When a process is moved out of CPU but kept ready for later, which OS structure stores its saved CPU state
A File attribute table
B Boot sector map
C Window icon cache
D Process control block
Note: The OS stores a process’s important state in the PCB, including registers, program counter, and scheduling info. During context switches, this saved state allows the process to resume correctly later.
If a CPU uses very small time slices in round-robin, what common effect is likely on performance
A Faster disk writes
B More context switch overhead
C Larger file names
D Higher screen resolution
Note: Very small time quanta increase the number of switches between processes. Each switch costs CPU time to save and restore state, so too many switches reduce useful work done.
In priority scheduling, which simple method helps ensure long-waiting low-priority jobs eventually run
A Disk caching
B Screen scaling
C Aging technique
D File compression
Note: Aging gradually increases the priority of a process the longer it waits. This prevents starvation by ensuring that even low-priority processes will eventually get CPU time.
Which OS concept allows a program to appear to have its own continuous memory, even if physical memory is fragmented
A Virtual address space
B Screen refresh buffer
C Disk partition label
D Keyboard scan code
Note: Each process gets a virtual address space that looks continuous. The OS maps these virtual addresses to physical frames, providing isolation and simplifying memory management for programs.
Which memory component translates virtual addresses to physical addresses at high speed in hardware
A BIOS firmware
B GPU shader
C MMU hardware
D NIC controller
Note: The Memory Management Unit (MMU) performs address translation using page tables. It supports paging, protection, and virtual memory, allowing processes to safely use memory without direct physical access.
Which special cache stores recent address translations to speed up paging systems
A LPT table
B FAT table
C MBR record
D TLB cache
Note: The Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) caches recent virtual-to-physical mappings. It reduces page table lookups and improves performance, especially when programs repeatedly access nearby memory addresses.
When many page faults occur frequently, which issue is most likely happening
A Disk formatting
B Thrashing problem
C Screen tearing
D Driver signing
Note: Thrashing happens when the system spends too much time swapping pages between RAM and disk. It occurs when memory is insufficient for active processes, causing heavy slowdown and poor responsiveness.
Which OS policy decides which memory page to remove when RAM is full and a new page must be loaded
A File permission
B Process creation
C Page replacement
D Boot selection
Note: Page replacement chooses a victim page to evict from memory when a page fault needs space. Good policies reduce future faults and improve performance, while poor ones increase delays.
Which page replacement idea removes the page that was least recently used
A FIFO policy
B Random policy
C Batch policy
D LRU policy
Note: Least Recently Used (LRU) replaces the page not used for the longest time, based on the idea that recently used pages are likely to be used again soon, improving typical performance.
Which file system structure stores the mapping of file names to their metadata and locations
A CPU registers
B Directory entries
C GUI menus
D Boot firmware
Note: A directory contains entries that link file names to metadata such as size, timestamps, and pointers to data blocks. This lets the OS locate and manage files quickly.
In a Linux-like permission model, which set correctly represents the three basic permission types
A Copy, paste, delete
B Open, close, print
C Read, write, execute
D Move, rename, share
Note: The basic permissions are read (view), write (modify), and execute (run). Combined with ownership and groups, they control how users and programs can access files and directories.
In Unix-like systems, which permissions are generally needed to enter a directory and list its filenames
A Read only
B Read and execute
C Execute only
D Write only
Note: Execute permission lets you traverse (enter) a directory, and read permission lets you list its entries. Without execute, you cannot access items inside; without read, you cannot list names.
Which OS feature ensures only one program writes to a critical file at a time to avoid corruption
A File indexing
B Disk cleanup
C Screen magnifier
D File locking
Note: File locking prevents simultaneous conflicting edits by multiple processes. It protects data consistency, especially for shared documents and databases, by controlling access during read and write operations.
When a program requests I/O and the OS blocks it until the device responds, which process state applies
A Ready state
B Running state
C Blocked state
D New state
Note: A blocked process waits for an event like disk read completion. It cannot proceed, so the OS schedules another process, improving CPU usage and overall system efficiency.
Which OS mechanism wakes a blocked process after an I/O completes
A Interrupt signal
B Font rendering
C Screen scaling
D Disk labeling
Note: When an I/O device finishes, it sends an interrupt to notify the CPU. The OS handles the interrupt, updates process state, and can move the waiting process back to ready.
Which command concept reduces repeated typing by executing multiple commands automatically in sequence
A Clipboard cache
B Icon pack
C Display driver
D Script file
Note: Scripts contain a series of commands stored in a file. Running a script automates tasks like backups, updates, and maintenance, improving speed, accuracy, and repeatability for system work.
Which OS feature helps protect the system by requiring admin approval for system-level changes
A Screen saver
B Privilege elevation prompt
C Window snapping
D File preview
Note: Privilege elevation prompts appear when a task needs administrator rights, like installing software or changing security settings. They reduce unintended changes and limit malware from silently modifying the system.
