Computer Software and Operating Systems MCQ - Part 3
50 Software & OS MCQs with Detailed Explanations | Windows, Linux, Application Software | CCC, Banking, SSC Exam Preparation
1What is the main function of an operating system?
- A.Play multimedia files
- B.Manage hardware and software resources
- C.Create documents
- D.Browse internet
Answer: B
Operating system manages memory, processes, files, and peripheral devices.
2Which of these is an example of system software?
- A.Microsoft Word
- B.Windows 10
- C.Google Chrome
- D.Adobe Photoshop
Answer: B
System software includes operating systems, device drivers, and utilities.
3What does GUI stand for?
- A.Graphical User Interface
- B.General User Interface
- C.Graphical Unit Interface
- D.General Unit Interface
Answer: A
GUI replaced command-line interfaces, making computers more user-friendly.
4Which operating system is open-source?
- A.Windows
- B.macOS
- C.Linux
- D.iOS
Answer: C
Linux is widely used in servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems.
5What is the purpose of a device driver?
- A.Play games
- B.Connect hardware to operating system
- C.Create documents
- D.Browse websites
Answer: B
Each hardware component requires specific drivers to function properly.
6Which company developed Windows operating system?
- A.Apple
- B.Google
- C.Microsoft
- D.IBM
Answer: C
Windows was first released in 1985 and dominates the desktop OS market.
7What is application software?
- A.Manages hardware
- B.Performs specific tasks for users
- C.Controls computer boot process
- D.Manages memory
Answer: B
Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, and web browsers.
8Which of these is a mobile operating system?
- A.Windows 10
- B.Linux
- C.Android
- D.macOS
Answer: C
Android is based on Linux kernel and is the most popular mobile OS.
9What does OS stand for?
- A.Operating System
- B.Output System
- C.Operation Software
- D.Organized System
Answer: A
Without an OS, computer hardware cannot function.
10Which function is NOT performed by an operating system?
- A.Memory management
- B.Process management
- C.Word processing
- D.File management
Answer: C
OS manages resources, while applications perform specific user tasks.
11What is multitasking in operating systems?
- A.Using multiple computers B.Running multiple programs simultaneously
- C.Having multiple users
- D.Using multiple monitors
Answer: B
The OS switches between tasks rapidly, giving the illusion of simultaneous execution.
12Which file system is commonly used in Windows?
- A.EXT4
- B.NTFS
- C.HFS+
- D.FAT32
Answer: B
NTFS supports large files, security features, and better reliability than FAT32.
13What is the kernel in an operating system?
- A.User interface
- B.Core component that manages resources
- C.Application software
- D.Hardware device
Answer: B
Kernel has complete control over everything in the system.
14Which of these is an example of utility software?
- A.Microsoft Excel
- B.Antivirus program
- C.Google Chrome
- D.Adobe Reader
Answer: B
Other utilities include disk cleaners, backup tools, and file compression software.
15What does BIOS stand for?
- A.Basic Input Output System
- B.Binary Input Output System
- C.Basic Integrated Operating System
- D.Binary Integrated Operating System
Answer: A
BIOS performs Power-On Self-Test (POST) and loads the bootloader.
16Which operating system is used in Apple computers?
- A.Windows
- B.Linux
- C.macOS
- D.Android
Answer: C
macOS is known for its sleek interface and integration with Apple ecosystem.
17What is virtual memory?
- A.RAM memory
- B.Using hard disk as extended RAM
- C.Cloud storage
- D.Cache memory
Answer: B
This allows running more applications than physical RAM could normally handle.
18Which of these is a command-line interface?
- A.Windows Desktop
- B.macOS Finder
- C.Linux Terminal
- D.Android Home Screen
Answer: C
Command-line interfaces are faster for experienced users but have a steeper learning curve.
19What is the purpose of task manager in Windows?
- A.Create tasks
- B.Manage running processes and performance
- C.Install software
- D.Format hard disk
Answer: B
It can be opened by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc or Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
20Which programming language is Windows primarily written in?
- A.Java
- B.Python
- C.C++
- D.JavaScript
Answer: C
C++ provides the performance and low-level control needed for operating system development.
21What is the function of an assembler?
- A.Convert assembly language to machine code
- B.Execute programs
- C.Manage memory
- D.Create user interfaces
Answer: A
Assembly language is a low-level programming language close to machine code.
22Which of these is a single-user operating system?
- A.Windows 10
- B.Unix
- C.Linux Server
- D.Windows Server
Answer: A
Single-user OS allows one user to access computer resources at a time.
23What does API stand for?
- A.Application Programming Interface
- B.Advanced Programming Interface
- C.Application Program Integration
- D.Advanced Program Integration
Answer: A
APIs define how software components should interact.
24Which operating system uses the Finder application?
- A.Windows
- B.Linux
- C.macOS
- D.Android
Answer: C
Finder helps users navigate and manage files on Mac computers.
25What is the purpose of a compiler?
- A.Execute programs
- B.Translate high-level code to machine code
- C.Manage files
- D.Connect to internet
Answer: B
Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones.
