A computer in an office is used by several members of staff.
Describe how the operating system manages the users of the computer.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:
- Stores a username and password/user account for each user (1) so that each user must log in before they can use the computer (1)
- Stores each user's password in an encrypted form (1) so that another user cannot read it and log in as them (1)
- Sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so that a user can only open/see their own files (1)
- Gives each user a different level of access (1) so that a system administrator can change settings that other users cannot (1)
Allow 'user accounts' as an alternative to a username and password, where a linked development is given.
Do not accept responses that only state that the operating system 'has passwords'/'has user accounts' or that 'the user logs in', with no linked development.
Do not accept responses about file management, such as creating folders or saving files, rather than user management.
Do not accept responses about keeping the computer safe from viruses, hackers or malware.
Ignore responses about the user interface.
Example answers and how they were marked
The operating system stores a username and password for each user so that each member of staff must log in before they can use the computer
Why: Linked point (1) - a username and password stored for each user - and development (1) - each user must log in before using the computer.
The operating system gives different users different access rights.
Why: Gives the point about access rights (1) but no linked development about what a user can then see or do.
The operating system stops hackers from logging in by using a firewall.
Why: A firewall and protecting against hackers are not user management, so nothing is credited.