1
Q
What are the four components a computer system can be divided into?
A
Hardware, operating system, application programs, and users.
2
Q
Which component of a computer system provides the basic computing resources like CPU, memory, and I/O devices?
A
Hardware.
3
Q
What is the role of the operating system within the four components of a computer system?
A
It controls and coordinates the use of hardware among various applications and users.
4
Q
Which component of a computer system defines the ways system resources are used to solve users’ computing problems?
A
Application programs.
5
Q
Give some examples of application programs.
A
Word processors, compilers, web browsers, database systems, and video games.
6
Q
Who or what constitutes the ‘users’ in the four-component model of a computer system?
A
People, machines, or other computers.
7
Q
What is one common, though variable, definition of an operating system related to what a vendor provides?
A
Definition 1: ‘Everything a vendor ships when you order an operating system’.
8
Q
According to the source material, what is the ‘one program running at all times on the computer’?
A
The kernel, which is part of the operating system.
9
Q
How are system programs related to the operating system and the kernel?
A
They are shipped with the operating system but are not part of the kernel.
10
Q
What term describes programs not associated with the operating system?
A
Application programs.
11
Q
Computer _____ refers to the logical aspects of system implementation as seen by the programmer.
A
architecture
12
Q
What are some examples of concepts belonging to computer architecture?
A
Instruction sets, instruction formats, data types, and addressing modes.
13
Q
Computer _____ deals with all physical aspects of computer systems.
A
organization
14
Q
What are some examples of concepts belonging to computer organization?
A
Circuit design, control signals, and memory types.
15
Q
The question ‘How to design a computer?’ relates to which field: computer architecture or organization?
A
Computer architecture.
16
Q
The question ‘How to implement the design?’ relates to which field: computer architecture or organization?
A
Computer organization.
17
Q
Intel and AMD processors share the same X86 _____, but have different _____.
A
architecture, organizations
18
Q
Why can the same programs run correctly on both Intel and AMD processors?
A
Because they share the same computer architecture (X86).
19
Q
Why might the same program run at different speeds on Intel versus AMD processors?
A
Because their computer organizations (physical implementations) are different.
20
Q
In the past, most computer systems used only one processor and were known as _____ systems.
A
single-processor
21
Q
What type of system, from mobile devices to servers, now dominates the landscape of computing?
A
Multiprocessor systems.
22
Q
Traditionally, what did a multiprocessor system consist of?
A
Two or more processors, each with a single-core CPU.
23
Q
In traditional multiprocessor systems, what resources did the processors often share?
A
The computer bus and sometimes the clock, memory, and peripheral devices.
24
Q
What does SMP stand for in the context of multiprocessor systems?
A
Symmetric Multiprocessing.
25
What is the key characteristic of Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) systems?
Each CPU processor performs all kinds of tasks, including operating-system functions and user processes.
26
The definition of multiprocessor has evolved to include _____, in which multiple computing cores reside on a single chip.
multicore systems
27
Why can multicore systems be more efficient than systems with multiple single-core processors?
Because on-chip communication between cores is faster than between-chip communication.
28
What is a major advantage of one chip with multiple cores over multiple single-core chips, especially for mobile devices?
It uses significantly less power.
29
What performance issue arises when too many CPUs are added to a traditional multiprocessor system?
Contention for the system bus becomes a bottleneck, and performance begins to degrade.
30
What does NUMA stand for?
Non-Uniform Memory Access.
31
What is the alternative approach offered by NUMA to solve the system bus bottleneck?
To provide each CPU (or group of CPUs) with its own local memory.
32
How is local memory accessed in a NUMA architecture?
Via a small, fast local bus.
33
How do CPUs in a NUMA system maintain a unified view of memory?
They are connected by a shared system interconnect, so all CPUs share one physical address space.
34
How do clustered systems fundamentally differ from multiprocessor systems?
They are composed of two or more individual systems, whereas multiprocessor systems have multiple CPUs in one system.
35
Systems composed of two or more individual computers that share storage and are linked via a network are called _____ systems.
clustered
36
Clustered systems are considered to be _____ coupled.
loosely
37
What is the generally accepted definition of a clustered system?
Clustered computers share storage and are closely linked via a local-area network or a faster interconnect.
38
In a typical PC's organization, how do the CPU and device controllers communicate with shared memory?
They access it via the common bus.
39
What is the role of a device controller in a computer's organization?
Each device controller is in charge of a particular type of device.
40
What is an interrupt?
A signal to the processor from hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention.
41
What are the two main types of interrupts?
Hardware interrupts and software interrupts.
42
What are the alternative names for a software interrupt?
A trap or an exception.
43
What are the two distinct causes of a software interrupt?
It is caused either by an error or by a user program's request for a system call.
44
What are some examples of errors that can cause a software interrupt?
Division by zero or an invalid memory access.
45
What is a special block of code used to process a specific type of interrupt request?
An interrupt handler.
46
What is the only large storage media that the CPU can access directly?
Main memory.
47
What does it mean for memory to be 'volatile'?
The memory loses its content when power is turned off.
48
What type of storage is a non-volatile extension of main memory that the CPU cannot access directly?
