What is the primary difference between Multitasking and Multiprocessing operating systems? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

What is the primary difference between Multitasking and Multiprocessing operating systems?
A. Multitasking requires multiple physical microprocessors, while multiprocessing runs on a single core.
B. There is no difference; both terms represent the exact same technology.
C. Multiprocessing handles only peripheral devices, while multitasking manages user files.
D. Multitasking switches between multiple programs on a single CPU, while Multiprocessing executes multiple tasks simultaneously using two or more CPUs.
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Multitasking simulates concurrent execution by rapidly switching a single CPU across tasks, whereas multiprocessing uses multiple distinct CPUs or cores to execute tasks truly concurrently.

Discuss this Question (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!

Practice More Operating Systems Questions

Question #1
In Linux, the 'export' command is used to:
A. All of the above
B. Make a variable global
C. Display environment variables
D. Set environment variables that are passed to child processes

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
export makes shell variables available to subprocesses; without options, it lists exported variables.

This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #2
What is the main benefit of using threads over processes for multitasking?
A. Threads can run on multiple cores simultaneously
B. Threads share memory space, reducing context-switching overhead and communication costs
C. Threads are more secure
D. Threads are easier to implement

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Threads within the same process share memory and resources, making context switching and inter-thread communication faster and less resource-intensive.

This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems
Question #3
What does a 'Page Table Base Register (PTBR)' store in a hardware configuration?
A. The physical memory address pointing to the start of the active process's page table.
B. The layout coordinates of the desktop wallpaper.
C. The current CPU clock frequency.
D. The total count of connected external monitor screens.

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The PTBR is a dedicated processor register that holds the physical starting address of the active thread's page table map.

This question belongs to: Computer Operating Systems