← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

OS function: managing peripherals and drivers

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.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts — Module 23

Understanding OS function: managing peripherals and drivers in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Passing data to and from peripherals such as a printer is part of the OS function of managing peripherals. A missing driver means the OS cannot communicate with the peripheral, so the device does not work. A driver translates between the OS and the hardware. Protecting against viruses is the job of antivirus software. Each device needs its own correct driver because each device communicates in a different way. A device only works once its driver has been loaded, so the order of the steps is wrong. Peripheral management means controlling data passing between programs and the correct peripheral, so sending mouse data to a keyboard is wrong.

Common mistakes: The OS needs to detect a newly connected device before it loads a driver. The condition should be 'IF device connected THEN', not 'disconnected'. The OS must load the driver so the printer can be used. 'OS ignores the driver' should be 'OS loads the driver'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 373–389) and word search (Modules 356–389).

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Learning
Duo
Which statement describes what the OS does when you plug in a new printer?
It detects the new device and loads the correct driver for itIt turns the printer into part of the CPU so no driver is needed
Matches
plug_in(webcam) webcam_works ← TRUE load_driver(webcam)
↓
The webcam is marked as working before the driver is loaded. The OS must load the correct driver first, and only then can the device be used.
Applying
Meanings
Term
peripheral management
Meaning
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.
Practice
IF DeviceConnected THEN
Testing
Gaps
(newDevice)
Check Answer
Spots
1IF device disconnected THEN
2 FIND driver for device

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Quick Questions

1. Which statement describes what the OS does when you plug in a new printer?
A. It detects the new device and loads the correct driver for it ✓
B. It turns the printer into part of the CPU so no driver is needed
The OS detects a newly connected peripheral and loads (or installs) its driver so the device can be used.
2. What is the job of a device driver?
A. It lets the OS and applications communicate with a specific peripheral ✓
B. It protects the computer from viruses entering through the peripheral
A driver translates between the OS and the hardware. Protecting against viruses is the job of antivirus software.
3. You plug in a new webcam but the computer cannot use it because no driver is installed. What is the likely result?
A. The webcam works normally because the OS guesses how to use it
B. The webcam does not work until the correct driver is loaded ✓
A missing driver means the device does not work, because the OS does not know how to communicate with it.
4. A word processor sends a document to print. Who controls the data passing to the printer?
A. The operating system, using the printer driver ✓
B. The word processor sends it directly with no OS involved
The OS manages data passing between programs and peripherals, using the driver for that device.
5. Which is a task of the OS when managing peripherals?
A. Creating the physical keys on a keyboard
B. Controlling data passing to and from a keyboard, mouse or printer ✓
The OS manages the flow of data to and from peripherals. It does not build or change the hardware itself.

Match the Pairs

detect_device(usb_port) → The OS notices that a new peripheral has been plugged in so it can set it up for use
load_driver(printer) → The OS finds and loads the correct driver so the printer can be used
The OS controls the data passing between a program and a peripheral → send_data(document, printer)
If there is no driver for a device, the OS cannot use the device and it does not work → IF driver_found = FALSE THEN device_works ← FALSE
plug_in(webcam) webcam_works ← TRUE load_driver(webcam) → The webcam is marked as working before the driver is loaded. The OS must load the correct driver first, and only then can the device be used.
load_driver(mouse) send_data(mouse, keyboard) → The OS loads the mouse driver but then passes the mouse data to a different device, so the data goes to the wrong peripheral. It should pass the data to the program that needs it.

Key Term

peripheral 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.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IF newDevice = TRUE THEN loadDriver(newDevice) ENDIF
Hint: Type the name of the OS action that loads the software a newly detected device needs in order to be used.
2. IF driverFound = FALSE THEN OUTPUT "Device does not work" ENDIF
Hint: Type the Boolean value that means the driver is missing.
3. sendData(printer, document)
Hint: Type the peripheral that the OS passes this document data to so it can be printed.
4. driver ← findDriver(device)
Hint: Type the variable for the connected hardware that the OS needs a driver for.
5. IF driverFound = TRUE THEN OUTPUT "Device ready" ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that follows the condition and starts the block that runs when the driver is found.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A IF device disconnected THEN
B FIND driver for device
C LOAD driver
D ENDIF
Line A — The OS needs to detect a newly connected device before it loads a driver. The condition should be 'IF device connected THEN', not 'disconnected'.
Question 2
A OS detects new printer
B OS finds printer driver
C OS ignores the driver
D Printer can now be used
Line C — The OS must load the driver so the printer can be used. 'OS ignores the driver' should be 'OS loads the driver'.
Question 3
A INPUT key FROM keyboard
B OS stops key reaching program
C OUTPUT key TO screen
Line B — The OS controls the data passing from the peripheral to the program. It passes the key to the program and does not stop it.
Question 4
A driver ← none
B OS detects scanner
C IF driver = none THEN
D scanner works fine
E ENDIF
Line D — A missing driver means the device does not work. Line 4 should say the scanner does not work.
Question 5
A program sends data to OS
B OS gives data to the keyboard
C driver sends it to printer
Line B — The OS passes the data to the printer's driver, which sends it to the printer. A keyboard is the wrong peripheral for printing.

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