Q1. When a computer is first turned on, a special type of absolute loader creates a memory image of the operating system; this initial process is technically referred to as:

A) Compilation and Linking

B) Bootstrapping (Booting)

C) Paging and Segmentation

D) Context Switching

E) Power On Self Test (POST)

Answer: B (Bootstrapping is the technical term for loading the kernel).

 

Q2. Which of the following system software resides in the main memory always while the computer is running, acting as the core of the operating system?

A) The Device Driver

B) The Kernel

C) The Compiler

D) The Assembler

E) The Application Interface

Answer: B (The Kernel is the heart of the OS that remains in RAM).

 

Q3. If an Operating System allows multiple users to access the computer system concurrently from different terminals, it is specifically classified as a:

A) Real-Time Operating System

B) Batch Processing System

C) Multi-User Time-Sharing System

D) Single User Multitasking System

E) Distributed Operating System

Answer: C (Time-sharing splits CPU time among multiple users).

 

Q4. What is the fundamental difference between a Compiler and an Interpreter regarding how they handle the source code conversion?

A) Compilers run line-by-line while Interpreters convert the whole code at once.

B) Compilers convert the entire source code into object code at once, whereas Interpreters execute line-by-line.

C) Interpreters require more memory than compilers to generate object code.

D) Compilers are used for Python while Interpreters are used for C++.

E) There is no functional difference; they are synonyms.

Answer: B (The classic distinction: All-at-once vs. Line-by-line).

 

Q5. In the context of virtual memory, what is the term used for the process of moving data from the RAM to the hard drive to free up space?

A) Spooling

B) Buffering

C) Swapping (Paging out)

D) Compiling

E) Defragmenting

Answer: C (Swapping out pages to the disk creates "Virtual Memory").

 

Q6. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Operating System, but rather a function of a Language Processor?

A) Memory Management

B) Resource Allocation

C) Converting High-Level Code to Machine Code

D) File Management

E) Processor Scheduling

Answer: C (Translating code is done by Compilers/Interpreters, not the OS kernel itself).

 

Q7. What happens during the "Fetch-Decode-Execute" cycle that is central to the operation of the Central Processing Unit?

A) The OS loads from the Hard Drive to the RAM.

B) The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory, figures out what it means, and carries it out.

C) The data is moved from the Cache to the Hard Disk for permanent storage.

D) The computer checks for viruses in the boot sector.

E) The compiler translates the code into binary.

Answer: B (This is the fundamental machine cycle of the CPU).

 

Q8. Which concept involves the technique of temporarily storing data in a buffer so that a device running at a different speed can process it without delay (e.g., printing)?

A) Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line)

B) Thrashing

C) Multitasking

D) Swapping

E) Paging

Answer: A (Spooling allows the CPU to work while the slow printer prints).

 

Q9. Which specific type of software is distributed with the source code, allowing users to modify, study, and redistribute it freely?

A) Proprietary Software

B) Shareware

C) Open Source Software

D) Freeware

E) Firmware

Answer: C (Key phrase: "modify source code").

 

Q10. A situation where the Operating System spends more time paging (moving data) than executing the actual program, causing a severe slowdown, is called:

A) Deadlock

B) Thrashing

C) Booting

D) Spooling

E) Multiprocessing

Answer: B (Thrashing occurs when memory is over-committed).

 

Q11. The distinctive feature of a "Real-Time Operating System" (RTOS) compared to a standard OS like Windows is that:

A) It has a better Graphical User Interface.

B) It executes tasks within rigid, guaranteed time constraints.

C) It is free to download and modify.

D) It can only run one program at a time.

E) It is used exclusively for gaming.

Answer: B (Rigid time constraints are the defining feature).

 

Q12. When you restart a computer that is already powered on using the "Restart" option, the process is technically known as:

A) Cold Booting

B) Warm Booting

C) Hard Booting

D) Hibernation

E) Standby Mode

Answer: B (Warm boot does not cut power to the components).

 

Q13. Which component of the Operating System is responsible for keeping track of the status of all files and their location on the disk?

