Operating Systems Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of OS Fundamentals

Question 1

Identify the function that is NOT typically performed by an operating system:

Accepted Answer

Compiling source code

Answer

Managing hardware resources

Answer

Providing a user interface

Answer

Running application software

Question 2

Which command in the Linux terminal is used to change the current working directory?

Accepted Answer

cd

Answer

dir

Answer

change

Answer

navigator

Question 3

What is the role of a process scheduler in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To manage the allocation of CPU time to processes

Answer

To create and terminate processes

Answer

To handle memory management

Answer

To manage file input/output

Question 4

Which of the following is a popular open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel?

Accepted Answer

Ubuntu

Answer

Windows 10

Answer

macOS

Answer

iOS

Question 5

What is the purpose of a device driver in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To provide an interface between hardware devices and software applications

Answer

To manage memory allocation and processes

Answer

To handle file input/output

Answer

To provide a graphical user interface

Question 6

Within an operating system, which component is primarily responsible for managing system resources and providing low-level access to hardware?

Accepted Answer

Kernel

Answer

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Answer

Security Module

Answer

Processing Unit

Question 7

Which type of operating system is primarily designed for use on desktop and laptop computers?

Accepted Answer

Desktop operating system

Answer

Mainframe operating system

Answer

Mobile operating system

Answer

Embedded operating system

Question 8

Which of the following is a key component of an operating system kernel that manages the execution of processes?

Accepted Answer

Process scheduler

Answer

Memory manager

Answer

File system

Answer

Input/output controller

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

To establish communication between hardware and software components

Answer

To handle security threats and vulnerabilities

Answer

To enhance the performance of applications

Answer

To diagnose and troubleshoot hardware problems

Question 10

What is the key distinction between a command-line interface (CLI) and a GUI?

Accepted Answer

GUIs offer a more user-friendly and intuitive experience than CLIs

Answer

CLIs provide a more powerful and flexible user interface than GUIs

Answer

CLIs are only suitable for use by experienced computer users

Answer

GUIs are only available on mobile devices, while CLIs can be used on desktop and laptop computers

Question 11

Which of the following file systems is known for its enhanced security features and data protection capabilities?

Accepted Answer

NTFS

Answer

FAT32

Answer

ext4

Answer

HFS+

Question 12

What is the purpose of implementing virtual memory in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To extend the effective amount of physical memory available to the system

Answer

To boost the speed and responsiveness of applications

Answer

To enhance the reliability and stability of the operating system

Answer

To improve data security and prevent malicious attacks

Question 13

What is the primary function of a file system within an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To store and organize data on storage devices

Answer

To manage memory allocation

Answer

To control user access to files

Answer

To provide a graphical user interface

Question 14

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of a multi-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously

Answer

Supports only one user at a time

Answer

Allocates resources equally among all users

Answer

Prioritizes tasks based on user permissions

Question 15

What is the primary purpose of a device driver in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To manage communication between hardware and software

Answer

To translate user commands into machine instructions

Answer

To optimize system performance

Answer

To detect and resolve software conflicts

Question 16

What is the primary benefit of virtual memory in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To increase the amount of physical memory effectively available to the system

Answer

To improve the overall speed and responsiveness of the system

Answer

To reduce the reliance on secondary storage devices

Answer

To prevent data loss in the event of a system failure

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential drawback of using a cloud-based operating system?

Accepted Answer

Dependence on a reliable and stable internet connection

Answer

Reduced hardware acquisition and maintenance costs

Answer

Enhanced data security measures

Answer

Greater flexibility and scalability options

Question 18

Which of the following operating systems is primarily designed for smartphones and tablets?

Accepted Answer

Android

Answer

Windows

Answer

macOS

Answer

Linux

Question 19

What is the term for the core software that manages and controls the overall operation of a computer system, including the operating system and other programs?

Accepted Answer

Kernel

Answer

Applications

Answer

Utilities

Answer

Firmware

Question 20

Which of the following is a characteristic of a multi-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Allows multiple simultaneous users to access and share system resources

Answer

Designed for word processing software

Answer

Operates on personal computers only

Answer

Supports a limited number of tasks

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a real-time operating system (RTOS)?

Accepted Answer

Embedded system in a traffic light controller

Answer

Mobile device OS

Answer

Server OS

Answer

Personal computer OS

Question 22

Which of the following is a core component of an operating system's kernel?

Accepted Answer

Memory manager

Answer

File browser

Answer

Web browser

Answer

Spreadsheet

Question 23

Which of the following is a key difference between Windows and Linux operating systems?

Accepted Answer

Windows is proprietary, while Linux is open-source

Answer

Windows is more user-friendly, while Linux is more complex

Answer

Windows is primarily for gaming, while Linux is for web development

Answer

Windows is more secure, while Linux is more vulnerable

Question 24

Which of the following file systems is optimized for large storage devices like hard drives?

Accepted Answer

NTFS

Answer

HFS+

Answer

FAT32

Answer

ext4

Question 25

Which tool is primarily used to manage and monitor processes in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

Task manager

Answer

Control panel

Answer

File explorer

Answer

Command prompt

Question 26

What is the primary difference between a device driver and a hardware interface?

Accepted Answer

A device driver manages the communication between an operating system and a hardware device, while a hardware interface is the physical connection

Answer

A device driver is more complex than a hardware interface