Operating system
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can define what an operating system is and explain its functionality in a device.
Key learning points
- Operating systems (OS) regulate interactions between software and computer system hardware.
- An operating system enables a user interface like Windows to run.
- Security management enables different users to use a device with different access rights and file storage.
Keywords
Operating system - the main software that manages a computer’s hardware and allows other programs to run
User interface - how you as a human can interact with a device
Peripheral device - an external hardware component that can be attached to another device
Common misconception
All computers use the same operating system.
Different devices can run different operating systems, for example Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Teacher tip
It may be useful to explore the operating systems pupils are aware of on the computers in school and mobile devices they have seen to highlight different types.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the type of software with its purpose.
maintains and improves system performance
performs tasks for the end user
controls specific functions in a device
manages hardware and software resources
Q2.What is a general purpose computer system designed to do?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of application software?
Q4.Arrange these steps to use application software on a general purpose computer:
Q5.Which utility software helps organise files on a hard drive to improve performance?
Q6.Which of the following is not true about embedded computer systems?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term with its definition.
manages hardware and allows other software to run
an external hardware component connected to a computer
the way humans interact with a device
allows different users to have unique access rights
Q2.What is the term for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS?
Q3.What does "security management" in an operating system allow?
Q4.How does an operating system manage hardware?
Q5.Match the operating system to its device.
desktop or laptop computer
smartphone or tablet
Apple computers
servers or specialised devices
Q6.Arrange these steps to set up multiple users on a device.
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Operating system, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: 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 4 computer science lessons from the Computer Systems unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.