Topic 3b
Coordinating Activities and Shared Resources

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic students should be able to:

  • Given one of the following vocabulary words, give a brief definition of the term and how the item applies in the normal operation of an operating system.
    • Time slice
    • Process (context) switch
    • Interrupt
    • Semaphore
    • Test-and-set
    • Critical Region
    • Mutual Exclusion
    • Deadlock
  • Explain the concept of a process in modern operating systems.
  • Identify several of the challenges and/or concerns when working with a modern multi-process system when it comes to competition for shared resources.
  • Discuss the conditions necessary for deadlock to occur.
  • Discuss methods modern operating systems employ to avoid deadlock.

 

Learning Materials

  • Readings
    • Section 3.3-3.4 - pp 163-171 in your book
  • Videos

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Checking for Understanding

Answer the following questions from your textbook. The answers to all Q&E questions are in the back of your book in Appendix F.

  • p 166, #1
  • p 166, #2
  • p 166, #4 (I don't honestly care about the math, but the answer solidifies what is happening in this topic. Furthermore, we feel there is a math error in the answer in the back of the book).
  • p 166, #5 (ditto)
  • p 171, #1
  • p 171, #2
  • p 171, #3
  • p 171, #4

 

Additional Guidance

If you are still struggling with the material in this topic, the following video may help.

Further Information

If you understand this material and are using this in your own courses, you might find the following material beneficial. This material is a supplement to this course and your understanding of this is not assessed.
  • NA