Theory question 101
Software and Operating SystemsPaper 2, Section A
(a) (i) Define an operating system. (ii) State two functions of an operating system (iii) List two differences between an operating system and an application system software
(b) Starting from the Save As dialogue box, outline the steps involved in paswording a document in a word processing package.
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(a)(i) An operating system is the system software that controls the computer's hardware and software resources and provides a platform on which other programs run.
(ii) Any two: manages memory; manages the processor (scheduling tasks); manages files and storage; controls input/output devices; provides the user interface; provides security (user accounts, passwords).
(iii) Any two: the OS controls the computer while application software does a user task (e.g. word processing); the OS is needed for the computer to work, applications are optional; the OS is loaded first at boot, applications run on top of it; the OS works mostly without user involvement, applications are used directly by the user.
(b) In the Save As dialogue box click Tools (or Options) → General Options; type a password to open (and/or modify); click OK; retype the password to confirm and click OK; type a file name and click Save.
Give definitions in one sentence and make each difference a clear contrast.