Operating Systems MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Operating Systems - Download Free PDF

The Correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The von Neumann architecture uses a single memory space for both instructions and data, meaning the CPU fetches them sequentially. This can lead to a bottleneck known as the von Neumann bottleneck, where the CPU waits for instructions or data due to limited bandwidth.
• In contrast, the Harvard architecture separates memory for instructions and data, allowing them to be accessed simultaneously. This separation can significantly improve performance, especially in systems requiring high-speed processing.
• The Harvard architecture is particularly useful in embedded systems and real-time applications, where deterministic performance is critical.
• The von Neumann architecture is widely used in general-purpose computers, as it simplifies the design and programming model by using a single memory space.
• The separation of memory in the Harvard architecture often requires more complex hardware, but it provides better throughput for specific tasks.
• Both architectures are foundational to modern computing, with hybrid systems often combining features of both to balance simplicity and performance.

 Additional Information

•  The von Neumann Architecture
  • Proposed by John von Neumann in the 1940s, this architecture forms the basis of most modern computers.
  • It uses a single memory space where both program instructions and data are stored.
  • The single memory architecture leads to what is called the von Neumann bottleneck, where the CPU waits for data or instructions due to limited memory bandwidth.
  • Examples of devices using von Neumann architecture include desktop computers, laptops, and other general-purpose systems.
•  The Harvard Architecture
  • This architecture was first used in the Harvard Mark I computer.
  • It has separate memory spaces for instructions and data, allowing parallel access and higher performance.
  • Commonly found in microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs).
  • Examples of devices using Harvard architecture include embedded systems, such as those in automotive applications or industrial control systems.
•  Hybrid Architectures
  • Many modern processors combine features of both architectures to leverage the benefits of each.
  • For instance, they may use a Harvard-like architecture internally for instruction and data caches while maintaining a von Neumann-like unified main memory.
  • This hybrid approach is common in modern CPUs and GPUs.

The Correct answer is Quick Access.

Key Points

• Quick Access is a feature in Windows File Explorer that allows users to pin and access their most frequently used folders and files easily.
• It provides a convenient location for users to view recently accessed files and folders, promoting efficiency in navigating the system.
• This feature is automatically updated based on user activity, displaying the files and folders that are most relevant to the user at a given time.
• Users can also manually pin folders to the Quick Access section for quick retrieval.
• It enhances productivity by eliminating the need to search for frequently used files and directories across the file system.
• Quick Access is located at the top of the navigation pane in File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• It is particularly useful for professionals and students managing a large number of files and folders daily.

Additional Information

• Task Bar
  • The Task Bar is a graphical interface element in Windows that displays running applications, system notifications, and shortcuts to certain programs.
  • It is located at the bottom of the desktop by default and contains the Start menu, search bar, and system tray.
  • Its primary function is to manage open programs and provide quick access to pinned applications, not folders.
• File Explorer
  • File Explorer is the primary file management system in Windows, allowing users to browse, manage, and organize files and folders.
  • It provides access to system drives, external drives, and network locations.
  • While it contains the Quick Access feature, File Explorer itself is not specifically designed for creating shortcuts to frequently used folders.
• Libraries
  • Libraries are a feature in Windows that allow users to organize content from multiple folders into a single virtual collection.
  • They are best suited for categorizing files by type, such as documents, music, pictures, and videos.
  • However, Libraries do not serve as a shortcut tool for quick access to frequently used folders.

The Correct answer is The file is moved to a special directory, and its directory entry is updated, but the data remains on the storage device.

Key Points

• When a file is moved to the 'Trash' or 'Recycle Bin' in a GUI-based Operating System, it is not permanently deleted.
• The file’s directory entry is updated to reflect its new location in a special directory (e.g., the Trash or Recycle Bin folder).
• The actual data remains on the storage device until the file is permanently deleted or the storage space is overwritten.
• This mechanism allows users to recover deleted files easily if they change their minds or deleted the file by mistake.
• The Trash or Recycle Bin acts as a , ensuring the file is not lost immediately and providing an opportunity for restoration.
• This functionality is common in operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux GUIs, making file management more user-friendly and less prone to accidental data loss.
• Files in the Trash or Recycle Bin typically still occupy storage space until they are permanently deleted or the Trash/Recycle Bin is emptied.

