What is the difference between preemptive and non-preemptive scheduling?

Preemptive scheduling is a scheduling algorithm that allows a running process to be interrupted and replaced by another process with a higher priority. An example of this is Round Robin scheduling.

Non-preemptive scheduling is a scheduling algorithm that allows a running process to remain in the system until it completes or is blocked by some other event. An example of this is First Come First Serve scheduling.

How does Windows handle multitasking?

Windows handles multitasking by allowing multiple programs to run at the same time. Each program is allocated a certain amount of resources, such as processor time, memory, and disk space. Windows also allows users to switch between programs quickly.

For example, a user can open a web browser, a word processor, and a media player simultaneously. Each program is allocated its own resources, allowing the user to switch between them without having to close any of them. The user can also use the taskbar to switch between programs quickly.

What is the difference between a process and a thread?

A process is an instance of a program that is being executed, while a thread is a single sequence of instructions within a process.

For example, a word processor is a process that contains multiple threads, such as one thread to handle user input, another to handle formatting, and another to handle printing. Each thread can run independently of the others, allowing the process to complete tasks more quickly.

What is the purpose of a file system in an operating system?

A file system is a set of rules and methods that an operating system uses to store, organize, and access files on a storage device, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive. It is responsible for managing the data on the storage device and providing a way for applications to access the data.

For example, the Windows operating system uses the NTFS (New Technology File System) as its default file system. NTFS organizes data into folders and files, and provides features such as encryption, compression, quotas, and auditing. It also provides security features such as access control lists and file permissions.

What is the purpose of a virtual memory system?

A virtual memory system is a computer system that allows a computer to use more memory than it has physically installed. It does this by temporarily transferring data from RAM to a hard disk, allowing a computer to use more memory than it has physically installed. This is useful when a program needs more memory than is available in the system.

For example, a system with 4GB of RAM may be able to run a program that requires 6GB of RAM. The virtual memory system will transfer 2GB of data from RAM to a hard disk, thus allowing the program to run with the extra memory it needs.

What is the difference between a kernel and an operating system?

The kernel is the core of an operating system. It is responsible for low-level tasks such as managing memory, scheduling tasks, and communicating with hardware. An example of a kernel is the Linux kernel.

An operating system is a collection of programs and utilities that manage the hardware and software resources of a computer. It provides an interface between the user and the hardware. An example of an operating system is Windows 10.

How does Windows handle multitasking?

Windows handles multitasking by allowing users to run multiple programs and applications at the same time. For example, a user can open a web browser, a word processor, and a media player at the same time. Windows also provides a Task Manager that allows users to view and manage all the running applications and processes. Additionally, users can switch between running programs by pressing Alt+Tab.

What is the Windows registry and what is its purpose?

The Windows registry is a database of settings for the Windows operating system. It stores information about the system configuration, user preferences, hardware settings, and application settings. The registry is used to store information that is required for the operating system to function correctly. For example, when you install a program, the registry stores the program’s installation path, version, and other related information. When you change the desktop wallpaper, the registry stores the path to the image file.

How does Windows manage memory?

Windows manages memory using a process called virtual memory. Virtual memory is a system that uses both RAM and hard drive space to store data and instructions for programs.

For example, when a program needs more memory than is available in RAM, the Windows operating system will move some of the data from RAM to the hard drive. This data is stored in a file called a page file. When the program needs to access this data, it will be loaded back into RAM. This process of moving data between RAM and the hard drive is called paging.