5.1 Operating Systems
AS Level · 1 question found
What this topic covers
Section titled “What this topic covers”- Why a computer system needs an OS
- OS management tasks: memory, file, security, hardware (I/O), process management
- Utility software: disk formatter, virus checker, defragmenter, file compression, backup software
- Program libraries and DLL files: benefits to developers
Past paper questions
Section titled “Past paper questions” Q6
6
A computer has an Operating System (OS).
Memory management and process management are two OS tasks.
Explain how memory management and process management support multi-tasking.
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Show mark scheme
6 [1 mark]
1 mark
each to
max 4
Max 3
marks for each management task:
Memory management:
Max 3 marks
Stores data from all currently running programs concurrently in RAM
Stops the data from overwriting each other in RAM/primary storage
Decides which processes should be in main memory
Makes efficient use of memory
Process management:
Max 3 marks
Allows one process to be paused whilst another process can be actioned
Decides which process is to be run next
Switches between processes to allow them to share the use of the
processor
Identification/description of scheduling
each to
max 4
Max 3
marks for each management task:
Memory management:
Max 3 marks
Stores data from all currently running programs concurrently in RAM
Stops the data from overwriting each other in RAM/primary storage
Decides which processes should be in main memory
Makes efficient use of memory
Process management:
Max 3 marks
Allows one process to be paused whilst another process can be actioned
Decides which process is to be run next
Switches between processes to allow them to share the use of the
processor
Identification/description of scheduling