A system has 100 KB of total free memory distributed among several holes. A process requests 80 KB of contiguous memory, but the largest free hole is only 60 KB. Which conclusion is correct?

Options

  • A. The process must be allocated because total free memory exceeds 80 KB
  • B. The process cannot be allocated without changing the memory layout or using a different allocation strategy
  • C. Internal fragmentation is the only possible cause
  • D. More than one of the above
  • E. None of the above

Correct Answer (Detailed Explanation is Below)

B. The process cannot be allocated without changing the memory layout or using a different allocation strategy

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: The process cannot be allocated without changing the memory layout or using a different allocation strategy.

Explanation: A contiguous allocation requires one free block large enough for the process. Although total free memory is 100 KB, the largest hole is only 60 KB. This is a classic case of external fragmentation. Compaction may combine the holes if relocation is supported.
← Previous Next →

Attempt Quiz Now:

BPSC TRE 4 operating system practice set 3

Feature Posts