While running many apps, which OS function prevents one app from unfairly using CPU for too long
A Disk formatting
B File encryption
C Preemptive scheduling
D Screen scaling
Explanation: Preemptive scheduling lets the OS interrupt a running process and give CPU time to others. This improves fairness and responsiveness, especially when an application hangs or runs heavy tasks continuously.
If a process is waiting for disk read to finish, which OS state is most accurate
A Running state
B Blocked state
C Ready state
D New state
Explanation: A blocked process cannot continue until an event occurs, such as I/O completion. The OS removes it from CPU scheduling temporarily and runs another ready process to keep CPU use efficient.
Which OS feature creates the “feeling” of simultaneous work by switching tasks quickly
A Time sharing
B Disk mirroring
C File indexing
D Audio mixing
Explanation: Time sharing divides CPU time among processes in small slices. Fast switching makes multiple programs appear to run together, improving interactive use while the OS keeps execution controlled and fair.
Which type of OS is most appropriate for a factory sensor system needing guaranteed response time
A Batch OS
B Desktop OS
C Real-time OS
D Mobile OS
Explanation: Real-time operating systems are designed for predictable timing. They ensure tasks meet deadlines, which is critical for control systems like sensors, robots, and industrial automation where late response can be unsafe.
When many users log into a server and use shared resources, which OS capability is essential
A Single-task mode
B Offline mode
C Embedded mode
D Multiuser support
Explanation: Multiuser support allows separate accounts, permissions, and sessions on the same system. The OS isolates users and manages CPU, memory, and storage access so multiple users can work safely.
Which OS type makes connected computers cooperate and share resources as a single system idea
A Distributed OS
B Embedded OS
C Batch OS
D Mobile OS
Explanation: A distributed OS coordinates multiple networked computers and shares workload and resources. It can improve reliability and performance by distributing tasks and providing transparent access to shared services.
In operating systems, what is the main purpose of the “shell” for everyday users
A Disk partition tool
B Memory allocation unit
C User command interface
D Boot firmware
Explanation: The shell is the user-facing interface that accepts commands or user actions and starts programs. It provides a way to interact with OS services while the kernel handles low-level control.
Which GUI element helps users start programs quickly from a list of available apps
A Page table
B Boot loader
C Swap space
D Application menu
Explanation: An application menu groups installed programs into a searchable list. It simplifies launching apps without needing command typing, and helps users discover system tools and frequently used programs.
In a GUI file manager, what does a shortcut mainly provide
A Link to item
B Copy of file
C New user profile
D Encrypted folder
Explanation: A shortcut is a pointer to a program, file, or folder, not the actual content. It provides quick access to the target location, saving time and keeping desktop or menus organized.
Which accessibility feature helps users by enlarging text and screen content clearly
A Disk cleanup
B Magnifier tool
C Device manager
D Task scheduler
Explanation: Magnifier enlarges parts of the screen to improve readability for users with low vision. It helps view small text, icons, and details without changing the actual file or application content.
Which OS concept describes the running instance of an application with its own resources
A Directory
B Sector
C Process
D Driver
Explanation: A process is a program in execution with its own memory space, state, and resources. The OS schedules processes, tracks their usage, and isolates them to reduce crashes and security risks.
Which statement best distinguishes a thread from a process in basic OS understanding
A Thread shares process memory
B Thread owns full memory
C Process is always smaller
D Thread runs on disk
Explanation: Threads exist inside a process and share its memory and resources, while each process has its own separate address space. Threads are lighter and can improve performance in parallel tasks.
Which memory management method reduces external fragmentation using fixed-size blocks
A Segmentation
B Spooling
C Logging
D Paging
Explanation: Paging divides memory into fixed-size pages and frames, so allocation does not require one large continuous block. This reduces external fragmentation and helps the OS manage memory efficiently.
A page fault happens when a program tries to access what situation
A File is read-only
B CPU is overheating
C Page not in RAM
D Keyboard is unplugged
Explanation: A page fault occurs when the needed page is not currently loaded in physical memory. The OS pauses the process, loads the page from disk, updates mappings, and continues execution.
Which file system concept stores file permissions and ownership information
A Screen buffer
B File metadata
C CPU register
D Boot sector
Explanation: File metadata includes information like permissions, owner, size, timestamps, and storage pointers. The OS uses metadata to enforce access control and manage files reliably in directories.
Which permission is mainly required to run a script file as a program in many systems
A Read permission
B Write permission
C Execute permission
D Hidden attribute
Explanation: Execute permission allows the OS to run a file as a program or script. Without execute rights, a user may read the file but cannot start it directly as an executable.
What is the key purpose of a boot loader in the startup sequence
A Load OS kernel
B Remove temp files
C Create user account
D Manage open windows
Explanation: The boot loader runs after BIOS/UEFI initialization and loads the OS kernel into memory. It starts essential boot components so the operating system can take control of the computer.
