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An operating system's user mode (a privilege level) offers access to privileged commands, which are reserved for the kernel components of the operating system.

a) True
b) False

User Avakar
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Final answer:

The statement that user mode offers access to privileged commands is false. User mode is where applications run with limited privileges, while kernel mode is reserved for the operating system's core components with full access to the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement given is actually false. In operating systems, user mode is a restricted mode of operation where applications and programs run with limited privileges. This is to protect the system from potential malfunctions or malicious activities that could harm the system's integrity and security.

In contrast, kernel mode or privileged mode is where the core components of the operating system run. In this mode, the system has full access to all hardware and can execute any CPU instruction. The kernel mode is reserved for the most trusted functions of the operating system.

For example, when you run an application like a text editor, it operates in user mode. If it tries to execute a privileged operation, like accessing the system’s hardware directly, the operating system's security measures would intercept this attempt and likely prevent it, unless the operation is conveyed to the kernel through a system call which, upon validation, the kernel might perform on behalf of the application.

User Farshid Zaker
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