A.V.C.

College of Engineering, Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai

Department of IT
II IT / VI Semsester

CS3451 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

UNIT I - INTRODUCTION

PART - A
1. Define the term "Computer System" and briefly explain its elements.
2. What are the objectives of an operating system?
3. Differentiate between system calls and system programs.
4. Explain the layered approach in the structuring methods of operating systems.
5. What is the significance of the user operating system interface?
6. Describe the microkernel architecture in the design and implementation of operating systems.
7. Briefly discuss the evolution of operating systems.
8. Mention two functions of an operating system.
9. Define system programs and give examples.
10. Explain the concept of operating system services.

PART -B & C
1. Discuss the elements and organization of a computer system in detail.
2. Explain the objectives and functions of an operating system. How do these objectives evolve
with the advancement of technology?
3. Describe the different structures of operating systems, highlighting their advantages and
disadvantages.
4. Discuss the significance of the user operating system interface and its role in enhancing user
experience.
5. Compare and contrast the layered approach and microkernel architecture in operating system
design and implementation.
6. Trace the evolution of operating systems from the early days of computing to modern systems,
highlighting major milestones and trends.
7. Explain the concept of system calls and their role in facilitating interaction between user
programs and the operating system.
8. Describe the design and implementation of operating system services, focusing on their
importance in ensuring efficient system operation.
9. Discuss various system programs and their functions in supporting the operation of an
operating system.
10. Analyze different structuring methods used in operating system design, including their
advantages and limitations. Provide examples where applicable.

UNIT II PROCESS MANAGEMENT

PART - A
1. Define the concept of a process in an operating system.
2. Name two operations that can be performed on processes.
3. What is CPU scheduling, and why is it necessary?
4. List two scheduling criteria used in CPU scheduling algorithms.
5. Explain the purpose of inter-process communication.
6. What is a thread? Provide two advantages of using threads in multitasking environments.
7. Define the critical-section problem in process synchronization.
8. Name two synchronization hardware mechanisms used in operating systems.
9. Differentiate between mutex and semaphore.
10. Briefly describe one classical problem of synchronization.

PART -B & C
1. Discuss the concept of a process in an operating system, highlighting its importance and the
components involved in its management.
2. Explain the need for CPU scheduling and discuss the criteria used to evaluate scheduling
algorithms.
3. Describe various CPU scheduling algorithms, such as First-Come, First-Served (FCFS),
Shortest Job Next (SJN), and Round Robin (RR), comparing their strengths and weaknesses.
4. Discuss the concept of threads in the context of process management. Explain different
multithread models and their advantages.
5. Explain the critical-section problem in process synchronization and discuss how it can be
addressed using synchronization mechanisms such as semaphores and mutexes.
6. Describe the concept of deadlock in operating systems. Discuss methods for handling
deadlocks, including prevention, avoidance, detection, and recovery.
7. Discuss the concept of inter-process communication (IPC) and various IPC mechanisms used
in operating systems, such as message passing and shared memory.
8. Explain the role of monitors in process synchronization and how they facilitate the
implementation of synchronization primitives.
9. Discuss the challenges and issues associated with threading in operating systems, including
thread safety, resource sharing, and performance considerations.
10. Analyze the impact of process management on system performance and resource utilization,
discussing strategies for optimizing process scheduling and synchronization mechanisms.

UNIT III MEMORY MANAGEMENT

2-Mark Questions:
1. Define main memory and explain its significance in a computer system.
2. What is swapping, and how does it improve memory management?
3. Differentiate between contiguous memory allocation and paging.
4. Describe the structure of the page table in the context of memory management.
5. Explain the concept of segmentation and its advantages.
6. Define virtual memory and briefly discuss demand paging.
7. What is copy on write, and how is it used in memory management?
8. Name one page replacement algorithm used in virtual memory systems.
9. What is thrashing, and how does it affect system performance?
10. Mention one advantage of using segmentation with paging in memory management.

