Rafael D.

Sanchez
BSCPE – 3

Which of the following instructions should be privileged?

a. Set the value of the timer.

- The timing is a crucial component of the system since changing its state to
accommodate interruptions and other activities can have an impact on how it
operates. For this reason, it needs to be safeguarded and maintained. This is
the reason this instruction is regarded as privileged instruction.

b. Read the clock.

- Since there is no danger involved and no need for any security effects
during execution, this instruction is regarded as non-privileged.
c. Clear memory.

- This command carries a high risk since any unattended process or one
that is being carried out by an unauthorized user has the potential to corrupt the
system's code and data. Because it needs to be carefully watched and
protected, this command should be privileged.
d. Issue a trap instruction.

- This instruction may be nonprivileged because any user has the ability to
issue a trap instruction for the system. controlled and safeguarded
e. Turn off interrupts.

- The computer system's interrupts are crucial and delicate, therefore it's
important to monitor and maintain them to prevent unauthorized efforts to
disable them. Because of this, this command is privileged and should be
followed seriously.
f. Modify entries in the device-status table.

- Each I/O device has an item in the device-status table that lists its type,
address, and the condition that needs to be closely monitored and well-
protected to avoid unauthorized changes. If changes are necessary, they should
be made carefully to avoid running into issues. It should be a privilege
instruction for this instruction.
g. Switch from user to kernel mode.

- The user can access the system's resources, memory, and other
features by switching to kernel mode.
features. Because it needs to be safeguarded from unauthorized users who
might potentially remove data, modify it, or carry out other operations, this
instruction falls under the category of privilege instructions.

h. Access I/O device.

- This is a protected instruction because illegal access to I/O
devices may corrupt the device's software, causing errors and
malfunction that render the device unusable and may have an impact
on the computer system.
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