General Operating System Trivia Quiz!

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  • 1/60 Questions

    A__________ structure frequently takes shape of a pyramid.

    • Birchbox
    • Tree
    • Ls
    • Hierarchy
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About This Quiz

An operating system is one of the most important components of a computer. There are different types of operating systems in use, and the general trivia quiz below is perfect for testing out just how much you understand about their use in a computer. Give it a shot and get to refresh your understanding. All the best, and keep reading!

General Operating System Trivia Quiz! - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The shell uses ______ to connect standard output of one command to the input of another command.

    • Streams

    • Expressways

    • Tunnels

    • Pipes

    Correct Answer
    A. Pipes
    Explanation
    The shell uses pipes to connect the standard output of one command to the input of another command. Pipes allow for the seamless transfer of data between commands, enabling the output of one command to serve as the input for another command. This allows for the creation of complex command pipelines, where the output of multiple commands can be combined and processed efficiently.

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  • 3. 

    Command-line _______ dictates the ordering and separation of the elements on a command line.

    • Order

    • Syntax

    • Name

    • Commands

    Correct Answer
    A. Syntax
    Explanation
    The term "command-line syntax" refers to the specific rules and structure that must be followed when entering commands on a command line interface. It dictates the proper ordering and separation of the elements, such as command names, options, and arguments, to ensure that the command is executed correctly.

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  • 4. 

    ________ is where the Variable data is stored

    • /vari

    • /var

    • /varbl

    • /vada

    Correct Answer
    A. /var
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "/var" because in most computer systems, the "/var" directory is used to store variable data. This directory contains files that are expected to change in size and content as the system is running. It typically includes log files, temporary files, and other data that is not critical for the system to function properly.

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  • 5. 

    Cd does what?

    • Removes a directory

    • Changes the directory

    • Creates a directory

    Correct Answer
    A. Changes the directory
    Explanation
    The command "cd" is used in the command line interface to change the current working directory. It allows the user to navigate through the file system by moving to a different directory. By typing "cd" followed by the desired directory name, the user can change their current location to that directory. Therefore, the correct answer is "Changes the directory".

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  • 6. 

    Changes access permissions on a file.

    • Pwd

    • Getfacl

    • Cd

    • Chmod

    • Mkdir

    Correct Answer
    A. Chmod
    Explanation
    Chmod is the correct answer because it is a command used to change the access permissions of a file. It allows the user to specify who can read, write, or execute the file. Pwd is used to print the current working directory, Getfacl is used to get the access control list of a file, Cd is used to change the current directory, and Mkdir is used to create a new directory.

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  • 7. 

    Creates a directory

    • Chmod

    • Cd

    • Getacl

    • Mkdir

    • Pwd

    Correct Answer
    A. Mkdir
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Mkdir" because the command "mkdir" is used to create a new directory. It allows the user to specify the name and location of the directory that needs to be created. The other options mentioned in the question, such as "chmod", "cd", "getacl", and "pwd", are not used for creating directories.

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  • 8. 

    An _________ is an argument that modifies the effect of a command.

    • Option

    • Chocie

    • Decision

    • Word

    Correct Answer
    A. Option
    Explanation
    An option is a choice that modifies the effect of a command. When giving a command, there may be different options or choices available to modify the outcome or behavior of that command. For example, in a computer program, the user may have the option to save a file in different formats or with different settings. The option chosen will determine how the command is executed and what the result will be. Therefore, an option is an argument that modifies the effect of a command.

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  • 9. 

    The shell uses a _______ to connect standard output of one command to standard input of another command.

    • Pipe

    • Break

    • Dash

    • /dev/null

    Correct Answer
    A. Pipe
    Explanation
    A pipe is used by the shell to connect the standard output of one command to the standard input of another command. This allows the output of the first command to be directly used as input for the second command, enabling the chaining of multiple commands together.

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  • 10. 

    The command to create a directory is ____.

    • Newdir

    • Cd

    • Mkdir

    • Dir

    Correct Answer
    A. Mkdir
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Mkdir". This command is used to create a new directory in a file system. By typing "mkdir" followed by the desired directory name, the user can create a new folder or directory.

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  • 11. 

    What does a shell do?

