When the OS temporarily stops a running process to give CPU time to another, what is this act called
A Disk partitioning
B Context switching
C File archiving
D Screen mirroring
Note: Context switching saves the current process state and restores another process state. This allows multitasking by sharing CPU time among processes, improving responsiveness while keeping each process’s execution safe and consistent.
Which scheduling style gives CPU first to the process that arrives first, without considering priority
A First-come scheduling
B Round-robin scheduling
C Priority scheduling
D Deadline scheduling
Note: First-come-first-served scheduling runs processes in arrival order. It is simple but may cause long waiting times when a long job blocks shorter jobs behind it.
In round-robin scheduling, what key rule decides how long each process can run before switching
A File permission set
B Disk cluster size
C Fixed time quantum
D Screen refresh rate
Note: Round-robin uses a time quantum, a small fixed CPU time slice. When it expires, the OS switches to the next ready process, improving fairness and interactive performance.
Which scheduling approach always selects the process with the highest priority to run next
A Batch scheduling
B FIFO scheduling
C Random scheduling
D Priority scheduling
Note: Priority scheduling chooses the most important process first using assigned priority levels. If not handled carefully, low-priority processes can wait too long, so aging techniques may be used.
Which OS structure allows user programs to request services like file read or process creation safely
A Desktop wallpaper tool
B Screen driver interface
C System call interface
D Keyboard layout table
Note: The system call interface provides controlled entry points into the OS. Programs use it to request services like opening files, allocating memory, or creating processes without direct hardware access.
Which part of an OS provides a command prompt where text commands are entered and executed
A Terminal window
B Disk utility
C Memory map
D Boot record
Note: A terminal provides a text-based environment to run commands through a shell. It is used for administration, scripting, troubleshooting, and tasks that are quicker using typed commands.
In a GUI, what does a “window” mainly represent for the user while working with applications
A CPU power unit
B Disk partition table
C App working area
D Network cable port
Note: A window is a rectangular area displaying an application or file contents. It allows users to view and manage multiple tasks using controls like minimize, maximize, resize, and close.
Which GUI element usually shows small pictures representing tools, files, or programs on the screen
A Icons
B Sectors
C Kernels
D Packets
Note: Icons are visual symbols that represent items like apps, files, folders, or shortcuts. They make navigation easier by allowing users to open or manage items with clicks.
Which feature helps visually impaired users by reading on-screen text aloud in many operating systems
A Disk defrag
B Screen reader
C Task scheduler
D File indexing
Note: A screen reader converts on-screen text and interface elements into speech. It improves accessibility for users with low vision or blindness, helping them navigate menus and applications.
Which memory management idea maps virtual pages to physical frames using a page table
A Spooling method
B Caching method
C Mirroring method
D Paging method
Note: Paging uses a page table to translate virtual addresses into physical memory locations. It enables virtual memory, reduces fragmentation, and allows efficient memory sharing and protection among processes.
What is the main purpose of a page table in a paging-based memory system
A File name storage
B Boot device selection
C Address translation mapping
D CPU temperature control
Note: A page table stores mappings between virtual pages and physical frames. The OS and hardware use it to locate data in RAM and enforce memory protection rules.
Which event typically triggers a “page fault” in a virtual memory system
A Page not in RAM
B File not found error
C Wrong keyboard layout
D Low screen brightness
Note: A page fault occurs when a process tries to access a page not currently in physical memory. The OS loads the required page from disk into RAM, then resumes execution.
Which term describes keeping recently used data in memory for faster access
A Formatting
B Booting
C Caching
D Indexing
Note: Caching stores frequently used data in faster storage like RAM to reduce repeated slow accesses. Operating systems use caches for files, disk blocks, and memory pages to improve speed.
In file systems, what does “mounting” a drive usually mean
A Deleting all data
B Making it accessible
C Encrypting the disk
D Replacing device drivers
Note: Mounting connects a storage device or partition to the OS directory structure. After mounting, the file system becomes accessible for reading and writing through a mount point.
Which file system feature records changes to help recover after a crash
A Journaling
B Compression
C Mirroring
D Indexing
Note: Journaling keeps a log of file system changes before they are fully committed. After a crash, the OS can use the journal to restore consistency and reduce corruption.
Which permission concept prevents normal users from installing system-wide software without approval
A Screen scaling
B File caching
C Least privilege
D Disk mirroring
Note: Least privilege means users and programs get only the permissions they need. This reduces security risks and prevents accidental system changes, improving overall stability and protection.
Which OS tool is commonly used to set startup apps and view their impact on boot performance
A Disk Cleanup tool
B Paint application
C Sound control panel
D Task Manager Startup
Note: Startup management shows which applications run at login and how much they slow boot time. Disabling unnecessary entries can improve startup speed and reduce background resource usage.
