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J277 1.5.1 Operating systems

Part 1 of 3 · J277 1.5 · Systems software

The purpose of an operating system and its five specified functions, linked to concrete tasks.

Students will:

  • explain the overall purpose of an operating system
  • identify user-interface, memory, peripheral, user and file tasks
  • explain memory allocation and multitasking
  • describe how drivers support peripheral communication
  • apply the most relevant OS function to a situation

Inside: 6 text sections, 2 multiple-choice activities, 2 completion activities, 6 written answers. 20 marks. Suggested teaching time: 45–60 minutes. 2 diagrams.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

Series: J277 1.5 · Systems software, part 1 of 3.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 16 cells
  • About 60 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

Preview

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

Operating systems

An operating system (OS) manages a computer's resources. It provides the environment in which applications run and a way for people to control the computer.

1. Five connected functions

FunctionWhat it does
User interfaceReceives user input, presents output and provides controls.
Memory management and multitaskingTransfers programs/data into RAM, allocates areas to applications and supports several open tasks.
Peripheral management and driversManages data transfer between the processor and connected devices.
User managementCreates accounts and controls access rights/settings.
File managementCreates, names, saves, moves and organises files and folders.

A real task can involve several functions. Identify the function most directly responsible for the action in a question.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
A Answer 1 receives a user's input. Answer 2 allocates RAM. Answer 3 manages communication with connected devices. Answer 4 creates accounts.
  • user management
  • file management
  • memory management
  • peripheral management
  • user interface
Written answer2 marks

State two parts of the overall purpose of an operating system.

Students type their answer here.

2. Keep several applications in use

The OS transfers needed instructions and data from secondary storage to RAM. It allocates an area to each application, tracks those areas and frees them when no longer needed. It helps stop one application overwriting another's data.

Multitasking lets the user work with more than one application apparently at the same time. Keeping their instructions and data in allocated RAM supports switching between them. The OS also coordinates their use of the processor.

Separate memory for two open applications RAM contains an area allocated to a browser and a separate area allocated to a drawing program. The operating system tracks the allocations. Closing the drawing program makes its area available for another application, while the browser's area remains allocated. RAM: allocated areas Browser instructions and data Drawing program and data The OS keeps track of both areas. Closing a program can free its area.
Written answer2 marks

A student has a browser and a drawing program open. Explain how memory management helps the student use both applications.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A drawing program closes while a browser stays open. What can memory management do?

  • ADelete the browser's saved web pages
  • BMake the closed program's allocated RAM available to another task
  • CIncrease the physical amount of installed RAM
  • DMove all files into the processor permanently

3. Communicate with devices

Peripheral management coordinates input and output data moving between connected devices and the processor. It may receive scanner data or send print data.

A device driver is software that lets the OS communicate with a particular type of hardware. It translates requests into instructions the device understands; data or status information can pass back.

A driver supports device communication A general print request from the operating system passes through a printer driver, which provides instructions the printer understands. A return arrow indicates that status information can pass back. The driver is software, not the printer or its cable. Operating system General print request Printer driver: software Device-specific instructions Printer: hardware Status information can pass back.
Written answer2 marks

A computer needs a driver for a specialist printer. Describe how the driver helps the printer work with the operating system.

Students type their answer here.

4. Accounts and organised files

User management creates, changes and removes accounts. It applies access rights: what a user is allowed to see or change. An administrator may install applications while a student account cannot.

File management provides operations such as naming, saving, opening, copying, moving and deleting files. Folders organise related files; useful names help people identify the right one. File permissions can control who may use a file. Think about the action asked for, rather than treating every file-related task as one category.

Fill in the blanks2 marks
Name the function most directly responsible. (a) Create a new login account: Answer 1 (b) Move a document into a coursework folder: Answer 2
Written answer2 marks

A school computer is used by staff and students. Explain how user management can stop students changing staff-only settings.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A student saves many revision documents. Explain one file-management action that could make the correct document easier to find later.

Students type their answer here.

5. Ways to interact

A graphical user interface (GUI) uses features such as windows, icons, menus, buttons and a pointer or touch controls. A user can select a visible control rather than remember a command.

A command-line interface (CLI) receives typed commands and presents text output. It can give a skilled user efficient control, but the user must know the commands and their syntax. Both are interfaces: they receive input and present information.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which feature belongs to a graphical user interface?

  • AA menu of visible commands selected with a pointer
  • BMoving a file's fragments together on a disk
  • CAllocating RAM to applications
  • DEncrypting every file automatically
Written answer2 marks

A beginner wants to open a saved document. Describe how a GUI feature can help them request this action.

Students type their answer here.

Review

Check one explanation. Does it name a real action and explain what the action allows the user or application to do?