What is an interrupt in computer systems?

What is an interrupt in computer systems?

• A. A command to increase processing speed
• B. A signal that halts the current operation
• C. A method of compressing data
• D. A technique for improving system security

Answer: (B)

An interrupt in computer systems is effectively described as a signal that halts the current operation. When a device or a condition necessitates the CPU's attention, an interrupt is generated, interrupting the execution of the current process. This allows the CPU to quickly address important events, such as input from a user, data arrival from an I/O device, or errors that require handling. Once the CPU responds to the interrupt, it can later resume the interrupted process, ensuring that important tasks are executed in a timely manner without sacrificing responsiveness. This mechanism is fundamental to how modern operating systems manage resources and multitask effectively, allowing different processes to share the CPU efficiently. It is particularly critical in real-time computing scenarios where responding to external events promptly is essential for system functionality.

An interrupt in computer systems is effectively described as a signal that halts the current operation. When a device or a condition necessitates the CPU's attention, an interrupt is generated, interrupting the execution of the current process. This allows the CPU to quickly address important events, such as input from a user, data arrival from an I/O device, or errors that require handling. Once the CPU responds to the interrupt, it can later resume the interrupted process, ensuring that important tasks are executed in a timely manner without sacrificing responsiveness.

This mechanism is fundamental to how modern operating systems manage resources and multitask effectively, allowing different processes to share the CPU efficiently. It is particularly critical in real-time computing scenarios where responding to external events promptly is essential for system functionality.