How Operating Systems Work Answers Cameron Lin

1. Why do some computers not need operating systems?

Some computers with a relatively simple task, simple input and output, and simple
hardware (e.g. microwave) do not require an operating system.
2. What are the three main families of operating systems?
Windows, UNIX, Macintosh
3. At the simplest level, what does an operating system do? Why is each of these tasks
important?
The OS manages the hardware and software resources of the computer, and it provides a
stable, consistent way for applications to deal with hardware. The first task is important
because different programs and inputs compete for the attention of the CPU and demand
memory. The other task is important if there is to be more than one of a particular type of
computer using the operating system, or if the hardware making up the computer is ever
open to change.
4. List and describe the purpose of the four general types of operating systems.
Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) - used to control machinery, scientific
instruments and industrial systems.
Single-User, Single Task - designed to manage the computer so that one user can
effectively do one thing at a time. (e.g. Palm OS)
Single-User, Multi-Tasking - lets a single user have multiple programs in
operation at the same time. (e.g. Windows, OS X)
Multi-User allows many different users to take advantage of the computers
resources simultaneously. (e.g. UNIX, VMS)
5. a) What is the bootstrap loader?
The bootstrap loader is a small program that has a single function: it loads the operating
system into memory and allows it to begin operation.
b) List the 4 things that the bootstrap loader does.
First, it sets up the small driver programs that interface with and control the various
hardware sub-systems of the computer. Then, it sets up divisions of memory that hold the
operating system, user information, and applications. Finally it turns control of the
computer to the operating system.
6. What are the 6 categories of operating system tasks?
Processor management
Memory management
Device management
Storage management
Application Interface
User Interface

7. Name the 2 basic purposes behind managing the processor.

Ensuring that each process and application receives enough of the processs time
to function properly
Using as many processor cycles for real work as is possible
8. What is a process?
The basic unit of software that the operating system deals with in scheduling the work
done by the processor.
9. How does scheduling work in a single-tasking system?
The operating system allows the application to begin running, suspending the execution
only long enough to deal with interrupts and user input.
10. What are interrupts?
Interrupts are special signals sent by hardware or software to the CPU.
11. Summarize how scheduling works in a multi-tasking system.
The OS must arrange the execution of applications so that you believe that there are
several things happening at once.
12. What is thrashing?
When a system can begin to use the vast majority of its available CPU cycles to swap
between processes rather than run processes.
13. What 2 tasks must the operating system accomplish when managing memory?
Each process must have enough memory in which to execute, and it can neither
run into the memory space of another process, nor be run into by another process
The different types of memory in the system must be used properly, so that each
process can run most effectively
14. What are the 3 types of memory (from fastest to slowest)?
High-speed cache
Main memory
Secondary memory
15. How does a driver work?
Drivers take data that the OS has defined as a file and translate them into streams of bits
placed in specific locations on storage devices, or a series of laser pulses in a printer.
16. What is an API? What is its purpose?
An API (Application Program Interface) lets application programmers use functions of
the computer and OS without have to directly keep track of all the details in the CPUs
operation.
17. What is the purpose of the User Interface (UI)?
A UI brings structure to the interaction between a user and the computer.
18. What are shells?
A type of UI that is more flexible and powerful than the standard text-based OS interface.
Their purpose is to make it easier for the user to manipulate the functions of the OS.

19. What are the 2 future questions about the future of OSs for desktop and laptop
computers?
The functions that a court might allow to be bundled into an OS
The ability of a particular philosophy of software distribution to create an OS
useable by corporations and consumers together