15-Mark Questions:
1. Discuss the role of main memory in a computer system, highlighting its importance in
supporting system operations and user applications. Explain the concept of address spaces and
memory protection mechanisms.
2. Explain the concept of swapping in memory management, discussing how it helps in
optimizing system performance. Compare and contrast swapping with other memory
management techniques.
3. Describe contiguous memory allocation and discuss its limitations. Explain how paging
overcomes the drawbacks of contiguous memory allocation, detailing the structure of the page
table and the translation process.
4. Discuss the concept of segmentation in memory management, highlighting its benefits and
challenges. Explain how segmentation with paging combines the advantages of both
segmentation and paging.
5. Define virtual memory and explain the concept of demand paging. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of demand paging compared to other virtual memory strategies.
6. Explain the copy-on-write technique used in memory management, discussing its
implementation and benefits. Provide examples of scenarios where copy-on-write is
advantageous.
7. Describe the concept of page replacement in virtual memory systems. Discuss different page
replacement algorithms, such as FIFO, LRU, and Optimal, highlighting their strengths and
weaknesses.
8. Discuss the factors leading to thrashing in virtual memory systems and its impact on system
performance. Explain how thrashing can be detected and mitigated.
9. Analyze the challenges and trade-offs involved in allocating frames in virtual memory
systems, considering factors such as locality of reference and system resources.
10. Discuss the advancements and trends in memory management techniques, considering
factors such as hardware capabilities, application requirements, and system performance goals.
UNIT IV STORAGE MANAGEMENT
**2-Mark Questions:**
1. Define mass storage system and explain its role in computer storage.
2. What is disk scheduling, and why is it important for disk management?
3. Explain the file concept in the context of storage management.
4. Name one access method used for accessing files.
5. Differentiate between a file and a directory.
6. What is file system mounting, and why is it necessary?
7. Name one file allocation method used in file system implementation.
8. Define I/O hardware and provide an example.
9. Explain the application I/O interface.
10. What is the role of the kernel I/O subsystem in operating systems?

**15-Mark Questions:**
1. Discuss the components and functions of a mass storage system, highlighting the importance
of secondary storage in computer systems.
2. Describe the file-system interface, including the concepts of files, directories, access methods,
and directory structures.
3. Explain the implementation of file systems, covering topics such as file system structure,
directory implementation, allocation methods, and free space management techniques
4. Discuss the role of I/O systems in computer architecture, including the hardware components
involved and their functions in facilitating input and output operations.
5. Explain the application I/O interface, discussing how applications interact with the operating
system to perform I/O operations. 6. Describe the kernel I/O subsystem, including its
components and functions in managing I/O operations. Discuss the role of device drivers, I/O
controllers, and interrupt handling in the kernel I/O subsystem.
7. Compare and contrast different disk scheduling algorithms, such as FCFS, SSTF, SCAN, and
C-SCAN, highlighting their advantages and limitations in improving disk performance.
8. Discuss the challenges and considerations in designing file systems for modern computing
environments, such as scalability, reliability, and compatibility with diverse storage devices.
9. Analyze the impact of file system design choices on system performance, reliability, and
security.
10. Evaluate the evolution of storage management techniques in operating systems, considering
advancements in hardware technology, storage devices, and user requirements.
UNIT 1
1. What are the elements of a computer system?
The elements of a computer system include hardware (central processing unit, memory,
input/output devices), software (operating system, application programs), data, and users.
2. Define Operating System.
An Operating System (OS) is a software program that acts as an intermediary between the
computer hardware and the user. It provides services to manage computer hardware resources,
run application programs, and facilitate communication between hardware and software
components.
3. What are the objectives of an Operating System?
The objectives of an Operating System include resource management, providing an interface
for user interaction, facilitating efficient execution of programs, ensuring system security and
reliability, and enabling hardware abstraction.
4. What are the functions of an Operating System?
The functions of an Operating System include process management, memory management, file
system management, device management, security and access control, and user interface
management.
5. Describe the evolution of Operating Systems.
Operating Systems have evolved from simple batch processing systems to interactive and real-
time systems. The evolution includes developments such as multiprogramming, time-sharing,
multiprocessing, distributed systems, and client-server architectures.
6. What are the structures of an Operating System?
The structures of an Operating System include monolithic kernels, microkernels, layered
architectures, and modular architectures.
7. List some Operating System services.
Operating System services include process management, memory management, file system
management, device management, security services, and networking services.
8. What is the User Operating System Interface?
The User Operating System Interface is the boundary between the user and the Operating
System. It includes command-line interfaces, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and application
programming interfaces (APIs).
9. What are System Calls in Operating Systems?
System Calls are functions provided by the Operating System that allow user programs to
request services from the OS, such as process creation, file manipulation, and device control.
10. What are System Programs in Operating Systems?
System Programs are utility programs provided by the Operating System to perform various
system-related tasks, such as file management, system diagnostics, and performance monitoring.
11. Define the term "Computer System" and briefly explain its elements.
- A computer system is a combination of hardware, software, and human resources working
together to perform various computing tasks. Its elements include:
- Hardware: Physical components such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output
devices, and networking equipment.
- Software: Programs and data that instruct the hardware to perform specific tasks, including
operating systems, applications, and utility software.
- Human Resources: People involved in the operation, maintenance, and use of the computer
system, including users, administrators, and developers.
12. What are the objectives of an operating system?
- The objectives of an operating system include:
- Providing a user-friendly interface for interaction with the computer system.
- Managing system resources efficiently, including CPU, memory, storage, and devices.
- Ensuring the security and integrity of system resources and data.
- Facilitating the execution of user programs and coordinating their interactions with
hardware.
- Supporting multitasking and concurrent execution of multiple processes or threads.
- Providing mechanisms for error handling, fault tolerance, and recovery.
- Optimizing system performance and resource utilization.

