Process management (running programs) in Intro to Computing - Flowchart & Logic Diagram

Process Overview

Process management is how a computer runs programs step-by-step. It starts a program, lets it run, and then stops it when done.

Flowchart

Load Program

Yes No↓

Allocate Resources

↓

Start Execution

No Yes↓

Continue Running

Yes No↓

Handle Interrupt/Error

↓

Stop Execution

This flowchart shows the steps a computer takes to run a program: loading it, allocating resources, running it, checking if finished, handling interrupts or errors, and stopping.

Step-by-Step Trace - 9 Steps

Step 1: Start the process management by loading the program into memory.

Step 2: Check if the program loaded successfully.

Step 3: Allocate resources like memory and CPU time to the program.

Step 4: Start executing the program instructions.

Step 5: Check if the program has finished running.

Step 6: If not finished, check for interrupts or errors.

Step 7: If interrupt or error occurs, handle it appropriately.

Step 8: If no interrupt, continue running the program.

Step 9: Once finished, stop the program execution and free resources.

Diagram

 +-------------------+
 |   CPU (Processor)  |
 +---------+---------+
           |
 +---------v---------+
 |   Memory (RAM)    |
 +---------+---------+
           |
 +---------v---------+
 |   Running Program  |
 +-------------------+

This diagram shows the main parts involved in running a program: the CPU executes instructions, memory stores the program and data, and the running program is the active process.

Flowchart Quiz - 3 Questions

What is the first step in process management when running a program?

A Start executing the program

B Load the program into memory

C Handle interrupts

D Stop the program

Key Result

Process management carefully controls loading, running, and stopping programs to keep the computer working smoothly.