An operating system manages the resources of a computer system.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 10(a) Up to two of: B1 for naming a function, B1 for describing.
2. (Memory management) Allocating / deallocating memory to programs (1) (Description: Manages how much RAM each program uses to prevent conflicts) (1)
3. (Processor management) Scheduling tasks / programs to run on the CPU (1) (Description: Determines which program runs when and for how long) (1)
4. (Input/Output management) Managing input from peripheral devices / managing output to peripheral devices (1) (Description: Handles data transfer to/from keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) (1)
5. (File management) Storing / retrieving / organising files and folders (1) (Description: Provides structure for saving and accessing data on storage devices) (1)
6. (Security management) User authentication / access control (1) (Description: Manages user logins and permissions for files/resources) (1)
7. (User interface) Providing an interface for user interaction (1) (Description: Allows users to interact with the computer using GUI or CLI) (1)
8. 10(b) Up to two of: B1 for each feature.
9. No graphical elements / text-based (1)
10. Requires commands to be typed (1)
11. Faster for experienced users (1)
12. Uses less system resources (1)
13. Requires precise syntax (1)
14. 10(c) Up to two of: B1 for disadvantage, B1 for explanation.
15. Requires knowledge of commands (1) (Explanation: Users must remember specific commands and their syntax to operate it) (1)
16. Can be difficult to learn / use for beginners (1) (Explanation: Lack of visual cues makes it less intuitive than a GUI) (1)
17. Can be slow / frustrating to type commands (1) (Explanation: Repetitive typing can be inefficient for many tasks) (1)
18. No visual feedback (1) (Explanation: Harder to see files/folders or understand processes without graphical representation) (1)
19. More prone to syntax errors (1) (Explanation: A small typo in a command can prevent it from working) (1)