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(b) Best-Fit: Tries to find the smallest communicate with different hardware
available block of memory that best components such as printers and
matches the needs of the process. keyboards. The operating system Chapter Seven: Operating Systems
provides specific instructions for
However, with time, as processes come using the printer, scanner, internet,
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
and go, unused memory fragments can and several other devices.
appear, reducing efficient usage of the
computer memory. This is the concept (b) Interrupt handling: Devices
of memory fragmentation, which the can interrupt the CPU to request
operating system much also address, to attention. The operating system
ensure that all the available computer manages these interrupts efficiently,
memory is used in the best possible ensuring that all devices get serviced
way. Moreover, virtual memory might without causing delays.
sometimes be required to extend the
RAM using the hard drive. When
becomes full, the operating system can Activity 7.6:
temporarily move less-used data to the
hard drive. In so doing, an illusion that Monitoring the usage of computer
the computer has more RAM than is memory
physically available is created.
Aim:
File system structure and This activity allows you to explore
implementation memory management concepts using
The computer’s file system is like a your own computer. You will learn
well-organised filing cabinet within how to monitor memory usage and see
the computer’s hard drive. Directories how programs affect system resources.
and files organises data into directories
(folders) and files (documents). The File Materials:
Allocation Table (FAT) or inodes are A computer with internet access to
similar to filing indexes that keep track perform the activity.
of where data for each file is physically
located on the hard drive. Instructions:
Step 1: Finding the Task Manager/
Input/Output systems and device Activity monitor/System
management Monitor
Input/Output systems manage (a) Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
communication between the computer to open Task Manager.
and various devices. (b) Mac: Click on the Apple icon in the
(a) Device drivers: These facilitate top left corner and select “System
translation for each device, Preferences” > “Dock & Menu
allowing the OS to understand and
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Student’s Book Form Five
Computer Science Form 5.indd 429 23/07/2024 12:34
