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Software and Operating Systems MCQs

Software and Operating Systems MCQs are multiple-choice questions on the programs that run a computer, covering system and application software, operating system functions, Windows, Android and Unix, and everyday software tasks. Every question on MCQs360 shows the correct answer instantly, so you can revise the computer section of your test and find weak areas quickly.

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About Software and Operating Systems MCQs

The operating system questions cover what an operating system does: booting, managing memory and processes, multitasking and multithreading, and controlling how the user interacts with the computer through the interface. You will also find questions on the history of Windows, Android and Unix, Android version names, 64-bit support and Mac computers. Questions on the release years of popular systems are common, so pay attention to dates.

The software questions deal with the difference between system software, application software and custom software, utility and diagnostic programs, text editors and compilers, graphics programs such as CorelDRAW and common tasks such as saving files, resizing pictures and creating charts. A few questions ask about file formats used for video on the Internet, menus and submenus, and how files are stored in folders.

Key facts to remember

  • An operating system manages a computer's hardware and software resources and provides services to programs.
  • Software is broadly divided into system software, which runs the computer, and application software, which performs user tasks.
  • A thread is the basic unit of CPU utilisation.
  • Unix was developed at Bell Labs in 1969 by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie and colleagues.
  • Android is based on the Linux kernel.
  • Windows 10 was released in July 2015.

Exams that include Software and Operating Systems MCQs

Pakistan

  • PPSC
  • FPSC
  • SPSC
  • KPPSC
  • NTS
  • PTS

India

  • SSC CGL
  • SSC CHSL
  • IBPS PO
  • IBPS Clerk
  • RRB NTPC

Bangladesh

  • BCS
  • Bangladesh Bank

How to prepare for Software and Operating Systems MCQs

  1. Make a chart that splits software into system, application and utility programs, with examples of each.
  2. Learn the main functions of an operating system: process, memory, file and device management.
  3. Keep a short timeline of Windows and Android releases with their years.
  4. Distinguish closely related terms such as multitasking, multiprocessing and multithreading.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between system software and application software?

System software, such as the operating system and utility programs, controls the hardware and provides a platform for other programs. Application software, such as word processors, browsers and spreadsheets, lets users carry out specific tasks and runs on top of the system software.

Which exams ask software and operating system MCQs?

These questions appear in the computer sections of PPSC, FPSC, SPSC, KPPSC and NTS tests, SSC and IBPS exams in India and the BCS preliminary test in Bangladesh. They are common in tests for computer operator, clerk and IT posts.

Last reviewed October 2026