An operating system manages the files stored on a computer.
State two ways the operating system manages where files are stored on the disk.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- Decides/allocates which part/space on the disk a file is written to (1)
- Keeps an index/record of the location of each file so that it can be found/retrieved (1)
- Prevents a file from being overwritten by another file (1)
- Checks there is enough free space on the disk before a file is saved (1)
Allow 'file allocation table' for keeping an index/record of file locations
Only award one mark for answers that say the operating system decides/allocates where a file is stored or allocates free space on the disk
Do not accept defragmentation
Do not accept 'stores files', 'saves files' or 'backs up files' (these only repeat the stem)
Do not accept 'organises files into folders' on its own
Do not accept scheduling processes or managing peripherals
Example answers and how they were marked
It keeps an index of where each file is stored so it can be found again, and it stops a new file overwriting an existing file.
Why: Keeps an index of file locations so files can be retrieved (1) and prevents a file being overwritten (1).
It keeps a record of where each file is stored.
Why: Keeps an index/record of file locations (1), but does not give a second way.
It saves files on the hard disk and organises them into folders.
Why: 'Saves files' only repeats the stem and 'organises files into folders' on its own is not accepted, so no creditworthy point is given.