Operating Systems MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Operating Systems - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is It temporarily holds active program data and instructions to enable fast switching between tasks..

Key Points

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions required by active applications, enabling smooth multitasking.
• In a multitasking operating system, RAM allows quick access to active program data, reducing the need to repeatedly fetch data from slower storage devices like hard drives.
• The operating system utilizes RAM to maintain the state of multiple applications, enabling fast switching between tasks without delays.
• RAM acts as a workspace for the CPU, ensuring that active processes and threads execute efficiently and remain responsive.
• When RAM is insufficient for multitasking, systems may use virtual memory (paging), which is significantly slower compared to physical RAM.

Additional Information

• Volatile Memory:
  • RAM is classified as volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when power is turned off.
  • This characteristic makes RAM unsuitable for permanent data storage.
• Virtual Memory:
  • When physical RAM is full, operating systems use a portion of the hard drive as virtual memory.
  • Virtual memory is slower than RAM but ensures the system can handle more applications simultaneously.
• Multitasking in Operating Systems:
  • Multitasking allows multiple applications or processes to run concurrently by sharing CPU and RAM resources.
  • Efficient multitasking relies heavily on the speed and capacity of RAM.
• Cache Memory:
  • Cache memory is a smaller, faster type of memory located closer to the CPU than RAM.
  • It stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing tasks further.
• Permanent Storage vs RAM:
  • Permanent storage devices like hard drives and SSDs retain data even after power is turned off.
  • RAM, on the other hand, is temporary storage designed for speed and accessibility during active processes.

The correct answer is ? (question mark).

Key Points

• The question mark (?) is one of the characters prohibited in filenames in Windows operating systems.
• Other restricted characters include \ / : * ? " |, as these are reserved for system functions or file path navigation.
• Windows uses these special characters to perform certain operations, such as separating directories (/) or indicating a wildcard (*).
• If you attempt to include a restricted character while renaming a file, Windows will display an error message preventing the action.
• These restrictions are enforced to ensure compatibility and avoid conflicts within the file system.

Additional Information

• Filename Restrictions in Windows:
  • Windows filenames cannot exceed 255 characters, including the file path.
  • Filenames cannot end with a period (.) or a space ( ).
  • Reserved names like CON, AUX, NUL, COM1 to COM9, and LPT1 to LPT9 are also prohibited.
• Wildcard Characters:
  • Wildcards like * and ? are used to represent multiple or single characters in searches.
  • Including these in filenames can interfere with file search or system commands.
• File Path Syntax:
  • Windows uses \ as a directory separator, distinguishing file paths.
  • Other characters like : are reserved for drives (e.g., C:\).
• Cross-Platform Compatibility:
  • Some characters allowed in other operating systems (e.g., Linux) may still be prohibited in Windows.
  • Developers often avoid restricted characters to ensure portability across platforms.

The correct answer is del *.log /q.

Key Points

• del *.log /q is a Windows CMD command used to delete all .log files in the current directory without prompting for confirmation.
• The /q switch in the command stands for "quiet mode," which suppresses the confirmation prompt.
• This command ensures efficient deletion of multiple files in a batch without any manual interruptions.
• It is especially useful in scenarios where logs accumulate over time and need regular cleanup.
• Using this command requires caution as it deletes files permanently without asking for confirmation.

Additional Information

• del Command
  • The del command in Windows CMD is used to delete one or more files.
  • It does not delete directories; for directories, the rmdir command is used.
  • Using the /p switch prompts confirmation before each file deletion.
  • Wildcard characters like * and ? can be used to specify multiple files.
• erase Command
  • The erase command is an alias for the del command in Windows CMD.
  • It functions identically to del and can be used interchangeably.
• File Extensions
  • A file extension like .log identifies the type of file, typically used for storing logs or event records.
  • Log files are often created automatically by software or operating systems to track activities and errors.
• Precautions When Using CMD Commands
  • Commands like del *.log /q should be used carefully to avoid accidental data loss.
  • Always verify the directory and file patterns before executing such commands.
  • Consider creating backups of important files before running deletion commands.

The correct answer is The file is sent to the Recycle Bin.

