Operating Systems MCQs

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage hardware resources

To execute user programs

To provide a user interface

All of the above (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a component of a computer system?

Hardware

Operating System

Network Protocols (correct)

Application Programs

What does 'multiprogramming' allow an operating system to do?

Run multiple applications on a single CPU

Organize jobs so that the CPU always has one to execute (correct)

Use multiple CPUs to execute processes

None of the above

In the context of operating systems, what is a 'process'?

A program in execution (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of memory management in an operating system?

To keep track of memory usage (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a real-time operating system?

It has well-defined fixed time constraints (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'virtual memory'?

A technique that allows execution of processes not completely in memory (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a cloud computing service model?

Software as a Service (SaaS) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a device driver in an operating system?

To provide a uniform interface between the controller and the kernel (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'asymmetric multiprocessing'?

Each processor is assigned a specific task (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an interrupt in the context of operating systems?

A signal to the CPU indicating an event that needs immediate attention (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of open-source operating systems?

They are free to use and modify (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the kernel in an operating system?

To manage system resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of storage management in operating systems?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a bootstrap program?

To load the operating system kernel at startup (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'timesharing' in operating systems?

Allowing multiple users to interact with the system simultaneously (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'trap' in the context of operating systems?

A software-generated interrupt caused by an error (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using multiprocessor systems?

Increased throughput (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the I/O management in an operating system?

To handle input and output operations (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of secondary storage?

It provides large non-volatile storage capacity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'swapping' refer to in operating systems?

Moving data between main memory and secondary storage (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method for process synchronization?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a file system in an operating system?

To provide a way to store and retrieve files (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of network operating system?

Windows Server (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a distributed operating system?

Improved resource sharing (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a peer-to-peer network?

All nodes can act as both clients and servers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a virtual machine manager (VMM)?

To provide virtualization services (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common type of real-time operating system?

VxWorks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a cache in a computer system?

To speed up data access by storing frequently used data (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Operating Systems

Operating System Function: The primary function of an operating system is to manage hardware resources, execute user programs, and provide a user interface.
Computer System Components: Hardware, Operating System, and Application Programs are components of a computer system. Network protocols are not a component of the core system.
Multiprogramming: Multiprogramming allows an operating system to run multiple applications on a single CPU by organizing jobs so the CPU is always executing something.
Process Definition: A process is a program in execution.
Memory Management: Memory management is a crucial function in an operating system to track memory usage.
Real-time Operating System Characteristic: A real-time operating system is characterized by well-defined fixed time constraints. It does not need extended user interaction.
Virtual Memory: Virtual memory allows execution of processes that are not completely in memory. This technique utilizes memory for caching to speed things up.
Cloud Computing Service Model: Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing service model.
Device Driver Role: A device driver provides a uniform interface between the controller and operating system kernel.
Asymmetric Multiprocessing: In asymmetric multiprocessing, each processor is assigned a specific task.
Interrupt Definition: An interrupt is a signal to the CPU indicating an event needing immediate attention, usually a hardware or software triggered event.
Open-Source Operating System Feature: Open-source operating systems are free to use and modify.
Kernel Purpose: The kernel is responsible for managing system resources.
Storage Management Types: Storage management in operating systems includes file management, memory allocation, and disk scheduling.
Bootstrap Program Function: The bootstrap program loads the operating system kernel at startup.
Timesharing Definition: Timesharing allows multiple users to interact simultaneously with the system.
Trap Definition: A trap is a software-generated interrupt caused by an error.
Multiprocessor System Benefit: Increased throughput is a benefit of using multiprocessor systems.
I/O Management Function: I/O management handles input and output operations.
Secondary Storage Characteristic: Secondary storage provides large, non-volatile storage capacity.
Swapping Definition: Swapping moves data between main and secondary storage to improve memory efficiency.
Process Synchronization Methods: Mutexes, semaphores, and monitors are common methods for process synchronization in operating systems.
File System Purpose: A file system provides a way to store and retrieve files.
Network Operating System Example: Windows Server is a type of network operating system.
Distributed Operating System Advantage: Improved resource sharing is a key benefit of distributed operating systems.
Peer-to-Peer Network Characteristic: In a peer-to-peer network, all nodes can act as both clients and servers.
Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) Function: A VMM provides virtualization services by creating virtual machines that can run on the same hardware.
Real-Time OS Example: VxWorks is an example of a real-time operating system (RTOS)
Cache Function: A cache speeds up data access by storing frequently used data.

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Test your knowledge on operating systems with this quiz featuring multiple choice questions. Explore topics such as memory management, multiprogramming, and real-time operating systems. Perfect for students and enthusiasts looking to reinforce their understanding of core concepts.