Question 1

In computer architecture, what does the Memory Address Register (MAR) hold during a read or write cycle?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Processor datapaths separate “what to access” from “what value to move.” The Memory Address Register (MAR) and Memory Data Register (MDR) play complementary roles. Knowing which holds addresses versus data is foundational to understanding fetch/execute cycles and bus timing. Given Data / Assumptions: Von Neumann-style CPU with distinct internal registers for address and data. MAR participates in both instruction fetch and data access. MDR (also called MBR) is the data counterpart. Concept / Approach: During any memory transaction, the CPU places the target address into the MAR. The memory subsystem uses that address to read or write. The actual value to be transferred moves via the MDR/MBR, not the MAR. Therefore, the MAR does not contain the instruction bytes or the data payload—only the location identifier. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) CPU computes or fetches the target address (PC for instructions, ALU result for data).2) Load MAR with that address.3) For read: memory uses MAR to select a cell; returned value goes to MDR.4) For write: CPU puts the value in MDR; memory writes MDR to the cell addressed by MAR. Verification / Alternative check: Architecture textbooks and timing diagrams show MAR lines wired to the address bus and MDR lines to the data bus, confirming their distinct roles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A copy of data: That is MDR, not MAR. The current instruction: That is Instruction Register after fetch. Hardware circuits that execute instructions: Describes the ALU/CPU, not MAR. None of the above: Incorrect because MAR holds the address. Common Pitfalls: Confusing MAR with MDR and thinking MAR stores the data value rather than the address identifier. Final Answer: The address of the memory location to be accessed (read or write)

Question 2

In software development terminology, what does the term ‘‘bug’’ most precisely refer to within a computer program?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Developers, testers, and users all use the term “bug,” but its scope matters for defect tracking and prevention. In most engineering contexts, a bug is a fault in software behavior that causes incorrect results or nonconformance with requirements. Given Data / Assumptions: We compare logic errors and syntax errors. We are not redefining tooling or documentation as bugs. Emphasis is on runtime behavior and correctness. Concept / Approach: Syntax errors are caught by compilers/interpreters before execution; they prevent building or running but are often categorized separately as “compile errors.” Bugs typically refer to defects in implemented logic (or unexpected runtime behavior) that compile successfully yet produce wrong outputs or states. Hence, the precise match in the given options is “a logical error in a program.” Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Distinguish compile-time vs run-time: syntax issues stop compilation; logic issues pass compilation.2) Define bug: deviation from expected behavior or requirement.3) Map to choices: “logical error” best captures defect semantics here.4) Conclude: choose logical error as the precise definition among the options. Verification / Alternative check: Defect taxonomies in QA guidebooks classify syntax as “static errors” and runtime/logic faults as “bugs/defects,” aligning with the chosen definition in typical exam contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A difficult syntax error: It is still a syntax error, not a behavioral bug. Documenting programs: Documentation tasks are unrelated to defects. All of the above: Overbroad; includes a non-defect activity. None of the above: Incorrect because a logical error fits the accepted meaning. Common Pitfalls: Calling every compiler message a “bug,” which dilutes defect tracking and blurs responsibility between coding and build stages. Final Answer: A logical error in a program

