Understanding Interrupts in Computing

What is an interrupt in computer systems?

• An interrupt is a permanent stop of the CPU.

• An interrupt is a method for increasing CPU speed.

• An interrupt is a type of software application.

• An interrupt is a signal that temporarily halts the CPU to handle an event.

Explain the difference between hardware and software interrupts.

• Hardware interrupts can only be generated by the operating system.

• Hardware interrupts are signals from hardware devices; software interrupts are generated by programs.

• Software interrupts are always faster than hardware interrupts.

• Hardware interrupts are only used for network communication.

What is the purpose of an interrupt vector table?

• To store data for future use.

• To control the CPU clock speed.

• To manage memory allocation for programs.

• To provide addresses of interrupt service routines for handling interrupts.

How do interrupts improve system performance?

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

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

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

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

What is the role of the CPU when an interrupt occurs?

• The CPU only logs the interrupt without taking any further action.

• The CPU immediately shuts down to prevent any errors.

• The CPU saves the current state, identifies the interrupt source, executes the ISR, and then resumes the interrupted program.

• The CPU ignores the interrupt and continues processing the current task.

Describe the process of handling an interrupt.

• Restoring the state before executing the ISR

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

• Executing the ISR without saving the state

• Ignoring the interrupt and continuing execution

What are maskable and non-maskable interrupts?

• Maskable interrupts can be disabled by the processor, while non-maskable interrupts cannot be disabled and must be handled immediately.

• Maskable interrupts must be handled immediately and cannot be ignored.

• Non-maskable interrupts can be disabled by the processor at any time.

• Maskable interrupts are always prioritized over non-maskable interrupts.

How do interrupts affect multitasking in operating systems?

• Interrupts are only used for hardware communication and do not affect multitasking.

• Interrupts slow down multitasking by causing delays in task switching.

• Interrupts enhance multitasking by enabling the operating system to manage multiple tasks efficiently and respond to events in real-time.

• Interrupts prevent the operating system from managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

What is a context switch in relation to interrupts?

• A context switch is the process of saving the state of a currently running process and loading the state of an interrupt handler or another process.

• A context switch occurs only when a process completes its execution.

• A context switch is the act of switching between different threads without saving state.

• A context switch is the process of terminating a running process immediately.

Give an example of a situation where an interrupt might be used.

• A printer receiving a print job.

• A network device connecting to the internet.

• A computer running a software update.

• A user pressing a key on the keyboard.