Chapter 1 (OS)
Chapter 1 (OS)
Chapter NO. 1
Topic 1:
What is a Batch System?
A batch system is a type of operating system that executes a series of jobs or programs in a batch, without user
interaction.
3. Batch processing: Batch systems process jobs in batches, rather than individually.
2. Job scheduling: The batch system schedules the jobs for execution.
3. Reduced labor costs: Batch systems reduce labor costs by automating tasks.
2. Unix-based systems: Unix-based systems, such as Linux and macOS, support batch processing.
3. Windows-based systems: Windows-based systems, such as Windows Server, support batch processing.
Batch Scheduling Algorithms:
1. First-Come-First-Served (FCFS): Jobs are executed in the order they are submitted.
2. Shortest Job First (SJF): Jobs are executed in the order of their length.
Topic 2:
What is Time-Sharing?
Time-sharing is a technique used in operating systems to allow multiple users to share the same computer resources,
such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. Each user is allocated a time slot, known as a time quantum, to use the
resources.
Characteristics of Time-Sharing:
1. Multi-user support: Multiple users can access the system simultaneously.
2. Time slicing: Each user is allocated a time quantum to use the resources.
3. Preemptive scheduling: The operating system can interrupt a user's time quantum and allocate it to another user.
4. Context switching: The operating system switches between user contexts, saving and restoring the state of each user's
program.
Advantages of Time-Sharing:
1. Improved resource utilization: Multiple users can share the same resources, increasing overall system utilization.
2. Increased productivity: Multiple users can work simultaneously, improving overall productivity.
3. Better responsiveness: Time-sharing allows for faster response times, as each user's program is executed in a short
time quantum.
Disadvantages of Time-Sharing:
1. Overhead: Time-sharing incurs overhead due to context switching and scheduling.
2. Security risks: Time-sharing can introduce security risks, as multiple users share the same resources.
3. Starvation: A user's program may not get enough CPU time, leading to starvation.
Types of Time-Sharing:
1. Simple Time-Sharing: Each user is allocated a fixed time quantum.
2. Priority Time-Sharing: Users are allocated time quanta based on their priority.
3. Round-Robin Time-Sharing: Each user is allocated a fixed time quantum in a circular order.
Examples of Time-Sharing Operating Systems:
1. Unix: Unix is a multi-user, time-sharing operating system.
Topic 3:
What is a Multi-Programmed System?
A multi-programmed system is a type of operating system that allows multiple programs to run concurrently, sharing the
same resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
3. Memory management: The operating system manages memory allocation and deallocation for each program.
4. Resource sharing: Programs share resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
2. Program execution: The operating system executes each program in a time-sharing manner.
3. Context switching: The operating system switches between programs, saving and restoring the state of each program.
4. Resource allocation: The operating system allocates resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices to each program.
2. Increased throughput: Multiple programs can run concurrently, increasing system throughput.
3. Better responsiveness: Programs can respond quickly to user input, improving system responsiveness.
2. Overhead: Context switching and resource allocation can incur significant overhead.
3. Security risks: Multiple programs running concurrently can introduce security risks.
3. Mainframe operating systems: Mainframe operating systems, such as IBM z/OS, are multi-programmed systems.
Multi-Programming Algorithms:
1. First-Come-First-Served (FCFS): Programs are executed in the order they are submitted.
2. Shortest Job First (SJF): Programs are executed in the order of their length.
Topic 4:
What is a Single-Processor System?
A single-processor system is a computer system that uses only one central processing unit (CPU) to execute instructions
and perform tasks.
2. Low Cost: Single-processor systems are generally less expensive than multi-processor systems.
2. No Fault Tolerance: If the single CPU fails, the entire system fails.
3. Limited Scalability: Single-processor systems are not scalable, as adding more CPUs is not possible.
2. Embedded Systems: Many embedded systems, such as traffic lights and microwave ovens, use single-processor
systems.
3. Older PCs: Older PCs, such as those from the 1980s and 1990s, were often single-processor systems.
3. Input/Output (I/O) Devices: I/O devices, such as keyboards and displays, interact with the user and provide
input/output operations.
Topic 5:
What is a Multiprocessor System?
A multiprocessor system is a computer system that uses multiple central processing units (CPUs) to execute instructions
and perform tasks.