Question 3

In MS-DOS file management, which command should be used to copy a specific file from one disk or directory to another?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Classic MS-DOS environments rely on simple commands to manage files. Knowing which command moves an individual file versus cloning an entire disk prevents accidental data loss and speeds up routine administration. Given Data / Assumptions: User needs to transfer a specific file (e.g., REPORT.TXT) between locations. Source and destination can be different drives or directories. No need to duplicate boot sectors or disk structure. Concept / Approach: For single-file operations, the COPY command copies the selected file(s) to a target path. DISKCOPY duplicates an entire disk, sector by sector. RENAME only changes a file’s name, and FORMAT prepares a disk with a new filesystem, erasing previous data. Therefore, COPY is the correct and safe choice for an individual file transfer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify file and destination, e.g., A:\REPORT.TXT to C:\DOCS\.2) Run: COPY A:\REPORT.TXT C:\DOCS\3) Verify completion message displaying the number of file(s) copied.4) List destination to confirm: DIR C:\DOCS\REPORT.TXT Verification / Alternative check: Attempting DISKCOPY would ask for source/destination diskettes and copy the entire disk, not a single file—confirming it is unsuitable for the requirement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DISKCOPY: Clones whole disks, not specific files. RENAME: Changes a file name; does not move or duplicate it. FORMAT: Erases and prepares media; dangerous for data retention. None of the above: Incorrect because COPY is appropriate. Common Pitfalls: Using wildcards unintentionally (e.g., COPY *.DOC) and overwriting files without confirming the destination path. Final Answer: COPY

Question 4

Within systems software, which category of software typically merges records from two separate files into a single consolidated file?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: File operations like sorting and merging are foundational data-processing tasks. While applications can implement custom logic, operating systems and toolchains often provide ready-made programs to merge files efficiently, especially in batch workflows. Given Data / Assumptions: Two structured files exist with compatible record formats or keys. Goal is to create a single output file combining those records. No specialized network or security function is implied. Concept / Approach: Utility programs are designed for housekeeping and data manipulation tasks such as copy, sort, and merge. Classic environments (mainframe to UNIX/Windows) expose “sort/merge” utilities that read multiple inputs and produce a unified, optionally sorted output. This contrasts with documentation, security, or networking software whose primary purposes lie elsewhere. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Validate format alignment and keys.2) Invoke a merge-capable utility with two input files.3) Optionally specify sort order or key precedence.4) Write merged output to a new file. Verification / Alternative check: Running a sort/merge job and comparing record counts before and after confirms the utility’s function. Logs show successful consolidation without manual re-coding. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Documentation system: Manages manuals; not file record merging. Security software: Focuses on access control and protection, not merging. Networking software: Transports data; does not inherently merge records. None of the above: Incorrect because utilities perform merges. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring record key mismatches and assuming merge order without specifying sort parameters, which can produce incorrect combined datasets. Final Answer: Utility program

Question 5

In program loading and memory management, what defines a non-relocatable program in terms of where it can execute in memory?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Loaders, linkers, and operating systems determine where a program resides in memory. Some binaries can be relocated at load time; others are tied to absolute addresses. Understanding the distinction impacts OS design and portability. Given Data / Assumptions: We contrast relocatable vs non-relocatable binaries. Address-sensitive code may use absolute addresses. No position-independent code mechanism is assumed. Concept / Approach: A non-relocatable program has absolute address references baked in at assembly/link time, requiring it to load into the exact memory region anticipated by those addresses. Any deviation breaks jumps or data references. Relocatable programs include relocation entries; position-independent code avoids absolute addresses using relative addressing and indirection. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify absolute references emitted by the linker.2) Recognize loader constraints: must map the program to the predetermined base.3) If loaded elsewhere, address calculations fail, causing crashes.4) Therefore classify as non-relocatable: fixed-location only. Verification / Alternative check: Examining the object file shows no relocation records enabling the loader to patch addresses; attempts to relocate result in invalid instruction targets or data access. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Program plus relocation info: That describes a relocatable program. Self-relocation: Describes a program capable of adjusting itself, not non-relocatable. All of the above: Mutually inconsistent statements; only the fixed-location definition applies. None of the above: Incorrect because the fixed-location definition is correct. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “non-relocatable” with “position-independent”; they are opposites in terms of flexibility at load time. Final Answer: Cannot execute anywhere other than the specific memory area fixed at coding or translation time

