Operating Systems: Questions and Answers

Q.1. What is an Operating System? Write the Major

Functions of an Operating System
An operating system (OS) is software that acts as a bridge between a computers hardware
and its users. It manages hardware resources (like CPU, memory, and storage) and
provides a platform for running applications. Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS,
and Android.
Major Functions of an Operating System:
1. Process Management: Handles processes (running programs) by creating, schedul-
ing, and terminating them. It decides which process gets the CPU and when, using
scheduling algorithms (e.g., round-robin). Example: Opening a web browser and
music player, with the OS ensuring both run smoothly.
2. Memory Management: Allocates and deallocates memory to processes. Man-
ages virtual memory to provide more memory than physically available. Ensures
memory protection. Example: Assigning memory to apps and swapping data to
disk when RAM is full.
3. File System Management: Manages files and folders, handling operations like
create, delete, read, and write. Organizes storage and controls permissions. Exam-
ple: Saving a document with proper access control.
4. Device Management: Controls hardware devices (e.g., printers, keyboards) using
device drivers. Manages input/output operations. Example: Sending a document
to a printer.
5. User Interface: Provides graphical (GUI) or command-line (CLI) interfaces for
user interaction. Example: Clicking an icon to open a program.
6. Security and Access Control: Protects the system with user authentication and
permissions. Example: Requiring a password for user account access.

Q.2. Describe the Classification of Operating Systems

Operating systems are classified based on design, functionality, and usage:
1. Batch Operating System: Processes jobs in batches without user interaction.
Example: Payroll processing. Use: Repetitive tasks like bank statements.

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 2. Time-Sharing Operating System: Allows multiple users to share CPU time.
Example: Unix servers. Use: Multi-user environments.
3. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): Ensures tasks meet strict deadlines.
Example: Air traffic control. Types: Hard and soft real-time.
4. Distributed Operating System: Manages networked computers as a single sys-
tem. Example: Googles cloud infrastructure. Use: Cloud computing.
5. Multiprogramming Operating System: Runs multiple programs concurrently.
Example: Browser and music player on a PC. Use: Desktops.
6. Multiprocessing Operating System: Uses multiple CPUs for parallel execution.
Example: Windows on multi-core PCs. Use: High-performance systems.
7. Embedded Operating System: Designed for specific hardware. Example: FreeR-
TOS in smartwatches. Use: IoT devices.
8. Mobile Operating System: Optimized for mobile devices. Example: Android,
iOS. Use: Smartphones.

Q.3. What is a Real-Time Operating System? What

is the Difference Between Hard Real-Time and Soft
Real-Time Operating System?
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is designed for applications where tasks must meet
strict time constraints, used in time-sensitive systems like robotics or aerospace.
Difference Between Hard and Soft Real-Time OS: Example: Hard real-time: Air-

Aspect Hard Real-Time OS Soft Real-Time OS

Definition Must meet strict deadlines; miss- Should meet deadlines; occasional
ing causes failure. misses are tolerable.
Timing Absolute, non-negotiable. Flexible, some delay acceptable.
Examples Airbag systems, pacemakers. Video streaming, online gaming.
Consequences Catastrophic (e.g., loss of life). Minor (e.g., buffering).
Scheduling Strict priority-based. Less rigid scheduling.
Applications Aerospace, medical systems. Multimedia, telecom.

plane flight control. Soft real-time: Video call with minor lag.

Q.4. Discuss Essential Properties of Time-Sharing,

Real-Time, and Distributed Operating Systems
1. Time-Sharing Operating System:
• Multitasking: Allocates CPU time slices to multiple users/processes.
• Interactive: Quick responses via GUIs or terminals.
• Resource Sharing: Shares CPU, memory, and I/O.

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 • Fair Scheduling: Uses round-robin. Example: Unix servers.
2. Real-Time Operating System:
• Deterministic Timing: Meets strict deadlines.
• Priority-Based Scheduling: Critical tasks run first.
• Reliability: Consistent performance.
• Minimal Overhead: Lightweight design. Example: Car ABS systems.
3. Distributed Operating System:
• Resource Sharing: Shares resources across networked computers.
• Transparency: Appears as a single system.
• Scalability: Easily expandable.
• Fault Tolerance: Continues if some nodes fail. Example: Google cloud.

Q.5. Difference Between Interactive and Batch Pro-

cessing System With Suitable Example
Aspect Interactive Processing Sys- Batch Processing System
tem
Definition Processes tasks with direct user Processes jobs in batches without
interaction. interaction.
User Interaction Real-time input/output (e.g., No real-time interaction; jobs
typing). queued.
Response Time Immediate. Delayed until batch completes.
Examples Online shopping, text editors. Payroll processing, bank state-
ments.
Use Case User-driven tasks (e.g., gaming). Repetitive tasks (e.g., data anal-
ysis).
Execution Runs with user input. Sequential batch execution.

