MCQ
Basic Computer: Operating System Basics MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers
Solve 15 Basic Computer: Operating System Basics questions for RAS/RPSC preparation.
Practice questions
Q1Which one of the following statements about user interfaces in operating systems is incorrect?
The question asks for the incorrect statement. A GUI, or graphical user interface, is based on visual elements such as windows, icons, menus and a pointer. It is especially convenient when used with a mouse, touchpad or other pointing device, though keyboard navigation may also exist. A command-line interface, in contrast, depends mainly on typed commands. Therefore statements A, B and C are correct. Statement D wrongly says GUI can be used only without a mouse or pointing device, so D is the incorrect statement.
Q2Which statement best describes the role of an operating system in a computer?
An operating system is the main system software of a computer. The clue in the question is the word “role”, so the answer must describe broad management, not one narrow task. The OS allocates processor time and memory, controls input-output devices, manages files and gives applications a platform to run. A storage device only stores data, and a spreadsheet is just one application. Therefore option A correctly states the role of an operating system as a resource manager and working environment.
Q3Assertion (A): An operating system uses device drivers to communicate with hardware devices such as printers and scanners. Reason (R): A device driver is software that helps the operating system control a specific hardware device. Choose the correct answer.
The assertion is true because an operating system does not handle every hardware device in the same direct way. It uses device drivers for printers, scanners, display adapters and similar devices. The reason is also true: a driver is software written for a particular device or device class, and it tells the operating system how to control that hardware. Since this is exactly why drivers are needed in the assertion, the reason correctly explains the assertion. Therefore option A is the correct answer.
Q4Which of the following statements about file and folder management in an operating system is incorrect?
The question asks for the incorrect statement. Operating systems provide file-management tools such as creating, copying, renaming and deleting files. Folders can hold files and subfolders, and file extensions usually indicate the file type. A shortcut, however, is only a link or pointer to a file, folder or program. Deleting the shortcut removes that link, not necessarily the original item. Therefore, the statement that deleting a shortcut always deletes the original file or program is incorrect.
Q5Consider the following statements about operating system functions. Statement 1: An operating system allocates CPU time and memory to running programs. Statement 2: An operating system directly increases the physical capacity of RAM. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The operating system manages resources. It schedules processes for CPU time and allocates memory so that several programs can run in an organised way. That makes Statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is the trap: memory management does not mean creating extra physical RAM. Installed RAM capacity changes only by adding or replacing hardware. The stem asks for correct statements, so after accepting Statement 1 and rejecting Statement 2, the answer is Statement 1 only.
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More questions
6Which of the following best describes the main role of an operating system in a computer?
7Which one of the following best describes an operating system in a computer?
8In operating system terminology, what is booting?
9Consider the following statements about an operating system. Statement 1: It helps more than one programme appear to run at the same time by managing CPU time. Statement 2: It provides basic security through user accounts and permissions. Statement 3: It permanently increases the physical RAM capacity of a computer. Which of the above statements are correct?
10Assertion (A): During booting, the operating system is loaded into main memory. Reason (R): The computer needs the operating system in memory before the user can work with applications and files. Select the correct answer.
11In basic computer terminology, which of the following correctly explains booting?
12Match List I with List II. List I: I. File management II. Memory management III. Device management IV. User interface List II: 1. Provides a way for the user to give commands 2. Controls printers, keyboard and other peripherals 3. Organises files and folders on storage 4. Allocates RAM to running programmes
13Match List I with List II. List I: I. Memory management II. File management III. Device management IV. Process management List II: 1. Allocates RAM to running programmes 2. Organises files and folders on storage 3. Controls printers, keyboard and other peripherals 4. Schedules and controls running tasks
14Consider the following statements about an operating system. Statement 1: It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. Statement 2: It manages running programmes and system resources. Statement 3: It is needed only when the computer is connected to the internet. Which of the statements given above are correct?
15Match List I with List II. List I: I. Graphical user interface II. Command-line interface List II: 1. User types text commands to perform tasks 2. User works with icons, windows and menus Select the correct match.