IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 Definitions Worksheet: 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts (Modules 373–389)
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
file management
2
GUI
3
command-line interface (CLI)
4
peripheral management
5
memory management
6
multitasking
7
platform
8
system security
9
user account management
10
scenario to function
Answer Key
IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 · Modules 373–389 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1file management — An OS function that keeps track of files and folders, lets users create, name, open, copy, move and delete them, and records where each file is stored.
2GUI — Graphical user interface: the user controls the computer with windows, icons, menus and a pointer instead of typing commands. It suits beginners but uses more system resources than a CLI.
3command-line interface (CLI) — A user interface where you type text commands to control the computer. It is precise and quick for experts, uses few resources, but is harder to learn because commands must be remembered.
4peripheral management — The OS controls data passing to and from peripherals and loads the correct driver for each device so it can be used. Without a driver, the device does not work.
5memory management — The OS decides which part of RAM each running program uses, keeps programs from overwriting each other's memory, and frees the space when a program closes.
6multitasking — The OS runs several programs at once by sharing CPU time in very short slices and switching quickly between them, so they appear to run together.
7platform — The OS provides a platform: a standard environment and shared services that apps ask for, so a program uses hardware through the OS instead of controlling it directly.
8system security — An OS function that protects the computer and its data from unauthorised access and attack using logins, access rights, updates and security tools.
9user account management — An OS function that creates, stores and controls user accounts, so each user logs in with a username and password and gets their own settings, files and access rights.
10scenario to function — Find what the OS is doing in a scenario, such as sharing the CPU, loading a driver or checking a password, then match it to one of its nine functions and explain with 'because'.