2. Parallel Processing: Multiple CPUs can execute instructions in parallel, improving system performance.
3. Shared Memory: CPUs share a common memory space, allowing for efficient communication and data sharing.
4. Distributed Processing: CPUs can be distributed across multiple nodes or systems, allowing for scalable and fault-
tolerant processing.
2. Increased Scalability: Multiprocessor systems can be scaled up or down to meet changing system demands.
3. Fault Tolerance: Multiprocessor systems can continue to operate even if one or more CPUs fail.
4. Efficient Resource Utilization: Multiprocessor systems can efficiently utilize system resources, such as memory and I/O
devices.
2. Higher Cost: Multiprocessor systems are generally more expensive than single-processor systems.
3. Synchronization Overhead: Multiprocessor systems require synchronization mechanisms to coordinate CPU execution,
which can incur overhead.
3. Massively Parallel Processing (MPP): Thousands of CPUs operate in parallel to solve complex problems.
2. Server Systems: Server systems, such as those from Dell and HP, use multiple CPUs to support multiple users and
applications.
3. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems: HPC systems, such as those from NVIDIA and AMD, use multiple CPUs
and GPUs to support demanding applications.
3. Interconnect: Interconnects, such as buses and networks, allow CPUs to communicate and coordinate.
4. Operating System: The operating system manages CPU execution, memory allocation, and I/O operations.
2. Shared Memory: CPUs share a common memory space, allowing for efficient communication and data sharing.
3. Single Operating System: CPUs operate under a single operating system, which manages CPU execution, memory
allocation, and I/O operations.
4. Symmetric Access: All CPUs have equal access to memory and I/O devices.
2. Increased Scalability: SMP systems can be scaled up or down to meet changing system demands.
3. Efficient Resource Utilization: SMP systems can efficiently utilize system resources, such as memory and I/O devices.
2. Higher Cost: SMP systems are generally more expensive than single-processor systems.
3. Cache Coherence: SMP systems require cache coherence mechanisms to ensure data consistency across CPUs.
2. HP ProLiant Servers
3. Interconnect: Interconnects, such as buses and networks, allow CPUs to communicate and coordinate.
4. Operating System: The operating system manages CPU execution, memory allocation, and I/O operations.
2. Different Operating Systems: CPUs operate under different operating systems, which manage CPU execution, memory
allocation, and I/O operations.
3. Asymmetric Access: CPUs have different access to memory and I/O devices, which can lead to differences in processing
power and efficiency.
4. Specialized Processing: CPUs can be specialized for specific tasks, such as graphics processing, scientific simulations, or
data analytics.
2. Increased Flexibility: ASMP systems can support a wide range of applications and workloads, thanks to the ability to
use different operating systems and specialized processing.
3. Efficient Resource Utilization: ASMP systems can efficiently utilize system resources, such as memory and I/O devices,
by allocating them to the CPUs that need them most.
Disadvantages of ASMP Systems1. Increased Complexity: ASMP systems are more complex than
symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) systems, requiring more sophisticated hardware and software.
2. Higher Cost: ASMP systems are generally more expensive than SMP systems, due to the need for specialized hardware
and software.
3. Limited Scalability: ASMP systems can be more difficult to scale than SMP systems, due to the need to coordinate
multiple operating systems and specialized processing.
2. Cray Supercomputers: These supercomputers use a combination of general-purpose processors and specialized
processors, such as the Cray X1E vector processor, to provide asymmetric multiprocessing for high-performance
computing applications.
3. NVIDIA Tesla GPU Clusters: These clusters use a combination of general-purpose processors and specialized graphics
processing units (GPUs) to provide asymmetric multiprocessing for high-performance computing applications such as
scientific simulations, data analytics, and machine learning.
2. Memory: Shared memory allows CPUs to access and share data, while private memory allows CPUs to access and
store data independently.
3. Interconnect: Interconnects, such as buses and networks, allow CPUs to communicate and coordinate.
4. Operating System: Multiple operating systems manage CPU execution, memory allocation, and I/O operations for each
CPU
Topic 6:
Distributed systems
Distributed systems are a collection of independent computers that appear to users as a single, coherent system. These
computers, or nodes, work together, communicate over a network, and coordinate their activities to achieve a common
goal by sharing resources, data, and tasks.¹
- Openness: Distributed systems are designed to be extensible, allowing new resources and nodes to be added as
needed.
