OPERATING SYSTEM (BCS-401)
B.Tech 2nd Year - Assignment 1 (Unit 1)
Complete Solved Answers
Section-A: (2 marks each)
1. Define Operating System? List the objectives of an operating system.
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages hardware, software resources, and provides services for
computer programs.
Objectives: Efficient resource management, convenience to users, ability to execute user programs, and system
security.
2. Describe Multithreading and its various models.
Multithreading is the ability of a CPU to provide multiple threads of execution within a single process.
Models:
- Many-to-One
- One-to-One
- Many-to-Many
3. Define Kernel and types of Kernel.
A Kernel is the core of the OS that directly interacts with hardware.
Types:
- Monolithic Kernel
- Microkernel
- Hybrid Kernel
- Exokernel
4. Difference between Symmetric and Asymmetric multiprocessing.
Symmetric: All processors share memory and I/O and are peers.
Asymmetric: One master processor controls others and assigns tasks.
5. Discuss various Operating System components.
- Process Management
- Memory Management
- File System
- Device Management
- Security & Protection
- User Interface
6. How is system call handled by the system?
The OS traps a call to the kernel, switches to kernel mode, processes the request, and then returns the result to the
user.
7. What is the primary function of an operating system?
To manage hardware and software resources and provide an environment for application programs to function.
8. Define a batch processing system.
Batch systems execute batches of jobs without user interaction, often scheduled sequentially.
9. Two main functions of an operating system.
- Resource management
- User interface provision
10. Principal advantages of multiprogramming.
- Better CPU utilization
- Increased throughput
- Reduced idle time
Section-B: (7 marks each)
Operating system functions, classification and services
1. Explain OS and its services/functions.
Services: Program execution, I/O operations, file system manipulation, communication, error detection, resource
allocation, protection, and security.
2. Enumerate OS components with functions.
- Process Management: Handles process creation, scheduling.
- Memory Management: Allocates/deallocates memory.
- File System: Manages files and directories.
- I/O System: Controls device communication.
- Security: Protects data and resources.
3. Differentiate Interactive and Batch vs Time-sharing & Multiprogramming
- Interactive vs Batch: Interactive requires user interaction; batch does not.
- Multiprogramming vs Time-sharing: Multiprogramming increases CPU utilization, while time-sharing provides each user
a time slot for execution.
4. Difference: Time-sharing and Real-time systems.
- Time-sharing: Multiple users interact simultaneously.
- Real-time: Strict timing constraints; often used in embedded systems.
5. System Call and examples.
System calls provide interface between user programs and OS.
Examples: fork(), exec(), wait(), exit()
6. File management activities of OS.
- File creation/deletion
- Directory management
- File access control
- Backup and recovery
7. How does a multithreaded system differ from multiprocessing?
- Multithreading: Multiple threads in a process share memory.
- Multiprocessing: Multiple CPUs execute processes independently.
Operating system structure
8. Explain Layered OS with sketch and protection/security.
- Layers: Hardware, Kernel, System Call Interface, User Programs
- Protection: Ensures controlled access to resources
- Security: Prevents unauthorized access
9. Difference: User thread vs Kernel thread; thread cancellation
- User thread: Managed by user libraries, fast
- Kernel thread: Managed by OS, slow but powerful
- Thread cancellation: Terminating a thread before its completion
10. Monolithic vs Layered vs Microkernel structure
- Monolithic: All services in one large kernel
- Layered: Services organized in layers
- Microkernel: Minimal kernel, most services run in user space
11. Difference: Monolithic Kernel and Microkernel
- Monolithic: Fast but complex and less secure
- Microkernel: Modular, secure, but may be slower
