Resource Management

What is the difference between a program and a process?

Answer explanation

Although the terms are used interchangeably a process can be seen as a program that is running. Do you think you got this right or were you close with your answer?

Why is the problem of resource allocation complicated?

• Does not have to be complicated because you can allocate all resources to one process!

• An unknown number of applications need to share a finite amount of resources.

• Applications running concurrently need the same resources but there must not be interference and that can be tricky.

• We have more powerful computers now and many algorithms are available that this has become really easy now.

A process has a life cycle. At any point in time a process can be in one of the following states: running, starting, terminating, ready and waiting. Write the states in the correct order.

Answer explanation

An operating system uses swapping to multi-task. End users do not realise this but when applications are running at the same time inactive processes are put in virtual memory for example when an application is minimised. For this reason processes go through a life cycle: start, ready, waiting, running, terminating.

When a process is in a waiting state then it is waiting for...

Answer explanation

The waiting state means that a process is waiting for a resource for example input from the user or a file to become available.

You are designing a lab for CGI artists who do production jobs during the day and post production jobs overnight. What will you buy? In our dream world do not worry about money.

• Individual high-spec workstations like Apple MacBook Pros.

• Access to an off-site mainframe.

• Access to an off-site supercomputer.

• Cross between tablet and general purpose computer like Windows Microsoft Surface Pro.

Answer explanation

A supercomputer is designed for a particular purpose and is constantly running at maximum performance, perfect resource for rendering. Artists still need a dedicate workspace to do individual work. Microsoft Surface has a lot of potential not yet up to the level required! Pixar use dedicated and expensive Macbook Pros by Apple. Steve Jobs founded Pixar must be a coincidence.

Pick examples of resources.

• CPU

• Input Devices

• Output Devices

• Primary Memory

Answer explanation

Computer Resources means all computer hardware, software, communications devices, facilities, equipment, networks, passwords, licensing and attendant policies, manuals and guides. This was extracted from a law document. Trust lawyers to come up with definitions for everything.