OS2-QUIZ

What is the relationship between an operating system and the hardware of a computer?

• The operating system replaces the computer's hardware.

• The operating system is independent of the computer's hardware.

• The operating system is intimately tied to the hardware of the computer.

• The operating system limits the computer's instruction set.

Answer explanation

The operating system is intimately tied to the hardware of the computer.

What must an operating system know to function effectively?

• The marketing strategies for hardware.

• Only the software applications it supports.

• A great deal about the hardware, especially how it appears to the programmer.

• The personal information of the user.

Answer explanation

A great deal about the hardware, especially how it appears to the programmer.

What components are connected by the system bus in a computer?

• CPU, memory, and I/O devices

• CPU, video controller, and monitor

• Memory, hard disk drive, and monitor

• Keyboard, USB printer, and video controller

Answer explanation

The system bus connects the CPU, memory, and I/O devices in a computer, allowing them to communicate and transfer data efficiently.

What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?

• To display graphics

• To store data permanently

• To fetch and execute instructions

• To manage peripherals

Answer explanation

The primary function of the CPU in a computer is to fetch and execute instructions.

What happens after a CPU fetches an instruction?

• It updates the program counter

• It powers down temporarily

• It sends data to the output device

• It disconnects from the memory

Answer explanation

After a CPU fetches an instruction, it updates the program counter to point to the next instruction in memory.

Why can't an x86 processor execute ARM programs?

• Because it is slower than ARM processors

• Because it does not have enough memory

• Because each has a specific set of instructions it can execute

• Because it is not compatible with modern software

Answer explanation

Because each has a specific set of instructions it can execute

What is contained within the program counter of a CPU?

• The address of the next instruction to be fetched

• The list of all programs installed

• The temporary results of computations

• The graphics processing unit

Answer explanation

The program counter of a CPU contains the address of the next instruction to be fetched, making it the correct choice.

What is the function of the stack pointer in a processor?

• It stores the current instruction being executed.

• It points to the top of the current stack in memory.

• It holds the condition code bits.

• It manages the input/output operations.

Answer explanation

The stack pointer in a processor points to the top of the current stack in memory, allowing for efficient management of the stack data structure.

What does the PSW (Program Status Word) register contain?

• The top of the current stack in memory.

• The input parameters and local variables.

• The condition code bits, CPU priority, and various control bits.

• The data necessary for executing instructions.

Answer explanation

The PSW register contains the condition code bits, CPU priority, and various control bits.

What role does the PSW play in a system?

• It decodes instructions.

• It executes instructions.

• It plays an important role in system calls and I/O.

• It stores temporary variables.

Answer explanation

The PSW plays an important role in system calls and I/O, making it the correct choice.