Additional Information

• The file’s data is immediately overwritten and unrecoverable.
  • This is incorrect because simply moving a file to the Trash or Recycle Bin does not overwrite the data. Overwriting occurs only when specific tools or processes overwrite the storage sectors.
  • Overwriting makes data recovery nearly impossible, but this is not the default behavior of the Trash/Recycle Bin feature.
• The file’s metadata (inode or equivalent) is immediately purged from the file system.
  • When a file is moved to the Trash or Recycle Bin, its metadata is not purged immediately. Instead, its location is updated, and the metadata is preserved for potential recovery.
  • Metadata purging occurs during permanent deletion or when the file system explicitly removes all references to the file.
• The file is compressed and archived before being permanently deleted.
  • Trash/Recycle Bin does not compress or archive files by default. Files retain their original format and size while in the Trash/Recycle Bin.
  • Compression is a separate process, often used in backup solutions, not for managing deleted files in most operating systems.

The correct answer is It temporarily holds active program data and instructions to enable fast switching between tasks..

Key Points

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions required by active applications, enabling smooth multitasking.
• In a multitasking operating system, RAM allows quick access to active program data, reducing the need to repeatedly fetch data from slower storage devices like hard drives.
• The operating system utilizes RAM to maintain the state of multiple applications, enabling fast switching between tasks without delays.
• RAM acts as a workspace for the CPU, ensuring that active processes and threads execute efficiently and remain responsive.
• When RAM is insufficient for multitasking, systems may use virtual memory (paging), which is significantly slower compared to physical RAM.

Additional Information

• Volatile Memory:
  • RAM is classified as volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when power is turned off.
  • This characteristic makes RAM unsuitable for permanent data storage.
• Virtual Memory:
  • When physical RAM is full, operating systems use a portion of the hard drive as virtual memory.
  • Virtual memory is slower than RAM but ensures the system can handle more applications simultaneously.
• Multitasking in Operating Systems:
  • Multitasking allows multiple applications or processes to run concurrently by sharing CPU and RAM resources.
  • Efficient multitasking relies heavily on the speed and capacity of RAM.
• Cache Memory:
  • Cache memory is a smaller, faster type of memory located closer to the CPU than RAM.
  • It stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing tasks further.
• Permanent Storage vs RAM:
  • Permanent storage devices like hard drives and SSDs retain data even after power is turned off.
  • RAM, on the other hand, is temporary storage designed for speed and accessibility during active processes.

The correct answer is ? (question mark).

Key Points

• The question mark (?) is one of the characters prohibited in filenames in Windows operating systems.
• Other restricted characters include \ / : * ? " |, as these are reserved for system functions or file path navigation.
• Windows uses these special characters to perform certain operations, such as separating directories (/) or indicating a wildcard (*).
• If you attempt to include a restricted character while renaming a file, Windows will display an error message preventing the action.
• These restrictions are enforced to ensure compatibility and avoid conflicts within the file system.

Additional Information

• Filename Restrictions in Windows:
  • Windows filenames cannot exceed 255 characters, including the file path.
  • Filenames cannot end with a period (.) or a space ( ).
  • Reserved names like CON, AUX, NUL, COM1 to COM9, and LPT1 to LPT9 are also prohibited.
• Wildcard Characters:
  • Wildcards like * and ? are used to represent multiple or single characters in searches.
  • Including these in filenames can interfere with file search or system commands.
• File Path Syntax:
  • Windows uses \ as a directory separator, distinguishing file paths.
  • Other characters like : are reserved for drives (e.g., C:\).
• Cross-Platform Compatibility:
  • Some characters allowed in other operating systems (e.g., Linux) may still be prohibited in Windows.
  • Developers often avoid restricted characters to ensure portability across platforms.

The correct answer is Operating system.

Key Points

• UBUNTU is an example of an operating system.
• The operating system is a collection of programs that controls the overall operations of the computer.
• Operating systems are of two types namely, Open-source operating systems and Closed source operating systems.
• UBUNTU is free and open-source software.
• Operating systems works as an interface between a user and computer hardware components.
• Examples of operating systems are:
  • Linux
  • Unix
  • DOS
  • Windows
  • Ubuntu
  • Embedded operating system
  • OpenBSD
  • Mac OS

Additional Information

• Malware is a file or code that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems.
  • Viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware are the common examples of malware.
• A web browser is an application used to access and view websites.
  • Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari are the common examples of web browsers.

The correct answer is Safari.

• Safari is not a search engine.

Key Points

• Safari is a browser for IOS. WebKit is the search engine used as a default search engine for Safari.
• IOS is used only in Apple phones.
• Search Engines:
  • These are websites available on the Internet that provide information on any topic that you want.
  • Search engines contain a programme that collects information from other websites.
  • This information is then stored according to the category it belongs to, e.g., websites about music will be stored in a category named Fine Arts. Examples of popular search engines are Yahoo, Alta Vista and Google.

Additional Information

• Yahoo was founded by Jerry Yang, David Filo.
• Ask was founded by David Warthen, Garrett Gruener.
• Bing is a search engine operated under Microsoft.

