plumiThe operating system: Eduqas A‑Level Computer Science questions
Every Eduqas A-Level Computer Science exam question on 2.6 The operating system, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q11(a)
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Q11(a)
The whole paper ↗Q11(b)
The whole paper ↗Q5(a)
The whole paper ↗Q5(b)
The whole paper ↗Q6(b)
The whole paper ↗Q9(a)
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Q5(a)
The whole paper ↗
Q5(b)
The whole paper ↗Q1(a)
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All 29 questions on The operating system, as a list
- June 2025, Component 2, Q11(a) (2 marks): Identify two uses of file archiving software. [2]
- June 2025, AS Component 1, Q11(a) (2 marks): The operating system enables the user to set up a hierarchal directory structure in backing store. Draw a clearly labelled diagram to illustrate this and give o
- June 2025, AS Component 1, Q11(b) (6 marks): Name and state the purpose of three different file attributes. [6]
- June 2023, Component 2, Q5(a) (4 marks): Describe the purpose and process of CPU scheduling. [4]
- June 2023, Component 2, Q5(b) (4 marks): A priority based scheduling algorithm can be used to select jobs for execution. Describe a disadvantage of priority based scheduling and explain how this may be
- June 2023, Component 2, Q12 (9 marks): Partitioning of main memory is a responsibility of the operating system’s memory management function. Explain the need for partitioning of main memory, the diff
- June 2023, AS Component 1, Q9 (8 marks): Describe the role of the operating system. [8]
- June 2023, AS Component 1, Q10 (8 marks): Describe two applications that use different modes of operation. [8] APPLICATION 1 APPLICATION 2
- June 2022, Component 2, Q6(b) (6 marks): APT also provides its staff translators with a range of utility software, including file management and storage device management utilities. Describe the role o
- June 2022, Component 2, Q9(a) (6 marks): Describe three of the main roles performed by the kernel. [6]
- Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q1 (4 marks): Multitasking and multiprogramming are two types of operating system. Explain the terms multitasking and multiprogramming. [4]
- Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(a) (4 marks): State the purpose of partitioning main memory and identify the main characteristics of fixed, variable and dynamic partitions. [4]
- Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(b) (4 marks): Describe memory buffering and explain, giving an example, why double buffering is used. [4]
- Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q1(a) (4 marks): The supermarket’s system uses real time transaction processing. Explain how the stock control system would operate. [4]
- Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q13 (9 marks): Describe the purpose of an operating system in a personal computer. [9]
- June 2019, Component 2, Q3 (6 marks): Describe the main features of the following modes of operation and identify applications that would be suitable for each one. • Batch processing • Real time tra
- June 2019, Component 2, Q7 (7 marks): Describe the principles of high-level scheduling making reference to the three basic states of a process and the role of time-slicing and polling. [7]
- June 2019, Component 2, Q11 (7 marks): Describe a range of conditions or events that would generate an interrupt and explain how they would be dealt with. Give examples to illustrate your answer. [7]
- June 2019, AS Component 1, Q7 (6 marks): Describe the use of three types of utility software. [6]
- June 2019, AS Component 1, Q13 (11 marks): The role of a systems analyst is to develop computer solutions to given problems. One consideration for a systems analyst when developing a new solution is the
- June 2019, AS Component 2, Q2 (8 marks): IceZone will need to consider different user interfaces that can be provided by the operating system for its staff to use. IceZone is concerned that its staff a
- June 2018, Component 2, Q4 (6 marks): Describe the most suitable mode of operation for the following applications: [6] • Gas billing • Traffic Lights • Theatre Booking
- June 2018, Component 2, Q9(a) (2 marks): Give two examples of interrupts which might be involved in controlling the processing of programs. [2]
- June 2018, Component 2, Q9(b) (2 marks): Describe how polling operates in a spooling system. [2]
- June 2018, Component 2, Q9(c) (1 mark): State why input and output buffers are necessary in a spooling system. [1]
- June 2018, AS Component 1, Q9 (4 marks): Describe the main features of batch processing and give an application that would be suitable for this mode of operation. [4]
- June 2018, AS Component 1, Q12 (6 marks): Name and describe three different file attributes. [6]
- June 2017, AS Component 1, Q12 (10 marks): Describe the role of the operating system in managing resources and providing a user interface. [10]
- June 2016, AS Component 1, Q15 (12 marks): Different modes of operation are used for processing data in different operating systems. Giving a suitable application for each, describe the main features of
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