The operating system
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how operating systems control computers and manage resources.
Key learning points
- The operating system is a special program that controls the computer.
- The operating system helps programs execute by managing memory, CPU time, and input/output.
Keywords
Control - to manage or direct the behaviour of a system or process
Operating system - the main software that manages a computer’s hardware and allows other programs to run
Hardware - the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch
Common misconception
The operating system is just what you see on the screen.
What you see on the screen is the graphical interface, but the operating system includes a lot more behind the scenes such as memory management, file systems, device control etc.
Teacher tip
Use analogies to compare the operating system to a school principal or office manager. Explain they run the whole building, manage what everyone is doing, and keep things organised. This is like how an operating system controls programs, manages files, and helps everything work together.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main job of the processor (CPU) in a computer?
Q2.What does RAM (random access memory) do in a computer?
Q3.What is storage used for in a computer?
Q4.What is the term for carrying out a program’s instructions on a computer?
Q5.Match each part of the computer to its function.
runs instructions
keeps data and files permanently
holds data the computer is using
shows images and text
Q6.Put these actions in order for saving and using a file.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main job of the operating system?
Q2.Which of these is not hardware?
Q3.What is the part of the operating system you see and interact with called?
Q4.What does the operating system do to help programs execute?
Q5.Put these steps in order for how the operating system helps a program run.
Q6.Match each part of the computer to its function.
manages hardware and software
runs instructions
stores data for running programs
lets you interact with the computer
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: The operating system, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 computing lesson on: The operating system, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Computer systems and data science unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.