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J277 1.5 Systems software consolidation

Part 3 of 3 · J277 1.5 · Systems software

An independent systems-software checkpoint based on a sports centre's computers and services.

Students will:

  • distinguish operating systems from utilities
  • select the OS function most directly responsible for a task
  • explain memory, drivers, user and file management
  • apply encryption, compression and magnetic-disk defragmentation
  • support answers with a concrete action and result

Inside: 3 text sections, 1 multiple-choice activity, 3 completion activities, 6 written answers. 21 marks. Suggested teaching time: 45–60 minutes.

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

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

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 13 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.

Systems software: consolidation

Answer independently. Use the exact task in each question to decide which function or utility is relevant.

1. A sports centre's computers

A sports centre uses booking computers and a touchscreen visitor kiosk. Staff have separate accounts. The centre uses a printer and stores activity records in named files.

Fill in the blanks2 marks
Name each software category. (a) Software that manages computer resources and provides an environment for applications: Answer 1 (b) Software for focused system-maintenance tasks: Answer 2
Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name the most directly responsible OS function. (a) Create staff login accounts: Answer 1 (b) Allocate RAM to open booking applications: Answer 2 (c) Move a record into the right folder: Answer 3
Written answer2 marks

A sports-centre computer has a browser and booking program open. Explain one way memory management supports using both programs.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

A new printer needs device-specific instructions. Which statement describes the driver's role?

  • AIt increases the installed RAM
  • BIt saves every application into the printer
  • CIt lets the OS communicate with the printer using instructions the device understands
  • DIt gives visitors permission to change staff accounts
Written answer2 marks

A visitor uses a touchscreen kiosk to choose an activity. Describe how one user-interface feature can help them make the choice.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

The sports centre saves many activity records. Explain one file-management action that can help staff find the correct record later.

Students type their answer here.

2. Three maintenance needs

The centre keeps confidential records on a portable drive. A magnetic archive disk has file parts scattered across it. A video file also needs less storage space.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name a suitable utility for each need. (a) Protect the meaning of copied confidential records: Answer 1 (b) Bring scattered parts of a file together on the magnetic disk: Answer 2 (c) Reduce the bits needed for the video file: Answer 3
Written answer2 marks

Someone copies an encrypted membership file from a sports centre's drive. Explain how encryption protects the file's contents.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A sports centre's magnetic HDD stores parts of one file in several separate locations. Explain how defragmentation can improve reading that file.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

An operating system includes a compression tool. A student claims that this means the tool cannot be utility software. Explain why the claim is incorrect.

Students type their answer here.

Review

After feedback, choose one explanation to repair. Add the missing action, mechanism or effect rather than repeating a software name.