Introduction To Operating System Quiz Questions And Answers

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Introduction To Operating System Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

Check out the informative quiz that covers an introduction to the operating system, process management, and CPU scheduling. Operating systems allow us to interact with the computer as they can translate the simple high-level language instructions we give them into machine-level language and back again to a form that we can understand. Today, most operating systems come with a GUI or a Graphical User Interface, like icons and menus, but this was not the case in older days. Let's find out how well you know these systems!


Introduction To Operating System Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Which of the following is not an Operating System?

    • A.

      Mac OS

    • B.

      Windows Explorer

    • C.

      Red Hat

    • D.

      Solaris

    Correct Answer
    B. Windows Explorer
    Explanation
    Windows Explorer is not an operating system. It is a file management application that is integrated into the Windows operating system. It allows users to navigate and manage files and folders on their computers. The other options listed, Mac OS, Red Hat, and Solaris, are all operating systems. Mac OS is the operating system used by Apple computers, Red Hat is a Linux-based operating system, and Solaris is a Unix-based operating system.

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following is not a product of Microsoft?

    • A.

      Ubuntu

    • B.

      XP

    • C.

      Vista

    • D.

      ME

    Correct Answer
    A. Ubuntu
    Explanation
    Ubuntu is not a product of Microsoft. Ubuntu is an open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by Canonical Ltd. Microsoft, on the other hand, is a multinational technology company known for developing software products such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows ME. Therefore, Ubuntu does not belong to the list of Microsoft products.

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  • 3. 

    What is an Operating System?

    • A.

      It is an interface between the user and the hardware.

    • B.

      It is the first software that runs when the computer boots up.

    • C.

      It provides a platform for the user to run applications.

    • D.

      All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "All of the above." An operating system is an interface between the user and the hardware, as it allows the user to interact with the computer system. It is also the first software that runs when the computer boots up, as it initializes and manages the hardware and other software components. Additionally, the operating system provides a platform for the user to run applications, as it manages system resources and provides services to support application execution. Therefore, all of the given statements accurately describe the role and functions of an operating system.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following is an example of Single Programming Operating System?

    • A.

      MS-DOS

    • B.

      Unix

    • C.

      Windows

    • D.

      Linux

    Correct Answer
    A. MS-DOS
    Explanation
    MS-DOS is an example of a Single Programming Operating System because it is designed to allow only one program to run at a time. It does not support multitasking or the execution of multiple programs simultaneously. This means that the user can only interact with one program at a time and must wait for it to finish before running another program.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is not the function of the Operating System?

    • A.

      Process Management

    • B.

      Memory Management

    • C.

      Device Management

    • D.

      Clock Management

    Correct Answer
    D. Clock Management
    Explanation
    Clock management is not a function of the operating system. The operating system is responsible for managing processes, allocating and managing memory, and managing devices. Clock management, on the other hand, typically refers to the management of system clocks and time synchronization, which is not a core function of the operating system.

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  • 6. 

    A process is a

    • A.

      Operating system itself.

    • B.

      A complete software package

    • C.

      Program in execution

    • D.

      Interrupt handler

    Correct Answer
    C. Program in execution
    Explanation
    A process refers to a program that is currently running or being executed by the operating system. It represents an instance of a program in memory, with its own set of resources and execution context. Therefore, the correct answer is "program in execution".

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  • 7. 

    From the waiting state, a process can only enter into _________

    • A.

      Running state

    • B.

      Ready state

    • C.

      New state

    • D.

      Terminated state

    Correct Answer
    B. Ready state
    Explanation
    When a process is in the waiting state, it means that it is waiting for a certain event or resource to become available. Once that event or resource becomes available, the process can then transition into the ready state. In the ready state, the process is prepared to execute and is waiting to be assigned to a processor by the scheduler. Therefore, the correct answer is "ready state".

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  • 8. 

    The full form of PCB is:

    • A.

      Public Control Block

    • B.

      Process Control Box

    • C.

      Process Creating Block

    • D.

      Process Control Block

    Correct Answer
    D. Process Control Block
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Process Control Block. A Process Control Block (PCB) is a data structure in the operating system that contains information about a specific process. It includes details such as process ID, program counter, register information, and memory allocation. The PCB plays a crucial role in process management, allowing the operating system to track and control the execution of processes effectively.

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  • 9. 

    Each process has its own PCB.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Each process in an operating system has its own Process Control Block (PCB). The PCB contains important information about the process, such as its process ID, program counter, register values, and other details necessary for the system to manage and control the process effectively. By having a separate PCB for each process, the operating system can keep track of and manage multiple processes concurrently, allowing for multitasking and efficient resource allocation. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 10. 

    There can be more than one process in running state at any given time.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because in a single-core processor system, only one process can be in the running state at any given time. The processor can only execute one instruction at a time, so it can only work on one process at a time. However, in a multi-core processor system, multiple processes can be in the running state simultaneously, with each core working on a different process.

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  • 11. 

    The state of a process is stored in its __________.

    • A.

      Registers

    • B.

      PCB

    • C.

      Source code

    • D.

