When many processes compete for CPU, which OS measure decides who runs next based on assigned importance levels
A Disk cleanup
B File compression
C Priority scheduling
D Screen scaling
Priority scheduling selects the process with the highest priority to run next. It improves response for important tasks, but can starve low-priority tasks unless the OS applies techniques like aging.
In round-robin scheduling, what single setting most strongly affects responsiveness versus overhead
A Time quantum size
B Disk sector size
C File name length
D Screen refresh rate
A smaller time quantum increases responsiveness but causes more context switching overhead. A larger quantum reduces switching but may feel less responsive, especially for interactive applications.
Which OS action saves a running process state and restores another process state during multitasking
A Disk formatting
B File indexing
C Boot loading
D Context switching
Context switching stores the current process’s registers and state, then loads another process’s saved state. It enables multitasking but adds overhead, so very frequent switching can reduce performance.
Which OS data structure contains program counter, registers, and process state used during context switches
A Directory listing
B Boot sector
C Process control block
D Firewall policy
The PCB stores key process details like state, register values, scheduling info, and memory pointers. The OS uses it to pause and resume processes safely during scheduling and switching.
Which process state means a process is ready to run but waiting for CPU time
A Running state
B Ready state
C Blocked state
D Terminated state
A ready process has all resources except CPU time. It sits in the ready queue until the scheduler selects it, ensuring fair sharing of CPU among multiple runnable processes.
Which process state means the process cannot proceed until an event like I/O completion occurs
A Ready state
B Running state
C Blocked state
D New state
A blocked process is waiting for an external event such as disk read completion or network input. The OS does not schedule it on CPU until the event happens and it becomes ready again.
What is the main practical purpose of “paging” in memory management
A Manage memory efficiently
B Improve monitor colors
C Reduce keyboard delay
D Increase CPU speed
Paging divides memory into fixed-size units to simplify allocation and reduce external fragmentation. It supports virtual memory and allows the OS to map process pages into available physical frames.
In paging, what is the main role of the page table for a process
A File name index
B Boot device list
C Driver update log
D Address translation map
The page table maps virtual pages to physical frames and includes protection bits. The MMU uses it to translate addresses and enforce isolation so one process cannot access another’s memory.
What does a TLB mainly store to speed up memory access in paging systems
A Recent address mappings
B Disk partition sizes
C File permissions list
D Startup program names
The TLB caches recent virtual-to-physical translations. When a mapping is found in the TLB, the CPU avoids slower page table access, improving performance for repeated memory references.
A page fault occurs when a process tries to access a page that is currently where
A In CPU cache
B In keyboard buffer
C Not in RAM
D In screen memory
A page fault means the requested page is absent from physical memory. The OS loads it from disk, updates page tables, and then resumes the process, which adds delay but enables virtual memory.
Which memory problem is mostly reduced by paging compared to contiguous allocation
A Internal fragmentation
B External fragmentation
C CPU overheating
D Disk queueing
Paging uses fixed-size blocks, so memory does not need to be contiguous. This reduces external fragmentation where free memory exists but is split into gaps too small for large allocations.
Which memory problem can still happen in paging because a process may not fill its last page fully
A External fragmentation
B Page replacement
C Internal fragmentation
D Context switching
Internal fragmentation occurs because pages have fixed size. If a process uses only part of the last page, the remaining space inside that allocated page is wasted.
Which file system feature records changes to help recovery after sudden crash or power loss
A Journaling
B Spooling
C Piping
D Aging
Journaling logs intended file system updates before final commit. After a crash, the OS can replay the journal to restore consistent metadata, reducing corruption and improving reliability.
Which term refers to rules that decide what actions a user can perform on files and folders
A Partitions
B Packets
C Pixels
D Permissions
Permissions define whether a user can read, write, or execute files and access directories. They are a key part of access control, protecting sensitive data in multiuser environments.
Which OS security principle reduces damage by giving only needed rights to users and programs
A Full privilege
B Open access
C Least privilege
D Shared ownership
Least privilege limits permissions to only what is necessary. If a user account or program is compromised, limited rights reduce the ability to change system settings or access protected data.
Which OS tool is most suitable to see which program is consuming CPU and memory right now
A Event Viewer
B Task Manager
C Disk Cleanup
D Disk Management
Task Manager shows running processes with live CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. It helps locate heavy or frozen apps and allows ending tasks to restore system responsiveness.
Which OS tool helps identify boot-time errors by reading time-stamped system logs
A Event Viewer
B File Explorer
C Paint app
D Calculator
Event Viewer logs system and application events, including warnings and errors. Boot issues, driver failures, and service crashes appear with details that help pinpoint the cause accurately.
