Question 1

Question 1Describe four tasks that are carried out by an operating system.

Accepted Answer

The four tasks that are carried out by an operating system are:Processor Management — The Processor management function of an OS allocates an important computer resource CPU to various running programs or applications. This function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors jobs or processes submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing.Memory Management — The memory management function allocates memory to the running processes and de-allocates memory from the process, when it gets completed.Device Managementt — This function of an operating system is responsible for proper handling of input and output devices. This function ensures smooth reading of data from the input devices and sending the data to correct output devices.User Interface — The OS establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems. It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.

Question 2

Question 2(a) The operating system of modern computers has progressed from a command-driven system to a graphical user interface (GUI). Describe three advantages to the user of using a graphical user interface rather than a command-driven system.(b) 'The operating system is the software heart to the machine.' Give a detailed explanation of what the operating system of a modern PC does.(c) Define the term 'operating environment'.(d) Define the term 'user interface', giving examples.

Accepted Answer

(a) Three advantages of using a graphical user interface rather than a command-driven system are:GUIs are very easy to learn and use making them extremely user friendly.User does not need prior computer skills or knowledge to perform operations through GUI.GUIs are visually appealing and provide immediate feedback, helping users understand the impact of their interactions.(b) The operating system (OS) of a modern PC is a fundamental software component that acts as the bridge between the hardware and the user. It plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating all the resources and functionalities of the computer system. It manages hardware resources, runs and coordinates software applications, provides user interfaces, ensures system security, and enables networking capabilities. The main functions of the operating system of a modern PC are:Processor Management — The Processor management function of an OS allocates an important computer resource CPU to various running programs or applications. This function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors jobs or processes submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing.Memory Management — The memory management function allocates memory to the running processes and de-allocates memory from the process, when it gets completed.Device Management — This function of an operating system is responsible for proper handling of input and output devices. This function ensures smooth reading of data from the input devices and sending the data to correct output devices.File Management — An operating system governs the permanent storage and retrieval of data from/to an external storage device.User Interface — The OS establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems. It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.(c) Operating environment refers to the specific conditions and factors in which a computer system operates. It includes things like the type of computer, operating system, network setup, and user interactions that can affect how the software functions. Understanding the operating environment helps ensure that the software works well and meets its requirements in that particular context.(d) A user interface (UI) is a means through which a user interacts with a computer system. It serves as a bridge between the user and the underlying technology, allowing users to communicate their intentions and receive feedback from the system in a human-readable and intuitive way.Some examples of user interfaces are:Command-Line Interface (CLI) — Unix, DOS.Graphical User Interface (GUI) — Windows, MAC OSTouchscreen Interface — Android, iOS.

Question 3

Question 3An operating system is a type of computer software.(a) Give four tasks that are carried out by all operating systems.(b) Describe one additional task that a multi-tasking operating system would be able to carry out(c) Describe one additional task that a multi-user operating system would be able to carry out.

Accepted Answer

(a) The four tasks that are carried out by an operating system are:Processor Management — The Processor management function of an OS allocates an important computer resource CPU to various running programs or applications. This function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors jobs or processes submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing.Memory Management — The memory management function allocates memory to the running processes and de-allocates memory from the process, when it gets completed.Device Management — This function of an operating system is responsible for proper handling of input and output devices. This function ensures smooth reading of data from the input devices and sending the data to correct output devices.User Interface — The OS establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems. It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.(b) Multi-tasking operating systems can handle the execution of multiple processes concurrently, often on a single CPU core. Task scheduling is a crucial function that decides which process gets CPU time and for how long. The OS uses scheduling algorithms to switch between processes rapidly, giving an illusion of simultaneous execution to the user.(c) Multi-user operating systems support multiple user accounts, and one of their essential tasks is to authenticate users during login. After successful authentication, the OS enforces access control, determining which resources each user is allowed to access and what level of permissions they have. This ensures data security and privacy, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information and system settings.

Question 4

Question 4Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are found on many computers' operating systems.(a) Why do computers need a user interface ?(b) Give one input device, other than a keyboard, that can be used with a graphical user interface.(c) Give four features of a graphical user interface.

Accepted Answer

(a) A user interface provides a way in which an operating system interacts with its users. A user interface makes computers accessible, user-friendly, and efficient. They enable users to interact with computers in a more natural and intuitive way, facilitating a wide range of tasks and applications for various types of users.(b) Mouse is used with a graphical user interface to point, click, drag, and interact with graphical elements on the screen, making it a fundamental input device for GUI-based systems.(c) The four features of a graphical user interface are as follows: —Windows — one can move around the screenIcons — one can click on to load programs and filesMenus — offer options to choose fromPointers — one can move around the screen.

Question 5

Question 5Explain what is meant by the term operating system.

Accepted Answer

An Operating System is a program which acts as an interface between a user and the hardware. It is an integrated set of programs that manages various resources and the overall operations of a computer system. It is designed to support the various activities of the computer system in a systematic way.For example — Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc.

Question 6

Question 6Give five functions of an operating system.

Accepted Answer

The five functions of an operating system are:Processor Management — An operating system allocates the CPU to various running programs or applications.Memory Management — An operating system allocates memory to the running processes and de-allocates memory from the process, when it gets completed.File Management — An operating system governs the permanent storage and retrieval of data from/to an external storage device.Device Management — An operating system is responsible for proper handling of input and output devices.User Interface — An operating system establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems.

