Operating Systems (OS) Flashcards
What is an operating system?
An operating system is software that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and users, managing hardware resources and providing services for application programs.
True or False: The main function of an operating system is to manage hardware resources.
True
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the core component of an operating system that manages system resources.
kernel
What are the two main types of operating systems?
Batch operating systems and interactive operating systems.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system? A) Memory management B) Process scheduling C) Word processing
C) Word processing
Define ‘process’ in the context of operating systems.
A process is a program in execution, which includes the program code, current activity, and allocated resources.
True or False: An operating system can run multiple processes simultaneously.
True
What is the purpose of memory management in an operating system?
Memory management is responsible for managing the computer’s memory resources, allocating memory to processes, and ensuring efficient memory usage.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is responsible for managing input and output devices in an operating system.
device driver
What is a user interface in the context of operating systems?
A user interface is the means by which a user interacts with the operating system, which can be command-line based or graphical.
Multiple Choice: Which operating system is known for its open-source nature? A) Windows B) macOS C) Linux
C) Linux
What is multitasking in an operating system?
Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks or processes concurrently.
True or False: A real-time operating system guarantees a response within a specified time constraint.
True
What is the difference between a single-user and a multi-user operating system?
A single-user operating system supports one user at a time, while a multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously.
Fill in the blank: The __________ scheduler determines the order in which processes are executed by the CPU.
CPU
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is a memory management technique that allows the execution of processes that may not be completely in memory by using disk space as an extension.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common feature of operating systems? A) File management B) Web browsing C) Video editing
A) File management
What is the purpose of system calls in an operating system?
System calls provide an interface for user programs to request services from the operating system.
True or False: The file system is responsible for organizing and managing files on storage devices.
True
What is a thread in an operating system?
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.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is a set of programs that manages computer hardware and software resources.
operating system
What is a deadlock in the context of operating systems?
A deadlock is a situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release resources.