Practice high-yield Computer Science & IT MCQs on Operating System — Part 2 with worked academic solutions for PPSC, FPSC, CSS, PMS, NTS.
Questions
40
Difficulty Level
Exam-Level
Target Exams
PPSC, FPSC, CSS...
Estimated Time
48 mins
Exam-Level PPSC FPSC CSS PMS NTS
Verified for Commission Syllabus • Oct 14, 2026
40
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Question 1 of 40
★ PPSC
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The most recent version of MAC OS is based on the ...... operating system
Correct Answer: Option C — Unix
Detailed Academic Explanation:
You may have heard that Macintosh OSX is just Linux with a prettier interface. That's not actually true. But OSX is built in part on an open source UNIX derivative called FreeBSD. It was built atop UNIX, the operating system originally created over 30 years ago by researchers at AT&T's Bell Labs.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 2 of 40
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In Windows, start button is used to
Correct Answer: Option D — All of above
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The Start button was first introduced with the release of Microsoft Windows 95 and has been featured in all releases of Windows since. The Start button allows users to access their run applications, device setting, turn off the system, computer programs or configure Microsoft Windows easily by accessing the Start Menu.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 3 of 40
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Which one is true for unconditional disk formatting?
Correct Answer: Option A — Destroys every byte of data on a disk by overwriting it with blank spaces
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The correct answer is Option D: All of above . Each of the provided statements is true for unconditional disk formatting. Unconditional disk formatting, also known as a low-level format or full format, completely erases data on a disk by writing over every sector with zeroes or blank spaces. This process ensures that all data is removed from the disk, making it unrecoverable. Details for each option: Option A: Destroys every byte of data on a disk by overwriting it with blank spaces is true because unconditional disk formatting writes zeroes or blank data to every sector of the disk, effectively erasing all existing data. Option B: Do not check/scan surface after format is true as well because an unconditional format does not perform a surface scan to check for bad sectors; it only writes over the data. Option C: Transfer system files after format is true in the sense that after a full format, the operating system can be reinstalled or system files can be transferred to the disk as part of the installation process. Since all the options are true for unconditional disk formatting, Option D is the correct choice.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 4 of 40
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Once text has been cut to the clipboard, you can ...... that text into another document
Correct Answer: Option A — Paste
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In your document, click where you want to paste the item. Do one of the following in the Clipboard: Click the down arrow next to the item you want to paste, and click Paste. To paste everything in the Clipboard to the selected area in your document, click Paste All.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 5 of 40
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What is the function of radio button?
Correct Answer: Option B — To select single option
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A radio button or option button is a graphical control element that allows the user to choose only one of a predefined set of mutually exclusive options.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 6 of 40
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The Banker's algorithm is used
Correct Answer: Option C — to prevent deadlock
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The Banker algorithm, sometimes referred to as the detection algorithm, is a resource allocation and deadlock avoidance algorithm developed by Edsger Dijkstra that tests for safety by simulating the allocation of predetermined maximum possible amounts of all resources, and then makes an "s-state" check to test for possible deadlock conditions for all other pending activities, before deciding whether allocation should be allowed to continue. Source : wikipedia.org
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 7 of 40
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The primary purpose of an operating system is:
Correct Answer: Option A — To make the most efficient use of the computer hardware
Detailed Academic Explanation:
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. For hardware functions such as input and output and memory allocation, the operating system acts as an intermediary between programs and the computer hardware, although the application code is usually executed directly by the hardware and frequently makes system calls to an OS function or is interrupted by it. Source : wikipedia.org
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 8 of 40
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You can use print manage window
Correct Answer: Option D — All of the above
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Print Management is a snap-in in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that enables you to install, view, and manage all of the printers in your organization from any computer running Windows Server. Print Management provides up-to-the-minute details about the status of printers and print servers on the network.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 9 of 40
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Which of the following operating system reads and reacts in actual time?
Correct Answer: Option B — Real Time System
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an operating system (OS) intended to serve real-time applications that process data as it comes in, typically without buffer delays. Processing time requirements (including any OS delay) are measured in tenths of seconds or shorter increments of time. A real time system is a time bound system which has well defined fixed time constraints.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 10 of 40
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All of the following are TRUE regarding virtual memory EXCEPT
Correct Answer: Option A — Any amount of RAM can be allocated to virtual memory
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Any amount of RAM can be allocated to virtual memory. The setting for the amount of hard drive space to allocate to virtual memory can be manually changed. This temporary storage is called the swap file (or page file). Virtual memory is physical space on the hard drive.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 11 of 40
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The essential difference between an operating system like Linux and one like Windows is that
Correct Answer: Option D — Any programmer can modify Linux code which is not permitted with Windows
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The essential difference between an operating system like Linux and one like Windows is that. Windows can run with an Intel processor, whereas Linux cannot. Linux is proprietary, whereas Windows is not.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 12 of 40
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What is dispatch latency?
