Operating Systems - Questions and Answers

1. Choose the correct option

a. Which of the following is an operating system?

i. Windows

ii. Linux

iii. Unix

iv. All of these

b. Which Operating System is developed by CDAC, Chennai?

i. Windows

ii. BOSS

iii. Unix

iv. None of these

c. Which OS has fixed deadlines?

i. Distributed

ii. Real-time

iii. Interactive

iv. Batch Processing

d. Name a multiuser Operating system.

i. MS-DOS

ii. BOSS

iii. Unix

iv. None of these

e. Name a version of macOS.

i. Mojave

ii. High Sierra

iii. Sierra

iv. All of these

f. In which year was Windows OS released?

i. 1980

ii. 1985

iii. 1983

iv. 1987

2. Fill in the blanks

a. ______ is the founder of Microsoft Corporation.

Bill Gates

b. An operating system is a program which acts as an ______ between a user and the hardware.

interface

c. The operating system decides which job should use the ______ and for how long.

processor/CPU

d. A computer System works with ______.

software and hardware

e. Windows is an example of ______ operating system.

graphical user interface (GUI)

f. Unix was originally developed in ______ by a group of AT&T employees.

1969

3. State True or False

a. Microsoft Windows has 15 versions since its first release in 1985.

False (Windows has had more than 15 versions since its first release)

b. Linux is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it.

True

c. iOS is Apple's mobile operating system.

True

d. The latest version of Android is Unnati.

False (As of my knowledge cutoff, the latest Android versions have different names)

e. Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs.

True

f. macOS is Apple's mobile operating system.

False (macOS is Apple's desktop operating system, iOS is their mobile OS)

4. Short Answer Questions

1. What is an Operating System?

An operating system is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware.

2. Mention the names of any two commonly used operating system.

Windows and Linux (or macOS, Android, iOS)

3. When was the first version of Apple iOS released?

The first version of iOS was released in 2007.

4. What do you mean by multitasking?

Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to run multiple applications or processes simultaneously, allowing users to switch between different tasks efficiently.

5. What is real-time operating system?

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an operating system designed to process data and events within specific time constraints. It guarantees response within strict time deadlines, making it suitable for time-critical applications.

6. What is time sharing and distributive operating system?

Time-sharing operating system allows multiple users to share computer resources simultaneously by rapidly switching between users. Distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear as a single coherent system, distributing processing and resources across multiple machines.

5. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain any two functions of an Operating System?

Process Management: The operating system manages the execution of processes, allocating CPU time, creating and deleting processes, and handling process synchronization and communication. It ensures efficient utilization of the processor and fair allocation of resources among competing processes.

Memory Management: The OS manages the computer's primary memory, allocating and deallocating memory space as needed by programs. It keeps track of which parts of memory are being used and by whom, and handles memory swapping between main memory and disk when required.

2. Explain any two-operating system used in mobile phones

Android: Developed by Google, Android is an open-source, Linux-based operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices. It features a customizable user interface, supports a wide range of applications through Google Play Store, and is used by various manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.

iOS: Developed by Apple Inc., iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system exclusively for Apple devices like iPhone and iPad. It is known for its security, smooth user experience, tight integration with Apple's ecosystem, and curated App Store with strict quality controls.

3. Write a short note on Windows operating system.

Windows is a series of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. First released in 1985 as Windows 1.0, it has evolved through various versions including Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10/11. Windows introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) to mainstream computing, making computers more accessible to non-technical users. It dominates the personal computer market with approximately 75% market share. Key features include the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and support for a vast library of software applications. Windows supports both consumer and enterprise environments with different editions tailored to various needs.

4. Write a note on the operating systems created by Apple.

Apple has developed several operating systems for its hardware products:

macOS: Apple's desktop operating system for Mac computers, known for its stability, security, and elegant user interface. It features the Dock, Spotlight search, and tight integration with other Apple devices.

iOS: The mobile operating system for iPhone and iPad, featuring a touch-based interface, App Store, and strong security features.

iPadOS: A variant of iOS specifically optimized for iPad tablets with enhanced multitasking capabilities.

watchOS: The operating system for Apple Watch, focusing on health monitoring and quick interactions.

tvOS: The operating system for Apple TV, designed for media consumption and entertainment.

All Apple operating systems are known for their tight hardware-software integration, security features, and seamless ecosystem connectivity.

5. What is BOSS?

BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) is an Indian Linux distribution developed by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) under the National Resource Centre for Free/Open Source Software (NRCFOSS). It is designed to cater to the Indian market with support for Indian languages and localization. BOSS Linux promotes the use of open-source software in India and provides a secure, affordable computing solution for government, educational, and personal use. It includes Indian language support, office applications, web browsers, and development tools, making it suitable for various computing needs while promoting digital sovereignty.

6. Write a short note on Bill Gates.

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, investor, author, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft Corporation with Paul Allen in 1975 and served as CEO until 2000. Under his leadership, Microsoft became the worldwide leader in business and personal software and services. Gates played a pivotal role in the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. He is known for his visionary approach to software development and business strategy. After stepping down from Microsoft, he and his then-wife Melinda established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable foundations focused on global health, poverty, and education. Gates has authored several books and continues to be influential in technology and philanthropy.

7. What is Interactive Operating System? Where is it used?

An interactive operating system is designed for direct user interaction, where users can provide input and receive immediate responses from the system. These systems support real-time interaction through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces (CLIs).

Interactive operating systems are used in:

  • Personal computers and laptops (Windows, macOS, Linux desktop distributions)
  • Smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS)
  • Workstations and servers with direct user access
  • Point-of-sale systems and kiosks
  • ATMs and self-service terminals

These systems prioritize user responsiveness and ease of use, allowing direct manipulation of applications and immediate feedback to user actions.

8. What are the two important features that must be taken care while maintaining a directory?

Organization and Structure: Directories should be logically organized with a clear hierarchical structure that makes it easy to locate files. This includes using meaningful folder names, categorizing files appropriately, and maintaining consistent naming conventions. A well-organized directory structure improves efficiency and reduces the time needed to find specific files.

Access Control and Security: Proper permissions and access controls must be implemented to ensure that only authorized users can access, modify, or delete files and directories. This includes setting appropriate read, write, and execute permissions for different user groups, implementing authentication mechanisms, and regularly reviewing access privileges to maintain data security and integrity.