Operating System Quiz - MCQ - Multiple Choice Questions

An Operating System (OS) is an essential software that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and the computer user. It provides a user-friendly environment in which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently.

Dive into this quiz to test your knowledge about the fundamental concepts of Operating Systems. Suitable for beginners, each question is accompanied by a concise explanation to enhance your understanding.

1. Which of the following is the primary role of an operating system?

A. System maintenance

B. Internet browsing

C. Bridging the gap between user and hardware

D. Software installation

Answer:

C. Bridging the gap between user and hardware

Explanation:

The OS serves as an interface between the user and the hardware, making it user-friendly and efficient for program execution.

2. What is the main function of the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)?

A. Execute operating system commands

B. Perform arithmetic and logical operations

C. Control system performance

D. Allocate memory space

Answer:

B. Perform arithmetic and logical operations

Explanation:

ALU is responsible for performing both arithmetic (addition, subtraction, etc.) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, etc.).

3. Which of the following is considered non-volatile storage?

A. RAM

B. Cache

C. CPU Registers

D. Hard Disk

Answer:

D. Hard Disk

Explanation:

Non-volatile storage retains data even when power is turned off. Among the options, only the Hard Disk is non-volatile.

4. Which process state is described as the process waiting for some event to occur?

A. Running

B. Blocked

C. Ready

D. Terminated

Answer:

B. Blocked

Explanation:

A process enters the blocked state when it awaits an event, like an input from the user or data from disk storage.

5. In the context of an OS, what is "Thrashing"?

A. Rapid switching between tasks

B. High utilization of the CPU

C. Excessive paging between main memory and disk

D. Disk cleanup process

Answer:

C. Excessive paging between main memory and disk

Explanation:

Thrashing occurs when an OS spends a disproportionate amount of its time swapping data between main memory and disk storage, leading to reduced efficiency.

6. Which component provides an interface between users and the operating system?

A. Kernel

B. Shell

C. File System

D. RAM

Answer:

B. Shell

Explanation:

Shell is the interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using commands.

7. What is a multi-threaded process?

A. A process that's replicated multiple times

B. A process divided into smaller child processes

C. A process that has multiple paths of execution

D. A process that runs on multiple CPUs

Answer:

C. A process that has multiple paths of execution

Explanation:

A multi-threaded process contains multiple threads, allowing multiple sequences or paths of code execution within the same process memory space.

8. The mechanism of allowing multiple tasks to run simultaneously on a single processor is known as:

A. Multi-threading

B. Multiprocessing

C. Multitasking

D. Multi-allocation

Answer:

C. Multitasking

Explanation:

Multitasking is the concurrent execution of multiple tasks or processes on a single processor, giving the illusion that they're running simultaneously.

9. What is the primary purpose of the OS's scheduler?

A. Memory allocation

B. Disk management

C. Prioritizing process execution

D. Handling user input

Answer:

C. Prioritizing process execution

Explanation:

The scheduler determines the sequence in which processes access the CPU based on their priorities and other factors.

10. What is the function of the paging system in an OS?

A. It increases the processing speed of the CPU.

B. It manages the user interface components.

C. It breaks physical memory into fixed-size blocks.

D. It converts high-level language into machine code.

Answer:

C. It breaks physical memory into fixed-size blocks.

Explanation:

Paging is a memory management scheme that eliminates the need for contiguous allocation of physical memory, dividing it into fixed-sized blocks known as pages.

11. In OS, what is the role of a dispatcher?

A. Handle memory allocation.

B. Prioritize processes in the queue.

C. Manage user access and permissions.

D. Transfer control to the process selected by the scheduler.

Answer:

D. Transfer control to the process selected by the scheduler.

Explanation:

Once the scheduler selects a process, the dispatcher is responsible for giving control to that process.

12. Which of the following OS components manages all system resources?

A. Shell

B. Kernel

C. File System

D. Controller

Answer:

B. Kernel

Explanation:

The kernel is the core component of an OS that manages system resources, interfacing directly with hardware.

13. In a multiprogramming system, when one program is waiting for I/O, what does the CPU do?

A. Remains idle.

B. Executes another program.

C. Waits for the I/O to complete.

D. Powers down to save energy.

Answer:

B. Executes another program.

Explanation:

In multiprogramming, the objective is to maximize CPU utilization. So, when one program waits for I/O, the CPU begins executing another program.

14. What is the purpose of a device driver in an OS?

A. Enhancing CPU performance.

B. Enabling communication between the OS and hardware devices.

C. Scheduling processes for execution.

D. Managing user permissions.

Answer:

B. Enabling communication between the OS and hardware devices.

Explanation:

A device driver facilitates communication between the operating system and a hardware device, acting as a translator between the two.

15. Which type of operating system is designed to manage network resources?

A. Batch OS

B. Multiprogramming OS

C. Network OS

D. Mobile OS

Answer:

C. Network OS

Explanation:

A Network Operating System is specifically designed to manage and coordinate network resources, ensuring smooth network operations.

