Operating System Fundamentals

Computer Science

This lecture covers the introduction to Operating Systems (OS), their essential functionalities such as process, memory, device, I/O, file, and network management. It also delves into different types of OS, the concept of modularity in OS design, and the major components of an OS like the kernel, device drivers, user interface, and system utilities. A brief comparison with Windows and Linux is also presented.

Operating Systems Computer Architecture Software Engineering

23 Questions Easy Ages 14+ Feb 25, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Computer Science through 23 practice questions. This lecture covers the introduction to Operating Systems (OS), their essential functionalities such as process, memory, device, I/O, file, and network management. It also delves into different types of OS, the concept of modularity in OS design, and the major components of an OS like the kernel, device drivers, user interface, and system utilities. A brief comparison with Windows and Linux is also presented. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 23 questions from the Operating System Fundamentals study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What is the primary role of an Operating System?

A To manage user applications only
B To act as an interface between hardware and the user
C To design new hardware components
D To provide internet connectivity

2 Which of the following is NOT a major functionality of an Operating System?

A Process management
B Memory management
C Hardware design
D File management

3 What is a program in execution called?

A A process
B A thread
C A task
D A module

4 Who decides the order in which multiple processes get access to the processor?

A The user
B The hardware
C The Operating System
D The compiler

5 For a program to execute, it must first be loaded into:

A Secondary storage
B The hard disk
C Main memory
D The CPU cache

6 Which OS component is responsible for managing devices like I/O devices?

A File management
B Process management
C Device management
D Network management

7 What is the process of controlling the flow of data into and out of a computer system called?

A Device management
B I/O management
C Memory management
D Process management

8 Which OS strategy allows certain devices to access main memory without CPU intervention?

A Polling
B Interrupt-driven I/O
C Direct Memory Access (DMA)
D Buffering

9 What is the smallest addressable unit in the disk?

A A block
B A sector
C A file
D A directory

10 Which OS function maintains the integrity of data stored in files and protects unauthorized access?

A Process management
B Memory management
C File management
D Network management

11 What connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and sharing information?

A A file system
B A network
C A device driver
D A user interface

12 What hardware component connects a computer to a network?

A CPU
B RAM
C NIC (Network Interface Card)
D Hard Disk Drive

13 Who ensures that data reaches its desired destination safely in a network?

A The user
B The hardware
C The Operating System
D The compiler

14 What technique involves breaking down a complex system into smaller, manageable parts called modules?

A Abstraction
B Encapsulation
C Modularity
D Inheritance

15 Which of the following is a major component of an OS that manages process, device, and memory management?

A User Interface
B System Utilities
C Device Drivers
D Kernel

16 What component of an OS is a program that receives requests from users and interprets them for the OS?

A Kernel
B Device Drivers
C User Interface
D System Utilities

17 Which OS component helps in managing system resources like disk space and ensures security?

A Kernel
B User Interface
C Device Drivers
D System Utilities

18 A program P is stored on the hard disk. Is P a process?

A Yes
B No
C Only if it's running
D It depends on the OS

19 When a user starts running program P, P becomes a:

A Program
B Process
C File
D Module

20 If an internet browser opens first and a text editor second, what is the state of the text editor while waiting?

A Running
B Terminating
C Waiting
D Ready

21 Can a CPU execute a program without using the main memory?

A Yes
B No
C Only for simple programs
D It depends on the OS

22 Jack connects a new mouse to his desktop and it works. How did the OS get updated about the new mouse?

A The mouse sends the update itself
B The user manually installs drivers
C The OS detects the new hardware
D The mouse communicates directly with the CPU

23 If two processes request to print but only one printer is available, who decides which process prints first?

A The processes themselves
B The user
C The Operating System
D The printer hardware

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