Operating System Services Quiz

What is the primary function of an operating system?

• To provide an environment for execution of programs

• To manage user accounts

• To create hardware components

• To develop software applications

Answer explanation

The primary function of an operating system is to provide an environment for execution of programs, managing resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software.

Which of the following is a type of user interface provided by operating systems?

• Network Interface Card (NIC)

• Command-Line Interface (CLI)

• Database Management System (DBMS)

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Answer explanation

The Command-Line Interface (CLI) is a type of user interface provided by operating systems, allowing users to interact with the system through text commands. The other options do not represent user interfaces.

What does the term 'I/O operations' refer to in operating systems?

• Input and Output operations

• Internal and Output operations

• Internal and Online operations

• Input and Online operations

Answer explanation

The term 'I/O operations' in operating systems refers to 'Input and Output operations'. This encompasses all processes that involve reading data from input devices and sending data to output devices, making it the correct choice.

Which service allows processes to exchange information?

• Communications

• File-system manipulation

• Resource allocation

• Error detection

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Communications' because it specifically refers to the mechanisms that allow processes to exchange information, unlike the other options which serve different purposes.

What is the purpose of error detection in an operating system?

• To allocate system resources

• To manage file permissions

• To enhance user interface

• To ensure correct and consistent computing

Answer explanation

The purpose of error detection in an operating system is to ensure correct and consistent computing by identifying and correcting errors that may occur during processing, thus maintaining system reliability.

What is a system call?

• A request for a service from the OS kernel

• A way to manage memory

• A method to execute a program

• A type of user interface

Answer explanation

A system call is a mechanism that allows user programs to request services from the operating system's kernel, such as file operations or process management. This makes 'A request for a service from the OS kernel' the correct choice.

Which API is commonly used for POSIX-based systems?

• Win32 API

• POSIX API

• Java API

• Linux API

Answer explanation

The POSIX API is specifically designed for POSIX-compliant systems, providing a standard interface for system calls and library functions. Other options like Win32 and Java APIs are not tailored for POSIX systems.

What is the main advantage of a microkernel architecture?

• Simpler design

• More reliable and secure

• Faster execution

• Easier to debug

Answer explanation

The main advantage of a microkernel architecture is that it runs minimal services in kernel mode, enhancing reliability and security. By isolating services, it reduces the risk of system crashes and vulnerabilities, making it more secure.

In a layered operating system structure, which layer is at the bottom?

• Device driver layer

• System services layer

• User interface layer

• Hardware layer

Answer explanation

The hardware layer is at the bottom of a layered operating system structure, providing the fundamental interface to the physical components. Above it are the device driver, system services, and user interface layers.

What is the role of a linker in operating systems?

• To provide user interfaces

• To execute system calls

• To combine object files into a single executable

• To manage memory allocation

Answer explanation

The linker plays a crucial role in operating systems by combining multiple object files into a single executable. This process resolves references between the files and ensures that the final program can run correctly.