Operating System (22516) Ch-1 Overview of Operating System Marks: 08

Q. Define Operating System

 An Operating System is a program that controls the execution of application programs and acts as an
interface between applications and the computer hardware. Operating system co-ordinates hardware
and users.
 An Operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
 An operating system is also known by any of the following names: Monitor Program, Supervisor
Program, Control Program, Executive and Master Control Program.
 An operating system is an important part of almost every computer system.

Q. List and draw a neat labelled diagram of four components of a computer system.-4m
A computer system can be divided into four components:
1) The hardware.
2) The operating system
3) Application programs
4) The users

Hardware: Hardware is physical parts of machine which provides basic computing resources. The hardware
devices are Central Processing Unit (CPU), Memory, Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Web
Camera, Scanner etc.), Output Devices (Printer, Monitor, Plotter, Speakers etc.), Networking devices (LAN Card,
Router, Hub, Switches, Modem etc.) and other devices like Motherboard, Power Supply, DVD Writer etc.
Operating System: An operating system is a software program that enables the computer hardware to
communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and
software programs would be useless. Examples of computer operating systems are Microsoft Windows 7/8/10,
Apple Mac-OS, Ubuntu Linux, Google Android, iOS and so on.
Application Programs: Word processors, spreadsheets, compilers, web browsers, database systems, video
games etc., are the example of application programs that define the way in which these resources are used to
solve the computing problems of the users. The operating system controls and co-ordinates the use of the
hardware among the various application programs for the various users. Applications are readymade packages
ready to use such as Microsoft Office 2010 package includes MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint etc.
Users: On the basis of the role of the users, they can be categorized as:
 Programmers are the designers or producers of the software developed for themselves or others.
 Operational Users are the users responsible for installation of the software, proper maintenance of
software, making it available to the users.
 End Users are the actual users of the applications and performed specified tasks as per defined.

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Q. What are the Objectives of Operating System
1. Convenience: An Operating System makes a computer more convenient to use.
2. Efficiency: An Operating System allows the computer system resources to be used in an efficient
manner.
3. Ability to evolve: An Operating System should be constructed in such a way as to permit the effective
development, testing, Executing and introduction of new system functions without interfacing with
service.
 The main purpose of an Operating system of a computer is to initiate, activate and accomplish many
tasks to be executed by the computer hardware easily, effectively and efficiently.
 In simple terms, an operating system is a collection of software modules, which are mainly used for
managing the hardware of a specific computer. It serves as an interface between the computer
hardware and the users.

Q. Explain Structure of Operating System or Components of Operating System

 Structure of an operating systems have a layered structure, with the bottom most layer forming the
hardware part of the computer and the outer most (top most) layer forming the User Interface (UI). In
between these two layers are kernel layer and shell layer.
 The kernel is the innermost layer and is the central controlling part of the operating system. Kernel
provides the basic services for all other parts of the operating system. kernel contains programs that
are used for the basic functions of an operating system like process management, input/output devices
management.
 The shell is the next layer to the kernel. A shell is a software that provides an interface for users of an
operating system access the services of a kernel. The shell is the layer of programming that understands
and executes the commands a user enters. In some systems, the shell is called a command interpreter.
 Programs in the user interface part either provide a Command Line Interface (CLI) or a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) to the user. These programs use facilities by shell. A user interacts with programs in the
User Interface (UI) typically with the command interpreter to request use of resources and services
provided by the system.

Q. Describe Classification of Operating System

OS are classified into following different types, depending on their capability of processing:
 Single-user, Single-tasking OS: As the name implies, this operating system is designed to manage the
computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. For examples MS-DOS and Windows
95.
 Multi-user, Multi-tasking OS: A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take
advantage of the computer's resources simultaneously. UNIX, Linux, VMS (Virtual Memory System)
are examples of multi-user operating systems.
 Distributed Operating System: Distributed means data is stored and processed on multiple locations like
in the network. In a distributed operating system, the users access remote resources including both

