Wolkite University
College of Computing and Informatics
Department of Information Technology
Course: Operating Systems
Chapter 1: Introduction to Operating Systems
Exam-Style Question Set
Section A – True or False (1 mark each)
1. The operating system acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
2. The OS is a type of hardware component.
3. Without an operating system, users would have to communicate directly in machine language.
4. Process management is one of the key functions of the operating system.
5. Main memory is also called secondary storage.
6. Batch operating systems process several jobs together without user interaction.
7. Time-sharing operating systems allow multiple users to share the system simultaneously.
8. The kernel runs in user mode.
9. The first generation of computers had no operating systems.
10. MS-DOS was the first graphical operating system.
11. The Macintosh operating system was created by Apple in the 1980s.
12. Real-time operating systems must respond within strict timing limits.
13. Distributed operating systems make multiple computers appear as one.
14. The system bus provides communication among processor, memory, and I/O modules.
15. The user interface allows users to interact with the OS through CLI or GUI.
Section B – Multiple Choice Questions (2 marks each)
1. What is an operating system?
A) A hardware component B) A compiler C) A resource manager D) A word processor
2. Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
A) Process management B) Memory management C) Arithmetic operations D) I/O management
3. The OS acts as an interface between:
A) User and Hardware B) User and Internet C) User and Database D) Software and Network
4. Which of the following manages the execution of programs?
A) Compiler B) Loader C) Process Scheduler D) Assembler
5. Which memory type is volatile?
A) Hard Disk B) Flash Memory C) Main Memory D) ROM
6. The first operating system was created by:
A) Microsoft B) General Motors C) Apple D) IBM
7. The first generation of computers used:
A) Transistors B) Vacuum tubes C) Microprocessors D) Integrated circuits
8. Multiprogramming was introduced in which generation?
A) 1st B) 2nd C) 3rd D) 4th
9. The main purpose of a batch operating system is to:
A) Execute one job at a time B) Execute multiple jobs interactively C) Execute similar jobs
automatically in groups D) Share system resources among multiple users
10. Which operating system type allows users to share the system simultaneously?
A) Batch B) Real-time C) Time-sharing D) Embedded
11. A system that manages many computers as one is called a:
A) Distributed OS B) Real-time OS C) Embedded OS D) Network OS
12. Which of the following OS is designed for specific devices?
A) Windows B) Linux C) Embedded D) macOS
13. Kernel mode is also known as:
A) Normal mode B) User mode C) Supervisor mode D) Control mode
14. Which of the following companies created the Windows OS?
A) Apple B) Microsoft C) Google D) IBM
15. In OS architecture, the component that interacts directly with the hardware is:
A) Kernel B) User Interface C) System Call D) Application Layer
Section C – Descriptive / Demonstration Questions (5 marks each)
1. Define an operating system and explain its two main purposes.
2. List and describe the four main structural elements of a computer system.
3. Explain three major functions of an operating system.
4. Describe the evolution of operating systems through the four generations.
5. Differentiate between batch, time-sharing, and real-time operating systems.
6. Explain the difference between user mode and kernel mode.
7. Describe the architecture of an operating system using a labeled diagram.
8. What is the significance of multiprogramming in operating system development?
9. Briefly explain the contribution of Microsoft and Apple to modern OS development.
10. Explain the importance of studying operating systems in computer science.
Section D – Practical Demonstration (10 marks)
Draw a simple block diagram showing how an operating system connects users, hardware, and
software, labeling the following components:
- User Applications
- User Interface
- System Calls
- Kernel
- Hardware Abstraction Layer
- Hardware
Answer Key
Section A: 1.T 2.F 3.T 4.T 5.F 6.T 7.T 8.F 9.T 10.F 11.T 12.T 13.T 14.T 15.T
Section B: 1.C 2.C 3.A 4.C 5.C 6.B 7.B 8.C 9.C 10.C 11.A 12.C 13.C 14.B 15.A
Section C & D: Refer to descriptive model answers and diagram in the instructor’s guide.