Understanding Operating Systems

What is an operating system?

• A network protocol

• A programming language

• An operating system is software that manages computer hardware and software resources.

• A type of computer hardware

Name three popular operating systems.

• Chrome OS

• Android

• Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

• iOS

What is the primary function of an operating system?

• To provide internet connectivity to devices.

• The primary function of an operating system is to manage computer hardware and software resources.

• To enhance the graphical user interface of applications.

• To store and retrieve data from the cloud.

Explain the difference between system software and application software.

• System software and application software are the same thing.

• Application software is responsible for hardware management.

• System software manages hardware and provides a platform; application software performs specific user tasks.

• System software is only for mobile devices.

What is a kernel in the context of an operating system?

• The kernel is a database management system for storing files.

• The kernel is a type of software application for word processing.

• The kernel is a user interface for interacting with hardware.

• The kernel is the central part of an operating system that manages system resources and communication.

What are the two main types of operating systems?

• Real-Time Operating Systems

• Embedded Operating Systems

• Server Operating Systems

• Desktop Operating Systems and Mobile Operating Systems

Define multitasking in operating systems.

• Multitasking refers to the ability of an operating system to run a single process at a time.

• Multitasking is the process of shutting down all other applications to focus on one task.

• Multitasking means an operating system can only handle background processes without user interaction.

• Multitasking is the capability of an operating system to manage and execute multiple processes concurrently.

What is the role of device drivers in an operating system?

• Device drivers are used to manage software applications.

• Device drivers enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices.

• Device drivers are responsible for user interface design.

• Device drivers enhance the security of the operating system.

How does an operating system manage memory?

• Memory management is solely the responsibility of the hardware, not the operating system.

• An operating system uses a fixed-size memory allocation for all processes without any isolation.

• An operating system manages memory by storing all data in a single location without tracking.

• An operating system manages memory by allocating, tracking, and isolating memory for processes using techniques like virtual memory, paging, and segmentation.

What is the purpose of a user interface in an operating system?

• To increase the speed of the operating system.

• The purpose of a user interface in an operating system is to facilitate user interaction with the system.

• To provide security features for the operating system.

• To manage hardware resources directly without user input.