    • Protects the inside of the computer

    • Interprets the command syntax and executes the proper utility

    • Modifies the effects of a command

    • Lists the content of the working directory

    Correct Answer
    A. Interprets the command syntax and executes the proper utility
    Explanation
    A shell is a program that interprets the command syntax and executes the appropriate utility. It acts as an interface between the user and the operating system, allowing the user to interact with the computer by typing commands. The shell takes the commands entered by the user, interprets them, and then executes the corresponding actions or utilities. It is responsible for handling input and output, managing processes, and providing a command-line interface for the user to interact with the computer system.

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  • 12. 

    Why does the noclobber feature not work with the cp or mv command?

    • Because the cp and mv command has its own override protection switch

    • Because linux doesn’t like you

    • Wrong command syntax was entered

    • Because overwriting is unavoidable in Linux

    Correct Answer
    A. Because the cp and mv command has its own override protection switch
    Explanation
    The correct answer is because the cp and mv command has its own override protection switch. This means that by default, the cp and mv commands will not overwrite existing files unless explicitly instructed to do so using the appropriate command-line option. This feature is in place to prevent accidental data loss or overwriting of important files.

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  • 13. 

    A______ is the part of the filename that follows an embedded period.

    • Filename systems

    • Filename Hierarchy

    • Filename extensions

    • Filename tree

    Correct Answer
    A. Filename extensions
    Explanation
    The term "filename extensions" refers to the part of a filename that follows the embedded period. It is a common practice in computer systems to use filename extensions to indicate the file type or format. For example, in the filename "document.docx", the ".docx" part is the filename extension, which indicates that the file is a Microsoft Word document. Therefore, the correct answer is "Filename extensions".

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  • 14. 

    Moves a process to the foreground

    • Jobs

    • Tee

    • Fg

    • Bg

    • Tr

    Correct Answer
    A. Fg
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Fg". In the context of computer processes, "Fg" stands for "foreground". When a process is moved to the foreground, it means that it is given priority and is actively running and interacting with the user. This is in contrast to running a process in the background, where it continues to execute but does not require user interaction.

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  • 15. 

    A _____________ structure frequently takes the shape of a pyramid.

    • Structure

    • Hierarchical

    • Archical

    • Directory

    Correct Answer
    A. Hierarchical
    Explanation
    A hierarchical structure frequently takes the shape of a pyramid because it is organized in a way where there are multiple levels or tiers, with each level having a specific authority or control over the level below it. This creates a pyramid-like shape, where the top level has the highest authority and the subsequent levels have decreasing levels of authority. This type of structure is commonly found in organizations or systems where there is a clear chain of command and a well-defined hierarchy of power and control.

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  • 16. 

    When you remove all _______ links to a file, you will not be able to access the file through a symbolic link.

    • Soft

    • Average

    • Hard

    • Light

    Correct Answer
    A. Hard
    Explanation
    When you remove all hard links to a file, you will not be able to access the file through a symbolic link. This is because hard links are direct references to the file's inode, which is the data structure that stores information about a file. When all hard links are removed, the inode is deleted, making it impossible to access the file through any symbolic link that may have been created.

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  • 17. 

    A ____________ is a set of data structures that usually resides on part of a disk and that holds directories of files.

    • Filesystems

    • Subdirectory

    • Directory

    • Access Control List

    Correct Answer
    A. Filesystems
    Explanation
    A filesystem is a set of data structures that usually resides on part of a disk and holds directories of files. It provides a way for organizing and storing files in a hierarchical structure. It manages how files are stored, accessed, and organized on a storage device such as a hard drive or SSD. Filesystems also handle tasks such as file naming, file permissions, and file metadata. They are essential for the efficient and secure management of files on a computer system.

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  • 18. 

    What feature prevents you from overwriting already existing files?

    • Slobber

    • Bobber

    • Noclobbler

    • Corn on the Cobber

    Correct Answer
    A. Noclobbler
    Explanation
    The feature that prevents you from overwriting already existing files is "Noclobbler". This feature ensures that when you try to save a file with the same name as an existing file, it will not overwrite the existing file but instead prompt you to choose a different name or location for the new file. This helps to prevent accidental loss of data and allows you to manage your files more effectively.

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  • 19. 

    A ______ is a pointer to a file.

