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OCR H446 1.2.1 BIOS and device drivers

Part 9 of 12 · H446 1.2.1 · Systems software

BIOS and device drivers are both systems software acting at different moments, which is exactly where H446 1.2.1 answers slip. This worksheet places the BIOS inside the start-up sequence and the driver inside the running system, translating generic operating-system requests into commands a particular device understands.

Students will:

  • describe the steps from pressing the power button to the operating system taking control
  • state what the power-on self-test does and when control passes on
  • explain why a hardware device needs a driver
  • explain how one word processor can print correctly to two very different printer models
  • compare the role of the BIOS with the role of a device driver

Inside: 4 explanation cells, 6 multiple-choice questions, 3 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 3 written answers. 31 marks, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Series: H446 1.2.1 · Systems software, part 9 of 12.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 16 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

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

BIOS and device drivers

Two pieces of systems software sit at different points in a computer's operation.

  • The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) begins the start-up process and helps locate/load the operating system.
  • A device driver lets the running operating system communicate with a particular model or family of hardware.

This worksheet separates start-up control from everyday hardware translation.

Worked model: start the system, then translate requests

Boot sequence and device-driver translationstart-up control transferpower onfirmware startsPOSTchecks hardwareboot loaderfinds the OSOS kernel in RAMOS takes controldriver translationOS request: print this pageprinter model device driverdevice-specific commandsBIOS establishes the running system; the driver later translates hardware requests.These are separate roles at different moments.

At power-on, firmware instructions can run before the operating system is in RAM. The BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to check essential hardware, follows the configured boot order and starts a bootstrap/boot-loader program. The loader places the operating-system kernel into RAM, after which the OS takes control.

Later, an application can request 'print this page' through the OS. The printer driver translates that generic request into commands understood by that specific printer. This hardware abstraction means the application need not know each model's command language.

Multiple choice1 mark

What is the central role of the BIOS during start-up?

  • ACheck essential hardware and begin locating/loading the operating system
  • BRun every user application permanently
  • CReplace all device drivers after login
  • DSchedule print jobs for the user
Fill in the blanks5 marks
Complete the simplified sequence: power is applied; firmware runs a entry 1 to check essential hardware; the configured boot order is used to find a entry 2; this places the OS entry 3 into entry 4; the operating system then takes entry 5.
Multiple choice1 mark

What does POST do?

  • ACompiles the operating system source code
  • BChecks that essential hardware is present and functioning sufficiently to continue start-up
  • CMoves every user file into RAM
  • DChooses the shortest ready process
Written answer5 marks

Describe the main steps from pressing the power button to the operating system taking control.

Use POST, boot loader, kernel and RAM in a sensible order.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement about control is accurate?

  • AThe BIOS manages all applications for the entire session
  • BThe boot loader replaces the processor
  • CThe operating system takes control after its kernel has been loaded
  • DPOST runs after the user shuts down
Multiple choice1 mark

Why does a hardware device require a driver?

  • ATo increase the device's physical storage capacity
  • BTo make the BIOS unnecessary
  • CTo convert the device into application software
  • DTo translate between operating-system requests and commands the specific device understands
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A program makes a generic request to the entry 1. The appropriate device entry 2 translates that request into entry 3-specific commands. The hardware performs the action and may return status data through the same software entry 4.
Multiple choice1 mark

A response says, ‘The driver translates messages between the printer and the graphics tablet.’ Which correction is accurate?

  • AThe driver mediates between operating-system/software requests and one particular device or device family
  • BThe driver translates directly between unrelated hardware devices
  • CThe driver replaces the operating system whenever hardware is connected
  • DThe driver changes every application into firmware
Written answer4 marks

Two printer models use different internal command sets. Explain how the same word processor can print correctly to either model.

Trace the request through the OS and the selected driver.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A new graphics tablet is connected but the OS does not recognise its commands. What is the most relevant action?

  • AIncrease the round-robin quantum
  • BInstall a compatible device driver
  • CEnable virtual memory
  • DRun a different page table
Written answer4 marks

Compare the role of the BIOS with the role of a device driver.

Give a clear purpose and operating stage for each.

Students type their answer here.

Closed-book checkpoint

Complete the two systems-software pathways. There is no answer bank.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
During start-up, firmware verifies the machine before transferring execution towards the installed system software. During normal use, hardware abstraction lets one application issue a entry 1 request while a model-specific translator supplies the detailed entry 2. The first pathway establishes the operating environment; the second supports device entry 3.

Review your understanding

Before submitting, check that you can explain the main distinction in your own words, apply it in an unfamiliar context and justify each consequence rather than only naming a feature.