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1.5.1 Operating Systems - Answers - BrainQuest

The document discusses the roles and functions of an operating system including memory management, peripheral management, multi-tasking, security, and user interfaces. It also discusses command line interfaces, menu driven interfaces, and graphical user interfaces. The document defines the kernel as the program at the heart of an operating system that connects hardware and processes. It explains that device drivers are needed for hardware to communicate with the operating system.

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61 views1 page

1.5.1 Operating Systems - Answers - BrainQuest

The document discusses the roles and functions of an operating system including memory management, peripheral management, multi-tasking, security, and user interfaces. It also discusses command line interfaces, menu driven interfaces, and graphical user interfaces. The document defines the kernel as the program at the heart of an operating system that connects hardware and processes. It explains that device drivers are needed for hardware to communicate with the operating system.

Uploaded by

emona.mocku
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CSUK:BrainQuest Operating Systems - Answers

Task 1: Complete the following table to state and describe the roles of an Task 3: Operating systems provide users with ways to interface with the computer.
operating system. Explain the ways in which each of the following interfaces, allow users to interact
with computers.
Role Description
Command Line Interface
The Operating System (OS) manages the RAM, ensuring that the This allows the user to interact with the computer by typing text-based commands.
Memory
various running programs are each allocated their own memory Whatever you wish the computer to do, you will be required to type in a specific
Management areas. The OS also manages virtual memory. command.

As programs and attached devices cannot communicate with each Menu Driven Interface
Peripheral
other, the OS sits between the two, controlling the devices and
Management provides programs with access to them. This allows users to interact with a computer by means of a choice of menu options. This
type of interface will provide a list of options that the user can select. A cash machine is
a good example of a device that uses this type of interface.
A CPU’s core works on one process at a time. However, an OS
Multi-Tasking enables multi-tasking by managing the CPU’s processes so that
several programs can run at once, by sharing out the CPU time to
each program, in quick succession. Graphical User Interface

This allows users to interact with a computer by means of windows, icons, menus and
Computers may be used by multiple users. A role of the OS is to pointers (WIMP). Most modern operating system offer this type of interface, such as
Security manage these users, ensuring that a user’s data is only seen by Windows and macOS.
them and not by others, via user accounts with usernames and
passwords.

Operating Systems provide users with an interface so that they Task 4: What is a ‘Device Driver’ and why are they needed in a computer system?
User Interface can interact with the computer.
A device driver is a file (or set of files) that enables the operating system to
communicate with hardware.
Each time you add/attach a new piece of hardware to a computer (e.g. printer), a
Task 2: What is the kernel, in an operating system?
driver for that specific piece of hardware will need to be installed so that the
It is a program that is at the heart of an operating system and its function is to operating system can communicate with it and control it.
connect the hardware and the processes of the computer. It is the primary
interface between the hardware and the system processes.

CSUK:Teacher Computer Science UK Membership Site Licence: Do not share outside your centre.

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