Operating System Fundamentals Flashcards
6 cards from real ICT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Operating System Fundamentals flashcards as text
Which of the following operating system functions is primarily responsible for managing how data is stored, accessed, and organized on a storage device like a hard drive?
Answer: File System Management
File System Management is the core OS function that provides the structure for storing and retrieving data. It organizes data into a hierarchy of files and directories, manages metadata (like permissions and timestamps), and tracks free space.
A user connects a new printer to their computer, but it doesn't work. The operating system does not recognize the device. What is most likely missing?
Answer: A device driver
A device driver is a specialized piece of software that acts as a translator between the operating system and a specific hardware device. Without the correct driver, the OS cannot communicate with or control the hardware, rendering it unusable.
An operating system's memory management function is crucial for which of the following tasks?
Answer: Allocating RAM to running applications and processes.
Memory management is the process by which an operating system controls and coordinates the computer's main memory (RAM). It involves allocating memory blocks to programs that need them and deallocating them when they are no longer in use to optimize system performance.
What is the fundamental difference between multitasking and multithreading?
Answer: Multitasking involves executing multiple processes concurrently, while multithreading involves executing multiple threads within a single process.
Multitasking refers to the ability of an OS to run multiple independent programs (processes) at the same time by switching the CPU between them. Multithreading is more granular; it allows a single process to be broken down into smaller, concurrent execution paths called threads that can run simultaneously and share the same resources.
A system administrator needs to perform advanced system configuration on a server and prefers an interface that offers powerful control and scriptability with low overhead. Which type of user interface would be most suitable?
Answer: Command-Line Interface (CLI)
A Command-Line Interface (CLI) allows users to interact with the operating system by typing text commands. It is highly valued by administrators and advanced users for its powerful control, ability to be automated through scripts, and lower consumption of system resources compared to a GUI.
Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the operating system's kernel?
Answer: Managing the core, central functions like CPU scheduling and memory management.
The kernel is the central component of an operating system that manages the system's resources. It acts as the bridge between applications and the hardware, handling fundamental tasks such as managing CPU time (scheduling), memory allocation, and hardware interactions.