Choose the correct option

Question 1

An operating system is:

1. an application software
2. a system software
3. a loader
4. None

Answer

A system software

Reason — An operating system is a system software as it manages various resources and the
overall operations of a computer. It is designed to support the various activities of the computer
in a systematic manner.

Question 2

MS-DOS is a:

1. single-user OS
2. multi-user OS
3. multi-tasking OS
4. None

Answer

Single-user OS

Reason — MS-DOS is a single-user OS as it is designed to manage the computer so that one

user can effectively perform one task at a time.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a main file in MS DOS?

1. IO.SYS
2. COMMAND.COM
3. FILE.EXE
4. MSDOS.SYS
Answer

FILE.EXE

Reason — MS DOS consists of three main files - IO.SYS, COMMAND.COM and

MSDOS.SYS.

Question 4

Windows operating system is popularly known as:

1. Character User Interface

2. Computer User Interface
3. Graphical User Interface
4. None

Answer

Graphical User Interface

Reason — Windows operating system is a graphical user interface as a Windows user interacts
with the computer through graphical features like icons, menus, windows and the pointer.

Question 5

LINUX is a:

1. Multiprogramming OS
2. Multiuser OS
3. Multiprocessing OS
4. None

Answer

Multiuser OS

Reason — Linux is a multiuser operating system as it allows more than one user to interact with
the computer at a time. Each user can work on different set of programs and data.

Question 6

Which of the following is not an operating system?

1. Windows
2. Java
3. Linux
 4. Unix

Answer

Java

Reason — Java is a programming language.

Question 7

What is the full form of GUI?

1. General Unicode Instruction

2. Grand University Interaction
3. Graphical User Interface
4. Genuine Unsubscribed Information

Answer

Graphical User Interface

Reason — The full form of GUI is Graphical User Interface.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a function of operating system?

1. Pointing an icon on the screen

2. Loading itself into the memory
3. Memory management
4. Error detection

Answer

Pointing an icon on the screen

Reason — Loading itself into the memory, memory management and error detection are the
functions of operating system.

Question 9

Which of the following is a CUI based operating system?

1. Android
2. Mac OS
3. MS DOS
 4. OS 2

Answer

MS DOS

Reason — MS DOS is a CUI based operating system as the user and the computer interact with
each other using text commands.

Question 10

Which of the following is true about multiprocessing system?

1. Multiple users sharing a common CPU

2. Multiple CPUs are used
3. Multiple I/O units are used
4. None of the above.

Answer

Multiple CPUs are used

Reason — The operating system that executes multiple programs simultaneously on a computer
that has two or more CPUs available independently is called a multiprocessing operating system.

Fill in the blanks

Question 1

The loading of an operating system in the primary memory is called booting.

Question 2

Windows software was first developed by the Microsoft Corporation.

Question 3

Device management enables the operating system to control I/O devices.

Question 4

The bottom-most part of the desktop is called the Task Bar.

Question 5
Graphical User interface allows user interaction through graphical icons.

Name the following

Question 1

Two types of booting

Answer

(a) Cold Booting

(b) Warm Booting

Question 2

Four types of windows

Answer

(a) Application Window

(b) Document Window
(c) Dialog Window
(d) Active Window

Question 3

Any three icons available on the taskbar

Answer

(a) Windows icon

(b) File Explorer icon
(c) Web browser icon (Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer)

Question 4

Three types of an operating system

Answer

(a) Single user operating system

(b) Multi user operating system
(c) Multiprocessing operating system

Question 5
Three MS DOS files

Answer

(a) IO.SYS
(b) MSDOS.SYS
(c) COMMAND.COM

Case-Study Based Questions

Question 1

An operating system can be categorised into two modes. In one mode, a single user is allowed to
interact with the computer at a time. In other mode, multiple users share a single CPU to carry
out their tasks. When a number of users are using a CPU, their programs are executed by
allotting equal amount of time to each user or by providing high priority to a specific job.

