1.
The operating system is a set of _______________ that interface between an application program and the hardware.
Correct Answer
C. System software services
Explanation
The operating system acts as a mediator between an application program and the hardware. It provides a range of system software services that enable the application program to interact with the underlying hardware efficiently. These services include managing memory, scheduling tasks, handling input/output operations, and providing a user interface. By providing these services, the operating system abstracts the complexities of the hardware from the application program, allowing it to focus on its specific tasks without needing to directly interact with the hardware components.
2.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of viewing the system as a set of layers?
Correct Answer
A. It allows you to see the details and inner workings within an object
Explanation
Viewing the system as a set of layers does not allow you to see the details and inner workings within an object. Instead, it focuses on the interfaces between the layers and provides a simplified view of the object. This approach simplifies the understanding of the system as a whole, but it does not provide a deep insight into the inner workings of individual objects.
3.
A byte consists of
Correct Answer
B. 8 bits
Explanation
A byte consists of 8 bits. In computer systems, a bit is the smallest unit of information that can be stored or manipulated. It can have a value of either 0 or 1. A byte, on the other hand, is a group of 8 bits. It is commonly used as the basic unit of storage in computer systems and is capable of representing a wider range of values. Therefore, the correct answer is 8 bits.
4.
Bytes or words are the basic addressable units of memory. In order for the processor to be able to access the byte or word, it is assigned a unique ________.
Correct Answer
B. Address
Explanation
In order for the processor to access a byte or word in memory, it needs to be assigned a unique address. This address serves as a location identifier, allowing the processor to locate and retrieve the desired data from memory. The address acts as a reference point for the processor, enabling it to access and manipulate data in the memory system.
5.
In the processor, the Instruction Counter contains:
Correct Answer
D. The address of the next instruction to be fetched
Explanation
The Instruction Counter in the processor holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched. This means that it keeps track of the location in memory where the next instruction resides. By storing the address of the next instruction, the processor knows where to fetch the instruction from in order to continue executing the program.
6.
Files on a hard disk are stored in one or more
Correct Answer
C. Sectors
Explanation
Files on a hard disk are stored in one or more sectors. A sector is a small, fixed-size unit of storage on a hard disk. It is the basic unit used for reading and writing data on the disk. Each sector can hold a specific amount of data, typically 512 bytes or 4 kilobytes. The sectors are organized in a circular pattern on the disk's platters, and the operating system keeps track of the location of each sector using a file system. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of files on the hard disk.
7.
A hard disk has a directory to store file information. Each directory entry contains the following information about a file:
Correct Answer
C. The file's name and starting sector number
Explanation
The correct answer is "the file's name and starting sector number". This is because the directory entry needs to store information about the file's name and the starting sector number where the file is located on the hard disk. The file's name is important for identifying the file, and the starting sector number is necessary for locating the file's data on the disk. The file's size and starting track number are not sufficient on their own to uniquely identify and locate the file.
8.
On a mainframe computer, peripheral devices are connected to the system through a ___________ and a ____________.
Correct Answer
A. Channel , I/O control unit
Explanation
Peripheral devices on a mainframe computer are connected to the system through a channel and an I/O control unit. The channel acts as a communication pathway between the mainframe and the peripheral devices, allowing data to be transferred back and forth. The I/O control unit is responsible for managing and controlling the input and output operations of the peripheral devices, ensuring efficient and reliable data transfer. Together, the channel and I/O control unit enable seamless integration and interaction between the mainframe and the peripheral devices.
9.
The binary number 1011 is equivalent to which decimal number and which hex number?
Correct Answer
D. 11 decimal and B hex
Explanation
The binary number 1011 is equivalent to the decimal number 11 because the binary number system is a base-2 system, meaning each digit represents a power of 2. In this case, the leftmost digit represents 2^3 (which is 8), the second leftmost digit represents 2^2 (which is 4), the third leftmost digit represents 2^1 (which is 2), and the rightmost digit represents 2^0 (which is 1). Adding these values together (8 + 2 + 1) gives us 11. The binary number 1011 is equivalent to the hex number B because in the hexadecimal system, each digit represents a power of 16. In this case, the leftmost digit represents 16^1 (which is 16) and the rightmost digit represents 16^0 (which is 1). Adding these values together (16 + 1) gives us B.
10.
Secondary storage consists of devices such as the hard disk and CD-ROM. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of secondary storage?
Correct Answer
D. The computer can execute a program directly on the secondary storage.
Explanation
Secondary storage refers to devices like hard disks and CD-ROMs that are used for long-term storage of files and data. It is known for its high capacity, typically holding more data than main memory. It is also non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the power is turned off. However, the computer cannot directly execute a program from secondary storage. Programs need to be loaded into main memory before they can be executed.