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hardware and software in same manner as they do local resources. Examples of distributed operating
systems includes LOCUS Distributed OS (based on UNIX), OSF/1 OS, IRIX OS, Solaris etc.
 Time Sharing OS: In time sharing OS, a number of simultaneous users are there and each user is given
a trivial amount of time (a quantum/time slice) in which he/she processes interactively or
conversationally. UNIX, Windows NT and Windows XP are examples of this type of operating system.
 Multi-tasking OS: It allows executing more than one task at the same time. An operating system that is
capable of allowing multiple software processes to run at the same time. Some examples of multi-
tasking operating systems are UNIX and Windows 2000 Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista etc.
 Network Operating System (NOS): A network operating system is a collection of software and
associated protocols that allows a set of autonomous computers, which are interconnected by a
computer network to be used together in a convenient and cost-effective manner. Examples of network
operating system are BSD (Berkeley System Distribution), MS LAN Manager, Windows- NT, UNIX,
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Novell's NetWare, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and so on.
 Mobile Operating System: A mobile operating system also called a mobile OS. It is an operating system
that is specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, tablet
computers and other handheld devices. Examples of mobile operating systems includes Symbian OS,
Windows CE, Apple iOS, Windows Phone and Google Android.

Q. Describe Functions of Operating System -4m

 Memory Management: An operating system deals with the allocation of main memory and other
storage areas to the system programs as well as user programs and data.
 Processor Management: An operating system deals with the assignment of processor to different tasks
being performed by the computer system.
 Device Management: An operating system deals with the co-ordination and assignment of the different
output and input device while one or more programs are being executed. Operating System manages
device communication via their respective drivers.
 File Management: An operating system deals with the storage of file of various storage devices to
another. It also allows all files to be easily changed and modified through the use of text editors or some
other files manipulation routines.
 Error Detecting Aids: Production of dumps, traces, error messages and other debugging and error
detecting aids.
 Security: By means of password and similar other techniques, preventing unauthorized access to
programs and data.
 Control over System Performance: An OS performs recording delays between request for a service and
response from the system.
 Coordination between other Software’s and Users: Coordination and assignment of compilers,
interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.
 Job Accounting: An OS keeping the track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.

Q. Describe views of Operating Systems

The operating system can be observed from the point of view of the user or the system. This is known as the
user view and the system view respectively.

User View: The user view depends on the system interface that is used by the users.
 If the user is using a personal computer, the operating system is largely designed to make the interaction
easy. Some attention is also paid to the performance of the system, but there is no need for the
operating system to worry about resource utilization. This is because the personal computer uses all
the resources available and there is no sharing.
 If the user is using a system connected to a mainframe or a minicomputer, the operating system is
largely concerned with resource utilization. This is because there may be multiple terminals connected
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to the mainframe and the operating system makes sure that all the resources such as CPU, memory, I/O
devices etc. are divided uniformly between them.
 If the user is sitting on a workstation connected to other workstations through networks, then the
operating system needs to focus on both individual usage of resources and sharing though the network.
This happens because the workstation exclusively uses its own resources but it also needs to share files
etc. with other workstations across the network.
 If the user is using a handheld computer such as a mobile, then the operating system handles the
usability of the device including a few remote operations. The battery level of the device is also taken
into account.
 There are some devices that contain very less or no user view because there is no interaction with the
users. Examples are embedded computers in home devices, automobiles etc.

System View
According to the computer system, the operating system is the bridge between applications and hardware. It is
most intimate with the hardware and is used to control it as required. The different types of system view for
operating system can be explained as follows:
 The system views the operating system as a resource allocator. There are many resources such as CPU
time, memory space, file storage space, I/O devices etc. that are required by processes for execution. It
is the duty of the operating system to allocate these resources judiciously to the processes so that the
computer system can run as smoothly as possible.
 The operating system can also work as a control program. It manages all the processes and I/O devices
so that the computer system works smoothly and there are no errors. It makes sure that the I/O devices
work in a proper manner without creating problems.
 Operating systems can also be viewed as a way to make using hardware easier.
 Computers were required to easily solve user problems. However, it is not easy to work directly with
the computer hardware. So, operating systems were developed to easily communicate with the
hardware.
 An operating system can also be considered as a program running at all times in the background of a
computer system (known as the kernel) and handling all the application programs. This is the definition
of the operating system that is generally followed.

