CSL333 Operating Systems Homework -1

Q 1.1 : How are network computers different from traditional personal computers? Describe
some usage scenarios in which it is advantageous to use network computers.

Answer : A network computer has a minimal operating system and mostly depends on the
central server for the services. While a personal computer functions in a standalone manner
providing all the required functionality. In network computer people can copy files from one
machine to another, hence it is not secure like the personal computer. They are preferred at
places where sharing of resources and data is required.


Q 1.12 : What are the main differences between operating systems for mainframe computers
and personal computers?

Answer : Batch systems do not have to be concerned with interacting with a user as much as a
personal computer. As a result, an operating system for a PC must be concerned with response
time for an interactive user usually at the expense of efficiency. Personal computer operating
systems are not concerned with maximal use. Mainframe computers have higher I/O capacity
and they need more complex algorithms to keep the system components busy for maximum
output.


Q 1.15 : Identify several advantages and several disadvantages of open-source operating
systems. Include the types of people who would find each aspect to be an advantage or a
disadvantage.

Answer : Open-source operating systems have the advantage of having many number of
people working upon, ease of distribution, many people debugging codes, and faster updates.
And students and programmers can view and modify the source code. They are free to use
compared to the commercial operating systems. Some companies prefer commercial
operating systems which provide paid support, so that they have someone to hold
accountable when they face problem. Backward compatibility is lacking making upgrades
difficult.



Q 1.21 : Define the essential properties of the following types of operating
systems:
d. Real time
Answer : These operating systems are used for dedicated application. They take information
from the sensors and must repond within a fixed time interval for correct operation.


f. Parallel
Answer : These operating systems are used in computers where multiple CPUs are running
the same operating system sharing information using the system bus.

i. Handheld
Answer : These operating systems are used in smaller systems which are used for simple
purposes like web browsing, email, calendar. Compared to traditional systems, they have
smaller memory and processing power.