Key Points

• When a file is deleted using the Delete key in File Explorer of Windows OS, it is not permanently erased but instead moved to the Recycle Bin.
• The Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage, allowing users to restore deleted files if needed.
• The file remains in the Recycle Bin until it is manually emptied or the user chooses to permanently delete the file.
• To bypass the Recycle Bin and permanently delete a file, users can press Shift + Delete instead of just Delete.
• Deleting files temporarily through the Recycle Bin ensures safety against accidental deletion.

Additional Information

• Recycle Bin
  • The Recycle Bin is a special folder in Windows OS used to temporarily store deleted files and folders.
  • Files in the Recycle Bin can be restored to their original location or permanently deleted.
  • Users can configure the Recycle Bin settings to adjust the maximum storage capacity or disable it entirely.
• Permanently Deleting Files
  • To permanently delete a file without sending it to the Recycle Bin, users can use Shift + Delete.
  • Permanently deleted files cannot be recovered through the Recycle Bin.
• File Explorer
  • File Explorer is a built-in tool in Windows OS used for navigating and managing files and folders.
  • Users can perform actions such as copying, moving, deleting, and renaming files using File Explorer.
• Restoring Files
  • Files deleted and moved to the Recycle Bin can be restored by right-clicking the file and selecting Restore.
  • Restored files return to their original location before deletion.

The correct answer is Acting as the core interface between applications and the system hardware.

Key Points

• The kernel is the central component of an operating system and serves as the core interface between the system's hardware and its applications.
• It manages critical tasks such as CPU scheduling, memory management, and device control.
• The kernel ensures that multiple programs and processes can run simultaneously by handling resource allocation and process isolation.
• It provides low-level system services such as hardware abstraction and ensures secure and efficient communication between the hardware and software.
• Popular kernel types include monolithic kernels (e.g., Linux) and microkernels (e.g., MINIX), each with distinct advantages in terms of performance and modularity.

Additional Information

• Kernel Modes:
  • Modern operating systems use two modes: User Mode (for running applications) and Kernel Mode (for executing system-level tasks).
  • The kernel operates in Kernel Mode, with unrestricted access to hardware resources and memory.
• Types of Kernels:
  • Monolithic Kernel: All OS services run in a single large process, providing better performance but less modularity.
  • Microkernel: Only essential services run in the kernel, while others run in user space, enhancing modularity and fault isolation.
• Memory Management:
  • The kernel handles memory allocation and ensures that processes do not interfere with each other.
  • Techniques such as virtual memory allow efficient memory utilization.
• Hardware Abstraction:
  • The kernel provides a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) to shield applications from hardware-specific details.
  • This abstraction makes the OS adaptable to different hardware platforms.
• Process Management:
  • The kernel creates, schedules, and terminates processes.
  • It ensures fairness in CPU time distribution and prevents deadlocks through mechanisms like semaphores and mutexes.

The correct answer is Operating system.

Key Points

• UBUNTU is an example of an operating system.
• The operating system is a collection of programs that controls the overall operations of the computer.
• Operating systems are of two types namely, Open-source operating systems and Closed source operating systems.
• UBUNTU is free and open-source software.
• Operating systems works as an interface between a user and computer hardware components.
• Examples of operating systems are:
  • Linux
  • Unix
  • DOS
  • Windows
  • Ubuntu
  • Embedded operating system
  • OpenBSD
  • Mac OS

Additional Information

• Malware is a file or code that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems.
  • Viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware are the common examples of malware.
• A web browser is an application used to access and view websites.
  • Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari are the common examples of web browsers.

The correct answer is Safari.

• Safari is not a search engine.

Key Points

• Safari is a browser for IOS. WebKit is the search engine used as a default search engine for Safari.
• IOS is used only in Apple phones.
• Search Engines:
  • These are websites available on the Internet that provide information on any topic that you want.
  • Search engines contain a programme that collects information from other websites.
  • This information is then stored according to the category it belongs to, e.g., websites about music will be stored in a category named Fine Arts. Examples of popular search engines are Yahoo, Alta Vista and Google.

Additional Information

• Yahoo was founded by Jerry Yang, David Filo.
• Ask was founded by David Warthen, Garrett Gruener.
• Bing is a search engine operated under Microsoft.

Windows is correct.

