BCA / B.Tech 12 min read

Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System

Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System:


Efficient management of various hardware and software resources within a computer system is a primary function of an operating system. Resources such as the CPU, memory, disk space, and I/O devices are limited, and their proper allocation is necessary for the system to function smoothly.

Resource allocation refers to the timely and appropriate distribution of system resources to various processes and users. Let's understand this process in detail.

Resource allocation is a complex process that ensures the efficiency of a computer system. The OS ensures that all processes get the necessary resources on time, avoiding problems like Deadlock and Starvation. The correct and efficient management of resources enhances the overall performance of the system and provides a balanced and smooth experience for users.

What are Resources?

  • CPU: The brain of the computer system that performs calculations.
  • Memory: RAM and storage (hard drive) are the main memory of the computer.
  • I/O Devices: Devices like keyboards, mice, printers, monitors, etc.
  • Disk Space: Proper allocation and management of disk space is necessary for storing data and files.

Challenges in Resource Allocation:

  • Limited Resources: Resources are finite. When multiple processes demand the same resources simultaneously, it is the OS's responsibility to divide them appropriately.
  • Deadlock Condition: A situation where multiple processes are waiting for each other's resources.
  • Starvation: When a process does not get resources for a long time.

Techniques and Algorithms for Resource Allocation:

1. First Come, First Serve (FCFS): The process that requests a resource first gets it first.
2. Shortest Job First (SJF): The smallest task is given the resource first to increase system throughput.
3. Round Robin: A time-sharing technique where each process gets a fixed amount of CPU time (Time Quantum).
4. Priority-Based Allocation: Each process is assigned a priority, and the process with higher priority is allocated the resource first.

Functions Related to Resource Allocation:

  • Resource Request: When a process needs a resource, it sends a request to the OS.
  • Resource Release: When a process is done with a resource, it informs the OS so it can be made available to other processes.
  • Deadlock Management: The OS uses various techniques to detect, prevent, and resolve deadlocks.
  • Avoiding Starvation: The OS ensures that no process is deprived of resources for a long time, using techniques like Aging.
  • Process Scheduling: The OS determines which process should get how much CPU time and when.
  • Memory Management: Ensures all processes get the required memory.
  • I/O Management: Ensures efficient use of input/output devices.

In this Chapter

Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System
Distributed System in Operating System
Real-Time System in Operating System
System Calls in Operating System
System Programs in Operating System
Structure of an Operating System
Layered Design of an Operating System Structure
UNIX in Operating System
Virtual Machine in Operating System
Kernel-Based Operating System
Process Concept in Operating System
Interacting Processes in Operating System
Threads in Operating System
Fundamentals of Scheduling in Operating System
Scheduling Criteria in Operating System
Long, Medium, and Short-Term Scheduling
Scheduling Algorithms in Operating System
Structure of a Concurrent System
Critical Region in Operating System
Critical Section in Operating System
Inter-process Communication (IPC) in Operating System
Monitors in Operating System
Semaphores in Operating System
Semaphore Implementation & Uses in Operating System
Logical and Physical Address in Operating System
Swapping in Operating System
Contiguous Allocation in Operating System
Segmentation in Operating System
Paging in Operating System
Virtual Memory using Segmentation in Operating System
Interprocess Communication Protocol in Operating System
Network Operating System
Design Issues in Distributed File System
Network Structure in Operating System
Structure of a Distributed System
File System and Coordination in Operating System
History of Linux in Operating System
Linux Commands
Programmer Interface & File Manipulation in Linux
Process Control in Linux
Kernel & Signals in Linux
File System in Linux
Blocks and Inodes in Linux
System Editors in Linux
Character Transliteration in Linux
The `ed` Line Editor in Linux
The `vi` Editor and Its Commands
Shell Scripting in Linux
Looping & Decision Making in Linux Shell Scripting
Variables & File Name Expansion in Linux
Arrays in Linux Shell Scripting
Subprograms (Functions) in Linux Shell Scripting
C Interface with Linux
Simple Shell Programs in Linux
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Types of Operating Systems
Goals of an Operating System
Operations of an Operating System
Classes of Operating System
Batch Processing in Operating System
Multiprocessing in Operating System
Time-Sharing in Operating System