← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

OS function: managing user accounts

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.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts — Module 32, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 112, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 126

Understanding OS function: managing user accounts in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: Login compares the typed details with those the OS stored for the account, so only the right user gets in. The OS controls access rights per account, so only administrators can manage accounts and system settings. Each account has its own settings and files, so the OS loads the ones that belong to the user who logged in. Deleting unused accounts is part of managing accounts. It stops them being misused.

Common mistakes: The OS must compare the typed password with the password stored for the account, not with the username. It should be IF password = storedPass THEN. The program has just created the account, so it must store the password in it. Deleting the account removes it. Line 4 should be STORE newPassword IN account.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

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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 best describes the OS function of managing user accounts?

The OS creates, stores and controls accounts so each user logs in and gets their own settings and filesThe OS lets all users share one login so they see the same settings and files

Matches

Two students share one account called "student" so their files are kept together

↓

Each user should have their own account. Sharing one account means no separate settings, files or access rights, and no privacy.

Applying

Meanings

Term

user account management

Meaning

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.

Practice

INPUT username

Testing

Gaps

OS.("maya", "Pa55word")

Check Answer

Spots

2INPUT password

3IF password = username THEN

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Quick Questions

1. Which statement best describes the OS function of managing user accounts?

A. The OS creates, stores and controls accounts so each user logs in and gets their own settings and files ✓

B. The OS lets all users share one login so they see the same settings and files

User account management gives each person their own login, settings, files and access rights.

2. Which person normally creates and deletes user accounts on a computer?

A. A standard user

B. An administrator ✓

Only administrator accounts have the rights to create and delete other accounts. Standard users cannot.

3. A student logs in with their own username and password. What does the OS do next?

A. It loads that student's own settings and files ✓

B. It loads the settings and files of the last person who used the computer

Each account has its own settings and files, so the OS loads the ones that belong to the user who logged in.

4. Why does the OS ask for a username and a password at login?

A. To make the computer start up faster

B. To identify the user and check they are allowed to use that account ✓

5. Which user can usually install new software and change system settings?

A. An administrator ✓

B. A standard user

Administrators have higher access rights. Standard users have limited rights, so they cannot make big changes to the system.

Match the Pairs

Create account: username = "sam_k", password set → The OS sets up a new user account so a person can log in with their own username and password.

Delete account: username = "old_user" → The OS removes a user account, so that person can no longer log in and their access ends.

The OS checks a username and password at login before letting the user in to their own account. → IF username = stored_name AND password = stored_pass THEN open_account()

A standard user has limited rights, while an administrator can change settings and manage other accounts. → IF account_type = "administrator" THEN allow_manage_accounts()

Two students share one account called "student" so their files are kept together → Each user should have their own account. Sharing one account means no separate settings, files or access rights, and no privacy.

Give every user administrator rights so nobody is blocked from anything → Most users should be standard users. Giving all users administrator rights lets anyone change settings, delete accounts or harm the system.

Key Term

user 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.

Fill in the Blanks

1. OS.createAccount("maya", "Pa55word")

Hint: Type the OS function name that makes a new user account.

2. OS.deleteAccount("maya")

Hint: Type the OS function name that removes a user account.

3. IF username = savedUser AND password = savedPass THEN OS.openDesktop(username)

Hint: Type the logical operator that needs both the username and the password to match.

4. IF accountType = ADMIN THEN allowInstallSoftware() ENDIF

Hint: Type the account type with extra rights, such as installing software and managing other accounts.

5. username = input("Username: ") OS.loadSettings(username) OS.openFiles(username)

Hint: Type the variable that holds who logged in, so that user's own settings load.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A INPUT username

B INPUT password

C IF password = username THEN

D LOAD userSettings

E ENDIF

Line C — The OS must compare the typed password with the password stored for the account, not with the username. It should be IF password = storedPass THEN.

Question 2

A INPUT newName

B INPUT newPassword

C CREATE account(newName)

D DELETE account(newName)

Line D — The program has just created the account, so it must store the password in it. Deleting the account removes it. Line 4 should be STORE newPassword IN account.

Question 3

A CREATE account(oldUser)

B REMOVE oldUser settings

C REMOVE oldUser files

D UPDATE account list

Line A — The program is removing an old user, so the first step is to delete the account, not create it. It should be DELETE account(oldUser).

Question 4

A INPUT user

B IF type = 'standard' THEN

C ALLOW installing software

D ELSE

E DENY installing software

F ENDIF

Line B — Only an administrator account should be allowed to install software. The test must check for 'admin', not 'standard'. It should be IF type = 'admin' THEN.

Question 5

A INPUT username

B LOAD settings OF username

C LOAD files OF previousUser

D SHOW desktop

Line C — Each user gets their own files. The OS must load the files of the user who has just logged in, not those of a previous user. It should be LOAD files OF username.

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