Where is the operating system stored?

Where is the operating system stored?

• A. In RAM when the computer is running
• B. On the hard disk
• C. Either A or B
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

The operating system needs persistent storage and is loaded into memory to run. It is stored on non-volatile storage such as a hard disk so it survives power cycles. When the system boots, the OS is read from that storage and loaded into RAM to execute. While the system is running, the active parts of the OS reside in RAM, though it remains backed by storage and can be swapped to disk if needed. Because of this lifecycle, the OS is found on the hard disk when not loaded and in RAM when executing, so describing it as either location is correct depending on the stage.

The operating system needs persistent storage and is loaded into memory to run. It is stored on non-volatile storage such as a hard disk so it survives power cycles. When the system boots, the OS is read from that storage and loaded into RAM to execute. While the system is running, the active parts of the OS reside in RAM, though it remains backed by storage and can be swapped to disk if needed. Because of this lifecycle, the OS is found on the hard disk when not loaded and in RAM when executing, so describing it as either location is correct depending on the stage.