Process management (running programs) in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a process in computing?

A process is a program that is currently running on a computer. It includes the program's code and its current activity, like what it is doing and what data it is using.

beginner

What role does the operating system play in process management?

The operating system manages processes by starting, pausing, and stopping them. It also shares the computer's resources like CPU and memory among all running processes.

beginner

Explain the difference between a program and a process.

A program is a set of instructions saved on disk (like a recipe). A process is what happens when the program is running (like cooking the recipe).

beginner

What happens when a process is 'terminated'?

When a process is terminated, it stops running and the operating system frees up the resources it was using, like memory and CPU time.

intermediate

How does the CPU switch between multiple running processes?

The CPU switches between processes quickly using a method called 'context switching'. It saves the current process's state and loads the next process's state, so it looks like they run at the same time.

What is a process?

A A network connection

B A saved file on the disk

C A type of hardware

D A running program with its current activity

A process is a program that is currently running, including its code and activity.

Which component manages processes on a computer?

A Operating system

B Web browser

C Printer

D File explorer

The operating system manages starting, pausing, and stopping processes.

What does 'context switching' allow the CPU to do?

A Switch between processes quickly

B Save files faster

C Connect to the internet

D Increase screen brightness

Context switching lets the CPU switch between processes so multiple programs can run seemingly at the same time.

What happens when a process is terminated?

A It duplicates itself

B It starts running

C It stops running and frees resources

D It saves data to the cloud

Termination stops the process and releases its resources like memory.

Which of these is NOT part of a process?

A Current activity

B User's personal data files

C Program code

D Data being used

User's personal data files are not part of a process; a process includes code, current activity, and data it uses.

Describe what a process is and how it differs from a program.

Think about the difference between a saved recipe and actually cooking a meal.

Explain how the operating system manages multiple running processes on a computer.

Imagine a chef managing several dishes cooking at once.

Practice

1. What is a process in computing?

easy

A. A user account on the computer

B. A program that is currently running on a computer

C. A type of computer hardware

D. A file stored on the hard drive

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'process'

   A process is an instance of a program that is executing or running on a computer.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other options

   Files, hardware, and user accounts are not running programs, so they are not processes.

3. Final Answer:

   A program that is currently running on a computer -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Process = Running program [OK]

Hint: Process means a running program, not a file or hardware [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing process with a file
• Thinking process is hardware
• Mixing process with user account

2. Which of the following commands correctly starts a program named app.exe on a Windows system?

easy

A. start app.exe

B. run app.exe

C. execute app.exe

D. launch app.exe

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the correct Windows command

   On Windows, the command to start a program from the command line is start.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Commands like run, execute, and launch are not valid Windows commands to start programs.

3. Final Answer:

   start app.exe -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Windows uses 'start' to run programs [OK]

Hint: Windows command to run programs is 'start' [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'run' instead of 'start'
• Confusing with Linux commands
• Assuming 'launch' is a command

3. Consider this flowchart for running a program:

What is the correct order of steps when a computer runs a program?

medium

A. Start -> Load program -> Execute program -> End

B. Execute program -> Load program -> Start -> End

C. Load program -> Start -> Execute program -> End

D. Start -> Execute program -> Load program -> End

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the flowchart steps

   The flowchart shows the process begins with 'Start', then 'Load program', followed by 'Execute program', and finally 'End'.

2. Step 2: Match the correct sequence

   Start -> Load program -> Execute program -> End matches the exact order shown in the flowchart.

3. Final Answer:

   Start -> Load program -> Execute program -> End -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Program runs: Start, Load, Execute, End [OK]

Hint: Follow flowchart arrows from start to end [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing order of loading and executing
• Starting execution before loading
• Ignoring the start and end steps

4. A user tries to run a program but gets an error: 'Process not found'. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The user has too many programs open

B. The computer hardware is broken

C. The program file does not exist or path is wrong

D. The program is already running

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the error message

   'Process not found' means the system cannot locate the program to start it.

2. Step 2: Identify the cause

   This usually happens if the program file is missing or the path to it is incorrect.

3. Final Answer:

   The program file does not exist or path is wrong -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Missing file or wrong path causes 'Process not found' [OK]

Hint: Check file existence and path if process not found error occurs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming hardware failure causes this error
• Thinking too many programs cause 'process not found'
• Believing program already running causes this error

5. You want to run two programs at the same time on your computer. Which process management feature allows this?

hard

A. Data encryption

B. File compression

C. Disk defragmentation

D. Multitasking

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand running multiple programs

   Running two programs simultaneously requires the computer to manage multiple processes at once.

2. Step 2: Identify the feature

   This feature is called multitasking, which allows the operating system to switch between processes quickly.

3. Final Answer:

   Multitasking -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Multitasking = Running multiple programs simultaneously [OK]

Hint: Multitasking lets you run many programs at once [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing multitasking with file compression
• Thinking disk defragmentation runs programs
• Mixing data encryption with process management