- Concurrency: Distributed systems can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving overall system performance.
- Scalability: Distributed systems can easily grow by adding more nodes, allowing them to handle increased demand
without significant reconfiguration.
- Fault Tolerance: Distributed systems can continue to operate even if one or more nodes fail.
- Increased Reliability: Distributed systems can continue to operate even if one or more nodes fail.
- Enhanced Scalability: Distributed systems can easily grow by adding more nodes.
- Better Resource Utilization: Distributed systems can share resources across nodes, improving overall resource
utilization.
- Higher Cost: Distributed systems are generally more expensive than centralized systems.
- Security Risks: Distributed systems can be more vulnerable to security risks due to the increased number of nodes and
connections.
- Amazon's Cloud Computing Platform: Amazon's cloud computing platform is a distributed system that uses multiple
nodes to provide scalable computing resources.
- Bitcoin's Blockchain Network: Bitcoin's blockchain network is a distributed system that uses multiple nodes to verify
and record transactions.
Topic 7:
Clustered systems
A clustered system is a type of distributed system that consists of multiple computers or nodes that work together as a
single system to provide high availability, scalability, and reliability.
2. Shared Resources: Nodes in a clustered system share resources such as storage, networking, and processing power.
3. Single System Image: Clustered systems present a single system image to users and applications, making it appear as
though they are interacting with a single system.
4. High Availability: Clustered systems are designed to provide high availability, ensuring that the system remains
operational even in the event of node failures.
5. Scalability: Clustered systems are highly scalable, allowing new nodes to be added as needed to increase processing
power and storage capacity.
2. Load-Balancing Clusters: These clusters are designed to distribute workload across multiple nodes to improve
responsiveness and scalability.
3. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: These clusters are designed to provide high-performance computing
capabilities for applications such as scientific simulations and data analytics.
2. Increased Scalability: Clustered systems are highly scalable, allowing new nodes to be added as needed to increase
processing power and storage capacity.
3. Enhanced Reliability: Clustered systems provide enhanced reliability, as node failures can be automatically detected
and recovered from.
4. Better Resource Utilization: Clustered systems can provide better resource utilization, as resources can be shared
across nodes.
2. Higher Cost: Clustered systems are generally more expensive than single-system environments, due to the need for
multiple nodes and specialized hardware and software.
3. Management Challenges: Clustered systems can be more difficult to manage than single-system environments, due to
the need to coordinate multiple nodes and manage shared resources.
2. Amazon's Cloud Computing Platform: Amazon's cloud computing platform is a clustered system that uses multiple
nodes to provide scalable computing resources.
3. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: HPC clusters are used in a variety of fields, including scientific research,
engineering, and finance, to provide high-performance computing capabilities.
Topic 8:
Real-Time System
A real-time system is a computer system that is designed to process and respond to events in real-time, meaning that the
system must complete tasks within a specific time constraint.
2. Timeliness: Real-time systems must be able to complete tasks within a specific time constraint.
3. Reliability: Real-time systems must be reliable, meaning that the system must be able to recover from failures and
continue to operate correctly.
4. Fault Tolerance: Real-time systems must be fault-tolerant, meaning that the system must be able to detect and recover
from faults.
2. Soft Real-Time Systems: These systems have less strict timing constraints and can tolerate some delay in task
completion. Examples include video streaming systems and online gaming platforms.
3. Firm Real-Time Systems: These systems have timing constraints that are between hard and soft real-time systems.
Examples include industrial control systems and transportation systems.
2. Increased Reliability: Real-time systems are designed to be reliable and fault-tolerant, making them suitable for critical
applications.
3. Enhanced Safety: Real-time systems can improve safety by responding quickly to emergency situations.
2. Higher Cost: Real-time systems are generally more expensive than non-real-time systems, due to the need for
specialized hardware and software.
3. Limited Flexibility: Real-time systems have limited flexibility, as they must operate within strict timing constraints.
3. Industrial Control Systems: These systems control industrial processes, such as manufacturing and power generation,
and must respond quickly to changes in the environment.
4. Transportation Systems: These systems, such as traffic management and rail control systems, must operate in real-time
to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Topic 9:
Handheld System
A handheld system is a small, portable computer or electronic device that can be held and operated in one's hand.
