Cambridge IGCSE · Information and Communication Technology (0417)

Operating systems: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Operating systems.

10 questions25 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which type of user interface is primarily based on the use of hand movements or body motions captured by sensors, commonly used in modern smartphones and gaming consoles for intuitive control?

Question 2

1 mark

An operating system uses a dialogue-based interface. What is a primary characteristic of this specific type of user interaction?

Question 3

1 mark

A user is choosing between a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a system that requires performing complex system administration tasks very quickly. Which of the following is an advantage of using a CLI in this specific context?

Question 4

1 mark

Which type of interface requires the user to type in commands using a specific syntax to interact with the computer system?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a Command Line Interface (CLI) compared to a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

Question 6

2 marks

Identify two types of user interfaces that an operating system can provide for interaction, other than a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

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Question 7

3 marks

Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of using a Command Line Interface (CLI) compared to a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

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Question 8

5 marks

A smartphone user interacts with their device using swipe and pinch movements. Describe why a gesture-based interface is more suitable for this mobile device than a WIMP interface.

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Question 9

5 marks

A specialized medical research facility uses complex software to analyze genetic data. The facility must choose an appropriate operating system interface for its researchers and technicians.

(a) Describe two characteristics of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that would make it suitable for a technician who is not a computer specialist. [2]

(b) Some senior researchers prefer using a Command Line Interface (CLI) for running complex scripts. Identify one advantage of a CLI in this specific scenario and one disadvantage for a user who does not know the specific syntax. [2]

(c) Modern tablets used in the lab often utilize a gesture-based interface. Describe how a user would typically interact with this type of interface. [1]

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Question 10

5 marks

Operating systems have evolved to include different types of user interfaces to meet the needs of various users.
(a) Define a gesture-based interface and provide an example of a device that uses it.
(b) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using a dialogue-based interface (voice recognition) compared to a traditional keyboard for data entry.
(c) Identify one use of a touch screen as an input device in a public environment.

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