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
2026-2028 syllabus, in our wordsWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Describe Describe how system software differs from application software, and give examples of both.
- Describe Describe the role of an operating system and its basic functions: providing an interface, a platform for applications to run on and system security; managing files, memory, peripherals and drivers, multitasking and user accounts; and handling interrupts.
- Understand Understand how an operating system, firmware and hardware are all needed so that application software can run.
- Describe Describe what interrupts do and how they work: how one is generated, how an interrupt service routine handles it, and the outcome of handling it.
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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