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Explain two advantages of memory overlay. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Memory overlay is a technique that is used to allow a program to execute in a memory space that is smaller than the size of the program. It works by loading different parts of the program into memory as needed and then unloading them when they are no longer needed. There are several advantages to usRead more
Memory overlay is a technique that is used to allow a program to execute in a memory space that is smaller than the size of the program. It works by loading different parts of the program into memory as needed and then unloading them when they are no longer needed. There are several advantages to using memory overlay:
- Allows execution of larger programs: By using memory overlay, it is possible to execute programs that are larger than the available memory space. This can be especially useful on systems with limited memory.
- Increases efficiency: Memory overlay allows a program to use memory more efficiently, by only loading the parts of the program that are currently needed. This can help to reduce the amount of unused or wasted memory.
- Improves performance: By reducing the amount of unused memory, memory overlay can improve the performance of a system by allowing it to access and manipulate data more quickly.
- Simplifies program design: Memory overlay can simplify the design of a program by allowing it to be divided into smaller, more manageable parts. This can make it easier to develop and maintain the program.
See lessOutline three components of the process scheduler. (3 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
The process scheduler is a component of the operating system that is responsible for managing the execution of processes on a computer. It determines which processes should be run and allocates the available resources (such as processor time and memory) to those processes. There are several componenRead more
The process scheduler is a component of the operating system that is responsible for managing the execution of processes on a computer. It determines which processes should be run and allocates the available resources (such as processor time and memory) to those processes. There are several components of the process scheduler that are involved in this process. Here are three examples:
- The scheduler queue: The scheduler queue is a data structure that stores information about the processes that are waiting to be run. It may be implemented as a list, a queue, or some other data structure, depending on the scheduling algorithm being used.
- The scheduling algorithm: The scheduling algorithm is a set of rules or policies that determine how the scheduler should select which process to run next. There are many different scheduling algorithms that can be used, and the choice of algorithm can have a significant impact on the performance of the system.
- The dispatch function: The dispatch function is the part of the scheduler that actually selects a process from the scheduler queue and allocates the necessary resources to it. It may also be responsible for switching the processor between different processes, which is known as a context switch.
See lessA computer technician intends to manage computer files. Explain four file operations he could perform during this process. (8 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
other software. This could include creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or other types of files. Copying files: The technician may copy files from one location to another, either within the same storage device or between different storage devices. This could be useful for creating backupRead more
- other software. This could include creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or other types of files.
- Copying files: The technician may copy files from one location to another, either within the same storage device or between different storage devices. This could be useful for creating backups of important files or for transferring files to another computer.
- Renaming files: The technician may rename files in order to give them more descriptive or meaningful names. This can be useful for organizing files and making them easier to find.
- Deleting files: The technician may delete files that are no longer needed or that are taking up unnecessary space on the storage device. This can be useful for freeing up space and improving the performance of the system.
See lessExplain two circumstances that would cause user level threading during process execution. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
User level threading occurs when a program creates and manages its own threads, rather than relying on the operating system to do so. There are several circumstances that may cause a program to use user level threading during process execution: The program requires a high degree of control over theRead more
User level threading occurs when a program creates and manages its own threads, rather than relying on the operating system to do so. There are several circumstances that may cause a program to use user level threading during process execution:
- The program requires a high degree of control over the threads it creates: User level threads allow a program to have more control over the scheduling and execution of its threads. This can be useful for programs that need to implement custom scheduling algorithms or that need to manage the threads in a specific way.
- The program needs to run on a system that does not support kernel level threading: Some operating systems do not provide support for kernel level threads, which means that programs running on these systems must use user level threads if they want to use multiple threads.
- The program needs to run on a system with limited resources: Kernel level threads require additional resources (such as system memory and processor time) to manage and schedule. If a system has limited resources, using user level threads may be more efficient.
- The program needs to run on a system with a large number of threads: Some systems may have a large number of threads that need to be managed concurrently. In these cases, using user level threads may be more efficient than relying on the kernel to manage all of the threads.
See lessExplain two categories of computer input/output devices in respect to data transfer. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Computer input/output (I/O) devices are devices that allow a computer to communicate with the outside world by transferring data in and out of the system. There are several categories of I/O devices, and they can be classified according to various criteria, such as the type of data transfer they supRead more
Computer input/output (I/O) devices are devices that allow a computer to communicate with the outside world by transferring data in and out of the system. There are several categories of I/O devices, and they can be classified according to various criteria, such as the type of data transfer they support. Here are two categories of I/O devices in respect to data transfer:
- Serial I/O devices: These are devices that transfer data one bit at a time over a single communication channel. Serial I/O devices are typically slower than parallel I/O devices, but they are simpler to implement and can be used over longer distances. Examples of serial I/O devices include serial ports and USB devices.
- Parallel I/O devices: These are devices that transfer data multiple bits at a time over multiple communication channels. Parallel I/O devices are typically faster than serial I/O devices, but they are more complex to implement and are limited by the distance they can cover. Examples of parallel I/O devices include parallel ports and printers.
