Fundamentals of Operating Systems

What is an operating system?

• A network protocol

• A type of computer hardware

• A programming language

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

Name three main functions of an operating system.

• File storage

• Network security

• Data backup

• 1. Resource management 2. User interface 3. Application execution

What is the difference between a kernel and a shell?

• The kernel manages system resources, while the shell provides a user interface.

• The kernel and shell are the same thing.

• The kernel is a type of shell.

• The shell manages system resources, while the kernel provides a user interface.

Define multitasking in the context of operating systems.

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

• Multitasking refers to the process of shutting down applications to save resources.

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

• Multitasking is when an operating system only allows background processes to run.

What is a process in an operating system?

• A process is a static file on disk.

• A process is a type of hardware component.

• A process is an instance of a program in execution.

• A process is a user interface element.

Explain the term 'thread' in operating systems.

• A thread is a type of hardware component in a computer.

• A thread is a method for storing data in memory.

• A thread is the smallest unit of processing that can be scheduled by an operating system, representing a single sequence of execution within a process.

• A thread is a complete program that runs independently.

What is virtual memory?

• Virtual memory is a technique that compresses RAM to save space.

• Virtual memory is a memory management technique that uses disk space to extend the apparent amount of RAM available to applications.

• Virtual memory is a hardware component that stores data.

• Virtual memory is a type of physical memory.

Describe the role of device drivers in an operating system.

• Device drivers are used to enhance the graphics of an operating system.

• Device drivers are responsible for managing user accounts in the operating system.

• Device drivers provide internet connectivity to the operating system.

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

What is the purpose of a file system?

• To enhance the speed of the computer's processor.

• The purpose of a file system is to manage how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices.

• To provide a user interface for applications.

• To manage network connections between devices.

What are system calls?

• System calls are used to manage network connections only.

• System calls are hardware instructions for the CPU.

• System calls are the interface for user applications to request services from the operating system.

• System calls are a type of software bug that needs fixing.