    • Link

    • Filter

    • Switch

    • Pipe

    Correct Answer
    A. Link
    Explanation
    A link is a pointer to a file. It is used to establish a connection or reference between different files or directories. It allows users to access or navigate to a specific file or directory location without having to physically move or copy the file. By using a link, users can easily organize and manage their files by creating shortcuts or references to the original file.

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  • 20. 

    The _________ utility displays the line containing the string you specify.

    • Grep

    • Prep

    • Drep

    • Edit

    Correct Answer
    A. Grep
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Grep". Grep is a utility command in Unix and Unix-like operating systems that is used to search for a specific pattern or string in a file. It displays the line(s) that contain the specified string.

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  • 21. 

    A set of data structures that resides on part of a disk and holds directories of files is called a _______.

    • Directory

    • Filesystem

    • Mount

    • Hierarchy

    Correct Answer
    A. Filesystem
    Explanation
    A set of data structures that resides on part of a disk and holds directories of files is called a filesystem. A filesystem is responsible for organizing and managing the files and directories on a disk, allowing users to access and manipulate them. It provides a hierarchical structure that allows for easy navigation and storage of data.

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  • 22. 

    A ____________ structure frequently takes the shape of a pyramid.

    • Family

    • Directory

    • Hierarchical

    • Root

    Correct Answer
    A. Hierarchical
    Explanation
    A hierarchical structure frequently takes the shape of a pyramid because it is organized in a way where there are different levels or tiers, with each level being subordinate to the one above it. This creates a pyramid-like shape, with the highest level at the top and the lower levels branching out below it. This type of structure is commonly used in organizations, systems, and relationships where there is a clear chain of command or authority.

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  • 23. 

    The _______ is always at the top of a hierarchical structure.

    • Tree

    • Root

    • Branch

    • Parent

    Correct Answer
    A. Root
    Explanation
    In a hierarchical structure, the root is always at the top. The root serves as the main or starting point of the structure, from which all other elements or nodes branch out. It is the foundation or base of the hierarchy, providing support and organizing the entire structure. Therefore, the root is the correct answer as it consistently occupies the topmost position in a hierarchical arrangement.

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  • 24. 

    ________ changes permissions on a file or directory.

    • Setmod

    • Permish

    • Echo

    • Chmod

    Correct Answer
    A. Chmod
    Explanation
    Chmod is the correct answer because it is a command used in Unix-like operating systems to change the permissions of a file or directory. It allows the user to modify the read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, group, and others. This command is commonly used to control access to files and directories, ensuring the appropriate level of security and privacy.

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  • 25. 

    What command sends output in two directions?

    • Tee

    • Filter

    • Pipe

    • Echo

    Correct Answer
    A. Tee
    Explanation
    The command "Tee" sends output in two directions. It takes input from a source and sends it to both standard output and one or more files. This allows the user to view the output on the screen while simultaneously saving it to a file for future reference or analysis.

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  • 26. 

     A________ is a command that processes an input stream of data to produce an output stream of data.

    • Filter

    • Wax

    • Sort

    • Short

    Correct Answer
    A. Filter
    Explanation
    A filter is a command that processes an input stream of data to produce an output stream of data. Filters are commonly used in programming and computer systems to manipulate and transform data. They can be used to extract specific information, remove unwanted data, or modify the data in some way. By applying a filter to an input stream, the desired output stream is generated based on the specified criteria or operations.

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  • 27. 

    Displays the pathname of the working directory.

    • Pwd

    • Cd

    • Getfacl

    • Chmod

    • Mkdir

    Correct Answer
    A. Pwd
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "pwd" because it is a command that is used in Unix-based operating systems to display the current working directory. When you run the "pwd" command, it shows you the full pathname of the directory you are currently in. This can be useful when navigating through the file system or when you need to know the exact location of a particular file or directory.

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  • 28. 

    Moves a process to the background

    • Fg

    • Tee

    • Tr

    • Jobs

    • Bg

    Correct Answer
    A. Bg
    Explanation
    The command "Bg" is used to move a process to the background. This means that the process will continue running, but it will no longer be tied to the current terminal session. This is useful when you want to free up the terminal for other tasks while allowing the process to run in the background.

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  • 29. 

