4.1.1 - Introduction to Operating system.
1. What is the primary role of an operating system?
Correct Answer: (A) To control other programmes on a computer.
2. How do application programmes communicate with the operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Through a defined Application Programme Interface (API).
3. Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental part of a computer system?
Correct Answer: (C) Internet connection.
4. What does an operating system act as in terms of resources?
Correct Answer: (C) A resource allocator.
5. The operating system manages which of the following resources?
Correct Answer: (A) Memory, CPU time, I/O devices.
6. What is a primary objective of a computer system according to the passage?
Correct Answer: (B) To carry out user programmes and resolve user issues.
7. What is an operating system's role as a control programme?
Correct Answer: (B) To avoid mistakes and inappropriate computer use.
8. What is the key to managing complexity in computing, as mentioned in the passage?
Correct Answer: (C) Effective abstraction.
9. What is an example of time multiplexing in operating systems?
Correct Answer: (B) A printer serving one job at a time in a queue.
10. What is space multiplexing in the context of an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Dividing resources so multiple programs can reside in memory simultaneously.
11. What does the operating system provide as an extended machine?
Correct Answer: (B) A layer of abstraction for interacting with hardware.
12. What is the main function of an operating system as a resource manager?
Correct Answer: (C) To ensure orderly distribution of resources across programs.
13. What is NOT a key function of a modern operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Handling data backup for the cloud.
14. What type of interface does the operating system provide between computer hardware and programmers?
Correct Answer: (D) User-friendly high-level interface.
15. What do application programmes use to request services from the operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Application Programme Interface (API).
16. What does throughput measure in a computer system?
Correct Answer: (B) Number of processes completed in a time period.
17. Which metric represents the time from submitting a job to its completion in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Turnaround Time.
18. Which metric is more relevant for interactive systems where early output is possible?
Correct Answer: (C) Response Time.
19. Which system architecture uses multiple layers, with each layer depending on the one directly below it?
Correct Answer: (B) Layered Architecture.
20. What is the primary function of a kernel in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Managing system resources and communication between hardware and software.
21. In a monolithic kernel design, where are all operating system services executed?
Correct Answer: (C) Same memory space as the kernel.
22. Which of the following is a drawback of the monolithic kernel architecture?
Correct Answer: (C) Single bug can crash the system.
23. What is the key feature of a microkernel architecture?
Correct Answer: (B) Essential services run as separate user-space servers.
24. Which operating system was known for using a layered structure with protection rings?
Correct Answer: (B) MULTICS.
25. What challenge can arise when a computer kernel expands in size?
Correct Answer: (C) Increased interdependencies and maintainability issues.
4.1.2 - functions of Operating System.
26. What is one of the primary functions of Process Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Starting and stopping system processes.
27. Which task is associated with Memory Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Allocating and releasing memory space.
28. What is a key responsibility of Secondary Storage Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Free space management on disks.
29. In I/O Management, what does the operating system do to handle hardware devices?
Correct Answer: (B) Conceals hardware quirks from the user.
30. Which of the following is a task related to File Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Adding and removing file systems.
31. What does Protection in an operating system ensure?
Correct Answer: (A) Processes cannot access unauthorized resources.
32. In Networking Management, what is a primary concern for an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Ensuring reliable communication network.
33. What is the role of the Command Interpreter in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) It interprets and executes user commands.
34. Which operating system is known for its command line interface and is used in many workstation products?
Correct Answer: (C) UNIX.
35. What is a characteristic feature of the UNIX operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) It includes a command line interface and kernel.
36. What does the UNIX operating system use to provide a user-friendly interface?
Correct Answer: (B) A shell command line interface.
37. Which of the following is a key function of the operating system’s Process Management?
Correct Answer: (B) Providing synchronization mechanisms.
38. What does Memory Management ensure in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Proper allocation and release of memory space.
39. What is a function of Secondary Storage Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) Handling free space on disks.
40. Which of the following tasks is associated with I/O Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (A) Buffer caching.
