Operating Systems MCQs

An operating system (OS) is the software that manages a computer's hardware and provides a platform for running applications. It acts as the bridge between the user and the computer's hardware.

Multiprogramming allows an OS to run multiple applications on a single CPU by switching between them rapidly. This creates the illusion of parallel execution, even though only one program is actively running at any given time.

A process is a program in execution. It includes the program's code, data, and execution state.

Memory management is the process of allocating and managing computer memory to ensure efficient use of available resources and prevent conflicts between programs.

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is designed to handle tasks with strict deadlines and time constraints. It's often used in systems where response times are critical, such as medical equipment and industrial control systems.

Virtual memory is a technique that allows a computer to run programs that are larger than the available physical RAM. It uses a combination of RAM and secondary storage (like a hard disk) to create the illusion of a larger memory space.

A device driver is a program that allows an operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device. It acts as an intermediary between the device and the kernel of the OS.

Asymmetric multiprocessing assigns specific tasks to each processor in a multi-processor system. This allows for specialization and optimization of the workload.

An interrupt is a signal sent to the CPU that indicates an event requires immediate attention. This can be caused by hardware devices, software events, or system errors.

Open-source operating systems allow users to freely access and modify the source code. This promotes transparency, collaboration, and community-driven development.

The kernel is the core of an operating system. It manages the critical system resources, such as memory, CPU, and I/O devices.

A bootstrap program is responsible for loading the operating system kernel into memory when a computer starts up. It is the first program that is executed.

Timesharing allows multiple users to interact with a computer system simultaneously by rapidly switching between users' processes. Each user gets a small slice of time on the CPU.

A trap is a software-generated interrupt that occurs when a program encounters an error or needs to request a system service. It's a way for a program to signal that it needs help.

Multiprocessor systems use multiple CPUs to increase throughput (the amount of work done in a given time) and improve performance by allowing parallel execution of tasks.

I/O management handles the communication between the operating system and input/output devices, such as keyboards, monitors, and hard drives.

Secondary storage refers to non-volatile storage devices, like hard drives and SSDs, that store data persistently even when the computer is turned off. They provide a larger storage capacity compared to main memory but are slower to access.

Swapping is a memory management technique that moves data between main memory (RAM) and secondary storage to make more space for active processes. It's a way of temporarily storing data that isn't currently being used.

Mutexes, semaphores, and monitors are synchronization mechanisms that help prevent data corruption and ensure order in shared resource access by multiple processes.

A file system is a hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories on a storage device, providing a systematic method for storing, retrieving, and managing files.

Network operating systems (NOS) are designed to manage and facilitate communication between computers on a network. They provide services like file sharing, resource management, and security.

Distributed operating systems (DOS) spread resources and tasks across multiple computers to improve performance, reliability, and scalability. Data and processing are distributed among the computers.

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a decentralized structure where all computers act as both clients and servers. They can directly communicate with each other without central control.

A virtual machine manager (VMM) provides the infrastructure for virtualization, allowing a single computer to host multiple virtual machines (VMs). VMs mimic a physical computer and can run different operating systems.

VxWorks is a common real-time operating system used in embedded systems, such as medical devices, industrial control systems, and aerospace applications, where responsiveness and time-critical operations are essential.

A cache stores frequently accessed data in a fast and easily accessible location (often in RAM) to speed up data retrieval. It acts as a temporary storage area that reduces the time needed to access primary storage devices.