chap2

Question 1

What is the primary role of an operating system?

Answer 1

The operating system is the most important program on a computer, performing basic tasks like recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display, managing files, and controlling peripheral devices like printers.

Question 2

What are the four main roles of an operating system?

Answer 2

Manage hardware
Run applications
Provide a user interface
Manage files

Question 3

What is Plug and Play (PnP) technology?

Answer 3

Plug and Play technology allows an operating system to automatically detect and configure new hardware devices.

Question 4

What are the two types of operating system interfaces?

Answer 4

Command Line Interface (CLI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Question 4

What are the capabilities of modern operating systems?

Answer 4

Multi-user: Multiple users can access the system simultaneously.
Multitasking: Manages multiple tasks or processes at the same time.
Multiprocessing: Supports more than one CPU or processor.
Multithreading: Allows multiple threads within a program to run concurrently.

Question 5

Name some basic functions of an operating system.

Answer 5

File and folder management, application management, controlling hardware access, and providing a user interface.

Question 6

What is the role of an Application Programming Interface (API) in an operating system?

Answer 6

An API allows programmers to develop software applications that are consistent with the operating system.

Question 7

What are the three common types of desktop operating systems?

Answer 7

Windows
Mac OS
Linux

Question 8

What are some common tasks performed by a Network Operating System (NOS)?

Answer 8

File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

Question 9

What factors should be considered when selecting an operating system for a customer?

Answer 9

Compatibility, minimum hardware requirements, software requirements, file system format, and the customer’s existing hardware and application

Question 10

What is the purpose of a desktop operating system (OS)?

Answer 10

A desktop OS is designed for small office/home office environments, supporting a single user and managing files and peripherals on a small network.

Question 11

What are the main characteristics of a Network Operating System (NOS)?

Answer 11

A NOS supports multiple users, runs multi-user applications, is robust and redundant, and is designed to be used on a network with increased security.

Question 12

What are the characteristics of a desktop operating system?

Answer 12

It is designed to support a single user, run single-user applications, share files and folders, and share peripherals on a small network.

Question 13

How does multitasking differ from multiprocessing in an operating system?

Answer 13

Multitasking allows multiple tasks or processes to run concurrently on a single CPU, while multiprocessing allows multiple CPUs to work on different tasks simultaneously.

Question 14

What are some commonly used Network Operating Systems (NOS)?

Answer 14

Commonly used NOS include Novell Netware, Microsoft Windows Server, Linux, and UNIX.

Question 15

What is the difference between open-source and proprietary operating systems?

Answer 15

Open-source operating systems, like Linux, allow users to read and modify the code, while proprietary systems, like Windows, restrict access to the source code and usage.

Question 16

What is a Hardware Compatibility List (HCL), and why is it important?

Answer 16

An HCL is a list provided by the operating system manufacturer that details hardware components compatible with the OS. It helps ensure hardware compatibility to avoid issues after installation.

Question 17

What are the minimum hardware requirements, and why might they need to be exceeded?

Answer 17

Minimum hardware requirements are the basic specifications for running an operating system or application. Exceeding them can ensure long-term functionality and avoid frequent upgrades.

Question 18

What is a server, and how does it function in a network environment?

Answer 18

A server is a robust computer designed to serve the needs of multiple clients in a network, managing tasks like file sharing, application hosting, and security.

Question 19

How can customer needs influence the choice of an operating system?

Answer 19

Customer requirements, such as software compatibility, hardware capabilities, and specific application needs, dictate the most appropriate OS to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.