Act 4.

1
2) a) Interrupts

b) Interrupts can make use of buffer. The microprocessor can send 20

pages. After it receives confirmation of printing, it can send another 20
documents. Like this there won’t be a lag in watching videos while printing.

c) It stops printing

3) a)

1. Security
The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and
similar other techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs
and user data.
2. File Management
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and
usage. These directories may contain other directories and other files. An
operating system carries out the following file management activities. It keeps
track of where information is stored, user access settings and status of every
file and more… These facilities are collectively known as the file system.
3. Management Of User Accounts
Operating system keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks
and users, this information can be used to track resource usage for a
particular user or group of users.
4. Interrupts
Operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid
the malfunctioning of computer system.

4) The device descriptor contains information about a USB device. OS

uses that information to derive various sets of information. For example,
the idVendor and idProduct fields specify vendor and product
identifiers, respectively.

5) a) BIOS, which stands for Basic Input Output

System, is software stored on a small memory chip on
the motherboard. It's BIOS that's responsible for
the POST and therefore makes it the very first
software to run when a computer is started.
b) BIOS instructs the computer on how to perform
basic functions such as bootingand keyboard control.

BIOS settings are stored on a CMOS chip. The CMOS

is always powered using a rechargeable battery.
Therefore, the bios setting would be removed or
disconnected for some reason.

BIOS uses EEPROM. EEPROM is a flash memory chip

which means its contents remain even when the
computer is shut down.

Act 4.2

2 a) Code Editors: Allows program to be written and

edited without need of a separate text editor.

Translator: Enables program to be executed.

Auto-completion: Offers text completion for reserved

words.

b) Compiler: Translates HLL to machine code all in

one go. Program can be run without compilation
once compiled.

Interpreter: Translates HLL to machine code line

by line. Program cannot run without interpretation.

c) To make use of special hardware. Doesn’t take up

much space. Performs tasks very quickly.
Exam Style Questions

3 a) An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer

hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.

b) Memory, often as simulated on a hard disk, that emulates RAM,

allowing an application to operate as though the computer has more
memory than it actually does.

c) Disk thrashing (also called virtual memory thrashing) refers to an

issue occurring when the hard drive worked excessively by transferring
information between the system memory and virtual memory.

d) Operation of more than 1 program simultaneously

e) An interrupt is a signal emitted by hardware or software when a process or an

event needs immediate attention.

4) a) GUI: Easy to use. Consumes more memory. Slower than CLI.

CLI: Not easy to use. Consumes less memory. Faster than GUI.

b) Advantage: Easy to use. Disadavantage: Takes more memory

c) Advantage: Takes less memory. Disadvantage: Difficult to use.