File Access Methods: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Operating Systems

Question 1

Which file access method enables prompt retrieval of any record regardless of its physical location?

Accepted Answer

Direct access

Answer

Sequential access

Answer

Indexed access

Answer

Relative access

Question 2

Which characteristic is unique to direct access files?

Accepted Answer

Access time to any record is consistent

Answer

Records are accessed in a predefined order

Answer

Files are typically organized in blocks

Answer

Records are stored consecutively on the disk

Question 3

When is sequential access the most appropriate file access method?

Accepted Answer

Processing large volumes of data sequentially

Answer

Accessing specific records in a file

Answer

Updating records in a file efficiently

Answer

Searching for records based on specific criteria

Question 4

Which file access method allows access to records based on their position relative to the beginning of the file?

Accepted Answer

Relative access

Answer

Sequential access

Answer

Indexed access

Answer

Direct access

Question 5

What is the main drawback of using direct access files?

Accepted Answer

Increased storage requirements

Answer

Slower access to specific records

Answer

Increased complexity of file management

Answer

Reduced data integrity

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when selecting an appropriate file access method?

Accepted Answer

The operating system being used

Answer

The size of the file

Answer

The frequency of file access

Answer

The type of data stored in the file

Question 7

In a sequential access file, what occurs when a new record needs to be inserted in the middle of the file?

Accepted Answer

Existing records are shifted to accommodate the new record

Answer

The new record is added to the end of the file

Answer

The file is reorganized to create space for the new record

Answer

The operation is not possible

Question 8

Which of the following is a key limitation associated with sequential file access?

Accepted Answer

Inefficient data retrieval for non-sequential queries

Answer

Wastage of storage space due to gaps between records

Answer

Difficulty in updating and deleting records

Question 9

What is the fundamental distinction between a file and a directory in a file system?

Accepted Answer

A file stores data, while a directory organizes files and other directories

Answer

A directory stores data, while a file organizes files and other directories

Answer

There is no inherent difference between a file and a directory

Question 10

What is the primary objective of file compression?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the size of a file for efficient storage and transmission

Answer

To increase the speed of data access

Answer

To protect data from unauthorized access

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Managing files and directories on storage devices

Answer

Controlling access to hardware resources

Answer

Providing a user interface for interacting with the system

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing feature of indexed access?

Accepted Answer

Direct access to records without the need for an index

Answer

Records are organized in ascending order based on a key field

Answer

Quicker access to records than sequential access

Question 13

In a sequential access file, records are retrieved:

Accepted Answer

In the order in which they are stored

Answer

In a random order

Answer

Using a key field for direct access

Question 14

What is a key advantage of using indexed access?

Accepted Answer

Faster retrieval of records

Answer

Reduced storage requirements

Answer

Simplified implementation process

Question 15

What is the primary function of a file allocation table (FAT)?

Accepted Answer

Tracking the location of data blocks within a file

Answer

Monitoring the availability of disk space

Answer

Managing user access permissions

Question 16

What is the primary advantage of using indexed file access?

Accepted Answer

Faster retrieval of records using a key field

Answer

Increased processing efficiency

Answer

Reduced data redundancy

Answer

Enhanced data security

Question 17

Identify a potential drawback of using sequential file access:

Accepted Answer

Relatively slow retrieval of non-sequential data

Answer

Limited data security

Answer

Complex implementation

Answer

High memory consumption

Question 18

What is the primary function of a file allocation table (FAT) in a file system?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the physical location of data blocks on a storage device

Answer

To store the actual data contents of files

Answer

To control user access permissions

Question 19

Which file access method allows direct access to data based on a unique record identifier?

Accepted Answer

Direct access

Answer

Indexed access

Answer

Sequential access

Question 20

What is the main advantage of employing relative file access?

Accepted Answer

Efficient retrieval of records close to the current file position

Answer

Reduced data redundancy

Answer

Enhanced data integrity

Question 21

Which file access method is commonly used in large database management systems?

Accepted Answer

Indexed access

Answer

Relative access

Answer

Direct access

Answer

Sequential access

Question 22

What is a key benefit of using a file system as compared to raw storage?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced data organization and efficient management

Answer

Improved data encryption

Answer

Expanded storage capacity

Answer

Faster data access speed