Describe two different functions performed by an operating system [4 marks]

As we can see the question is worth four marks, so we need to identify two functions performed by an operating system, and then be able to give a description of what they actually are. It might be easiest to give the description by breaking down each function.The operating system provides an interface between the user and the physical components of the computer and supports the computer's basic functions. One of these functions is processor scheduling. A processor core can only execute one command at a time but we often want multiple applications running at the same time. The operating system facilities this by scheduling and ordering when certain processes can be executed - the small time frames in which the switches to different processes are made makes it appear as though multiple applications are running at the same time.Another function is management of input and output. When we connect devices such as keyboards or monitors to computers, the operating system allows the computer to communicate with them. This includes managing the installation of drivers for the devices - a driver is a piece of software which controls a particular type of hardware device. The operating system facilities the transfer of data between the computer and external input/output devices.