41. What is one of the responsibilities of File Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) Establishing and removing directories.
42. How does Protection contribute to the security of an operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) By preventing unauthorized access to resources.
43. What is the purpose of Networking Management in an operating system?
Correct Answer: (C) To ensure effective communication between processors.
44. Which type of operating system is DOS?
Correct Answer: (C) Single-user.
45. What does UNIX use to facilitate user interaction with the system?
Correct Answer: (B) A command line interface.
46. What is one of the primary features of Microsoft Windows?
Correct Answer: (A) It offers a user-friendly GUI and is widely used in households and businesses.
47. Which of the following is a primary challenge associated with older versions of Windows such as Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP?
Correct Answer: (B) Debugging issues with hardware and software combinations.
48. What significant feature did the Macintosh introduce in 1984?
Correct Answer: (B) The Graphical User Interface (GUI).
49. What is a notable disadvantage of Macintosh compared to Windows?
Correct Answer: (A) Limited data compatibility between Windows and Mac.
50. Which operating system is known for its open-source nature and customization capabilities?
Correct Answer: (C) Linux.
51. What is a major feature of Android OS?
Correct Answer: (B) It is built on the Linux kernel and is open-source.
52. Which of the following is a characteristic of iOS?
Correct Answer: (C) It is exclusively used on Apple devices and offers a closed ecosystem.
53. What does Android’s integration with Google Services include?
Correct Answer: (B) Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Drive.
54. What does the Linux operating system use to provide essential services such as process and memory management?
Correct Answer: (B) The Linux kernel.
55. Which Linux package manager is used by the Arch Linux distribution?
Correct Answer: (D) Pacman.
56. What is a key benefit of the Linux operating system’s modularity?
Correct Answer: (C) It offers a high degree of customization and flexibility.
57. What type of interface is provided by the Linux operating system?
Correct Answer: (A) Command-Line Interface (CLI).
58. Which operating system is known for its regular updates and support, including security patches?
Correct Answer: (C) Android.
59. What is a feature of the Mac OS X operating system?
Correct Answer: (B) It was the first widely available personal computer GUI.
60. What type of updates does Apple provide for iOS?
Correct Answer: (A) Updates are provided annually with new hardware announcements.
61. What does the Linux operating system's package management system handle?
Correct Answer: (C) Software installation, updating, and removal.
4.1.3 - Types of Operating system.
62. Which operating system category involves users submitting jobs to a central location for batch processing?
Correct Answer: (D) Batch Processing Operating System
63. In which type of operating system do users interact with the program almost entirely while it is running?
Correct Answer: (C) Time-sharing Operating System
64. What is the primary feature of a Real-time Operating System (RTOS)?
Correct Answer: (A) It supports applications where reaction time is critical to avoid errors.
65. What does a multiprogramming operating system support?
Correct Answer: (C) Many active user programs being kept in main memory at once.
66. What is the main goal of a multiprocessing system?
Correct Answer: (B) To utilize a computer's resources as efficiently as possible through multiple processing units.
67. What differentiates a distributed operating system from a network operating system?
Correct Answer: (A) A distributed operating system presents itself as a uni-processor system to users, while a network operating system allows users to log in to remote computers.
68. Which type of operating system is used for devices such as PDAs, cell phones, and industrial robots?
Correct Answer: (D) Operating Systems for Embedded Devices
69. Which operating system is specifically designed for handling critical applications with time-sensitive operations?
Correct Answer: (B) Real-time Operating System
70. What does the term "multiprocessing" refer to in the context of operating systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Utilizing multiple CPUs to run different processes or threads.
71. What is a key feature of a networked computing system?
Correct Answer: (B) It includes features for communication between physically connected computers.
72. What does buffering and spooling aim to enhance in a multiprogramming environment?
Correct Answer: (C) Resource utilization by running multiple jobs concurrently.
