Top 250 Operating Systems Interview Questions and Answers

Updated 4 Jul 2025

1w ago

Q. What is Paging in OS?

Ans.

Paging is a memory management technique used by OS to store and retrieve data from secondary storage.

  • It divides the memory into fixed-size pages and stores data in these pages.

  • It allows efficient use of memory by swapping out less frequently used pag...read more

Q. How many times does the system restart during OS installation?

Ans.

The system typically restarts multiple times during an OS installation process.

  • System may restart multiple times to complete different stages of the installation process

  • Restarting allows for necessary updates and configurations to take effect

  • Examples...read more

Asked in Capgemini

1w ago

Q. Explain patch management in Linux.

Ans.

Patch management in Linux involves updating software to fix vulnerabilities and improve performance.

  • Regularly check for updates using package managers like APT or YUM.

  • Example: Use 'sudo apt update' and 'sudo apt upgrade' for Debian-based systems.

  • Auto...read more

1w ago

Q. Which Outlook file is responsible for taking a backup?

Ans.

The outlook file responsible for taking backup is the PST file.

  • PST file stores emails, contacts, calendar events, and other data in Outlook.

  • Users can manually backup their PST file by exporting it from Outlook.

  • Third-party backup software can also be ...read more

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Asked in Experis IT

4d ago

Q. How do you run a Cronjob for a process?

Ans.

To run a cronjob for a process, use the crontab command to create a cron job entry.

  • Use the crontab command to edit the cron table

  • Specify the schedule using the cron syntax

  • Specify the command or script to be executed

  • Save and exit the cron table to sch...read more

Asked in Experis IT

4d ago

Q. How do you rollback patches using Yum?

Ans.

To rollback patches through Yum, use the yum history command and the yum history undo command.

  • Use the 'yum history' command to view the history of installed packages and patches.

  • Identify the transaction ID of the patch you want to rollback.

  • Use the 'y...read more

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Asked in HCLTech

1w ago

Q. Which Linux commands have you used on a daily basis?

Ans.

I have used various Linux commands on a daily basis.

  • ls - to list files and directories

  • cd - to change directories

  • grep - to search for specific text in files

  • tail - to view the end of a file

  • ps - to view running processes

  • kill - to terminate a process

  • chmo...read more

Asked in IBM

2w ago

Q. How does a system call actually work?

Ans.

A system call is a request made by a program to the operating system for a service or resource.

  • A program executes a system call instruction.

  • The CPU switches to kernel mode and transfers control to the operating system.

  • The operating system performs th...read more

Asked in Kwalee India

1w ago

Q. What is the echo command?

Ans.

Echo command is used to print the input or output text on the terminal.

  • Echo command is a built-in command in Linux/Unix systems.

  • It is used to display a line of text/string that is passed as an argument.

  • It can also be used to redirect the output of a ...read more

Asked in Experis IT

1w ago

Q. How do you take a backup using the tar utility?

Ans.

Tar utility is used to create backups by compressing files and directories.

  • To create a backup using tar, use the 'tar' command followed by the appropriate options and arguments.

  • Specify the files or directories to be included in the backup.

  • Use the '-c...read more

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6d ago

Q. Difference between various operating systems.

Ans.

Operating systems differ in their user interface, functionality, and compatibility with hardware and software.

  • Windows is the most widely used OS, known for its user-friendly interface and compatibility with most software.

  • MacOS is known for its sleek ...read more

Asked in Netmeds.com and 5 others

1w ago

Q. What is a schedule?

Ans.

Schedule refers to the classification of drugs based on their potential for abuse and medical use.

  • Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as heroin and LSD.

  • Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse b...read more

Asked in Cognizant

2w ago

Q. What type of operating system does Apple phones use?

Ans.

The operating system in Apple phones is iOS.

  • iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc.

  • It is the second most popular mobile operating system in the world.

  • iOS is known for its user-friendly interface and security features.

  • Examples of Appl...read more

Asked in HP India

1w ago

Q. What are the basic requirements for a Windows 10 operating system?

Ans.

The basic requirements for a Windows 10 operating system include a compatible processor, sufficient memory, and available storage space.

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC

  • Memory: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit

  • Storage: 16 GB for 32-bit OS ...read more

1w ago

Q. What are the differences between Windows 7 and Windows XP?

Ans.

Windows 7 is a newer version of Windows than XP, with improved features and security.