Q. Explain serial processing

 The Serial Processing Operating Systems are those which Performs all the instructions into a Sequence
Manner or the Instructions those are given by the user will be executed by using the FIFO
Manner means First in First Out.
 All the Instructions those are Entered First in the System will be Executed First and the Instructions
those are Entered Later Will Be Executed Later.
 For Running the Instructions, the Program Counter is used which is used for Executing all the
Instructions.
 In this the Program Counter will determine which instruction is going to Execute and the which
instruction will be Execute after this.
 Mainly the Punch Cards are used for this. In this all the Jobs are firstly Prepared and Stored on the
Card and after that card will be entered in the System and after that all the Instructions will be executed
one by One.
 The main Problem is that a user doesn’t interact with the System while he is working on the System,
means the user can’t be able to enter the data for Execution.

Q. Explain Batch Monitoring functions – 4m

 A batch operating system normally reads a stream of separate jobs (from a card reader. For example,),
each with its own control cards that predefine to prevent errors and improper use of the computer. It
is concerned with the operation and control if I/O devices.

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 A batch system is one in which jobs are bundled together with the instruction necessary to allow them
to be processed without intervention. Often jobs of a similar nature can be bundled together to further
increase economy.
 Common input devices were card readers and tape drives. The basic physical layout of the memory of
batch job computer is shown in fig.
 The OS was simple; its major task was to transfer control from one job to the next. The job was
submitted to the computer operator in form of punch cards. At some later time, the output appeared.
 The Batch Contains the Jobs and all those jobs will be executed without the user Intervention.
And Operating System will use the LOAD and RUN Operation. This will first LOAD the Job from the
Card and after that he will execute the instructions. By using the RUN Command.
 The OS was always resident in memory. Often magnetic tapes and drums were used to store
intermediate data and compiled programs.
 Example: Payroll system, stock control and billing systems.

Q. Explain Multi-Programmed Operating System with suitable diagram – 4m

 Multiprogramming increases CPU utilization by organizing jobs such that the CPU always has one to
execute. In multiprogrammed systems the operation system keeps several jobs in memory at a time.
This set of jobs is a subset of the jobs kept in the job pool.
 The operating system picks and begins to execute one of the jobs in the memory. Eventually the job
may have to wait for some task, such as a tape is mounted, or an input/output operation to complete.
 In a non-multiprogramming system, the CPU would sit idle. In a multiprogramming system, the
operating system simply switches to and executes another job. When that job needs to wait, the CPU is
switched to another job and so on. Eventually the first job finishes waiting and gets the CPU back. As
long as there is always some job to execute, the CPU will never be idle.

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Advantages of multiprogramming systems

 It increases CPU utilization. CPU is used most of time and never become idle
 The system looks fast as all the tasks runs in parallel
 Short time jobs are completed faster than long time jobs
 Resources are used nicely
 Total read time taken to execute program/job decreases
 Response time is shorter
 In some applications multiple tasks are running and multiprogramming systems better handle these
type of applications
Disadvantages of multiprogramming systems
 It is difficult to program a system because of complicated schedule handling
 Tracking all tasks/processes is sometimes difficult to handle
 Due to high load of tasks, long time jobs have to wait long

Q. Explain Spooling
Spooling is an acronym for simultaneous peripheral operations on line. Spooling refers to putting data of various
I/O jobs in a buffer. This buffer is a special area in memory or hard disk which is accessible to I/O devices.
An operating system does the following activities related to distributed environment:
 Handles I/O device data spooling as devices have different data access rates.
 Maintains the spooling buffer which provides a waiting station where data can rest while the slower
device catches up.
 Maintains parallel computation because of spooling process as a computer can perform I/O in parallel
fashion. It becomes possible to have the computer read data from a tape, write data to disk and to write
out to a tape printer while it is doing its computing task.

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Advantages of spooling
 The spooling operation uses a disk as a very large buffer.
 Spooling is capable of overlapping I/O operation for one job with processor operations for another
job.

Q. Explain Real Time Operating System. Explain its types - 4m

Real time system has well defined fixed time constraints. Processing should be done within the Defined
constraints. A primary objective of real-time systems is to provide quick event response time and thus meet the
scheduling deadlines. User convenience and resource utilization are of secondary concern to real-time system
designers. In Real time systems, processor is allocated to the highest priority process among those that are
ready to execute. Higher priority processes preempt execution of the lower priority processes. This form is called
as ‘priority–based preemptive scheduling’.
The primary functions of the real time operating system are to:
 Manage the processor and other system resources to meet the requirements of an application.
 Synchronize with and respond to the system events.
 Move the data efficiently among processes and to perform coordination among these processes.

