Operating Systems: A Comprehensive Guide for Year 12 ICT Students

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of virtual memory?

Accepted Answer

To extend the amount of physical memory available

Answer

To speed up application loading

Answer

To improve data security

Answer

To reduce the number of page faults

Question 2

What is the main role of the kernel in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To manage hardware resources and provide services to other software

Answer

To execute user applications

Answer

To store user data

Answer

To provide a graphical user interface

Question 3

Which of the following is an advantage of using a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced user-friendliness and ease of navigation

Answer

Improved security against malware

Answer

Increased processing speed

Answer

Reduced memory consumption

Question 4

What is the primary function of a device driver?

Accepted Answer

To translate commands from the operating system into signals that hardware devices can understand

Answer

To allocate memory to user applications

Answer

To manage file systems

Answer

To protect the operating system from unauthorized access

Question 5

What is a key difference between a process and a thread?

Accepted Answer

Threads share the same memory space, while processes do not.

Answer

Processes share the same memory space, while threads do not.

Answer

Threads are independent units of execution, while processes are not.

Answer

Processes are independent units of execution, while threads are not.

Question 6

Which of the following is a core function of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

Process management

Answer

Data backup

Answer

Internet browsing

Answer

Social networking

Question 7

In process management, what is the primary responsibility of a scheduler?

Accepted Answer

Determining which process should execute next on the CPU

Answer

Allocating memory to processes

Answer

Handling input and output requests

Answer

Managing file storage

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Organizing and storing files on a storage device

Answer

Executing application programs

Answer

Providing a user interface for interacting with the computer

Answer

Controlling input and output operations

Question 9

What is the primary benefit of using a virtual machine?

Accepted Answer

Running multiple operating systems on a single physical computer

Answer

Boosting the performance of specific applications

Answer

Providing a secure testing environment for software

Answer

Establishing a remote connection to a distant computer

Question 10

Which of the following poses a significant security risk to operating systems?

Accepted Answer

Malware

Answer

Hardware failure

Answer

User error

Answer

Power outages

Question 11

What is the name of the operating system primarily used on Apple Macintosh computers?

Accepted Answer

macOS

Answer

Windows

Answer

Linux

Answer

Chrome OS

Question 12

What is the primary function of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To manage computer hardware and resources

Answer

To provide a platform for application software

Answer

To store and retrieve data from storage devices

Answer

To protect the computer from malware and viruses

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a key component of process management in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

File management

Answer

Scheduling

Answer

Synchronization

Answer

Error handling

Question 14

Virtual memory allows an operating system to:

Accepted Answer

Run more programs simultaneously than physical memory allows

Answer

Increase the speed of data access from disk

Answer

Prevent unauthorized access to memory

Answer

Recover data in case of a system failure

Question 15

Which file system type is commonly used for portable storage devices like USB drives?

Accepted Answer

FAT32

Answer

NTFS

Answer

Ext4

Answer

HFS+

Question 16

The technique used by an operating system to dynamically allocate memory to processes as needed is called:

Accepted Answer

Paging

Answer

Segmentation

Answer

Virtualization

Answer

Caching

Question 17

Which of the following is an advantage of using a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Accepted Answer

Ease of use for non-technical users

Answer

Increased productivity for experienced users

Answer

Reduced memory usage

Answer

Improved security

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of operating system kernel?

Accepted Answer

Client

Answer

Monolithic

Answer

Microkernel

Answer

Hybrid

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between a single-user operating system and a multi-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Multi-user operating systems allow for multiple users to access the same computer simultaneously

Answer

Single-user operating systems can only be used on one computer at a time

Answer

Multi-user operating systems provide better security for user data

Answer

Single-user operating systems are faster than multi-user operating systems

Question 20

Which of the following performance metrics specifically measures the average time elapsed from when a process is submitted to when it completes execution?

Accepted Answer

Average turnaround time

Answer

Throughput

Answer

Waiting time

Answer

Response time

Question 21

Which emerging trend in operating system research and development is likely to have a major impact on future system design?

Accepted Answer

Increased use of containers and microservices architectures

Answer

Emphasis on maintaining backward compatibility at the expense of innovation

Answer

Elimination of graphical user interfaces in favor of command-line interfaces

Answer

Greater focus on centralized operating systems

Question 22

Which advancement enabled operating systems to transition from single-user to multi-user systems?

