Multiple programs are usually executed concurrently  as processes (running programs).  A bit of code from each process is executed at a time  on the processor so that all processes are continually executed until system shutdown or they have completed their task and exit.

The operating system  (OS) is programmed to start the execution of programs and manage their execution by putting them into different states.  Note that the programs can be application programs intended for the end user or system programs used for self management (e.g memory management)

Discussion:

1. Virtual memory / page files used to simulate ram capacities larger than physical ram on the main system. (Falls under memory management).
2. Blackboard  as Ram chiselled tablet as Secondary storage – How processes react when they must wait

Process States.

Running – The process is currently being executed

Ready  – A previously interrupted process that can be expected to resume.

Waiting/blocked  – a process that has been put to wait by the cpu or is waiting on a slower operation (I/O or request for data)

Attributions to media used in post

MrDrBob, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

© 2022  Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved. 

This is the process of loading and executing the basic instructions to load the operating system to bring the system to a fully functional state  to be used for its intended purpose (initiated either by the user powering on the system or an autonomous system system e.g a network device , typically a router. See wake on lan)  .  For modern day systems, these instructions are usually hardcoded in the EEPROM.

Updates to this post

2023-09-15 – Added wake on LAN, and detailed to the initiation of the device.

© 2022  Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.