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Chapter 6 · Class 11 Computer Science

Operating System — Important Questions

55 questions With answers CBSE format

SUMMARY: The chapter on Operating System in Class 11 Computer Science introduces students to the fundamental concepts and functions of operating systems in computing environments.
KEY TOPICS: functions of operating systems, types of operating systems, process management, memory management, file management, device management, user interface, security and protection, examples of operating systems, multitasking and multiprocessing

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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 15 questions
Q1 1 Mark

Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?

AMemory management
BProcess management
CCompiling source code
DDevice management
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Compiling source code
Q2 1 Mark

An OS that allows multiple users to share computer resources at the same time is called:

ASingle user
BMulti-user
CBatch
DReal-time
Check answerHide answer
Correct answer: Option 2 — Multi-user
Q3 1 Mark

Which of the following is an example of an open-source operating system?

AWindows
BmacOS
CLinux
DiOS
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Linux
Q4 1 Mark

Which OS scheduling algorithm processes jobs in the order they arrive?

AFCFS
BSJF
CRound Robin
DPriority
Check answerHide answer
Correct answer: Option 1 — FCFS
Q5 1 Mark

A program in execution is called a:

AThread
BProcess
CTask
DJob
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Process
Q6 1 Mark

What is the primary function of memory management in an operating system?

ATo manage the CPU scheduling
BTo allocate and manage computer memory resources
CTo handle input and output operations
DTo provide a user interface
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Correct answer: Option 2 — To allocate and manage computer memory resources
Q7 1 Mark

Which type of operating system is designed to manage a single user environment?

AMulti-user OS
BReal-time OS
CSingle-user OS
DDistributed OS
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Single-user OS
Q8 1 Mark

What is the purpose of a device driver in an operating system?

ATo manage memory allocation
BTo provide an interface for hardware devices
CTo schedule processes for execution
DTo protect system security
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Correct answer: Option 2 — To provide an interface for hardware devices
Q9 1 Mark

In which type of operating system can multiple processes run simultaneously, sharing the same CPU?

ABatch OS
BMultiprocessing OS
CSingle-tasking OS
DNetwork OS
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Multiprocessing OS
Q10 1 Mark

Which of the following is a characteristic of a real-time operating system?

ASupports multitasking
BProcesses data in a timely manner
CIs primarily used for personal computers
DAllows multiple users to access resources
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Processes data in a timely manner
Q11 1 Mark

What does the term 'multitasking' refer to in an operating system?

ARunning multiple applications at the same time
BUsing multiple CPUs for processing
CManaging multiple user accounts
DPerforming background tasks only
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Correct answer: Option 1 — Running multiple applications at the same time
Q12 1 Mark

Which of the following is NOT a type of user interface provided by operating systems?

ACommand Line Interface (CLI)
BGraphical User Interface (GUI)
CBatch Interface
DNetwork Interface
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Correct answer: Option 4 — Network Interface
Q13 1 Mark

What is the role of the process scheduler in an operating system?

ATo manage file storage
BTo allocate memory to processes
CTo determine which process runs at a given time
DTo handle user input
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Correct answer: Option 3 — To determine which process runs at a given time
Q14 1 Mark

Which of the following best describes 'file management' in an operating system?

AManaging the execution of processes
BOrganizing and storing data in files and directories
CControlling hardware devices
DProviding security features
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Organizing and storing data in files and directories
Q15 1 Mark

What is a key benefit of using a distributed operating system?

AIncreased security
BImproved resource sharing among multiple computers
CSimplified user interface
DReduced hardware costs
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Improved resource sharing among multiple computers
Short Answer Questions 10 questions
Q16 3 Marks

List any three functions of an operating system.

Q17 3 Marks

Differentiate between time-sharing and real-time operating systems.

Q18 3 Marks

What is multitasking? Give one example of a multitasking OS.

Q19 3 Marks

Explain the difference between a process and a program.

Q20 3 Marks

What is a file system? Mention any two file systems.

Q21 3 Marks

What are the main types of operating systems? Provide a brief description of each type.

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The main types of operating systems include batch operating systems, time-sharing operating systems, distributed operating systems, network operating systems, and real-time operating systems. Batch OS processes jobs in batches without user interaction, time-sharing OS allows multiple users to interact simultaneously, distributed OS manages a group of independent computers, network OS provides services to computers connected in a network, and real-time OS responds to inputs instantly for time-sensitive tasks.
Q22 3 Marks

Define process management in the context of operating systems. Why is it important?

