IB Computer Science Topic A1.3: Operating Systems and Control Systems Key Definitions

Abstraction can be defined as hiding intricate details beneath a simpler, more manageable layer (or interface).

Devices that effect changes in a system based on controller signals.

Continuously monitor output and adjust inputs based on feedback.

A mathematical formula or logic that determines the system's output based on input data.

A control system is a set of devices that manage, direct, or regulate the behavior of other systems using control loops.

Deadlock occurs when processes are stuck waiting for resources held by each other.

Software that translates the operating system's generic commands into the exact signals one model of hardware understands, so applications can use a device without knowing anything about it.

Monitoring and evaluating the output to influence future behavior.

Processes are executed in the order they arrive, with no pre-emption.

Data or signals fed into the system.

Interrupt Handling involves a device sending a signal to the CPU, causing it to pause its current task and execute a specific routine to address the event.

Divides the ready queue into multiple queues, each with its own scheduling algorithm and priority.

Multitasking is the ability of an operating system (OS) to manage and execute multiple processes simultaneously.

Execute predefined operations without feedback.

An operating system (OS) is the bridge between the user, applications, and the hardware of a computer system. It abstracts the complexities of hardware, managing system resources and providing a stable environment for applications to run.

The system's response or behavior.

Polling is a technique where the CPU repeatedly checks the status of a device at regular intervals to see if it needs attention.

Assigns a priority to each process, with the CPU allocated to the highest-priority process.

Manipulation or transformation of input data.

Resource allocation involves distributing system resources like CPU time, memory, and I/O devices among these processes.

Resource contention occurs when multiple processes try to access the same resource simultaneously.

Each process receives a fixed time slice (quantum) in a cyclic order.

Scheduling is the process of allocating CPU time to various processes to optimize system performance.

Devices that detect and measure physical quantities, converting them into signals