Types of Operating Systems

• What are the types of operating systems described in the study material?

  Distributed, embedded, multi-tasking, multi-user, real-time
• What is the primary function of a distributed operating system?

  To coordinate processing across multiple computers
• How does a distributed OS provide the illusion of a single processor to the user?

  By coordinating tasks across multiple computers
• What is a disadvantage of using a distributed operating system?

  The programmer has no control over task distribution
• What allows a multi-tasking system to appear to perform multiple tasks simultaneously?

  Scheduling processor time
• In a multi-user, multi-tasking system, what is a time slice?

  A portion of CPU time allocated to each user
• Where might you typically find a multi-user, multi-tasking system?

  In universities or large businesses
• What type of operating system do smartphones typically use?

  Multi-tasking operating system
• How are mobile operating systems linked to hardware?

  They are designed for specific hardware types
• What is the role of a low-level proprietary OS in mobile devices?

  To handle hardware and special features
• What is Android classified as?

  An open-source operating system
• What advantage does Android offer to device manufacturers?

  Major customization for their devices
• What is a characteristic of embedded operating systems?

  They have minimal features and run simple programs
• Where is application software typically held in embedded systems?

  In ROM
• What is a key requirement of real-time operating systems?

  To respond quickly to inputs
• Why is hardware redundancy important in real-time operating systems?

  To ensure failsafe operation if a component fails
• What was the Therac-25 case study about?

  A radiation therapy machine with programming errors
• What does BIOS stand for?

  Basic Input Output System
• What is the role of BIOS during computer start-up?

  It initializes hardware and loads the OS
• What is a device driver?

  A program that interfaces the OS with hardware
• Why are device drivers hardware dependent?

  Because they are specific to the hardware type
• What is the purpose of a virtual machine?

  To emulate hardware and run different OS
• What does the Java virtual machine execute?

  Java byte code
• What are the main functions of operating systems?

  • Manage hardware communication
  • Coordinate processing tasks
  • Provide user interfaces
  • Control hardware through device drivers
  • Load and manage applications
• What are the characteristics of different types of operating systems?

  • Distributed: Coordinates tasks across multiple computers
  • Embedded: Minimal features, runs simple programs
  • Multi-tasking: Schedules processor time for simultaneous tasks
  • Multi-user: Allows multiple users to share CPU time
  • Real-time: Responds quickly in safety-critical situations
• What are the key components of BIOS?

  • Stored in ROM
  • Boots the computer at start-up
  • Initializes and tests hardware
  • Loads the Operating System into RAM
• What is the role of device drivers in an operating system?

  • Provide an interface for OS and hardware
  • Hardware dependent and OS specific
  • Allow control of various hardware devices
• What are the uses of virtual machines?

  • Emulate different hardware
  • Run one OS inside another
  • Execute intermediate code like Java byte code
  • Play old arcade games on modern PCs