Computers and Microprocessors Quiz – Set 9
Attempt each question, then click “Show answer” to reveal the correct option and a brief explanation.
1. Which of the following is TRUE about “multicore” vs “multiprocessor” systems?
Correct answer: B. Multicore = many cores on one chip; multiprocessor = multiple physical CPU packages.
2. Which type of scheduler in an OS makes long-term decisions about which jobs/processes are admitted into the system?
Correct answer: C. Long-term scheduler — It controls the degree of multiprogramming.
3. In a process control block (PCB), which of the following is typically NOT stored?
Correct answer: D. Physical monitor size — PCB stores all info needed to manage and resume a process.
4. Which of the following is a classic example of “deadlock” in operating systems?
Correct answer: B. Circular waiting for resources — Deadlock prevents all involved processes from progressing.
5. Which condition is NOT part of Coffman’s four necessary conditions for deadlock?
Correct answer: D. Infinite memory — The four are mutual exclusion, hold and wait, no preemption, circular wait.
6. In IPv4 addressing, how many bits are there in an IP address?
Correct answer: B. 32 bits — Typically written as four decimal octets (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
7. Which of the following correctly matches the protocol with its primary use?
Correct answer: C. FTP – File transfer — SMTP is mail transfer, POP3 retrieves mail, HTTP is for web pages.
8. In CPU design, what does “CPI” capture?
Correct answer: B. Cycles Per Instruction — Average number of cycles needed to execute an instruction.
9. Which of the following helps to reduce context-switch overhead between user mode and kernel mode?
Correct answer: B. Fast system call mechanisms — E.g., sysenter/sysexit, syscall/sysret instructions.
10. Which of the following is a typical advantage of static linking (vs dynamic linking) of libraries?
Correct answer: B. No runtime dependency — All needed code is included into the executable.
11. In databases, which of the following best describes “ACID” properties (relevant to transaction processing on computer systems)?
Correct answer: A. Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability — These ensure correct and reliable transactions.
12. Which of the following is a primary goal of normalization in relational databases?
Correct answer: B. Reduce redundancy — Normal forms organize data into related tables to avoid anomalies.
13. In microprocessor-based control systems, which of the following is a key characteristic of a “real-time” task?
Correct answer: B. Correct result within deadline — Timeliness is central to real-time behaviour.
14. Which of the following is an advantage of using interrupts instead of polling for I/O?
Correct answer: B. More efficient CPU usage — Interrupts avoid constant device checking.
15. Which cache mapping technique restricts each memory block to only one possible cache line?
Correct answer: B. Direct-mapped — Each memory block maps to exactly one cache line based on index bits.
16. Which of the following types of malware is specifically designed to spread from one computer to another without attaching itself to a host file?
Correct answer: B. Worm — Worms self-replicate across networks without needing a host file.
17. Which of the following is a common method for verifying data integrity during file download?
Correct answer: B. Checking hash values — Matching published checksums ensures file integrity.
18. In digital communications, which modulation scheme varies the frequency of a carrier signal to represent digital data?
Correct answer: B. FSK — Different frequencies represent different binary values.
19. Which of these BEST describes “time slice” in a Round Robin scheduling algorithm?
Correct answer: B. Maximum CPU quantum — After the time slice expires, the process is moved to the back of the ready queue.
20. In IPv6, what is the size of an IP address?
Correct answer: D. 128 bits — IPv6 greatly expands address space compared to IPv4.