    A _____ is a set of data structures that usually resides on a part of a disk that holds directories of files

    • Directory

    • Structure

    • Filesystem

    • File Structure

    Correct Answer
    A. Filesystem
    Explanation
    A filesystem is a set of data structures that usually resides on a part of a disk that holds directories of files. It organizes and manages the storage of files and directories, allowing for easy access and retrieval of data. The filesystem defines the structure and organization of files and directories, including their names, locations, and permissions. It provides a hierarchical structure that allows users to navigate and manage their files efficiently.

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  • 30. 

    The shell provides the ____________ feature that prevents overwriting a file using redirection.

    • Nogobler

    • Nonclobber

    • Noclobber

    • Yesclobber

    Correct Answer
    A. Noclobber
    Explanation
    The shell provides the "noclobber" feature that prevents overwriting a file using redirection. This feature ensures that when redirecting output to a file, if the file already exists, it will not be overwritten. Instead, an error message will be displayed, preventing accidental data loss or file corruption.

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  • 31. 

    A _____ is a series of one or more commands that can be connected by pipes.

    • Object

    • Line

    • Groups

    • Job

    Correct Answer
    A. Job
    Explanation
    A job is a series of one or more commands that can be connected by pipes. This means that multiple commands can be executed in sequence, with the output of one command being used as the input for the next command. This allows for complex operations and data manipulation to be performed efficiently.

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  • 32. 

    The command to display the working directory is _____.

    • Showwd

    • Viewwd

    • Ls -a

    • Pwd

    Correct Answer
    A. Pwd
    Explanation
    The correct command to display the working directory is "pwd". This command stands for "print working directory" and when executed, it will show the full path of the current directory that the user is in.

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  • 33. 

    The command to delete a directory including all files within the directory is _____.

    • Rmdir

    • Deldir

    • Rmdir -r

    • Deldir -r

    Correct Answer
    A. Rmdir -r
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Rmdir -r" because the "rmdir" command is used to remove directories in a Unix-like operating system, and the "-r" option is used to remove the directory and its contents recursively. This means that all files and subdirectories within the specified directory will be deleted along with the directory itself.

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  • 34. 

    What is the symbol for redirecting output?

    • +

    • >

    • ^

    Correct Answer
    A. >
    Explanation
    The symbol ">" is used for redirecting output in various command line interfaces and programming languages. It is used to send the output of a command or program to a file or another command, rather than displaying it on the screen. This allows users to save or manipulate the output as needed.

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  • 35. 

    Every file has a ______________.

    • Name

    • ID

    • Extension

    • Filename

    Correct Answer
    A. Filename
    Explanation
    The term "filename" refers to the name of a file, which is used to identify and distinguish it from other files. It is a common practice to assign a unique and descriptive name to each file, allowing users to easily recognize and locate specific files within a file system. The filename often includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and it may also include an extension to indicate the file type.

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  • 36. 

    _______________ give the shell and other programs information about you and your preferences.

    • Startup Files

    • Setting Files

    • Preference files

    • Essential Files

    Correct Answer
    A. Startup Files
    Explanation
    Startup files are used to give the shell and other programs information about the user and their preferences. These files are executed when a user logs in and contain commands and settings that customize the user's environment. They can include configurations for the shell, environment variables, aliases, and other settings that the user wants to apply every time they start a session. By using startup files, users can conveniently set up their preferred environment and ensure that it is consistently applied whenever they log in.

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  • 37. 

    A ________ is the execution of a command by Linux.

    • Process

    • Executable

    • Alpha

    • Path

    Correct Answer
    A. Process
    Explanation
    In Linux, a process refers to the execution of a command or program. It is an instance of a running program that has its own memory space and resources. Linux operates on a multitasking environment, allowing multiple processes to run concurrently. Therefore, a process is the correct answer as it accurately describes the execution of a command in Linux.

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  • 38. 

    The shell uses a _______ to connect standard output from one command and link it as the input to another command.

    • Link

    • Pipe

    • Filter

    • Screen

    Correct Answer
    A. Pipe
    Explanation
    A pipe is used by the shell to connect the standard output of one command and link it as the input to another command. This allows the output of the first command to be processed or used as input by the second command, enabling the chaining of multiple commands together in a Unix-like shell environment.

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  • 39. 

    A _________________ traces a path from the working directory to a file.