2. Small Display: Handheld systems typically have small displays, ranging from a few inches to several inches in size.
3. Limited Keyboard: Handheld systems often have limited keyboards or rely on touchscreens for input.
4. Battery-Powered: Handheld systems are typically battery-powered, allowing users to operate them on the go.
2. Tablets: Tablets are handheld systems that are larger than smartphones but smaller than laptops.
3. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): PDAs are handheld systems that provide personal organization and communication
tools.
4. Gaming Consoles: Handheld gaming consoles, such as Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, are designed for portable
gaming.
3. Cost-Effective: Handheld systems are often more affordable than larger computer systems.
2. Small Display: Handheld systems' small displays can make it difficult to view and interact with content.
3. Limited Battery Life: Handheld systems' battery life can be limited, requiring frequent recharging.
Examples of Handheld Systems
1. Apple iPhone: A popular smartphone that combines phone, computer, and camera functionality.
3. Nintendo Switch: A handheld gaming console that can be used both at home and on the go.
4. Garmin GPS: A handheld GPS device designed for navigation and outdoor activities.
Topic 10:
Multimedia System
A multimedia system is a computer system that integrates multiple forms of media, such as text, images, audio, and
video, to provide an interactive and engaging user experience.
2. Interactivity: Multimedia systems provide an interactive user experience, allowing users to engage with the media
content.
3. Real-time Processing: Multimedia systems require real-time processing to ensure smooth playback and interaction
with media content.
4. High Bandwidth: Multimedia systems require high bandwidth to handle the large amounts of data required for
multimedia content.
2. Video Systems: Video systems focus on video content, such as movies and TV shows.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Systems: VR systems provide an immersive multimedia experience, using a combination of audio,
video, and interactive technologies.
4. Multimedia Conferencing Systems: Multimedia conferencing systems enable remote meetings and collaborations,
using a combination of audio, video, and interactive technologies.
2. Improved Communication: Multimedia systems enable more effective communication, using a combination of media
forms.
3. Increased Accessibility: Multimedia systems can make information more accessible, using multimedia content to
convey complex information.
Disadvantages of Multimedia Systems
1. High System Requirements: Multimedia systems require powerful hardware and software to handle the demands of
multimedia content.
2. Large Storage Requirements: Multimedia systems require large amounts of storage to handle the large file sizes of
multimedia content.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets: VR headsets provide an immersive multimedia experience, using a combination of audio,
video, and interactive technologies.
3. Multimedia Conferencing Software: Software such as Zoom and Skype provide multimedia conferencing capabilities,
using a combination of audio, video, and interactive technologies.
4. Gaming Consoles: Gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox provide a multimedia experience, using a
combination of audio, video, and interactive technologies
Topic 11:
Interrupt handling techniques
1. Polling
- Definition: Continuously check if an interrupt has occurred.
- How it works: The CPU regularly checks the status of devices to see if an interrupt is pending.
2. Interrupt-Driven I/O
- Definition: Devices generate interrupts when I/O operations complete.
- How it works: Devices send an interrupt signal to the CPU when an I/O operation is finished.
4. Interrupt Vectoring
- Definition: Use a table to map interrupts to handlers.
- How it works: The CPU uses an interrupt vector table to find the handler for an interrupt.
5. Nested Interrupts
- Definition: Allow interrupts to be handled within interrupts.
- How it works: The CPU handles an interrupt, then handles another interrupt within the first interrupt handler.
6. Priority Interrupts
- Definition: Assign priorities to interrupts to ensure critical interrupts are handled first.
- How it works: The CPU handles high-priority interrupts before low-priority interrupts.
7. Deferred Interrupts
- Definition: Delay interrupt handling to a later time.
- How it works: The CPU delays handling an interrupt until a later time, such as when the system is idle.
8. Interrupt Coalescing
- Definition: Combine multiple interrupts into a single interrupt.
- How it works: The CPU combines multiple interrupts into a single interrupt, reducing overhead.
These interrupt handling techniques are used in various combinations to optimize system performance, responsiveness,
and reliability
Topic 12:
Classes of Interrupts
1. External Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts generated by external devices or events.
2. Internal Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts generated by internal system events.
3. Software Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts generated by software instructions.
4. Hardware Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts generated by hardware devices or events.
5. Synchronous Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts that occur at a specific point in the instruction stream.
