Operating Systems MCQs
Practice Operating System MCQs covering Windows, Linux, Android, booting, multitasking and multiprocessing concepts with answers and explanations.
Question #31
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Which structural type of kernel minimizes kernel responsibilities by running most non-essential services in user space?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
A microkernel structure keeps the kernel minimal, implementing services like file systems and device drivers in user space to maximize stability.
A microkernel structure keeps the kernel minimal, implementing services like file systems and device drivers in user space to maximize stability.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #32
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Which file system format was introduced with Windows NT to support file permissions, encryption, and reliability features?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
NTFS (New Technology File System) added security features, access control lists, encryption, and file journaling which were missing in FAT file systems.
NTFS (New Technology File System) added security features, access control lists, encryption, and file journaling which were missing in FAT file systems.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #33
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What is the name of the specialized Linux command used to search for a specific text string or pattern within files?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
The 'grep' command (Global Regular Expression Print) searches through files for lines matching a specified text pattern and prints them.
The 'grep' command (Global Regular Expression Print) searches through files for lines matching a specified text pattern and prints them.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #34
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Which term describes the operational condition where a CPU is constantly swapping memory pages between RAM and disk, leading to massive system slowdown?
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
Thrashing occurs when virtual memory resources are overused, causing the OS to spend more time moving data between disk and RAM than executing actual application instructions.
Thrashing occurs when virtual memory resources are overused, causing the OS to spend more time moving data between disk and RAM than executing actual application instructions.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #35
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Which of the following is a classic example of a single-user, single-tasking operating system?
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a historical command-line operating system that natively supported only one user and one running task at a time.
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is a historical command-line operating system that natively supported only one user and one running task at a time.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #36
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What mechanism does an OS use to instantly notify the CPU that an event requiring immediate attention has occurred?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
An interrupt is a hardware or software signal sent to the CPU, causing it to temporarily suspend current tasks to execute an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR).
An interrupt is a hardware or software signal sent to the CPU, causing it to temporarily suspend current tasks to execute an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR).
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #37
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Which of the following describes cooperative multitasking?
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:
In cooperative multitasking, the operating system never forces a context switch; instead, processes must manually yield CPU execution time back to the system scheduler.
In cooperative multitasking, the operating system never forces a context switch; instead, processes must manually yield CPU execution time back to the system scheduler.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #38
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What type of operating system kernel combines the architecture of both monolithic and microkernel designs to achieve a balance of performance and modularity?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
A hybrid kernel layout (used by Windows NT family) balances performance and modularity by putting certain services in kernel space while keeping concepts modular.
A hybrid kernel layout (used by Windows NT family) balances performance and modularity by putting certain services in kernel space while keeping concepts modular.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #39
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Which of the following commands in Linux is used to create a completely new, empty directory?
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
The 'mkdir' (make directory) command is used across Unix-like environments to create fresh directory structures.
The 'mkdir' (make directory) command is used across Unix-like environments to create fresh directory structures.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
Question #40
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What is the primary function of the Master Boot Record (MBR) on a storage drive?
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:
The MBR is the first sector of a partitioned storage device that contains the boot loader code and the partition table layout.
The MBR is the first sector of a partitioned storage device that contains the boot loader code and the partition table layout.
This question belongs to:
Computer
Operating Systems
