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Articles by Ricky Barnes
Page 2 of 9
Process vs Parent Process vs Child Process
In Operating System, the fork() system call is used by a process to create another process. The process that uses the fork() system call is the parent process and the process consequently created is known as the child process. Process A process is an active program — a program that is under execution. It is more than just the program code as it includes the program counter, process stack, registers, program code, and other runtime information. The program code itself is only the text section of a process. A process changes its state as it executes, depending ...
Read MoreCooperating Process
Cooperating processes are those that can affect or are affected by other processes running on the system. These processes may share data with each other and work together to accomplish common goals, making them essential for modern multiprogramming systems. Reasons for Needing Cooperating Processes There are several compelling reasons why cooperating processes are necessary in modern operating systems: Modularity − Complex tasks are divided into smaller, manageable subtasks. Each subtask can be handled by different cooperating processes, leading to faster and more efficient completion of the overall task. Information Sharing − Multiple processes often need access ...
Read MorePriority Inversion
Priority inversion is an operating system scenario in which a higher priority process is preempted by a lower priority process. This implies the inversion of the priorities of the two processes, causing the system to behave opposite to its intended design. Priority inversion typically occurs when a high-priority task waits for a resource held by a low-priority task, while a medium-priority task preempts the low-priority task, effectively blocking the high-priority task indefinitely. How Priority Inversion Occurs Consider three processes with different priorities: Process Priority Description H High Critical task ...
Read MoreOperating Systems Client/Server Communication
Client/Server communication is a distributed computing model where multiple client processes request services from a server process. The clients send requests to the server, and the server responds with the requested data or services. This architecture forms the backbone of modern networked applications and distributed systems. There are three main methods for client/server communication, each with distinct characteristics and use cases − Sockets Sockets are endpoints for communication between two processes, whether on the same machine or across a network. A socket is identified by an IP address and port number combination. They provide a low-level interface ...
Read MoreReaders-Writers Problem
The readers-writers problem relates to an object such as a file that is shared between multiple processes. Some of these processes are readers i.e. they only want to read the data from the object and some of the processes are writers i.e. they want to write into the object. The readers-writers problem is used to manage synchronization so that there are no problems with the object data. For example − If two readers access the object at the same time there is no problem. However if two writers or a reader and writer access the object at the same ...
Read MoreArchitecture of a Typical Microkernel
A microkernel is the minimum software required to correctly implement an operating system. This includes memory management, process scheduling mechanisms, and basic inter-process communication. The microkernel follows a minimalist approach where only essential services run in kernel mode, while other OS functions operate in user space. Architecture of a Microkernel Microkernel Architecture User Space Device Drivers File Server ...
Read MoreAsymmetric Multiprocessing
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 ...
Read MoreStructure of a Client Server System
In client-server computing, the clients request a resource and the server provides that resource. A server may serve multiple clients at the same time while a client is in contact with only one server. This architecture forms the backbone of modern distributed systems, web applications, and enterprise software. The different structures for two-tier and three-tier architectures are given as follows − Two-Tier Client/Server Structure The two-tier architecture primarily has two parts: a client tier and a server tier. The client tier sends a request to the server tier and the server tier responds with the desired information. ...
Read MoreSupervisor Mode (Privileged Mode)
Supervisor mode (also called privileged mode or kernel mode) is a computer system execution mode in which the processor can execute all instructions, including privileged instructions. These special instructions include interrupt management, I/O operations, memory management, and system configuration commands that are restricted from normal user programs. The privilege levels of different components in a system form a hierarchical structure − System Privilege Levels Kernel Mode (Ring 0) Highest Privilege Device Drivers (Ring 1-2) Limited Privilege ...
Read MoreLoading and Removing Kernel Module
Linux kernel modules are pieces of code that can be loaded into or removed from the kernel dynamically without recompiling the kernel or rebooting the system. This modular approach enhances system functionality while maintaining efficiency and flexibility. Without kernel modules, the operating system would need to include all anticipated functionalities in the base kernel, leading to memory wastage as most systems would rarely be used. Users would also need to rebuild and reboot the kernel for new functionality, making the system less flexible. Kernel modules have a .ko extension and reside in the /lib/modules//kernel/ directory. The major types ...
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