6.1: Operating Systems
Exam Board:
Eduqas / WJEC
Specification:
2020 +
What is an Operating System?
An operating system (OS) is software that helps to manage the resources of a computer system.
There are eight main roles of an operating system:
Manage the CPU
A critical role of the OS is to manage the CPU so that applications and processes can be run efficiently.
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The CPU is effectively managed by performing three further roles:
Manage Memory (RAM)
The OS reserves memory space in RAM for stored programs to be copied into. The FDE cycle is executed continuously to carry out the instructions.
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The OS also ensures that programs are appropriately managed so that data is stored in correct memory locations and not corrupted.
Manage Interrupts
A interrupt is an alert signal sent to the CPU when an application or hardware device requires immediate attention.
The OS must efficiently manage interrupts so that a problem can be dealt with quickly if one occurs.
Manage
Multi-Tasking
The OS manages tasks so instructions can be executed by the CPU in turn - this is called scheduling.
The OS prevents processes from interfering with others and crashing. Tasks should appear to run simultaneously even though only one process can be executed at a time.
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Manage
Backing Store
The backing store is another term for secondary storage devices such as the magnetic hard disk drive, optical drives or solid state memory sticks.
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The OS ensures data is stored correctly and can be efficiently retrieved from the backing store. Files are organised in a hierarchical (logical) structure.
Manage Peripherals
A peripheral is an external device connected to a computer system to input or output data.
The OS manages the receiving of data from input devices (such as a keyboard or mouse) and the transfer of data to output devices (such as a monitor or speaker).
Manage Security
The OS allows users to create, manage and delete accounts with different permissions. It also permits multiple users to log in and change passwords.
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Antivirus and firewall software is managed by the OS as well as some data encryption processes.
Manage the User Interface
The final function of an operating system is to provide a user interface, allowing a human to interact with the computer system. The way in which a user can navigate a computer system is known as human-computer interaction (HCI).
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The most common type of user interface is a graphical user interface (GUI) which can be presented in the following ways:
Icons are displayed to represent shortcuts to applications and files.
Multiple windows can be opened at the same time and switched between.
A folder and file system is displayed and manipulated allowing for copying, searching, sorting and deleting data.
The interface can be customised, such as changing font sizes and the desktop background.
The taskbar allows shortcuts to be pinned for quick access.
Menus can be opened from the Start button to display files and shortcuts.
System settings can be accessed such as network and hardware options.
Questo's Questions
6.1 - Operating Systems:
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1. Describe each role of the operating system:
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1. Manage the CPU [2]
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2. Manage memory [2]
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3. Manage interrupts [2]
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4. Manage multi-tasking [2]
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5. Manage backing store [2]
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6. Manage peripherals [2]
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7. Manage security [2]
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8. Manage the user interface [2]
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2. Describe 5 different ways the operating system can provide a graphical user interface (GUI). [5]
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3. Describe two advantages and two disadvantages of using the following types of human-computer interaction (HCI):
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a. Command-Line interface [4]
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b. Touch-Sensitive interface [4]
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c. Menu-Driven interface [4]
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d. Voice-Driven interface [4]
Command-Line Interface
Other types of user interface do exist, such as a command-line interface (CLI).
This type of interface is entirely text-based and requires users to interact with the system by typing commands. This is a complicated process and mistakes could easily accidentally delete data. There are many commands to learn so only experts who have been trained to learn this interface will be able to efficiently make use of it.
Menu-Driven Interface
A menu-driven interface displays data in a series of linked menus. Examples include cash machines (ATMs) and old iPods.
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This type of interface is generally user friendly and easy to use as commands do not need to be memorised. However it can be annoying to find specific data through a large number of menus without a search feature.
Touch-Sensitive Interface
Another type of user interface is a touch-sensitive interface, used with smartphones and tablets.
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A human interacts with the device by pressing on a touchscreen, making it very intuitive and suitable for most users without training. Touch-sensitive interfaces may not work with dirty or wet fingers and it will take longer to write text compared to using a keyboard.
Voice-Driven Interface
A voice-driven interface can be controlled by speaking commands aloud to a listening device. Examples include Amazon's Alexa devices, Apple's Siri technology and Google Home.
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This interface is intuitive, can be used hands-free and helps to speed up processes. However commands may be misheard or limited in what can be performed.
