What is the main role of a scheduler in an operating system?

a) To manage the execution of processes by allocating CPU time

b) To handle system memory allocation

c) To provide access to file systems

d) To manage network communications

Answer:

a) To manage the execution of processes by allocating CPU time

Explanation:

The scheduler in an operating system is responsible for managing the execution of processes by determining which process gets CPU time. The scheduler uses various algorithms to allocate CPU time to processes efficiently, ensuring that high-priority processes are served promptly while maintaining fairness for all processes.

The operating system can have multiple types of schedulers, such as long-term, short-term, and medium-term schedulers. These schedulers handle different phases of process execution, from admitting processes into the system to allocating CPU time for execution.

Efficient scheduling improves overall system performance by optimizing CPU utilization, minimizing waiting times, and ensuring that processes are executed in a timely manner.

Reference:

Operating System MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)