Operating Systems MCQs

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Operating Systems MCQs

Practice Operating System MCQs covering Windows, Linux, Android, booting, multitasking and multiprocessing concepts with answers and explanations.

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Total Questions

Practice Questions

Page 11 of 26
Question #201
Which system file contains local static mappings of domain names to IP addresses, checked before querying external DNS servers in Windows and Linux?
A. networks list
B. services config
C. hosts file
D. resolv.conf
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
The 'hosts' file is a standard operating system text file that maps hostnames directly to network IP addresses, bypassing external DNS lookups.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #202
What is the primary function of the 'Shell' component in Linux distributions?
A. To manage physical RAM refresh cycles.
B. To compile application source code.
C. To provide physical protection to storage devices.
D. To interpret text-based commands from the user and interface with the operating system kernel.
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The shell is a command language interpreter that executes commands entered via text terminals or input shell script sequences.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #203
Which Windows 11 feature allows users to organize open windows into distinct spatial arrangements on the screen to optimize multitasking?
A. Windows Hello
B. Snap Layouts
C. Dynamic Refresh Rate
D. Virtual Desktops
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Snap Layouts allow users to organize multiple application windows across different layout zones on a display screen.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #204
What type of kernel configuration runs basic scheduling routines in kernel space but offloads device drivers and file systems to user space to maximize stability?
A. Exokernel Layout
B. Microkernel
C. Monolithic Kernel
D. Hybrid Architecture
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Microkernels improve system resilience by restricting kernel space to essential primitives, isolating driver crashes from bringing down the core OS.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #205
Which of the following is the primary function of an operating system?
A. To execute user applications directly without hardware interaction
B. To convert high-level programming language to machine code
C. To manage hardware resources and provide services for application software
D. To design graphical user interfaces for all programs
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
The OS manages hardware resources (CPU, memory, I/O) and provides services to applications, acting as an intermediary.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #206
In Windows, which tool is used to manage hardware devices and their drivers?
A. Device Manager
B. Control Panel
C. Task Manager
D. Registry Editor
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Device Manager allows users to view and manage hardware devices, update drivers, and troubleshoot device issues.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #207
Which Linux command is used to change the permissions of a file?
A. chgrp
B. umask
C. chown
D. chmod
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The chmod (change mode) command modifies file permissions (read, write, execute) for owner, group, and others.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #208
What does the acronym BIOS stand for?
A. Binary Integrated Operating System
B. Boot Initialization Operating System
C. Basic Input Output System
D. Basic Internal Operating Software
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System, firmware that initializes hardware during booting and provides runtime services.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #209
In multitasking, what is the term for the switching of the CPU between processes?
A. Process migration
B. Time slicing
C. Context switching
D. Interrupt handling
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Context switching involves saving the state of a process and loading another process's state, allowing multitasking.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #210
Which Windows version was the first to introduce the Start Menu?
A. Windows 98
B. Windows NT
C. Windows 3.1
D. Windows 95
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Windows 95 introduced the Start Menu as a central point for accessing programs and settings.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #211
In Linux, what is the root user's home directory?
A. /home/root
B. /usr/root
C. /var/root
D. /root
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The root user's home directory is /root, separate from other users' home directories under /home.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #212
What is the primary difference between multiprocessing and multitasking?
A. Multiprocessing uses multiple CPUs, while multitasking uses a single CPU
B. Both are the same concept
C. Multiprocessing refers to running multiple programs, multitasking to multiple threads
D. Multitasking uses multiple CPUs, while multiprocessing uses a single CPU
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Multiprocessing involves multiple physical CPUs/cores to execute processes concurrently, whereas multitasking is the ability to run multiple processes on one CPU via time-sharing.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #213
Which component of Windows stores configuration settings for hardware, software, and users?
A. Registry
B. Event Viewer
C. Group Policy
D. System Configuration
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings for the OS, applications, and hardware.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #214
What is the default file system used by Windows 10 and 11?
A. ext4
B. FAT32
C. NTFS
D. exFAT
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Windows uses NTFS (New Technology File System) as its default file system for internal drives, supporting security, compression, and large files.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #215
In Android, what is the name of the application framework that allows apps to interact with system services?
A. Android Framework
B. Linux Kernel
C. ART (Android Runtime)
D. Dalvik Virtual Machine
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The Android Framework provides APIs for apps to access system services like location, sensors, and notifications.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #216
Which type of booting occurs when the system starts from a powered-off state?
A. Soft boot
B. Cold boot
C. Warm boot
D. Reboot
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
A cold boot is starting the computer from a completely powered-off state, performing full POST and boot sequence.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #217
Which Linux command displays information about system processes in real-time?
A. kill
B. top
C. ps
D. systemd
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
The 'top' command shows a dynamic, real-time view of running processes, CPU usage, memory, and more.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #218
What is the kernel of an operating system?
A. The bootloader
B. A set of system utilities
C. The core component that manages hardware and system resources
D. The graphical user interface
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
The kernel is the central part of an OS, responsible for memory management, process scheduling, and hardware communication.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #219
Which Windows utility is used to view and terminate running processes and applications?
A. System Information
B. Control Panel
C. File Explorer
D. Task Manager
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Task Manager provides a list of running processes, performance data, and allows users to end tasks or processes.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #220
In Linux, which command is used to create a new directory?
A. mkdir
B. rmdir
C. create
D. newdir
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
mkdir (make directory) creates a new directory in the file system.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems

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