Operating systems
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · Unit 4: Software · 9 flashcards
Operating systems is topic 4.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 4 — Software , alongside Types of software and Programming languages and translators. In one line: An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).
The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 4 definitions, 4 key concepts and 1 application card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 4 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
The term 'operating system' (OS)
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Explain Explain what is meant by a high-level language and a low-level language, including the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Understand Understand that assembly language is a form of low-level language that uses mnemonics, and that an assembler is needed to translate an assembly language program into machine code
- Describe Describe the operation of a compiler and an interpreter, including how high-level language is translated by each and how errors are reported
- Explain Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a compiler and an interpreter
- Explain Explain the role of an IDE in writing program code and the common functions IDEs provide including code editors, run-time environment, translators, error diagnostics, auto-completion, auto-correction, prettyprint
Define the term 'operating system' (OS).
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
Explain the concept of 'multitasking' in the context of operating systems.
Multitasking is the ability of an OS to execute multiple tasks seemingly simultaneously. The OS rapidly switches between tasks, giving the illusion of parallel execution.
Describe the role of 'memory management' performed by an operating system.
Memory management involves allocating and deallocating memory space to different programs and processes. It ensures that each program has enough memory to run without interfering with others.
What is the purpose of 'file management' within an operating system?
File management is how the OS organizes and manages files and directories on storage devices. It includes creating, deleting, renaming, and organizing files.
Explain how an operating system provides 'security'.
The OS provides security through user accounts, permissions, and access controls. It protects the system and data from unauthorized access and malicious software.
Differentiate between a GUI and CLI.
A GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses visual elements like icons and windows for user interaction, while a CLI (Command Line Interface) uses text-based commands. GUIs are more user-friendly, while CLIs offer more control.
What is a 'device driver' and what is its role?
A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device. It translates OS commands into instructions the device can understand.
Explain the concept of an 'interrupt' in the context of operating systems.
An interrupt is a signal that temporarily suspends the current execution of a program to handle a higher-priority event. This can be triggered by hardware or software.
Give an example of how the OS manages resources?
An example is Print Management. The OS manages a print queue so that several programs can send print jobs simultaneously, without trying to access the printer at the same time.
Key Questions: Operating systems
Define the term 'operating system' (OS).
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.
Describe the role of 'memory management' performed by an operating system.
Memory management involves allocating and deallocating memory space to different programs and processes. It ensures that each program has enough memory to run without interfering with others.
What is the purpose of 'file management' within an operating system?
File management is how the OS organizes and manages files and directories on storage devices. It includes creating, deleting, renaming, and organizing files.
What is a 'device driver' and what is its role?
A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with a specific hardware device. It translates OS commands into instructions the device can understand.
More topics in Unit 4 — Software
Operating systems sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Operating systems deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
How to study this Operating systems deck
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