6. Asynchronous Interrupts
- Definition: Interrupts that occur at any point in the instruction stream.
These classes of interrupts help system designers and programmers understand and manage interrupts more effectively,
ensuring efficient and reliable system operation.
Topic 13:
System call gates:
System call gates are a mechanism used in operating systems to provide a secure and controlled way for user-level
applications to access kernel-level services. Here's a detailed overview:
System call gates are specialized entry points in the operating system kernel that allow user-level applications to request
kernel-level services. These gates act as a bridge between the user space and kernel space, enabling secure and
controlled communication between the two.
- How it works: When a program needs help, it goes through the Trap Gate, which sends a signal to the kernel.
- Purpose: Trap Gates help programs ask the kernel for assistance, like when a program tries to divide by zero.
- Example: Imagine a program trying to open a file, but it doesn't have permission. The program goes through the Trap
Gate, and the kernel helps it figure out what to do.
Interrupt Gates
- Definition: An Interrupt Gate is like a special button that interrupts the kernel's work to handle an urgent request.
- How it works: When a device (like a keyboard or mouse) needs attention, it presses the Interrupt Gate button, which
interrupts the kernel's work.
- Purpose: Interrupt Gates help the kernel handle urgent requests from devices.
- Example: Imagine you press a key on your keyboard. The keyboard sends a signal through the Interrupt Gate, and the
kernel stops what it's doing to handle the key press.
Syscall Gates
- Definition: A Syscall Gate is like a special doorway that helps a program ask the kernel for a specific service.
- How it works: When a program needs a specific service (like reading or writing data), it goes through the Syscall Gate,
which sends a request to the kernel.
- Purpose: Syscall Gates help programs ask the kernel for specific services.
- Example: Imagine a program wants to read data from a file. The program goes through the Syscall Gate, and the kernel
helps it read the data.
In summary:
- Trap Gates: Help programs ask the kernel for assistance.
- Syscall Gates: Help programs ask the kernel for specific services.
2. System Call Gate: The system call instruction triggers a trap or interrupt, which redirects the application to the system
call gate.
3. Gate Verification: The system call gate verifies the application's credentials and ensures it has the necessary privileges.
4. Kernel Service: The kernel performs the requested service and returns the result to the application.
5. Return: The application resumes execution, using the result from the kernel service.
2. Control: System call gates allow the kernel to control and monitor application requests.
3. Efficiency: System call gates enable efficient communication between user space and kernel space.
2. Windows: Windows uses system call gates to implement system calls, such as NtCreateFile and NtReadFile.
3. BSD: BSD operating systems use system call gates to implement system calls, such as sys_open and sys_close.
1. Performance Overhead: System call gates can introduce performance overhead due to context switching.
2. Security Risks: System call gates can be vulnerable to security risks if not implemented correctly.
3. Complexity: System call gates can add complexity to operating system design and implementation.
Topic 14:
What is a Trap Instruction?
A trap instruction is a special type of instruction that allows a program to request services from the operating system
kernel. When a program executes a trap instruction, it triggers a trap exception, which transfers control to the kernel.
2. Trap Exception: The trap instruction triggers a trap exception(trap gate) which interrupts the normal flow of program
execution.
3. Kernel Intervention: The kernel intercepts the trap exception and takes control of the program's execution.
4. Kernel Service: The kernel performs the requested service, such as I/O operations, memory management, or process
management.
5. Return to Program: The kernel returns control to the program, which resumes execution from the point where the trap
instruction was executed.
2. Hardware Interrupts: These are trap instructions that are triggered by hardware events, such as keyboard presses or
disk completion.
3. Faults: These are trap instructions that are triggered by errors, such as division by zero or page faults.
2. Trap Handler: A kernel routine that handles trap exceptions and performs the requested service.
3. Kernel Stack: A stack used by the kernel to store information about the program's execution state.
2. Secure: Trap instructions ensure that programs cannot access kernel data or code directly.
3. Flexible: Trap instructions allow programs to request a wide range of kernel services.
3. Device Drivers: Device drivers use trap instructions to request kernel services for I/O operations.
In summary, trap instructions provide a mechanism for programs to request kernel services efficiently and securely. The
trap instructions mechanism is a fundamental component of operating system design.