Accepted Answer

Time-sharing

Answer

Virtual memory

Answer

Graphical user interfaces

Answer

Cloud computing

Question 23

What is the main purpose of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To manage computer hardware resources

Answer

To execute user applications

Answer

To store data

Answer

To provide a graphical interface

Question 24

Which process management technique allows an operating system to run multiple programs at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Multitasking

Answer

Multithreading

Answer

Virtualization

Answer

Hyperthreading

Question 25

Which memory management technique divides memory into fixed-size blocks?

Accepted Answer

Segmentation

Answer

Paging

Answer

Swapping

Answer

Virtual memory

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a type of operating system kernel?

Accepted Answer

Nanokernel

Answer

Monolithic kernel

Answer

Microkernel

Answer

Hybrid kernel

Question 27

Which operating system is known for its open-source nature and high degree of customization?

Accepted Answer

Linux

Answer

Windows

Answer

macOS

Answer

Android

Question 28

What is a primary advantage of using a virtual machine?

Accepted Answer

Isolating different operating systems

Answer

Combining computer resources

Answer

Boosting overall performance

Answer

Reducing hardware expenses

Question 29

Which operating system is commonly found on smartphones?

Accepted Answer

Android

Answer

Windows

Answer

Linux

Answer

macOS

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical consideration in the design and implementation of operating systems?

Accepted Answer

User accessibility

Answer

Data privacy

Answer

Data security

Answer

System reliability

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

Data manipulation

Answer

Process management

Answer

Memory management

Answer

File management

Question 32

What is the primary objective of process management in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To control the execution of computer programs

Answer

To allocate memory resources to programs

Answer

To manage data storage devices

Answer

To provide a user-friendly interface

Question 33

What is the primary distinction between a file and a directory within a file system?

Accepted Answer

Files contain data, while directories organize files and subdirectories

Answer

Directories contain data, while files organize files and subdirectories

Answer

Files are a type of directory

Answer

Directories are a type of file

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Accepted Answer

Improved security

Answer

Enhanced ease of use

Answer

Increased productivity

Answer

Visual representation of information

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

To facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices

Answer

To manage user accounts

Answer

To control program execution

Answer

To provide a visual user interface

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a type of operating system kernel?

Accepted Answer

Distributed

Answer

Monolithic

Answer

Microkernel

Answer

Hybrid

Question 37

What is the key difference between a batch operating system and a real-time operating system?

Accepted Answer

Batch operating systems process jobs in batches, while real-time operating systems process jobs immediately

Answer

Real-time operating systems process jobs in batches, while batch operating systems process jobs immediately

Answer

Batch operating systems are more efficient than real-time operating systems

Answer

Real-time operating systems are more efficient than batch operating systems

Question 38

What is the fundamental difference between a command-line interface (CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Accepted Answer

CLIs use text commands for interaction, while GUIs use graphical elements

Answer

GUIs use text commands for interaction, while CLIs use graphical elements

Answer

CLIs are more efficient than GUIs

Answer

GUIs are more efficient than CLIs

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a core function of an operating system?

Accepted Answer

Video editing

Answer

Process management

Answer

Memory management

Answer

Hardware control

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

To determine the order of process execution

Answer

To allocate memory to processes

Answer

To manage file systems

Answer

To handle user input and output

Question 41

Which memory management technique involves dividing memory into fixed-size units called pages?

Accepted Answer

Paging

Answer

Segmentation

Answer

Virtual memory

Answer

Swapping

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

To organize and store files on a storage device

Answer

To track processes currently running in the system

Answer

To manage memory resources

Answer

To control access to hardware devices

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a multi-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Limited resource sharing

Answer

Enhanced security

Answer

Increased performance

Answer

Multitasking

Question 44

What is the key distinction between a kernel and a shell in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

A kernel manages hardware while a shell provides user interface

Answer

A shell manages hardware while a kernel provides user interface

Answer

A kernel and a shell perform identical functions

Answer

A shell is only found in text-based user interfaces

Question 45

Which of the following is a type of distributed operating system?

Accepted Answer

Client-server

Answer

Centralized

Answer

Multi-user

Answer

Real-time

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

To control and communicate with hardware devices

Answer

To translate user commands into machine code

Answer

To manage memory resources

Answer

To provide a graphical user interface

Question 47

The primary function of an operating system is to:

Accepted Answer

Manage computer hardware and resources

Answer

Perform complex mathematical calculations

Answer

Develop and execute application software

Answer

Provide a graphical user interface

Question 48

Which process scheduling algorithm prioritizes processes based on their arrival time?