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Process management refers to the handling of processes in a system, which includes process scheduling, creation, termination, and synchronization. It is important because it ensures efficient execution of processes, optimizes CPU usage, and maintains system stability by managing resources effectively.
Q23 3 Marks

What is memory management and what are its key responsibilities in an operating system?

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Memory management is the process of controlling and coordinating computer memory, including the allocation and deallocation of memory spaces as needed by processes. Its key responsibilities include keeping track of each byte in a computer's memory, managing the allocation of memory to processes, and ensuring that processes do not interfere with each other's memory space.
Q24 3 Marks

Explain the term 'device management' in operating systems. How does it benefit users?

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Device management involves controlling and coordinating the various hardware devices connected to the computer, such as printers, disks, and displays. It benefits users by providing a consistent interface for device interaction, managing device communication, and ensuring that devices are used efficiently and without conflicts.
Q25 3 Marks

What is a user interface in an operating system? Name two types of user interfaces.

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A user interface in an operating system is the means by which users interact with the computer and its software. Two types of user interfaces are Command Line Interface (CLI), which allows users to type commands, and Graphical User Interface (GUI), which allows users to interact through graphical elements like windows and icons.
Long Answer Questions 6 questions
Q26 6 Marks

Describe the major functions of an operating system in detail.

Q27 6 Marks

Compare different types of operating systems — batch time-sharing real-time and distributed.

Q28 6 Marks

Explain process management in an operating system including process states and process control block.

Q29 6 Marks

Discuss memory management techniques used by operating systems — paging segmentation and virtual memory.

Q30 6 Marks

Explain the role of system calls in an operating system with examples.

Q31 6 Marks

Compare single-user and multi-user operating systems with the help of a table.

Assertion–Reason Questions 8 questions
Q32 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Operating system acts as an interface between user and hardware.

Reason (R): It hides the complexity of hardware from the user.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q33 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Linux is an open-source operating system.

Reason (R): Its source code is freely available and can be modified.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q34 1 Mark

Assertion (A): A multi-user OS allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously.

Reason (R): Each user gets a separate environment.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q35 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Virtual memory allows running programs larger than physical RAM.

Reason (R): Parts of programs are kept on disk and loaded into RAM as needed.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q36 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Time-sharing operating systems give each user a small slice of CPU time.

Reason (R): This creates the illusion that each user has their own machine.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q37 1 Mark

Assertion (A): The primary function of an operating system is to manage hardware resources.

Reason (R): Operating systems provide a user interface for users to interact with the hardware.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q38 1 Mark

Assertion (A): File management in an operating system includes the organization, storage, retrieval, naming, sharing, and protection of files.

Reason (R): File management is only concerned with the storage of files on disk.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q39 1 Mark

Assertion (A): In a multitasking operating system, multiple processes can be executed simultaneously.

Reason (R): Multitasking allows the CPU to switch between processes quickly, giving the illusion of simultaneous execution.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Statement-Based Questions 8 questions
Q40 1 Mark

Statement 1: An operating system manages all hardware and software resources.

Statement 2: It also provides services to application programs.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q41 1 Mark

Statement 1: Process states include new ready running waiting and terminated.

Statement 2: A process moves through these states during its lifetime.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q42 1 Mark

Statement 1: A device driver is a program that controls a hardware device.

Statement 2: Each hardware device has its own device driver.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q43 1 Mark

Statement 1: GUI uses windows icons and menus.

Statement 2: CLI uses commands typed by the user.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q44 1 Mark

Statement 1: Round Robin scheduling gives each process a fixed time slice.

Statement 2: If a process is not finished it goes back to the queue.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q45 1 Mark

Statement 1: The main function of an operating system is to provide a user interface for interaction.

Statement 2: Operating systems do not manage memory allocation for applications.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q46 1 Mark

Statement 1: Multitasking allows multiple processes to run simultaneously on a single CPU.

Statement 2: Multiprocessing involves multiple CPUs working on different processes at the same time.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q47 1 Mark

Statement 1: File management in an operating system includes organizing files into directories.

Statement 2: An operating system cannot protect files from unauthorized access.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — Only Statement 2 is true.
Case Study / Passage Questions 1 question
Q48 3 Marks
A small office of 10 employees needs to choose an operating system for its desktops and a shared file server. The IT manager considers Windows 11 (commercial) Linux (open source) and macOS. Each option has different licensing costs hardware compatibility and learning curves.
  1. Which of the following is open source?
    AWindows
    BmacOS
    CLinux
    DiOS
  2. Which OS typically has the lowest licensing cost?
    AWindows
    BLinux
    CmacOS
    DAll
  3. Recommend an operating system for the small office and justify your choice.
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1. Option 3 — Linux
2. Option 2 — Linux
3. For a small office Linux is attractive due to zero licensing cost wide hardware compatibility and strong server features. However employees may need training. Windows 11 is the safest choice for compatibility with common business software (MS Office Tally) and ease of use but has per-seat licensing. macOS works well for creative teams but requires Apple hardware. The IT manager should weigh cost against staff comfort and software ecosystem.
Table-Based Questions 3 questions
Q49 6 Marks

Match each operating system with its category and an example.