    • Relative Pathname

    • False Pathname

    • True Pathname

    • Two Pathname

    Correct Answer
    A. Relative Pathname
    Explanation
    A Relative Pathname is a type of pathname that traces a path from the current working directory to a specific file. It does not start from the root directory but rather provides a relative path based on the current location. This allows for easier navigation and referencing of files within the directory structure.

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  • 40. 

    The _______ utility also accepts input from either a file or standard input.

    • Ntr

    • Brt

    • Lpr

    • Mete

    Correct Answer
    A. Lpr
    Explanation
    The utility "Lpr" is capable of accepting input from either a file or standard input.

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  • 41. 

    Displays a files’s ACL

    • Getfacl

    • Chmod

    • Cd

    • Pwd

    • Mkdir

    Correct Answer
    A. Getfacl
    Explanation
    Getfacl is the correct answer because it is a command that displays the Access Control List (ACL) of a file. ACL is a set of permissions that determine the access rights of users and groups to a file or directory. The Getfacl command allows users to view the specific permissions and access levels granted to different users and groups for a particular file.

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  • 42. 

    Associates you with another working directory.

    • Pwd

    • Mkdir

    • Getfacl

    • Cd

    • Chmod

    Correct Answer
    A. Cd
    Explanation
    The command "cd" is used to change the working directory in a command line interface. It allows you to navigate to a different directory in the file system. By using "cd", you can associate yourself with another working directory and access its contents.

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  • 43. 

    Each of the default rules that getfacl displays start with ________.

    • Default;

    • Default

    • Default:

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Default:
    Explanation
    Each of the default rules that getfacl displays start with "default:".

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  • 44. 

    A ____ is a pointer to a file.

    • Link

    • Cursor

    • >

    • Arrow

    Correct Answer
    A. Link
    Explanation
    A link is a pointer to a file. In computer systems, a link is a reference or connection to a specific file or directory. It allows users to access and open the file by following the link. By using a link, users can navigate through different files and directories in a hierarchical structure. Therefore, a link serves as a pointer that directs users to a specific file location.

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  • 45. 

    An ___________ is a token, such as a filename, string of text, number, or other object that a command acts on.

    • Word

    • Argument

    • Agreement

    • Acknowledgement

    Correct Answer
    A. Argument
    Explanation
    An argument is a token that a command acts on. It can be a filename, string of text, number, or any other object. When a command is executed, it requires an argument to specify what it should act upon.

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  • 46. 

    Where are temporary files stored?

    • /temp

    • /tmp

    • /usr/tmp

    • Tmp

    Correct Answer
    A. /tmp
    Explanation
    Temporary files are stored in the "/tmp" directory. This directory is commonly used by operating systems and applications to store temporary files that are only needed for a short period of time. It is a common practice to store temporary files in this directory because it is accessible to all users and can be easily cleaned up by the system. Other options listed (/temp, /usr/tmp, and Tmp) are not standard directories for storing temporary files.

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  • 47. 

    The ________ utility takes its input from the file specified on the command line, or when a file is not specified from standard input; it sends a output to standard output.

    • New

    • Mort

    • Sort

    • Organize

    Correct Answer
    A. Sort
    Explanation
    The "Sort" utility takes its input from the file specified on the command line, or when a file is not specified from standard input; it sends an output to standard output.

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  • 48. 

    Sends standard input to both a file and standard output.

    • Tr

    • Tee

    • Bg

    • Fg

    • Jobs

    Correct Answer
    A. Tee
    Explanation
    The command "tee" is used to read from standard input and write to both standard output and a file. It is commonly used in shell scripts to display the output of a command on the screen and save it to a file simultaneously. In this case, the command "tee" is the correct answer because it aligns with the given statement that it sends standard input to both a file and standard output.

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  • 49. 

    A filename that begins with a period is called a _______.

    • Hidden filename

    • Parent directory

    • Working directory

    • Startup file

    Correct Answer
    A. Hidden filename
    Explanation
    A filename that begins with a period is called a hidden filename. The period at the beginning of the filename signifies that it is meant to be hidden from regular file listings. This convention is commonly used in Unix-based operating systems to hide configuration files and other sensitive files that are not meant to be easily accessible or modified by users. Hidden filenames are not displayed by default in file managers or command line interfaces, but can be revealed if specifically requested.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 24, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Tiffshirk

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