Accepted Answer

First-Come First-Served (FCFS)

Answer

Shortest Job First (SJF)

Answer

Round-Robin

Answer

Priority-Based

Question 49

In memory management, page tables are used to:

Accepted Answer

Translate virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses

Answer

Store data and code that is currently being executed

Answer

Manage the allocation and deallocation of memory space

Answer

Optimize cache performance

Question 50

In a file system, which attribute specifies the permissions users have to access a file?

Accepted Answer

File permissions

Answer

Filename

Answer

File size

Answer

File type

Question 51

In an operating system, the kernel and the shell are distinct components that perform different functions. Which of the following options correctly describes their roles?

Accepted Answer

The kernel is the core of the operating system and manages system resources, while the shell provides a user interface.

Answer

The shell is the core of the operating system and executes user commands, while the kernel provides a user interface.

Answer

Both the kernel and shell perform the same functions.

Answer

The kernel manages file systems, while the shell handles process management.

Question 52

Which of the following is an advantage of using a multi-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Increased productivity and resource sharing

Answer

Improved security and user isolation

Answer

Lower hardware costs and simplified maintenance

Answer

Enhanced gaming performance and multimedia capabilities

Question 53

In an operating system, the purpose of interrupt handling is to:

Accepted Answer

Handle hardware events, requests from applications, and manage system interrupts

Answer

Manage the allocation and scheduling of CPU time for processes

Answer

Store and retrieve data from memory and provide memory management

Answer

Provide a user-friendly graphical interface

Question 54

Which of the following is a characteristic of a real-time operating system?

Accepted Answer

Predictable and timely response to events and strict adherence to deadlines

Answer

High level of multitasking and resource sharing

Answer

Extensive graphical user interface and user-friendly features

Answer

Low memory requirements and limited processing capabilities

Question 55

In an operating system, the primary purpose of a device driver is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide an interface between the operating system and hardware devices, enabling communication and data exchange

Answer

Manage the allocation and deallocation of memory and optimize memory usage

Answer

Interpret and execute user commands and provide a command-line interface

Answer

Provide a graphical user interface and manage desktop environments

Question 56

What is the primary purpose of process management in an operating system?

Accepted Answer

To create, manage, and terminate running programs

Answer

To allocate memory efficiently to different processes

Answer

To control access to shared resources like files and memory

Answer

To perform input and output operations on behalf of programs

Question 57

Which memory management technique involves dividing memory into fixed-size blocks called pages?

Accepted Answer

Paged memory management

Answer

Segmented memory management

Answer

Virtual memory management

Answer

Dynamic memory management

Question 58

What is the key role of the file allocation table (FAT) in a file system?

Accepted Answer

To store the locations of data blocks belonging to files on a storage device

Answer

To keep track of file and directory usage and availability

Answer

To manage access permissions and control user privileges

Answer

To optimize the speed and efficiency of file access

Question 59

What is the primary distinction between a multi-user and a single-user operating system?

Accepted Answer

Multi-user OS allows multiple users to access the same computer simultaneously

Answer

Single-user OS requires a graphical user interface, while multi-user OS does not

Answer

Multi-user OS provides better security features compared to single-user OS

Answer

Single-user OS is more efficient in resource utilization than multi-user OS

Question 60

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

Accepted Answer

To act as an interface between hardware devices and the operating system

Answer

To optimize the performance of specific hardware components

Answer

To manage system resources and allocate them to hardware devices

Answer

To handle user input and output operations

Question 61

Which of the following is a characteristic of a real-time operating system?

Accepted Answer

Deterministic and predictable response to events within strict time constraints

Answer

Emphasis on a graphical user interface for user interaction

Answer

Support for multitasking and multithreading to handle multiple tasks concurrently

Answer

High memory usage due to the need for fast and reliable data processing

Question 62

What is the key difference between a batch operating system and an interactive operating system?

Accepted Answer

Batch OS executes jobs in batches without user intervention, while interactive OS responds to commands immediately

Answer

Batch OS requires a graphical user interface, while interactive OS does not

Answer

Batch OS is more efficient for large-scale processing, while interactive OS is better for real-time applications

Answer

Batch OS is outdated and no longer used, while interactive OS is still widely adopted

Question 63

Identify the primary responsibility of an operating system:

Accepted Answer

Managing hardware resources effectively

Answer

Executing user applications seamlessly

Answer

Providing an intuitive graphical user interface

Answer

Storing data securely and permanently

Question 64

Which scheduling algorithm allocates fixed time slots to processes?

Accepted Answer

Round-robin scheduling

Answer

First-come, first-served (FCFS)

Answer

Priority scheduling

Answer

Shortest job first (SJF) scheduling