Operating Systems 1: SPPU : TYBCS : Sem 1 : Previous Year Questions

 Chapter 1: Introduction to Operating Systems

1 mark

Q. What is function of bootstrap loader?

- The function of the bootstrap loader is to locate the kernel and load it into main memory from storage device. This helps to initiate the startup process of a computer system.

Q. Define System Boot.

- System boot is the process that a computer goes through when it's powered on or restarted.  It is the process of starting up a computer in which the computer's hardware is prepared, and the operating system is loaded into the memory so that the computer is ready to use.

Q. What is the main function of microkernel?

- The main function of microkernel is to manage communication between different parts of operating system. It performs most crucial operations of operating system such as process communication, memory management and hardware abstraction. The communication is achieved by message passing.

Q. Write the advantages of multiprocessor system.

- Advantages of Multiprocessor system:

1) Cost Efficient: It reduces cost compared to multiple single systems by sharing peripherals among processors.

2) Better performance: The applications can be divided into smaller tasks and executed on different processors at the same time leading to faster execution.

3) Scalability: These systems can be easily scaled by adding more processors rather than replacing the entire system.

4) Energy Efficiency: Since total workload is distributed among processors, individual processors dont need to run at maximum capacity all the time.

5) Support for Multithreaded applications: It can help in parallel processing for modern softwares which use this to achieve efficiency.

5 marks

Q. Explain any two operating system components.

Answer:  

Q. What is system call? Explain the system call for process and job control.

Answer: 

A system call is a interface provided by an operating system that allows user-level programs to request services from the operating system's kernel.

These services are functionalities that cannot be executed directly by user level code. System calls help user programs to utilize the resources and services of the operating system. 

System Calls for Process Control: Process is a program in execution. These system calls deal with processes. Examples are end, abort, load, execute, create new process, terminate process, setting or retrieving process attributes, etc.

System Calls for Job Control:

Job control system calls provide ways for processes to manage and control groups of related processes, often referred to as jobs. Example can be nice() system call to adjust scheduling priority of a process. Kill() system call used to terminate process. 

Q. Write the advantages of microkernel.

Answer: Advantages of Microkernel:

1) It keeps the core components minimal which makes it easy to add, remove or update specific services without affecting stability of enitre system.

2) It is easily portable and platform independent which allows to adapt to new hardware enhancements.

3) It provides high security and reliability.

4) It is easily scalable as additional modules can be added without affecting core microkernel.

5) A smaller microkernel is easier to debug and maintain.