3-22-2011 Home Work Chap.

1 - 2 Matthew Ledbetter

1.1- What are the three main purposes of an operating system?

To execute programs efficiently , be able to solve a problem, to run efficiently

1.2– What are the main differences between operating systems for mainframe
computers and personal computers?

1.3– List the four steps that are necessary to run a program on a completely
dedicated machine – a computer that is running only that program.

1.4– We have a stressed the need for an operating system to make efficent use of
the computing hardware. When is it appropriate for the operating system to
forsake this principle and to “waste” resources? Why is such a system not really
wasteful?

1.5– What is the main difficulty that a programmer must overcome in writing an
operating system for a real – time enviorment?

1.6– Consider the various definitions of operating systems. Consider whether the
operating system should include applications such as web browsers and mail
programs. Argue both that is should and that it should not, and support your
answers.

2.1 – What is the purpose of system calls?

3-22-2011 Home Work Chap. 1 - 2 Matthew Ledbetter

2.2 – What are five major activities of an operating system with regard to
process management?

2.3 – What are the three major activities of an operating system with reguard to
memory management?

2.4 – What are the three major activities of an operating system with regard to
secondary – storage management?

2.5 – What is the purpose of the command interpreter? Why is I usually separate
from kernal?

2.6 – What system calls have to be executed by command interpreter or shell in

order to start a new process?