Question 6

In computer architecture, which register or main memory location holds the effective address of the operand used by an instruction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In computer architecture and assembly language programming, an instruction often needs to reference data stored elsewhere in memory. The effective address is the actual memory location where the operand resides after all addressing calculations. Understanding which register or location holds this effective address is fundamental to interpreting how a CPU fetches operands and executes instructions. Given Data / Assumptions: The question concerns the entity that contains the effective address used to access an operand. Standard architectures provide address-holding registers used for indirect, indexed, or base addressing. Terminology across platforms includes names like pointer register, index register, base register, and stack pointer. Concept / Approach: The term pointer is a generic name for any register or memory location whose content is interpreted as an address rather than plain data. When an instruction specifies an addressing mode that requires indirection, the CPU uses the value inside a pointer to find the operand in memory. While an indexed register can participate in calculating an address, the entity that actually contains the effective address at the time of the fetch is commonly referred to as a pointer. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the definition: effective address = the final, computed address used to fetch or store the operand.Recognize that a register or location that is interpreted as an address is called a pointer.Note that index or base registers may contribute arithmetically, but the container of the usable address is a pointer.Therefore, the correct general term is pointer. Verification / Alternative check: Architectures such as x86, ARM, and MIPS use registers like SP, BP/FP, PC, and general purpose registers as pointers during various addressing modes. Documentation consistently treats these as address pointers when used for indirection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: indexed register: contributes an offset but is not necessarily the final effective address container. special location: overly vague and not a standard term. scratch pad: refers to fast temporary storage, not specifically an address holder. None of the above: incorrect because pointer is correct. Common Pitfalls: Confusing address calculation participants with the final address container. Assuming a specific register name instead of the generic role term pointer. Final Answer: pointer.

Question 7

In a virtual memory operating system, what is Dynamic Address Translation (DAT) responsible for during paging?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Virtual memory allows processes to use a logical address space that is larger and more flexible than physical RAM. Translating each virtual address to a physical frame quickly and safely is critical to system performance. This translation is performed by specialized hardware known as Dynamic Address Translation, often implemented as the Memory Management Unit, or MMU. Given Data / Assumptions: A virtual memory system with paging is in use. Dynamic Address Translation refers to the hardware support for virtual to physical mapping. The OS maintains tables, but the fast per-access translation must be done in hardware. Concept / Approach: DAT or MMU hardware converts each virtual address to a physical address using page tables and a Translation Lookaside Buffer for speed. The OS prepares and updates these tables, but the instantaneous translation on every memory reference is done by hardware to avoid extreme overhead. Without DAT hardware, software-only translation would be prohibitively slow for general purpose computing. Step-by-Step Solution: Define the role: DAT maps virtual page number to physical frame number.A TLB caches recent translations to minimize page table walks.On TLB miss, hardware or OS walks page tables; upon success the hardware proceeds with the access.Therefore, DAT is the hardware necessary to implement efficient paging. Verification / Alternative check: Processor manuals document page table formats and MMU behavior. Operating systems like Linux and Windows rely on MMU and TLB for practical paging performance. Why Other Options Are Wrong: stores pages at a specific location on disk: disk placement is an OS function, not hardware translation. is useless when swapping is used: swapping still requires translations when pages are resident. is part of the OS paging algorithm: algorithms are software; DAT is hardware support. Common Pitfalls: Confusing OS page replacement decisions with hardware address translation. Overlooking the TLB as a key accelerator. Final Answer: is the hardware necessary to implement paging.