Correct Answer: Option A — The time taken by the dispatcher to stop one process and start another
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The time taken by the dispatcher to stop one process and start another. The amount of time taken by the dispatcher to pause one process. and start another is called dispatch latency. The process of saving the state of a previously running process or thread. and loading the initial or previously saved state of a new process by the dispatcher. Dispatch latency is a time value.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 13 of 40
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A page fault occurs when
Correct Answer: Option D — the page is not found in the memory
Detailed Academic Explanation:
An interrupt that occurs when a program requests data that is not currently in real memory. The interrupt triggers the operating system to fetch the data from a virtual memory and load it into RAM. An invalid page fault or page fault error occurs when the operating system cannot find the data in virtual memory.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 14 of 40
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Whenever you move a directory from one location to another
Correct Answer: Option D — Both A and B
Detailed Academic Explanation:
All the files inside the directory and inside subdirectory are moved in that location.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 15 of 40
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The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) resides in
Correct Answer: Option B — ROM
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) is a program that's stored in nonvolatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, making it firmware. The BIOS (sometimes called ROM BIOS) is always the first program that executes when a computer is powered up.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 16 of 40
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Which of the following does not occur during the power-on-self-test (POST)?
Correct Answer: Option A — The ScanDisk utility begins to run
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The ScanDisk utility begins to run. The video card and video memory are tested. The BIOS identification process occurs.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 17 of 40
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The maximum size of a write file is limited to only
Correct Answer: Option C — The amount of memory in your computer
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The maximum size of a write file is limited to the amount of memory in your computer. Charles Babbage originated the concept of a programmable computer. In computers, a memory unit is used for the storage of data. Memory is mainly classified into Primary memory (RAM and ROM) and Secondary memory (hard drive, CD, etc.).
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 18 of 40
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Which of the following is drop down list?
Correct Answer: Option B — Combo box
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A Combo Box displays a text box combined with a List Box, which enables the user to select items from the list or enter a new value. The Dropdown Style property specifies whether the list is always displayed or whether the list is displayed in a drop-down.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 19 of 40
★ PPSC
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Recently deleted files are stored in
Correct Answer: Option A — Recycle bin
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In computing, the Trash (also known as the Recycle Bin in Windows and by other names in other operating systems ) is temporary storage for files that have been deleted in a file manager by the user, but not yet permanently erased from the file system. Typically, a recycle bin is presented as a special file directory to the user (whether or not it is actually a single directory depends on the implementation), allowing the user to browse deleted files, undelete those that were deleted by mistake, or delete them permanently (either one by one, or by the "Empty Trash" function). Source : wikipedia.org
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 20 of 40
★ PPSC
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Which components appear in the initial Windows start up display?
Correct Answer: Option C — Taskbar
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The taskbar is an element of an operating system located at the bottom of the screen. It allows you to locate and launch programs through Start and the Start menu or view any program that's currently open.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 21 of 40
★ PPSC
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A small part of taskbar that has icons of background running applications is
Correct Answer: Option D — System tray
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The system tray is a notification area on the operating system taskbar. It contains icons that provide users with easy access to system functions such as email, printer, network connections and volume control. The icons also indicate the statuses of the processes running on the computer.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 22 of 40
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An operating system version designed for use with a media center PC is Microsoft Windows XP
Correct Answer: Option B — Media center edition
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) is a version of the Windows XP operating system which was the first version of Windows to include Windows Media Center, designed to serve as a home-entertainment hub.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 23 of 40
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An operating system version designed for use with a tablet PC is Microsoft Windows XP
Correct Answer: Option C — Tablet PC edition
Detailed Academic Explanation:
An operating system version designed for use with a tablet PC is Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC edition. A tablet PC is a portable PC that is a hybrid between a personal digital assistant (PDA) and notebook PC. Equipped with a touch screen interface, a tablet PC usually has a software application used to run a virtual keyboard. However, many tablet PCs support external keyboards.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 24 of 40
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The date and time displays on
Correct Answer: Option C — System tray
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The system tray is a notification area on the operating system taskbar. It contains icons that provide users with easy access to system functions such as email, printer, network connections and volume control. The icons also indicate the statuses of the processes running on the computer.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 25 of 40
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...... runs on a computer hardware and serves as a platform for other system to run on
Correct Answer: Option A — Operating system
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Operating system runs on computer hardware and serves as platform for other software's to run on it. The other software that runs on operating system platform is known as application or application programs.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 26 of 40
★ PPSC
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Which runs on computer hardware and serve as platform for other software to run on?
Correct Answer: Option A — Operating System
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Operating system runs on computer hardware and serves as platform for other software's to run on it. The other software that runs on operating system platform is known as application or application programs.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 27 of 40
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Which is the first program run on a computer when the computer boots up?
