Operating Systems — A-Level Computer Science Revision
Revise Operating Systems for A-Level Computer Science. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Processor ArchitectureWhat is Operating Systems?
An operating system (OS) is a software that manages all of the hardware and software resources of a computer. It provides a platform for running applications and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware.
Board notes: A core topic for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Students should be able to describe the functions of an operating system and explain the difference between different types of operating systems.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
When you print a document, the application sends a request to the operating system. The OS then manages the communication with the printer, sending the document to the print queue and ensuring that it is printed correctly. The user does not need to know the details of how the printer works.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the operating system with application software.
- 2Not understanding the different functions of an operating system, such as memory management and process scheduling.
- 3Thinking that the user interface is the entire operating system.
Operating Systems exam questions
Exam-style questions for Operating Systems with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Operating Systems
Core concept
An operating system (OS) is a software that manages all of the hardware and software resources of a computer. It provides a platform for running applications and acts as an intermediary between the us…
Frequently asked questions
What are the main functions of an operating system?
The main functions of an OS are memory management, process management, file management, and device management. It also provides a user interface and a platform for running applications.
What is the difference between a real-time operating system and a general-purpose operating system?
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is designed to process data and events as they happen, with minimal delay. It is used in systems where timing is critical, such as in industrial control systems. A general-purpose OS, like Windows or macOS, is designed for a wide range of tasks and is not as time-critical.