A) The Kernel

B) The File System (File Allocation Table)

C) The BIOS

D) The CPU Register

E) The Device Driver

Answer: B (The File System, like NTFS or FAT, manages file locations).

 

Q14. The term "GUI" refers to the visual interface allowing users to interact with electronic devices; what does GUI stand for?

A) Global User Interface

B) Graphical Utility Interface

C) Graphical User Interface

D) General User Interconnection

E) Graphical User Interchange

Answer: C.

 

Q15. In Multiprocessing, as opposed to Multitasking, the computer system utilizes:

A) Multiple Operating Systems running on one CPU.

B) One CPU switching rapidly between tasks.

C) Multiple CPUs (Processors) executing tasks simultaneously.

D) Multiple users accessing one mainframe.

E) A single processor with multiple monitors.

Answer: C (Multiprocessing = Multiple physical CPUs).

 

Q16. Which of the following best describes the function of a "Linker" in the program compilation process?

A) It loads the program into memory.

B) It combines object modules with libraries to create a single executable file.

C) It checks the syntax of the program.

D) It converts high-level language to assembly.

E) It debugs the program for logic errors.

Answer: B (Linking joins different code pieces into one .exe).

 

Q17. Which of the following is an example of "Utility Software" rather than System or Application software?

A) Windows 10

B) Microsoft Word

C) Antivirus Program

D) Google Chrome

E) Linux Kernel

Answer: C (Utilities maintain the health of the system).

 

Q18. The "BIOS" is stored on a non-volatile chip on the motherboard and initiates the hardware; what does BIOS stand for?

A) Basic Input Output System

B) Binary Input Output System

C) Basic Internal Operating System

D) Basic Integrated Operating Software

E) Built-In Operating Structure

Answer: A.

 

Q19. Which scheduling algorithm allows the CPU to be allocated to each process for a fixed time slice (quantum) in a cyclic order?

A) First Come First Serve (FCFS)

B) Shortest Job First (SJF)

C) Round Robin

D) Priority Scheduling

E) Deadlock Avoidance

Answer: C (Round Robin is standard for time-sharing systems).

 

Q20. "Shareware" is a specific type of proprietary software which is provided to users mainly for:

A) Permanent free usage without any restrictions.

B) Modification of the source code.

C) Trial basis with a request to pay later for continued use.

D) Hardware testing purposes only.

E) Use only by government agencies.

Answer: C (Try before you buy).

 

Q21. When a computer runs multiple programs concurrently, but actually switches the CPU attention between them, it is known as:

A) Parallel Processing

B) Multitasking

C) Multiprocessing

D) Batch Processing

E) Grid Computing

Answer: B (One CPU, many tasks switching quickly).

 

Q22. Which specific file system is the default and most secure file system used by modern Windows Operating Systems (like Windows 10/11)?

A) FAT32

B) NTFS (New Technology File System)

C) HFS+

D) EXT4

E) APFS

Answer: B (NTFS supports large files and security permissions).

 

Q23. What is the primary role of a "Loader" in the execution of a program?

A) It links the library files.

B) It places the executable program from the disk into the main memory (RAM) for execution.

C) It translates the code into binary.

D) It manages the graphical interface.

E) It shuts down the program after use.

Answer: B (Loading the code into RAM so the CPU can read it).

 

Q24. An error in a software program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results is technically called a:

A) Virus

B) Bug

C) Spam

D) Phish

E) Worm

Answer: B.

 

Q25. Which of the following statements accurately describes "Firmware"?

A) It is software that manages financial transactions.

B) It is a combination of hardware and software, usually permanently programmed into a Read-Only Memory.

C) It is the soft padding used to protect computer hardware during shipping.

D) It is a type of virus that infects firm files.

E) It is temporary data stored in RAM.

Answer: B (Software embedded in hardware, like BIOS or a microwave controller).

 

Q26. A "Deadlock" in an Operating System is a situation where:

A) The computer shuts down automatically due to heat.

B) Two or more processes are waiting for each other to release resources, causing them to be stuck indefinitely.

C) The OS deletes files without permission.