Which OS tool is best for creating, resizing, and formatting partitions on a disk
A Task Scheduler
B Device Manager
C Disk Management
D Performance Monitor
Disk Management provides partition and volume management. It allows creating, formatting, extending, and assigning drive letters, helping organize storage and prepare new drives for use.
Which OS tool is used to view hardware devices and manage their drivers
A Disk Cleanup
B Task Scheduler
C Control Panel
D Device Manager
Device Manager lists devices and driver status. It supports updating, disabling, uninstalling, or rolling back drivers, which is essential when hardware is not detected or behaves incorrectly.
Which OS feature filters inbound and outbound network connections using rules
A Clipboard
B Firewall
C Window manager
D Boot loader
A firewall monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized connections based on rules. It helps protect systems from network attacks and reduces exposure when using public or untrusted networks.
Which mode loads minimal drivers and services to help troubleshoot startup problems
A Sleep Mode
B Airplane Mode
C Safe Mode
D Tablet Mode
Safe Mode starts the OS with essential components only. It helps remove faulty drivers, disable problematic startup items, and clean malware when normal boot fails.
Which feature restores system settings to an earlier point without usually deleting personal documents
A System Restore
B Disk Cleanup
C Task Switching
D File Compression
System Restore rolls back system files, drivers, and settings to a restore point. It is useful after bad updates or installs and often fixes problems without affecting personal data.
Which boot concept involves starting the computer from a completely powered-off state
A Warm boot
B Fast user switch
C Cold boot
D Hybrid sleep
A cold boot begins when the machine is powered on from off. Hardware initializes fully, then firmware loads the boot loader, which starts loading the operating system.
Which boot concept is a restart without turning off power completely
A Cold boot
B Warm boot
C Clean install
D Disk format
A warm boot is a restart that reloads the OS without a full power cycle. It is often used after updates or to recover from temporary system issues.
Which firmware standard is commonly found on modern PCs instead of traditional BIOS
A GUI
B CLI
C API
D UEFI
UEFI is modern firmware that initializes hardware and manages booting. It supports features like Secure Boot, faster startup options, and better support for large storage devices.
Which startup component loads the OS kernel after firmware initializes hardware
A Boot loader
B Task Manager
C File Explorer
D Device Manager
The boot loader locates and loads the operating system kernel into memory. It bridges firmware startup and the OS, ensuring essential boot components are ready for system operation.
Which OS concept separates user space from kernel space for protection
A Single-mode running
B Offline computing
C Dual-mode operation
D Disk mirroring
Dual-mode operation uses user mode and kernel mode. Privileged instructions run only in kernel mode, preventing normal applications from directly controlling hardware or corrupting system memory.
What is the main meaning of a system call in OS basics
A Change wallpaper
B Request OS service
C Copy file name
D Resize window
A system call is a controlled way for programs to request OS functions like file access, memory allocation, and process creation. It keeps hardware access secure and managed by the kernel.
Which OS type is designed to run jobs in batches with minimal user interaction during execution
A Batch OS
B Mobile OS
C Embedded OS
D Real-time OS
Batch OS collects jobs and runs them sequentially without constant user input. It improves throughput for repetitive tasks like payroll processing or large data jobs where interactive response is not required.
Which OS utility helps run programs automatically at set times or system events
A Disk Cleanup
B Device Manager
C File Explorer
D Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler automates tasks such as backups, cleanup, and scripts. It runs them at scheduled times or triggers like login, improving maintenance reliability without manual effort.
Which OS concept allows multiple applications to run at the same time by sharing CPU time
A Formatting
B Defragmenting
C Multitasking
D Encrypting
Multitasking lets the OS run multiple programs by switching CPU time between them and managing memory. It keeps systems usable for work like browsing while editing documents and playing media.
Which term describes the OS ability to switch quickly between open applications using shortcuts
A Task switching
B Disk scanning
C Driver signing
D File locking
Task switching changes focus between running apps while preserving their state. The OS manages windows and process scheduling so users can move between tasks smoothly and efficiently.
Which interface type is generally easier for beginners because it uses icons, windows, and menus
A CLI interface
B Script interface
C Batch interface
D GUI interface
GUI uses visual elements like icons, menus, and windows, reducing the need to memorize commands. It improves ease of use, especially for new users performing everyday tasks.
