A process control block is a code block in an operating system that performs specific tasks. Each block has an identifier and is designed for a specific task. To prevent CPU overload, idle blocks require little to no power until activated by the user. Thrashing occurs when too many blocks require power, causing processing to stop. Some blocks require files to be opened and are authorized to do so automatically.
A block of code included in most computer operating systems (OS) to contain information about performing a variety of simple to complex tasks is a process control block. Each process control block has an identification number and the developer predetermines the activities for each block. To ensure that the computer runs smoothly, most blocks do not use the central processing unit (CPU) until an action corresponding to their task is performed. If too many blocks are active at once, the CPU starts rattling, or only supplies power to the blocks and not the actual processes. Some blocks require files to be opened to complete the task, and these blocks are given permission to automatically open the necessary files.
The process control block can be made to do a variety of things, like add text to a screen or move a mouse icon around the screen. When creating an OS, each block is assigned an identifier that distinguishes it from other blocks. Together with the identifier, each block is made for a specific task, unlike other types of blocks that can adapt to any task.
If each process control block was drawing CPU power at the same time, most computers would have a hard time performing any action. To correct this problem and for computers to run smoothly, idle blocks are essentially turned off and require little or no CPU power in this state. When the user performs an action attributed to that block, the block becomes active and starts requesting power from the CPU. An active block will normally revert to inactive once the user stops performing the action.
Using this state system to keep the CPU from using too much power generally works, but the CPU may encounter a state known as thrashing if too many blocks are active at once. The CPU can usually easily balance power and processing, but if many blocks require power, the CPU can only send power. This means that processing stops and your computer lags. Depending on the amount of thrashing, your CPU may be able to fix it in seconds or minutes, or you may need to restart your computer.
During its operation, a process control block may require files to do their job correctly. The operating system usually authorizes the lock to automatically open these files, even if the user does not manually accept the files to be opened. If the user had to manually accept, this would slow down processing while the user selected whether they wanted to open the files.
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