A family shares one computer and each person has their own login.
Explain one reason why the operating system needs user management.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- The operating system checks usernames/passwords at login (1) so only allowed users can access the computer (1)
- The operating system stores a list/database of users and passwords (1) so it knows who is allowed to log in (1)
- The operating system sets access rights/permissions for each user (1) so a user can only open/edit their own files (1)
- The operating system restricts programs/drives/settings by user (1) so certain users cannot change them (1)
- The operating system keeps each user's files separate (1) so one user cannot access another user's private files (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
Do not accept 'so the computer is safe/secure' without saying what is protected and from whom.
Do not accept answers that say user management makes the computer faster.
Example answers and how they were marked
It sets access rights for each user (1) so each person can only open their own files (1).
Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): access rights and file privacy.
It checks the username and password at login.
Why: Point (1) only; no linked reason given.
It makes the computer faster because more users can log in.
Why: Misconception: user management is not for improving speed; no creditworthy point.