i.DEFINE THE TERM MULTI -USER OPERATING SYSTEM

Question

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

i. A multi-user operating system is an operating system that allows multiple users to access and utilize a computer system or network simultaneously. This type of operating system provides resources such as processing power, memory, storage, and applications to multiple users at the same time, allowing them to perform tasks and run programs concurrently.

ii. Advantages of a multi-user operating system:
1. Improved resource utilization: Multiple users can share the resources of a computer system, leading to better efficiency and utilization of hardware.
2. Cost-effective: By allowing multiple users to access a single system, a multi-user operating system can reduce the need for each user to have their own individual hardware setup.
3. Enhanced security: Multi-user operating systems often have built-in security features that allow administrators to control and monitor user access, ensuring data privacy and protection.
4. Centralized administration: One central administrator can manage user accounts, permissions, and resources, making it easier to maintain and control the system.

Disadvantages of a multi-user operating system:
1. Resource contention: With multiple users accessing the system simultaneously, there can be issues with resource contention, leading to slower performance or delays.
2. Security risks: Having multiple users on the same system can increase the risk of security breaches, as one compromised user account could potentially impact the entire system.
3. Complexity: Managing multiple users and their access levels can be complex and require a thorough understanding of user management and security protocols.
4. Performance degradation: As more users access the system, the performance of the system may degrade due to increased workload and resource utilization.

iii. Functional requirements of a multi-user operating system:
1. User account management: The operating system should allow for the creation, modification, and deletion of user accounts, as well as the assignment of access permissions and privileges.
2. Resource management: The operating system should efficiently allocate resources such as CPU time, memory, and storage among multiple users to ensure optimal system performance.
3. Security features: The operating system should have robust security measures in place to protect user data, prevent unauthorized access, and detect and respond to security threats.
4. Networking capabilities: A multi-user operating system should support networking protocols and functionalities to allow users to communicate and share resources across a network.
5. Multi-tasking support: The operating system should enable users to run multiple programs simultaneously, switching between tasks seamlessly and efficiently.