      Memory

    Correct Answer
    B. PCB
    Explanation
    The state of a process, which includes information such as the program counter, stack pointer, and register values, is stored in its Process Control Block (PCB). The PCB acts as a data structure that contains all the necessary information about a process, allowing the operating system to manage and control the execution of processes effectively. It holds crucial details about the process, including its current state, priority, resources allocated, and other relevant information required for context switching and scheduling. Therefore, the correct answer is PCB.

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  • 12. 

    All the processes that are ready to execute reside in _________.

    • A.

      I/O queue

    • B.

      Waiting queue

    • C.

      Ready queue

    • D.

      Running queue

    Correct Answer
    C. Ready queue
    Explanation
    The correct answer is ready queue. The ready queue is a data structure that holds all the processes that are ready to be executed by the CPU. These processes have already been loaded into the main memory and are waiting for their turn to be executed. Once a process is in the ready queue, it can be quickly selected by the CPU for execution.

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  • 13. 

    The ready queue is maintained by __________.

    • A.

      Array

    • B.

      Stack

    • C.

      Tree

    • D.

      Linked list

    Correct Answer
    D. Linked list
    Explanation
    The ready queue is maintained by a linked list. A linked list is a data structure that consists of nodes, where each node contains a value and a pointer to the next node in the list. In the context of a ready queue, each node represents a process that is ready to be executed by the CPU. The linked list allows for efficient insertion and removal of processes, as well as easy traversal of the queue.

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  • 14. 

    What is the function of a short-term scheduler?

    • A.

      Selects a process from the secondary storage device and allocates it to the CPU.

    • B.

      Selects a process from memory and swaps it out to secondary storage.

    • C.

      Selects a process from ready queue and assigns it to the CPU.

    • D.

      Selects a process from I/O queue to moves it to the ready queue.

    Correct Answer
    C. Selects a process from ready queue and assigns it to the CPU.
    Explanation
    The function of the short-term scheduler is to select a process from the ready queue and assign it to the CPU. This scheduler is responsible for making decisions on which process should be executed next based on factors such as priority, time slice, or other scheduling algorithms. By selecting a process from the ready queue, the short-term scheduler ensures that the CPU is always kept busy and that processes are executed promptly.

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  • 15. 

    The function of the long-term scheduler is to:

    • A.

      Move the process from secondary storage to ready queue.

    • B.

      Move the process from the ready queue to CPU.

    • C.

      Move the process from memory to secondary storage.

    • D.

      Move the process between different queues.

    Correct Answer
    A. Move the process from secondary storage to ready queue.
    Explanation
    The long-term scheduler, also known as the admission scheduler or job scheduler, is responsible for selecting processes from secondary storage (such as the hard disk) and moving them to the ready queue in main memory. This decision is based on various factors such as system load, memory availability, and priority of the process. By moving processes from secondary storage to the ready queue, the long-term scheduler ensures that the system remains efficient by controlling the number of processes in memory and preventing overload.

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  • 16. 

    What is the function of mid-term scheduler?

    • A.

      It moves the process from ready queue to CPU.

    • B.

      It swaps out the idle process from memory to secondary storage.

    • C.

      It moves the process between different queues.

    • D.

      It helps the CPU in executing the process.

    Correct Answer
    B. It swaps out the idle process from memory to secondary storage.
    Explanation
    The function of the mid-term scheduler is to swap out the idle process from memory to secondary storage. This helps to free up memory space and allows other processes to be loaded into memory for execution. By moving the idle process to secondary storage, the mid-term scheduler ensures efficient memory utilization and helps in maintaining overall system performance.

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  • 17. 

    Which scheduler maintains the Degree of Multiprogramming?

    • A.

      Short-Term Scheduler

    • B.

      Mid-Term Scheduler

    • C.

      Long-Term Scheduler

    • D.

      None of the Above

    Correct Answer
    C. Long-Term Scheduler
    Explanation
    The Long-Term Scheduler is responsible for maintaining the Degree of Multiprogramming. It is responsible for selecting the processes from the job pool and loading them into the main memory for execution. The Degree of Multiprogramming refers to the number of processes that are allowed to be in the main memory at a given time. The Long-Term Scheduler controls this by deciding which processes to bring into the memory and which ones to remove, thereby maintaining the desired level of multiprogramming.

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  • 18. 

    The switching of the CPU between different processes is called _________.

    • A.

      Swapping

    • B.

      Organizing

    • C.

      Context Switching

    • D.

      Multiple Switching

    Correct Answer
    C. Context Switching
    Explanation
    Context switching refers to the process of switching the CPU between different processes. It occurs when the operating system suspends the execution of one process and starts the execution of another process. This allows multiple processes to run concurrently on a single CPU, giving the illusion of multitasking. During context switching, the operating system saves the current state of the process, including its program counter and register values, and restores the state of the next process to be executed. This allows for efficient utilization of CPU resources and enables multitasking in modern operating systems.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following scheduling algorithm comes under preemptive scheduling?

    • A.

      FCFS

    • B.

      Round Robin

    • C.

      Multilevel Queue Scheduling

    • D.

