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Asim OS Assignment

The document provides an overview of key concepts in operating systems, including virtual machines, system models, system generation, computer architecture, interrupts, I/O structure, and storage hierarchy. It defines each concept, outlines types and benefits, and provides examples for clarity. The information is structured to assist in understanding the design and functionality of operating systems.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views5 pages

Asim OS Assignment

The document provides an overview of key concepts in operating systems, including virtual machines, system models, system generation, computer architecture, interrupts, I/O structure, and storage hierarchy. It defines each concept, outlines types and benefits, and provides examples for clarity. The information is structured to assist in understanding the design and functionality of operating systems.

Uploaded by

asimakhoon1715
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Name – Muhammad Asim

Roll No – 90111-231036
Assignment – Operating System
Submitted to – Raheela Younas
Department – IT
Section – A
Semester – 4th
1. Virtual Machine
Definition:

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating
system and applications just like a physical machine.

Types of Virtual Machines:

 System VM: Emulates complete hardware to allow running OSes (e.g., VMware,
VirtualBox ).
 Process VM: Designed to run a single program (e.g., Java Virtual Machine).

Benefits:

 Isolation between different systems


 Resource sharing
 Easy testing and debugging

Example:

Running Windows on a mac OS machine using Virtual Box is an example of a system VM.

2. System Models
Types:

1. Monolithic System:
o Single large kernel
o All system services run in kernel mode
o Example: Early UNIX
2. Layered System:
o Organized in layers
o Each layer builds on services from the lower ones
o Example: THE system
3. Microkernel System:
o Only essential services run in kernel mode (e.g., communication)
o Other services run in user space
o Example: QNX, Minix
o
4. Client-Server Model:
o OS services are provided by servers
o Clients request services over a network

Use:

System models guide OS design and help manage complexity and modularity.

3. System Generation (SYSGEN)


Definition:

SYSGEN is the process of configuring an operating system for a specific hardware environment.

Steps:

1. Determine hardware details (CPU, memory, devices)


2. Choose OS modules and drivers
3. Compile and link configuration

Importance:

 Tailors OS for optimal performance


 Includes only necessary components

Example:

Configuring Linux kernel with make menuconfig for a custom Raspberry Pi build.

4. Computer System Architecture


Definition:

Describes the structure and behavior of a computer system including its components and how
they interact.

Components:

 CPU (Central Processing Unit)


 Memory (RAM, ROM)
 I/O Devices
 System Bus (Data, Address, Control)

Architecture Types:

1. Von Neumann Architecture:


o Same memory and bus for data and instructions
o Simpler design, but bottleneck issue
2. Harvard Architecture:
o Separate memory and bus for data and instructions
o Used in embedded systems

Example:

Most PCs use modified Von Neumann architecture.

5. Common Functions of Interrupts


Definition:

An interrupt is a signal to the processor indicating an event that needs immediate attention.

Types:

 Hardware Interrupts: From external devices (e.g., keyboard input)


 Software Interrupts: Triggered by programs

Common Functions:

 Handling I/O operations


 Responding to user inputs
 Managing system calls
 Facilitating multitasking

Example:

Pressing a key generates a hardware interrupt which causes the CPU to read the keystroke.
6. Input / Output (I/O) Structure
Components:

 I/O Devices: Mouse, keyboard, disk, network


 I/O Controller: Interface between CPU and I/O devices
 Device Drivers: Software to control I/O hardware

I/O Techniques:

1. Programmed I/O: CPU actively waits for I/O


2. Interrupt-driven I/O: Device interrupts CPU when ready
3. DMA (Direct Memory Access): Transfers data directly between device and memory
without CPU

Example:

DMA is used when transferring large files from disk to RAM without CPU overhead.

7. Storage Structure
Memory Hierarchy:

1. Registers: Fastest, smallest


2. Cache: Small, high-speed buffer between CPU and RAM
3. Main Memory (RAM): Volatile, medium speed
4. Secondary Storage: Non-volatile (e.g., HDD, SSD)
5. Tertiary Storage: Backup (e.g., tape, optical disks)

Types of Storage:

 Volatile: Needs power (e.g., RAM)


 Non-volatile: Retains data (e.g., SSD)

Example:

When a program is executed, it is loaded from secondary storage into main memory and uses
cache and registers during execution.

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