16. In which memory segment does the OS store temporary data, such as function parameters and return addresses?

A. Code Segment

B. Data Segment

C. Stack Segment

D. Heap Segment

Answer:

C. Stack Segment

Explanation:

The OS uses the stack segment to store temporary data, like function parameters and return addresses, in a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) manner.

17. Which of the following is NOT a function of the operating system?

A. Providing a user interface.

B. Running applications.

C. Designing user-friendly icons.

D. Managing system memory.

Answer:

C. Designing user-friendly icons.

Explanation:

While an operating system provides icons for user navigation, the design aspect of icons is not inherently a function of the operating system but rather of the interface design.

18. What term describes the duplication of system operations in a mirrored environment to ensure availability during failures?

A. Multithreading.

B. Multiprocessing.

C. Fault Tolerance.

D. Multitasking.

Answer:

C. Fault Tolerance.

Explanation:

Fault tolerance refers to the ability of a system to continue to function properly in the event of a failure of some of its components.

19. Which OS component provides an interface for users to interact with the system?

A. Kernel.

B. Shell.

C. Device Driver.

D. Scheduler.

Answer:

B. Shell.

Explanation:

The shell provides an interface, which can be command-line or graphical, for users to communicate with the operating system.

20. Which of the following best describes real-time operating systems?

A. Systems that are used for complex calculations.

B. Systems that can guarantee a certain capability within a specified time limit.

C. Systems that are used for multitasking purposes.

D. Systems used for batch processing.

Answer:

B. Systems that can guarantee a certain capability within a specified time limit.

Explanation:

Real-time operating systems are designed to respond to inputs or events without any delay or within a predictable time.

21. What is a daemon in the context of operating systems?

A. A malicious software.

B. A process that runs in the background.

C. A type of hardware interrupt.

D. A user-interface component.

Answer:

B. A process that runs in the background.

Explanation:

A daemon is a background process that runs independently of interactive user sessions.

22. Which of the following is not a type of CPU scheduling algorithm?

A. First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS).

B. Round Robin (RR).

C. Shortest-Job-First (SJF).

D. Maximum-Job-First (MJF).

Answer:

D. Maximum-Job-First (MJF).

Explanation:

MJF is not a standard CPU scheduling algorithm. FCFS, RR, and SJF are common scheduling algorithms.

23. Which of the following best describes a lightweight process in operating systems?

A. A process that uses minimal CPU time.

B. A process that is faster than all other processes.

C. A smaller unit of process that shares resources of the main process.

D. A process with the lowest priority.

Answer:

C. A smaller unit of process that shares resources of the main process.

Explanation:

A lightweight process or thread is a smaller unit within a main process, sharing the same resources but can run independently.

24. In which memory storage is the operating system usually loaded?

A. CPU Registers.

B. Hard Drive.

C. RAM.

D. Cache.

Answer:

C. RAM.

Explanation:

The operating system is usually loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory) because accessing data in RAM is much faster than from a hard drive. This ensures the OS operates efficiently.

25. What is a deadlock in the context of operating systems?

A. A situation where every process is executing without any wait.

B. A situation where a process is terminated unexpectedly.

C. A situation where two or more processes are waiting for each other to release resources, leading to a standstill.

D. A situation where the CPU is functioning at its maximum capability.

Answer:

C. A situation where two or more processes are waiting for each other to release resources, leading to a standstill.

Explanation:

Deadlock refers to a standstill situation where processes wait for each other to release resources and cannot proceed further.

26. What is swapping in the context of an operating system?

A. The process of shutting down the system.

B. The method of moving data between the CPU and RAM.

C. The method of exchanging data between RAM and the disk when RAM is full.

D. The process of creating backup data.

Answer:

C. The method of exchanging data between RAM and the disk when RAM is full.

Explanation:

Swapping is the process where data from RAM is moved to the disk (swap space) to free up RAM. When the data is needed again, it's swapped back into RAM.

27. Which part of the operating system handles system calls?

A. The shell.

B. The kernel.

C. The file system.

D. Device drivers.

Answer:

B. The kernel.

Explanation:

The kernel is the core part of an operating system and handles system calls, providing services to processes.

28. What does the file system in an OS do?

A. It determines how data is displayed on the monitor.

B. It defines the way data is stored, organized, and accessed on storage devices.

C. It controls the RAM.

D. It manages CPU scheduling.

Answer:

B. It defines the way data is stored, organized, and accessed on storage devices.

Explanation:

The file system determines the way data is structured, stored, and retrieved on storage devices like hard drives.

29. What is the primary function of an operating system's command interpreter?

A. To display graphics.

B. To execute hardware operations.

C. To interpret and execute commands provided by the user.

D. To manage file storage.

Answer:

C. To interpret and execute commands provided by the user.

Explanation:

The command interpreter, or shell, interprets commands given by the user and instructs the operating system to execute them.

30. Which of the following is NOT a goal of an operating system?

A. Resource allocation.

B. User accessibility.

C. Software development.

D. Security and access control.

Answer:

C. Software development.

Explanation:

While operating systems do support software development by providing APIs and other tools, the primary goal of an OS is not to develop software. Instead, it manages system resources, ensures security, and provides user accessibility.