RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | SYSTEM RESOURCES

Topics from the IB Computer Science Specification 2014

IN THIS SECTION
SECTION 1 | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
SECTION 2 | RESOURCE USAGE
SECTION 3 | RESOURCE LIMITATIONS
SECTION 4 | PROBLEMS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC
YOU ARE HERE | SYSTEM RESOURCES
OPERATING SYSTEMS
TOPIC 6 REVISION
KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 6 ANSWERS

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SECTION 1 | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Resources need to be managed to ensure that they are being used effectively and efficiently. Here are some reasons why resource management is important:

• Optimize Performance: Resource management helps to optimize the performance of a computer or network. By monitoring and managing resources such as primary memory, processor speed, and network connectivity, it is possible to ensure that these resources are being used to their fullest potential, which can result in faster and more efficient performance.
• Prevent System Failures: Resource management can help prevent system failures and crashes. When resources are not managed properly, they can become overloaded or depleted, which can lead to system crashes or other issues. By monitoring and managing resources, it is possible to identify and resolve issues before they lead to system failures.
• Ensure Data Integrity: Resource management is important for ensuring data integrity. For example, when disk storage becomes full, it can lead to data corruption or loss. By managing disk storage and other resources, it is possible to ensure that data is stored and processed in a reliable and secure manner.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: Resource management helps to optimize resource allocation. By monitoring and analysing resource usage, it is possible to identify areas where resources are being underutilized or overutilized. This information can then be used to allocate resources more effectively, which can result in cost savings and improved efficiency.
• Plan for Future Needs: Resource management can help organizations plan for future needs. By monitoring and analysing resource usage over time, it is possible to identify trends and patterns that can help to inform future resource planning and investment decisions.

Resource management is important for optimising performance, preventing system failures, ensuring data integrity, optimising resource allocation, and planning for future needs. By effectively managing resources, businesses and organisations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that their technology resources are being used to their fullest potential.

The maintenance and regular update of resources is a key factor to aid the productivity of staff within an organisation, for example for staff using a laptop, simply providing them with a second screen can extend their productivity as much as 20%, this type of productivity increase can hugely offset the cost of buying the technology. Some other components that are often considered for regular updates or maintenance are:
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• Primary memory (RAM): Primary memory is the memory that is directly accessible by the processor. It stores data and instructions that are currently being used by the computer. The amount of primary memory available on a computer determines the number of programs and amount of data that can be processed simultaneously.
• Secondary storage (hard drive, SSD): Secondary storage is used to store data and programs that are not currently being used by the processor. It provides long-term storage for files and documents. The size of the secondary storage determines the amount of data that can be stored on the computer.
• Processor speed: Processor speed refers to the number of operations the processor can perform per second. A faster processor speed means that more instructions can be executed in a shorter amount of time, resulting in faster overall performance.
• Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transferred over a network or an internet connection. A higher bandwidth means that data can be transferred more quickly, resulting in faster download and upload speeds.
• Screen resolution: Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels on a display screen. A higher screen resolution means that the screen can display more detail, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
• Disk storage: Disk storage refers to the amount of storage space available on a hard drive or SSD. It determines the amount of data that can be stored on the computer.
• Sound processor: The sound processor is responsible for producing and processing audio signals. It determines the quality of the sound that is produced by the computer.
• Graphics processor: The graphics processor is responsible for rendering images and video on a computer. It determines the quality and speed of the visual display.
• Cache: Cache is a type of memory that is used to store frequently accessed data and instructions. It can be accessed more quickly than primary memory, which can improve overall performance.
• Network connectivity: Network connectivity refers to the ability of a computer to connect to a network, such as the internet or a local area network. It determines the ability of the computer to access network resources and communicate with other devices on the network.

SECTION 2 | RESOURCE USAGE

The type and purpose of the device will determine the resources needed, here are some examples of resources in some common devices.

MAINFRAMES

• Primary memory (RAM) in mainframes is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in mainframes is generally very high, as these systems are designed to process large amounts of data and run multiple applications simultaneously.
• Secondary storage (disk storage) in mainframes is used to store large amounts of data and to provide backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Network connectivity in mainframes is used to connect to other systems and to provide access to network resources.

SERVERS

• Primary memory (RAM) in servers is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in servers can vary depending on the type of server and its intended use. For example, a web server may have a lower processor speed than a database server.
• Secondary storage (disk storage) in servers is used to store large amounts of data and to provide backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Network connectivity in servers is used to connect to other systems and to provide access to network resources.

PCs:

• Primary memory (RAM) in PCs is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in PCs can vary depending on the type of PC and its intended use. For example, a gaming PC may have a higher processor speed than a business PC.
• Secondary storage (disk storage) in PCs is used to store files and documents, as well as to install and run programs.
• Network connectivity in PCs is used to connect to other systems and to provide access to network resources.

