Operating System (OS)
12 Grade 10 Computer Studies questions on Operating System (OS), with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
2 marksDistinguish between a single-user operating system and a multi-user operating system.
(2 marks)
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1 markWhen a computer is switched on, the process of booting mainly involves:
A. deleting all temporary files created during the previous session.
B. the user writing the operating system permanently into the ROM chip.
C. copying the operating system from RAM onto the hard disk for safe keeping.
D. loading the operating system from backing storage into RAM so that it takes control of the computer.
(1 mark)
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1 markA learner types a report in a word processor and clicks Save. Which statement best describes what the operating system does?
A. The operating system starts the word processor and then stops running until the computer is switched off.
B. The operating system changes the report into a program before storing it.
C. The word processor writes the file onto the disk on its own, without involving the operating system.
D. The word processor asks the operating system for the service, and the operating system manages writing the file to storage.
(1 mark)
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1 markA computer with a small amount of RAM is able to keep a large program running because the operating system sets aside part of the hard disk and uses it as though it were memory. This technique is known as:
A. spooling.
B. disk defragmentation.
C. virtual memory.
D. formatting.
(1 mark)
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3 marksOutline three problems a school may experience if the operating systems on its computers are never updated.
(3 marks)
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1 markA teacher connects a newly bought printer to a school computer, and the computer loads the correct driver so that the printer can be used. Which function of the operating system is this?
A. Job scheduling.
B. Memory management.
C. Device (peripheral) management.
D. File management.
(1 mark)
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4 marksState four functions of an operating system.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Any four of the following, 1 mark each: - Memory management: allocates main memory to programs and frees it when they close. - File management: creates, names, stores, retrieves, copies and deletes files and folders and keeps track of where they are stored. - Device or peripheral management: controls input and output devices through drivers, for example the keyboard, printer and flash disk. - Processor management or job scheduling: decides which task uses the processor and for how long. - Provides a user interface (graphical or command line) through which the user communicates with the computer. - Provides security: user accounts, passwords and access rights. - Detects and reports errors, for example a missing printer or a full disk. A bare list of correct function names earns the marks; no explanation is required.
Question 8
3 marksIn a school office, one printer is shared by three computers. Explain how the operating system handles the situation when two secretaries send documents to print at the same time.
(3 marks)
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1 markOn one computer, with only one learner logged in, a music file plays while notes are being downloaded and a document is being typed. This ability of the operating system is called:
A. multi-user operation.
B. multitasking.
C. batch processing.
D. multiprocessing.
(1 mark)
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4 marksA school is setting up a computer room for Grade 4 learners who have never used a computer before. Suggest the type of user interface the school should install and give three reasons for your choice.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
1 mark for the suggestion and 1 mark for each reason, maximum 3 reasons. - Suggestion: a graphical user interface (GUI). Reasons (any three): - The learners select icons, menus and buttons instead of memorising and typing commands. - It is operated with a mouse or touch, which suits learners whose typing skills are still weak. - Pictures and menus show the learner what is available, so the system is easy to learn by exploring. - Mistakes are fewer, since a wrong spelling of a command cannot stop the task, and actions such as delete give a warning that can be cancelled. A candidate who suggests a command line interface cannot earn the reason marks.
Question 11
1 markA tea factory in Kericho uses a computer to monitor the temperature in the withering troughs and switch the fans on within a fraction of a second whenever the temperature rises. Which type of operating system is most suitable for this task?
A. A real-time operating system.
B. A single-user, single-tasking operating system.
C. A time-sharing operating system.
D. A batch processing operating system.
(1 mark)
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4 marksExplain two ways in which an operating system protects the data held on a computer that is shared by several teachers in a staffroom.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for naming each way and 1 mark for the explanation, maximum two ways (4 marks). - User accounts and passwords: each teacher logs in with a personal account, so a person without the correct password cannot open the computer or another teacher's work. - File access rights or permissions: the operating system records who owns each file and who may read or change it, so a teacher can be prevented from opening or editing another teacher's marks. - Automatic screen locking after a period of inactivity, so an unattended computer cannot be used by a passer-by. - Encryption of stored files, so that the contents cannot be read even if the storage device is removed. - Keeping a log of who logged in and what was accessed, which discourages misuse and helps trace it. Only the first two ways offered are marked.
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