Q1) What is an operating system? Give some examples.
A1) The operating system (OS) is the most important program that runs on a computer. The OS manages and controls that computer’s activities. Operating systems for general-purpose computers include Microsoft, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Application programs such as web browsers and word processors cannot run on a computer without an operating system.
Q2) List the major tasks of an operating system.
A2) Major tasks of an OS:
- Controlling and monitoring system activities
- Allocating and assigning system resources
- Scheduling operations
Q3) What is multiprogramming?
A3) Multiprogramming allows multiple programs such as Microsoft word, email, and web browsers to run simultaneously by sharing the same CPU. A multiprogramming OS takes advantage of the idle time of the CPU by allowing multiple programs to use the CPU. For example, multiprogramming allows the user to use a word processor to edit a file at the same time the web browser is downloading a file.
Q4) What is multithreading?
A4) Multithreading allows for a single program to run multiple tasks at the same time. For example, a word-processing program allows users to simultaneously edit text and save it to a disk.
Q5) What is multiprocessing?
A5) Multiprocessing is used to run multiple programs concurrently using multiple processors.