Operating Systems Quiz

Operating System Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Primary role of an OS: Managing computer hardware, acting as an intermediary between the user and hardware, and providing an environment for programs.

• OS Goals: Executing user programs to simplify problem-solving and providing security for hardware.

• Components of a Computer System Hardware, Operating System, Users. Cloud services are not a component of a computer system.

• Priority for Workstations: Ease of use, performance, and security are the design priorities for laptops and PCs.

• Mobile Device Optimization: Resource utilization and power efficiency are key optimizing factors for mobile operating systems.

• Embedded Systems: Little or no user interface is a key characteristic of operating systems designed for embedded computers; they prioritize usability, battery life, and are frequently optimized based on the specific hardware.

• Operating System Role: Acting as a resource allocator. This includes efficient use of resources like CPU time and memory.

• Control Program Role: Preventing errors, providing security for the computer, as well as managing user programs efficiently.

• Kernel Role: The OS program running continually that executes and controls tasks at all times in a computer.

• Non-OS Program Type: Local buffer is not a type of program associated with an operating system.

• CPU Controller Connection: The common bus connects CPUs and device controllers to shared memory within a computer system.

• Memory and Storage: Main memory is directly accessible by the CPU and typically volatile; secondary storage (e.g., hard disk) provides large, nonvolatile storage. Tertiary storage is primarily used for storing backup copies of materials.

• Caching in Storage: Copying information to faster storage methods in storage systems is called caching.

• Storage Hierarchy Tradeoff: The trade-off in a storage hierarchy is between cost and speed, and size and speed.

• Single-Processor Core Roles: Manages I/O devices and executes instructions; stores data locally.

• Multiprocessor Systems: Characterized by multiple tightly coupled processors.

• NUMA System Drawback: Increased latency in accessing remote memory.

• NUMA Penalty Minimization: Careful CPU and memory management are used to minimize the penalty.

• Multicore Systems: Optimized for single chips.

• Asymmetric Multiprocessing: One master processor runs, with other processors performing pre-assigned tasks.

• Asymmetric versus Symmetric Multiprocessing: Symmetric multiprocessing allows all processors to perform all tasks equally.

• Reduced Power Usage: A major advantage of multicore systems, compared to multiple single-core chips.

• Multicore System Configuration: Multicore processors appear to the operating systems as multiple standard CPUs.

• Storage System Differentiation: Speed, size, and volatility are the main factors differentiating various storage systems in a hierarchy.

• Caching in Storage: Storage systems copy information into faster storage systems to optimize speeds.

• Operating System Functions: Handles I/O, device management, memory management, process scheduling, and protection to prevent errors and misuse.

• Operating System Program Roles: The kernel manages system programs running on the computer. These programs interact with hardware and user applications.

• Multitasking Systems: Allow users to interact with jobs while tasks are running and improve hardware interrupt responses.

• Virtual Memory Mechanisms: Enables execution of processes that are not fully loaded into physical memory.

• Multitasking System Requirements: Mechanisms for synchronization and communication between processes to prevent deadlocks.

• Dual-Mode Operation: Protects the OS and system components by preventing direct access to hardware by user programs.

• Kernel Mode Bit Value: A 0 (zero) in the mode bit field when in kernel mode.

• Hardware Boot Mode: The hardware initiates in kernel mode at boot.

• User to Kernel Mode Transition: A trap or interrupt changes the mode from the user mode to the kernel mode.

• Timer Management: The operating system uses timers to ensure processes do not run indefinitely by controlling CPU execution time.

• Privileged Instructions: Actions or instructions only runnable in kernel mode.

• Memory Management in OS: Tracks memory usage and allocates memory space during execution.

• File Management in OS: Tracks memory usage, allocates space & handles functions like file system access and permission.

• File System Activities: Managing file storage, allocating space for files, and ensuring correct access permissions are key features.

• Threads Feature: Lightweight processes within a process.

• Multithreaded Processes: Processes with one program counter per thread, allowing concurrent execution of tasks.

• File System Roles: Handles file storage, and related access rights.

• Process Management Activities: Scheduling processes to utilize CPU time; allocating and managing resources for processes and creating/destroying them; ensuring synchronization for concurrent processes.

• Key Responsibility of OS (File Management): Creation and deletion of files and folders.

• Operating System Mass Storage Function: Partitioning operations, error handling, backup functions for data integrity and disaster recovery.

• Mass Storage Management: Includes aspects like partition management, error handling, and backup capabilities.

• Non-OS system Role: System utilities, like debugging functions, are needed to understand the entire hardware/software structure.

• Types of System Services: Process creation, allocation of resources, file management, memory management, and networking are essential.

• OS Role in Memory Management: Handles memory usage, allocates space for programs, handles process switching to free memory, etc.

• Mass Storage Components: Include partitioning functions, scheduling for performance and correct interaction, and data recovery functions.

• Cloud Computing Defining Characteristic: Delivering storage and applications as a service across a network.

• Embedded System Environment: Found in devices like car engines, manufacturing robots, and microwave ovens. (and not necessarily for desktop computers, personal smartphones, etc.)

• Hardware Interrupts for OS: Handling these interrupts is a core function of the operating system, and essential for correct response to events or situations handled by the computer hardware.

• Real-Time OS Characteristics: Real-time OSes (frequently used in embedded systems) have well-defined, fixed time constraints on the tasks they run, contrasted with non-real-time OS features that do not have these limitations on execution times.

• Process Execution and System Loading: Loading into memory and carrying out execution.

• Program Execution Services: Includes loading the program into memory, running it, and allocating resources to complete program execution.

• User Interface Specifications: Describes any user interface the system might have including command-line interfaces or graphical user interfaces.

• Operating System Layer Advantages: Simplicity, easier debugging of the program.

• Monolithic or Modular/Layering OS Advantages/Disadvantages: Advantages include ease of implementation; disadvantages include difficulties in debugging because of tight coupling between system components

• Microkernel Operating System Characteristics: Removes non-essential parts from the kernel and places them in user-level programs.

• Microkernel Advantages: Improved reliability and security because of fewer functions running within the kernel

• Types of Microkernel Operating Systems: MachOS, Linux, and FreeBSD are mentioned.

• UEFI versus BIOS: UEFI is a better upgrade because it handles advanced configurations regarding storage devices.

• Bootstrap Roles: Load the kernel into memory and begin the operating system.

• Crash Dump Files: Operating system generated files that help capture the data-related status information when a crash or critical error occurs.

• Debugging Support: System utilities provide support for debugging.

• Operating System Services: Includes functions for resource allocation, file management, and interprocess communication. (and others)

• System Communication: Processes, especially when connected together in a network, must communicate to utilize shared resources or to receive information, etc. The method of communication varies depending on the configuration. This information is key to understanding how different processes communicate with each other.

• Zero-Capacity vs. Bounded Buffers: The zero-capacity queue in IPC is different than the bounded buffer because nothing is loaded in the queue but the sender waits for the receiver to complete the task/transmission. Bounding limits the size of the queue.

• Process States and Transitions: Processes transition between states like ready, running, and waiting.

• Process Creation: Creating a new process involves allocating resources and assigning a unique ID. (This is important regarding system security)

• Process Termination: Processes terminate by calling exit() or related system calls.

• Parent and Child Processes The 'parent' process creates the 'child' process. The 'child' process is independent to the extent possible, but its behavior and tasks are affected if its parent process is affected or terminates.

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of operating systems, including mass-storage management, memory management, and file-system responsibilities. This quiz covers various aspects like multitasking, caching, and system architecture. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the workings of an operating system!