Windows is correct.

Key Points

• Among the options, only Windows is NOT an open-source operating system.
• Windows is a closed source operating system marketed by Microsoft.
• Microsoft first introduced the Windows operating system on 20 November 1985.
• Closed Operating Systems are built with numerous codes and complex programming and that is called source code. 
• An Open-source Operating System is the Operating System in which source code is visible publically and editable.
• The operating system is a collection of programs that controls the overall operations of the computer.
• An operating system is a System software in computers.
• It works as an interface between the user and computer hardware components.
• Examples of operating systems are:
  • Linux.
  • Unix.
  • DOS.
  • Windows.
  • Ubuntu.
  • Embedded operating system.
  • OpenBSD.
  • Mac OS.

Mistake Points

Windows is an operating system, but it is NOT an open-source operating system.

The correct answer is Application

Key Points

• An application, or application program, is a software program that runs on your computer. Web browsers, e-mail programs, word processors, games, and utilities are all applications. The word "application" is used because each program has a specific application for the user.
• In contrast, system software consists of programs that run in the background, enabling applications to run. These programs include assemblers, compilers, file management tools, and the operating system itself. Applications are said to run on top of the system software since the system software is made of "low-level" programs. While system software is automatically installed with the operating system, you can choose which applications you want to install and run on your computer.
• Macintosh programs are typically called applications, while Windows programs are often referred to as executable files. This is why Mac programs use .APP file extension, while Windows programs use the .EXE extension. Though they have different file extensions, Macintosh and Windows programs serve the same purpose and can both be called applications.

The correct answer is Windows, Icons, Menus.

• In a GUI-based operating system, the graphical user interface is based on Windows, Icons, Menus.

Key Points

• A  graphical user interface(GUI) uses windows, icons, and menus to perform various commands, such as opening, deleting, and moving files.
• A GUI operating system is primarily navigated using a mouse, a keyboard can also be used via keyboard shortcuts or arrow keys. 

The correct answer is Database management.

Key Points

• An operating system is a program on which application programs are executed and acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and the computer hardware. 
• The main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources and services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and information.
• The operating system also includes programs to manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system. 

Additional Information

• Memory Management 
  • The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory.
  • Main memory is made up of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address.
  • Main memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory.
• Processor Management 
  • In a multiprogramming environment, the OS decides the order in which processes have access to the processor, and how much processing time each process has.
  • This function of OS is called process scheduling.
• File Management 
  • A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain other directories and other files.
• Database management system (DBMS)
  • It is a software package designed to define, manipulate, retrieve and manage data in a database.
  • A DBMS generally manipulates the data itself, the data format, field names, record structure, and file structure.
  • It also defines rules to validate and manipulate this data. 

The correct answer is the Operating system.

Important Points

• Linux is an open-source Unix-like operating system, Linux is based on the Linux kernel.
• Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds, Linux was released in September 1991.
• Linux was written in C and assembly language. The user interface of Linux is KDE plasma, LXDE,  elementary OS, etc.

Additional Information

• Database programs, web browsers, word processors, image editors, etc are some of the examples of application software.
• Java, C, Python, C++, JavaScript are some of the examples of Programming languages.
• IBM PC DOS operating systems, the Turbo Pascal compiler are some of the examples of assembly languages.

The correct answer is Operating systems.

Key Points

• Operating systems is not an application software.
• It is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
• Application software refers to programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for the user, such as creating documents, editing photos, or managing data.

Additional Information

The correct answer is computer software.

Key Points

• Computer software includes both system and application software, and it's the component that enables user interaction through a user interface.
  • The user interface (UI) is a software feature that allows users to interact with the computer, enter commands, and receive feedback.
  • The UI can be graphical (GUI) or text-based (CLI), and is present in operating systems, apps, and other programs.
  • Therefore, UI is not exclusive to the operating system but spans across all types of software.
  • Examples of software with UI include:
    • Operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS.
    • Applications like Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, VLC Media Player.
    • Mobile apps and development tools.

Additional Information

• Operating System is a type of system software that manages hardware and provides core UI elements like taskbars, file explorers, etc.
• Computer Network refers to interconnected systems that share resources but are not the source of UI themselves.
• Hardware refers to the physical components like keyboard, monitor, CPU – which are used by UI but do not provide it themselves.

The correct answer is Scala.

• Scala is a type-safe JVM programming language that incorporates both object-oriented and functional programming.
• It is used for general software applications.
• It was firstly introduced in 2003.

Important Points

• An operating system or "OS" is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run.
• It is comprised of the system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function.
• Common desktop operating systems include Windows, Unix, DOS, Linux and Android is a mobile operating system.