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.

Q21. What is the main difference between pre-emptive and non-pre-emptive scheduling in an operating system?
a) Pre-emptive scheduling allows a process to be interrupted and replaced by another process, while non-pre-emptive scheduling does not
b) Pre-emptive scheduling does not allow a process to be interrupted and replaced by another process, while non-pre-emptive scheduling does
c) Pre-emptive scheduling is used in uniprogramming systems, while non-pre-emptive scheduling is used in multiprogramming systems
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: a) Pre-emptive scheduling allows a process to be interrupted and replaced by another process, while non-pre-emptive scheduling does not
Explanation: The main difference between pre-emptive and non-pre-emptive scheduling in an operating system is that pre-emptive scheduling allows a process to be interrupted and replaced by another process, while non-pre-emptive scheduling does not. In pre-emptive scheduling, the operating system can forcibly remove a running process from the processor and replace it with another process, typically based on priority or resource requirements. In non-pre-emptive scheduling, a process continues to run on the processor until it voluntarily relinquishes control, either by completing its task or by waiting for a resource.

Q22. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a time-sharing operating system?
a) Reduced system performance due to frequent context switching
b) Inefficient use of system resources
c) Limited memory space for programs
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: a) Reduced system performance due to frequent context switching
Explanation: A disadvantage of using a time-sharing operating system is reduced system performance due to frequent context switching. In a time-sharing system, each process is allocated a fixed amount of time to run on the processor, and the operating system frequently switches between processes to give the appearance of simultaneous execution. This frequent context switching can introduce overhead and reduce overall system performance, especially if the time slices are very short.

Q23. What is the main advantage of using a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
a) Improved system performance and faster execution of programs
b) Guaranteed response times for time-critical tasks
c) Reduced context-switching overhead
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: b) Guaranteed response times for time-critical tasks
Explanation: The main advantage of using a real-time operating system (RTOS) is that it provides guaranteed response times for time-critical tasks. An RTOS is designed to handle tasks with strict timing constraints, ensuring that they are executed within a specified deadline. This is particularly important in systems where timely responses to external events are crucial, such as in embedded systems, industrial control systems, and safety-critical applications.

Q24. Which of the following is a common technique used to improve system performance in a virtual memory system?
a) Paging
b) Swapping
c) Caching
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: c) Caching
Explanation: Caching is a common technique used to improve system performance in a virtual memory system. Since accessing data from disk storage is significantly slower than accessing data in physical memory, caching is used to store frequently accessed data in a faster memory area, such as the CPU cache or main memory. This reduces the need for disk access and improves overall system performance.

Q25. Which of the following is NOT a component of an operating system’s file management system?
a) File allocation table
b) Directory structure
c) Process control block
d) File access methods

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Correct Answer: c) Process control block
Explanation: The process control block (PCB) is not a component of an operating system’s file management system. Instead, the PCB is a data structure used by the operating system to store information about a process, such as its state, priority, and memory allocation. Components of a file management system include the file allocation table, directory structure, and file access methods, which are used to organize and manage files on storage devices.

Q26. In a multiprocessor system, what is the primary purpose of process affinity?
a) To allocate memory to processes
b) To schedule and execute processes
c) To assign processes to specific processors
d) To organize and manage files on storage devices

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Correct Answer: c) To assign processes to specific processors
Explanation: In a multiprocessor system, the primary purpose of process affinity is to assign processes to specific processors. Process affinity can be used to improve system performance by ensuring that a process runs on the same processor throughout its execution, reducing the overhead associated with moving data between processors. This can be particularly beneficial in systems with non-uniform memory access (NUMA) architectures, where memory access times can vary depending on the processor accessing the memory.

Q27. What is the main difference between a monolithic kernel and a microkernel in an operating system?
a) A monolithic kernel includes all operating system functions in a single module, while a microkernel separates functions into smaller, independent modules
b) A monolithic kernel separates operating system functions into smaller, independent modules, while a microkernel includes all functions in a single module
c) A monolithic kernel is used in uniprogramming systems, while a microkernel is used in multiprogramming systems
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: a) A monolithic kernel includes all operating system functions in a single module, while a microkernel separates functions into smaller, independent modules
Explanation: The main difference between a monolithic kernel and a microkernel in an operating system is that a monolithic kernel includes all operating system functions in a single module, while a microkernel separates functions into smaller, independent modules. Monolithic kernels tend to be larger and more complex, but they can offer better performance due to reduced inter-module communication overhead. Microkernels, on the other hand, are smaller and more modular, which can make them easier to maintain and update.

Q28. Which of the following is a common technique used to improve system performance in a time-sharing operating system?
a) Preemptive scheduling
b) Non-preemptive scheduling
c) Process affinity
d) None of the above

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Correct Answer: a) Preemptive scheduling
Explanation: Preemptive scheduling is a common technique used to improve system performance in a time-sharing operating system. In preemptive scheduling, the operating system can forcibly remove a running process from the processor and replace it with another process, typically based on priority or resource requirements. This allows the operating system to efficiently allocate processor time among multiple processes, ensuring that each process gets a fair share of the processor’s time and improving overall system performance.

Q29. Which of the following is NOT a function of device management in an operating system?
a) Allocating and controlling peripheral devices
b) Managing process synchronization and communication
c) Handling device interrupts and errors
d) Providing a uniform interface for device drivers

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Correct Answer: b) Managing process synchronization and communication
Explanation: Managing process synchronization and communication is not a function of device 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. Device management focuses on allocating and controlling peripheral devices, handling device interrupts and errors, and providing a uniform interface for device drivers.

Q30. In a memory management system, what is the primary purpose of a memory allocation table?
a) To keep track of the memory space allocated to each process
b) To schedule and execute processes
c) To organize and manage files on storage devices
d) To allocate and control peripheral devices

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Correct Answer: a) To keep track of the memory space allocated to each process
Explanation: In a memory management system, the primary purpose of a memory allocation table is to keep track of the memory space allocated to each process. The memory allocation table is a data structure used by the operating system to store information about the memory blocks assigned to processes, including their size and location. This allows the operating system to efficiently allocate and deallocate memory to processes, ensuring that system memory is used effectively.

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