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1CP2-P-4.3 Peripheral management drivers and interrupts

Part 3 of 7 · 1CP2-P-4 · Operating systems and utilities

The peripheral worksheet, covering the driver that translates requests and the interrupt that asks for attention.

Students will:

  • explain why a device needs a driver
  • describe how an interrupt lets the OS respond to a device condition
  • follow one complete request from application to device
  • state a benefit of keeping device-specific code in drivers
  • correct a confusion between a driver and a hardware signal

Inside: 4 explanation cells, 3 multiple-choice questions, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 3 written answers. 15 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-4 · Operating systems and utilities, part 3 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 12 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Peripheral management, drivers and interrupts

A peripheral is a hardware device connected to or controlled by a computer system, such as a keyboard, monitor, storage device or printer. The OS coordinates access to these devices.

1. Translate requests and signal attention

Drivers and interrupts connect the OS to peripheralsapplicationprint requestoperating systemmanages the devicedevice driverdevice commandsprinterperipheralinterrupt: attention neededThe driver translates; the interrupt signals.

A device driver is software that lets the OS communicate using commands appropriate to a particular device. An interrupt is a signal that a device or event needs the processor's attention.

A driver supports communication; an interrupt requests attention. One is software; the other is a signal or event.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
The OS communicates with a peripheral using a device gap 1. A device needing immediate attention sends an gap 2. The physical connected device is a gap 3.
  • driver
  • interrupt
  • peripheral
  • process
Multiple choice1 mark

Why is a printer driver needed?

  • AIt permanently stores every printed document.
  • BIt converts OS requests into commands the printer can use.
  • CIt allocates usernames to the printer.
  • DIt compresses all files before printing.
Written answer2 marks

Explain how an interrupt from a printer can help the OS respond to an empty-paper condition.

Follow the signal from device to OS and the resulting attention.

Students type their answer here.

2. Follow a complete interaction

  1. An application requests an operation through the OS.
  2. The OS uses the appropriate driver.
  3. The driver issues device-specific commands.
  4. The peripheral carries out the operation.
  5. Status or an interrupt lets the OS respond to completion or a problem.

This separation allows applications to use common OS services without containing code for every device model.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
An application makes a request to the gap 1, which uses a gap 2 to communicate with the gap 3.
  • driver
  • operating system
  • peripheral
  • utility
Written answer2 marks

Explain one benefit of keeping device-specific communication in drivers rather than inside every application.

Connect reuse or replacement to application development.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which event is most appropriately signalled by an interrupt?

  • AA printer has completed a page and needs attention
  • BA folder is renamed next week
  • CA source-code comment is added
  • DA number is converted to binary on paper
Written answer2 marks

Correct this statement: 'A device driver is a wire that interrupts the CPU.'

Identify what a driver is and what an interrupt is.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which OS responsibility includes coordinating keyboards, displays and printers?

  • AFile management
  • BProcess management
  • CPeripheral management
  • DUser authentication only

Route forward

You can distinguish drivers, peripherals and interrupts. Next you will examine user accounts, access rights and the interfaces the OS provides.