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 15 of 26
Question #281
In Windows, the 'msconfig' utility is primarily used for:
A. System configuration (boot options, startup services, etc.)
B. Monitoring system performance
C. Configuring network settings
D. Managing user accounts
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
msconfig (System Configuration) allows users to modify boot parameters, enable/disable services, and manage startup programs.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #282
Which Linux command is used to compress files using the gzip algorithm?
A. gzip
B. zip
C. bzip2
D. tar
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
gzip compresses files using the Lempel-Ziv coding (LZ77) with a .gz extension; zip is a different format, and tar is an archiver.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #283
What is the purpose of the Android 'Package Manager'?
A. To handle content providers
B. To install, upgrade, and remove applications on the device
C. To manage system packages and libraries
D. To manage notifications
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Package Manager is responsible for installation, update, and removal of apps, managing APK files and application metadata.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #284
Which of the following is a valid file system for both Windows and Linux?
A. ext4
B. FAT32
C. NTFS
D. HFS+
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
FAT32 is widely supported by both Windows and Linux (and macOS) for data exchange, though NTFS has limited Linux write support.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #285
In a multiprocessing system, what is the term for the ability to run multiple threads simultaneously on different cores?
A. Concurrency
B. Multithreading
C. Parallelism
D. Hyperthreading
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Parallelism refers to executing multiple threads at the exact same time on multiple cores; concurrency is about managing multiple tasks with possible overlap.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #286
Which Windows command is used to shut down the system from the command line?
A. stop
B. poweroff
C. shutdown /s
D. exit
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
shutdown /s initiates a system shutdown; other options exist for restart or hibernate.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #287
In Linux, the '/etc/fstab' file contains:
A. Network configuration
B. User account passwords
C. File system mount points and options
D. System hostname
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
fstab (file systems table) defines how disk partitions and file systems are to be mounted at boot or manually.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #288
What is the primary role of the scheduler in an OS?
A. To select which process gets CPU time and for how long
B. To manage file storage
C. To allocate memory to processes
D. To handle I/O requests
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The CPU scheduler determines the order and duration of process execution to optimize system performance and fairness.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #289
Which of the following is a feature of the NTFS file system?
A. Maximum file size of 4 GB
B. Case-insensitive filenames
C. Lack of journaling
D. File compression and encryption
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
NTFS supports file-level compression, encryption (EFS), and journaling; it also allows large file sizes.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #290
In Android, what is the name of the runtime environment introduced in Android 5.0 to replace Dalvik?
A. ART (Android Runtime)
B. Google Runtime
C. Dalvik 2.0
D. JVM
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
ART (Android Runtime) replaced Dalvik with ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation, improving performance and reducing startup time.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #291
Which of the following is a type of multiprocessing where each processor runs its own copy of the OS?
A. Asymmetric multiprocessing
B. Symmetric clustering
C. Symmetric multiprocessing
D. Distributed processing
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
In asymmetric multiprocessing, a master processor runs the OS and allocates tasks to slave processors; each may have its own OS.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #292
What is the purpose of the Windows 'Safe Mode'?
A. To load the last known good configuration
B. To run the system with maximum performance
C. To boot with minimal drivers and services for troubleshooting
D. To enable network support for recovery
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, allowing users to diagnose and fix system issues caused by problematic software or drivers.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #293
Which Linux command is used to send a signal to a process, often to terminate it?
A. kill
B. term
C. signal
D. stop
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
kill sends a signal to a process; by default, SIGTERM terminates it; use kill -9 for forced termination.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #294
What is the main purpose of the Android 'System UI'?
A. To manage the status bar, notifications, and navigation
B. To handle app permissions
C. To provide settings interface
D. To run background services
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
System UI is a core component that renders the status bar, navigation keys, and notifications, and handles system-level user interactions.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #295
Which of the following is an example of a network operating system?
A. Windows Server
B. Linux Desktop
C. Android
D. macOS
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
A network OS like Windows Server provides services for network management, file sharing, and user administration across a network.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #296
What is the function of the 'defragmentation' utility in Windows?
A. To compress files
B. To reorganize files on a disk to improve access speed
C. To clean up unnecessary files
D. To check disk errors
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Defragmentation consolidates fragmented files, reducing seek time and improving performance on HDDs; SSDs do not require it.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #297
In Linux, the 'tar' command is used for:
A. Archiving files into a single file
B. Copying files
C. Deleting files
D. Compressing files
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
tar (tape archive) creates archive files (.tar) that bundle multiple files; it can also compress with options like -z for gzip.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #298
What is the main difference between a process and a thread?
A. Processes are scheduled, threads are not
B. There is no difference
C. A process has its own memory space, while threads share memory within a process
D. Threads are independent, while processes are not
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Processes are independent with separate memory; threads are lighter, sharing the same memory space and resources of the parent process.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #299
Which Windows key combination opens the 'Run' dialog box?
A. Windows + D
B. Windows + E
C. Windows + R
D. Windows + L
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Windows + R opens the Run dialog where commands can be entered; Windows+E opens File Explorer.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #300
In Android, which permission category protects sensitive information such as contacts and location?
A. Dangerous permissions
B. Signature permissions
C. Normal permissions
D. System permissions
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Dangerous permissions are those that could affect user privacy or device operation, requiring user approval at runtime.
This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems

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