hardware attachment methods. Both these topics will be discussed later in this
chapter.
1.1.3 Software Concepts
So far, the purpose of the various hardware elements comprising a storage
subsystem, as well as their place in the overall scheme have been discussed. In
order to make these devices perform, some form of software is required to drive
them. In actuality, several levels of software products are involved, and this
section outlines the hierarchy.
1. Operating System
As is fairly common knowledge, the key player in a computer system is the
operating system. This complex piece of software is responsible for making
the resources of the computer available to applications in a reasonably fair
and effective manner. Looking solely from the perspective ...