26Which file system is used by Linux?
- A.NTFS
- B.FAT32
- C.EXT4
- D.HFS+
Answer: C
EXT4 offers better performance and reliability for Linux systems.
27What is firmware?
- A.Hardware component
- B.Software embedded in hardware
- C.Application software
- D.Operating system
Answer: B
BIOS is an example of firmware that initializes hardware during boot.
28Which of these is a multi-user operating system?
- A.DOS
- B.Windows 95
- C.Unix
- D.Windows ME
Answer: C
Multi-user OS are common in servers and mainframes.
29What is the function of an interpreter?
- A.Compile programs
- B.Execute code line by line
- C.Manage hardware
- D.Store data
Answer: B
Python and JavaScript are examples of interpreted languages.
30Which Windows version introduced the Start Menu?
- A.Windows 3.1
- B.Windows 95
- C.Windows XP
- D.Windows 7
Answer: B
The Start Menu revolutionized how users accessed programs and files.
31What is open-source software?
- A.Free trial software
- B.Software with publicly available source code
- C.Online software
- D.Pre-installed software
Answer: B
Linux, Firefox, and LibreOffice are popular open-source software.
32Which key combination opens Task Manager in Windows?
- A.Ctrl+Alt+Delete
- B.Alt+F4
- C.Ctrl+Shift+Esc
- D.Both A and C
Answer: D
Ctrl+Shift+Esc directly opens Task Manager, while Ctrl+Alt+Delete shows options menu.
33What is the purpose of device drivers?
- A.Play multimedia
- B.Enable OS to communicate with hardware
- C.Create documents
- D.Browse internet
Answer: B
Each hardware component requires specific drivers to function properly.
34Which programming language is Android OS based on?
- A.Swift
- B.C#
- C.Java
- D.Python
Answer: C
Android SDK provides Java libraries for app development.
35What is system software?
- A.Software for specific tasks
- B.Software that manages computer hardware
- C.Entertainment software
- D.Educational software
Answer: B
System software provides platform for application software to run.
36Which operating system uses the Terminal application?
- A.Windows
- B.macOS
- C.Android
- D.iOS
Answer: B
Terminal provides access to Unix shell in macOS.
37What is the purpose of virtual memory?
- A.Increase RAM speed
- B.Use hard disk as extended RAM
- C.Store permanent data
- D.Backup files
Answer: B
This technique enables running more applications than physical memory allows.
38Which file extension indicates an executable program in Windows?
- A..doc
- B..exe
- C..jpg
- D..mp3
Answer: B
EXE files contain machine code that operating system can execute directly.
39What is the role of kernel in operating system?
- A.User interface
- B.Core component managing resources
- C.Application launcher
- D.File manager
Answer: B
Kernel has complete control over all system resources.
40Which operating system is developed by Google?
- A.Windows
- B.macOS
- C.Chrome OS
- D.Ubuntu
Answer: C
Chrome OS is designed primarily for web applications and cloud computing.
41What is the function of an operating system's scheduler?
- A.Manage files
- B.Allocate CPU time to processes
- C.Display graphics
- D.Connect to internet
Answer: B
This enables multitasking by rapidly switching between processes.
42Which of these is a real-time operating system?
- A.Windows 10
- B.VxWorks
- C.Ubuntu
- D.macOS
Answer: B
Real-time OS guarantee response within strict time constraints.
43What is the purpose of system utilities?
- A.Create documents
- B.Maintain and optimize computer
- C.Play games
- D.Browse web
Answer: B
Examples include disk cleanup, defragmentation, and backup tools.
44Which operating system introduced the Windows Store?
- A.Windows 7
- B.Windows 8
- C.Windows 10
- D.Windows XP
Answer: B
Windows Store provides a centralized platform for downloading applications.
45What is the difference between compiler and interpreter?
- A.Compiler executes code, interpreter translates
- B.Compiler translates entire code, interpreter line by line
- C.No difference
- D.Compiler for hardware, interpreter for software
Answer: B
Compiled programs run faster, while interpreted programs are more portable.
46Which Linux distribution is most popular for beginners?
- A.Ubuntu
- B.Arch Linux
- C.Gentoo
- D.Slackware
Answer: A
Ubuntu provides a smooth transition for Windows and macOS users.
47What is the purpose of plug and play technology?
- A.Play multimedia
- B.Automatically detect and configure hardware
- C.Connect to internet
- D.Create documents
Answer: B
This eliminates manual driver installation for most common devices.
48Which operating system uses the Windows Explorer file manager?
- A.Linux
- B.macOS
- C.Windows
- D.Android
Answer: C
File Explorer helps users navigate through files and folders in Windows.
49What is the function of an operating system's memory manager?
- A.Create documents
- B.Allocate and manage RAM usage
- C.Play games
- D.Browse internet
Answer: B
This ensures efficient memory usage and prevents conflicts between applications.
50Which operating system is known for its penguin mascot?
- A.Windows
- B.macOS
- C.Linux
- D.Android
Answer: C
Tux was created by Larry Ewing and represents the Linux community.