73. Which of the following is NOT an example of an operating system for embedded devices?
Correct Answer: (C) Linux
74. What is the primary method for programming a bare machine?
Correct Answer: (B) Manually converting instructions into binary code
75. What does the loader program do in a computer system?
Correct Answer: (B) It automates the process of loading executable programs into memory.
76. Which type of operating system would most benefit from using language translators and loaders?
Correct Answer: (C) Single Processor System
77. What is a key challenge for parallel operating systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Managing and coordinating resources for parallel machines.
78. In parallel computing, what is typically used to handle concurrent task execution?
Correct Answer: (B) Additional software layers such as distributed file systems
79. What is multitasking in the context of computing?
Correct Answer: (B) Sharing a CPU or processing resource among several jobs
80. What is the main difference between cooperative multitasking and preemptive multitasking?
Correct Answer: (C) Cooperative multitasking gives programs control over CPU time, while preemptive multitasking uses a timeslice managed by the operating system.
81. What is the function of context switching in multitasking systems?
Correct Answer: (B) It allows the operating system to switch between tasks rapidly, giving the appearance of simultaneous execution.
82. Which of the following operating systems is most likely to use preemptive multitasking?
Correct Answer: (B) Windows 95/98
83. In a parallel processing system, what is a common feature of the operating systems used?
Correct Answer: (A) They are typically designed to maximize CPU utilization by employing a microkernel approach.
4.1.4 - Batch Processing.
84. In a single program operating system, how many programs can run at a time?
Correct Answer: (A) One
85. What advancement allowed operating systems to support multiple programs running at the same time?
Correct Answer: (B) Multitasking
86. Which system processes a series of non-interactive jobs collectively without user intervention?
Correct Answer: (B) Batch processing system
87. What was the origin of batch processing systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Punch cards for inputting machine code
88. What is a key feature of batch processing?
Correct Answer: (C) Execution of jobs without user interaction
89. Which of the following is an example of batch processing?
Correct Answer: (C) Credit card companies processing all transactions for a month at once
90. What is used in batch processing to indicate the start and end of jobs?
Correct Answer: (A) Job Control Language (JCL)
91. What is the purpose of Job Control Language (JCL) in batch processing?
Correct Answer: (C) To control the start, end, and execution of batch jobs
92. Which of the following is an advantage of batch processing systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Automation of operator work
93. Which of the following is a disadvantage of batch processing systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Lack of real-time interaction
94. Which of the following is a key advantage of spooling in batch processing systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Jobs run in parallel with no idle time for the CPU
95. What does spooling stand for in the context of batch processing systems?
Correct Answer: (A) Simultaneous Peripheral Operation Online
96. What type of batch system uses less powerful computers to handle input/output while the main computer performs processing?
Correct Answer: (C) Spooling batch systems
97. Which is a potential risk in a batch processing system?
Correct Answer: (C) Jobs entering an infinite loop
98. What can happen to the system monitor in a batch processing system if a job corrupts it?
Correct Answer: (C) Subsequent jobs in the queue could be affected
99. What disadvantage of batch processing results in extended job completion times?
Correct Answer: (C) Extended turnaround time
100. How did early batch processing systems handle input from users?
Correct Answer: (C) Using punch cards submitted to a system operator
101. What type of batch system improves efficiency by handling input/output tasks separately from the main computation?
Correct Answer: (B) Spooling batch systems
102. Which of the following tasks is better suited for batch processing?
Correct Answer: (C) Generating monthly payroll for employees
103. Which of the following would NOT be considered a disadvantage of batch processing?
Correct Answer: (D) Increased multitasking capability
4.1.5 - Multiprogramming Operating System.
