•  Allocates memory to programs currently executing 

Ensures programs/data do not corrupt each other

• Ensures all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations

Manages processes

• Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash  

Allows the user to run programs 

• On a multitasking operating system, it ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously 

Other roles

• Allocates time slices
• Scheduling of programs
• Handles interrupts
• Allows the user to configure hardware

• Menus, for example, allow the user to perform operations or run applications such as right-click to create a new folder  

• Icons for example a picture of linked computers for networking

• Pointers(mouse or touchscreen)  for example to select items/trigger events  

• Shortcuts for example to frequently used applications for example having a shortcut to your mail client on your desktop

• File navigation for example when searching the hard disc for a file/folder using a browser

• copying / deleting / moving/sorting/naming/searching of files or folders for example copying of a file from the hard drive to a USB pen drive (File handling)

• Desktop customisation for example changing the colours and background image

• Copy and paste for example between applications e.g. copying a graph from a spreadsheet to a word processor

• Error messages for example provide users with error/warning/help messages for example ‘printer out of paper’ 

• User friendly
• No need to know command language as commands are executed by clicking on icons
• Allows multitasking as several programs open at the same time therefore easier to switch between applications
• Selecting an item using a mouse is easier and faster than entering commands

Or any other correct response

Advantage @ 1 Mark

Total = 4 X 1 Mark

= 4 Marks

A vehicle assembly company has introduced robots to replace the human workforce.  State two effects this would have on the workforce                

• Unemployment
• Need to retrain
• No longer need to do hazardous or tedious jobs
• Employment of skilled staff who will manipulate the robots

Or any other correct response

Effect @ 1 Mark

Total = 2 X 1 Mark

= 2 Marks

• Disk formatting is the process of preparing a data storage media for initial use

Reasons:

• To make a disk blank for reuse
• To make it compatible with another operating system
• to create tracks and sectors for first time use

• Manage the computer’s memory;
• It can control which parts of the memory are being used by which process

Processor management

• Manage the computer’s processor(s)CPU;
• Schedules of which processes are to be executed;

Input/output management

• Manages input/output devices;
• Interacts with/manages/handles the (automatic) installation of device drivers;
•  Handles peripheral device interrupts;
• the computer can communicate with the outside world;
• Control network communication;
• Allow devices to send and receive data;

Managing storage

• Manage secondary storage devices;
• Loading data and programs into the computer’s memory;
• Storage space management (disk quotas);
• To ensure that storage space is allocated fairly and efficiently to specific tasks\users;

Managing security

•  User authentication;
• To make sure that users must prove who they are to access the system;
• Protect against malware;
• Block access to specific vulnerable operations or system areas. For example, software can only be installed with admin access;

Managing applications

• Control access to applications;
• Prevent users or processes from using unauthorised programs // allow users or
• processes to use authorised programs;
• Control application access;
• Prevent/allow an application access to data (or devices);

•  A graphical object on a computer screen that responds to move movement and allows the computer user to select and execute commands in graphical user interface operating systems

(b) Desktop

• It Is a special folder in the file system that is displayed when no other windows are open

• Commands have to be typed in full with no mistakes
• Requires memorization of commands
• Uses less memory

GUI

• Due to graphics, GUI uses a lot of memory
• GUI is more user friendly
• Cannot operate properly if memory is low

Comparison

• Both carry out file management
• Both are operating systems
• Both control software and hardware