Question 8

In CPU addressing modes, which mode decrements the specified register first and then uses its new contents as the effective address (pre-decrement)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Addressing modes define how instructions locate operands. Pre and post modification addressing modes are common on many architectures because they combine address calculation with implicit updates to address registers, improving code density and performance for stack and array operations. Given Data / Assumptions: The instruction references a register, modifies it, and uses the modified value for memory access. The modification described is decrement first, then use as an address. We use standard naming: auto decrement for pre-decrement and auto increment for post-increment or pre-increment variants by ISA. Concept / Approach: Auto decrement addressing means the CPU subtracts an amount (often the operand size) from the register before forming the effective address. This is typical for pushing values onto a descending stack. Auto increment does the opposite, often used after reading to step through arrays. Step-by-Step Solution: Interpret the description: pre-decrement then use the new value as address.Map to standard terminology: this is auto decrement addressing.Confirm that index addressing adds an offset but does not inherently modify the base register.Conclude the correct mode is auto decrement. Verification / Alternative check: Many ISAs (for example, 68k, ARM with pre indexing) document pre decrement and pre increment forms explicitly and name the decrement form as auto decrement or pre-indexed decrement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: index addressing: uses base plus index; no automatic decrement of the register. indirect addressing: uses a register as a pointer but does not modify it. auto increment: increments, not decrements. Common Pitfalls: Confusing pre and post modification semantics. Assuming all ISAs use identical names; the underlying behavior is the key. Final Answer: auto decrement.

Question 9

In compiler design, what does an assembly code database most closely correspond to within the code generation and assembly pipeline?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Modern language processing stages include lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, intermediate representation, code generation, assembly, and linking. Clarifying what data structure or artifact belongs to each stage helps students and engineers understand toolchain boundaries and file products, such as object files and assembly listings. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase assembly code database refers to an artifact related to assembly-level output. We distinguish this from symbol tables, token streams, and grammar rule repositories. The Code Generation phase produces target assembly before the assembler converts it into machine code. Concept / Approach: An assembly listing is the assembly language version of the program. Some compilers emit this to a file that becomes input to a standalone assembler. Internally, compilers may keep a structured representation of the emitted assembly, which informally can be considered a database of assembly code used to produce final object files. It is distinct from the lexical token list, the keyword table, and the parser’s pattern rules. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the artifact that directly precedes assembly: the output of code generation is assembly text or object.Relate the term database to a collected representation of that assembly output.Differentiate from static tables: keyword tables and grammar decision tables are language definitions, not per program code artifacts.Therefore, the best match is the assembly language version produced by code generation and consumed by the assembler. Verification / Alternative check: Classical toolchains like GCC can emit .s files (assembly) that are then passed to as, demonstrating the role of assembly output between phases. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Decision rule tables: belong to parser or scanner generators, not assembly output. Token lists: are produced by lexical analysis, much earlier in the pipeline. Keyword tables: static language metadata, not program specific output. Common Pitfalls: Conflating internal compiler tables with emitted program artifacts. Assuming the assembler and compiler are a single monolithic program rather than separate phases. Final Answer: assembly language version of the program created by code generation and provided as input to the assembly phase.

Question 10

Language processors in computer science: which tools translate or execute source programs to produce machine-level results?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Language processors are essential components of software development environments. They transform human readable source code into forms the CPU can execute, either by translating to machine code ahead of time or by executing code on the fly. Understanding the differences among assemblers, compilers, and interpreters helps in choosing the right tool and anticipating runtime behavior. Given Data / Assumptions: We consider three processor types: assemblers, compilers, and interpreters. Goal is to identify which of these qualify as language processors. Context spans low level assembly to high level languages. Concept / Approach: An assembler translates assembly language mnemonics to machine code. A compiler translates high level language programs into machine code or intermediate representations. An interpreter directly executes instructions written in a programming language line by line or statement by statement, often using a runtime to evaluate and perform actions without producing a standalone binary. Step-by-Step Solution: Define assembler: source in assembly, output in object or executable code.Define compiler: source in a high level language, output in object code, bytecode, or another language.Define interpreter: executes source or bytecode dynamically by reading and performing actions immediately.All three fit the umbrella term language processor. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks in compiler design and systems programming list these tools together as language processors because they process and realize programs expressed in programming languages. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any single subset alone would be incomplete; all three are valid language processors. None of the above is incorrect because all are. Common Pitfalls: Confusing interpreters with Just In Time compilation, which blends compilation and interpretation. Assuming assemblers are not language processors because they target low level languages; they are. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 11

