Topic 6 - Resource management

6.1 Resource management

6.1.1 Identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system:

Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity

  • Primary memory
  • Secondary Storage
  • Processor Speed (List different processors with the respective processor speeds)
  • Bandwidth
  • Screen Resolution (List different screen resolutions)
  • Disk Storage (consider: hard disks, flash storage, ATA, SATA, PCI)
  • Graphic Processor
  • Cache

6.1.2. Evaluate the resources available in a variety of computer systems

A. Compare and Contrast: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
B. Discuss: offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Do you consider that in the next few years, all the functionalities of laptops will be replaced by tablets or mobile phones?

6.1.3. Identify the limitations of a range of resources in a specified computer system

List the limitations of some computer resources in relation to the functional needs of the system

6.1.5 Explain the role of the operating system in terms of managing memory, peripherals and hardware interfaces.

6.1.7 Outline OS resource management techniques: scheduling, policies, multitasking, virtual memory, paging, interrupt, polling.

Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity Define the following concepts:

  • Scheduling
  • Time Slicing
  • Prioritisation
  • Polling
  • Interrupts
  • Paging
  • Blocking
  • Swapping
  • Virtual Memory

6.1.8 Discuss the advantages of producing a dedicated operating system for a device.

6.1.9 Outline how an operating system hides the complexity of the hardware from users and applications.