Types of real time system:

1. Hard Real Time: - Hard real time means strict about adherence to each task deadline. When an event occurs,
it should be serviced within the predictable time at all times in a given hard real time system.
Example: Video Transmission, each picture frame and audio must be transferred at fixed rate.
2. Soft Real Time: Soft real time means that only the precedence and sequence for the task operations are
defined, interrupt latencies and context switching latencies are small. There can be few deviations between
expected latencies of the tasks and observed time constraints and a few deadline misses are accepted.
Example: Mobile phone, Digital Cameras and orchestra playing robots.

Advantages of Real time system:

 Useful for real time practical industrial applications.
 As user gates a higher degree of control the flexibility is setting up the priority of processes is
 greater.
 Fast response, the system is immediately updated.

Disadvantages of Real time system:

 They are very complex and expensive, there by difficult to maintain.
 Needs good degree of hardware support for responding to external interrupts as fast as possible.
 It is more difficult to backup these systems when they are in use.

Q. Explain Time sharing Operating System in detail – 4m

In time sharing system, the CPU executes multiple jobs by switching among them. The switches occur so
frequently that the users can interact with each program while it is running. It includes an interactive computer
system which provides direct communication between the user and the system. A time sharing system allows
many users to share the computer resources simultaneously. The time sharing system provides the direct access
to a large number of users where CPU time is divided among all the users on scheduled basis. The operating
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system allocates a time slice to each user. When this time is expired, it passes control to the next user on the
system. The time allowed is extremely small and the users are given the impression that each of them has their
own CPU and they are the sole owner of the CPU. In this time slice each user gets attention of the CPU. The
objective of time sharing system is to minimize response time of process.
Example: The concept of time sharing system is shown in figure:

In above figure, the user 5 is active but user 1, user 2, user 3, and user 4 are in waiting state whereas user 6 is
in ready status.

Advantages of Time Sharing System

 Each user can get CPU time.
 Efficient CPU utilization.
 Time sharing systems were developed to provide interactive use of a computer system at a reasonable
cost.
 A time shared operating system uses CPU scheduling and multi programming to provide each user
with a small portion of a time-Shared Computer.

Disadvantages of Time Sharing System:

 The time-shared systems are more complex than the multi-programming systems.
 In time-shared systems multiple processes are managed simultaneously which requires an adequate
management of main memory so that the processes can be swapped in or swapped out within a short
time.

Q. Differentiate between Real time system and Time Sharing System

Real Time System Time Sharing System
In real time system, a job has to be completed In time sharing system, fixed time is given to each
within fixed deadline (time allowed). process and all the processes are arranged in a
queue.
A real-time system has well-defined, fixed time It requires more complicated CPU scheduling
constraints. algorithms.
If job is not completed within the given time then If job is not completed within the given time, then it
system may extend time for doing the operations. jumps to the next job leaving the previous job
unfinished. After processing to each job, it again give
the same time for unfinished job.
Response time is important Response time is not important.
Process deals with single application at a time. Process deals with more than one application
simultaneously.
It focuses on accomplishing a computational Emphasis on providing a quick response to a
task before its specified deadline. request.

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Q. Describe Multiprocessor Operating System with its two advantages – 6m

Multiprocessor systems are also known as parallel systems or tightly coupled systems. These systems have two
or more processors in close communication and they share computer resources such as bus, clock, memory and
peripheral devices. The whole task of multiprocessing is managed by the operating system, which allocates
different tasks to be performed by the various processors in the system. Applications designed for the use in
multiprocessing are said to be threaded, which means that they are broken into smaller routines that can be
run independently. This allows the operating system to let these threads run on more than one processor
simultaneously, which is multiprocessing that results in improved performance. Generally, the parallel
processing is used in the fields like artificial intelligence and expert system, image processing, weather
forecasting etc.

Advantages of Multiprocessor Systems:

 It increased throughput: by increasing the number of processors, more work done in a shorter period
of time.
 Multiprocessors can also save money compared to multiple single systems. Because the processors can
share peripherals cabinets and power supplies.
 It increases reliability: if functions can be distributed properly among several processors, then the failure
of one processor will not halt the system, but rather will only slow it down.
 Minimum hardware required.
 Higher performance due to parallel processing.
Disadvantages of Multiprocessor Systems:
 If one processor fails, then it will affect in the speed.
 Multiprocessor systems are expensive
 Complex OS is required
 Large main memory required.