Fundamentals of computer memory: which description correctly defines memory in the context of computer systems?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Computer memory is a core hardware component that holds data and instructions for rapid access by the CPU. Distinguishing memory from the processor, programs, and operating system behavior is crucial for accurate understanding of system architecture and performance. Given Data / Assumptions: We compare short statements that define memory versus CPU or OS concepts. Memory stores information such as instructions and data values. The CPU performs operations; the OS may provide time sharing and interactivity. Concept / Approach: At a high level, memory is an information storage device. It includes volatile forms like RAM and nonvolatile forms like ROM and persistent storage layers when discussed broadly. The CPU is the execution engine that reads instructions from memory. Time slicing describes OS scheduling policy, not memory itself. A sequence of instructions is a program, not memory hardware. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the role: memory holds bits representing instructions and data.Eliminate options that describe the CPU (execution) or OS behavior (time slicing).Eliminate the definition that describes a program rather than the storage medium.Select the definition that calls memory the device where information is stored. Verification / Alternative check: Computer organization texts specify the fetch cycle: CPU reads instructions from memory, executes them, and writes results back to memory, confirming the distinct roles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: performs a sequence of operations: this is the CPU. a sequence of instructions: this is a program. interactive processing and time slicing: describes OS scheduling, not memory. Common Pitfalls: Equating storage and processing due to the close interaction in the fetch execute cycle. Final Answer: is the device where information is stored.

Question 12

User interface design: what term describes values automatically supplied by software to reduce typing and streamline user productivity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Defaults are central to usable software. By pre filling sensible values, applications lower cognitive load, prevent errors, and speed up common workflows. Recognizing the correct terminology helps in UI specifications, documentation, and test plans. Given Data / Assumptions: We need the term for automatically provided entries in forms, dialogs, or configuration screens. These values can be accepted as is or overridden by the user. The goal is improved productivity and fewer keystrokes. Concept / Approach: Default values are pre supplied parameters or field contents chosen by the software based on typical use, prior choices, system context, or policy. They serve as a starting point but remain editable. Fixed values are constants that cannot be changed, and special or defined values are not standard UI terms for this concept. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the behavior: software prepopulates a value.Determine whether the value is modifiable by the user: yes, defaults are editable.Map the behavior to the standard term: default values.Thus, the correct choice is Default values. Verification / Alternative check: Design guidelines from major platforms reference defaults for form fields, preferences, and installers, emphasizing that defaults guide users without locking them in. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Fixed values: implies immutability, which conflicts with editable defaults. Defined values: too vague and not a recognized UI term for this feature. Special values: nonstandard naming that lacks the meaning of auto supplied entries. Common Pitfalls: Confusing defaults with templates or presets that change multiple settings at once; defaults are per field or per setting. Final Answer: Default values.

Question 13

CPU scheduling: what is the strategy called when the operating system temporarily suspends logically runnable processes to allocate CPU time fairly or meet responsiveness goals?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Schedulers decide which process runs on the CPU at a given moment. Systems that must remain responsive or share the CPU among many tasks often interrupt a running process and switch to another ready process. Understanding this policy is critical for real time design, interactive systems, and general purpose OS behavior. Given Data / Assumptions: Processes are logically runnable, meaning they are in the ready state. The OS may suspend a running process before it blocks or finishes. We need the term for this class of scheduling policies. Concept / Approach: Preemptive scheduling allows the OS to interrupt and switch out a running task, giving the CPU to another ready task. Time slicing and priority based preemption are common mechanisms. Non preemptive policies let a process run until it voluntarily yields, blocks, or completes, which can hurt responsiveness. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the behavior: a runnable process is temporarily suspended by the scheduler.Map to terminology: this is preemption; the OS preempts the current task.Note examples: round robin, priority preemptive scheduling.Conclude that the correct label is preemptive scheduling. Verification / Alternative check: Classic OS textbooks describe Unix like and modern Windows schedulers as preemptive, using time quanta and priorities to interrupt running processes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: non preemptive: the opposite behavior; no forced suspension. shortest job first / first come first served: specific algorithms; SJF can be either, but the described suspension is characteristic of preemption. Common Pitfalls: Assuming preemptive implies unfairness; in fact, it enables fairness and responsiveness when correctly tuned. Final Answer: preemptive scheduling.

