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 12 of 26
Question #221
What is the main advantage of preemptive multitasking over cooperative multitasking?
A. The OS can force CPU time allocation, preventing a process from monopolizing the CPU
B. Processes voluntarily yield CPU time
C. It requires less memory
D. It is simpler to implement
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Preemptive multitasking allows the OS to interrupt a process and allocate CPU to others, ensuring fairness; cooperative relies on processes to yield.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #222
Which of the following is a Linux distribution?
A. Android
B. macOS
C. Windows 10
D. Ubuntu
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution (distro) based on Debian.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #223
What does the acronym UEFI stand for?
A. Universal Extended Firmware Interface
B. Unified External Firmware Integration
C. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
D. Universal Extensible Firmware Integration
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
UEFI is a modern firmware interface that replaces BIOS, offering faster boot, secure boot, and support for large hard drives.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #224
In Windows, the shortcut key to open Task Manager directly is:
A. Alt + F4
B. Ctrl + Alt + Del
C. Ctrl + Shift + Esc
D. Windows + R
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Ctrl+Shift+Esc opens Task Manager directly without the security screen, while Ctrl+Alt+Del brings up a menu.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #225
Which Linux command is used to display the current working directory?
A. cd
B. echo
C. ls
D. pwd
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
pwd (print working directory) outputs the absolute path of the current directory.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #226
What is the role of the bootloader in the boot process?
A. To manage file systems
B. To provide a user interface during boot
C. To perform hardware diagnostics
D. To load the operating system kernel into memory
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The bootloader (e.g., GRUB, Windows Boot Manager) loads the OS kernel and passes control to it.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #227
Which of the following is a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) system?
A. A system that uses distributed memory
B. A system with one processor and multiple cores
C. A system with multiple processors each with their own memory
D. A system with multiple processors sharing a single memory space and OS
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
SMP architecture has multiple CPUs sharing a single main memory and OS, with equal access to resources.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #228
In Android, which component is responsible for managing the lifecycle of activities?
A. Package Manager
B. Content Provider
C. Window Manager
D. Activity Manager
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Activity Manager manages the lifecycle of activities (screens) and handles back stack and transitions.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #229
What is the maximum partition size supported by the FAT32 file system?
A. 2 GB
B. 2 TB
C. 32 GB
D. 8 TB
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
FAT32 supports partitions up to 2 TB (with 512-byte sectors) and file sizes up to 4 GB.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #230
Which Windows feature allows multiple virtual desktops?
A. Task View
B. Windows Snap
C. Virtual Desktop Manager
D. Multiple Desktops
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Task View in Windows 10/11 allows creating, managing, and switching between multiple virtual desktops.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #231
In Linux, what is the default shell for many distributions?
A. bash
B. zsh
C. sh
D. csh
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Bash (Bourne Again SHell) is the default shell on most Linux distributions.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #232
Which process state indicates that a process is waiting for an event (like I/O completion)?
A. Blocked/Waiting
B. Ready
C. Terminated
D. Running
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
A blocked/waiting process is unable to continue until a specific event occurs, such as I/O completion or a signal.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #233
What is the primary purpose of virtual memory?
A. To extend physical memory using disk storage
B. To provide a permanent storage for files
C. To reduce power consumption
D. To increase CPU speed
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Virtual memory uses a portion of the hard disk as an extension of RAM, allowing processes to use more memory than physically available.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #234
Which command in Windows is used to check the integrity of system files?
A. chkdsk
B. systeminfo
C. dism
D. sfc /scannow
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
System File Checker (sfc /scannow) scans and repairs corrupted system files in Windows.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #235
In Linux, the file /etc/passwd contains:
A. User account information
B. System hostname
C. Group information
D. Encrypted passwords
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
/etc/passwd stores user account data such as username, UID, home directory, and shell; passwords are stored separately in /etc/shadow.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #236
Which type of OS allows multiple users to work on the same system simultaneously?
A. Distributed OS
B. Multi-user OS
C. Real-time OS
D. Embedded OS
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Multi-user operating systems enable multiple users to concurrently access system resources, each with their own session (e.g., Linux, Windows Server).
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #237
In Windows, the 'ipconfig' command is used to:
A. Reset network adapters
B. Configure IP address permanently
C. Test network connectivity
D. Display network configuration information
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
ipconfig displays the current IP configuration, including IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #238
Which of the following is a multitasking operating system?
A. CP/M
B. Windows 10
C. FreeDOS
D. MS-DOS
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Windows 10 supports multitasking, allowing multiple applications to run concurrently; MS-DOS was single-tasking.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #239
What is the purpose of the Linux 'grep' command?
A. Copy files
B. List directory contents
C. Move files
D. Search for patterns in text
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
grep (global regular expression print) searches for lines matching a pattern in files or input.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #240
Which boot mode enables the use of a GPT partition table for drives larger than 2 TB?
A. Legacy BIOS
B. UEFI
C. CSM
D. Secure Boot
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
UEFI supports GPT (GUID Partition Table) which allows partitions larger than 2 TB, unlike MBR used in legacy BIOS.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems

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