How do different OSs handle resource contention issues?

Different operating systems handle resource contention issues through various scheduling algorithms and concurrency control mechanisms.

Operating systems (OSs) are designed to manage and allocate resources efficiently. When multiple processes or threads require access to the same resource, a situation known as resource contention arises. This can lead to issues such as deadlocks, where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource. To handle these issues, OSs employ a variety of strategies.

One common method is the use of scheduling algorithms. These algorithms determine the order in which processes are given access to resources. For example, the Round Robin algorithm allocates resources to each process in turn, ensuring that no single process monopolises a resource. Other algorithms, such as Priority Scheduling, allocate resources based on the priority of the processes, with higher priority processes given access first.

Concurrency control is another key strategy used by OSs to handle resource contention. This involves managing the simultaneous execution of transactions in a multiprogramming environment to ensure the consistency of data. Techniques used for concurrency control include locking, where a process is given exclusive access to a resource until it has finished using it, and optimistic concurrency control, where multiple processes are allowed to access a resource simultaneously, with conflicts resolved as they occur.

Deadlock prevention and avoidance are also crucial in handling resource contention. Deadlock prevention involves ensuring that at least one of the necessary conditions for a deadlock does not hold. This could be achieved by ensuring that resources are allocated in such a way that there is no circular wait condition. Deadlock avoidance, on the other hand, requires the OS to consider the resources that each process may need in the future before deciding whether to grant a current resource request.

In summary, different OSs handle resource contention issues through a combination of scheduling algorithms, concurrency control mechanisms, and deadlock prevention and avoidance strategies. These strategies aim to ensure that all processes have fair access to resources, and that the system operates efficiently and reliably.