Question 1
a) Explain the term ‘Process swapping'. Why is process swapping necessary in a typical modern operating system? Include an explanation of the difference between paging and swapping.
b) Many typical modern operating systems are said to be multi- tasking using a system of interrupts. Explain what is meant by the term interrupt, its purpose and how the system works.
c) What is meant by the terms maskable and non-maskable interrupt.
d) Give two processes that could be expected to be covered by a non-maskable interrupt.
Question 2
a) A high level language (HLL) such as Java may not be considered to be a true program. Give reasons why a HLL is not justified as a program, explaining what it actually doing.
b) What processing is required in order to convert the code of a High level language into executable code. Identify all the stages and tools required.
c) Describe 'interpretation' as a means of running programs and say why this process may lead to higher execution times than with conventionally compiled programming languages.