A school has bought a new printer for one of its computers.
Explain one reason why an operating system needs peripheral management.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- The operating system uses the printer's device driver to communicate with the printer (1) so the print job is sent as commands the printer can carry out (1)
- The operating system holds print jobs in a queue/buffer (1) because the computer sends data faster than the printer can print it (1)
- The operating system reports the printer's status to the user (1) so the user knows what to do when there is a problem such as the paper running out (1)
- The operating system handles interrupts/signals from the printer (1) so a problem such as a paper jam is dealt with while other programs carry on running (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
Allow a point about the operating system loading/installing the device driver for a new printer (1) provided the second mark gives a reason that is not the same as the driver communication point, e.g. so the new printer can be used/controlled by the operating system (1)
Award 1 mark for stating that print jobs are held in a queue/a buffer; the second mark needs the linked reason that the printer prints more slowly than data is sent.
Do not accept restating the question, e.g. 'it manages the printer' or 'it controls the peripherals', without saying how or why.
Do not accept 'it lets the printer connect to the computer' or 'it stops the printer being damaged' without a linked reason.
Do not accept 'it makes the printer print faster' as the operating system cannot increase the printer's speed.
Example answers and how they were marked
The operating system uses the printer's device driver to send the print job so the printer receives the data as commands it can understand.
Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): device driver used to communicate, and the job is sent as commands the printer can carry out.
It puts print jobs into a queue.
Why: Point (1) only: the queue/buffer is named, but no linked reason (that the printer prints more slowly than data is sent) is given.
It makes the printer print faster.
Why: Misconception named in the 'Do not accept' line: the operating system cannot increase the printer's speed, so there is no creditworthy point.