OS TypeDescriptionExample
Single-user single-task?MS-DOS
Single-user multitasking?Windows
Multi-user??
Real-time??
Q50 5 Marks

For each scenario identify what type of OS would be most appropriate.

ScenarioOS type
Personal laptop?
University server?
Industrial robot?
Smartphone?
Network of servers?
Q51 3 Marks

Study the comparison table of common operating systems and answer:

OSTypeSourceTypical use
WindowsSingle-user multitaskingProprietaryDesktop / business
LinuxMulti-user multitaskingOpen sourceServer / desktop / embedded
macOSSingle-user multitaskingProprietaryApple desktops
AndroidMobileOpen source (kernel)Smartphones / tablets
iOSMobileProprietaryiPhone / iPad
  1. Which OS is open source?
    AWindows
    BmacOS
    CLinux
    DiOS
  2. Which OS is most commonly used in servers?
    ALinux
    BWindows
    CAndroid
    DiOS
  3. Compare desktop and mobile operating systems with examples and key differences.
Show answersHide answers
1. Option 3 — Linux
2. Option 1 — Linux
3. Operating systems are classified by the number of users they support (single-user vs multi-user) the number of tasks (single-task vs multitasking) and the device they run on (desktop vs mobile vs embedded vs real-time). Linux dominates servers due to its stability open source nature and wide community support. Windows leads desktop. Android leads mobile.
Picture-Based Questions 4 questions
Q52 3 Marks

Study the process state diagram and answer:

Operating System figure
  1. In which state does a process actually execute on the CPU?
    ANew
    BReady
    CRunning
    DTerminated
  2. A process moves to which state when it requests I/O?
    AReady
    BRunning
    CWaiting
    DTerminated
  3. Explain process states and transitions in an operating system.
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1. Option 3 — Running
2. Option 3 — Waiting
3. A process moves through five states. New - just created. Ready - waiting for CPU. Running - actually executing. Waiting (Blocked) - waiting for I/O or event. Terminated - finished. Transitions are managed by the OS scheduler. Only one process is Running at a time per CPU; others are Ready.
Q53 3 Marks

Based on the given flowchart, answer the following:

Operating System figure
  1. Which function is NOT part of the operating system?
    AProcess Management
    BNetwork Management
    CFile Management
    DDevice Management
  2. List all functions of an operating system as shown in the flowchart.
  3. How many main functions of an operating system are illustrated in the flowchart?
    A4
    B5
    C6
    D7
  4. Which memory management technique divides memory into fixed-size blocks?
    AContiguous Allocation
    BPaging
    CSegmentation
    DVirtual Memory
  5. Name one advantage of using Virtual Memory.
  6. How many memory management techniques are illustrated in the flowchart?
    A2
    B3
    C4
    D5
Show answersHide answers
1. Option 2 — Network Management
2. Process Management, Memory Management, File Management, Device Management, User Interface, Security and Protection
3. Option 3 — 6
4. Option 2 — Paging
5. It allows the execution of processes that may not be completely in memory.
6. Option 3 — 4
Q54 3 Marks

Based on the given diagram of process states, answer the following:

Operating System figure
  1. What does the 'Running' state indicate?
  2. Which state does a process enter after it is created?
    AReady
    BRunning
    CWaiting
    DNew
  3. Identify the transition that occurs when a process is moved from Waiting to Running.
    ADispatch
    BCompletion
    CAdmission
    DWakeup
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1. The process is currently being executed by the CPU.
2. Option 4 — New
3. Option 4 — Wakeup
Q55 3 Marks

Based on the given chart, answer the following:

Operating System figure
  1. Which type of operating system has the highest number of users?
    ASingle-user
    BMulti-user
    CDistributed
    DReal-time
  2. What is the total number of users for Multi-user and Distributed operating systems combined?
  3. What percentage of users are using Real-time operating systems?
    A5%
    B10%
    C15%
    D20%
Show answersHide answers
1. Option 1 — Single-user
2. 40
3. Option 1 — 5%
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