SLR 4 EXAM QUESTIONS
暂无描述。系统推荐的高质量记忆内容，适合每天坚持背诵学习。
卡片预览 (24 张)
Explain why an operating system is needed in a computer system.
It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and allows programs to run by handling input/output, memory, and process management.
Describe one function of an operating system.
Memory management — the OS allocates and frees memory space for programs.
Explain what is meant by system software.
Software that controls and manages computer hardware so applications can run effectively (e.g., operating systems, utilities).
Explain the difference between paging and segmentation.
Paging divides memory into fixed-size blocks, while segmentation divides it into variable-sized sections based on program structure.
Describe how virtual memory works.
When RAM is full, part of the hard drive is used as temporary memory so more programs can run, though this is slower than RAM.
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using virtual memory.
Advantage: allows larger programs to run. Disadvantage: slows down performance due to secondary storage access times.
Explain the purpose of interrupts in a computer system.
Interrupts alert the CPU to high-priority events requiring immediate attention, pausing the current process to run an interrupt service routine (ISR).
Give one example of when an interrupt might occur.
When a user presses a key on the keyboard or a printer finishes a task.
Describe what happens when an interrupt is received.
The CPU suspends its current task, saves its state, and executes the ISR before returning to the original task.
Explain what is meant by CPU scheduling.
It determines the order and timing in which processes are executed to maximise CPU efficiency and ensure fairness.
Describe how round robin scheduling works.
Each process is given a fixed time slice in turn; if it isn’t finished, it goes to the back of the queue.
State one benefit of round robin scheduling.
Ensures fairness — each process gets an equal share of CPU time.
Explain one disadvantage of first come first served scheduling.
Long jobs can delay shorter ones, causing inefficient use of CPU time.
Describe what a real-time operating system is.
An OS designed to process data immediately as it’s input, with predictable response times — used in embedded systems like airbags.
Explain how a multi-user operating system differs from a single-user system.
A multi-user OS allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously, sharing resources efficiently.
Give one example of where a distributed OS might be used.
Managing tasks across multiple servers in a data centre or cloud environment.
Explain the purpose of the BIOS during computer startup.
The BIOS performs POST (Power-On Self-Test), initialises hardware, and loads the OS from storage into memory.
State why the BIOS is stored in ROM.
Because it must be permanently available and not lost when the computer is turned off.
Explain how the BIOS and operating system interact.
The BIOS loads the OS bootloader into memory, transferring control to the operating system.
Explain the role of a device driver.
It translates OS commands into specific instructions that a hardware device can understand.
Give an example of a device that requires a driver.
Printers, graphics cards, or sound cards all require drivers to operate correctly.
Explain what happens if a device driver becomes outdated or corrupted.
The hardware may malfunction or not be recognised by the operating system.
Explain what is meant by a virtual machine.
A software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications independently.
Give one benefit of using virtual machines.
They allow multiple OS environments to run on one physical system, useful for testing or isolation.