Question 14

Page replacement policies: what does the Least Recently Used (LRU) algorithm select when choosing a page to evict from memory?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When physical memory fills up, a virtual memory system must choose which page to evict. The replacement policy impacts hit rates and overall performance. LRU is a widely taught policy that approximates the ideal of keeping the working set in memory by favoring pages that were used most recently and discarding those that have been idle the longest. Given Data / Assumptions: LRU tracks recency of access for each page. The policy removes the page that is least recently referenced. We ignore implementation approximations and focus on the principle. Concept / Approach: The working set model suggests that the near future usage correlates with recent past usage. LRU embodies this by selecting for eviction the page with the oldest access timestamp. Real systems approximate LRU using counters, stacks, clock algorithms, or reference bits due to overhead constraints. Step-by-Step Solution: Define the selection criterion: evict the page whose last use is farthest in the past.Map to the option phrasing: the page that has not been used recently.Exclude policies that remove the most recently used or a fixed first page.Choose the correct LRU description accordingly. Verification / Alternative check: Performance studies show LRU tends to outperform FIFO on many workloads because it avoids Belady anomalies typical of FIFO and aligns with temporal locality. Why Other Options Are Wrong: used recently: that would be MRU, not LRU. least used recently: ambiguous wording; LRU is specifically least recently used, which matches not been used recently more clearly. first page in a given area: FIFO behavior, not LRU. Common Pitfalls: Confusing frequency based policies (LFU) with recency based policies (LRU). Overlooking that implementations are approximations due to cost. Final Answer: pages out pages that have not been used recently.

Question 15

Critical section correctness: to prevent race conditions, how many processes may be inside their critical section at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Race conditions occur when multiple processes or threads access shared data concurrently and the final outcome depends on unpredictable interleavings. The critical section problem asks for a mechanism to ensure mutual exclusion so that shared state remains consistent. The fundamental safety requirement is that at most one process is executing the critical section at any instant. Given Data / Assumptions: We consider a shared resource protected by a critical section protocol. We want to avoid races and ensure correct behavior. We are not considering liveness or fairness constraints in the answer, only safety. Concept / Approach: Mutual exclusion guarantees that only one process may enter the critical section at a time. This can be implemented with locks, semaphores, monitors, atomic instructions, or transactional memory. If two or more processes are allowed inside simultaneously, shared invariants can be violated, causing data corruption or inconsistent results. Therefore, the safe limit is a single process at any moment. Step-by-Step Solution: State the safety condition: mutual exclusion implies count of processes in the critical section is less than or equal to 1.To avoid races, enforce that if one process is in the critical section, others must wait.Mechanisms: binary semaphores (value 0 or 1), mutex locks, test and set, compare and swap.Therefore, the correct maximum simultaneous count is 1. Verification / Alternative check: Classical solutions (Peterson algorithm, bakery algorithm) and modern primitives all enforce the invariant that only one thread holds the lock at a time, preserving shared state consistency. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 0: would deadlock progress; no one could enter to perform work. 8 or 16: allowing multiple concurrent entrants breaks mutual exclusion unless the resource supports safe concurrent access, which contradicts the critical section definition. None of the above: incorrect because exactly one is correct. Common Pitfalls: Confusing reader writer locks where multiple readers may enter with general critical sections that protect write access. Final Answer: 1.

