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hardware components and software
standards. This allows software Activity 7.2:
applications to run smoothly on Investigating key features of an Chapter Seven: Operating Systems
different systems without needing Operating system
major modifications. For example,
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
a well-designed OS uses industry- Aim:
standard interfaces like USB To examine and understanding its
(Universal Serial Bus) and drivers, functionality, perfomance, security,
which are pre-written software and user interface.
programs that act as translators, Use the internet to research and write
allowing the OS to recognize and a report of no more than two pages on
communicate with a new hard drive, the following aspects of the operating
regardless of its manufacturer. You can system installed on a personal
access and use the hard drive without computer, smartphone, or tablet owned
needing to install additional software by your parent, relative, or your school.
specific to that manufacturer. With
respect to software compatibility, 1: Investigate and summarize the
features, strengths, and weaknesses
a well-designed OS uses published of all OS versions prior to the
software standards like APIs that currently installed version.
act as a common language between
programs and the OS. For example, 2: Identify and describe the key
a photo editing program, likely components of the currently
installed OS version. Explain the
designed to work across different function(s) of each component.
Operating Systems, uses these APIs
to interact with the OS and access 3: Provide two examples of
functionalities like opening files or application software that are
using the graphics card, allowing you negatively impacted by limitations
in
management,
resource
to run the program smoothly on your inefficient device drivers, or
specific computer system. security measures within the
(f) Hardware utilization: The OS plays currently installed OS version.
a role in how efficiently hardware 4: Explain how these limitations
resources are used. A good design affect the performance or usability
optimises hardware utilisation, of the software.
leading to better performance of
software applications. For example, Deliverables:
in mobile gaming, mobile operating Produce a two-page report covering all
systems with features like hardware the aspects mentioned above. Ensure
acceleration for graphics processing your report is well-organised, clear,
can significantly improve the and concise. Document your report in
performance of high-end games. a portfolio.
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Student’s Book Form Five
Computer Science Form 5.indd 417 23/07/2024 12:34
