Quick Answer
The answer is Linux, along with Windows 10, as both are classic examples of operating systems. An operating system is system software that acts as an intermediary between hardware and application software, managing critical functions like process scheduling, memory allocation, and device input/output operations. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this distinction tests your ability to separate system software from application software—a common trap is confusing a web browser or word processor (application software) with an OS. To remember, think of the OS as the “stage manager” that controls the hardware stage, while applications are the “actors” that perform tasks on it. A useful mnemonic is “OS = Orchestrates System,” reinforcing that it coordinates resources rather than performing user-facing tasks.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are examples of operating systems?
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system.
Adobe Photoshop
Why wrong: Photoshop is a graphics editing application.
Google Chrome
Why wrong: Chrome is a web browser.
Linux
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems.
Microsoft Office
Why wrong: Office is a suite of productivity applications.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft that manages hardware resources, runs applications, and provides a user interface. It is classified as an operating system because it handles process scheduling, memory management, and device I/O operations, which are core OS functions.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Windows 10
Why this is correct
Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Adobe Photoshop
Why it's wrong here
Photoshop is a graphics editing application.
Google Chrome
Why it's wrong here
Chrome is a web browser.
Linux
Why this is correct
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Microsoft Office
Why it's wrong here
Office is a suite of productivity applications.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse application software (like browsers or office suites) with operating systems because they are commonly used and bundled with the OS, but the exam tests the fundamental distinction that an OS manages system resources while applications perform specific user tasks.
Detailed technical explanation
An operating system acts as an intermediary between hardware and software, providing services like file system management (e.g., NTFS for Windows, ext4 for Linux), process scheduling (e.g., using Completely Fair Scheduler in Linux), and memory virtualization. In contrast, applications like Photoshop or Chrome use the OS's API (e.g., Win32 API on Windows) to request these services. A real-world scenario: when you save a file in Photoshop, the application calls the OS's file system functions to write data to disk, not directly to the hardware.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Windows 10 — Windows 10 is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft that manages hardware resources, runs applications, and provides a user interface. It is classified as an operating system because it handles process scheduling, memory management, and device I/O operations, which are core OS functions.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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