Describe the purpose of file management in an operating system.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:
- Keeps a record/index of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so the file can be found and opened later (1)
- Allocates space on the disk for each file (1) so files are stored without overwriting each other (1)
- Provides facilities to name file(s) and organise them into folder(s)/directories (1) so the user can find and manage their files (1)
Do not accept responses about process management, peripheral management or user management.
Do not accept bare statements of storing/saving, e.g. 'it stores files', 'it saves files' or 'it keeps files safe', with no development.
Do not award a mark for responses that repeat the question, e.g. 'it manages files', with no development.
Example answers and how they were marked
It keeps a record of where each file is stored on the disk (1) so the file can be found and opened later (1).
Why: Linked point (1) and purpose (1).
It organises files into folders.
Why: Creditworthy point (1) but no development of how this helps the user.
It manages processes and peripherals so the computer runs smoothly.
Why: Describes other operating system functions, not file management; no creditworthy point.