Question 16

In MS-DOS 5.0, which numeric identifier represents the software's version code that uniquely distinguishes this product release from other MS-DOS versions?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Versioning is a fundamental concept in operating systems and software lifecycle management. In the context of legacy PC operating systems such as MS-DOS, the version number serves as a compact numeric code that uniquely identifies the exact release, enabling users, technicians, and programs to check features, compatibility, and support status. The question asks which number in “MS-DOS 5.0” acts as this unique identifying code. Given Data / Assumptions: The product name is “MS-DOS 5.0.” We are focusing on a numeric code that differentiates releases. Conventional software versioning semantics are assumed (major.minor). Concept / Approach: Software is commonly identified by a name and a version. The name identifies the product family (for example, MS-DOS), whereas the version number uniquely distinguishes one release from another within that family. The numeric portion “5.0” is the version code; it communicates major features and compatibility changes compared to earlier revisions (such as 3.3 or 4.01) or later ones (such as 6.0 or 6.22). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Parse the product string: “MS-DOS 5.0.”2) Identify the vendor/product family: “MS-DOS.”3) Identify the numeric code that differentiates this release: “5.0.”4) Conclude that the unique identifying number for this release is the version number “5.0.” Verification / Alternative check: System utilities such as VER in DOS display the version number, returning a numeric code (for example, 5.00), confirming the role of the version digits as the unique identifier among MS-DOS releases. Why Other Options Are Wrong: MS: Vendor prefix (Microsoft), not a version code. DOS: The generic operating system family name, not a unique release identifier. MS DOS: Product name without the numeric release; still not unique. None of the above: Incorrect because “5.0” is the version code. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the brand or family name with a version identifier, or assuming that minor punctuation differences (for example, MS-DOS vs MS DOS) constitute a unique code. Only the numeric version fulfills the uniqueness requirement across releases. Final Answer: 5.0

Question 17

In operating systems, what is the most accurate definition of a ‘‘process’’ in contrast to a program stored on disk or a job in secondary memory?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Understanding the precise meaning of a process is foundational in operating systems. While “program,” “job,” and “file” are related terms, a process uniquely denotes the active, running instance with resources and execution context managed by the OS. This distinction underpins scheduling, synchronization, and resource allocation. Given Data / Assumptions: A program can be stored on disk in a high-level language or as an executable image. A process includes runtime state such as registers, stack, heap, and open handles. The OS tracks processes via process control blocks (PCBs). Concept / Approach: A process is not merely code; it is code in motion. When the loader creates an address space and the scheduler dispatches it on a CPU, the program becomes a process with its own program counter, stack, heap, and I/O context. Therefore, the most accurate definition is “a program in execution.” Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Differentiate static vs dynamic: a program on disk is static; a process is dynamic and executing.2) Identify runtime attributes: registers, program counter, stack/heap, OS resources.3) Conclude that only “a program in execution” captures these dynamic properties. Verification / Alternative check: OS textbooks and utilities (for example, TASKLIST, ps) enumerate processes, not programs; they show runtime instances with PIDs and states (running, ready, blocked). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Contents of main memory: Too broad; memory holds many things beyond a single process. Program in a high-level language kept on disk: That is a static program, not executing. A job in secondary memory: Jobs may be queued; not necessarily executing. None of the above: Incorrect because “a program in execution” is correct. Common Pitfalls: Equating files with running instances, or assuming a process is only the code segment without considering its dynamic state and OS-managed resources. Final Answer: A program in execution

