Assignment 1 - Operating System
B.Tech - 2nd Year
Q1. Explain the various operating system services.
Operating System (OS) provides various essential services to both users and the system. These services
help in efficient management of hardware and software resources. The major services provided by an OS
are:
1. Program Execution: The OS loads programs into memory and runs them, ensuring error-free execution.
2. I/O Operations: The OS provides a standard interface for performing input/output operations.
3. File System Manipulation: OS manages files-create, read, write, and delete operations.
4. Communication Services: Processes communicate via message passing or shared memory.
5. Error Detection and Handling: The OS monitors the system to detect and handle hardware/software errors.
6. Resource Allocation: OS allocates resources like CPU time, memory, and I/O devices to various tasks.
7. Security and Protection: It prevents unauthorized access using authentication and permissions.
Q2. What do you understand by operating system structure? Explain layered structure of OS.
Operating System Structure refers to the internal organization of the OS to efficiently manage system tasks.
Layered structure divides the OS into multiple layers, each built on top of the other, and each performing
specific functions:
- Layer 0: Hardware - interacts directly with physical devices.
- Layer 1: CPU scheduling and memory management.
- Layer 2: I/O Management.
- Layer 3: File Management.
- Layer 4: User Interface.
Advantages include modularity, easier debugging, and independent development. One disadvantage is the
performance overhead due to inter-layer communication.
Q3. What is multiprogramming?
Multiprogramming is a technique where multiple programs are kept in memory and executed by the CPU by
Assignment 1 - Operating System
B.Tech - 2nd Year
switching between them. When one program is waiting for I/O, another is executed.
Benefits:
- Maximizes CPU utilization.
- Reduces idle time.
- Increases system throughput.
Example: If Program A is waiting for disk I/O, CPU executes Program B.
Limitations include the need for proper memory management and the potential for process starvation.
Q4. Give some common examples of operating systems.
Common Operating Systems:
1. Windows (Windows 10, 11)
2. Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali Linux)
3. macOS (Used in Apple computers)
4. Android (Smartphones, Tablets)
5. iOS (iPhones, iPads)
6. Unix (Servers and mainframes)
These OSes provide user interface, hardware control, and run applications.
Q5. Illustrate the limitations of the distributed system.
A distributed system is a collection of independent computers working together. Limitations include:
1. Complexity: Design and management are difficult.
2. Security: More vulnerable due to multiple nodes.
3. Network Dependency: System depends on network reliability.
Assignment 1 - Operating System
B.Tech - 2nd Year
4. Data Consistency: Synchronization across nodes is challenging.
5. Fault Tolerance: Recovery from node failure is complex.
6. Debugging: Difficult to trace and fix bugs.
7. Cost: High setup and maintenance cost.
Despite benefits, distributed systems need careful design and implementation.
