The Importance Of Computer Memory

1635 Words7 Pages
Computers allow users to perform multiple activities concurrently. This aspect of computing has the illusion that computers perform many tasks at the same time (Jotwani, 2009). Jotwani (2009), however, noted that computer processors could only perform a single task at any one given time. This implies that computer processors execute only one instruction at a time. The need for sharing of computer memory among the multiple tasks arises. From time to time, the system experiences circumstances that require it to temporarily suspend an ongoing task and attend to a different task urgently. These interrupts are generated by I/O hardware such as printers, or computer programs (Tanenbaum and Bos, 2014). Interrupt latency is defined as the delay from…show more content…
According to Tanenbaum and Bos (2014, p. 428), interrupt latency is still a major issue of concern among researchers. Real-time operating systems, which are increasingly used to drive critical processes, should have minimal latency (Coleman, 2009). Such systems are often characterized by computationally intensive drivers, which affects interrupt latency in ways that can compromise the performance of the system (Coleman, 2009). Researchers are actively involved in efforts directed towards reducing latency in response to the observations…show more content…
In these systems, there is a need to adapt input/output software to perform efficiently and effectively across platforms. These adjustments often lead to high interrupt latency in portable operating systems in various ways. The two major aspects of concern in such cases include variations in input/output software, and differences in computer systems architecture upon which the software operates. Differences across I/O platforms compel developers of portable operating systems to include device-dependent software. This additional software, together with aspects of device controllers, driver interfacing and context saving lead to high latency in portable operating systems. Researchers and organizations like Intel are actively involved in shaping the future of interrupt latency through knowledge and advanced technology. Two major developments that are likely to effectively address the problem in future include affinity binding and Intel’s Message Signaled Interrupts. Despite these efforts, other factors discussed in this paper strongly indicate that low interrupt latency often unachievable in a portable operating

More about The Importance Of Computer Memory

Open Document