Q. Explain Multiprocessor System and its two types – 4m

Multiprocessor Systems:
 Multiprocessor systems with more than on CPU in close communication.
 Tightly coupled system – processors share memory and a clock; communication usually takes Place
through the shared memory.

Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP):

 Each processor runs and identical copy of the operating system.
 Many processes can run at once without performance deterioration.
 Most modern operating systems support SMP
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Asymmetric multiprocessing:
 Each processor is assigned a specific task; master processor schedules and allocated work to slave
processors.
 More common in extremely large systems.

Q. Explain Distributed Operating System with advantages and disadvantages – 4m

 A distributed system consists of a collection of autonomous computers, connected through a network
and distribution middleware, which enables computers to coordinate their activities and to share the
resources of the system, so that users perceive the system as a single, integrated computing facility.
 In such system the processors do not share memory or a clock; instead each processor has its own local
memory.
 In such systems, if one machine or site fails the remaining sites can continue operation.
 So these types of systems are the reliable systems.
 The processors communicate with one another through various communications lines, such as a high
speed buses or telephone lines.
 These systems are usually referred to as Loosely Coupled Systems or Distributed Systems
 The structure shown in figure contains a set of individual computer systems and workstations connected
via communication systems.
 By this structure we cannot say it is a distributed system because it is the software, not the hardware,
that determines whether a system is distributed or not.
 The users of a true distributed system should not know, on which machine their programs are running
and where their files are stored.

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Advantages of Distributed OS:
 With resource sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use the resources available at another.
 Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail.
 If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can potentially continue operating.
 Better service to the customers.
 Reduction of the load on the host computer.
 Reduction of delays in data processing.
Disadvantages of Distributed OS:
 Security problem due to sharing
 Some messages can be lost in the network system
 Bandwidth is another problem if there is large data then all network wires to be replaced which tends
to become expensive
 Overloading is another problem in distributed operating systems
 If there is a database connected on local system and many users accessing that database through
remote or distributed way, then performance become slow
 The databases in network operating is difficult to administrate then single user system

Q. Explain Mobile Operating System

 A mobile operating system is one that controls smartphones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), tablet
PCs, and information appliances.
 Compared to the standard general-purpose operating systems, mobile operating systems are currently
somewhat simpler, and focus on wireless versions of broadband and local connectivity, mobile
multimedia formats, and different input methods.
 Modern mobile operating systems mix the features of PC operating systems with many other features,
such as touch screen, video camera, voice recorder, Bluetooth, Infrared, Wi-Fi, GPS mobile navigation,
speech recognition, etc.
 Like a PC operating system controls the desktop or laptop computer, a mobile operating system also
provides an environment for other programs to run on mobile devices.
 Example: Android OS, Windows Mobile OS, iOS, Symbian OS

Q. Explain Android Operating System

 Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified version of the Linux
kernel and other open source software and designed primarily for touchscreen.
 Android is an operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs based on the
Linux kernel.
 Android applications are usually developed in the Java language using the Android Software
Development Kit.
 Once developed, Android applications can be packaged easily and sold out either through a store such
as Google Play, SlideME, Opera Mobile Store, Mobango, F-droid and the Amazon Appstore.
 Android's default user interface is mainly based on direct manipulation, using touch inputs that loosely
correspond to real-world actions, like swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching to manipulate
on-screen objects, along with a virtual keyboard.

Advantages of Android:
 Android is based on Linux. This facilitates easy accessibility to rich development environment and core
functionality of the mobile device.
 It provides rich browser facilities as well. This facilitates the developer to provide enhanced services.
 Android OS is open source and it is cost effective.
 It is a multi-tasking OS and can be virtualized.
 It is flexible OS. Widgets, or self-contained programs, add functionality and flexibility to Android devices.
The development tools are easy to use.
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 Stability and security is better than other mobiles OS as it is based on Linux Kernel.
 Android is highly customizable. User can change almost everything in the UI.

Disadvantages of Android:
 Application quality of Android is is not so good. There is no standard for these applications.
 Complex layouts and animations are harder to code in Android.
 Low security to steal your info from unknown resources.
 Android OS can also slow down if installing more apps.
 The complexity involved in Android app development makes the process more time-consuming than
that of an iOS app.

