Maskable and non-maskable interrupts are two kinds of interrupts in the CPU. The interrupt that can be ignored by the CPU is the maskable interrupt. The interrupt that cannot be ignored and is reserved for some important events is a non-maskable interrupt. What is Interrupt? An interrupt is a way to break the normal sequencing of the processor in order to perform some specific task. Let us understand interrupts in the operating system using a day to day example. Consider that you are … [Read more...]

System call and System program play an important role in the functioning of the operating system. As these constructs define what functions the operating system must perform. The system call creates an interface between the user program and the services of the operating system. On the other hand, the system program defines the user interface of the operating system. The system program also creates a suitable environment for a program to develop and execute. For example, the modern … [Read more...]

In a broad sense, Booting is a process of starting a computer and specifically handing over the control to the operating system. There are two forms of booting, Cold Booting and Warm Booting, here we are going to learn the difference between them. The notable difference between them is that the Cold Boot occurs at the beginning where the state of the primary components of the computer and RAM is checked with the help of Power On Self Test (POST) before loading the operating system. Conversely, … [Read more...]

We used to come up with the terms file and folder on a very frequent base, and these are the common terms in the computer field. A file in computer resembles a typed document that could be available on the someone's desk or inside a filing cabinet, practically. On the other hand, a folder is quite more than a container used to store files. It would not be practically possible to put several hundred or thousands of paper files on a desk, as when you need a particular file from those papers it … [Read more...]

DOS and windows are the different kinds of operating systems where the DOS is less likely used in the present scenario while windows is a widely used operating system. The operating systems, DOS and Windows are mainly differentiated by the fact that DOS is a single tasking, single user, CLI based operating system developed in the year of 1979. On the other hand, all the windows version are multitasking, multiuser and GUI based operating system. Content: DOS Vs Windows Comparison … [Read more...]

Multiprogramming and multitasking are the aspects of a computer system. However, these are also the types of operating system. The prior difference between multiprogramming and multitasking is that the multiprogramming is based on preemptive scheduling where the major pondering point is the CPU idleness. On the other hand, in the multitasking system, the CPU jobs have equal time interval for processing and it emphasis on responsiveness. The multiprogramming system is advantageous in terms of … [Read more...]

The CD and DVD are the versions of an optical disk which mainly differ in size and manufacturing method. Generally, a DVD can store more data than a CD, its one of the reason is that CD contain the polycarbonate substrate on only a single side while in DVDs it present on both of the sides. We have already discussed the construction and working principle of the optical disk in our previous article difference between Magnetic Disk and Optical disk. The CD and DVD work on optical technology … [Read more...]

SSD and HDD are the secondary storage devices technically perform the same operation but have completely different features, and are constructed differently using the distinct materials. There are various factors which distinguish the SSD from the HDD along with their advantages and disadvantages. The SSD (Solid State Drive) consists of an electronic circuitry made up of semiconductors while HDD (Hard Disk Drive) contains the electromechanical components. The performance of the SSD is very … [Read more...]

The Magnetic disk and Optical disk are the storage devices provides a way to store data for a long duration. These disks differ in many characteristics; firstly magnetic disk works by using magnetising material over the disk whereas in optical disk polycarbonate plastic is used in its construction and laser is used to store and retrieve the data. The magnetic and optical disk comes under the category of secondary storage devices. The need to devise these devices has emerged because the … [Read more...]

Network Operating System falls under the category of Distributed architectures where a large number of computer systems are connected with each other with the help of a network. Although the implementation of the network operating system is simpler than the distributed operating system. The network operating system and distributed operating system are distinguished by the characteristics they are having, such as the in network operating system each system runs its own operating system while the … [Read more...]