Which firmware performs hardware checks and selects the boot device at power-on
A File explorer
B Task manager
C BIOS or UEFI
D Device driver
Explanation: BIOS/UEFI initializes hardware, runs basic checks, and finds a bootable device. It then hands control to the boot loader, which begins loading the operating system.
Which OS startup type is a full start from power-off, not a restart
A Warm boot
B Soft lock
C Fast user switch
D Cold boot
Explanation: A cold boot occurs when the system powers on from a completely off state. It performs full hardware initialization checks and then starts loading the operating system.
Which OS tool is commonly used to end a frozen application without restarting the computer
A Disk Management
B Task Manager
C Event Viewer
D Control Panel
Explanation: Task Manager shows running applications and processes and allows ending unresponsive tasks. This helps restore system responsiveness and frees resources without needing a full system reboot.
Which utility is used to view hardware devices and check driver errors in Windows
A Disk Cleanup
B Task Scheduler
C Device Manager
D File Explorer
Explanation: Device Manager lists installed hardware and shows driver status and errors. It supports updating, disabling, uninstalling, or rolling back drivers when devices fail or behave incorrectly.
Which utility helps review system error logs with timestamps for troubleshooting issues
A Event Viewer
B Paint app
C Calculator
D Notepad
Explanation: Event Viewer records system and application events, including warnings and errors. It helps identify what failed, when it happened, and which service or driver may be responsible.
Which OS tool helps manage partitions, format drives, and assign drive letters
A Task Manager
B Device Manager
C Disk Management
D Event Viewer
Explanation: Disk Management provides a visual interface to create, delete, extend, and format partitions. It also assigns drive letters, helping organize storage and prepare new disks for use.
Which OS utility removes temporary files and frees space safely
A Performance Monitor
B System Restore
C Services console
D Disk Cleanup
Explanation: Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, caches, and other unnecessary system data. It frees disk space and improves system maintenance without deleting important personal documents when used properly.
Which OS feature helps protect a computer by filtering incoming and outgoing network connections
A Clipboard
B Firewall
C Window manager
D Page table
Explanation: A firewall applies rules to network traffic, blocking unauthorized connections and allowing safe ones. It reduces attack risk from networks, especially when using public Wi-Fi or unknown networks.
Which OS tool is best for changing system settings like display, accounts, network, and privacy
A Boot loader
B Swap space
C Settings
D BIOS chip
Explanation: Settings is the central place to configure OS options like display, accounts, network, privacy, and updates. It makes system configuration easier without needing command-line tools or manual file changes..
Which feature lets the system return to an earlier stable state after a faulty update
A System Restore
B Disk Cleanup
C File Explorer
D Task Scheduler
Explanation: System Restore reverts system files and settings to a saved restore point. It is useful when a driver or update causes problems, helping recover stability without typically removing personal files.
Which account type generally has the power to install software for all users and change system-wide settings
A Guest account
B Standard account
C Limited account
D Administrator account
Explanation: Administrator accounts have elevated privileges. They can install system software, manage security settings, and create users. For safer daily work, many systems recommend using a standard account.
Which OS security idea means giving users only the permissions they truly need
A Full access
B Open sharing
C Least privilege
D Default admin
Explanation: Least privilege limits permissions to reduce risk. If a user or program is compromised, limited rights reduce damage to system files and settings, improving security and stability.
Which OS function ensures one user cannot access another user’s private files without permission
A Access control
B Screen scaling
C File compression
D Disk formatting
Explanation: Access control checks permissions and user identity before allowing operations. It prevents unauthorized reading or modifying of protected files and supports privacy and security in multiuser systems.
Which background components support networking, printing, and updates without user opening apps
A Desktop icons
B Window borders
C System services
D Folder names
Explanation: System services run in the background to provide essential OS functions. They start automatically and support tasks like network connectivity, security scanning, printing, and update delivery.
Which tool can start or stop services and change them to Automatic or Disabled
A Disk Cleanup
B File Explorer
C Paint tool
D Services console
Explanation: The Services console lists services and their status. It lets administrators start, stop, and set startup type, helping troubleshoot issues and improve performance by disabling unnecessary services.
Which OS utility allows running a program automatically at a specific time or event
A Task Scheduler
B Device Manager
C Disk Management
D Event Viewer
Explanation: Task Scheduler automates tasks by running programs or scripts at set times, login, or system events. It supports backups, cleanup, and updates without needing manual user actions.
Which concept allows one physical computer to run multiple operating systems in separate environments
A Fragmentation
B Defragmentation
C Virtualization
D Compression
Explanation: Virtualization uses a hypervisor to create virtual machines. Each VM runs its own OS independently, useful for testing, running different environments, and consolidating servers on one machine.
