Question

I) DEFINE THE TERM MULTI-USER OPERATING SYSTEM

II) IDENTIFY THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A MULTI-USER OPERATING SYSTEM
III) IDENTIFY THE FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF A MULTI-USER OPERATING SYSTEM.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

I) A multi-user operating system is a type of operating system that allows multiple users to access and use the system simultaneously. It enables multiple users to interact with the system and run applications concurrently, as well as share resources such as files, printers, and internet connections.

II) Advantages of a multi-user operating system:
- Efficient utilization of resources: Multiple users can share resources, leading to better resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Enhanced security: Access control mechanisms can be implemented to restrict access to certain resources and protect sensitive information.
- Improved collaboration: Multiple users can work together on the same system, facilitating collaboration and communication within an organization.
- Increased flexibility: Users can customize their environment and access the system from multiple locations.

Disadvantages of a multi-user operating system:
- Potential for resource contention: With multiple users accessing resources simultaneously, there is a risk of resource contention which can impact system performance.
- Security risks: The presence of multiple users increases the likelihood of security breaches and unauthorized access to the system.
- Complexity: Managing multiple user accounts and permissions can be complex and require additional administrative effort.
- Performance overhead: Supporting multiple users can lead to increased overhead and impact system performance.

III) Functional requirements of a multi-user operating system:
- User account management: The operating system should support multiple user accounts with different permissions and access levels.
- Resource sharing: The system should allow users to share resources such as files, printers, and network connections.
- Access control: Access control mechanisms should be in place to regulate user access to resources and protect sensitive information.
- Process management: The operating system should efficiently manage multiple processes and prioritize task scheduling.
- Security features: Security measures such as user authentication, encryption, and access control should be implemented to protect the system from security threats.