Question 18

In system building, which tool is responsible for resolving externally defined symbols and producing a combined executable image?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Modern software is typically split across multiple object files and libraries. Names (symbols) referenced in one module may be defined in another. The component that resolves these cross-module references at build time is the linker, which produces an executable or library with all external references satisfied. Given Data / Assumptions: Object files contain symbol tables listing defined and undefined symbols. Libraries provide additional definitions for unresolved references. We are identifying the build-time tool that performs symbol resolution. Concept / Approach: The linker reads object modules, matches undefined symbols to definitions, performs relocation, and emits an executable image. In contrast, the loader maps an already-linked image into memory at run time. The compiler translates high-level code to intermediate/object code; the assembler converts assembly to object code. Only the linker resolves external symbols across modules. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Compilation/assembly produce relocatable objects with unresolved externals.2) The linker scans these objects and libraries for matching symbol definitions.3) It patches references (relocation) and outputs a single executable or library.4) The loader later places that image into memory to run. Verification / Alternative check: Build logs typically show the linker stage resolving symbols; unresolved external errors appear during linking, not during compiling or loading, confirming the linker’s role. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Loader: Handles memory mapping and initialization at run time, not build-time symbol resolution. Compiler: Translates source to object; does not resolve externals across modules. Assembler: Converts assembly to object; external references remain for the linker. None of the above: Incorrect because the linker performs the resolution. Common Pitfalls: Confusing relocation (linker) with loading, or assuming the compiler “knows” other modules’ addresses during code generation—it does not in modular builds. Final Answer: Linker

Question 19

When a PC boots, which command category is resident and loaded into main memory so that it is immediately available without loading external files?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: DOS-like systems distinguish between internal (resident) and external (on-disk) commands. Understanding which commands are present in memory immediately after boot clarifies why some commands work even when path/drive access is unavailable, while others require loading executable files from disk first. Given Data / Assumptions: System boots successfully to a command interpreter (for example, COMMAND.COM). Internal commands are built into the command interpreter image. External commands are separate .COM or .EXE files on storage. Concept / Approach: Internal commands (for example, DIR, COPY in some versions, CD, CLS, TYPE, REN) are part of the command interpreter and thus reside in memory immediately after boot. External commands (for example, FORMAT, DISKCOPY, CHKDSK in many versions) are separate files and are loaded on demand. Utilities and applications (for example, a word processor) are not resident by default. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify what the OS places in memory at boot: kernel + command interpreter.2) Recognize that internal commands are built into the interpreter.3) Conclude they are available immediately without disk access.4) External commands require reading executable files from disk to run. Verification / Alternative check: Attempting to run an external command after removing or unmounting the system disk will fail, while internal commands still function, confirming residency. Why Other Options Are Wrong: External command instructions: Stored on disk; not loaded until invoked. Utility programs: Typically external executables; not resident by default. Word processing instructions: Application software; not part of boot-resident set. None of the above: Incorrect because internal commands are resident. Common Pitfalls: Assuming specific commands are always internal across all DOS versions; the internal/external list can vary, but the residency concept remains the same. Final Answer: Internal command instructions

Question 20

While running DOS on a PC, which command should be used to duplicate an entire diskette sector-by-sector (including boot records and directory structure)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: File-level copying differs from disk-level cloning. When you need an exact duplicate of a floppy disk—including boot sector, FAT, root directory, and all files—DOS provides a dedicated command to replicate the entire medium rather than just individual files. Given Data / Assumptions: Source and destination are diskettes of the same capacity. Goal is a full, bootable, structural clone. Standard DOS command set is available. Concept / Approach: DISKCOPY performs a sector-by-sector copy from one diskette to another, duplicating low-level structures as well as file contents. COPY only transfers files at the filesystem level. CHKDSK checks a disk for errors; TYPE displays file contents. Therefore, DISKCOPY is the correct command for cloning an entire floppy disk. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Insert the source disk in Drive A and the destination disk in Drive B (or swap as prompted).2) Run: DISKCOPY A: B:3) Follow prompts to read the source and write to the destination, swapping when needed.4) Verify by booting or listing the destination media. Verification / Alternative check: A successfully cloned disk created by DISKCOPY will preserve bootability and volume metadata, whereas a simple COPY of files will not replicate boot records or hidden system data. Why Other Options Are Wrong: COPY: File-level only; does not duplicate low-level structures. CHKDSK: Diagnostic; no cloning function. TYPE: Displays a file; irrelevant to duplication. None of the above: Incorrect because DISKCOPY is appropriate. Common Pitfalls: Using COPY with wildcards and assuming the target becomes bootable; it will not without system transfer of boot code and hidden files. Final Answer: DISKCOPY

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