  • Windows 7 has a more user-friendly interface

  • Windows 7 has better security features, such as BitLocker encryption

  • Windows 7 supports newer hardware and software

  • Windows...read more

Asked in Dell EMC and 2 others

4d ago

Q. What is the full form of BIOS?

Ans.

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System.

  • BIOS is a firmware that initializes hardware during the boot process.

  • It provides a low-level interface between the hardware and the operating system.

  • BIOS settings can be accessed and modified through a setup ...read more

Asked in Unisys

1w ago

Q. What is the difference between a semaphore and a mutex, and can you provide a real-time example?

Ans.

Semaphore and mutex are synchronization mechanisms used in multi-threaded environments.

  • Semaphore allows multiple threads to access a shared resource simultaneously, while mutex allows only one thread at a time.

  • Semaphore is used to control access to a...read more

Asked in TCS

1w ago
Q. Can you define an Operating System and explain what a process table is?
Ans.

An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs.

  • An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer.

  • It manages the computer hardware and provides common services for ...read more

1w ago

Q. How do you change permissions for a particular file?

Ans.

To change permissions for a file, you can use the chmod command in the terminal.

  • Use the chmod command followed by the permission code and the file name

  • Permission codes include 'u' for user, 'g' for group, and 'o' for others, along with 'r' for read, ...read more

Q. How many processes does MK have?

Ans.

MK (Marketing) has various processes depending on the company and industry.

  • MK processes can include market research, product development, advertising, sales, and customer service.

  • The number of processes can vary depending on the company and industry....read more

2w ago

Q. What is virtualization and why do we need it?

Ans.

Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of something, such as an operating system, server, storage device, or network resource.

  • Virtualization allows multiple operating systems or applications to run on a single physical machine, increasin...read more

Q. What is the difference between an RTOS and a general-purpose OS?

Ans.

RTOS is designed for real-time applications with predictable response time, while normal OS is designed for general-purpose computing.

  • RTOS provides deterministic scheduling and prioritization of tasks.

  • Normal OS may have non-deterministic scheduling a...read more

Asked in NTT Data

1w ago

Q. What is the difference between a zombie process and an orphan process?

Ans.

Zombie is a terminated process that still has an entry in the process table, while orphan is a child process whose parent has terminated.

  • Zombie process is waiting for its parent to read its exit status

  • Orphan process is adopted by init process (PID 1)...read more

Q. What happens when you delete files in Linux?

Ans.

When files are deleted in Linux, they are not immediately removed from the disk but rather marked as available for reuse.

  • Deleting a file in Linux removes its entry from the file system's directory structure.

  • The file's data blocks are not immediately ...read more

Asked in GS Lab

2w ago

Q. What is synchronization in OS?

Ans.

Synchronization in OS refers to the coordination of multiple processes or threads to ensure data consistency and avoid conflicts.

  • Synchronization is necessary when multiple processes or threads access shared resources.

  • It involves the use of synchroniz...read more

3d ago

Q. How do you increase the virtual RAM of a computer?

Ans.

Increasing virtual RAM can improve computer performance. Here's how to do it.

  • Open the System Properties window

  • Click on the Advanced tab

  • Under Performance, click on Settings

  • Click on the Advanced tab

  • Under Virtual Memory, click on Change

  • Select the drive ...read more

2w ago

Q. Explain what deadlocks are and ways to prevent them.

Ans.

Deadlocks are situations where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource.

  • Deadlocks occur when multiple processes are stuck in a circular waiting state.

  • Prevention techniques include resourc...read more

Asked in Samsung

1w ago

Q. Is there any ideal CPU scheduling possible? Justify your answer.

Ans.

No, there is no ideal CPU scheduling possible.

  • CPU scheduling is a complex problem with many variables.

  • Different scheduling algorithms are suited for different scenarios.

  • The ideal scheduling algorithm would depend on the specific system and workload.

  • F...read more

Asked in Flipkart

2w ago
Q. Can you explain the concepts of Zombie Process and Orphan Process in operating systems?
Ans.

Zombie process is a terminated process that has completed execution but still has an entry in the process table. Orphan process is a process whose parent process has terminated.

  • Zombie process is created when a child process completes execution but it...read more

6d ago

Q. What is the standard code for pipes?

Ans.

The standard code of pipe refers to the set of regulations and specifications that govern the design, construction, and use of pipes in various industries.

  • The standard code of pipe varies depending on the industry and the type of pipe being used.

  • For ...read more

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