Q. Explain iOS
 iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively
for its hardware. It is the operating system that presently powers many of the company's mobile
devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
 It is the second most popular mobile operating system globally after Android.
 The iOS user interface is based upon direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. Interface control
elements consist of sliders, switches, and buttons.
 Interaction with the OS includes gestures such as swipe, tap, pinch, and reverse pinch, all of which have
specific definitions within the context of the iOS operating system and its multi-touch interface.
Advantages of iOS:
 iOS provides high customer service.
 iOS has more security which offers its users stay safe from external threats.
 Performance is awesome and supports Multitasking.
 iOS support a vast number of applications.
Disadvantages of iOS:
 Not flexible only supports iOS devices.
 The iOS is not Open Source.
 The main disadvantages of using iOS is costly Apps development.
 Not customizable.

Q. Differentiate between Android and iOS

Parameters Android iOS
Source Model Open source. Closed, with open source components.
OS Family Linux. OS X, UNIX
Language Used C, C++, Java. Objective-C, C++.
Developer Google, Open Handset Alliance (OHA). Apple Inc.
Available Language(s) 100+ Languages 34 Languages
Available On Many phones and tablets. Major iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV
manufacturers are Samsung, Motorola, (2nd and 3rd generation).
LG, HTC and Sony and so on.
Internet Browsing Google Chrome (or Android Mobile Safari (other browsers are
Browser on older versions; other available).
browsers are available).
App Store Google Play, Amazon etc., Apple app store distribute iOS
distribute Android apps. apps.
IDE Android Studio. XCode.
Speed of More time-consuming and slow. Fast.
Development
Security Low High
Performance Low Excellent

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Q. Explain Command Line based OS

 In CLI the user interacts with the operating system by typing commands/instructions on a command
line.
 Various commands need to be typed for carrying out various jobs like creating, deleting, editing,
renaming or printing a file.
 Usually in CLI each command represents an executable program, which is run when the command is
typed with the proper parameters.

Advantages Command Line Interface (CLI):

 If the user knows the correct commands, then this type of interface can be much faster than any other
type of interface.
 This type of interface needs much less memory (Random Access Memory (RAM)) in order to use
compared to other types of user interfaces.
 CLI does not use as much CPU processing time as other UIs.
Disadvantages Command Line Interface (CLI):
 CLI are not user-friendly because they require the user to remember a lot of commands.
 Commands have to be typed precisely/correctly. If there is a spelling mistake, then the command will
not respond or fail or causes error.

Q. Explain booting procedure in details with the help of diagram – 4m

The loading of the operating system is achieved by a special program called BOOT. Generally, this program is
stored in one (or two) sectors on the disk with a pre-determined address. This portion is normally called “BOOT
Block‟ as shown in fig. The ROM normally contains a minimum program. When one turns the computer „ON‟,
the control is transferred to this program automatically by the hardware itself. This program in ROM loads the
BOOT program in pre-determined memory locations. The beauty is to keep BOOT program as small as possible,
so that the hardware can manage to load it easily and in a very few instructions. This BOOT program in turn
contains to read the rest of the Operating System into the memory. This is depicted in figures. The mechanism
gives an impression of pulling oneself up. Therefore, the nomenclature bootstrapping or its short form booting.

Q. Explain Disk Operating System

 MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a non-graphical command line operating system
 created for IBM compatible computers. MS-DOS uses CUI (Character User Interface) or Command Line
User Interface (CLI) in which the user interacts with the computer with the help of some predefined
commands through a command-line interface.
 In DOS the commands are executed by a command-line interpreter by translating them into system
calls. Generally, this interpreter resides outside the kernel so that the kernel is not affected by the user.
 Some common MS-DOS commands include CD, DIR, COPY, DEL, EDIT, MOVE, REN, CLS etc.

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Q. Explain structure of Disk Operating System

MS-DOS is an operating system created for personal computers. It was developed by Microsoft. It is a classic
example of an operating system with a layered structure. MS-DOS operating system is split into various layers
and each of the layers have different functionalities.

