IOS2601 2 QUIZ[COMPLETE
ANSWERS] SEMESTER 2 2024
1. What is an operating system (OS)?
○ Answer: An operating system (OS) is system software that manages hardware
and software resources on a computer. It acts as an intermediary between users
and the computer hardware, providing a user interface and managing files,
memory, processes, and devices.
2. Explain the concept of a process and a thread.
○ Answer: A process is an instance of a program in execution, which includes the
program code and its current activity. A thread, also known as a lightweight
process, is the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be
managed independently by a scheduler. A process can have multiple threads
that share the same resources but execute independently.
3. Describe the difference between multitasking and multiprogramming.
○ Answer: Multitasking refers to the ability of an OS to execute multiple tasks
(processes) simultaneously by rapidly switching between them.
Multiprogramming, on the other hand, is a method where multiple programs are
loaded into memory, and the CPU is switched between them to maximize CPU
utilization.
4. What is virtual memory, and why is it important?
○ Answer: Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an OS that uses
hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory
ANSWERS] SEMESTER 2 2024
1. What is an operating system (OS)?
○ Answer: An operating system (OS) is system software that manages hardware
and software resources on a computer. It acts as an intermediary between users
and the computer hardware, providing a user interface and managing files,
memory, processes, and devices.
2. Explain the concept of a process and a thread.
○ Answer: A process is an instance of a program in execution, which includes the
program code and its current activity. A thread, also known as a lightweight
process, is the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be
managed independently by a scheduler. A process can have multiple threads
that share the same resources but execute independently.
3. Describe the difference between multitasking and multiprogramming.
○ Answer: Multitasking refers to the ability of an OS to execute multiple tasks
(processes) simultaneously by rapidly switching between them.
Multiprogramming, on the other hand, is a method where multiple programs are
loaded into memory, and the CPU is switched between them to maximize CPU
utilization.
4. What is virtual memory, and why is it important?
○ Answer: Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an OS that uses
hardware and software to allow a computer to compensate for physical memory
