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REVISION | TEST YOURSELF
SYSTEM RESOURCES | FLIP CARDS
Identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system.
Resource management is crucial to ensure efficient and effective use of technology resources. It helps optimize performance, prevent system failures, ensure data integrity, allocate resources effectively, and plan for future needs. Components such as primary memory, secondary storage, processor speed, bandwidth, screen resolution, disk storage, sound processor, graphics processor, cache, and network connectivity need to be regularly maintained and updated to aid staff productivity and maximize resource potential. Effective resource management can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure that technology resources are being utilized to their fullest potential.
Evaluate the resources available in a variety of computer systems
Different types of devices require different resources depending 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. PCs prioritize affordability and sub-laptops prioritize portability. Cell phones and PDAs have less powerful hardware but provide access to cellular and wireless networks, while digital cameras focus on image capture and storage. Understanding the role and capabilities of these resources in different devices can help users make informed decisions about which devices and configurations are best suited to their needs.
These resources use technologies such as; primary memory (RAM), secondary storage (disk storage), processor speed, network connectivity, and cache. The technology available in these resources varies depending on the type of device. For example, mainframes and servers tend to have high-end hardware and large storage capacity to handle heavy workloads and store large amounts of data. PCs prioritize affordability and portability, while cell phones and PDAs have less powerful hardware but are designed for mobile use and provide access to cellular and wireless networks. Digital cameras focus on image capture and storage and may have options for wireless photo transfer and remote camera control.
These resources use technologies such as; primary memory (RAM), secondary storage (disk storage), processor speed, network connectivity, and cache. The technology available in these resources varies depending on the type of device. For example, mainframes and servers tend to have high-end hardware and large storage capacity to handle heavy workloads and store large amounts of data. PCs prioritize affordability and portability, while cell phones and PDAs have less powerful hardware but are designed for mobile use and provide access to cellular and wireless networks. Digital cameras focus on image capture and storage and may have options for wireless photo transfer and remote camera control.
Identify the limitations of a range of resources in a specified computer system
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.
Describe the possible problems resulting from the limitations in the resources in a computer system
Limitations in computer resources can cause problems such as slow performance, limited functionality, system crashes, data corruption, security vulnerabilities, and hardware failures. These issues can occur in multi-access, multi-programming, and single-user systems. Multi-access refers to the ability of multiple users to access a computer system or network, multi-programming environments allow multiple programs 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 optimize their computer resources.
ROLE OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM | FLIP CARDS
Explain the role of the operating system in terms of managing memory, peripherals and hardware interfaces
An operating system is a software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer, acting as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the applications running on the computer. It manages files, handles interrupts, provides an interface, manages peripherals and drivers, manages memory, manages multitasking, provides a platform for running applications, provides system security, and manages user accounts. Popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Operating systems provide necessary support and services to run applications, manage memory, handle input/output operations, and perform other tasks.
Outline OS resource management techniques: scheduling, policies, multitasking, virtual memory, paging, interrupt, polling
Operating systems use a range of techniques to manage system resources, including memory management, swapping, time-slicing, priority scheduling, input/output operations, scheduling, policies, multitasking, virtual memory, paging, interrupt handling, and polling. These techniques help to allocate storage efficiently, manage programs in memory, improve system performance, and prevent system crashes and errors. Operating systems can run multiple programs simultaneously using multitasking and scheduling algorithms based on priority, time-sharing, and real-time requirements. Virtual memory and paging allow programs to use more memory than is physically available, while interrupt handling and polling help manage input/output operations and system resources.
Discuss the advantages of producing a dedicated operating system for a device
A dedicated operating system (OS) is designed for a specific device or platform and is tailored to its hardware and software requirements. Advantages of a dedicated OS include optimized performance, improved security, better user experience, simplified maintenance and support, and reduced costs. However, developing a dedicated OS can also be time-consuming and expensive, and it may have limited compatibility with other devices or platforms. Dedicated OSs are used for a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, embedded systems, and gaming consoles.
Outline how an operating system hides the complexity of the hardware from users and applications
The operating systems use different methods to hide the complexity of hardware from users to make the system more user-friendly. These methods include virtualization of real devices, drive letters, virtual memory, common interface for input devices, and the Java Virtual Machine. These methods abstract the complexities of hardware from users and applications, simplifying the programming and use of devices and resources.