Question 7

Question 7Explain the following terms :(i) GUI(ii) WIMP

Accepted Answer

(i) GUI — GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. GUI's are visual interfaces in which instead of typing in commands, the user can use a mouse to point and click objects on the screen. The main features of a GUI are Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers, which make these operating systems interactive in nature. Windows, MAC operating systems are GUI systems.(ii) WIMP — The main features of a GUI are Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers often abbreviated as WIMP. WIMP has a graphical interface and allows access to user via mouse or track-pad / track-ball. WIMP operating systems require much more RAM compared to command line systems.

Question 8

Question 8Explain the difference between 'multi-programming' and 'multi-tasking'.

Accepted Answer

Multi-programmingMulti-taskingMultiprogramming switches between multiple programs to utilize the CPU effectively.Multitasking divides CPU time into slices and rapidly switches between tasks to give the illusion of concurrent execution.In a multiprogramming system, when one program is waiting for I/O, the CPU can quickly switch to another program that is ready for execution.Multitasking divides the CPU time into small time slices or "time slots," and each task is given a share of CPU time during these slices.

Question 9

Question 9Explain briefly what a multi-user system is and how it works.

Accepted Answer

A multi-user system is a computer system or operating environment that allows multiple users to access and use the system simultaneously. In such systems, more than one user programs are loaded and active in the main store at the same time. These active programs are executed using some techniques one by one.

Question 10

Question 10Explain briefly what a multi-tasking system is and how it works.

Accepted Answer

A multitasking system is a computer system or operating environment that allows multiple tasks or processes to run concurrently on a single CPU. It works by swiftly switching the execution of programs or tasks in an interleaved manner, giving the illusion that they are running simultaneously.

Question 11

Question 11How are Multiprogramming OSs different from Multiprocessing OSs?

Accepted Answer

Multiprogramming OSMultiprocessing OSMultiprogramming OS is designed to maximize CPU utilization on a single processor or CPU core.Multiprocessing OS is designed to take advantage of multiple processors or CPU cores present in a computer system.Multiple programs are loaded into memory simultaneously, and the CPU switches between these programs to execute their instructions.Multiple programs or tasks can execute truly simultaneously on different CPUs or cores.Overlapping of I/O and CPU operations enhances CPU utilization.Each CPU/core works independently.At any given moment, only one program is actively executing on the CPU.True parallelism is achieved by executing multiple programs concurrently on separate CPUs.

Question 12

Question 12What is a Real Time Operating System? How is it different from other OSs in terms of processing ?

Accepted Answer

In real time operating system, the jobs have fixed deadlines and the jobs have to be completed within their deadlines. The system performance is measured by its ability to complete its jobs within the specified deadlines. Some examples are LynxOS, OSE, RT Linux etc.A real-time operating system as to get the job done within a fixed time limit, which is not the case with the other operating systems.

Question 13

Question 13What does the term WIMP interface mean ?

Accepted Answer

A user interface that provides Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers is abbreviated as WIMP. It is a graphical interface and allows access to user via mouse or track-pad / track-ball.

Source: This question is from Basics of Operating System, Computer Applications &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Basics of Operating System: Question, Term, Wimp, Interface, Mean, Basics of Operating System. These are fundamental topics in Computer Applications that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of Computer Applications papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberWrite programs with proper indentation and comments.
Trace through your code with sample inputs to verify correctness.
Explain the logic behind each step of your solution.
Familiarise yourself with common library functions and methods.
Related Questions from Basics of Operating SystemQ1: Question 1 Describe four tasks that are carried out by an operating system.
Q10: Question 10 Explain briefly what a multi-tasking system is and how it works.
Q11: Question 11 How are Multiprogramming OSs different from Multiprocessing OSs?
Q12: Question 12 What is a Real Time Operating System? How is it different from other OSs in terms of...
Q14: Question 14 What is a mobile application ?
Practice more questions from Basics of Operating System &mdash; Computer Applications, Class 9 CBSE

Question 14

Question 14What is a mobile application ?

Accepted Answer

A mobile application is a type of application software designed to run on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

Source: This question is from Basics of Operating System, Computer Applications &mdash; Class 9, CBSE Board.
Key Concepts CoveredThis question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter Basics of Operating System: Question, Mobile, Application, Basics of Operating System, Computer Applications. These are fundamental topics in Computer Applications that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of Computer Applications papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This QuestionRead the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to RememberWrite programs with proper indentation and comments.
Trace through your code with sample inputs to verify correctness.
Explain the logic behind each step of your solution.
Familiarise yourself with common library functions and methods.
Related Questions from Basics of Operating SystemQ1: Question 1 Describe four tasks that are carried out by an operating system.
Q10: Question 10 Explain briefly what a multi-tasking system is and how it works.
Q11: Question 11 How are Multiprogramming OSs different from Multiprocessing OSs?
Q12: Question 12 What is a Real Time Operating System? How is it different from other OSs in terms of...
Q15: Question 15 What is a file system ? How is it useful ?
Practice more questions from Basics of Operating System &mdash; Computer Applications, Class 9 CBSE

Question 15

Question 15What is a file system ? How is it useful ?

Accepted Answer

A file system is a part of operating system that is responsible for organizing and retrieving files from a storage device.A file system is useful as it performs the following functions :Creating a structure on storage device to store files.Specifying file naming conventions, such as the maximum number of characters in a file name, which characters can be used and, in some systems, how long the file name suffix can be.Specifying format for specifying the path to a file through the structure of directories.Providing a way to access/retrieve stored files.So, the user application when trying to access a file, interact with the File system component of operating system, which then interact with actual hardware i.e., the storage device and retrieves the asked file.

Question 16

Question 16Why do you need to install device driver every time you attach a new hardware device with your computer ?

Accepted Answer

Each hardware device installed on a computer requires a different type of device driver or hardware driver. The device driver provides specific instructions to the operating system in order for the hardware device to perform properly.

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