Operating system

What does device driver software do?

• It holds documents that are waiting to be printed

• It handles requests and data transfers between the computer and a device

• It is used to install new software applications on to your computer

Which of these is not a job of the operating system?

• Stopping unauthorised users accessing files that do not belong to them

• Allocating memory to programs that are running on the computer

• Handling HTTP requests for webpages

How would we define a hierarchical file system as used by an operating system?

• As a tree structure with a root and branches or directories that lead to other files

• Sorted in alphabetical order using an array of device names

• Organised in date order according to when each file was created

How would you describe an operating system that is able to execute many programs simultaneously?

• Embedded

• Real-time processing

• Multi-tasking

What kind of interface requires the user to type in commands from a keyboard to give the computer instructions?

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface

• Menu driven interface

Why might an operating system include a disk defragmentation utility?

• To change the size of partitions on the disk

• To repair damaged sectors on a disk

• To reorganise small amounts of unused disk space

What is the main purpose of the file system?

• To provide a uniform way for programs to store and retrieve data on devices

• To make backups of important files so they are not lost

• To recover files if you accidentally delete them

Why do many operating systems include a graphical user interface?

• So that advanced users can carry out more technical tasks

• To make it much quicker for people to perform tasks on the computer

• To make it easier for people to use the computer

How does the operating system manage programs that are running?

• It allocates free memory when a program requests it

• It deletes programs from disk once they have been loaded into memory

• It converts programs to machine code and begins their execution