104. What is the primary goal of multiprogramming systems?
Correct Answer: (B) To share resources among multiple programs
105. In multiprogramming systems, what does "CPU-bound" mean?
Correct Answer: (C) Computational jobs that intensively utilize the CPU
106. What is a characteristic of I/O-bound jobs?
Correct Answer: (B) They involve substantial data input and output
107. What is one of the requirements for effective multiprogramming systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Large memory size
108. Why is memory protection important in multiprogramming systems?
Correct Answer: (B) To prevent interference between jobs
109. What does the Process Control Block (PCB) store?
Correct Answer: (B) Job status and information for each process
110. What is the purpose of CPU scheduling in multiprogramming systems?
Correct Answer: (B) To decide which job to allocate the CPU to
111. Which of the following describes multitasking in the context of multiprogramming?
Correct Answer: (B) Sharing a single instance of a resource among several programs
112. How does multiprogramming maximize CPU usage?
Correct Answer: (B) By keeping the CPU busy with a job until it needs to wait
113. What is a critical aspect of the job mix in multiprogramming systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Mixing CPU-bound and I/O-bound jobs
114. When was the concept of multiprogramming developed?
Correct Answer: (B) 1960s
115. What does the operating system do when multiple jobs are ready for execution?
Correct Answer: (C) It allocates the CPU based on scheduling algorithms
4.1.6 - Multitasking Operating System.
116. What is multitasking in operating systems?
Correct Answer: (B) A methodology where multiple tasks share processing resources like a CPU
117. In a single CPU system, how many tasks are actively processed at any given time?
Correct Answer: (C) Only one task
118. What process allows multitasking on a single CPU system?
Correct Answer: (C) Context switching
119. What does a context switch refer to in multitasking?
Correct Answer: (B) Switching tasks
120. Which system allows for actual parallel execution of tasks?
Correct Answer: (C) Multiprocessor system
121. What is the main difference between multiprogramming and multitasking?
Correct Answer: (A) Multiprogramming refers to multiple users, while multitasking is for single users
122. In what kind of systems is multiprogramming more commonly used?
Correct Answer: (C) Multi-user systems like servers
123. Which term is associated with multitasking in single-user systems?
Correct Answer: (A) Concurrent execution of multiple tasks
124. In multitasking, what allows tasks to seem like they are running simultaneously?
Correct Answer: (B) Context switching
125. What visual element often represents multitasking in single-user systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Multiple windows displayed on the screen
126. What does multiprogramming in multi-user systems allow for?
Correct Answer: (A) Efficient use of system resources
127. In a multi-user system, multiprogramming allows:
Correct Answer: (B) Execution of multiple jobs for different users
128. Which of the following is a feature of multitasking in single-user systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Tasks run in the background and foreground
129. What benefit does multitasking provide for single-user systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Allows multiple tasks to run concurrently
130. What illusion does multitasking create on a single-CPU system?
Correct Answer: (B) Parallel task execution
131. Which is an example of multitasking in a single-user system?
Correct Answer: (B) A user editing a document while downloading a file
132. What is the main goal of both multiprogramming and multitasking?
Correct Answer: (C) To make efficient use of system resources
4.1.7 - Multi Processor.
133. What does multiprocessing refer to in a computer system?
Correct Answer: (B) The use of multiple CPUs in a system
134. Which of the following is a key feature of Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)?
Correct Answer: (C) All CPUs are treated equally
135. In Asymmetric Multiprocessing (ASMP), what is the role of CPUs?
Correct Answer: (C) CPUs are assigned specific tasks
136. Which of the following is an example of a tightly-coupled multiprocessing system?
Correct Answer: (B) Multi-core processor system
137. What type of system uses multiple standalone computers connected by high-speed communication systems?
Correct Answer: (B) Loosely-coupled system
138. What is a major benefit of time-sharing systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Reduced CPU idle time
