Process States and System Calls in Unix

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Themes
T
Themes
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1608 | Total Attempts: 1,139,324
| Questions: 30 | Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 31
🏆 Rank #--
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100

1. Match the system call with its category.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Process States and System Calls In Unix - Quiz

This assessment focuses on process states and system calls in Unix, evaluating your understanding of how processes are created, executed, and managed. It covers key concepts such as process states, transitions, and system calls related to process control and communication. This knowledge is essential for anyone looking to deepen thei... see moreunderstanding of Unix operating systems. see less

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

You may optionally provide this to label your report, leaderboard, or certificate.

2. System calls simplify programming by providing a standardized interface to the ____.

Submit

3. Which of the following system calls are used in file management?

Submit

4. Match each process state with its correct description.

Submit

5. Which of the following are advantages of system calls?

Submit

6. Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of process states from creation to completion?

Submit

7. The wait() system call belongs to the process control category.

Submit

8. A process in the running state is waiting for CPU allocation.

Submit

9. System calls ensure secure access to hardware resources.

Submit

10. Which of the following are examples of communication system calls or mechanisms?

Submit

11. Which type of system call supports inter-process communication?

Explanation

Communication system calls are specifically designed to facilitate inter-process communication (IPC). They enable processes to exchange data and synchronize their actions, allowing for effective collaboration and coordination. This type of system call includes mechanisms like pipes, message queues, shared memory, and sockets, which are essential for enabling processes to communicate with each other, whether they are running on the same machine or across a network. Other categories, such as process control or file management, do not focus on the direct exchange of information between processes.

Submit

12. Information maintenance system calls are used to obtain system information such as system date, time, and ____.

Explanation

Information maintenance system calls are essential for retrieving various types of system-related data. In addition to the system date and time, they also provide access to the process ID, which uniquely identifies a running process within the operating system. This information is crucial for process management, allowing applications and the system to track and control processes effectively. By obtaining the process ID, developers can perform operations like monitoring, debugging, and managing system resources associated with specific processes.

Submit

13. Which of the following is an example of a device managed through device management system calls?

Explanation

A printer is an example of a device managed through device management system calls because it requires specific commands for operation, such as sending print jobs, managing print queues, and handling errors. Device management systems facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices, ensuring efficient resource allocation and task execution. In contrast, shared memory and message queues are more related to inter-process communication, while a process ID is an identifier for running processes, not a device. Thus, the printer exemplifies a hardware device that relies on system calls for effective management.

Submit

14. Device management system calls are used to communicate with ____.

Explanation

Device management system calls serve as the interface between the operating system and hardware devices. These system calls enable the operating system to manage, control, and communicate with various hardware components, such as printers, disk drives, and network interfaces. By using these calls, applications can request services or perform operations on hardware, ensuring efficient resource management and coordination within the system. This interaction is crucial for the seamless functioning of software applications that rely on hardware resources.

Submit

15. Which of the following are examples of file management system calls?

Explanation

File management system calls are functions that allow programs to interact with files on a system. The `open()` call is used to open a file, establishing a connection to it for reading or writing. The `read()` call retrieves data from an open file, while the `write()` call sends data to the file. In contrast, `fork()` is a process management call, used to create a new process, and does not pertain to file management. Thus, `open()`, `read()`, and `write()` are the relevant file management system calls.

Submit

16. What is a process in Unix?

Explanation

In Unix, a process refers to an instance of a program that is actively running in memory. When a program is executed, the operating system creates a process to manage its execution, allocating resources such as CPU time and memory. This allows the program to perform its tasks, interact with the user, and execute instructions. Unlike a program stored on disk, which is static, a process represents the dynamic state of that program as it operates.

Submit

17. Which system call is used to execute a process in Unix?

Explanation

In Unix, the exec() system call is used to execute a new program within the current process. It replaces the current process image with a new process image specified by the program to be executed. This means that after a successful exec() call, the original process ceases to exist, and the new program starts running in its place. While fork() is used to create a new process, exec() is the critical call that actually runs the specified program.

Submit

18. The exit() system call belongs to which category of system calls?

Explanation

The exit() system call is categorized under process control because it is used to terminate a process. When a process calls exit(), it signals the operating system that it has completed its execution, allowing the OS to reclaim resources and perform cleanup tasks. This function is essential for managing the lifecycle of processes within the operating system, distinguishing it from other categories like file management or communication, which deal with different aspects of system operations.

Submit

19. Which of the following system calls is used to create a new process in Unix?

Explanation

In Unix, the `fork()` system call is used to create a new process by duplicating the calling process. When `fork()` is invoked, it creates a child process that is an exact copy of the parent process, except for the returned value. The parent receives the child's process ID, while the child receives a return value of zero. This mechanism allows for concurrent execution of processes, making `fork()` essential for multitasking in Unix-based systems. Other options like `exec()`, `wait()`, and `exit()` serve different purposes related to process management but do not create new processes.

Submit

20. Which type of system call is used to create, execute, and terminate processes?

Explanation

Process control system calls are specifically designed to manage processes within an operating system. They allow for the creation of new processes, the execution of programs, and the termination of processes that are no longer needed. This type of system call provides the necessary functions to handle the lifecycle of processes, including scheduling and resource management, which are essential for multitasking and efficient system performance.