13. Differentiate between system calls and system programs.

 - System calls are interfaces provided by the operating system that allow user programs to
request services from the kernel, such as file operations, process management, and
communication with devices. They provide a way for user-level processes to interact with the
operating system kernel.
- System programs, on the other hand, are application programs that utilize system calls to
perform higher-level tasks. These programs include utilities such as compilers, text editors, file
managers, and networking tools, which leverage system calls to access operating system services
and manage system resources.
14. Explain the layered approach in the structuring methods of operating systems.
- The layered approach is a structuring method used in operating system design where the
operating system is organized into layers, each providing a specific set of functionalities. These
layers are arranged hierarchically, with higher layers relying on services provided by lower
layers. This approach facilitates modularization, abstraction, and ease of maintenance, as
changes in one layer typically do not affect other layers as long as the interfaces remain
unchanged.
15. What is the significance of the user operating system interface?
- The user operating system interface serves as a bridge between users and the underlying
operating system. It allows users to interact with the system, execute programs, manage files, and
control system resources. A well-designed user interface enhances user experience, improves
productivity, and simplifies system operation by providing intuitive commands, graphical
interfaces, and error feedback mechanisms.
16. Describe the microkernel architecture in the design and implementation of operating systems.
- The microkernel architecture is a design approach where the core functionalities of the
operating system, such as process management and inter-process communication, are
implemented as a minimalistic kernel. Additional services, such as device drivers, file systems,
and networking protocols, are implemented as separate user-space processes or modules,
communicating with the microkernel via message passing. This modular design enhances
flexibility, scalability, and reliability, as services can be dynamically added or removed without
affecting the core kernel functionality.
17. Briefly discuss the evolution of operating systems.
- The evolution of operating systems can be traced from early batch processing systems to
modern multitasking, multiuser, and distributed systems. Major milestones include the
development of mainframe operating systems such as IBM OS/360, the emergence of time-
sharing systems like UNIX, the graphical user interface revolution with systems like Mac OS
and Windows, and the rise of mobile and cloud computing platforms. Recent trends include the
proliferation of open-source operating systems like Linux and the development of virtualization
and containerization technologies.
18. Mention two functions of an operating system.
- Two functions of an operating system include:
1. Process Management: Managing the creation, scheduling, execution, and termination of
processes or threads.
2. Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory space to processes, managing
virtual memory, and handling memory protection and sharing.
19. Define system programs and give examples.
- System programs are application programs that utilize system calls to perform higher-level
tasks. Examples include:
- Text editors (e.g., vi, Notepad++)
- Compilers (e.g., gcc, javac)
- Utility programs (e.g., ls, mkdir, rm)
- Debuggers (e.g., gdb, WinDbg)
20. Explain the concept of operating system services.
- Operating system services are functionalities provided by the operating system to support the
execution of user programs and manage system resources. These services include process
management, memory management, file system management, device management, and
networking services. Operating system services are typically accessed through system calls,
allowing user programs to request and utilize these services.
UNIT – 3
1. Define main memory and explain its significance in a computer system:
Main memory, also known as primary memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), is a volatile
storage medium in a computer system that stores data and instructions that the CPU (Central
Processing Unit) actively uses during program execution. It provides fast access to data and
instructions, significantly faster than secondary storage devices like hard drives or SSDs. Main
memory is essential for running programs and executing tasks because it directly interacts with
the CPU. It holds the currently executing programs, their data, and the operating system kernel.
Without main memory, a computer would not be able to operate efficiently or execute programs.
2. What is swapping, and how does it improve memory management?
Swapping is a memory management technique used by operating systems to move processes or
parts of processes between main memory and secondary storage (usually a hard disk) when the
system experiences memory pressure. When the physical memory (RAM) becomes full, the
operating system swaps out less frequently used or idle processes from RAM to disk, freeing up
space for more active processes. Swapping improves memory management by allowing the
system to handle more processes than can fit entirely in physical memory. However, swapping
can introduce overhead due to the time taken to move data between RAM and disk, which can
impact system performance.
3. Differentiate between contiguous memory allocation and paging:
Contiguous memory allocation assigns contiguous blocks of memory to processes. Each process
is loaded into a contiguous block of memory, making it easy to manage and access. However, it
may lead to external fragmentation, where free memory exists but is not contiguous, making it
challenging to allocate memory to new processes.
Paging divides physical memory into fixed-size blocks called pages and logical memory into
fixed-size blocks called frames. Processes are divided into fixed-size blocks called pages,
allowing them to be loaded into non-contiguous physical memory locations. Paging eliminates
external fragmentation but may lead to internal fragmentation within pages.
4. Describe the structure of the page table in the context of memory management:
The page table is a data structure used by the operating system to translate virtual addresses
generated by processes into physical addresses in main memory. It typically consists of an array
of page table entries (PTEs), where each entry contains information about a particular page of
memory, such as the page number and the corresponding frame number in physical memory. The
page table is typically indexed by the virtual page number to quickly locate the corresponding
physical frame. The structure of the page table allows for efficient address translation, enabling
the CPU to access data stored in virtual memory.

