A family shares one computer that has a single hard drive.
Describe how the operating system uses user management to limit the amount of storage space each user is allowed.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:
- A storage limit/quota is set for each user account (1) so the drive is shared fairly between users (1)
- The operating system records how much space each user's files are using (1) and refuses to save more files when the limit is reached (1)
- Each user is given a fixed share/quota of the drive (1) so one user cannot use the space set aside for another (1)
Allow a limit set by an administrator or through the operating system's user management settings; an administrator is not required for credit.
Allow a warning that stops the save; do not award the development for a warning alone where the save is not stopped.
Do not accept responses about passwords/authentication, keeping files separate/folders with no storage limit, deleting old files, compressing files, or buying a larger drive.
Do not accept 'the operating system gives the user a bigger hard drive'.
Do not accept a single global limit for all users; the limit must apply to each user/user account.
Example answers and how they were marked
The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account. When a user reaches this limit, the operating system will not let them save any more files.
Why: Storage limit/quota set for each account (1); saving refused at the limit (1).
The operating system sets a maximum amount of storage for each user account.
Why: First point of a storage limit set for each user (1), but no development of what happens when it is reached (0).
The operating system compresses the user's files so that there is more space on the drive.
Why: Describes compression, which does not limit a user's storage; no creditworthy point.