Key Points

• Among the options, only Windows is NOT an open-source operating system.
• Windows is a closed source operating system marketed by Microsoft.
• Microsoft first introduced the Windows operating system on 20 November 1985.
• Closed Operating Systems are built with numerous codes and complex programming and that is called source code. 
• An Open-source Operating System is the Operating System in which source code is visible publically and editable.
• The operating system is a collection of programs that controls the overall operations of the computer.
• An operating system is a System software in computers.
• It works as an interface between the user and computer hardware components.
• Examples of operating systems are:
  • Linux.
  • Unix.
  • DOS.
  • Windows.
  • Ubuntu.
  • Embedded operating system.
  • OpenBSD.
  • Mac OS.

Mistake Points

Windows is an operating system, but it is NOT an open-source operating system.

The correct answer is Application

Key Points

• An application, or application program, is a software program that runs on your computer. Web browsers, e-mail programs, word processors, games, and utilities are all applications. The word "application" is used because each program has a specific application for the user.
• In contrast, system software consists of programs that run in the background, enabling applications to run. These programs include assemblers, compilers, file management tools, and the operating system itself. Applications are said to run on top of the system software since the system software is made of "low-level" programs. While system software is automatically installed with the operating system, you can choose which applications you want to install and run on your computer.
• Macintosh programs are typically called applications, while Windows programs are often referred to as executable files. This is why Mac programs use .APP file extension, while Windows programs use the .EXE extension. Though they have different file extensions, Macintosh and Windows programs serve the same purpose and can both be called applications.

The correct answer is Windows, Icons, Menus.

• In a GUI-based operating system, the graphical user interface is based on Windows, Icons, Menus.

Key Points

• A  graphical user interface(GUI) uses windows, icons, and menus to perform various commands, such as opening, deleting, and moving files.
• A GUI operating system is primarily navigated using a mouse, a keyboard can also be used via keyboard shortcuts or arrow keys. 

The correct answer is Database management.

Key Points

• An operating system is a program on which application programs are executed and acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and the computer hardware. 
• The main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources and services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and information.
• The operating system also includes programs to manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system. 

Additional Information

• Memory Management 
  • The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory.
  • Main memory is made up of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address.
  • Main memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory.
• Processor Management 
  • In a multiprogramming environment, the OS decides the order in which processes have access to the processor, and how much processing time each process has.
  • This function of OS is called process scheduling.
• File Management 
  • A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain other directories and other files.
• Database management system (DBMS)
  • It is a software package designed to define, manipulate, retrieve and manage data in a database.
  • A DBMS generally manipulates the data itself, the data format, field names, record structure, and file structure.
  • It also defines rules to validate and manipulate this data. 

The correct answer is the Operating system.

Important Points

• Linux is an open-source Unix-like operating system, Linux is based on the Linux kernel.
• Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds, Linux was released in September 1991.
• Linux was written in C and assembly language. The user interface of Linux is KDE plasma, LXDE,  elementary OS, etc.

Additional Information

• Database programs, web browsers, word processors, image editors, etc are some of the examples of application software.
• Java, C, Python, C++, JavaScript are some of the examples of Programming languages.
• IBM PC DOS operating systems, the Turbo Pascal compiler are some of the examples of assembly languages.

The correct answer is Operating systems.

Key Points

• Operating systems is not an application software.
• It is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
• Application software refers to programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for the user, such as creating documents, editing photos, or managing data.

Additional Information

The correct answer is computer software.

Key Points

• Computer software includes both system and application software, and it's the component that enables user interaction through a user interface.
  • The user interface (UI) is a software feature that allows users to interact with the computer, enter commands, and receive feedback.
  • The UI can be graphical (GUI) or text-based (CLI), and is present in operating systems, apps, and other programs.
  • Therefore, UI is not exclusive to the operating system but spans across all types of software.
  • Examples of software with UI include:
    • Operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS.
    • Applications like Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, VLC Media Player.
    • Mobile apps and development tools.

Additional Information

• Operating System is a type of system software that manages hardware and provides core UI elements like taskbars, file explorers, etc.
• Computer Network refers to interconnected systems that share resources but are not the source of UI themselves.
• Hardware refers to the physical components like keyboard, monitor, CPU – which are used by UI but do not provide it themselves.

The correct answer is Scala.

• Scala is a type-safe JVM programming language that incorporates both object-oriented and functional programming.
• It is used for general software applications.
• It was firstly introduced in 2003.

Important Points

• An operating system or "OS" is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run.
• It is comprised of the system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function.
• Common desktop operating systems include Windows, Unix, DOS, Linux and Android is a mobile operating system.