Process Management - Word Drop

The operating system is responsible for managing processes. A program that needs to be run on the CPU is called a ______. A CPU can only run one program at a time. The OS gives each process a small amount of time, called a ______. The OS uses a ______ to decide which process runs next and for how long.

Each process has a life-cycle. When a program is opened, the OS moves its instructions into ______, the main memory, so the process is ready. The process then moves onto the CPU and is running. If it waits for user input or a resource, it becomes ______. When a process finishes, it reaches termination.

______ is when the OS manages many tasks at the same time. ______ are signals sent to the CPU to indicate an event that needs immediate attention. They tell the CPU to suspend its current activities and execute appropriate instructions. A ______ interrupt is generated by a device, such as a printer running out of paper. A software interrupt is generated by a program, for example a divide-by-zero error.