Secondary storage.
49
What are Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)?
Rigid metal or glass platters covered with magnetic recording material used for secondary storage.
50
What does NVM stand for?
Non-volatile memory.
51
What are some examples of NVM devices?
Flash Memory cards and Solid-State Drives (SSDs).
52
What trend is making NVM devices more popular?
Their capacity and performance are increasing while their price drops.
53
In the storage hierarchy, what is the general relationship between speed, cost, and volatility as you move from registers down to magnetic tapes?
As you move down the hierarchy, storage becomes slower, cheaper per bit, and is typically non-volatile.
54
Computer architecture deals with _____ aspects, while computer organization deals with _____ aspects.
logical, physical
55
Instruction sets and data types are examples of computer _____.
architecture
56
Circuit design and memory types are examples of computer _____.
organization
57
What is the most common type of multiprocessor system, where each CPU performs all OS and user tasks?
Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) systems.
58
A multicore system is considered a type of _____ system.
multiprocessor
59
In a NUMA system, each CPU has its own _____ memory.
local
60
Despite having local memory, all CPUs in a NUMA system share one physical _____.
address space
61
A software interrupt caused by an error like division by zero is also known as a trap or an _____.
exception
62
A user program requesting a service from the operating system does so via a _____, which is a type of software interrupt.
system call
63
Secondary storage is _____, meaning it retains its contents when power is off.
non-volatile
64
An SSD is an example of what type of storage device?
A Non-volatile memory (NVM) device.
65
Term: Computer Architecture
The logical aspects of a system's implementation as seen by a programmer, such as instruction sets and data types.
66
Term: Computer Organization
The physical aspects of computer systems, such as circuit design, control signals, and memory types.
67
Term: Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
A multiprocessor system in which each CPU processor performs all kinds of tasks, including OS functions and user processes.
68
Term: Multicore System
A system in which multiple computing cores reside on a single chip.
69
Term: NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access)
A multiprocessor architecture where each CPU has fast local memory, while all CPUs share a single physical address space.
70
Term: Clustered System
A system composed of two or more individual, loosely coupled computer systems that share storage and are linked by a network.
71
Term: Interrupt
A signal to the processor emitted by hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention.
72
Term: Trap / Exception
A software-generated interrupt caused by an error or a user request for an OS service.
73
Term: Interrupt Handler
A special block of code designed to process a specific type of interrupt request.
74
Term: Main Memory
The only large, volatile storage media that the CPU can access directly.
75
Term: Secondary Storage
A non-volatile extension of main memory that provides large storage capacity but cannot be accessed directly by the CPU.
76
FREE CARD You got 1.2 next
77
What is the term for the ability of an operating system to run multiple programs?
Multiprogramming.
78
In multiprogramming, the operating system keeps several _____ in memory simultaneously.
processes
79
In a multiprogrammed system, what does the OS do when a process has to wait for an I/O operation?
It switches to and executes another process.
80
In a non-multiprogrammed system, what would the CPU do while a process is waiting for an I/O operation?
The CPU would sit idle.
81
What is the primary limitation of multiprogramming regarding user experience?
It doesn't guarantee that a program will run in a timely manner, as one process could run for hours.
82
What operating system concept is considered a logical extension of multiprogramming?
Multitasking.
83
In multitasking systems, how does the CPU execute multiple processes?
By switching among them more frequently than in a simple multiprogramming system.
84
What is the primary benefit of the frequent process switches in a multitasking system?
It provides the user with a fast response time.
85
Why must a properly designed operating system protect its resources and itself from user programs?
To ensure that an incorrect or malicious program cannot negatively impact other programs or the OS itself.
86
To ensure proper system execution, the OS must distinguish between the execution of its own code and what other type of code?
User-defined code.
87
What is the name for the system of having at least two separate modes of operation in a computer system?
Dual-mode operation.
88
What are the two required modes in a dual-mode operating system?
Kernel mode and user mode.
89
What are three alternative names for kernel mode?
Supervisor mode, system mode, or privileged mode.
90
In which mode is the computer system when it is executing a user application?
User mode.
91
In which mode is the computer system when it is executing a task on behalf of the operating system?
Kernel mode.
92
What piece of hardware is added to a computer to indicate the current execution mode in a dual-mode system?
A mode bit.
93
What is the typical value of the mode bit when the system is in kernel mode?
0
94
What is the typical value of the mode bit when the system is in user mode?
1
95
When a user application requests a service from the OS via a system call, a transition must occur from _____ mode to _____ mode.
user, kernel
96
Intel processors extend dual-mode operation into a multimode system with how many separate protection rings?
Four.
97
On Intel processors with 4 protection rings, which ring number corresponds to kernel mode?
Ring 0.
98
On Intel processors with 4 protection rings, which ring number corresponds to user mode?
Ring 3.
99
CPUs that support virtualization often have a separate mode for the _____ to control the system.
virtual machine manager (VMM)
100
What is a primary role of an operating system in relation to components like processes, memory, and I/O devices?
It acts as a resource manager.
101
What is the definition of a process in the context of an operating system?
A program in execution.
102
What process management activity involves starting and stopping both user and system processes?
