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Systems software 1: operating systems

An operating system (OS) manages the resources of a computer and provides a way for users and applications to interact with its hardware.

By the end of this worksheet, you should be able to:

explain the overall purpose of an operating system
describe the features of a user interface
explain memory management and how it supports multitasking
explain peripheral management and the role of device drivers
explain user management
explain file management
identify the correct OS function in unfamiliar scenarios

OCR expects the function name and an accurate description of what it does. Repeating the name, such as “peripheral management manages peripherals”, is not enough.

1. Five functions working together

The operating system sits between users, applications and hardware. Its five required functions are:

user interface: allows the user to provide input, receive output and control the computer
memory management and multitasking: moves programs and data into and out of RAM, allocates memory to applications and allows several applications to remain in use
peripheral management and drivers: manages data transfer between the processor and connected input or output devices
user management: creates and manages accounts, access rights and security settings
file management: organises files and folders and provides operations such as naming, saving, moving and deleting

A task may involve more than one function, but exam questions normally ask for the function most directly responsible.

Fill in the blanks5 marks

______ accepts input from a user and presents output. ______ allocates RAM to applications. ______ manages communication with connected devices. ______ creates accounts and controls permissions. ______ organises files and folders.

user interface
memory management
peripheral management
user management
file management
utility software

Multiple choice, several answers4 marks

Which four task-to-function matches are correct? Select all that apply.

AInstalling a driver for a new graphics tablet: peripheral management
BDisplaying icons and menus: peripheral management
CMoving a document into a revision folder: file management
DAllocating RAM to a newly opened application: memory management
EGiving a teaching assistant read-only access: user management
FCreating a new login account: file management

2. Memory management and multitasking

Applications and the data they are currently using must be available in RAM for the processor to use them. The operating system:

transfers required programs and data from secondary storage into RAM
allocates an area of RAM to each running application
keeps track of which areas are in use
prevents one application from using memory allocated to another
frees RAM when an application closes
can transfer data into and out of RAM as the active tasks change

Multitasking means keeping more than one application in use apparently at the same time. Memory management supports this by keeping the instructions and data for several applications in allocated areas of RAM. The operating system also coordinates when each process receives processor time, so the user can switch between tasks and each continues to make progress.

For OCR J277, you do not need to understand paging or segmentation.

Fill in the blanks5 marks

The OS transfers a required application from ______ into ______. It ______ an area of memory to the application and ______ that area when the application closes. Managing several applications in memory helps provide ______.

secondary storage
RAM
allocates
frees
multitasking
file management

Written answer6 marks

A student opens a web browser, presentation software and a music player. Explain how memory management allows the student to use these applications through multitasking.

Build a sequence: secondary storage to RAM, allocation of RAM, several applications held in memory, and coordination of active processes. Do not discuss paging or segmentation.

Students type their answer here.

3. Peripheral management and drivers

A peripheral is a device connected to a computer that provides input, output or storage. Examples include a keyboard, printer, webcam and external drive.

Data must be transferred between peripherals and the processor, and this transfer needs to be managed by the operating system. Peripheral management can include:

receiving data from an input device
sending data to an output device
coordinating when a device is used
installing and using device drivers

A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with a particular device. It translates general requests from the operating system into instructions the device can understand, and allows data or status information to pass back.

Exam precision matters. “It manages hardware” only repeats the function name. State a task such as installing a driver, receiving input data, transmitting output data or enabling communication with the device.

Written answer4 marks

A school connects a new specialist printer to a computer. Explain two tasks performed by peripheral management so that the printer can be used.

For each task, name an action and explain its result. Consider the device driver and the transfer of output data.

Students type their answer here.

4. User management and file management

User management

The operating system can create, edit and remove individual user accounts. It stores account settings and applies access rights, which control the resources each user can view or change. An administrator may install software and manage accounts, while another user may have restricted permissions. Password and login settings help prevent unauthorised access.

File management

The operating system maintains an organised file system. It allows users and applications to:

create, name and rename files
save, open, copy, move and delete files
create folders and allocate files to them
search and sort files
view file properties and apply permissions

Use the exact function name file management. “Folder management” is too narrow because the function manages files as well as the folders used to organise them.

Fill in the blanks6 marks

______ can create an ______ and apply ______ to control which resources a person can use. ______ allows a document to be saved into a ______ and later moved or ______.

user management
file management
account
access rights
renamed
folder

Written answer6 marks

A teacher and a student share a classroom computer. Describe how user management and file management could give them a secure, organised working environment.

Write one developed point for accounts, one for access rights and two for file operations. Link each point to the teacher or student.

Students type their answer here.

5. User interfaces

A user interface allows a person to interact with the computer. It receives input from the user, presents output and provides controls for starting applications or changing settings.

A graphical user interface (GUI) may include:

windows for open applications
icons representing applications, files or actions
menus containing commands and options
a pointer or touch control for selecting items
toolbars, buttons, a taskbar and visual settings

A command-line interface (CLI) is text based. The user types commands and receives text output. It can give a skilled user direct and efficient control, but commands and their syntax must be learned.

Other appropriate interfaces include menu-driven, touch-sensitive and voice-controlled interfaces. The important idea is that the interface provides suitable ways to input commands and receive information.

Multiple choice, several answers4 marks

Which four statements accurately describe user-interface features? Select all that apply.

AA CLI automatically installs every device driver
BMenus can group commands and settings
CA CLI accepts typed commands and produces text output
DA GUI can use icons to represent files and applications
EA GUI allocates areas of RAM to applications
FA touch interface can accept selections directly from a screen

Written answer8 marks

Identify the most directly responsible operating-system function in each situation and state one task it performs.

A. A learner switches between a spreadsheet and browser while both remain open.

B. A computer receives images from a newly connected document camera.

C. A technician creates an account that cannot install applications.

D. A user saves a report under a new name inside a coursework folder.

Write four pairs: 'Function, precise task'. Use the exact OCR function names.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer8 marks

Stretch challenge: A community library is replacing its public computers. Visitors need an easy way to open applications, several programs may be used at once, staff connect scanners and printers, each visitor receives a restricted account, and downloaded documents must be organised and removed after a session.

Explain how the operating system supports this computer. Apply all five required OS functions to the scenario.

Plan five mini-paragraphs, one for each function. Use: 'Function, action, benefit in the library'. Precision and application matter more than listing features.

Students type their answer here.

Review

Without looking back, write the five operating-system functions. Beside each one, add a verb that describes a real task:

user interface: receives, displays, allows
memory management: transfers, allocates, frees
peripheral management: receives, transmits, installs, communicates
user management: creates, restricts, secures
file management: names, saves, moves, organises

Now check your list against the worksheet. If an explanation only repeats the function name, add a concrete task and its result.