2011/2012 1a What is BIOS and how is it important to system programming?

The BIOS (basic input output system) provides the basic services like 'power on self test' (to check whether all the devices like keyboard, mouse that are connected to computer are working or not ). Then it it has a bootstrap program that loads the boot file from operating system . then the operating system takes over the control. In very old computer systems, those using DOS, the BIOS was the interface between the operating system and the hardware. But in modern systems the BIOS is of much less importance, being used only during the early stages of the boot process. While the computer is in operation the device drivers take over completely the former functions of the BIOS. BIOS, short for BASIC INPUT OUTPUT SYSTEM is a set of built-in software routines that give a PC its personality. Although, less than 32 kilobytes of code, the BIOS controls many of the most important functions of the PC: how it interprets keystrokes (Ctrl + Alt + Delete), how it puts characters on the screen, and how and at what speed it communicates through its ports. The BIOS also determines the compatibility of the computer and its flexibility in use. It acts as a link between the material hardware of the PC and its circuits, and the transcendent realm of software ideas and instructions. More than a link, the BIOS is both hardware and software.

2a: Compare and contrast system programming and application programming In application programming programmers build applications. Application programs include websites, video games, iPhone applications, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Web browsers and other programs that people use for entertainment, communications, accessing information, organizing, and getting work done. Application software interacts with people or users. Systems programming is creating technology that programmers use to build applications. In order for an applications programmer to build an application, he needs an operating system, a programming language, and other tools to get the application built, tested, and working.

System programming includes creating and working on:

operating systems database systems programming languages software libraries software that controls hardware very directly

Software exists in layers. Application software runs on top of and interacts with system software. System software runs on top of and interacts with the physical hardware. Another way of looking at it: People make application software do work. Application software makes system software do work.

6ai: What is the main function of the interrupt controller? Data is transferred across the internal "bus" (just a term for the common communication medium inside the computer). When a device (disk drive, video card, peripheral controller) wants to send data it raises it's interrupt "flag", to let the interrupt controller know that it has a request. Based on priorities and timing, the interrupt controller "grants" access to the bus and the device is allowed to send data. Imagine a signal light at a complex intersection. A data collision on the bus would result in immediate failure and the computer would crash.