Which of the following statements are TRUE about Privileged Instructions ? (A)…

Correct answer: select only the two statements that say privileged instructions can only be executed by the operating system kernel and that they are designed to directly affect hardware or system state.

• 'It can only be executed by the Operating System kernel and not by user applications.' — True. Privileged instructions require supervisor/kernel mode; if user-mode code attempts them the CPU traps to the kernel to preserve isolation and security.

• 'It is designed to perform operations that can directly affect the hardware or system state such as I/O operations or changing memory management setting.' — True. Examples include configuring device controllers, changing MMU/page-table settings, and enabling/disabling interrupts — operations that must be controlled by the OS.

• 'User applications can execute privileged instructions if they have to correct permissions, set by the Operating System.' — False. The CPU enforces privilege levels; user programs cannot run privileged instructions directly. Applications request privileged operations via system calls, which cause a controlled transition to kernel mode.

• 'It usually executed in user mode to ensure the safety and security of the system.' — False. Executing privileged instructions in user mode would break isolation and endanger system integrity; they are executed in kernel/supervisor mode to protect the system.