Which setting is commonly used to control which applications can run when the user signs in
A Disk partitioning
B Page replacement
C Startup app settings
D File journaling
Note: Startup app settings manage programs launched automatically at login. Disabling unnecessary startup items reduces boot time and background load, improving performance and responsiveness on slower systems.
Which term describes a small core OS design where services like drivers run outside the kernel
A Microkernel design
B Monolithic design
C Batch design
D Real-time design
Note: A microkernel keeps the kernel minimal, often handling scheduling and messaging only. Drivers and services run in user space, improving modularity and fault isolation, though communication overhead can increase.
Which kernel design includes file systems and many drivers inside kernel space for speed
A Microkernel model
B Virtual kernel
C Embedded shell
D Monolithic kernel
Note: A monolithic kernel runs many OS services in kernel mode, which can be faster due to fewer context switches. However, bugs in kernel components may affect system stability.
Which OS type is best matched to controlling a robot arm where timing deadlines must be met reliably
A Batch OS
B Desktop OS
C Real-time OS
D Mobile OS
Note: Real-time operating systems provide predictable response times and meet deadlines. This is critical for control systems like robotics, where late responses can cause incorrect movement or unsafe behavior.
In a distributed OS environment, which goal is often achieved by spreading tasks across multiple machines
A Screen scaling
B Load balancing
C Font smoothing
D Disk cleanup
Note: Load balancing spreads work among multiple computers to avoid overload on one machine. It improves performance, reliability, and responsiveness by using available resources across the network.
Which OS type commonly provides centralized user authentication and shared file services on a company network
A Embedded operating system
B Batch operating system
C Single-task OS
D Network operating system
Note: A network OS supports centralized logins, file sharing, printer sharing, and security policies across connected systems. It helps administrators manage users and resources efficiently in organizations.
Which feature in many modern systems speeds up boot by saving system state to disk and restoring it later
A Cold boot
B Warm restart
C Fast startup
D Secure erase
Note: Fast startup stores parts of system state to disk, then restores them at boot to reduce startup time. It is faster than full boot but different from sleep or hibernation behavior.
Hibernation differs from sleep mainly because hibernation stores system state where
A On disk storage
B In RAM only
C In CPU cache
D In BIOS chip
Note: Hibernation saves the session state to disk and powers off completely. It uses no power while off and resumes later by reloading saved state, though resume is slower than sleep.
Which OS utility helps view detailed system information like installed RAM and OS version
A Disk cleanup tool
B System information tool
C Paint program
D Text editor
Note: System information tools show hardware and OS details such as CPU type, RAM, OS build, BIOS/UEFI mode, and drivers. These details help troubleshooting and compatibility checks.
Which tool helps manage installed programs by uninstalling or changing them through a system interface
A Event viewer
B Disk management
C Device manager
D Programs and Features
Note: Programs and Features (or Apps settings) lets users uninstall or modify installed software. Removing unused programs frees disk space and can reduce background services that slow the system.
Which tool is most useful to check which service failed to start at boot using logged error entries
A Task Manager
B Disk Cleanup
C Event Viewer
D File Explorer
Note: Event Viewer logs boot-time service errors and warnings with timestamps. Checking these entries helps identify failing drivers or services and supports targeted troubleshooting instead of guessing.
Which OS tool can stop and start background services like printing or updates
A Screen magnifier
B Services console
C Disk defrag
D File preview
Note: The Services console manages background services by starting, stopping, or changing startup type. It is useful for troubleshooting and optimizing systems, but changes should be made carefully to avoid failures.
Which startup type starts a service automatically during boot without user action
A Manual startup
B Disabled startup
C Delayed logout
D Automatic startup
Note: Automatic startup services begin when the OS boots. They support essential functions like networking and security, but too many automatic services can slow startup and increase background resource usage.
Which startup type means a service will not run unless the system or user starts it
A Automatic startup
B Disabled startup
C Manual startup
D Fast startup
Note: Manual services do not start at boot by default. They run only when required by an application or when started by an administrator, helping reduce unnecessary background activity.
Which startup type prevents a service from running at all until it is re-enabled
A Disabled startup
B Manual startup
C Automatic startup
D Scheduled startup
Note: Disabled services cannot start, even if requested. Disabling can improve security or performance, but disabling required services can break features, so it should be done with understanding.
Which OS feature keeps a record of who accessed a protected file for security monitoring
A Screen recording
B Disk mirroring
C File compression
D Audit logging
Note: Audit logs record security events like file access attempts, permission changes, and login failures. They help administrators detect misuse, investigate incidents, and verify compliance in multiuser systems.
