Article Categories
- All Categories
-
Data Structure
-
Networking
-
RDBMS
-
Operating System
-
Java
-
MS Excel
-
iOS
-
HTML
-
CSS
-
Android
-
Python
-
C Programming
-
C++
-
C#
-
MongoDB
-
MySQL
-
Javascript
-
PHP
-
Economics & Finance
Articles by Arnab Chakraborty
Page 3 of 377
What's the difference between a context switch, a process switch and a thread switch in Linux?
Context switching is the fundamental mechanism that allows a multitasking operating system to share a single CPU among multiple processes and threads. It involves storing the current execution state so that it can be restored later, enabling seamless resumption from the same point. Types of Context Switches There are three main types of context switches in Linux, each with different overhead costs and complexity levels. Context Switch (General) A context switch is the general term for saving the current execution state (registers, program counter, stack pointer) of a running task and loading the state of another ...
Read MoreWhat is loopback address?
The loopback address is a special IP address range (127.0.0.0 – 127.255.255.255) reserved for internal communication within a single computer system. The most commonly used loopback address is 127.0.0.1, also known as localhost. This address allows processes on the same machine to communicate with each other through the network stack without requiring physical network hardware. How Loopback Addresses Work When a process sends data to a loopback address, the operating system intercepts the packet and routes it back to itself internally. The data never leaves the computer or passes through the Network Interface Card (NIC). Instead, it is ...
Read MoreConsistency Semantics for File Sharing
File-sharing services have become an integral part of modern communication and collaboration. These services allow users to share files with others, enabling them to work together on projects and exchange information. However, with multiple users accessing and updating the same file simultaneously, the problem of data consistency arises. Data consistency refers to the correctness and reliability of data, ensuring that all users see the same view of the data at all times. Consistency semantics is a set of rules that define how data is accessed and updated by different users in a distributed system. It ensures that all users ...
Read MoreConvoy Effect in FCFS
In computer operating systems, scheduling algorithms play a crucial role in managing the execution of multiple processes. The First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS) scheduling algorithm follows a sequential order in executing processes as per their arrival time in the system. Although FCFS is straightforward and easily implementable, it may result in the Convoy Effect, where a resource-intensive process monopolizes system resources and creates a backlog of smaller processes, causing delays and inefficiencies. First Come First Serve (FCFS) Scheduling First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS) is a non-preemptive scheduling algorithm where processes are executed in the order they arrive in the ready queue. When a process ...
Read MoreCopy on Write in Operating System
Copy-On-Write (COW) is a memory optimization technique used by operating systems to reduce overhead when creating new processes. It allows multiple processes to share the same memory pages until one process modifies them. When modification occurs, the OS creates a duplicate copy for the modifying process while other processes continue sharing the original page. How Copy on Write Works The COW mechanism operates through virtual memory management. When a process is created (like during fork()), instead of immediately copying all parent memory pages, the OS marks them as read-only and shares them between parent and child processes. ...
Read MoreCPU Scheduling Criteria
CPU scheduling is the process of determining which process or task is to be executed by the central processing unit (CPU) at any given time. It is an important component of modern operating systems that allows multiple processes to run simultaneously on a single processor. The CPU scheduler determines the order and priority in which processes are executed and allocates CPU time accordingly, based on various criteria such as CPU utilization, throughput, turnaround time, waiting time, and response time. Efficient CPU scheduling is crucial for optimizing system performance and ensuring that processes are executed in a fair and timely manner. ...
Read MoreDevice Management in Operating System
An essential part of an operating system is device management, which controls how software applications interact with the hardware attached to the computer system. It involves the process of detecting, configuring, allocating, and managing access to devices like printers, scanners, storage units, and network interfaces. The device management system ensures that hardware devices are used effectively by providing a consistent and reliable interface between software and hardware components. Device Management Architecture Device Management Architecture User Space Application 1 ...
Read MoreDisk Attachment in OS
Disk attachment is the process of connecting storage devices, such as hard disk drives or solid-state drives, to a computer system. This process is essential for the proper functioning of an operating system as it allows the system to read and write data to storage devices. Disk attachment can be either internal or external, and there are several methods of attachment, including SATA, SCSI, and SAS. Types of Disk Attachment There are four primary types of disk attachment methods used in modern computer systems − Disk Attachment Types ...
Read MoreDisk Controller in OS
In the world of computing, the Disk Controller is a fundamental component that manages data transfer between a computer's storage devices and its memory. It acts as a crucial interface between storage hardware and the Operating System (OS), enabling efficient communication and data management operations. What is a Disk Controller A Disk Controller is a hardware component that manages the flow of data between a computer's storage devices (hard disk drives, SSDs) and the system memory. It translates high-level OS commands into low-level disk operations, controlling read/write operations and ensuring reliable data transfer. Disk Controller Architecture ...
Read MoreDisk Formatting
Disk formatting is the process of preparing a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive, for use by initializing its file system and creating a directory structure for storing files. This process allows the device to be recognized by the operating system and enables the storage and retrieval of data. Definition of Disk Formatting Disk formatting is like giving a blank slate to a storage device, preparing it to store new data by erasing any existing information and creating a structure for organizing files. It involves erasing any existing data, setting up a file ...
Read More