MCA Articles

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Protection and Security in Operating System

Kristi Castro
Kristi Castro
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 35K+ Views

Protection and security requires that computer resources such as CPU, software, memory etc. are protected. This extends to the operating system as well as the data in the system. This can be done by ensuring integrity, confidentiality and availability in the operating system. The system must be protected against unauthorized access, viruses, worms etc. Threats to Protection and Security A threat is a program that is malicious in nature and leads to harmful effects for the system. The following diagram shows the classification of common security threats − Types of Security Threats ...

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User-level threads and Kernel-level threads

Alex Onsman
Alex Onsman
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 32K+ Views

A thread is a lightweight process that can be managed independently by a scheduler. It improves the application performance using parallelism. A thread shares information like data segment, code segment files etc. with its peer threads while it contains its own registers, stack, counter etc. The two main types of threads are user-level threads and kernel-level threads. A diagram that demonstrates these is as follows − User-level vs Kernel-level Threads User-level Threads Kernel-level Threads Application Process ...

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Volatile Storage vs Non-Volatile Storage

Kristi Castro
Kristi Castro
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 3K+ Views

Volatile and Non-Volatile storage are the two fundamental forms of storage in any computer system. Understanding their differences is crucial for system design and data management. Volatile Storage This is a type of computer memory that retains data only while there is power and the data is lost when power is switched off. A prime example of volatile memory is RAM. It is a type of primary storage that allows the user to randomly access any part of the data regardless of its position in roughly the same time. This is not possible using other storage devices such ...

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Single Processor Systems

Alex Onsman
Alex Onsman
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 20K+ Views

A single processor system contains only one CPU that executes one process at a time. The processor selects processes from the ready queue and handles them sequentially. Most general-purpose computers use single processor systems as they are cost-effective and sufficient for everyday computing tasks. In a single processor system, even though multiple applications may be running simultaneously, only one process can actually execute at any given moment. The operating system uses time-sharing to create the illusion of parallel execution by rapidly switching between processes. Architecture of Single Processor Systems Single Processor System Architecture ...

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Peer to Peer Computing

Kristi Castro
Kristi Castro
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 18K+ Views

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Computing is a distributed network architecture where nodes (computers) act as equal participants, serving both as clients and servers. Unlike traditional client-server models, each node can request services and provide resources simultaneously, creating a decentralized system where all participants share the workload equally. Peer-to-Peer Network Architecture ...

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User View vs System View in Operating System

Amit Diwan
Amit Diwan
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 23K+ Views

An operating system is a construct that allows user application programs to interact with the system hardware. Operating system by itself does not provide any function but it provides an atmosphere in which different applications and programs can do useful work. The operating system can be observed from two distinct perspectives − the user view and the system view. Each perspective focuses on different aspects and priorities of the operating system's functionality. Operating System Perspectives User View Focus: Ease of Use ...

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Symmetric Multiprocessing

Kristi Castro
Kristi Castro
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 7K+ Views

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) is a multiprocessor architecture where multiple processors share a common memory and operating system. All processors work together as equals to execute processes, with the operating system treating each processor identically and no processor reserved for special purposes. Most computer systems are single processor systems, but multiprocessor systems are increasing in importance nowadays. These systems have multiple processors working in parallel that share the computer clock, memory, bus, and peripheral devices. Types of Multiprocessor Systems There are mainly two types of multiprocessor systems − Symmetric Multiprocessor System − All processors are treated ...

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Asymmetric Multiprocessing

Ricky Barnes
Ricky Barnes
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 4K+ Views

Asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) is a type of multiprocessor system where processors are assigned specific roles and are not treated equally. Unlike symmetric multiprocessing, where all processors can perform any task, asymmetric systems have a hierarchical structure with specialized processor functions. How Asymmetric Multiprocessing Works In asymmetric multiprocessing, processors have distinct roles and responsibilities. Typically, one processor acts as the master and controls the system, while other processors serve as slaves that handle specific tasks assigned by the master. Asymmetric Multiprocessing System Master ...

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What is caching?

Kristi Castro
Kristi Castro
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 6K+ Views

Cache is a small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data to reduce the time needed to retrieve information from slower storage devices. The process of storing and accessing data from a cache is known as caching. Cache memory acts as an intermediary between the CPU and main memory, significantly improving system performance. How Caching Works When the CPU needs data, it first checks the cache. If the data is found (called a cache hit), it's retrieved quickly. If not found (called a cache miss), the system fetches the data from main memory and stores a copy in ...

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Hot Standby Mode

David Meador
David Meador
Updated on 17-Mar-2026 841 Views

The hot standby mode is a fail-safe mechanism in which a hot standby component is part of an active system. If any component of the system fails, the hot standby component immediately takes its place. In general, a hot standby can refer to any device, system, or component that overtakes operation from a failed device and reduces the startup delay that would otherwise be significant. Hot Standby Mode Operation Active System Processing Requests ...

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