Based on the above case, answer the following questions:

(a) Name the mode in which a single user interacts with computer at a time.

(b) Name the mode in which multiple users work with single CPU.

(c) In which system, CPU time is equally shared among the users?

(d) In which system, high priority is given to a specific job?

Answer

(a) Single user operating system

(b) Multi user operating system

(c) Multi user operating system (Time sharing)

(d) Multi user operating system (Realtime processing)

Question 2

The user can interact with a computer in two ways. Either the user can interact using text
commands, or the users are linked with a computer through graphical illustrations. Nowadays,
people prefer using the later one because it is more user-friendly. The moment you click an icon,
a window will appear for you to work on.

Based on the above case, answer the following questions:

(a) Under what type of interface the user interacts with a computer using text commands?
 1. GUI
2. CUI
3. Mobile interface
4. I/O interface

(b) Under what type of interface the user interacts with a computer through graphical
illustrations?

1. GUI
2. CUI
3. Pictorial interface
4. Direct interface

(c) What is meant by user-friendly system?

1. User interacts with computer using keyword "Friend".

2. User interacts with computer using text commands.
3. User interacts with computer using BASIC commands.
4. User interacts with computer by selecting options from menu list.

(d) What is meant by an Icon?

1. It is a pointer that moves on the computer screen.

2. It is the scroll button of optical mouse.
3. A person with outstanding performance.
4. It is the picture component of the desktop.

Answer

(a) CUI

(b) GUI

(c) User interacts with computer by selecting options from menu list.

(d) It is the picture component of the desktop.

Define the following terms

Question 1

Booting

Answer
The startup process, initiated by loading of an operating system in the Random Access Memory
(RAM), is known as booting. It is one of the most important tasks of the operating system to
keep the computer ready for the user's applications. The booting starts the moment computer is
switched on.

Question 2

Multiprogramming

Answer

It is the ability of the operating system to run more than one program at a time on a single CPU
computer. In multiprogramming, the computer handles many programs simultaneously.
Whenever the processor is idle during the execution of one process, it starts the execution of
another program immediately.

Question 3

Windows

Answer

Microsoft Windows is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) based operating system. Since in
windows, the user interacts with computer using menus, it is also known as menu-based
operating system. It manages the entire configuration of a computer system. This operating
system allows the running of multiple applications.

Question 4

Desktop

Answer

Desktop is one of the basic components of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) screen. It is the
display screen which shows icons that are frequently used or provided for our quick access. The
user navigates through these icons and access various applications. However, it can be
personalised as per our choice.

Question 5

Application Window

Answer

When the user opens any application package or program such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS
PowerPoint, etc. the window which appears on the screen is called an application window. It is
the primary window of an application that allows the user to communicate with the application
program.

Differentiate between the following

Question 1

Cold Booting and Warm Booting

Answer

Cold Booting Warm Booting

Cold Booting refers to the startup procedure of a When the computer needs to restart under
computer. This booting process starts right from software control without switching off the
the moment the computer is switched on. power, it is known as Warm Booting.

During cold boot, peripherals check is During warm boot, peripherals check is
performed. skipped.

Cold boot takes more time than warm boot. Warm boot is faster than cold boot.

Question 2

CUI and GUI

Answer

CUI GUI

It stands for Character User Interface. It stands for Graphical User Interface.

The user performs tasks with the help of In this interface, other than keyboard, mouse or
keyboard only by typing text commands. any other pointing device can also be used.

The user has to memorise and type the The user performs tasks by selecting and clicking
commands to perform each task. the options available.
 CUI GUI

Its usage is difficult and may require

It is comparatively easier than CUI in its usage.
expertise.

MS-DOS is an example of CUI. Windows is an example of GUI.

Question 3

Single User Operating System and Multiuser Operating System

Answer

Single User Operating System Multiuser Operating System

Single User Operating System provides a platform Multiuser Operating System provides
for one user at a time. platform for multiple users at a time.

