In: Computer Science
Explain why an operating system can be viewed as a resource allocator.
Direct memory access is used for high-speed I/O devices in order to avoid increasing the CPU’s execution load.
a) How does the CPU interface with the device to coordinate the transfer?
b) How does the CPU know when the memory operations are complete?
c) The CPU is allowed to execute other programs while the DMA controller is transferring data. Does this process interfere with the execution of the user programs? If so, describe what forms of interference are caused.
Describe the operating system's two modes of operation.