Q31. Which of the following is the fundamental function of an Operating System (OS)?
Computers, Information and Communication Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
200 RAS Prelims MCQs on computers, information and communication technology cover the generations of computers, the parts of the CPU, memory types and networking. The first and second generations, analog computers, the control unit, cache and RAM, the memory hierarchy and the SSD are asked as definitions and sequences, with the explanations giving the reason for each design.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 200 questions
Q32. Consider the following statements about the Linux operating system:
I. It is an open-source operating system.
II. It is based on the Unix OS architecture.
III. Its kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds.
IV. It is strictly available only as a Command Line Interface (CLI).
V. Android OS is built on a modified Linux kernel.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is an open-source operating system.
II. It is based on the Unix OS architecture.
III. Its kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds.
IV. It is strictly available only as a Command Line Interface (CLI).
V. Android OS is built on a modified Linux kernel.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Linux is an influential open-source operating system based on Unix architecture, with a kernel originally developed by Linus Torvalds. It is widely utilized across various platforms, including Android mobile devices. Contrary to the idea that it is strictly a command-line interface, most modern Linux distributions offer sophisticated graphical user interfaces, making the system accessible to both developers and everyday users.
Q33. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Windows operating system.
Explanation
threading Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft that supports advanced features like the Cortana assistant and the NTFS file system. A critical technical characteristic of modern Windows versions is their robust support for multi-threading, which allows multiple parts of a program to execute concurrently. This capability is essential for maximizing the performance of modern multi-core processors in multitasking.
Q34. A computer executing multiple programs simultaneously by rapidly switching the CPU among them is demonstrating which concept?
Explanation
Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to execute multiple tasks or programs seemingly at the same time. This is achieved through rapid context switching, where the CPU allocates small time slices to different processes in quick succession. This technique allows users to perform various activities, such as browsing the web while listening to music, without perceiving any significant delays.
Q35. The Android operating system, predominantly used in mobile devices, is technically based on which core?
Explanation
The Android operating system is built upon a modified version of the Linux kernel, which provides the core services required for hardware management, memory allocation, and process execution. By utilizing the proven stability and security of the Linux architecture, Android provides a robust foundation for millions of mobile applications. This open-source base has facilitated the widespread adoption of Android across hardware.
Q36. Given below are the steps in a computer’s booting process:
I. OS Kernel loading into RAM
II. Power-On Self Test (POST)
III. BIOS execution
IV. Execution of init/systemd processes
Select the correct chronological arrangement.
I. OS Kernel loading into RAM
II. Power-On Self Test (POST)
III. BIOS execution
IV. Execution of init/systemd processes
Select the correct chronological arrangement.
Explanation
The booting process follows a strict chronological sequence to ensure hardware readiness. It begins with the execution of BIOS, followed immediately by the Power-On Self Test to check system components. Once hardware is verified, the OS kernel is loaded into RAM from secondary storage. Finally, initialization processes like systemd start, bringing the operating system into a fully functional user state.
Q37. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Open-source operating systems like Linux allow users to view, modify, and distribute the source code.
Reason (R): This transparency makes open-source systems entirely immune to all forms of malware.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Open-source operating systems like Linux allow users to view, modify, and distribute the source code.
Reason (R): This transparency makes open-source systems entirely immune to all forms of malware.
Explanation
Open-source operating systems like Linux promote transparency by allowing users to inspect, modify, and distribute the source code. While this collaborative environment often leads to rapid security patches and community-driven improvements, it does not make the system entirely immune to malware. All software remains susceptible to various security threats, regardless of whether the source code is public or proprietary.
Q38. Which of the following correctly pairs the operating system type with its characteristic?
Explanation
A Batch Operating System is designed to process similar jobs in groups without direct user intervention, maximizing throughput for repetitive tasks. In contrast, Real-Time OS must meet strict timing constraints, and Time-Sharing OS allows multiple users to share CPU resources simultaneously. These different OS types are tailored to specific processing requirements, ranging from scientific calculations to interactive personal computing.
Q39. Which of the following is generally not considered a direct function of an operating system?
Explanation
Operating systems are responsible for fundamental tasks like managing memory, coordinating process scheduling, and organizing file systems. These functions ensure the efficient use of hardware resources. However, source code compilation is the responsibility of specialized development tools called compilers. While the OS provides the environment for compilers to run, the actual translation of high-level code into machine language is not.
Q40. Which interface is most appropriate for users requiring visual metaphors like windows, icons, and menus to interact with the OS?
Explanation
A Graphical User Interface uses visual elements like windows, icons, and menus to allow users to interact with the operating system intuitively. This contrasts with a Command Line Interface, which requires text-based commands. GUIs have made computing accessible to a broad audience by providing a user-friendly way to navigate files, launch applications, and manage settings through direct manipulation of metaphors.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (a) Managing computer hardware and software resources |
| 32 | (a) I, II, III, and V only |
| 33 | (b) Windows completely lacks support for multi-threading. |
| 34 | (a) Multitasking |
| 35 | (c) Linux Kernel |
| 36 | (b) III, II, I, IV |
| 37 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 38 | (b) Batch OS - Groups similar jobs for sequential execution without user interaction |
| 39 | (d) Source code compilation |
| 40 | (a) Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
Key facts from Computers, Information and Communication Technology
- First-generation computers used vacuum tubes; the second generation moved to transistors.
- Analog computers work on continuous variable data rather than discrete binary data.
- The Control Unit directs and coordinates the operations of the CPU.
- Cache memory gives the fastest access to the CPU; the hierarchy from fastest to slowest is registers, cache, RAM and magnetic disk.
- Adding more RAM to a system with many page faults reduces its dependence on virtual memory.
- An SSD differs from an HDD by the use of NAND flash memory.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Computers, Information and Communication Technology?
This page has 200 practice MCQs on Computers, Information and Communication Technology (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was used in first-generation computers?
Vacuum tubes. They were large, used much power and produced heat. The second generation replaced them with transistors, which were smaller, faster and more reliable, and later generations moved to integrated circuits and microprocessors.
Which memory is fastest for the CPU?
Cache memory, apart from the registers inside the CPU. The memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest is registers, cache, RAM and magnetic disk, and capacity increases as speed falls.
How does an SSD differ from an HDD?
An SSD stores data in NAND flash memory with no moving parts, while a hard disk drive uses spinning magnetic platters. As a result an SSD is faster, quieter and more resistant to shock.