Operating System Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a bootstrap loader?

To compile source code.
To manage the file system.
To load the operating system into memory. (correct)
To handle user input.

Why do I/O devices typically have a waiting queue associated with them?

To manage concurrent requests and handle them in an orderly manner. (correct)
To prevent memory fragmentation.
To prioritize CPU-bound processes.
To optimize disk defragmentation.

Why can multiple processes correspond to the same executable file?

To speed up compilation time.
To reduce the size of the executable file.
To simplify the debugging process.
To allow different users to run the same program with different data and contexts. (correct)

What is another common name for a command-line interpreter?

Shell (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions does an operating system typically switch to another job in a multitasking environment?

Only when the current job has to wait (e.g., for I/O). (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where are the initial instructions to load the operating system typically stored?

In ROM or firmware (D) Signup and view all the answers

In general, how does virtual memory space compare to physical memory space?

Virtual memory space is always larger than or equal to physical memory space. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of pressing CTRL-C versus CTRL-Z in a command-line interface?

CTRL-C terminates the current process, while CTRL-Z suspends it. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Is concurrent execution of processes possible without multiple processors?

Yes, concurrent execution can be achieved through time-sharing on a single processor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Is Windows 10 considered an open-source operating system?

No, it is a proprietary operating system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the operating system handle memory management when multiple processes are running simultaneously?

Each process is allocated a separate, protected memory space to prevent interference. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the kernel play in an operating system?

It is the core component that manages system resources and hardware interactions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a device driver?

To enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scheduling algorithm is known for potentially causing starvation?

Priority Scheduling (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using threads over processes?

Threads allow easier data sharing and communication within a process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using a distributed operating system?

Improved resource sharing and higher reliability. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an interrupt in the context of operating systems?

To signal an event that requires the operating system's attention. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is thrashing, and why does it occur?

Excessive swapping between memory and disk, often caused by insufficient RAM. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a race condition in the context of concurrent processes?

A condition where the outcome of a program depends on the unpredictable order in which processes execute. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a system call in operating systems?

To provide an interface for user-level processes to request services from the operating system kernel. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bootstrap Loader

A small program that loads the operating system into memory, allowing it to begin operation.

I/O Device Waiting Queue

A waiting line-like structure associated with each input/output device.

Multiple Processes from One Executable

Multiple processes being loaded and executed from the same program/executable file at a specific instance.