Correct Answer: Option B — Operating system
Detailed Academic Explanation:
When we turn on our computer installed operating system will start working. It ensures the co-ordination of other stored programs with system's hardware components. To enable operating system a Process is done which is called "Booting".
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 28 of 40
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The ....... contains commands associated with the My Computer window
Correct Answer: Option C — System menu
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The System menu contains commands associated with the My Computer window. The Android System Settings menu allows you to control most aspects of your device everything from establishing a new Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, to installing a third-party onscreen keyboard, to adjusting system sounds and screen brightness.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 29 of 40
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....... is the layer of a computer system between the hardware and the user program
Correct Answer: Option B — Operating system
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Operating system is the layer of a computer system between the hardware and the user program. For the most part, the IT industry largely focuses on the top five OSs, including Apple Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Google's Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple I OS.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 30 of 40
★ PPSC
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Which is the layer of a computer system between the hardware and the user program
Correct Answer: Option B — Operating system
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Operating system is the layer of a computer system between the hardware and the user program. For the most part, the IT industry largely focuses on the top five OSs, including Apple Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Google's Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple I OS.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 31 of 40
★ PPSC
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When you start up the computer the boot up storage at which the BIOS versions manufacturer and data are displayed on the monitor is called
Correct Answer: Option B — Power on self test (POST)
Detailed Academic Explanation:
When power is turned on, POST (Power-On Self-Test) is the diagnostic testing sequence that a computer's basic input/output system (or "starting program") runs to determine if the computer keyboard, random access memory, disk drives, and other hardware are working correctly.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 32 of 40
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The operating system is the most common type of ...... Software
Correct Answer: Option C — System
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The operating system is the most common type of system software. System software is computer software designed to provide a platform to other software. Examples of system software include operating systems, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as a service application.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 33 of 40
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Which is not an external command?
Correct Answer: Option D — None of the above
Detailed Academic Explanation:
External commands are predefined commands for end users. They are operating-system independent and are protected by authorizations, so that normal end users can schedule only those commands that the system administrator permits them to.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 34 of 40
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Which of the following is not essential to shut down your computer?
Correct Answer: Option C — Switch off monitor
Detailed Academic Explanation:
After finding the power button, press the button to turn off the monitor. Sometimes, you may need to press and hold the power button for 2 or 3 seconds to power off the monitor. Some monitor power buttons may also only require your finger touch and not push in on the button.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 35 of 40
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What is Dr. Watson?
Correct Answer: Option B — Diagnosis tool
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Dr. Watson is a diagnostic tool that gathers information about your computer when a problem occurs with a program. The information gathered by Dr. Watson is called a snapshot. The snapshot includes information that: Identifies the program that has a problem.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 36 of 40
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A bar that inform you the available options in your computer, opened applications, background running applications and can be used to switch between applications quickly is
Correct Answer: Option D — Task bar
Detailed Academic Explanation:
A bar that informs you the available options in your computer, opened applications, background running applications and can be used to switch between applications quickly is Task bar.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 37 of 40
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Taskbar is used for
Correct Answer: Option D — All of above
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Answer: Taskbar is used to launch an application through the start menu. It displays all the opened applications and files. It is used to set taskbar and desktop properties.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 38 of 40
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To install the new font in window XP
Correct Answer: Option B — Start ⇒ setting ⇒ control panel ⇒ font ⇒ install new font
Detailed Academic Explanation:
To install the new font in window XP Start ⇒ setting ⇒ control panel ⇒ font ⇒ install new font. • Unzip the fonts first. • From the 'Start' menu select 'Control Panel'. • Select the 'Appearance and Themes' category. • Select 'Fonts' from the 'See Also' panel at the left of the screen. • In the Fonts window, select the 'File menu', and choose 'Install New Font'.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 39 of 40
★ PPSC
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When a peripheral device needs immediate attention from the operating system, it generates a(n)
Correct Answer: Option A — Interrupt
Detailed Academic Explanation:
An interrupt is a signal emitted by hardware or software when a process or an event needs immediate attention. It alerts the processor to a high-priority process requiring interruption of the current working process.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
Question 40 of 40
★ PPSC
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Underlined text, such as text and folder names is referred to as
Correct Answer: Option A — Hyperlink
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Underlined text, such as text and folder names is referred to as Hyperlink. • Alternatively referred to as a link and web link, a hyperlink is an icon, graphic or text that links to another file or object. • Hyperlinks are what allow web pages to connect to other web pages and without them you would need to know the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for every page on the Internet.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Operating System
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Advanced Mapreduce Concepts — Part 1
Master the next curriculum module with 40 exam-standard MCQs.
In competitive commission exams (FPSC, PPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, CSS, PMS), questions are frequently phrased with distractor options designed to catch rote learners. Whenever you answer an MCQ, read the Detailed Academic Explanation and Conceptual Anchor to understand why the remaining options are incorrect.