Multics Flashcards
The root of UNIX. Learn it...
What was the primary goal of Multics in its design?
A. Speed
B. User-friendliness
C. Security
D. Portability
Answer: C
Explanation: Security was a fundamental requirement of Multics from the start.
Which system preceded Multics and inspired many of its features?
A. UNIX
B. Windows
C. CTSS
D. VMS
Answer: C
Explanation: Multics was designed as a successor to the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS).
What programming language was Multics primarily written in?
A. C
B. Assembly
C. Java
D. PL/I
Answer: D
Explanation: PL/I was chosen for its strong typing and built-in error checking.
Which concept is not associated with Multics?
A. Ring-based protection
B. Flat memory model
C. Segmented memory
D. Hierarchical file system
Answer: B
Explanation: Multics used a segmented memory model.
How many protection rings were implemented in Multics hardware?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 8
D. 64
Answer: C
Explanation: Multics implemented 8 hardware rings, with software simulation extending it to 64.
Which organization withdrew from the Multics project in 1969?
A. Honeywell
B. Bell Labs
C. MIT
D. IBM
Answer: B
Explanation: Bell Labs left and later started the UNIX project.
Which of the following contributed to Multics’ failure?
A. Lack of features
B. Security vulnerabilities
C. High cost and specialized hardware
D. No user documentation
Answer: C
Multics introduced all the following EXCEPT:
A. Symmetric multiprocessing
B. Virtual memory
C. Buffer overflows
D. Access Control Lists
Answer: C
Which OS inherited many concepts from Multics?
A. Windows 3.1
B. Unix
C. MS-DOS
D. VMS
Answer: B
Which of these contributed to Multics’ B2 rating?
A. Support for gaming
B. Dynamic IP routing
C. Integrated security from design
D. Open-source community
Answer: C
What does the acronym Multics stand for?
A. Multiple User Terminal Control System
B. Multiplexed Information and Computing Service
C. Multi-User Layered Computing System
D. Multilevel Integrated Computer System
Answer: B
Which of the following Multics features influenced Intel architecture?
A. Virtual Machines
B. Ring-based security
C. Touch interface
D. USB booting
Answer: B
Which company eventually sold Multics systems to France?
A. IBM
B. Honeywell
C. Intel
D. Microsoft
Answer: B
Which OS was running alongside Multics at MIT during 1969?
A. Linux
B. Solaris
C. OS/360
D. AmigaOS
Answer: C
The Multics project began under which MIT project?
A. Project NOVA
B. Project ORBIT
C. Project MAC
D. Project PHOENIX
Answer: C
Which U.S. military branch influenced Multics security improvements?
A. Navy
B. Air Force
C. Army
D. Marines
Answer: B
Which feature of PL/I helped avoid buffer overflows?
A. Memory isolation
B. Garbage collection
C. Built-in bounds checking
D. Compiler obfuscation
Answer: C
What is a key characteristic of Multics’ file system?
A. Flat
B. Tree-structured
C. Tag-based
D. Non-persistent
Answer: B
What type of memory did Multics use?
A. Single-level storage
B. Dual-level paging
C. Cache only
D. ROM-based storage
Answer: A
Which of the following did Multics support?
A. Manual scheduling
B. Multiprocessing
C. BIOS-level configuration
D. GUI
Answer: B
Which was NOT a reason for Multics’ high cost?
A. Specialized hardware
B. Complexity
C. Government taxes
D. Custom development
Answer: C
What kind of access controls did Multics use?
A. Role-based
B. MAC
C. ACLs
D. RBAC with SELinux
Answer: C
What is the purpose of the “ring” architecture in Multics?
A. Speed up networking
B. Divide RAM segments
C. Enforce hierarchical privileges
D. Prioritize user processes
Answer: C
Which action is NOT controlled in Multics’ ACL?
A. WRITE
B. DELETE
C. EXECUTE
D. TRAP
Answer: B
Why was UNIX able to succeed where Multics failed?
A. It had better security
B. It was open-source from the beginning
C. It used simpler, more portable architecture
D. It was backed by IBM
Answer: C
What was the main reason the US Air Force eventually stopped Multics work?
A. Poor performance
B. High cost
C. Bugs
D. Security issues
Answer: B
What does the acronym TCB stand for in security contexts?
A. Trusted Core Base
B. Trusted Computing Base
C. Time-based Computing Branch
D. Terminal Control Buffer
Answer: B
Which year did Multics begin providing time-sharing service?
A. 1965
B. 1969
C. 1973
D. 1980
Answer: B
Which of the following did Multics implement?
A. Reference Monitor
B. Cloud-based ACLs
C. SSH encryption
D. Blockchain validation
Answer: A
How did Multics avoid backdoors?
A. Open-source review
B. Use of Java
C. No buffer overflows
D. Ring-0 access restrictions
Answer: D
What role did Bell Labs play in the development of Multics?
They contributed to engineering and user experience, but later withdrew in 1969, leading to the creation of UNIX.
Explain why Multics was considered secure from the start.
Security was a design requirement, and features like protection rings, ACLs, and TCB were core components.
What is single-level storage in Multics?
Programs and data were treated uniformly in a segmented memory system, eliminating traditional file distinctions.
Name three major technologies Multics pioneered that influenced modern OS.
Segmented memory, virtual memory, and hierarchical file systems.
Why did the U.S. Air Force enhance Multics’ security features?
For use in high-security applications, leading to development of B2-level features.
What was unique about Multics’ use of PL/I in terms of security?
PL/I helped prevent buffer overflows due to built-in bounds checking.
Why did Multics fail commercially despite its innovations?
It was too expensive and relied on non-portable hardware.
What is the function of protection rings in Multics?
To enforce privilege separation in software execution layers.
How did the use of ACLs in Multics contribute to security?
They provided fine-grained control over file access operations.
Describe the concept of a reference monitor in Multics.
A theoretical model used to enforce access control policies between subjects and objects.