Which interface type is often preferred for automation because commands can be scripted easily
A GUI interface
B Touch interface
C CLI interface
D Voice interface
CLI supports scripts and command chaining, making repetitive tasks fast and consistent. Administrators use it for automation, remote management, and troubleshooting with precise command control.
Which OS concept lets a single computer run multiple operating systems in isolated environments
A Virtualization
B Fragmentation
C Defragmentation
D Compression
Virtualization creates virtual machines through a hypervisor. Each VM runs its own OS independently, helping testing, security isolation, and efficient use of hardware resources on one physical system.
Which hypervisor type runs directly on hardware and is common in data centers
A Type 2 hypervisor
B Boot loader
C Type 1 hypervisor
D Device driver
A Type 1 hypervisor runs on bare metal hardware without a host OS. It provides better performance and isolation, making it suitable for server virtualization and enterprise workloads.
Which hypervisor type runs as an application on a host OS, common for desktop testing
A Type 1 hypervisor
B Type 2 hypervisor
C Kernel shell
D BIOS firmware
Type 2 hypervisors run inside an existing OS like a normal program. They are convenient for learning and testing but add overhead because hardware access is mediated by the host OS.
Which OS feature stores background activities like login attempts and service failures for later review
A System logs
B Desktop icons
C File shortcuts
D Window themes
System logs record events such as errors, warnings, updates, and security actions. They help troubleshoot recurring issues and support monitoring by providing time-stamped records of system behavior.
Which OS maintenance goal is mainly achieved by regular updates and patching
A Faster printing only
B Bigger screen display
C Security and stability
D Louder sound output
Updates fix vulnerabilities and bugs, improving protection and reliability. Keeping systems patched reduces risk of attacks, prevents crashes, and maintains compatibility with hardware and software.
Which Windows database stores many settings for the OS and installed applications
A Page file
B Registry
C Swap space
D Boot sector
The Windows Registry stores configuration data for system components, users, and applications. Incorrect changes can cause failures, so it is usually modified through trusted settings tools.
Which OS feature prevents normal users from changing protected system files without permission
A Screen rotation
B Icon spacing
C Audio driver
D Access permissions
Access permissions control who can read, write, or execute files. By restricting write access to system files, the OS prevents accidental edits and blocks many malware attempts from damaging core components.
Which background components keep updates, printing, and networking working without opening an app
A File names
B Desktop themes
C System services
D Window borders
System services run in the background to support essential OS tasks like network connectivity, printing, time sync, updates, and security checks. They start automatically and run continuously.
Which tool is best for analyzing CPU, memory, disk, and network trends over time
A Performance Monitor
B Task Manager
C Disk Cleanup
D Device Manager
Performance Monitor tracks detailed counters over time, helping identify bottlenecks and patterns. It is useful for diagnosing slow systems and confirming whether configuration changes improved performance.
Which OS concept helps stop one crashing application from crashing others on the same system
A Disk formatting
B Process isolation
C File compression
D Screen scaling
Process isolation gives each process its own protected memory space. If a program fails, the OS can terminate it without corrupting other processes, maintaining system stability.
Which OS feature queues print jobs so users do not wait for slow printers
A Memory paging
B Disk mirroring
C Task switching
D Print spooling
Print spooling stores print jobs in a queue and feeds them to the printer sequentially. This prevents conflicts and allows applications to continue running while printing happens in the background.
Which OS behavior allows running many apps while keeping the computer responsive for user input
A Disk defrag
B File archiving
C Time slicing
D BIOS flashing
Time slicing allocates small CPU intervals to each process. It keeps interactive tasks responsive by ensuring no single program monopolizes CPU time, especially when multiple apps run together.
Which OS term refers to a program that provides background services without user interaction
A System service
B Desktop icon
C User profile
D File attribute
A system service runs in the background to support features like networking, updates, and printing. It usually starts automatically and keeps working even when no user application is open.
Which OS feature decides which programs start automatically when the user logs in
A Screen settings
B Startup settings
C Mouse settings
D Audio settings
Startup settings control which apps and services launch at login or boot. Managing startup reduces boot time and background load, improving overall system responsiveness.
Which OS action safely turns off a computer by closing apps and stopping services properly
A Sleep
B Hibernate
C Shutdown
D Lock
Shutdown closes programs, stops services, and writes pending data to disk. Proper shutdown prevents file corruption and data loss compared to forced power-off or sudden battery removal.
Which OS action reloads the system and is often used after installing updates
A Restart
B Shutdown
C Sleep
D Log off
Restart closes running programs and reloads the operating system. It applies updates, reinitializes drivers and services, and often resolves temporary issues without needing a full power-off cycle.