1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of concurrent processes?
a) Real and virtual concurrency
b) Mutual exclusion
c) Sequential execution
d) Inter-process communication
Answer: c) Sequential execution
Explanation: Concurrent processes involve real and virtual concurrency, mutual exclusion, and inter-process communication, allowing multiple tasks to execute simultaneously rather than sequentially.
2. What mechanism is used to prevent multiple processes from accessing a shared resource simultaneously?
a) Synchronization
b) Deadlock prevention
c) Inter-process communication
d) Virtual concurrency
Answer: a) Synchronization
Explanation: Synchronization techniques such as mutual exclusion are employed to ensure that only one process can access a shared resource at a time, preventing conflicts and data corruption.
3. Which concept addresses the problem of multiple processes attempting to access a critical section simultaneously?
a) Deadlocks
b) Synchronization
c) Inter-process communication
d) Virtual concurrency
Answer: b) Synchronization
Explanation: Synchronization mechanisms like semaphores and mutexes are used to coordinate access to critical sections, ensuring that only one process can execute within the critical section at any given time.
4. What is the purpose of semaphores in concurrent programming?
a) Deadlock prevention
b) Mutual exclusion
c) Inter-process communication
d) Real concurrency
Answer: b) Mutual exclusion
Explanation: Semaphores are synchronization primitives used to achieve mutual exclusion, ensuring that only one process can access a shared resource at a time to prevent data corruption.
5. Which operation is used to acquire a semaphore in concurrent programming?
a) LOCK
b) WAIT
c) SIGNAL
d) UNLOCK
Answer: b) WAIT
Explanation: In concurrent programming, the WAIT operation is used to acquire a semaphore, which decrements its value and blocks the calling process if the semaphore’s value is zero, indicating that the resource is currently in use.
6. What is a characteristic of binary semaphores?
a) They can take on any integer value
b) They can be accessed by multiple processes simultaneously
c) They have only two possible states
d) They are used for real concurrency
Answer: c) They have only two possible states
Explanation: Binary semaphores have only two possible states, typically representing availability or unavailability of a resource, making them suitable for synchronization and mutual exclusion.
7. Which statement accurately describes counting semaphores?
a) They are only used for deadlock prevention
b) They can only take on values of 0 or 1
c) They can be incremented or decremented by a process
d) They are not suitable for mutual exclusion
Answer: c) They can be incremented or decremented by a process
Explanation: Counting semaphores can take on any non-negative integer value and can be incremented or decremented by processes to control access to a finite number of resources.
8. What is a potential consequence of deadlock in concurrent systems?
a) Increased throughput
b) Improved resource utilization
c) Process termination
d) Enhanced responsiveness
Answer: c) Process termination
Explanation: Deadlock can lead to process termination, as processes may become stuck waiting for resources indefinitely, resulting in system instability or unresponsiveness.
9. How can deadlocks be prevented in concurrent systems?
a) By allowing circular wait
b) By imposing a total ordering of resource types
c) By ignoring resource allocation
d) By encouraging resource preemption
Answer: b) By imposing a total ordering of resource types
Explanation: Deadlocks can be prevented by imposing a total ordering of resource types and ensuring that processes request resources in a consistent order, eliminating the possibility of circular wait conditions.
10. What is a characteristic of distributed operating systems?
a) They execute on a single processor
b) They do not support inter-process communication
c) They manage resources across multiple interconnected computers
d) They lack support for virtual concurrency
Answer: c) They manage resources across multiple interconnected computers
Explanation: Distributed operating systems manage resources and coordinate activities across multiple interconnected computers, enabling distributed computing and resource sharing.
11. Which operating system is a prominent example of a distributed operating system?
a) MS-DOS
b) macOS
c) Windows 10
d) Linux
Answer: d) Linux
Explanation: Linux is a prominent example of a distributed operating system, as it is widely used in various distributed computing environments and supports networking and distributed resource management.
12. What is a key feature of multiprocessor operating systems?
a) They only support single-threaded applications
b) They can only run on a specific type of processor
c) They manage and coordinate activities across multiple processors
d) They lack support for concurrency
Answer: c) They manage and coordinate activities across multiple processors
Explanation: Multiprocessor operating systems are designed to manage and coordinate activities across multiple processors, enabling parallel execution of tasks and improved performance.
13. Which operating system is known for its support of multiprocessor systems?
a) MS-DOS
b) Windows 95
c) macOS
d) Windows Server
Answer: d) Windows Server
Explanation: Windows Server is known for its robust support of multiprocessor systems, offering features and optimizations for scalability and performance in server environments.
14. Which term refers to a situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for another to release a resource?
a) Deadlock
b) Race condition
c) Semaphore
d) Critical section
Answer: a) Deadlock
Explanation: Deadlock occurs when two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for another to release a resource, leading to a standstill in system operation.
15. What is a characteristic of Unix/Linux operating systems?
a) They lack support for concurrent processes
b) They are proprietary and closed-source
c) They prioritize graphical user interfaces over command-line interfaces
d) They support multitasking and multi-user environments
Answer: d) They support multitasking and multi-user environments
Explanation: Unix/Linux operating systems are known for their support of multitasking, allowing multiple processes to run simultaneously, and multi-user environments, enabling concurrent access to the system by multiple users.
16. Which operating system is known for its preemptive multitasking capability?
a) MS-DOS
b) Windows 3.1
c) macOS
d) Windows NT
Answer: d) Windows NT
Explanation: Windows NT is known for its preemptive multitasking capability, allowing the operating system to interrupt and switch between tasks to ensure fair allocation of CPU time and responsiveness.
17. What is a key aspect of Windows operating systems?
a) They lack support for networking
b) They are primarily used in mainframe environments
c) They provide a graphical user interface
d) They do not support multiprocessing
Answer: c) They provide a graphical user interface
Explanation: Windows operating systems are characterized by their graphical user interface (GUI), which provides users with visual representations of system elements and facilitates interaction with the system through windows, icons, menus, and pointers.
18. Which contemporary operating system is known for its use in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets?
a) Windows
b) macOS
c) Android
d) Linux
Answer: c) Android
Explanation: Android is a contemporary operating system based on the Linux kernel and is widely used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, offering features tailored for touch-based interfaces and mobile computing.
19. What is a distinguishing feature of modern operating systems such as Windows and macOS?
a) Lack of support for virtual memory
b) Monolithic kernel architecture
c) Extensive support for device drivers
d) Limited file system support
Answer: c) Extensive support for device drivers
Explanation: Modern operating systems like Windows and macOS provide extensive support for device drivers, enabling seamless integration and compatibility with a wide range of hardware components and peripherals.
20. Which characteristic is common to Unix, Linux, and macOS operating systems?
a) Closed-source licensing
b) Exclusive support for proprietary software
c) POSIX compatibility
d) Lack of networking support
Answer: c) POSIX compatibility
Explanation: Unix, Linux, and macOS operating systems are POSIX-compatible, adhering to standards defined by the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX), which promotes compatibility and portability across Unix-like operating systems.
These questions cover various aspects of concurrent processes, synchronization, operating system concepts, and contemporary operating systems. Each answer is accompanied by a brief explanation to reinforce understanding.