During boot, which component typically loads the OS kernel after firmware finishes initialization
A Boot loader
B Device manager
C File manager
D Event viewer
Note: The boot loader starts after BIOS/UEFI checks hardware and selects a boot device. It loads the OS kernel and essential startup components into memory so the OS can start running.
What is a practical reason to use “System Restore” after a driver installation problem
A Increase internet speed
B Create new partitions
C Undo recent system changes
D Improve monitor contrast
Note: System Restore can revert system files, drivers, and settings to a previous restore point. It helps recover from bad installs or updates without typically affecting personal documents.
Which Windows recovery environment option can fix startup problems automatically
A Disk Defragment
B Startup Repair
C File Explorer
D Print Spooler
Note: Startup Repair scans for issues that stop Windows from booting, such as corrupted boot files. It attempts automatic fixes so the system can start normally again.
Which OS concept describes programs that keep running in background without a visible window
A Desktop icons
B User wallpapers
C Background services
D Screen widgets
Note: Background services run without direct user interaction and support system functions like updates, networking, printing, and security. They start automatically and keep essential operations working reliably.
Which command-line tool category is mainly used to diagnose network connectivity from a terminal
A Disk formatting commands
B Text styling commands
C Audio mixing commands
D Network diagnostic commands
Note: Command-line diagnostics help test connectivity and troubleshoot networks. Tools like ping or traceroute identify reachability and delays, helping locate connection failures in a clear, step-by-step way.
In Windows, which built-in tool can show active network connections and listening ports from command line
A Netstat command
B Format command
C Echo command
D Rename command
Note: Netstat displays network connections, listening ports, and related statistics. It is useful for checking whether a service is listening, identifying active connections, and supporting troubleshooting and security checks.
Which OS tool helps check and repair file system errors on a disk
A Paint application
B Speech narrator
C Disk checking tool
D Clipboard manager
Note: Disk checking tools scan for file system errors and bad sectors. They can repair logical errors and mark damaged areas, helping prevent data corruption and improving drive reliability.
What does “spooling” mainly help with in operating systems, especially printing
A Increase file security
B Queue jobs for device
C Speed up CPU cores
D Reduce screen glare
Note: Spooling stores jobs in a queue so slower devices like printers can process them one by one. It lets applications continue working while the OS manages orderly device access.
Which OS component manages input and output operations for devices like disks and printers
A Text rendering
B Window manager
C I/O management
D Color profiles
Note: I/O management controls how processes read from and write to devices. It coordinates buffering, spooling, drivers, and interrupts so devices work efficiently without conflicts.
Which concept allows the OS to respond to hardware events like keyboard input without constant checking
A Interrupts
B Clustering
C Fragmentation
D Encryption
Note: Interrupts notify the CPU that a device needs attention, such as key press or disk completion. This avoids constant polling and improves efficiency by letting the CPU do other work.
Which memory allocation issue happens when free memory exists but is split into small scattered blocks
A Internal fragmentation
B Screen tearing
C Packet loss
D External fragmentation
Note: External fragmentation occurs when free space is divided into many small gaps. Even if total free memory is enough, a large contiguous block may be unavailable in contiguous allocation systems.
Which scheduling problem occurs when low-priority processes wait indefinitely due to always being skipped
A Spooling
B Paging
C Starvation
D Booting
Note: Starvation happens when a process never gets CPU time because higher-priority tasks keep running. OS designs may use aging, gradually raising priority, to ensure fairness over time.
Which OS feature gradually increases priority of waiting processes to reduce starvation risk
A Disk mirroring
B Aging technique
C File compression
D Screen scaling
Note: Aging increases the priority of processes the longer they wait. This prevents starvation by ensuring low-priority processes eventually gain enough priority to receive CPU time.
Which part of a file system keeps track of where file data blocks are stored on disk
A Keyboard buffer table
B Screen pixel map
C File allocation metadata
D CPU instruction set
Note: File allocation metadata records where file contents are located on storage. The OS uses it to find and load file data quickly, manage free space, and keep the file system organized.
Which OS feature lets users switch between open apps using a quick key combination
A Task switching
B Disk formatting
C Driver signing
D Memory swapping
Note: Task switching allows moving between running applications quickly, improving productivity. The OS manages focus and window order while keeping each application state ready for immediate use.
What is a correct reason to use “Device Driver Rollback” after an update
A Increase storage size
B Change file attributes
C Restore previous driver
D Enable new kernel
Note: Driver rollback returns to a previously working driver version when a new update causes issues. It helps restore device stability without uninstalling the hardware or reinstalling the OS.
In OS security, what does “authentication” mainly verify during login
A Screen resolution
B Printer alignment
C Disk partition size
D User identity
Note: Authentication checks that a user is who they claim to be, usually by password, PIN, biometrics, or keys. After authentication, authorization rules decide what the user can access.