See lessOutline four objectives of computer memory management in regards to relocation. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Computer memory management is the process of allocating and deallocating memory within a computer system. One important aspect of memory management is relocation, which refers to the ability to move a program or data from one location in memory to another. There are several objectives of computer meRead more
Computer memory management is the process of allocating and deallocating memory within a computer system. One important aspect of memory management is relocation, which refers to the ability to move a program or data from one location in memory to another. There are several objectives of computer memory management in regards to relocation:
- To improve the utilization of memory: By moving programs or data around in memory, it is possible to make better use of the available space and avoid wasted memory.
- To allow multiple programs to run concurrently: By relocating programs and data, it is possible to run multiple programs at the same time, even if there is not enough memory to accommodate them all simultaneously.
- To protect programs and data from each other: By relocating programs and data, it is possible to isolate them from each other and prevent one program or data from modifying or accessing another program or data without permission.
- To support virtual memory: By relocating programs and data between main memory and secondary storage (such as a hard disk), it is possible to provide the illusion of a larger memory space than is physically available. This is known as virtual memory and can be used to support the execution of larger programs or the handling of larger data sets.
See lessThe administrator of a computer intends to identify the properties of files in a directory. State eight file properties that he may identify. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
File name: The name of the file, which is typically used to identify the file and distinguish it from other files. File type: The type of file, which is typically determined by the file extension (e.g. .doc, .pdf, .txt). File size: The size of the file in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes. FRead more
- File name: The name of the file, which is typically used to identify the file and distinguish it from other files.
- File type: The type of file, which is typically determined by the file extension (e.g. .doc, .pdf, .txt).
- File size: The size of the file in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes.
- File creation date: The date and time when the file was created.
- File modification date: The date and time when the file was last modified.
- File access date: The date and time when the file was last accessed.
- File attributes: Additional information about the file, such as whether it is read-only, hidden, or archived.
- File permissions: Information about who is allowed to read, write, or execute the file, and whether the file can be deleted or modified.
See lessInternal fragmentation occurs during file storage. Explain two disadvantages of this type of fragmentation. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Internal fragmentation occurs when a file is stored in a way that leaves gaps or unused space within the allocated block or blocks of memory. This can happen when the size of the file is not an exact multiple of the block size, or when the file is deleted and replaced by a smaller file. There are seRead more
Internal fragmentation occurs when a file is stored in a way that leaves gaps or unused space within the allocated block or blocks of memory. This can happen when the size of the file is not an exact multiple of the block size, or when the file is deleted and replaced by a smaller file.
There are several disadvantages to internal fragmentation:
- Wasted space: When a block of memory is partially used, the unused space is wasted and cannot be used to store other files. This can lead to a lack of available space on the storage device, even if there is still free space available.
- Decreased performance: When a file is stored with internal fragmentation, it may be spread across multiple blocks of memory, which can slow down access to the file. This can be especially problematic when the file is being read or written to frequently.
- Increased overhead: Managing the allocation and deallocation of blocks of memory with internal fragmentation requires additional overhead, which can increase the time and resources required to manage the storage system
See lessDifferentiate between automatic repeat request and forward error correction operating systems. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) is a method used in digital communications to ensure the reliable transmission of data. It works by sending a message and then waiting for an acknowledgement (ACK) from the receiver. If the ACK is not received within a certain time period, the sender will resend the meRead more
Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) is a method used in digital communications to ensure the reliable transmission of data. It works by sending a message and then waiting for an acknowledgement (ACK) from the receiver. If the ACK is not received within a certain time period, the sender will resend the message. This process continues until the receiver sends an ACK or the sender gives up and declares the transmission a failure.
Forward Error Correction (FEC) is a method used to improve the reliability of data transmission over noisy communication channels. It works by adding redundant information to the data being transmitted. This redundant information can be used by the receiver to detect and correct errors that may have occurred during transmission.
See lessExplain two types of inter-process communication in operating systems. (4 marks)DICT MOD 1 July 2020
Shared memory: This type of IPC allows multiple processes to access a common area of memory in order to exchange data. This can be an efficient way for processes to communicate, as it avoids the overhead of other IPC mechanisms such as message passing. However, it can also be more difficult to impleRead more
- Shared memory: This type of IPC allows multiple processes to access a common area of memory in order to exchange data. This can be an efficient way for processes to communicate, as it avoids the overhead of other IPC mechanisms such as message passing. However, it can also be more difficult to implement and may require the use of synchronization mechanisms to ensure that data is accessed and modified safely by multiple processes.
- Message passing: This type of IPC involves the exchange of messages between processes. Processes can send messages to each other through a message queue or other communication channel, and can either block until a response is received or continue executing while waiting for a reply. Message passing is a flexible and widely-used IPC mechanism, but it may involve more overhead than shared memory.
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