Dos contains the layers for application program, system program, MS-DOS device drivers and ROM BIOS device
drivers.
 Application Program: These programs perform a particular function directly for the users. In other
words, these programs provide an application to the end users, so they are known as application
programs.
 System Program: The system programs are used to program the operating system software. While
application programs provide software that is used directly by the user, system programs provide
software that is used by other systems.
 MS-DOS device drivers: Most of the device drivers on MS-DOS are part of the operating system such as
keyboard and screen console drivers, floppy and hard-disk drivers, printer port driver, serial port driver
etc.
 ROM BIOS device drivers: The BIOS drivers are the programs stored in the EPROM or EEPROM memory
chips on the motherboard. These are the basic drivers needed to start the computer system. BIOS stands
for Basic Input/Output System.

Explain structure of Unix OS – 4m

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Hardware:
 The hardware is Centre of structure that provides the Operating System with basic services.
 The hardware consists of all peripherals like memory (RAM, HDD, FDD etc) processor, mouse, and other
input devices, terminals, printers etc.
The Kernel:
 The kernel is the heart of the system - a collection of programs mostly written in ‘C’ which communicate
with the hardware directly.
 Kernel is an interface between hardware of the system and shell. It is loaded into the memory when the
system is booted.
 User programs that need to communicate with the hardware use the services of the kernel, which
performs the job on the user’s behalf.
 It manages the system’s memory, schedules processes, decides their priorities and performs other
tasks.
Shell:
 The shell is an interface between the user and the kernel that isolates the user from knowledge of kernel
functions.
 The shell accepts the commands keyed by the users and checks for their syntax and gives out error
messages if something goes wrong.
 It is a command interpreter of user requests.
Application programs:
 The various compilers for languages like c, c++, pascal, fortran and other application programs written
by programmers which are used by users for their operations falls in this layers.
 Only those persons who maintain on “account” with the computer system can use the UNIX system.
 User can directly access application programs through which they can interact with the system.

Q. Explain the features of UNIX operating system - 4m

 Multiuser capability: In multiuser system, the same computer resources that is hard disk, memory etc.
is accessible to many users. The users are given separate terminals from where they can operate. All
terminals are connected to the main computer whose resources are shared by all users. Such a step is
economical, when a data needs to be shared among multiple users.
 Multitasking capability: UNIX supports multitasking; it means that it can do multiple tasks at the same
time. It uses the technique of background and foreground processes to achieve multitasking. For
example: A user is listening to the music and also typing a program when the music is playing. The CPU
time is shared among multiple processes.
 Communication: UNIX has excellent support for networking because of which the users of UNIX can
easily exchange information even when they are geographically apart.
 Security: UNIX has three provisions for protecting data. First can be assigning login ID and password.
Second can be by granting permissions to the file. Third is files can be encrypted.
 Portability: UNIX can be ported to almost any computer architecture because it is coded in ‘C’.

Q. Describe stepwise booting process of Unix along with diagram – 4m

Boot strapping is the process by which the computer system starts working. The process involves several steps.
 Loading UNIX into Memory: When system is powered ON, computer accesses a small ROM based start-
up routine that performs elementary system verifications. (Assuring HDD and networks) the boot
routine does more sophisticated hardware verifications and then loads kernel file UNIX from systems
root directory to system RAM.
 Executing the kernel: Once loaded into the memory, the kernel starts working. It sets up the
information table needed to control UNIX environment, checks system hardware, checks memory
available, hardware devices and then creates the swapper process.
 Swapper process: Swapper process is identified as process 0. It monitors memory management
overhead, when overhead, swapper removes entire process from memory till system performance
becomes acceptable.

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 Init process: init initialises system processes, places system in multi-user mode unless single user mode
is specified, sets the computer name and environment variables such as PATH and HOME checks the
file system with fsck command, deletes temporary files, initiates network services and starts the
/etc/getty process.
 Getty: initiates individual terminal lines. It periodically checks for terminals that are switched ON. After
terminal is ON, it prints the login prompt, prompting for users login name, once user enters a login
name, getty spawns or starts the login process for that terminal.
 Login: The login process prompts the user for a password. It validates the login name and the password
against the entry in the /etc/passwd file and the /etc/shadow file. The users shell specified in the Home
directory.
 Shell: The shell prints the Unix prompt and executes user commands when user logs out, sh is taken
over by login to allow the next user to log in.