Submit

21. What is the primary purpose of a system call?

Explanation

A system call serves as an interface between user applications and the operating system, enabling programs to request various services such as file operations, process management, and communication. By using system calls, user programs can perform tasks that require higher privileges or direct interaction with hardware, which the operating system manages to ensure security and stability. This mechanism allows for efficient resource management and facilitates the execution of complex operations without exposing the underlying hardware directly to user-level applications.

Submit

22. A system call is the interface between a user program and the ____.

Explanation

A system call serves as a bridge between user programs and the operating system kernel, allowing applications to request services such as file operations, memory management, and process control. This interface enables user programs to interact with the hardware and system resources securely and efficiently, while maintaining the separation between user space and kernel space. By using system calls, programs can perform complex tasks without needing direct access to the underlying hardware, thereby ensuring stability and security within the operating environment.

Submit

23. Process states in Unix improve system ____.

Explanation

Process states in Unix enhance system performance by efficiently managing the execution of processes. By categorizing processes into states such as running, waiting, and stopped, the operating system can allocate CPU time and resources more effectively. This organization allows for better multitasking, as the system can prioritize active processes while managing those that are idle or waiting for resources. Consequently, this leads to optimized resource utilization, reduced response times, and improved overall system throughput.

Submit

24. Which of the following is NOT listed as an advantage of process states?

Explanation

Process states primarily focus on managing and optimizing CPU and resource usage within a computer system. Advantages such as efficient CPU scheduling, better resource utilization, and multitasking directly relate to how processes are handled and executed. In contrast, faster internet connectivity is not a function of process states but rather pertains to network performance, making it unrelated to the advantages of process management.

Submit

25. According to the process state diagram, after the waiting state, a process transitions to which state?

Explanation

After a process is in the waiting state, it is typically waiting for some event or resource to become available. Once that event occurs, the process is moved back to the ready state, where it awaits CPU time to execute. This transition allows the process to be scheduled for execution when resources are available, thus facilitating efficient CPU utilization and process management within the operating system.

Submit

26. In the terminated state, what happens to the resources allocated to a process?

Explanation

When a process enters the terminated state, it has completed its execution and is no longer needed. The operating system is responsible for managing system resources, so it releases all resources allocated to the terminated process, such as memory, file handles, and CPU time. This release ensures that other processes can utilize these resources efficiently, maintaining overall system performance and stability.

Submit

27. A process moves to the waiting (blocked) state when it is waiting for ____.

Explanation

A process enters the waiting (blocked) state when it cannot continue executing because it is waiting for a specific event to occur or for an I/O operation to finish. This typically happens when the process requires data from an external source, such as a disk read or network response, and cannot proceed until that data is available. By transitioning to the waiting state, the operating system can allocate CPU resources to other processes, improving overall system efficiency while the blocked process remains idle until the needed event or operation is completed.

Submit

28. Which process state involves the CPU actively executing instructions?

Explanation

The running state is when a process is actively being executed by the CPU. In this state, the process has all the necessary resources and is performing its tasks. In contrast, the new state indicates that a process is being created, the waiting state means the process is paused, typically waiting for I/O operations, and the ready state signifies that a process is prepared to run but is not currently executing. Therefore, the running state is specifically defined by the CPU's active engagement with the process's instructions.

Submit

29. A process in the ready state is waiting for which of the following?

Explanation

A process in the ready state has completed its execution requirements and is prepared to run but is not currently executing on the CPU. It waits for CPU allocation, which means it is waiting for the operating system to assign it to a CPU for execution. This is a crucial part of process scheduling, where multiple processes compete for CPU time, and the ready state indicates that the process is ready to execute as soon as it gets CPU resources.

Submit

30. In which state is a process when it is being created and resources are being allocated?

Explanation

A process is in the New state when it is being created and resources are allocated to it. During this phase, the operating system prepares the process for execution by assigning necessary resources such as memory and process control blocks. Once the process is fully initialized and ready to run, it transitions to the Ready state. Therefore, the New state specifically refers to the initial stage of a process's lifecycle.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (30)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
Match the system call with its category.
System calls simplify programming by providing a standardized...
Which of the following system calls are used in file management?
Match each process state with its correct description.
Which of the following are advantages of system calls?
Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of process...
The wait() system call belongs to the process control category.
A process in the running state is waiting for CPU allocation.
System calls ensure secure access to hardware resources.
Which of the following are examples of communication system calls or...
Which type of system call supports inter-process communication?
Information maintenance system calls are used to obtain system...
Which of the following is an example of a device managed through...
Device management system calls are used to communicate with ____.
Which of the following are examples of file management system calls?
What is a process in Unix?
Which system call is used to execute a process in Unix?
The exit() system call belongs to which category of system calls?
Which of the following system calls is used to create a new process in...
Which type of system call is used to create, execute, and terminate...
What is the primary purpose of a system call?
A system call is the interface between a user program and the ____.
Process states in Unix improve system ____.
Which of the following is NOT listed as an advantage of process...
According to the process state diagram, after the waiting state, a...
In the terminated state, what happens to the resources allocated to a...
A process moves to the waiting (blocked) state when it is waiting for...
Which process state involves the CPU actively executing instructions?
A process in the ready state is waiting for which of the following?
In which state is a process when it is being created and resources are...
play-Mute sad happy unanswered_answer up-hover down-hover success oval cancel Check box square blue
Alert!