SUB-LAPTOPS

• Sub-laptops, or netbooks, typically have less primary memory (RAM) and secondary storage (disk storage) than PCs, as they are designed for lighter use and portability.
• Processor speed in sub-laptops is generally lower than that of PCs, as these systems are not intended for high-performance computing.
• Network connectivity in sub-laptops is used to connect to other systems and to provide access to network resources.

CELL PHONES

• Primary memory (RAM) in cell phones is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in cell phones can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Higher-end smartphones typically have faster processors than basic cell phones.
• Secondary storage in cell phones is used to store files, documents, and media such as photos and videos.
• Network connectivity in cell phones is used to connect to cellular networks and to access the internet.

PDAs

• Primary memory (RAM) in PDAs is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in PDAs is generally lower than that of smartphones or laptops, as these devices are designed for lighter use and portability.
• Secondary storage in PDAs is used to store files, documents, and media such as photos and videos.
• Network connectivity in PDAs is used to connect to Wi-Fi networks and to access the internet.

DIGITAL CAMERAS

• Primary memory (RAM) in digital cameras is used to store program code and data, as well as to buffer and cache data during processing.
• Processor speed in digital cameras is generally lower than that of other devices, as these devices are designed for image capture and processing.
• Secondary storage in digital cameras is used to store photos and videos.
• Some digital cameras may have network connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, to allow for wireless photo transfer and remote camera control.

The use of resources such as primary memory (RAM), secondary storage, processor speed, and network connectivity varies across different types of devices based on their intended use and capabilities. Mainframes and servers typically have high-end hardware and large storage capacity to handle heavy workloads and store large amounts of data, while PCs and sub-laptops prioritize portability and affordability. Cell phones and PDAs have less powerful hardware but are designed for mobile use and provide access to cellular and wireless networks, while digital cameras focus on image capture and storage. By understanding the role and capabilities of these resources in different devices, users can make informed decisions about which devices and configurations are best suited to their needs.

SECTION 3 | RESOURCE LIMITATIONS

Most devices are limited to the resources they can have for reasons such as size, power consumption and heat generated. Listed below are some of the limiting factors.

• Limited physical space for hardware, which can limit the amount of primary memory and secondary storage that can be added.
• Limited power supply and cooling capacity, which can limit the number of processors that can be added and their speed.
• Limited battery life, which can limit the amount of time the device can be used without needing to be recharged.
• Limited storage capacity, which can limit the number of photos and videos that can be stored on the device.

SECTION 4 | PROBLEMS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

Some possible problems resulting from limitations in the resources of a computer system are:

• Slow performance: Limited primary memory, processor speed, and disk storage can cause a computer system to slow down, as it struggles to keep up with the demands of running multiple programs or processing large amounts of data.
• Limited functionality: Limited resources can limit the types of applications and programs that a computer system can run, as some programs require more memory, processing power, or disk storage than others.
• System crashes: Overloading or depleting resources such as primary memory or disk storage can cause a computer system to crash, which can result in data loss and disruption of work.
• Data corruption: When disk storage becomes full, it can cause data corruption or loss, as the system struggles to find space to store new data.
• Security vulnerabilities: Limited resources can make it difficult to run security software or perform security updates, which can leave the system vulnerable to security threats such as viruses, malware, and hackers.
• Hardware failures: Limited power supply and cooling capacity can cause hardware components to fail, which can require costly repairs or replacements.

Limitations in the resources of a computer system can lead to slow performance, limited functionality, system crashes, data corruption, security vulnerabilities, and hardware failures. By understanding the limitations of their computer systems, users can take steps to optimize performance, protect data, and prevent system failures. This may involve upgrading hardware components, managing resources more effectively, and using software tools to monitor and optimize system performance. These problems can occur in all systems such as multi-access, multi-programming environments, and single-user systems.
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• Multi-access: Multi-access refers to the ability of multiple users to access a computer system or network at the same time. This can include the ability to log in remotely, share resources such as printers and files, and communicate with other users on the network. Examples of multi-access systems include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud computing environments.
• Multi-programming environments: Multi-programming environments refer to computer systems that can run multiple programs or processes simultaneously. This is achieved by dividing the available processor time and memory among multiple programs, so that they can all run concurrently without interfering with each other. Multi-programming environments are used to improve system efficiency and performance by keeping the processor busy at all times. Examples of multi-programming environments include operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Single-user systems: Single-user systems refer to computer systems that are designed for use by one user at a time. These systems typically have a single processor and a limited amount of primary memory and disk storage. Single-user systems are often used for personal computing, such as word processing, web browsing, and media consumption. Examples of single-user systems include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Multi-access refers to the ability of multiple users to access a computer system or network at the same time, multi-programming environments allow multiple programs or processes to run simultaneously, and single-user systems are designed for use by one user at a time. Understanding these terms can help users choose the right system for their needs and ensure that they are using their computer resources efficiently.

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC

SYSTEM RESOURCES
OPERATING SYSTEMS
TOPIC 6 REVISION
KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 6 ANSWERS