Creating and deleting processes.
103
What process management activity involves deciding which process or thread gets to use the CPU?
Scheduling processes and threads.
104
What process management activity involves providing mechanisms for processes to coordinate their actions?
Process synchronization.
105
What process management activity involves providing mechanisms for processes to exchange information?
Process communication.
106
Which type of memory can the CPU access directly?
Main memory.
107
For the CPU to process data from a disk, where must the data first be transferred?
To main memory.
108
What memory management activity involves providing and reclaiming memory space for processes?
Allocating and deallocating memory space as needed.
109
What memory management activity involves monitoring which parts of memory are in use and by which process?
Keeping track of memory usage.
110
Name one advantage of secondary storage over main memory.
It is normally larger or it provides non-volatile storage.
111
What are two common types of secondary storage devices used in modern computer systems?
HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and NVM (Non-Volatile Memory).
112
Name two management activities an OS performs for secondary storage.
Any two of:
1. Mounting/unmounting
2. storage allocation
3. free-space management
4. disk scheduling
5. partitioning
6. protection.
113
What is the term for storage that is slower and lower in cost than secondary storage, often used for backups?
Tertiary storage.
114
What are two examples of typical tertiary storage devices?
Magnetic tape drives, DVD drives, or Blu-ray drives.
115
What is the definition of a file in the context of file-system management?
A collection of related information defined by its creator.
116
How are files usually organized to make them easier to use?
Into directories.
117
What file-system management activity involves associating a file with a physical location on a storage device?
Mapping files onto secondary storage.
118
The technique of using a small, fast storage device to improve overall performance is called _____.
caching
119
In caching, when information is used from a slower storage system, where is a copy temporarily placed?
Into a faster storage system, the cache.
120
When a system needs a piece of information, where does it check first?
In the cache.
121
What is the term for when needed information is found in the cache?
A cache hit.
122
If needed information is not in the cache, it is retrieved from the source and a copy is placed in the cache under what assumption?
That the information will be needed again soon.
123
What is the primary design problem in cache management?
The limited size of the cache.
124
Careful selection of the cache size and a _____ can result in greatly increased performance.
replacement policy
125
What is one purpose of an operating system's I/O subsystem regarding hardware?
To hide the peculiarities of specific hardware devices from the user.
126
In UNIX, what specific component is responsible for hiding the details of I/O devices?
The I/O subsystem.
127
What strategy did computer companies eventually use to limit the use of their software to paying customers?
Releasing only the binary files compiled from the source code.
128
Who started developing the free, UNIX-compatible operating system called GNU in 1984?
Richard Stallman.
129
What does the recursive acronym GNU stand for?
GNU's Not Unix!
130
What foundation did Richard Stallman establish in 1995 to support the free-software movement?
The Free Software Foundation (FSF).
131
The free software movement insists that users should be entitled to four essential _____.
freedoms
132
What is the first essential freedom defined by the FSF?
The freedom to run the program.
133
What is the second essential freedom defined by the FSF?
The freedom to study and change the source code.
134
What is the third essential freedom defined by the FSF?
The freedom to redistribute copies.
135
What is the fourth essential freedom defined by the FSF?
The freedom to distribute copies of the modified versions.
136
What is another name for "free software"?
Libre software.
137
What does the term "free" in "free software" primarily refer to?
Free as in freedom, not free as in zero price.
138
What is the name of the license written by Richard Stallman to guarantee the essential freedoms of software?
The GNU General Public License (GPL).
139
What does the GPL fundamentally require to be distributed along with any binaries?
The source code.
140
Under the GPL, what license must all copies, including modified versions, be released under?
The same GPL license.
141
By 1991, what key component of the GNU operating system was never fully completed?
The GNU kernel.
142
In 1991, who released a basic UNIX-like kernel using GNU compilers and tools?
Linus Torvalds.
143
What was the original license restriction on the first version of Linux released in 1991?
It permitted only non-commercial redistribution.
144
In 1992, Linus Torvalds re-released Linux under which license, making it free software?
The GPL (GNU General Public License).
145
In the GNU/Linux operating system, what is the kernel component properly called?
Linux.
146
In the GNU/Linux operating system, what is the full operating system including GNU tools properly called?
GNU/Linux.
147
What is the term for a custom build of the GNU/Linux operating system, such as Red Hat or Ubuntu?
A distribution.
148
Name two major distributions of GNU/Linux.
Any two of:
1. Red Hat,
2. SUSE,
3. Fedora,
4. Debian,
5. Ubuntu.
149
BSD UNIX, which started in 1978, was a derivative of which company's version of UNIX?
AT&T's UNIX.
150
What was the name of the fully functional, open-source version of BSD released in 1994?
4.4BSD-lite.
151
Name one common distribution of BSD UNIX.
Any one of:
FreeBSD,
NetBSD,
OpenBSD.
152
What is the name of the core kernel component of macOS?
Darwin.
153
The Darwin kernel, used in macOS, is based on what open-source UNIX derivative?
BSD UNIX.
154
On Apple's open-source website, the name of the package that contains the macOS kernel begins with what prefix?
xnu.
Csci 3120
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