Q. Give the comparison between UNIX and LINUX operating system. (Any four points) – 4m
Linux Unix
What is it? Linux is an example of Open Source Unix is an operating system that is
software development very popular in universities,
and Free Operating System companies, big enterprises etc.
(OS).
Cost Linux can be freely distributed, Different flavors of Unix have
downloaded freely, distributed different cost structures according to
through magazines, Books etc. vendors
There are priced versions for
Linux also, but they are
normally cheaper than
Windows.
User Everyone. From home users to Unix operating systems were
developers and computer developed mainly for mainframes,
enthusiasts alike. servers and workstations except
OSX, Which is designed for
everyone. The Unix environment
and the client-server program
model were essential elements in
the development of the Internet
Manufacturer Linux kernel is developed by the Three bigest distributions are Solaris
community. Linus Torvalds oversees (Oracle), AIX (IBM) & HP-UX Hewlett
things. Packard. And Apple Makes OSX, an unix
based os..
Usage Linux can be installed on a wide variety of The UNIX operating system is used in
computer hardware, ranging from internet servers, workstations & PCs.
mobile phones, tablet computers and Backbone of the majority of finance

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video game consoles, to mainframes and infrastructure and many 24x365 high
supercomputers. availability solutions.
Development Linux is developed by Open Source Unix systems are divided into various other
and development i.e. through sharing and flavors, mostly developed by AT&T as well
Distribution collaboration of code and features as various commercial vendors and non-
through forums etc and it is distributed profit organizations
by various vendors.
GUI Linux typically provides two GUIs, KDE Initially Unix was a command based OS, but
and Gnome. But there are millions of later a GUI was created called Common
alternatives such as LXDE, Xfce, Unity, Desktop Environment. Most distributions
Mate, twm, ect. now ship with Gnome.
File system Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, jfs, gpfs, hfs, hfs+, ufs, xfs, zfs format
support FAT, FAT32, NTFS
Text mode BASH (Bourne Again SHell) is the Linux Originally the Bourne Shell. Now it's
interface default shell. It can support multiple compatible with many others including
command interpreters. BASH, Korn & C.
Price Free but support is available for a price. Some free for development use (Solaris)
but support is available for a price.
Security Linux has had about 60-100 viruses listed A rough estimate of UNIX viruses is
till date. None of them actively is between 85 -120 viruses reported till date.
spreading nowadays.
Threat In case of Linux, threat detection and Because of the proprietary nature of the
detection and solution is very fast, as Linux is mainly original Unix, users have to wait for a while,
solution community driven and whenever any to get the proper bug fixing patch. But
Linux user posts any kind of threat, these are not as common.
several developers start working on it
from different parts of the world
Examples Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, Debian, OS X, Solaris, All Linux
Archlinux, Android etc.
Inception Inspired by MINIX (a Unix-like system) In 1969, it was developed by a group of
and eventually after adding many AT&T employees at Bell Labs and Dennis
features of GUI, Drivers etc, Linus Ritchie. It was written in “C” language and
Torvalds developed the framework of the was designed to be a portable, multitasking
OS that became LINUX in 1992. The and multi-user system in a time-sharing
LINUX kernel was released on 17th configuration
September, 1991

Q. Explain Windows Operating System

 Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft. Each version of Windows includes a
graphical user interface, with a desktop that allows users to view files and folders in windows.
 Microsoft Windows is designed for both home computing and professional purposes. Past versions of
Windows home editions include Windows 3.0 (1990), Windows 3.1 (1992), Windows 95 (1995),
 Windows 98 (1998), Windows Me (2000), Windows XP (2001), Windows Vista (2006), and Windows 7
(2009) and Windows 8 (2012).
 The current version, Windows 10, was released on July 29, 2015.

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Q. Differentiate between CLI and GUI

Command Line Interface Graphical User Interface
It is a text-based interface used to interact with It is a visual-based interface which features the use
software and operating system by typing commands of graphic images, including Windows, Icons, and
into the interface and receive a response in the Menus.
same way.
CLI is faster and difficult to use than GUI. GUI is slower and easier to use than CLI.
CLI consumes low memory. It consumes high memory.
Not much flexible. GUI is more flexible.
Commands need to be remembered to be able to Commands need not be remembered as they can be
type and execute them. executed by simply clicking on icons.
CLI is less user friendly. GUI is more user friendly.
Examples: DOS, Unix etc. Example: Windows, Linux etc.

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