Banks, Adrian CPT 304 Week 5 OS Theory Concept Map

 Describe features of contemporary operating systems and their structures.

Modern operating systems handle many different processes and procedures. It manages any inputs or output via I/O devices like keyboard, mice, hard drives, network connections, and monitors. It facilitates the communication of all these devices, so they work with each other to create a smooth user experience. An OS provides resource allocation, which not only allows the hardware to work together but as effectively as possible to get the best performance possible. The OS also includes file systems to organize and control your information and how it is saved. The operating system also provides the user with a secure basis for all these interactions to take place. This means built-in security at the language level and tools like domain security to keep all the user's info safe and where they want it.

Discuss how operating systems enable processes to share and exchange information.

            First, the OS will recognize that it has a process. Once it identifies the process, it will communicate with the memory and allocate the process, using the RAM and mechanical hard drives. It will run these commands and processes through the CPU through single and multi-thread processes. It will then take all the information it has processed and display it to the monitor in whatever GUI the user is using. This exchange doesn't happen randomly and without layers of security. The OS will determine which information or variables can be safely exchanged between programs and I/O devices without any user security breaches.

                                                                     

Explain how main memory and virtual memory can solve memory management issues.

            Virtual memory is an abstract storage device. It does not exist physically; the Main memory is your physical memory unit: your hard drives, your RAM, and your CPU. Your virtual memory helps with memory management by helping understand how much memory a said process will need, helping the computer anticipate the workload, and handling the workload effectively. First, the virtual memory will allocate the amount of needed memory, then using a memory mapping unit it will move through all the previously mentioned memory units and allocate all the resources needed. This makes sure that the processes are being handled with the appropriate resources and helps keep the system from using either too little or too much power.

Explain how files, mass storage, and I/O are handled in a modern computer system.

            Modern operating systems use kernels to manage files, storage, and I/O operations. Kernels can use different data structures to keep track of these processes. Kernels will handle these processes through I/O ports like USB and Ethernet ports and use I/O busses to communicate the processes from the devices to the system. There are different algorithms to how these processes are handled.

First come, first served is as the name sounds. It simply takes the commands as they come in the same order. This is the fairest method but can lead to longer execution time as it requires the driver's arm to move back and forth between partitions in the drive. Next is the shortest seek time first, which means the least arm movement in the drive will happen first and continue from there. Again, this algorithm saves some time on execution as it travels the least between partitions but can lead to starvation of specific processes if the seek time is a bit further from the current processes at hand. Next, you have SCAN, which means the arm will move from its current position to the next partition and then continue in that same direction till it hits the end of the disk, then continue the other way and complete the processes.

Outline the mechanisms necessary to control the access of programs or users to the resources defined by a computer system.

            There are two types of controlling access to computer systems. Physical, which is how you secure the physical assets of the systems, like controlling access to where the systems are stored and securing the systems in place so they aren't taken. The second is logical. This is done through the system and defines who can access what. A system administrator usually decides this. The system admin can set up a domain for each user, which means; the user can only access the files they're allowed to and not anything else in the system. This allows users to access only the information they need without affecting other files and minimizing the damage done if security is compromised for whatever reason.

    

Recommend how you will use these concepts about operating systems theory in future courses and/or future jobs.

            I will use all these concepts to showcase a more in-depth knowledge of how an operating system works and manipulate different features and functions to work how I intend them. I am looking to become a Cyber and Network Security Manager (ISSM); these concepts will significantly help my foundation for my future career. With knowledge of single and multi-threaded processes, I will know how to apply specific coding techniques to create effective programs—knowing how file systems and domain security work, I can set up an office environment and manage user access and resources. Along with corporate and personal security and protection of information and systems and even equipment.