139. What mechanism is used in time-sharing systems to send interrupt signals to the CPU after each time slice?
Correct Answer: (C) Alarm clock mechanism
140. In a time-sharing system, what allows each user to feel like they have their own dedicated computer?
Correct Answer: (C) Efficient multiprogramming
141. Which of the following is a key characteristic of multiprogramming?
Correct Answer: (B) Simultaneous execution of tasks on a single CPU
142. What is an advantage of multiprocessing systems?
Correct Answer: (C) Improved performance and reliability
143. What is a limitation of multiprocessing systems?
Correct Answer: (C) High initial investment and maintenance costs
144. In multiprocessing, what term describes when one processor fails but the others continue to operate?
Correct Answer: (B) Graceful degradation
145. What type of multiprocessing uses a combination of local and shared memory?
Correct Answer: (C) NUMA
146. Which term refers to the simultaneous execution of multiple processes by a system with more than one CPU?
Correct Answer: (C) Multiprocessing
147. What is the role of the 'alarm clock mechanism' in time-sharing systems?
Correct Answer: (B) To interrupt CPU after a time slice
4.1.8 - Data Communication.
148. In which decade did the merger of computer science and data communications significantly alter the technology sector?
Correct Answer: (B) 1970s
149. What fundamental distinction is mentioned between voice, video, and data transmission?
Correct Answer: (B) They are non-existent
150. What aspect of networking has become increasingly necessary due to the growing emphasis on online transactions?
Correct Answer: (B) High-capacity networking
151. What is one of the key factors influencing the design of data communications and networking facilities?
Correct Answer: (C) Expansion of traffic
152. What technology has significantly increased capacity in telecommunications?
Correct Answer: (B) Fiber optics
153. What percentage of traffic historically travels over wide area linkages in a typical corporate setting?
Correct Answer: (B) 20%
154. What is the primary goal of a communications system?
Correct Answer: (B) Data exchange
155. Which device is responsible for converting digital signals into analogue signals?
Correct Answer: (C) Modem
156. What is multiplexing in the context of data communications?
Correct Answer: (B) Distributing transmission capacity
157. Which of the following trends has contributed to greater mobility in the workplace?
Correct Answer: (C) Development of wireless technologies
158. What impact has the emergence of high-speed LANs had on personal computers?
Correct Answer: (B) Increased processing power
159. What is one characteristic of the modern Internet mentioned in the text?
Correct Answer: (B) Increased intelligence of networks
160. What does the term "error recovery" refer to in a communications system?
Correct Answer: (C) Resuming data transfer after a disruption
161. What is a key challenge faced by organizations in planning data communication facilities?
Correct Answer: (B) Managing increasing traffic
162. How has the growth of multimedia applications influenced network requirements?
Correct Answer: (B) Increased need for high capacity
163. In the simplified data communications model, what device does the user interact with to send an email?
Correct Answer: (B) Keyboard
164. What does the input device (like a keyboard) do in the context of data communications?
Correct Answer: (C) Buffers character strings
165. What is the purpose of the transmitter in a data communications system?
Correct Answer: (C) To connect to the transmission medium
166. What does the received signal r(t) represent in the data communications model?
Correct Answer: (B) The transmitted signal s(t)
167. How does the telephone convert sound waves during a call?
Correct Answer: (B) It changes sound waves into electrical signals
168. What is a fundamental aspect of a transmission line in data communications?
Correct Answer: (A) It is not concerned with data encoding
169. What are the two main methods for increasing the efficiency of transmission facilities?
Correct Answer: (B) Compression and multiplexing
170. What is the primary distinction between a LAN and a WAN?
Correct Answer: (A) Geographic coverage
171. Which of the following is a characteristic of wide area networks (WANs)?
Correct Answer: (C) They rely on common carrier circuits.
172. What technology has significantly increased the capacity of transmission channels?
Correct Answer: (C) Fibre optics
173. What is the primary role of a data link control protocol?
Correct Answer: (B) To handle data flow and error recovery
174. In data communications, what does multiplexing allow?
Correct Answer: (B) It enables multiple devices to share a transmission facility.
175. What is a major benefit of wireless networks mentioned in the text?
Correct Answer: (C) Ease of setup and mobility
176. What challenges do managers face when selecting a LAN?
Correct Answer: (A) High maintenance costs
177. What technology is essential for integrating voice, data, and video networks?
Correct Answer: (D) Integrated network management