5. Explain the concept of segmentation and its advantages:

Segmentation is a memory management technique that divides the logical address space of a
process into segments, where each segment represents a logical unit such as code, data, stack, or
heap. Segmentation allows processes to grow or shrink dynamically, as segments can be added
or removed independently. It provides better support for modular programming and data
structures compared to contiguous memory allocation. Segmentation also helps in memory
protection by assigning different access rights to different segments, enhancing security and
stability.

6. Define virtual memory and briefly discuss demand paging:

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that provides an illusion of a larger address
space than physically available by using secondary storage, such as a hard disk, to supplement
physical memory. It allows processes to use more memory than is physically available, enabling
efficient multitasking and the execution of large programs.
Demand paging is a virtual memory management technique where pages are loaded into memory
from disk only when they are accessed, rather than loading the entire program into memory at
once. It reduces the initial loading time and conserves memory by loading only the necessary
pages into memory as needed. Demand paging improves memory utilization and overall system
performance.

7. What is copy on write, and how is it used in memory management?

Copy on write is a memory management technique used when a process forks (creates a new
process). Instead of immediately copying all memory pages of the parent process to the child
process, the operating system allows both processes to share the same memory pages. If either
process modifies a shared memory page, only then is a separate copy made for that process.
Copy on write reduces memory overhead and improves performance by delaying the copying of
memory pages until necessary.
8. Name one page replacement algorithm used in virtual memory systems:
One page replacement algorithm used in virtual memory systems is the Least Recently Used
(LRU) algorithm. LRU replaces the page that has not been used for the longest period. It relies
on the principle of temporal locality, assuming that recently accessed pages are more likely to be
accessed again in the near future.
9. What is thrashing, and how does it affect system performance?
Thrashing occurs when a computer system spends a significant amount of time swapping data
between main memory and disk due to excessive paging activity. It happens when the system is
overloaded with more processes than the available physical memory can handle, leading to
frequent page faults and high disk I/O activity. Thrashing severely degrades system performance
as the CPU spends more time swapping pages than executing useful instructions, resulting in a
slowdown of overall system operations.
10. Mention one advantage of using segmentation with paging in memory management:
One advantage of using segmentation with paging in memory management is that it combines
the benefits of both segmentation and paging techniques. Segmentation allows for the logical
division of memory into meaningful units, while paging eliminates external fragmentation and
provides efficient memory utilization. By combining segmentation with paging, the system can
support dynamic memory allocation, protection, and sharing while efficiently managing memory
resources.