Operating Systems MCQs
Practice Operating System MCQs covering Windows, Linux, Android, booting, multitasking and multiprocessing concepts with answers and explanations.
Question #1
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Which of the following components of an Operating System remains permanently in the main memory (RAM) during the entire computer session?
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:
The kernel is the core component of an Operating System that is loaded into the main memory during booting and remains there until the system is shut down.
The kernel is the core component of an Operating System that is loaded into the main memory during booting and remains there until the system is shut down.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #2
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What is the primary difference between Multitasking and Multiprocessing operating systems?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
Multitasking simulates concurrent execution by rapidly switching a single CPU across tasks, whereas multiprocessing uses multiple distinct CPUs or cores to execute tasks truly concurrently.
Multitasking simulates concurrent execution by rapidly switching a single CPU across tasks, whereas multiprocessing uses multiple distinct CPUs or cores to execute tasks truly concurrently.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #3
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In Windows Operating Systems, which system tool is explicitly used to optimize disk space by rearranging fragmented files into contiguous sectors?
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:
Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files on a hard drive to improve read/write access speeds and overall system performance.
Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files on a hard drive to improve read/write access speeds and overall system performance.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #4
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Which of the following files acts as the default boot loader for modern Windows systems utilizing UEFI firmware?
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:
Modern Windows operating systems on UEFI systems use bootmgr.efi as the primary boot manager, whereas older BIOS-based legacy systems used NTLDR or bootmgr.
Modern Windows operating systems on UEFI systems use bootmgr.efi as the primary boot manager, whereas older BIOS-based legacy systems used NTLDR or bootmgr.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #5
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Android is primarily based on which operating system kernel?
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:
Android is an open-source operating system designed for mobile devices, built directly on top of a modified version of the Linux kernel.
Android is an open-source operating system designed for mobile devices, built directly on top of a modified version of the Linux kernel.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #6
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What is the primary role of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) during the cold booting process?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
The BIOS performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to ensure all hardware components are functioning and then locates the bootloader to start the OS.
The BIOS performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to ensure all hardware components are functioning and then locates the bootloader to start the OS.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #7
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Which Linux command is used to display the currently running processes along with dynamic, real-time system resource usage?
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
The 'top' command in Linux provides a dynamic, real-time view of the running tasks, CPU utilization, and memory consumption.
The 'top' command in Linux provides a dynamic, real-time view of the running tasks, CPU utilization, and memory consumption.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #8
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What type of multitasking technique requires the operating system to explicitly allocate a specific time slice (quantum) to each running process?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
In Preemptive Multitasking, the OS uses a hardware timer to interrupt a process when its allocated time slice (quantum) expires, ensuring fair CPU distribution.
In Preemptive Multitasking, the OS uses a hardware timer to interrupt a process when its allocated time slice (quantum) expires, ensuring fair CPU distribution.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #9
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Which file system is used as the standard, default option for modern internal drives in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
NTFS (New Technology File System) is the native and default file system for modern Windows installations, providing security, journaling, and large file size support.
NTFS (New Technology File System) is the native and default file system for modern Windows installations, providing security, journaling, and large file size support.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #10
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In an operating system, what is a 'Deadlock'?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
A deadlock is a specific state where a set of processes are stalled because each process holds a resource and waits for another resource held by a different process.
A deadlock is a specific state where a set of processes are stalled because each process holds a resource and waits for another resource held by a different process.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
