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Operating Systems

The document outlines the four primary components of a computer system: the CPU, I/O modules, main memory, and system bus. It explains the hierarchy of storage types (RAM, HDD, Flash Drive) in terms of cost per bit, capacity, and access time, and discusses multiprogramming and multi-user operating systems. Additionally, it differentiates between multi-core and multiprocessing processors, highlighting their execution methods, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and performance.

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varneetmaan28
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3 views

Operating Systems

The document outlines the four primary components of a computer system: the CPU, I/O modules, main memory, and system bus. It explains the hierarchy of storage types (RAM, HDD, Flash Drive) in terms of cost per bit, capacity, and access time, and discusses multiprogramming and multi-user operating systems. Additionally, it differentiates between multi-core and multiprocessing processors, highlighting their execution methods, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and performance.

Uploaded by

varneetmaan28
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WEEK-1

Varneet LNU
1031098

ANS 1: Here are the four primary components of a computer system:

1. Processor (CPU): Often called the CPU, the central processing unit is the brain of the
computer. It processes data and regulates the overall system. The CPU is an integrated
electronic circuit that executes computations and commands issued by the operating
system.

2. I/O Modules: The input/output modules enable data exchange between the CPU and
peripheral devices. These modules are critical for the operating system as they handle
communication between the computer's hardware and external devices like the mouse,
keyboard, and other specialized peripherals.

3. Main Memory: Also known as primary memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), this
component stores the computer's data and programs temporarily. Main memory is
crucial for storing active data, applications, and system operations.

4. System Bus: This component facilitates the transfer and distribution of data among
the computer's internal hardware components. It connects the CPU to other internal
devices, ensuring efficient data processing and communication within the system.

ANS 2: RAM - Random access memory


HDD - Hard disk drive
Flash Drive

Cost Per Bit: As you move down the hierarchy from RAM to HDD to Flash Drive, the cost
per bit of storage decreases. RAM is the most expensive per bit, while HDDs and flash
drives offer more affordable storage solutions.

Capacity: Storage capacity increases as you go down the hierarchy. RAM typically offers
less storage capacity compared to HDDs and flash drives. HDDs provide higher
capacities for storing large amounts of data, and flash drives, while portable, also offer
significant storage space.

Access Time: Access time, or the time it takes to retrieve data, increases as you move
down the hierarchy. RAM offers the fastest access times, enabling quick data retrieval
by the CPU. HDDs have slower access times compared to RAM, but they are still suitable
for regular data storage needs. Flash drives, while portable and convenient, generally
have the slowest access times among the three, making them less ideal for frequently
accessed data. As you move down the hierarchy, the CPU's speed in reading and writing
data decreases, leading to less frequent access to lower-tier storage.

ANS 3: Multiprogramming Operating System- A multiprogramming operating system is


an OS designed to allow multiple applications to run concurrently on a single processor
computer. This system optimizes CPU usage by ensuring that while one program is
waiting for input or output operations to complete, another program can utilize the CPU
for its own processing needs. This approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes idle
time for the CPU, allowing for better performance and resource utilization.
Types of Multi-User Operating Systems- There are two main types of multi-user
operating systems: multitasking systems and multi-user systems.

Multitasking Operating System- A multitasking operating system enables a user to


execute multiple tasks simultaneously. It manages this by loading and unloading
programs into the computer's memory in a serial manner, allowing different tasks to
share the CPU time. For instance, a user can run a web browser, word processor, and
email client all at the same time. The operating system switches between these tasks
quickly, giving the illusion that they are happening simultaneously, even though they
are actually being processed one after the other in rapid succession.

Multi-User Operating System- A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to


connect to a single computer through different terminals. Each user has a separate
terminal with its own interface window that interacts with the main computer, which
provides all the necessary computing power. The operating system continuously rotates
between all the terminals, managing and distributing the computing resources
efficiently among the users. This setup is common in environments such as mainframes
and servers, where many users need to access the same system concurrently.

Example- An everyday example of these concepts can be seen in modern smartphones


running on Android OS or iOS. A person can send and receive text messages while
simultaneously listening to music. This demonstrates multitasking, as the phone’s
operating system manages multiple applications at once. Additionally, when multiple
users access the same server or cloud-based services from their smartphones, it
exemplifies a multi-user system, where the server’s operating system handles requests
from many users, distributing computing power as needed.

By understanding and utilizing these operating system types, users and developers can
ensure efficient use of computer resources, enabling seamless multitasking and multi-
user interactions.

ANS 4: Multi-Core Processor - A multi-core processor refers to any CPU with more than
one processing unit or "core." Modern computers typically feature either four cores,
known as quad-core processors, or eight cores, referred to as oct-core processors. Each
core can independently read and execute instructions, allowing the CPU to handle
multiple tasks simultaneously. This parallel processing capability enhances the overall
performance and efficiency of program execution on the system. As a result, computers
with multi-core processors can perform multiple tasks in parallel, significantly improving
their multitasking capabilities.

Multiprocessing Processor - A multiprocessing system is a computer that has two or


more CPUs sharing the same system bus, memory, and input/output resources. This
setup enables the concurrent execution of multiple tasks across different CPUs. During
operation, memory and other system resources can either be shared among the CPUs
or partitioned for specific processes. This architecture is particularly useful for handling
intensive computational tasks and improving system performance through parallel
processing.

Key Differences Between Multicore and Multiprocessing Systems


1. Execution of Programs: Multicore processors are optimized for running a single
program more efficiently by utilizing multiple cores. In contrast, multiprocessor systems
are designed to run multiple programs simultaneously, distributing tasks across multiple
CPUs.

2. Reliability: Multiprocessing systems tend to be more reliable than multicore


architectures because they have multiple independent CPUs that can continue
functioning even if one fails.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: Multicore systems are generally more cost-effective compared to


multiprocessor systems. This is because integrating multiple cores on a single chip is
less expensive than incorporating multiple separate CPUs into a system.

4. Performance: While both architectures aim to enhance performance, multicore


systems do so by improving the efficiency of single-program execution through
parallelism. In contrast, multiprocessor systems achieve performance gains by handling
multiple programs concurrently.

REFERENCES:
1. Techopedia. (n.d.). Multicore processor. Retrieved from
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/28444/multicore-processor
2. Computer Hope. (n.d.). What is a multicore processor. Retrieved from
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/multicor.htm
3. GeeksforGeeks. (n.d.). Multiprocessing in operating system. Retrieved from
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/multiprocessing-in-operating-system/
4. Study.com. (n.d.). What is a multiprocessing operating system. Retrieved from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/multiprocessing-operating-systems-types-
advantages.html

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