Which system area typically stores configuration settings for installed software in Windows
A Boot loader
B Registry database
C Swap space
D Page table
Note: The Windows Registry stores system and application settings in a structured database. Incorrect edits can cause problems, so changes are usually made through settings tools rather than manual editing.
Which OS concept describes the ability to run multiple user sessions with separate permissions on one machine
A Disk partitioning
B File compression
C Multiuser support
D Screen scaling
Note: Multiuser support allows different accounts with separate files and privileges. The OS enforces access control so users cannot change system settings or read protected data without permission.
Which OS function reduces risk by running regular users without admin rights by default
A Fast boot settings
B Screen saver lock
C Disk cleanup schedule
D Standard user accounts
Note: Standard accounts limit system-level changes, reducing malware impact and accidental damage. Users can still run applications and manage personal files while admin tasks require elevation.
When the OS keeps a program’s data in RAM for faster repeated access, which concept is involved
A Disk partitioning
B Memory caching
C BIOS flashing
D File shredding
Note: Memory caching keeps frequently accessed data in RAM to reduce slow disk reads. It improves performance for common tasks, but the OS must manage cache size to avoid starving programs of memory.
Which utility is used to schedule recurring tasks like backup scripts at specific times
A Device Manager
B Disk Management
C Task Scheduler
D Event Viewer
Note: Task Scheduler runs programs automatically at set times or events, like logon or idle. It supports maintenance tasks such as backups, cleanup, and updates without manual action.
In OS fundamentals, what does “daemon” commonly mean in Unix-like systems
A Graphical window tool
B File system format
C Boot sector table
D Background service process
Note: A daemon is a background process that provides services like web hosting, printing, or logging. It typically starts at boot and runs continuously, handling requests without user interaction.
Which term is commonly used for background services in Windows environments
A Kernel threads
B Windows services
C Disk clusters
D GUI widgets
Note: Windows services are long-running background processes managed by the Service Control Manager. They provide core functions like updates and networking, and can start automatically or manually.
Which interface type is generally faster for automation because commands can be scripted
A CLI interface
B GUI interface
C Touch interface
D Icon interface
Note: CLI is ideal for automation because commands can be placed in scripts and repeated reliably. It is efficient for administration and troubleshooting, especially when managing multiple systems.
Which GUI feature helps organize open windows by snapping them to screen edges
A Disk mirroring
B File journaling
C Boot locking
D Window snapping
Note: Window snapping arranges windows quickly by moving them to screen edges or corners. It helps multitasking by letting users view multiple apps side by side without manual resizing.
Which tool helps view and manage installed drivers for devices like graphics and network adapters
A Disk Cleanup
B Device Manager
C Task Scheduler
D Control Panel
Note: Device Manager lists hardware components and driver details. It helps update, disable, uninstall, or roll back drivers, which is essential when devices fail or behave incorrectly.
Which OS utility is most directly used to check overall disk free space and storage usage
A Paint program
B Screen reader
C Storage settings
D Clipboard history
Note: Storage settings show disk usage by categories such as apps, documents, and temporary files. This helps users identify space-hungry items and manage storage without advanced tools.
Which concept allows multiple OS instances to run on one physical machine using a hypervisor
A Defragmentation
B Pagination
C Compression
D Virtualization
Note: Virtualization uses a hypervisor to create virtual machines, each running its own OS. It supports testing, isolation, server consolidation, and running different environments on the same hardware.
Which type of hypervisor runs directly on hardware without needing a host OS
A Type 2 hypervisor
B Batch controller
C Type 1 hypervisor
D Kernel shell
Note: A Type 1 hypervisor runs on bare metal hardware and manages guest OSs directly. It is common in servers because it is efficient and provides strong isolation.
Which type of hypervisor runs as an application on top of an existing operating system
A Type 1 hypervisor
B Type 2 hypervisor
C Boot loader
D Device driver
Note: A Type 2 hypervisor runs inside a host OS like a normal program. It is common on desktops for testing and learning, though it usually has more overhead than Type 1.
Which OS security feature uses software signatures to confirm a driver is trusted before installation
A Driver signature enforcement
B Disk cleanup schedule
C Screen saver lock
D Window snapping
Note: Driver signature enforcement checks that drivers are digitally signed by trusted sources. It reduces the risk of installing malicious or tampered drivers, improving system stability and security.
Which file attribute hides a file from normal view in many file managers unless settings are changed
A Read attribute
B Execute attribute
C Archive attribute
D Hidden attribute
Note: Hidden attribute marks files so they are not shown by default in file managers. Users can change view options to display hidden items, which helps protect system files from accidental edits.
Which OS action forces writing cached data to disk to ensure it is safely stored
A Increase page size
B Flush disk buffers
C Restart shell process
D Clear icon cache
Note: Flushing disk buffers writes cached changes from memory to storage. This reduces risk of data loss during sudden power failure and ensures file changes are actually committed to disk.