Single User Operating System may be a single user,

Multiuser Operating System may be
single task or a single user, multitasking operating
time sharing or multiprocessor system.
system.

Single User Operating System is suitable for Multiuser Operating System is suitable
personal computers. for servers and mainframes.

For example, MS DOS. For example, LINUX.

Answer the following questions

Question 1

What is an operating system? Give an example.

Answer

An operating system is an integrated set of programs that manages various resources and the
overall operations of a computer system. It is designed to support the various activities of the
computer system in a systematic way.

For example — Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc.

Question 2

Why do we need an operating system?

Answer

An operating system is an interface between the user and the computer. The prime objective of
the operating system is to improve the efficiency of a computer system. It is also needed for the
following tasks —

1. Ensuring the smooth functioning of the various peripherals attached.

2. Supervising the various processes and applications of the computer and enabling them to
function in an efficient manner.
3. Coordinating the different hardware and software components of a computer system.
4. Managing computer's memory.

Question 3

What are the functions of an operating system? Explain.

Answer

The functions of an operating system are as follows:

1. Loading itself in the Memory — The operating system has a specific feature to load
itself in the memory and manage CPU to execute itself on its own. This process is known
as booting.
2. Processor Management — The management of a CPU by an OS is known as processor
management.
3. Memory Management — Memory management refers to the process of allocating
memory to a program and de-allocating it when it is no longer required.
4. Managing Input/Output Devices (Device Management) — The operating system
keeps track of all the devices, enables and controls the input-output (I/O) devices attached
to a computer system.
5. File Management — The operating system creates and deletes files, allows back up of
files on storage devices, manages files and folders and provides file protection.
6. Ensuring Data Security — It keeps different programs and data in such a way that they
don't interfere with each other.
7. Detecting and Correcting Errors — If the supporting hardware or software does not
work properly, then the operating system tries to rectify it and also guides the user to take
the necessary steps.
8. Loading Application programs in memory — Operating system loads various
application programs required by the user and then runs them.

Question 4
Enlist three features of MS DOS as a Character User Interface.

Answer

Three features of MS DOS as a Character User Interface are as follows:

1. In MS DOS, the user and the computer interact with each other using text commands.
2. Keyboard is used to enter input and monitor to view output. It does not display graphics
or images and does not support pointing devices like mouse.
3. The moment computer is ready to accept the user's request, a prompt will appear on the
screen where one can type the command to carry out the necessary operations.

Question 5

What is meant by multitasking? Give an example.

Answer

Multitasking refers to operating a number of tasks simultaneously. Single user, multitasking OS

allows a single user to perform multiple tasks at a time. For example, a user can listen to songs
while writing a word document simultaneously.

Question 6

What are the advantages of 'Windows' as an operating system?

Answer

The advantages of 'Windows' as an operating system are as follows:

1. It is comparatively easier to use.

2. We don't need any specialized computer education or training to use Windows.
3. Wide support for games. Almost all games run on Windows.
4. It can run on most of the processors.
5. The collection of software programs, utilities and games is relatively much larger for
Windows.

Question 7

Distinguish between an Application Window and an Active Window.

Answer
 Application Window Active Window

The Windows of any application package

The window on which a user is currently working
like MS Word, MS Excel, etc. is called an
is referred to as the active window.
application window.

It is the primary window of an application At a time, several windows of various applications

that allows the user to communicate with can be opened but only one window on which the
the application program. user works can be the active window.

Question 8

What are the main features of Multiuser operating system?

Answer

The main features of Multiuser operating system are as follows:

1. A multiuser operating system allows many different users to use computer's resources
simultaneously.
2. Each user can work on different set of programs and data. In such an environment,
programs and data of more than one user are loaded into the memory and processed by
the operating system.
3. There is a central computer (CPU) that acts as a server and all the other computers are
connected to the server with the help of terminals.
4. Each user has sufficient and separate resources, so that a problem with one user does not
affect the entire community of users.
5. Multiuser operating systems run and manage all users' requests simultaneously, ensuring
that they do not interfere with each other.