      Largest Job First

    Correct Answer
    B. Round Robin
    Explanation
    Round Robin is a preemptive scheduling algorithm because it allows each process to execute for a fixed time slice, known as a time quantum, before being preempted and moved to the back of the queue. This ensures that each process gets a fair share of the CPU's time and prevents any single process from monopolizing the CPU for too long. In contrast, FCFS (First-Come-First-Serve), Multilevel Queue Scheduling, and Largest Job First are non-preemptive scheduling algorithms, where a process continues to run until it voluntarily releases the CPU or completes its execution.

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  • 20. 

    Turnaround time is:

    • A.

      The interval from the time of submission of a process to the time of completion.

    • B.

      The sum of periods spent waiting in the ready queue.

    • C.

      The sum of periods spent executing on CPU.

    • D.

      The time when the process first responds.

    Correct Answer
    A. The interval from the time of submission of a process to the time of completion.
    Explanation
    Turnaround time refers to the total time taken by a process from the moment it is submitted until it is completed. It includes the time spent waiting in the ready queue as well as the time spent executing on the CPU. It does not specifically refer to the time when the process first responds, as that would be better described as response time. Therefore, the correct answer is the interval from the time of submission of a process to the time of completion.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following scheduling algorithms use Time Quantum?

    • A.

      FCFS

    • B.

      SJF

    • C.

      Round Robin

    • D.

      Priority Scheduling

    Correct Answer
    C. Round Robin
    Explanation
    Round Robin is the scheduling algorithm that uses Time Quantum. In Round Robin scheduling, each process is assigned a fixed time quantum, and the CPU executes each process for a specific amount of time, usually in a cyclic manner. When the time quantum expires, the CPU switches to the next process in the queue. This allows for fair allocation of CPU time among all processes and prevents any single process from monopolizing the CPU for an extended period.

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  • 22. 

    In preemptive priority scheduling, if a high-priority process arrives in the ready queue and a low-priority process is executed, then what will happen? Note: 1 is considered a high priority.

    • A.

      The currently executing process will be preempted and the new process will be assigned to the CPU.

    • B.

      The CPU will keep on executing the current process and the new process has to wait in the ready queue.

    • C.

      The new process will be shifted to I/O queue.

    • D.

      The system will crash.

    Correct Answer
    A. The currently executing process will be preempted and the new process will be assigned to the CPU.
    Explanation
    In Preemptive Priority Scheduling, if a high priority process arrives in the ready queue while a low priority process is executing, the currently executing process will be preempted. This means that the low priority process will be temporarily paused, and the CPU will be assigned to the new high priority process. The new process will be allowed to execute while the low priority process waits in the ready queue until it is its turn to be executed again.

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  • 23. 

    One of the major problems with priority scheduling is:

    • A.

      Swapping

    • B.

      Context Switching

    • C.

      Aging

    • D.

      Starvation

    Correct Answer
    D. Starvation
    Explanation
    Starvation is a major problem with priority scheduling. In this scheduling algorithm, processes with higher priority are given preference over processes with lower priority. However, if a process with lower priority never gets a chance to execute, it can lead to starvation. This means that the lower priority process is continuously delayed or ignored, causing it to wait indefinitely for its turn to execute. This can result in unfairness and inefficiency in the system as some processes may never get the opportunity to complete their tasks.

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  • 24. 

    Aging is a technique in which:

    • A.

      The priority of a process decreases after sometime. (moves away from 1)

    • B.

      The priority of a process increases after sometime. (moves closer to 1)

    • C.

      The priority remains constant.

    • D.

      The process becomes old and doesn't execute.

    Correct Answer
    B. The priority of a process increases after sometime. (moves closer to 1)
    Explanation
    In the technique of aging, the priority of a process increases after some time. This means that as time passes, the priority of the process gets closer to the highest priority value, which is 1. This technique is often used in scheduling algorithms to ensure that processes that have been waiting for a long time are given higher priority and are executed sooner. By increasing the priority of a process over time, aging helps prevent starvation and ensures that all processes eventually get a chance to execute.

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  • 25. 

    The processes are executed in the following manner in Round Robin Algorithm.

    • A.

      The process coming first is executed first without preemption.

    • B.

      The processes are executed according to their priority.

    • C.

      The process having the smallest burst time is executed first.

    • D.

      The process is executed for a time quantum and when the time quantum expires, the process enters into waiting state.

    Correct Answer
    D. The process is executed for a time quantum and when the time quantum expires, the process enters into waiting state.
    Explanation
    In the Round Robin Algorithm, the processes are executed for a fixed time quantum. When a process starts execution, it continues until the time quantum expires. At that point, the process is preempted and enters into a waiting state. The next process in the queue is then selected for execution. This ensures that each process gets a fair share of the CPU time and prevents any single process from monopolizing the CPU for too long.

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Godwin Iheuwa |MS (Computer Science) |
Database Administrator
Godwin Iheuwa, a Database Administrator at MTN Nigeria, holds an MS in Computer Science, specializing in Agile Methodologies and Database Administration from the University of Bedfordshire and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of Port Harcourt. His proficiency in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Management Studio contributes to his expertise in database management.

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