Which term refers to software updates that fix security holes and bugs in the OS
A Icons
B Sectors
C Windows
D Patches
Explanation: Patches are updates that correct vulnerabilities and software errors. Regular patching improves security and stability by fixing known issues and keeping the system compatible with new software.
Which OS feature controls how updates are downloaded and installed automatically or manually
A Screen saver
B Update settings
C Mouse speed
D Audio mixer
Explanation: Update settings decide when and how the OS checks for, downloads, and installs updates. Proper configuration ensures timely security fixes while allowing control over restarts and bandwidth usage.
Which OS concept prevents one program from overwriting memory used by another program
A Screen brightness
B File explorer
C Memory protection
D Clipboard history
Explanation: Memory protection isolates each process’s memory space. It prevents accidental or malicious access to other processes’ memory, reducing crashes and improving security by enforcing controlled access.
What is the best simple meaning of a “system call” for a program
A Request OS service
B Change wallpaper
C Format drive
D Draw window
Explanation: A system call is how a program asks the operating system to do protected tasks like file access, memory allocation, or device operations. It provides a safe interface between apps and the kernel.
Which user interface is generally better for automation using scripts and repeated commands
A GUI interface
B Touch interface
C Voice interface
D CLI interface
Explanation: CLI supports scripting and command chaining, making repetitive tasks fast and consistent. Administrators use it to automate backups, deployments, and monitoring across many systems efficiently.
In basic OS terms, which statement best describes the difference between kernel and shell
A Shell manages, kernel decorates
B Kernel prints, shell stores
C Kernel manages, shell interacts
D Shell boots, kernel sleeps
Explanation: The kernel controls CPU, memory, and devices, while the shell provides the user interface to issue commands or actions. The shell passes requests to the kernel through OS services.
Which OS function keeps a record of important system activities like errors and security events
A Screen recording
B System logging
C File copying
D Disk formatting
Explanation: System logging records events such as crashes, service failures, login attempts, and warnings. Logs help troubleshoot problems and support security monitoring by showing what happened and when.
Which power option keeps the session in RAM and resumes quickly with low power use
A Cold boot
B Full shutdown
C Disk format
D Sleep mode
Explanation: Sleep mode keeps the current session in RAM while reducing power use. It resumes faster than a full boot, making it useful for short breaks, though power loss may end the session.
Which power option saves the session to disk and uses no power while off
A Hibernation
B Sleep mode
C Restart
D Warm boot
Explanation: Hibernation writes the session state to disk and powers off completely. It uses no battery while off and can resume later by restoring the saved state, though resume is slower than sleep.
Which term describes controlling the order of tasks to run later automatically, like nightly backups
A Window snapping
B Icon caching
C Job scheduling
D Screen scaling
Explanation: Job scheduling plans tasks to run at specific times or triggers, such as backups or updates. It helps automate maintenance and ensures regular work occurs without manual effort.
Which tool category is most suitable for checking if a computer can reach another computer on a network
A Disk formatting tools
B Network diagnostic tools
C Screen capture tools
D Font editing tools
Explanation: Network diagnostics test connectivity and find failures. Tools like ping check reachability, while others trace the path, helping identify where a connection breaks in routers or local settings.
Which OS mechanism queues print jobs so multiple users can print without conflict
A Print spooling
B Memory paging
C Disk mirroring
D File locking
Explanation: Spooling stores print jobs in a queue and sends them to the printer one by one. This prevents conflicts and lets users continue working without waiting for the printer to finish.
Which file operation safety feature prevents two programs from editing the same file at the same time
A File preview
B File attributes
C File search
D File locking
Explanation: File locking controls simultaneous access to a file. It prevents conflicting writes that can corrupt data, especially in shared files or databases where multiple programs may access the same resource.
Which OS concept describes sharing CPU time fairly among multiple active processes
A File indexing
B Disk partitioning
C CPU scheduling
D Screen mirroring
Explanation: CPU scheduling selects which process runs next and for how long. It balances fairness and responsiveness while keeping the CPU busy, especially when multiple applications are competing for execution time.
Which OS feature helps quickly switch between open applications using keyboard shortcuts
A Task switching
B Disk cleanup
C Patch install
D Driver update
Explanation: Task switching changes focus between running applications quickly. The OS maintains each app’s state so users can move between tasks smoothly, improving productivity during multitasking work.
Which OS utility is best for analyzing CPU, memory, disk, and network usage trends over time
A Notepad
B Paint
C Performance Monitor
D Calculator
Explanation: Performance Monitor tracks detailed system counters over time. It helps detect bottlenecks and patterns, making it useful for diagnosing slow systems and validating improvements after configuration changes.