UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

An operating system is a core system software that controls and coordinates the use of hardware among various application programs. It allocates processor time, manages memory, handles input-output operations and maintains file systems. It also provides a user interface through which users interact with the computer. Therefore, the description in this option accurately summarises the OS role.

Option A:
This option treats the operating system as just another application like a word processor or presentation tool. In reality, applications run on top of the OS and depend on it for hardware access. Thus, this description confuses application software with system software.

Option B:
This option misclassifies the operating system as a physical input device, such as a keyboard or mouse. The OS is not a tangible hardware unit but a collection of programs. Hence, the option is conceptually incorrect.

Option C:
This option confuses operating systems with communication protocols like SMTP or IMAP used for email transfer. Protocols are standards for data communication, whereas the OS is responsible for managing the overall functioning of the computer system.

Option D:

Statements A, B and D correctly describe core functions of an operating system, while statement C is false. The operating system does manage memory, processes and I/O, it offers a user interface, and it handles files and directories. It is not a specialised text-editing application, so describing it as such is misleading. Thus, the combination that includes A, B and D but excludes C is the only correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes only statement A and ignores B and D. Although statement A is true, the question asks for all correct statements, and both B and D also describe essential operating system functions. Leaving these out makes the option incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it combines A and B but omits D. Statements A and B are indeed correct, but D is also accurate in attributing file management to the operating system. Since one true statement is missing, this option does not provide the full set of correct statements.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and D, which are all true. It excludes statement C, which wrongly claims that an operating system is just an application for text editing. By including all and only the correct statements, this option matches the conceptual role of operating systems in ICT.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes statement C along with B and D. While B and D are true, C misrepresents the nature of an operating system. Including a false statement means the combination cannot be considered fully correct.

The operating system is the core system software that coordinates interactions between hardware and application programs. It handles tasks such as memory allocation, process scheduling, file management and device control. Without an operating system, most applications cannot run effectively. Hence, the managing software described in the stem is the operating system.

Option A:
Option A is correct because definitions of operating systems consistently emphasise resource management and service provision for applications. Examples include Windows, Linux and macOS, all of which perform the roles listed in the question.

Option B:
Option B, word processor, is a specific application for creating and editing documents and does not manage hardware resources. It itself depends on the operating system to function.

Option C:
Option C, browser extension, is an add-on module that enhances browser capabilities and cannot perform system-wide resource management.

Option D:
Option D, device driver, is a specialised program that allows the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware component, but it is not the overarching manager of all resources.