1.2.1a Operating Systems: Interactive Student Activities

Built in the style of the two lesson activities: classify operating system functions and explain the operating system as a software layer between applications and hardware.

Activity 1: Categorise Functions Activity 2: Explain the OS Layer Self-check + Model Answer

Activity 1: Sort OS Tasks into the Seven Main Headings

Drag each task into the best category. Then use Check answers to mark your classification.

Task Cards (drag from here)

Activity 2: Describe the Illustration and User Interaction

Click each layer to reveal what role it plays. Then answer the two questions from the activity.

Applications and utilities use the operating system to access hardware and receive input/output.

Tip: click each block in the diagram to inspect its purpose.

Q1. Describe what this illustration shows.

Q2. Does the user ever interact with the operating system?

Model Answer

Describe what this illustration shows: The operating system is a layer of software between applications and hardware. It manages open applications, multitasking and memory, and provides a user interface. It also lets applications use hardware through device drivers and handles input/output while hiding hardware complexity from the user.

Does the user ever interact with the operating system? The operating system provides the user interface, but the user is mainly interacting with applications and utilities.

I explained that the OS is between software and hardware. I included memory/process and I/O/device-driver ideas. I answered the user-interaction question clearly.