In OS security, what does “authorization” mainly decide after login
A Keyboard language
B Allowed permissions
C Monitor refresh rate
D Folder icon style
Note: Authorization determines what resources a user can access and what actions are allowed. It is based on roles, permissions, and policies, supporting secure multiuser computing.
Which OS tool can show which program used most CPU over time using performance counters
A Disk Cleanup
B File Explorer
C Performance Monitor
D Paint Tool
Note: Performance Monitor collects detailed system metrics like CPU, memory, disk, and network counters. It helps identify bottlenecks, analyze trends, and troubleshoot performance problems with measurable data.
Which OS function safely ends an unresponsive application without rebooting the entire system
A End task option
B Disk defrag option
C Format drive option
D BIOS update option
Note: Ending a task stops a frozen application process, freeing CPU and memory resources. It can restore responsiveness without restarting, though unsaved work in that application may be lost.
What does “swap space” mainly refer to in virtual memory systems
A RAM speed setting
B CPU core partition
C Disk area for pages
D Monitor display buffer
Note: Swap space is disk storage reserved to hold memory pages that are moved out of RAM. It supports virtual memory, allowing more processes to run, but frequent swapping slows performance.
Which file system concept ensures only one process modifies a file at a time in many scenarios
A File renaming
B File copying
C File indexing
D File locking
Note: File locking prevents simultaneous conflicting updates by multiple programs. It protects data consistency, especially for shared documents or databases, by controlling read/write access during edits.
What is the key purpose of a “user profile” in an operating system
A Store user settings
B Increase CPU speed
C Repair disk sectors
D Replace device drivers
Note: A user profile stores personal settings like desktop preferences, app configurations, and user-specific files. It allows each user to have a separate environment on the same computer.
Which OS mode is designed to conserve power by keeping session in memory while reducing activity
A Cold boot
B Sleep mode
C Full shutdown
D Disk format
Note: Sleep keeps the system state in RAM while using low power. It resumes quickly compared to full boot, making it useful for short breaks, though power loss can end the session.
Which OS feature prevents unknown applications from changing system settings without approval prompt
A Screen saver lock
B Disk cleanup wizard
C User Account Control
D File explorer view
Note: User Account Control prompts when a program tries to make system-level changes. It reduces accidental installs and malware impact by requiring confirmation or admin credentials for elevated actions.
Which statement best describes “system image backup” compared to simple file backup
A Full system snapshot
B Only documents copy
C Only settings copy
D Only drivers copy
Note: A system image backup captures the OS, installed programs, settings, and files as a complete snapshot. It allows restoring the entire system after major failures, not just individual files.
Which OS action refreshes system files and settings by reinstalling core components while keeping user data in many cases
A Disk cleanup option
B Task switching option
C System reset option
D Screen scaling option
Note: A system reset reinstalls core OS components to fix serious issues. Depending on chosen options, it may keep personal files while removing apps, offering a cleaner recovery than troubleshooting each error.
In OS boot troubleshooting, which record stores the initial code used to start loading an OS on older BIOS systems
A Device driver store
B Page table entry
C User profile folder
D Master Boot Record
Note: The Master Boot Record (MBR) contains boot code and partition information on BIOS-based systems. If corrupted, the system may not boot, and recovery tools may be required.
Which modern firmware feature helps prevent unauthorized boot loaders from running at startup
A Fast Copy
B Secure Boot
C Auto Save
D Smart Search
Note: Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that allows only trusted, digitally signed boot software. It reduces the risk of boot-level malware by blocking unauthorized boot loaders during startup.
Which OS concept keeps track of running programs, open files, and allocated memory for each process
A File extension list
B Disk sector table
C Process control block
D Window icon cache
Note: A process control block stores essential process details such as state, program counter, CPU registers, and memory references. The OS uses it for scheduling, context switching, and resource tracking.
In basic OS design, what does “monolithic kernel” mean
A Many services in kernel
B Only GUI inside kernel
C Only drivers outside kernel
D No system calls exist
Note: A monolithic kernel includes many OS services like drivers, file system, and memory management within kernel space. It can be fast but may risk stability if a kernel component fails.
In basic OS design, what is a key idea of a microkernel approach
A All drivers in kernel
B No user mode exists
C Minimal core kernel
D Only batch processing
Note: A microkernel keeps the kernel small, providing only essential functions like messaging and scheduling. Other services run in user space, improving modularity and potentially stability, though with overhead.
Which OS tool can display which applications are set to run automatically at system startup
A Disk Management tool
B Device Manager tool
C Event Viewer tool
D System Configuration tool
Note: System Configuration helps manage boot options, startup entries, and services. Disabling unnecessary startup items can reduce boot time and improve performance, especially on systems with limited resources.