MCQ on Operating Systems – Computer GK
Useful and informative MCQ on Operating Systems – Computer GK that include topics like Operating System, Process Management, Memory Management, File Management, Device Management, Security, Command Interpretation, OS Capability, etc.
These MCQ on Operating Systems – Computer GK are very helpful for competitive exams such as CPCT, GATE, IES/ESE, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI, SEBI, LIC, NICL, BCA, B.Sc. IT, DCA, SSC, RRB, NIELIT CCC, CTET, UDC NET, CUET, MCA, PGDCA, MCS, TET, State Police, BPO, etc.
These MCQ on Operating Systems – Computer GK have correct answers and brief explanations of each question for better understanding.
Q11. What is the primary purpose of process management in an operating system?
a) To allocate memory to processes
b) To schedule and execute processes
c) To manage peripheral devices
d) To organize and manage files on storage devices
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Correct Answer: b) To schedule and execute processes
Explanation: The primary purpose of process management in an operating system is to schedule and execute processes. This involves allocating CPU time to processes, managing process states, and handling process synchronization and communication. Process management ensures that system resources are efficiently utilized and that processes are executed in a fair and timely manner.
Q12. What is the main difference between early systems and modern operating systems in terms of process management?
a) Early systems used uniprogramming, while modern operating systems use multiprogramming
b) Early systems used multiprogramming, while modern operating systems use uniprogramming
c) Early systems used multitasking, while modern operating systems use multithreading
d) None of the above
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Correct Answer: a) Early systems used uniprogramming, while modern operating systems use multiprogramming
Explanation: Early computer systems used uniprogramming, which allowed only one program to run at a time, occupying the entire memory space. This led to inefficient use of system resources, as the processor would often be idle while waiting for I/O operations to complete. Modern operating systems use multiprogramming, which allows multiple programs to run concurrently, sharing the memory space. This improves resource utilization by keeping the processor busy with multiple tasks and enables more efficient execution of programs.
Q13. What is the main advantage of multithreading over multitasking?
a) Multithreading allows multiple programs to run concurrently, while multitasking allows multiple threads within a single program
b) Multithreading allows multiple threads within a single program, while multitasking allows multiple programs to run concurrently
c) Multithreading improves resource utilization and reduces context-switching overhead compared to multitasking
d) None of the above
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Correct Answer: c) Multithreading improves resource utilization and reduces context-switching overhead compared to multitasking
Explanation: The main advantage of multithreading over multitasking is that it improves resource utilization and reduces context-switching overhead. Since multiple threads within a single program share the same memory space and resources, context-switching between threads is faster and less resource-intensive compared to switching between separate processes in multitasking.
Q14. Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
a) Managing user accounts and authentication
b) Compiling and executing source code
c) Allocating and deallocating memory to processes
d) Scheduling and executing processes
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Correct Answer: b) Compiling and executing source code
Explanation: Compiling and executing source code is not a direct function of an operating system. Instead, this task is typically performed by compilers and interpreters, which are separate software tools that translate source code into machine code or execute it directly. Operating systems provide the environment and resources for these tools to run, but they do not perform the compilation or execution themselves.
Q15. In a time-sharing operating system, what is the purpose of a time slice or quantum?
a) To allocate a fixed amount of time for each process to run
b) To allocate a fixed amount of memory for each process
c) To allocate a fixed amount of CPU resources for each process
d) None of the above
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Correct Answer: a) To allocate a fixed amount of time for each process to run
Explanation: In a time-sharing operating system, a time slice or quantum is used to allocate a fixed amount of time for each process to run on the processor. This allows multiple processes to share the processor, giving the appearance of simultaneous execution. The operating system schedules processes by assigning them time slices and switching between them as needed, ensuring that each process gets a fair share of the processor’s time.
Q16. Which of the following is NOT a type of file access method?
a) Sequential access
b) Direct access
c) Random access
d) Parallel access
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Correct Answer: d) Parallel access
Explanation: Parallel access is not a type of file access method. The three main file access methods in an operating system are sequential access, direct access, and random access. Sequential access involves reading or writing data in a linear, predetermined order. Direct access allows data to be read or written at any location within the file, without the need to access data sequentially. Random access is similar to direct access, but it involves accessing data at random locations within the file.
Q17. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using virtual memory?
a) Increased complexity in memory management
b) Reduced system performance due to disk access
c) Limited memory space for programs
d) None of the above
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Correct Answer: b) Reduced system performance due to disk access
Explanation: While virtual memory allows a program to use more memory than is physically available on the system, it can also lead to reduced system performance due to disk access. When a program’s data or instructions are not present in physical memory, the operating system must retrieve them from disk storage, which is significantly slower than accessing data in physical memory. This process, known as paging or swapping, can cause performance degradation, especially if the system frequently needs to access data from the disk.
Q18. What is the primary purpose of a file system in an operating system?
a) To manage user accounts and authentication
b) To schedule and execute processes
c) To organize and manage files on storage devices
d) To allocate and deallocate memory to processes
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Correct Answer: c) To organize and manage files on storage devices
Explanation: The primary purpose of a file system in an operating system is to organize and manage files on storage devices. A file system provides a way to store, retrieve, and manipulate files, as well as manage the available storage space. It also ensures that files are stored in an organized manner, making it easier for users and programs to locate and access them.
Q19. Which of the following is NOT a function of memory management in an operating system?
a) Allocating and deallocating memory to processes
b) Managing process synchronization and communication
c) Ensuring efficient use of system memory
d) Managing virtual memory
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Correct Answer: b) Managing process synchronization and communication
Explanation: Managing process synchronization and communication is not a function of memory management in an operating system. Instead, this task falls under the domain of process management, which is responsible for scheduling and executing processes, as well as handling process synchronization and communication. Memory management focuses on allocating and deallocating memory to processes, ensuring efficient use of system memory, and managing virtual memory.
Q20. In a multiprocessing operating system, what is the primary advantage of using multiple processors?
a) Improved system performance and faster execution of programs
b) Increased memory space for programs
c) Reduced context-switching overhead
d) None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Improved system performance and faster execution of programs
Explanation: In a multiprocessing operating system, the primary advantage of using multiple processors is improved system performance and faster execution of programs. By allowing a single program to be executed on multiple processors simultaneously, multiprocessing enables more efficient use of system resources and can significantly reduce the time required to complete tasks.
More MCQ on Computer GK for Competitive Exams
- Introduction to Computer
- Basic Computer Organization
- Number Systems
- Computer Codes
- Processor and Memory
- Secondary Storage Devices
- Input and Output Devices
- Computer Software
- Flowchart and Computer Languages
- System Implementation
- Operating Systems
- Application Software Packages
- Business Data Processing
- Communications and Networks
- Internet Concepts and IoT
- Multimedia and File Extensions
- Classification of Computers
- Cyber Safety and Cyber Crime
- Computer Viruses and Security
- Basic Computer Shortcut Keys
- Shortcut Keys for Windows
- Shortcut Keys for MS Excel
- Shortcut Keys for MS Word
- Computer Abbreviations Set 1
- Computer Abbreviations Set 2
- Computer Abbreviations Set 3
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