#1 Operating System Test - 69+ MCQs: Operating System Quiz: Test Your Knowledge with Operating System Questions and Answers

1. What is the role of an operating system in a computer?

To manage hardware resources

To create documents and spreadsheets

To browse the internet

To play video games

2. In the context of file permissions, what does 'Read' permission allow a user to do?

Modify the file

View the contents of the file

Delete the file

Rename the file

3. In the context of operating systems, what does 'GUI' stand for?

Graphical User Interface

Global User Integration

General Utility Interface

Graphical User Integration

4. What is a 'process' in the context of operating systems?

A program in execution

A type of computer virus

A peripheral device

A system configuration file

5. What is a race condition in multi-threaded programming, and how can it be avoided?

A race condition is a competition between multiple threads to access shared resources, leading to unpredictable and undesirable behavior. It can be avoided using mutexes (mutual exclusion) or synchronization primitives.

A race condition is a type of marathon race organized for programmers. It can be avoided by training harder.

A race condition is a situation where one thread is faster than others, and it cannot be avoided.

A race condition is a condition that occurs only in single-threaded programs.

6. What is the main function of a device driver in an operating system?

To manage computer memory

To manage network connections

To facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices

To organize files and folders

7. What is 'file fragmentation' in the context of file systems?

A method of encrypting files

The process of breaking a file into smaller fragments

The process of defragmenting a hard drive

The scattered distribution of file data on a storage medium

8. What is the role of a device driver in an operating system?

To translate programming code into machine code

To control peripheral hardware devices

To manage software applications

To create user interfaces

10. What is 'file permissions' in the context of file systems and operating systems?

A list of files in a directory

A set of rules that determine who can access or modify a file

A file's location on a storage medium

A method of compressing files

11. What is multitasking in the context of operating systems?

Running multiple applications simultaneously

Using multiple monitors

Typing on a keyboard and using a mouse at the same time

Running a single application at a time

12. What is the purpose of a file system in an operating system?

To store and organize data files

To control the computer's power supply

To manage the CPU's clock speed

To connect to the internet

13. What is the purpose of a kernel in an operating system?

To manage hardware resources

To provide a graphical user interface

To execute user applications

To store system logs

14. What is the role of an interrupt in an operating system, and how does it affect system performance?

An interrupt is a signal generated by hardware or software to request the immediate attention of the CPU. It affects system performance by allowing the CPU to respond quickly to events and perform tasks efficiently.

An interrupt is a type of error that slows down system performance.

An interrupt is a message from the user to the operating system to stop all tasks.

An interrupt is a signal to restart the computer.

15. Which operating system is known for its use in servers and mainframes?

Windows

Linux

macOS

IBM z/OS

16. What is 'system call' in the context of operating systems?

A call for technical support

A request for a system upgrade

An interface for applications to request services from the operating system

A call made to report system errors

17. Which operating system is known for its use in scientific and research computing due to its scalability and performance?

Windows

Linux

macOS

iOS

18. What is 'spooling' in the context of operating systems?

A technique for printing multiple copies of a document

A method of storing data in a spreadsheet

A way to organize files in a directory

A process of buffering data to be processed by a device or program

19. Which component of an operating system's user interface allows users to interact with files and folders?

Task Manager

Control Panel

File Explorer (or File Manager)

Start Menu

20. Which operating system was developed by Microsoft as a successor to MS-DOS?

Windows 3.1

Windows 95

Windows XP

Windows 10

21. Which operating system is known for its use in Apple's line of personal computers?

Windows

Linux

iOS

macOS

22. Which operating system is commonly used on Apple Macintosh computers?

Windows

Linux

iOS

macOS

23. Which operating system is often used in scientific and supercomputing applications?

Windows

Linux

macOS

Android

24. What is the primary function of a file system in an operating system?

To manage computer memory

To manage network connections

To organize and store data on storage devices

To control the computer's power supply

25. Which component of the operating system is responsible for managing memory?

Kernel

Compiler

Scheduler

File system

26. What is a context switch in an OS, and why is it necessary?

It is the process of switching between different user accounts.

It is the process of switching between different applications.

It is the process of saving and restoring the state of a CPU to allow multiple processes to share the same CPU.

It is the process of switching between different operating systems.

27. Which operating system is known for its use in smartphones and tablets?

Windows

Linux

iOS

macOS

28. What is the 'shell' in the context of an operating system?

A protective outer layer of the computer

A type of operating system for submarines

A user interface for interacting with the operating system

A part of the computer's hardware

29. What is the purpose of the 'scheduler' in an operating system?

To schedule appointments for users

To manage the schedule of software updates

To manage the execution of processes and allocate CPU time

To schedule disk defragmentation tasks

30. What does 'BIOS' stand for in the context of computer systems?

Basic Input/Output System

Binary Input/Output System

Biometric Identification Operating System

Backup and Information Organization System

Operating System MCQ Test 3