Resource Management [HL]

Old Syllabus (2006):

6.3.1 Define operating system.

6.3.2 Explain the functions of operating systems.

3.3.3 Discuss the characteristics of various computer systems including single users and multi-users, in both
single-tasking and multi-tasking environments.

3.2.5 Outline the characteristics of primary memory and the difference between volatile and non-volatile
memory.

Define interrupt and polling.

Old Syllabus Questions

State two functions of operating systems.

Memory management; Resource handling;Program and data management; Coordinating processing;

Communicating with peripherals; Etc.

With reference to page 4 of the case study, explain with the use of examples why RAM is also known
as dynamic memory.

its contents change whenever a program using it changes / memory that does have a fixed life;MUST
include example e.g. could contain a downloaded app one moment and then an MP3 file the next;

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Aryan Bhasin
New Syllabus

Assessment statement Obj Teacher’s notes

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System resources
Identify the resources that need to be
6.1.1
managed within a computer system.
Evaluate the resources available in a
6.1.2
variety of computer systems.
Identify the limitations of a range of
6.1.3 2 may not be able to render 3D graphics
resources in a specified computer system.
Describe the possible problems resulting
6.1.4 from the limitations in the resources in a
computer system.
Role of the operating system
Explain the role of the operating system in
6.1.5 terms of managing memory, peripherals 3
and hardware interfaces.
Outline OS resource management
techniques: scheduling, policies,
6.1.7
multitasking, virtual memory, paging,
interrupt, polling.
6.1.8 Discuss the advantages of producing a
dedicated operating system for a device.
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Resources include: primary memory,
secondary storage, processor speed,
2 bandwidth, screen resolution, disk
storage, sound processor, graphics
processor, cache, network connectivity.
These should include: mainframes,
servers, PCs, sub-laptops, as well as
personal digital devices such as cell
phones, PDAs and digital cameras.
3
AIM 9 Develop an appreciation of the
issues linked to resource availability with
continued developments in computer
systems.
For example, single processor computers
effectively.
For example, user time wasted if the
primary memory is too small or
processor speed inadequate.
2
Multi-access and multi- programming
environments should be considered as
well as single-user systems.
For example, allocating storage and
keeping track of programsin memory,
swapping between programs on time-
slicing, priority or when one is waiting
for input.
Technical details as to how these are
carried out will not be required, but it is
2 expected that students will be familiar
with these techniques and understand
when and why they are used.
3 Advantages related to size, speed and
customization should be considered.
For example, using a dedicated operating
 system for a cell phone rather than using
a pre-existing operating system.

S/E Issue of proprietary software.

Students should be aware of a range of

Outline how an operating system hides the
6.1.9 complexity of the hardware from users and 2
applications.
examples where operating systems
virtualize real devices, such as drive
letters, virtual memory, input devices,
the Java virtual machine.
INT Issue of localization causing
compatibility problems between systems
in different countries.

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dynamic allocation of memory, recover when no longer needed
allocate time slices to application (give certain amount of processing time before control switched to next
application)

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(c) Input- use of touch screen, not mouse; memory- smaller since less processing power needed; display-
smaller, readable in sunlight, need higher resolution
(d) can watch movies and play games for better quality; not needed for phones; generates noise and heat;
more apt for gaming laptops; bulky thus larger size of phone, heavier, not compact; uses lot of power, lower
battery life

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learn definition of operating systems

regular checking of status of one unit by another

memory divided into pages swapped between secondary and primary; helps in formation of virtual memory

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memory management, processor management and interrupt handling are best

memory management: allocation of memory to programs currently running, shares memory, dynamic
allocation, memory isolation provided

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processor management: allows multiple programs to run, allocates time slices, uses scheduler to decide order
in which processes to execute, use of interrupts to prioritize, illusion of parallelism

please note that OS is a SET OF PROGRAMS used for allocation of computer’s resources, for input and
output device control, etc.

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Notes from Mark Schemes:

interrupts

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terminal/provider sends interrupt requiring service [1 mark] flag set on server [1 mark]if no higher priority
input taken from terminal/internet [1 mark]

polling

each user of system given a slice of time [1 mark]by system going to each in turn [1 mark]if input required
then taken from user whose turn it is [1 mark]

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