D) The hard drive crashes and data is lost.

E) The internet connection is severed.

Answer: B (Process A holds Resource X wants Y; Process B holds Resource Y wants X).

 

Q27. The extension ".apk" is associated with the installation files of which Operating System?

A) Microsoft Windows

B) iOS (Apple)

C) Android

D) Linux Ubuntu

E) macOS

Answer: C (Android Package Kit).

 

Q28. Which of the following is considered a "Command Line Interface" (CLI) Operating System, as opposed to a GUI?

A) MS-DOS

B) Windows 10

C) macOS Monterey

D) Android 12

E) iOS 15

Answer: A (Requires typing commands, no mouse clicking).

 

Q29. What is the specific term for the core part of the Linux operating system that interfaces directly with the hardware?

A) The Shell

B) The Kernel

C) The Distribution (Distro)

D) The GUI

E) The Compiler

Answer: B.

 

Q30. "Virtual Memory" is essentially a technique that allows the computer to:

A) Use the Cloud as RAM.

B) Use a portion of the Secondary Storage (Hard Disk) as an extension of the Primary Memory (RAM).

C) Use the GPU memory for CPU tasks.

D) Double the physical RAM by downloading software.

E) Run without any memory at all.

Answer: B.

 

Q31. Which of the following is NOT a proprietary operating system, meaning its code is open for the public to view?

A) Windows 7

B) macOS

C) Linux

D) iOS

E) Windows Vista

Answer: C (Linux is Open Source).

 

Q32. The process of modifying a software program to remove or correct "bugs" is known as:

A) Compiling

B) Debugging

C) Interpreting

D) Encoding

E) Assembling

Answer: B.

 

Q33. What is the main difference between "Source Code" and "Object Code"?

A) Source code is binary; Object code is English-like.

B) Source code is written by humans; Object code is the machine-readable binary produced by a compiler.

C) Object code is for the monitor; Source code is for the printer.

D) Source code is proprietary; Object code is open source.

E) There is no difference.

Answer: B.

 

Q34. In the Windows Operating System, the shortcut "Alt + Tab" is universally used to:

A) Close the current window.

B) Open the Start Menu.

C) Switch between currently open applications.

D) Take a screenshot.

E) Lock the computer.

Answer: C.

 

Q35. Which software acts as a "bridge" permitting the Operating System to communicate with a piece of hardware like a Graphics Card?

A) The Compiler

B) The Device Driver

C) The Application

D) The Spooler

E) The Register

Answer: B.

 

Q36. "Defragmentation" is a maintenance process used on hard drives to:

A) Delete old files to save space.

B) Reorganize scattered data fragments so files are stored contiguously, improving speed.

C) Scan for viruses and malware.

D) Compress files to make them smaller.

E) Encrypt data for security.

Answer: B.

 

Q37. Which type of Operating System is designed to handle systems that are geographically separated but work together (like ATM networks)?

A) Distributed Operating System

B) Batch Operating System

C) Single User Operating System

D) Embedded Operating System

E) Real-Time Operating System

Answer: A.

 

Q38. "Freeware" differs from "Free Software" (Open Source) mainly because:

A) Freeware costs money after a month.

B) Freeware is free to use, but the source code is NOT available for modification.

C) Free Software is always expensive.

D) Freeware contains viruses.

E) Freeware is only for Linux.

Answer: B (Freeware = Free pizza; Open Source = Free pizza recipe).

 

Q39. If a computer provides database services to other computers on a network, it is generally known as a:

A) Client

B) Server

C) Terminal

D) Supercomputer

E) Workstation

Answer: B.

 

Q40. The hierarchy of data storage from smallest to largest in a database context is:

A) Bit -> Byte -> Field -> Record -> File -> Database

B) Byte -> Bit -> File -> Record -> Field -> Database

C) Database -> File -> Record -> Field -> Byte -> Bit

D) Bit -> Field -> Record -> Byte -> Database -> File

E) Record -> File -> Field -> Bit -> Byte -> Database

Answer: A (This is the standard Data Hierarchy).