Operating System MCQs in English | SET – 04
Introduction
An operating system (OS) is the backbone of any computer or mobile device, managing hardware resources and providing a platform for software applications to run. A profound understanding of operating systems is crucial for anyone in the field of computer science, IT, or even casual users looking to optimize their device’s performance.
Get ready to embrace the challenges, excel in your exams, and take your knowledge of operating systems to new heights. Good luck on your journey to success!
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions about Operating System MCQs in English along with their answers and explanations:
Question 1: What is the primary function of an operating system?
A) Execute applications
B) Manage hardware resources
C) Establish network connections
D) Create user accounts
Answer: B) Manage hardware resources
Explanation: The primary function of an operating system is to manage hardware resources, such as CPU, memory, and peripherals, to facilitate the smooth execution of applications.
Question 2: Which component of the operating system is responsible for managing process execution?
A) Kernel
B) File system
C) Device drivers
D) User interface
Answer: A) Kernel
Explanation: The kernel is the core component of the operating system that manages process execution, memory allocation, and other essential services.
Question 3: What is the purpose of virtual memory in an operating system?
A) Allow multiple users to access the system
B) Create isolated environments for applications
C) Expand available memory beyond physical RAM
D) Provide a graphical interface for users
Answer: C) Expand available memory beyond physical RAM
Explanation: Virtual memory enables the operating system to use disk space as an extension of physical RAM, allowing for efficient memory management.
Question 4: Which scheduling algorithm ensures that each process gets an equal share of CPU time?
A) Round Robin
B) First-Come, First-Serve (FCFS)
C) Shortest Job Next (SJN)
D) Priority-based
Answer: A) Round Robin
Explanation: The Round Robin scheduling algorithm assigns an equal time slice to each process in a cyclical manner.
Question 5: What is the role of the file system in an operating system?
A) Manage hardware devices
B) Provide a user interface
C) Organize and store data
D) Allocate memory to processes
Answer: C) Organize and store data
Explanation: The file system organizes and stores data on storage devices, allowing users to access and manage files efficiently.
Question 6: Which type of operating system allows only one user to perform one task at a time?
A) Single-User, Multi-Tasking OS
B) Multi-User OS
C) Single-User, Single-Tasking OS
D) Real-Time OS
Answer: C) Single-User, Single-Tasking OS
Explanation: In a Single-User, Single-Tasking OS, the system supports only one user and executes one task at a time.
Question 7: Which function of an operating system is responsible for protecting data and resources from unauthorized access?
A) Memory Management
B) Process Management
C) File Management
D) Security and Protection
Answer: D) Security and Protection
Explanation: Security and Protection in an operating system are responsible for safeguarding data and resources from unauthorized access and ensuring system integrity.
Question 8: What is the role of device drivers in an operating system?
A) Manage user accounts and permissions
B) Control communication with hardware devices
C) Allocate memory to running processes
D) Provide a graphical user interface
Answer: B) Control communication with hardware devices
Explanation: Device drivers enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices, controlling their functionality.
Question 9: Which operating system is primarily used for smartphones and tablets?
A) macOS
B) Windows OS
C) Android OS
D) Linux
Answer: C) Android OS
Explanation: Android OS is the primary operating system used in smartphones and tablets.
Question 10: Which term refers to the state where a process is waiting for a resource that is currently held by another process?
A) Deadlock
B) Race condition
C) Context switch
D) Blocking
Answer: D) Blocking
Explanation: Blocking occurs when a process is waiting for a resource that is currently being used by another process.
Question 11: What is the purpose of the ‘grep’ command in Linux operating systems?
A) Display system information
B) Search for files and directories
C) Archive files into a compressed format
D) Search for text patterns in files
Answer: D) Search for text patterns in files
Explanation: The ‘grep’ command in Linux is used to search for text patterns in files.
Question 12: Which scheduling algorithm assigns a priority value to each process and executes the highest priority process first?
A) Round Robin
B) First-Come, First-Serve (FCFS)
C) Shortest Job Next (SJN)
D) Priority-based
Answer: D) Priority-bas
Explanation: Priority-based scheduling assigns priority values to processes and executes the highest priority process first.
Question 13: What is the primary function of the ‘chown’ command in Unix-based operating systems?
A) Change file permissions
B) Rename files and directories
C) Change ownership of files and directories
D) Create symbolic links
Answer: C) Change ownership of files and directories
Explanation: The ‘chown’ command is used to change the ownership of files and directories in Unix-based operating systems.
Question 14: Which type of operating system is designed to provide real-time response for time-sensitive applications?
A) Single-User, Single-Tasking OS
B) Multi-User OS
C) Single-User, Multi-Tasking OS
D) Real-Time OS
Answer: D) Real-Time OS
Explanation: Real-Time OS is designed to prioritize quick response times for time-sensitive applications.
Question 15: What is the function of the ‘malloc’ function in C programming language?
A) Sort elements in an array
B) Allocate memory dynamically
C) Open a file for reading
D) Print output to the screen
Answer: B) Allocate memory dynamically
Explanation: The ‘malloc’ function is used to dynamically allocate memory in C programming.
Question 16: Which operating system is known for its user-friendly graphical interface and extensive software library?
A) macOS
B) Windows OS
C) Linux
D) Android OS
Answer: A) macOS
Explanation: macOS is known for its user-friendly graphical interface and extensive software library.
Question 17: What is the purpose of the ‘format’ command in Windows operating systems?
A) Create a new partition
B) Install device drivers
C) View system information
D) Format a storage device
Answer: D) Format a storage device
Explanation: The ‘format’ command is used to format a storage device in Windows operating systems.
Question 18: Which type of operating system allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously?
A) Single-User, Single-Tasking OS
B) Single-User, Multi-Tasking OS
C) Real-Time OS
D) Multi-User OS
Answer: D) Multi-User OS
Explanation: Multi-User OS allows multiple users to access the system and perform tasks concurrently.
Question 19: What is the purpose of the ‘cd’ command in command-line interfaces?
A) List files and directories
B) Change file permissions
C) Change the working directory
D) Copy files and directories
Answer: C) Change the working directory
Explanation: The ‘cd’ command is used to change the working directory in command-line interfaces.
Question 20: Which scheduling algorithm executes the shortest job first to minimize average waiting time?
A) Round Robin
B) First-Come, First-Serve (FCFS)
C) Shortest Job Next (SJN)
D) Priority-based
Answer: C) Shortest Job Next (SJN)
Explanation: The Shortest Job Next (SJN) scheduling algorithm executes the shortest job first to minimize average waiting time.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now gained valuable insights into mastering operating system multiple-choice questions. Understanding the fundamentals of operating systems, various types, and core concepts like process and memory management will undoubtedly boost your confidence in any OS-related exam.
Remember, practice and continuous learning are the keys to success. The more you engage with operating system concepts, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle any challenge that comes your way.