for the task
operations are defined, interrupt latencies and context switching latencies are
small. There can be few deviations between expected latencies of the tasks and
observed time constraints and a few deadline misses are accepted.
Example: -Mobile phone, digital cameras and orchestra playing robots.
Advantages of Real-time operating system:
• Easy to layout, develop and execute real-time applications under the real-
time operating system.
• In a Real-time operating system, the maximum utilization of devices
and systems.
Disadvantages of Real-time operating system:
• Real-time operating systems are very costly to develop.
• Real-time operating systems are very complex and can consume critical CPU
cycles.
i) Difference between Time-sharing and Real-time operating system 4M

Ans Features Time-sharing operating Real-time operating system

system
Definition A time-sharing operating A real-time operating system
system allows multiple users (RTOS) is used in those
to access the same computer environments where we want
system from different the result of a task in a fixed
locations simultaneously. time interval.
Aim It aims to provide a quick It aims to produce the result
response. before the specified time Any four
interval. points 1M
Response The response is generated in The response is generated each
less than a second. within the fixed time interval.
Computer The computer resources are The computer resources are
Resources shared between all the users allotted to each process for a
working on that system. fixed amount of time.
Switching There is switching from one There is minimal switching
process to another. from one process to another.
Modifying the Any modification in a No modification in a program
program program is possible. is possible.
Number of It can run several applications It can run only one application
applications simultaneously. at a time.
running

System failure It doesn’t lead to system It may lead to system failure if

failure when a the task is not done within the
deadline is not accomplished. specified time.

j) Explain the structure of UNIX 4M

Ans

Kernel: The kernel is the heart of the operating system. It interacts with the
 hardware and most of the tasks like memory management, task scheduling and
file management. Relevant
Explanation
Shell: The shell is the utility that processes your requests. When you type in a 3 Marks
command at your terminal, the shell interprets the command and calls the diagram 1
program that you want. The shell uses standard syntax for all commands. C Mark
Shell, Bourne Shell and Korn Shell are the most famous shells which are
available with most of the Unix variants.
Commands and Utilities: There are various commands and utilities which you
can make use of in your day-to-day activities. cp, mv, cat and grep, etc. are few
examples of commands and utilities. There are over 250 standard commands plus
numerous others provided through 3rd party software. All the commands come
along with various options.
Files and Directories − All the data of Unix is organized into files. All files are
then organized into directories. These directories are further organized into a
tree-like structure called the file system.

k) Describe stepwise booting process of UNIX along with diagram. 4M

Ans

( Figure of booting process of UNIX )

1) The loading of the operating system is achieved by a special program called Relevant
Explanation
BOOT. 3 Marks
2) Generally, this program is stored in one (or two) sectors on the disk with a diagram 1
predetermined address. This portion is normally called “BOOT Block” as shown Mark
in fig.
3) The ROM normally contains a minimum program. When one turns the
computer “ON”, the control is transferred to this program automatically by the
hardware itself.
4) This program in ROM loads the BOOT program in pre-determined memory
locations.
5) The beauty is to keep BOOT program as small as possible, so that the
hardware can manage to load it easily and in a very few instructions.
6) This BOOT program in turn contains to read the rest of the Operating System
into the memory. This is depicted in figures.
7)The mechanism gives an impression of pulling oneself up. Therefore, its short
form booting.
l) Compare between command line and Graphical user interface. 4M

Ans

Any four
points 1M
each

m) Differentiate Between Linux and Unix. 4M

Ans
Key LINUX UNIX

Any four
points 1M
each