to manage or direct the behaviour of a system or process

the main software that manages a computer’s hardware and allows other programs to run

the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch

The operating system

Computing

Traditional computer systems

Computer architecture

Boolean logic

Data science

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

In this unit pupils will explore the layers of computer systems from programs to the physical components that store and execute these programs. They will discover the fundamental binary building blocks that make up computer systems and how systems are evolving for developments such as AI.

Computer systems and data science

to manage how the computer works and controls hardware and software

What is the main job of the operating system?

What is the part of the operating system you see and interact with called?

manages memory, CPU time, and input/output

What does the operating system do to help programs execute?

The operating system gives memory and CPU time.

The operating system manages input/output.

Put these steps in order for how the operating system helps a program run.

Match each part of the computer to its function.

carry out instructions and control other parts

What is the main job of the processor (CPU) in a computer?

temporarily stores data and instructions being used

What does RAM (random access memory) do in a computer?

What is the term for carrying out a program’s instructions on a computer?

The processor (CPU) executes instructions to open the file.

Put these actions in order for saving and using a file.

Starter Quiz

What is the main job of the processor (CPU) in a computer?