Example: Interactive: Booking a flight online. Batch: Processing monthly utility bills.

Q.6. Difference Between Multiprogramming and Time-

Sharing System With Suitable Example
Example: Multiprogramming: Running a game and browser. Time-Sharing: Multiple
users on a server.

Q.7. Discuss the Difference Between a Time-Sharing

System and Real-Time System
Example: Time-Sharing: Users coding on a server. Real-Time: Airbag deployment.

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 Aspect Multiprogramming System Time-Sharing System
Definition Multiple programs run concur- Multiple users share CPU time
rently in memory. slices.
Goal Maximize CPU utilization. Quick response for users.
User Interaction May or may not involve interac- Highly interactive.
tion.
Example Browser, antivirus, music player Unix server with multiple users.
on PC.
Scheduling Switches when a program waits. Fixed time slices.
Focus Resource efficiency. User responsiveness.

Aspect Time-Sharing System Real-Time System

Purpose Supports multiple users interac- Meets strict timing deadlines.
tively.
Timing Fair allocation, non-critical re- Strict deadlines, critical timing.
sponse.
User Interaction Highly interactive (e.g., GUIs). Often non-interactive.
Examples Unix servers, Windows desktops. Air traffic control, ventilators.
Scheduling Round-robin for fairness. Priority-based for critical tasks.
Applications General computing. Time-critical systems.

Q.8. Difference Between Batch Processing System

and Multiprogramming System With Example
Aspect Batch Processing System Multiprogramming System
Definition Processes jobs in batches without Runs multiple programs concur-
interaction. rently.
User Interaction None; jobs pre-submitted. May involve interaction.
CPU Utilization May be idle between jobs. Maximizes CPU use.
Example Bank transactions overnight. Browser, email, music player.
Execution Sequential. Concurrent.
Use Case Repetitive tasks. General computing.

Example: Batch: Monthly payroll. Multiprogramming: Editing a document while stream-

ing music.

Q.9. Explain the Term: Multiprocessor System

A multiprocessor system has multiple CPUs or cores executing tasks in parallel. Ex-
ample: A quad-core PC running a game and streaming. Features: Parallel processing,
shared memory, load balancing. Advantages: Faster processing, reliability, scalability.
Disadvantages: Expensive, complex OS design.

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Q.10. Explain the Term: Multi-threading
Multi-threading divides a process into multiple threads running concurrently, sharing
resources. Example: A browser with threads for loading pages and playing videos. Fea-
tures: Thread-safe, concurrent execution. Advantages: Faster tasks, efficient resource
use. Disadvantages: Complex programming, potential crashes.

Q.11. Difference Between Multiprocessing and Mul-

tiprogramming Operating System
Aspect Multiprocessing OS Multiprogramming OS
Definition Uses multiple CPUs for parallel Runs multiple programs on one
tasks. CPU.
Hardware Multiple CPUs/cores. Single CPU.
Execution Simultaneous on different CPUs. Concurrent via CPU sharing.
Example Server with 8 cores. PC with browser and music
player.
Complexity More complex. Simpler.
Performance Faster for intensive tasks. Efficient but slower.

Example: Multiprocessing: Video rendering on multi-core CPU. Multiprogramming:

Switching between apps on single-core PC.

Q.12. What is Spooling? What are the Advantages of

Spooling Over Buffering?
Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operation On-Line) stores data temporarily on disk
for processing, freeing the CPU. Example: Print jobs queued to a spooler.
Advantages Over Buffering:
1. Large Data: Spooling uses disk (large capacity) vs. buffering in RAM (limited).
2. Non-Blocking: CPU continues tasks during spooling.
3. Multiple Devices: Spooling handles multiple jobs/devices.
4. Reliability: Disk data persists after crashes.
Example: Spooling: Print server handling multiple jobs. Buffering: Video streaming in
RAM.

Q.13. Explain the Layered Structure of an Operating

System
In a layered OS, functions are divided into layers, each interacting only with layers
above/below. Example Layers: Hardware interface, device drivers, memory management,
file system, process management, user interface.

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Advantages:
• Modularity: Easy to design and maintain.
• Abstraction: Hides complex details.
• Debugging: Issues isolated to layers.
• Reusability: Layers reusable in other systems.
Disadvantages:
• Performance Overhead: Inter-layer communication delays.
• Complex Design: Defining layer boundaries is hard.
• Inflexibility: Adding features affects multiple layers.
• Dependency: Lower-layer faults impact all above.
Example: THE Operating System (Dijkstra).

