Understanding Interrupts in Computing

What are the main types of interrupts?

• The main types of interrupts are hardware interrupts, software interrupts, timer interrupts, and I/O interrupts.

• User interrupts

• Memory interrupts

• Network interrupts

Define a hardware interrupt and give an example.

• An example of a hardware interrupt is a keyboard interrupt generated when a key is pressed.

• A hardware interrupt caused by a software update.

• A network interrupt that occurs during data transmission.

• A software interrupt triggered by a program error.

What is a software interrupt?

• A software interrupt is a signal from a program to the processor to request attention for an event.

• A software interrupt is a type of virus that affects programs.

• A software interrupt is a hardware signal that stops the processor.

• A software interrupt is a command that directly executes a program without any signal.

Explain the role of the interrupt handler.

• The interrupt handler controls the power supply of the computer.

• The interrupt handler executes user applications directly.

• The interrupt handler manages and responds to interrupts in a computer system.

• The interrupt handler is responsible for managing memory allocation.

What happens when an interrupt occurs?

• The interrupt handler is executed without saving the CPU state.

• The CPU halts the current process, saves its state, and executes the interrupt handler.

• The CPU ignores the interrupt and continues processing as normal.

• The CPU continues the current process without interruption.

How does the CPU prioritize multiple interrupts?

• The CPU randomly selects which interrupt to handle next.

• The CPU prioritizes interrupts based on their assigned priority levels, handling the highest priority first.

• The CPU ignores all interrupts until the current task is complete.

• The CPU processes interrupts in the order they are received, regardless of priority.

What is the difference between maskable and non-maskable interrupts?

• Maskable interrupts can be disabled; non-maskable interrupts cannot.

• Maskable interrupts are faster than non-maskable interrupts.

• Non-maskable interrupts can be disabled; maskable interrupts cannot.

• Maskable interrupts are used for hardware errors, while non-maskable interrupts are for software errors.

Describe the process of handling an interrupt.

• Ignoring the interrupt and continuing execution

• Resetting the entire system before handling the interrupt

• The process of handling an interrupt involves saving the current state, identifying the interrupt source, executing the interrupt handler, and restoring the state.

• Only logging the interrupt without any further action

What is the significance of the interrupt vector table?

• It provides a backup for system files.

• The interrupt vector table is significant because it enables efficient handling of interrupts by mapping them to their corresponding service routines.

• It is used to manage CPU power consumption.

• It stores the addresses of all memory locations.

How do interrupts improve system performance?

• Interrupts are used to increase the number of tasks the CPU can handle simultaneously.

• Interrupts slow down the CPU by adding extra processing time.

• Interrupts prevent the CPU from responding to any tasks until all current tasks are completed.

• Interrupts improve system performance by allowing the CPU to handle high-priority tasks immediately, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.