Q.14. Define the Components of an Operating System

1. Kernel: Core, managing CPU, memory, devices. Example: Linux kernel.
2. Process Manager: Handles process creation, scheduling. Example: Task Man-
ager.
3. Memory Manager: Allocates memory, manages virtual memory. Example: Swap-
ping to disk.
4. File System Manager: Manages files, storage, permissions. Example: Creating
folders.
5. Device Manager: Controls hardware via drivers. Example: Printer communica-
tion.
6. User Interface: GUI or CLI for interaction. Example: Windows Start menu.
7. Security Manager: Ensures authentication, access control. Example: Password
prompts.

Q.15. Define the Services Provided by the Operating

System
1. Process Management: Creates, schedules processes. Example: Running multiple
apps.
2. Memory Management: Allocates memory, virtual memory. Example: Video editor
memory.
3. File Management: Handles file operations, permissions. Example: Saving photos.
4. Device Management: Controls I/O devices. Example: USB drive access.

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 5. User Interface: Provides GUI/CLI. Example: Clicking folder icons.
6. Security: Protects via authentication. Example: Login passwords.
7. Networking: Manages network connections. Example: Wi-Fi access.
8. Error Handling: Resolves system errors. Example: Printer error messages.

Q.16. Explain Protection and Security of Layered Op-

erating System Structure
Protection ensures authorized resource access; security prevents unauthorized access.
Features:
• Layered Isolation: Each layer has specific roles, limiting access.
• Access Control: Enforces permissions. Example: File access checks.
• Authentication: Verifies user identity. Example: Login prompts.
• Memory Protection: Prevents process interference. Example: Browser memory
isolation.
• Error Containment: Limits damage to one layer.
Advantages: Modular security, easier updates. Example: Linux file permission checks.

Q.17. What is Kernel? Describe Various Operations

Performed by Kernel
The kernel is the core of the OS, managing hardware and resources. Operations:
1. Process Management: Creates, schedules processes. Example: Browser and music
player.
2. Memory Management: Allocates memory, virtual memory. Example: RAM for
games.
3. Device Management: Communicates with hardware. Example: Printer data.
4. File System Management: Manages files, permissions. Example: Saving documents.
5. Interrupt Handling: Responds to hardware events. Example: Keyboard input.
6. Security: Enforces access control. Example: File restrictions.

Q.18. Describe Re-entrant Kernels

A re-entrant kernel allows multiple processes/threads to execute kernel code simultane-
ously without conflicts. Features: Thread-safe, uses locks for data protection. Advan-
tages: Supports multitasking, reliable in multi-core systems. Disadvantages: Complex,
synchronization overhead. Example: Linux kernel managing concurrent disk writes.

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Q.19. Explain in Detail About Monolithic and Micro-
kernel System
• Monolithic Kernel: Includes all services in one module. Example: Linux. Ad-
vantages: Fast, efficient. Disadvantages: Complex, less reliable.
• Microkernel: Minimal kernel with services in user mode. Example: QNX. Advan-
tages: Reliable, modular. Disadvantages: Slower, complex communication.
Comparison:

Aspect Monolithic Kernel Microkernel

Size Large, all services included. Small, minimal functions.
Performance Faster (direct calls). Slower (IPC overhead).
Reliability Less reliable. More reliable.
Examples Linux, Unix. QNX, Minix.

Q.20. Difference Between the Shell and Kernel

Aspect Shell Kernel
Definition User interface for OS interaction. Core managing hard-
ware/resources.
Function Interprets user commands. Manages CPU, memory, devices.
Type User-level program. System-level component.
Examples Bash, Command Prompt. Linux kernel, Windows NT ker-
nel.
Access No hardware access. Full hardware access.

Example: Shell: ‘ls‘ command in Bash. Kernel: Retrieves file data.

Q.21. What Do You Understand by System Call?

How is a System Call Made? How is it Handled by
the System?
A system call is a request by a program for kernel services (e.g., file access). How Made:
Program calls API (e.g., ‘open()‘), triggering a software interrupt to switch to kernel
mode. How Handled: Kernel validates request, executes service, returns result. Example:
‘write()‘ to save data to a file.

Q.22. List and Explain Four System Calls Used for

Process Management
1. fork(): Creates a child process. Example: Shell creating a process for ‘ls‘.

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 2. exec(): Replaces process memory with a new program. Example: Running ‘grep‘
in a child process.
3. wait(): Parent waits for child termination. Example: Shell waiting for command
completion.
4. exit(): Terminates process. Example: Program ending with ‘exit(0)‘.

Q.23. Difference Between Process Switch and Mode

Switch
Aspect Process Switch Mode Switch
Definition Switches CPU between processes. Switches CPU between
user/kernel mode.
Purpose Enables multitasking. Enables privileged operations.
Context Saves/loads process state. Changes privilege level.
Overhead High (state saving). Low (minimal change).
Example Switching from browser to music ‘open()‘ system call.
player.
Trigger Scheduler, timer. System calls, interrupts.

Example: Process Switch: Alt-tabbing apps. Mode Switch: File access via kernel.